


M 



I 



MB 



SHAKESPEARE 

As put forth in 1623. 



A REPRINT OF 

Mr. WILLIAM 

SHAKESPEARES 

COMEDIES, 
HISTORIES, & 
TRAGEDIES. 

Publifhed according to the True Original! Copies. 




L ^CD ^C 

Printed by Isaac laggard, and Ed. Blount, 1623 

and Re-Printed for 

Lionel Booth, 307 Regent Street. 

1864. 



rf 



' 



w& 









LONDON: 

Printed by J. Strangeways and #. £. Walden, 28 Caftle Street, 

Leicefter Square. 



To the Reader. 

This Figure, that thou here feeft put, 

It was for gentle Shakefpeare cut ; 
Wherein the Grauer had a ftrife 

with Nature, to out-doo the life : 
O, could he but haue drawne his wit 

As well in brafle, as he hath hit 
His face ; the Print would then furpafle 

All, that was euer writ in brafle. 
But, fince he cannot, Reader, looke 

Not on his Pi£hire, but his Booke. 

B.I. 



Mr.WILLIAM 



SHAKESPEARES 

COMEDIES, 
HISTORIES, & 
TRAGEDIES. 

Published according to the True Originall Copies. 





L &Q T> 3Q 
Printed by Ifaac laggard, and Ed. Blount. 1623. 




TO THE MOST NOBLE 

And 

INCOMPARABLE PAIRE 
OF BRETHREN. 

VV I L L I A M 

Earle of Pembroke, &c. Lord Chamberlaine to the 

Kjngs moft 'Excellent SVLaiefly. 

AND 
Philip 

Earle of Montgomery, &c. Gentleman of his Maiefties 

Bed-Chamber. Both Knights ofthemoft Noble Order 

of the Garter, and our Angular good 
LORDS. 

Right Honourable, 

Hilft We Jludie to be than\ful in our particular , for 
the many fauors We haue receiued from your L . L 
We are falne vpon the ill fortune , to mingle 
two the mojl diuerfe things that can bee , feare , 
&&'!$&&%!%&IL and rajhnejfe; rajhnejfe in the enter prize , and 
feare of the fucceffe. . For, when We valeW the places your H.H. 
fuftaine, We cannot but \noW their dignity greater , then to defend to 
the reading of thefe trifles : and, yphile We name them trifles, We haue 
depriud our -flues of the defence of our 'Dedication. But f nee your 
L.L. haue beene pleas' d to thin\e thefe trifles fome -thing , heereto- 
fore ; and haue profequuted both them, and their aAuthour liuing, 
y^ithfo much fauour: We hope, that {they out -liuing him, and he not 
hauing the fate, common with fome, to be exequutor to his oWne Wri- 
tings ) you will vfe the like indulgence toward them , you haue done 

<iA 2 vnto 




The Epiftle Dedicatorie. 

vnto their parent. There is a great difference, Whether any Book? 
choofe his Patrones, or jinde them : This hath done both. For , 
Jo much Were your L L. likings of the feuerall parts, When 
they Voere acted, as before they were publijhed, the Volume ask^d to 
be yours. We haue but collected them, and done an office to the 
dead, to procure his Orphanes, guardians; without ambition ei- 
ther of fe If e -profit , or fame : onely to \eepe the memory of fo Worthy 
a Friend, & Fellow aliue, as Was our Shakespeare,^ hum- 
ble offer of his playes, to your mofi noble patronage. Wherein, as 
We haue iufily obferued, no man to come neere your L. L. but with 
a kjnd of religious addreffe ;it hath bin the height of our care, who 
are the Trefenters , to make the prefent Worthy of your H.H. by the 
perfection. But , there We mujl aljo craue our abilities to be conjiderd, 
my Lords. We cannot go beyond our oWne powers. Country hands 
reach foorth milke, creameffruites, or what they haue : and many 
Stations (we haue heard) that had not gummes & incenfe , obtai- 
ned their requefis with a leauened Cake. It Was no fault to approch 
, their Qods, by what meanes they could: aAnd the mofi , though 
meaneft, of things are made more precious , when they are dedicated 
to Temples. In that name therefore, We mofi humbly confecrate to 
your H. H. thefe remaines of your feruant Shakefpeare ; that 
What delight is in them, may be euer your L.L. the reputation 
his, & the faults ours, if any be committed, by a pay re fo carefull to 
JheW their gratitude both to the liuing, and the dead, as is 



Your Lordfhippesmoft bounden, 



IoHN HEMINGE. 

Henry Condell. 




To the great Variety of Readers. 

Rom the moft able, to him that can but fpell : There 
you are number'd. We had rather you were weighd. 
Efpecially, when the fate of all Bookes depends vp- 
on your capacities : and not of your heads alone, 
but of your purfes. Well ! it is now publique, & you 
wil ftand for your priuiledges wee know : to read, 
and cenfure . Do fo, but buy it firft. That doth beft 
commend a Booke, the Stationer faies. Then,, how odde foeuer your 
braines be, or your wifedomes, make your licence the fame, and fpare 
not. Iudge your fixe-pen'orth, your millings worth, your hue mil- 
lings worth at a time, or higher, fo you rife to the iuft rates, and wel- 
come. But, what euer you do, Buy. Cenfure will not driue a Trade, 
or make the Iacke go. And though you be a Magiftrate of wit, and fit 
on the Stage at Black-Friers, or the Qock=pit, to arraigne Playes dailie, 
know, thefe Playes haue had their triall alreadie, and flood out all Ap* 
peales ; and do now come forth quitted rather by a Decree of Court, 
then any purchas'd Letters of commendation. 

It had bene a thing, we confefTe, worthie to haue bene wifhed, that 
the Author himfelfe had liu'd to haue fet forth, and ouerfeen his owne 
writings; But fince it hath bin ordain'd otherwife, and he by death de- 
parted from that right, we pray you do not envie his Friends, the office 
of their care, and paine, to haue collected & publifh'd them ; and fo to 
haue publifh'd them, as where (before) you were abus'd with diuerfe 
ftolne, and furreptitious copies, maimed, and deformed by the frauds 
and ftealthes of iniurious impoftors, that expos'd them : euen thofe, 
are now ofFer'd to your view cur'd, and perfect of their limbes ; and all 
the reft, abfolute in their numbers, as he conceiued the. Who, as he was 
a happie imitator of Nature, was a moft gentle exprefTer of it. His mind 
and hand went together : And what he thought, he vttered with that 
eafinefTe, that wee haue fcarfe receiued from him a blot in his papers. 
But it is not our prouine'e, who onely gather his works, and giue them 
you, to praife him. It is yours that reade him. And there we hope, to 
your diuers capacities, you will finde enough, both to draw, and hold 
you : for his wit can no more lie hid, then it could be loft. Reade him, 
therefore ; and againe, and againe : And if then you doe not like him, 
furely you are in fome manifeft danger, not to vnderftand him. And fo 
we leaue you to other of his Friends, whom if you need, can bee your 
guides : if you neede them not, you can leade your felues, and others . 
And fuch Readers we wifh him. 

A 3 John Heminge. 

Henrie Condell 



Tothememory of my beloued, 

The AVTHOR 

Mr. William Shakespeare: 

And 

what he hath left vs. 

I O draw no enuy fShakefpeare) on thy name, 

Am I thus ample to thy Booke, and Fame : 
, While I confejfe thy writings to be Juch, 

As neither Man, nor Mufe, can praife too much. 
'Tis true, and all mens fuffrage. But thefe wayes 

Were not the paths I meant vnto thy praife : 
For feeliejl Ignorance on thefe may light, 

Which, when it founds at bejl, but eccho's right ; 
Or blinde Affeclion, which doth ne're aduance 

The truth, but gropes, and vrgeth all by chance ; 
Or crafty Malice, might pretend this praife, 

And thinke to ruine, where it feemd to raife. 
Thefe are, asfome infamous Baud, or Whore, 

Should praife a Matron. U hat could hurt her more ? 
But thou art proofe againfl them, and indeed 

Aboue tV ill fortune of them, or the need. 
I, therefore will begin. Soule of the Age! 

The applaufe! delight ! the wonder of our Stage ! 
My Shakefpeare, rife ; I will not lodge thee by 

Chaucer, or Spenfer, or bid Beaumont lye 
A little further , to make thee a roome : 

Thou art a Moniment, without a tombe, 
And art aliue ft ill, while thy Booke doth Hue, 

And we haue wits to read, and praife to giue. 
That I not mixe thee fo, my braine excufes ; 

I meane with great, but difproportion 1 d Muies : 
For, if I thought my iudgement were of yeeres, 

Ifhould commit thee fur ely with thy peeres, 
And tell, how far re thou didslfi our Lily out-fhine, 

Or fporting Kid, or Marlowes mighty line. 
And though thou badft fmall Latine, and leffe Greeke; 

From thence to honour thee, 1 would not feeke 
For names; but call forth thundering ^Efchilus, 

Euripides, and Sophocles to vs, 
Paccuuius, Accius, him c/"Cordoua dead, 

To life againe, to heare thy B us kin tread, 
Andfhakea Stage : Or, when thy Sockes were on, 

Leaue thee alone, for the comparifon 

Of 



Of all, that infolent Greece, or ha ugh tie Rome 

fent forth, or fine e did from their apes come. 
Triumph, my Britaine, thou haft one to Jhowe, 

To whom all Scenes of Europe homage owe. 
He was not of an age, but for all time ! 

And all the Mufes ft ill were in their prime, 
when like Apollo he came forth to warme 

Our eares, or like a Mercury to char me ! 
Nature her f elf e was proud of his deftgnes, 

And ioyd to we are the drefsing of his lines ! 
which were fo richly fpun, and wouen fo fit, 

As,fince, (he will vouchfafe no other Wit. 
The merry Greeke, tart Ariftophanes, 

Neat Terence, witty Plautus, now not pleafe ; 
But antiquated, and defined lye 

As they were not of Natures family. 
Tet muft I not giue Nature all'. Thy Art, 

My gentle Shakefpeare, muft enioy a part. 
For though the Poets matter, Nature be, 

His Art doth giue thefajhion. And, that he, 
Who cafts to write a liuing line, muft fweat , 

(fuch as thine are) and fir ike the fecond heat 
Vpon the Mufes anuile : turne the fame, 

{And himfelfe with it) that he thinkes to frame ; 
Or for the lawrell, he may gaine afcorne, 

For a good Poet's made, as well as borne. 
And fuch wert thou. Looke how the fathers face 

Liues in his iffue, euen fo, the race 
OyShakefpeares minde, and manners brightly Jhines 

In his well torned, and true-filed lines : 
In each of which, he feemes to Jhake a Lance, 

As brandijb't at the eyes of Ignorance. 
Sweet Swan of huorP- what a fight it were 

To fee thee in our waters yet appear e, 
And make thofe flights vpon the bankes of Thames, 

That fo did take Eliza, and our lames ! 
But fiay, I fee thee in the Hemifphere 

Aduanc'd, and made a Conftellation there ! 
Shine forth, thou Starre of Poets, and with rage, 

Or influence, chide, or cheere the drooping Stage ; 
Which, fince thy flight fro hence, hath mourn 1 d like night, 

And defpaires day, but for thy Volumes light. 



Ben:Ionson. 



Vpon the Lines and Life of the Famous 

Scenicke Poet, Mafter VV illiam 

SHAKESPEARE. 

I Hofe hands, which you fo clapt, go now, and wring 
You Britaines braue ; for done are Shakefpeares dayes 
His dayes are done, that made the dainty Playes, 
Which made the Globe of heau'n and earth to ring. 
Dry'de is that veine, dry'd is the Thefpian Spring, 
Turn'd all to teares, and Phoebus clouds his rayes : 
That corp's, that coffin now befticke thofe bayes, 
Which crown'd him Poet firft, then Poets King. 
If Tragedies might any Prologue haue, 
All thofe he made, would fcarfe make one to this : 
Where Fame, now that he gone is to the graue 
('Deaths publique tyring-houfej the Nuncius is. 
For though his line of life went foone about, 
The life yet of his lines fhall neuer out. 




HVGH HOLLAND. 



TO THE MEMORIE 

of the deceafed Authour Maifter 

VV. Shakespeare. 

Hake-fpeare, at length tby pious fellowes giue 
The world thy Workes : thy Workes, by which, out-Hue 
Thy Tombe, thy name mujl : when thatjione is rent, 

And Time diffolues thy Stratford Moniment, 

Here we aliuejhall view thee JIM. This Boole, 

When Brajfe and Marble fade, pall make thee looke 

Frejh to all Ages : when Pojleritie 

Shall loath what's new, thinke allisprodegie 

That is not Shake-fpeares ; eu'ry Line, each Verje 

Here Jh all reuiue, re dee me thee from thy Herje. 

Nor Fire, nor cankring Age, as Nafofaid, 

Of his, thy wit fraught Booke Jhall once inuade. 

Nor jh all I e're beleeue, or thinke thee dead 

(Though mijl) vntillour bankrout Stage bejped 

(Jmpojsible) with Jo me new frame t" out- do 

Pajsions oflu\ict,andher Romeo ; 

Or till J hear e a Scene more nobly take, 

Then when thy half Sword parlying Romansfpake. 

Tillthefe, till any of thy Volumes reft 

Shall with more fire, more feeling be expreft, 

Be Jure, our Shakespeare, thou canft neuer dye, 

But crown d with Lawrell, Hue eternally. 

L. Digges. 
To the memori e of M . W. Shakespeare . 

"\J~\jEE wondred (Shake-fpeare) that thou went'ft Jo Joone 

From the Worlds* Stage, to the Graues-Tyring-roome. 
Wee thought thee dead, but this thy printed worth, 
Tels thy Speclators, that thou wenfft but forth 
To enter with applaufe. An Aclors Art, 
Can dye, and Hue, to atle ajecondpart. 
That's but an Exit ofMortalitie ; 
Thif, a Re-entrance to a Plaudite. 

I. M. 



The Workes of William Shakefpeare, 

containing all his Comedies, Hiftories, and 

Tragedies : Truely fet forth, according to their firft 
0%JGJTS[^LL. 

The Names of the Principall Actors 

inallthefePlayes. 




Illiam Shakefpeare . 

T^ic hard Bur badge . 
John Hemmings . 
zAuguftine ^Phillips . 
William J^empt . 
Thomas^Poope. 
(jeorge Bryan. 
Henry Condell. 
William S lye. 
^chardQmly. 
JohnLcfWine. 
Samuel I ' Crojfe •. 
Alexander Qooke. 



SamuelQilburne. 
'Robert aArmin . 
William Oft Her. 
^athan Field. 
John VnderWood. 
fh^icholas Too ley. 
William Scclejlone. 
Jofeph Taylor. 
Robert Benfield. 
Robert (joughe . 
^chard%obinfon . 
lohn Shanc\e . 
Iohn^ce. 




A CATALOGVE 

of the feuerall Comedies, HiftorieS 5 and Tra- 
gedies contained in this Volume. 



COMEDIES. 

\HeTempeJl. Folio I. 

The two Gentlemen of Verona . 20 

The Merry Wiues of Wind/or . 38 

Meafurefor Meafure . 6 1 

The Comedy ofErrours . 8 5 

Much adoo about Nothing. 1 o I 

Loues Labour lost. 122 

Midfommer Nights Dreame . 1 45 

The Merchant of Venice, 163 

I As you Like it. 185 

' The Taming of the Shrew . 208 

I All is well, that Ends well. 230 

Twelfe'Night, or what you will. m 255 

The Winters Tale. 304 



HISTORIES. 



The Life and Death of King John. Fol.i. 
The Life &f death of Richard thefecond. 23 



The Firjlpart of King Henry the fourth. 46 

The Second part ofK. Henry the fourth . 74 

The Life of King Henry the Fift . 69 

The Firjlpart of King Henry the Sixt. 96 

The Second part of King Hen. the Sixt. 1 20 

The Third part of King Henry the Sixt. 147 

The Life & Death of Richard the Third. 1 7 3 

The Life of King Henry the Eight. 205 



TRAGEDIES. 



The Tragedy of Qoriolanus. Fol. 1. 

Titus Andronicus . 3 1 

Romeo and fuliet . 5 3 

Timon of Athens . _ 80 

The Life and death of Julius Qafar . 1 09 

The Tragedy of Macbeth . 131 

The Tragedy of Hamlet. 152 

King Lear. 283 

Othello, the Moore of Venice. 3 1 o 

Anthony and Qleopater . 346 

Qymbeline King ofBritaine . 369 




T FT "F 

TEMPEST. 

<iA5ius primus , Scena prima. 



A tempeftuous noife of Thunder and Lightning heard : En- 
ter a Shif-mafter , and a Botefwaine. 

Mafter. 
Ote-fwaine. 
Bote/. Heere Mafter : What cheere ? 

1. Good : Speake to th'Mariners : fall 
too't, yarely , or we run our felues a ground, 
beftirre, beftirre. Exit. 

Enter ^Mariners. 
Bote/. Heigh my hearts, cheerely, cheerely my harts : 
yare, yare : Take in the toppe-fale : Tend to th'Mafters 
whittle : Blow till thou burft thy winde , if roome e - 
nough. 

Enter Alonfo, Sebaftian, Anthonio, Ferdinando, 
Gonzalo,and others, 
Alon. Good Botefwaine haue care : where's the Ma- 
fter ? Play the men. 

'Bote/. I pray now keepe below. 
Anth. Where is the Mafter, Bofon ? 
Botef.Do you not heare him ? you marre our labour, 
Keepe your Cabines : you do afsift the ftorme. 
Gonz. Nay, good be patient. 

BotefWhen the Sea is : hence, what cares thefe roa- 
rers for the name of King ? to Cabine; filence : trouble 
vs not. 

Gon. Good, yet remember whom thou haft aboord. 
Bote/. None that I more loue then my felfe. You are 
a Counfellor, if you can command thefe Elements to fi- 
lence, and worke the peace of the prefent, wee will not 
hand a rope more, vfe your authoritie : If you cannot, 
giue thankes you haue liu'd fo long, and make your 
felfe readie in your Cabine for the mifchance of the 
houre, if it fo hap. Cheerely good hearts : out of our 
way I fay. Exit. 

Gon. I haue great comfort from this fellow : methinks 
he hath no drowning marke vpon him, his complexion 
is perfedr. Gallowes : ftand faft good Fate to his han- 
ging, make the rope of his deftiny our cable, for our 
owne doth little aduantage: If he be not borne to bee 
hang'd, our cafe is miferable. Exit. 

Enter 'Botefwaine. 
Bote/. Downe with the top-Maft : yare, lower, lower, 

bring her to Try with Maine-courfe. A plague 

A cry •within. Enter Sebafiian, Anthonio & Gonzalo. 



vpon this howling : they are lowder then the weather, 
or our office : yet againe ? What do you heere? Shal we 
giue ore and drowne, haue you a minde to finke ? 

Sebaf. A poxe o'your throat, you bawling, blafphe- 
mous incharitable Dog. 

*Botef. Worke you then. 

Anth. Hang cur, hang, you whorefon infolent Noyfe- 
maker, we are lefle afraid to be drownde, then thou art. 

Gonz. I'le warrant him for drowning , though the 
Ship were no ftronger then a Nutt-mell, and as leaky as 
an vnftanched wench. 

BoteJ.hd.yhtx a hold, a hold, fet her two courfes off 
to Sea againe, lay her off. 

Enter Mariners -wet. 

Mari. All loft, to prayers, to prayers, all loft. 

c Botef. What muft our mouths be cold ? 
GeKZ.The King, and Prince, at prayers, let's affift them, 
for our cafe is as theirs. 

Sebaf. I'am out of patience. 

An. We are meerly cheated of our liues by drunkards, 
This wide-chopt-rafcall, would thou mightft lye drow- 
ning the warning of ten Tides. 

Gonz. Hee'l be hang'd yet, 
Though euery drop of water fweare againft it, 
And gape at widft to glut him. Aconfufed noyfe within, 
Mercy on vs. 

We fplit, we fplit , Farewell my wife, and children, 
Farewell brother: we lplit, we fplit, we fplit. 

Anth. Let's all finke with' King 

Seb. Let's take leaue of him. Exit. 

Gonz. Now would I giue a thoufand furlongs of Sea, 
for an Acre of barren ground: Long heath, Browne 
firrs, any thing; the wills aboue be done, but I would 
faine dye a dry death. Exit. 

Scena Secunda. 

Enter Trojpero and Miranda. 
Mira. If by your Art (my deereft father,) you haue 
Put the wild waters in this Rorejalay them: 
The skye it feemes would powre down ftinking pitch, 
But that the Sea, mounting to th' welkins cheeke, 
Dafhes the fire out. Oh ! I haue fuffered 
With thofe that I faw fufFer: A braue veffelt 

A (Who 



The Tempeft. 



(Who had no doubt fome noble creature in her) 
Dafh'd all to peeces : O the cry did knocke 
Againft my very heart : poore foules, they perilh'd. 
Had I byn any God of power, I would 
Haue funcke the Sea within the Earth, or ere 
It mould the good Ship fo haue fwallow'd, and 
The fraughting Soules within her. 

Prof. Be collected, 
No more amazement : Tell your pitteous heart 
there's no harme done. 

Mira. O woe, the day. 

Prof. No harme : 
I haue done nothing, but in care of thee 
(Of thee my deere one; thee my daughter) who 
Art ignorant of what thou art . naught knowing 
Of whence I am : nor that I am more better 
Then Projfiero, Mafter of a full poore cell, 
And thy no greater Father. 

uMira. More to know 
Did neuer medle with my thoughts. 

Prof. 'Tis time 
I ihould informe thee farther : Lend thy hand 
And plucke my Magick garment from me : So, 
Lye there my Art: wipe thou thine eyes, haue comfort, 
The direfull fpectacle of the wracke which touch'd 
The very vertue of compaffion in thee: 
I haue with fuch prouifion in mine Art 
So fafely ordered, that there is no foule 
No not fo much perdition as an hayre 
Betid to any creature in the veftell 

Which thou heardft cry , which thou faw'ft finke : Sit 
For thou muft now know farther. [downe, 

Mira. You haue often 
Begun to tell me what I am, but ftopt 
And left me to a booteleffe Inquifition, 
Concluding, lhy : not yet. 

Prof. The howr's now come 
The very minute byds thee ope thine eare, 
Obey, and be attentiue. Canft thou remember 
A time before we came vnto this Cell ? 
I doe not thinke thou canft, for then thou was't not 
Out three yeeres old. 

<JV[ira. Certainely Sir, I can. 

Prof. By what? by any other houfe, or perfon? 
Of any thing the Image, tell me, that 
Hath kept with thy remembrance. 

oMira. 'Tis farre off: 
And rather like a dreame, then an affurance 
That my remembrance warrants: Had I not 
Fowre, or fiue women once, that tended me ? 

'Prof. Thou hadft ; and more Miranda: But how is it 
That this liues in thy minde? What feeft thou els 
In the dark-backward and Abifme of Time? 
Yf thou remembreft ought ere thou cam'ft here, 
How thou cam'ft here thou maift. 

Mira. But that I doe not. 

Trof. Twelue yere fince [Miranda) twelue yere fince, 
Thy father was the Duke of Millaine and 
A Prince of power: 

Mira. Sir, are not you my Father? 
Prof. Thy Mother was a peece of vertue, and 
She faid thou waft my daughter; and thy father 
Was Duke of Millaine, and his onely heire, 
And Princeffe; no worfe Iffucd. 

Mira. O the heauens, 
What fowle play had we, that we came from thence ? 



Or bleffed was't we did ? 

Prof. Both, both my Girle. 
By,fowle-play (as thou faift) were we heau'd thence, 
But blefledly holpe hither. 

Mira. O my heart bleedes 
To thinke oth' teene that I haue turn'd you to, 
Which is from my remembrance, pleafe you, farther; 

Prof. My brother and thy vncle, call'd Anthonio : 
I pray thee marke me, that a brother fhould 
Be fo perfidious : he, whom next thy felfe 
Of all the world I lou'd, and to him put 
The mannage of my ftate, as at that time 
Through all the fignories it was the firft, 
And Projpero, the prime Duke, being fo reputed 
In dignity ; and for the liberall Artes, 
Without a paralell ; thofe being all my ftudie, 
The Gouernment I caft vpon my brother, 
And to my State grew ftranger, being tranfported 
And rapt in fecret rtudies, thy falfe vncle 
(Do'ft thou attend me ?) 

cMira. Sir, moft heedefully. 

Prof. Being once perfected how to graunt fuites, 
how to deny them : who t'aduance, and who 
To traih for ouer-topping; new created 
The creatures that were mine, I fay, or chang'd 'em, 
Or els new form'd 'em ; hauing both the key, 
Of Officer, and office, fet all hearts i'th ftate 
To what tune pleas'd his eare, that now he was 
The Iuy which had hid my princely Trunck, 
And fuckt my verdure out on't : Thou attend'ft not? 

Mira. O good Sir, I doe. 
Prof. I pray thee marke me : 
I thus neglecting worldly ends, all dedicated 
To clofenes, and the bettering of my mind 
with that, which but by being fo retir'd 
Ore-priz'd all popular rate: in my falfe brother 
Awak'd an euill nature, and my truft 
Like a good parent, did beget of him 
A falfehood in it's contrarie, as great 
As my truft was, which had indeede no limit, 
A confidence fans bound. He being thus Lorded, 
Not onely with what my reuenew yeelded, 
But what my power might els exact. Like one 
Who hauing into truth, by telling of it, 
Made fuch a fynner of his memorie 
To credite his owne lie, he did beleeue 
He was indeed the Duke, out o'th' Substitution 
And executing th'outward face of Roialtie 
With all prerogatiue: hence his Ambition growing: 
Do'ftthou heare ? 

Mira. Your tale, Sir, would cure deafenefie. 
Prof. To haue no Schreene between this part he plaid, 
And him he plaid it for, he needes will be 
Abfolute Millaine, Me (poore man) my Librarie 
Was Dukedome large enough : of temporall roalties 
He thinks me now incapable. Confederates 
(fo drie he was for Sway) with King of Naples 
To giue him Annuall tribute, doe him homage 
Subiect his Coronet, to his Crowne and bend 
The Dukedom yet vnbow'd (alas poore Millaine) 
To moft ignoble ftooping. 

Mira. Oh the heauens : 

Prof. Marke his condition, and th'euent, then tell me 
If this might be a brother. 

Mira. 1 mould finne 
To thinke but Noblie of my Grand-mother, 

Good 



The Tempeji. 



Good wombes haue borne bad fonnes. 

Pro. Now the Condition. 
This King of Naples being an Enemy 
To me inueterate, hearkens my Brothers fuit, 
Which was, That he in lieu o'th' premifes, 
Of homage, and I know not how much Tribute, 
Should presently extirpate me and mine 
Out of the Dukedome, and confer faire Millaine 
With all the Honors, on my brother : Whereon 
A treacherous Armie leuied, one mid-night 
Fated to th' purpofe, did Anthonio open 
The gates of Millaine, and ith' dead of darkenefle 
The minifters for th' purpofe hurried thence 
Me, and thy crying felfe. 

zMir. Alack, for pitty : 
I not remembring how I cride out then 
Will cry it ore againe : it is a hint 
That wrings mine eyes too't. 

Pro. Heare a little further, 
And then I'le bring thee to the prefent bufinefle 
Which now's vpon's : without the which, this Story 
Were moft impertinent. 

<zMir. Wherefore did they not 
That howre deftroy vs ? 

Pro. Well demanded, wench : 
My Tale prouokes that queftion : Deare, they durft not, 
So deare the loue my people bore me : nor fet 
A marke fo bloudy on the bufineffe ; but 
With colours fairer, painted their foule ends. 
In few, they hurried vs a-boord a Barke , 
Bore vs fome Leagues to Sea, where they prepared 
A rotten carkaffe of a Butt, not rigg'd, 
Nor tackle, fayle, nor maft, the very rats 
Inftincliuely haue quit it: There they hoyft vs 
To cry to th' Sea, that roard to vs ; to figh 
To th' windes, whofe pitty fighing backe againe 
Did vs but louing wrong. 

Mir. Alack, what trouble 
Was I then to you ? 

Pro. O, a Cherubin 
Thou was't that did preferue me ; Thou didft fmile, 
Infufed with a fortitude from heauen, 
When I haue deck'd the fea with drops full fait, 
Vnder my burthen groan'd, which raif'd in me 
An vndergoing ftomacke, to beare vp 
Againft what fliould enfue. 

Mir. How came we a more ? 

Pro. By prouidence diuine, 
Some food, we had, and fome frefh water, that 
A noble Neapolitan Gonzalo 

Out of his Charity , (who being then appointed • 
Mafter of this defigne) did giue vs, with 
Rich garments, linnens, (luffs, and neceffaries 
Which fince haue fteeded much, fo of his gentleneffe 
Knowing I lou'd my bookes, he furnifhd me 
From mine owne Library, with volumes, that 
I prize aboue my Dukedome. 

Mir. Would I might 
But euer fee that man. 

Pro. Now I arife, 
Sit ftill, and heare the laft of our fea-forrow : 
Heere in this Hand we arriu'd, and heere 
Haue I, thy Schoolemafter, made thee more profit 
Then other Princeffe can, that haue more time 
For vainer howres ; and Tutors, not fo carefull. 

Mir. Heuens thank you for't. And now I pray you Sir, 



For ftill 'tis beating in my minde ; your reafon 
For rayfing this Sea-ftorme ? 

Pro. Know thus far forth, 
By accident moft ftrange, bountifull Fortune 
(Now my deere Lady) hath mine enemies 
Brought to this more : And by my prefcience 
I finde my Zenith doth depend vpon 
A moft aufpitious ftarre, whofe influence 
If now I court not, but omit ; my fortunes 
Will euer after droope : Heare ceafe more queftions, 
Thou art inclinde to fleepe : 'tis a good dulnefie, 
And giue it way : I know thou canft not chufe : 
Come away, Seruant, come ; I am ready now, 
Approach my Ariel. Come. Enter Ariel. 

Ari. All haile, great Mafter, graue Sir, haile : I come 
To anfwer thy beft pleafure ; be't to fly, 
To fwim, to diue into the fire : to ride 
On the curld clowds : to thy ftrong bidding, taske 
tAriel, and all his (Jualitie. 

Pro. Haft thou, Spirit, 
Performd to point, the Tempeft that I bad thee. 

tAr. To euery Article. 
I boorded the Kings (hip r now on the Beake , 
Now in the Wafte, the Decke, in euery Cabyn, 
I flam'd amazement, fometime I'ld diuide 
And burne in many places; on the Top-maft, 
The Yards and Bore-fpritt, would I flame diftinctly, 
Then meete, and ioyne. hues Lightning, the precurfers 
O'th dreadfull Thunder-claps more momentarie 
And fight out-running were not ; the fire, and cracks 
Of fulphurous roaring, the moft mighty Neptune 
Seeme to befiege, and make his bold waues tremble, 
Yea, his dread Trident fliake. 

Pro. My braue Spirit, 
Who was fo iirme, fo conftant, that this coyle 
Would not infect his reafon f 

tAr. Not a foule 
But felt a Feauer of the madde, and plaid 
Some tricks of defperation ; all but Mariners 
Plung'd in the foaming bryne, and quit the veflell ; 
Then all a fire with me the Kings fonne Ferdinand 
With haire vp-ftaring (then like reeds, not haire) 
Was the firft man that leapt; cride hell is empty, 
And all the Diuels are heere. 

Pro. Why that's my fpirit : 
But was not this nye more ? 

Ar. Clofe by, my Mafter. 

Pro. But are they {tAriell) Cafe ? 

Ar. Not a haire periflid : 
On their fuftaining garments not a blemifh, 
But frefher then before : and as thou badft me, 
In troops I haue difperfd them 'bout the Ifle : 
The Kings fonne haue I landed by himfelfe, 
Whom I left cooling of the Ayre with fighes, 
In an odde Angle of the Ifle, and fitting 
His armes in this fad knot. 

Pro. Of the Kings fhip, 
The Marriners, fay how thou haft difpofd, 
And all the reft o'th'Fleete? 

Ar. Safely in harbour 
Is the Kings ihippe, in the deepe Nooke, where once 
Thou calldft me vp at midnight to fetch dewe 
From the ftill-vext Bermoothes, there {he's hid ; 
The Marriners all vnder hatches flowed, 
Who, with a Charme ioynd to their fuffred labour 
I haue left afleep : and for the reft o'th' Fleet 

A 2 Which 



The Tempeft. 



(Which I difpers'd) they all haue met againe, 
And are vpon the Mediterranian Flote 
Bound fadly home for Naples, 
Suppofing that they faw the Kings (hip wrackt, 
And his great perfon perifli. 

Pro. Ariel, thy charge 
Exactly is perform'd; but there's more worlce : 
What is the time o'th'day ? 

Ar. Paft the mid feafon. 

Pro. At leaft two Glaffes : the time 'twixt fix & now 
Muft by vs both be fpent moft precioufly. 

Ar. Is there more toyle ? Since y doft giue me pains, 
Let me remember thee what thou haft promis'd, 
Which is not yet perform'd me. 

Pro. How now ? moodie ? 
What is't thou canft demand? 

Ar. My Libertie. 

Pro. Before the time be out? no more : 

Ar. I prethee, 
Remember I haue done thee worthy feruice, 
Told thee no lyes, made thee no miftakings, ferv'd 
Without or grudge, or grumblings ; thou did promife 
To bate me a full yeere. 

Pro. Do'ft thou forget 
From what a torment I did free thee ? Ar. No. 

Pro. Thou do'ft : & thinkft it much to tread y Ooze 
Of the fait deepe; 

To run vpon the fharpe w"nde of the North , 
To doe me bufinefle in the veines o'th' earth 
When it is bak'd with froft. 

Ar. I doe not Sir. 

Pro. Thou lieft, malignant Thing : haft thou forgot 
The fowle Witch Sycorax, who with Age and Enuy 
Was growne into a hoope ? haft thou forgot her? 

Ar. No Sir. 

Pro. Thou haft : where was ftie born ? fpeak t tell me : 

Ar. Sir, in Argier. 

Pro. Oh, was fhe fo : I muft 
Once in a moneth recount what thou haft bin , 
Which thou forgetft. This damn'd Witch Sycorax 
For mifchiefes manifold, and forceries terrible 
To enter humane hearing, from Argier 
Thou know'ft was banifh'd : for one thing fhe did 
They wold not take her life : Is not this true ? Ar. I, Sir. 

Pro. This blew ey'd hag, wa.s hither brought with 
And here was left by th'Saylors; thou my flaue, (child, 
As thou reportft thy felfe, was then her feruant, 
And for thou waft a Spirit too delicate 
To act her earthy, and abhord commands, 
Refufing her grand hefts, fhe did confine thee 
By helpe of her more potent Minifters, 
And in her moft vnmittigable rage, 
Into a clouen Pyne, within which rift 
Imprifon'd, thou didft painefully remaine 
A dozen yeeres : within which fpace fhe di'd, 
And left thee there: where thou didft vent thy groanes 
As faft as Mill-wheeles ftrike : Then was this Ifiand 
(Saue for the Son, that he did littour heere, 
A frekelld whelpe, hag-borne) not honour'd with 
A humane fhape. 

Ar. Yes : Caliban her fonne. 

Pro. Dull thing, I fay fo : he, that Caliban 
Whom now I keepe in feruice, thou beft know'ft 
What torment I did finde thee in ; thy grones 
Did make wolues howle, and penetrate the breafts 
Of euer-angry Beares ; it was a torment 



To lay vpon the damn'd, which Sycorax 
Could not againe vndoe : it was mine Art, 
When I arriu'd, and heard thee, that made gape 
The Pyne, and let thee out. 

Ar. I thanke thee Mafter. 

Pro. If thou more murmur'ft, I will rend an Oake 
And peg-thee in his knotty entrailes, till 
Thou haft howl'd away twelue winters. 

Ar. Pardon, Mafter, 
I will be correfpondent to command 
And doe my fpryting, gently. 

Pro. Doe fo : and after two daies 
I will difcharge thee. 

Ar. That's my noble Mafter : 
What ftiall I doe? fay what? what fhall I doe ? 

Pro. Goe make thy felfe like a Nymph o'th' Sea, 
Be fubieft to no fight but thine, and mine : inuifible 
To euery eye-ball elfe : goe take this fhape 
And hither come in't : goe : hence 
With diligence. Exit. 

Pro. Awake, deere hart awake, thou haft flept well, 
Awake. 

Mir. The ftrangenes of your ftory, put 
HeauinefTe in me. 

Pro. Shake it off: Come on, 
Wee'U vifit Caliban, my flaue, who neuer 
Yeelds vs kinde anfwere. 

Mir. 'Tis a villaine Sir, I doe not loue to looke on. 

Pro. But as 'tis 
We cannot mifie him : he do's make our fire , 
Fetch in our wood, and ferues in Offices 
That profit vs : What hoa : flaue: Caliban: 
Thou Earth, thou : fpeake. 

Cal. within. There's wood enough within. 

Pro. Come forth I fay, there's other bufines for thee : 
Come thou Tortoys, when ? Enter Ariel like a ■water 

Fine apparifion : my queint Ariel, Nymfb. 

Hearke in thine eare. 

Ar. My Lord, it mail be done. Exit. 

Pro. Thou poyfonous flaue, got by y diuell himfelfe 
Vpon thy wicked Dam ; come forth. Enter Caliban. 

Cal. As wicked dewe, as ere my mother brufh'd 
With Rauens feather from vnwholefome Fen 
Drop on you both : A Southwell blow on yee , 
And blifter you all ore. 

Pro. For this be fure, to night thou fhalt haue cramps, 
Side-ftitches, that lhall pen thy breath vp, Vrchins 
Shall for that vaft of night, that they may worke 
All exercife on thee : thou fhalt be pinch'd 
As thicke as hony-combe, each pinch more flinging 
Then Bees that made 'em. 

Cal. I muft eat my dinner: 
This Ifland's mine by Sycorax my mother, 
Which thou tak'ft from me : when thou cam'ft firft 
Thou ftroakft me, & made much of me.- wouldft giue me 
Water with berries in't : and teach me how 
To name the bigger Light, and how the leffe 
That burne by day, and night: and then I lou'd thee 
And fhew'd thee all the qualities o'th' Ifle , 
The frefh Springs, Brine-pits ; barren place and fertill , 
Curs'd be I that did fo : All the Cbarmes 
Of Sycorax : Toades, Beetles, Batts light on you : 
For I am all the Subiedts that you haue , 
Which firft was min owne King: and here you fty-me 
In this hard Rocke, whiles you doe keepe from me 
The reft o'th' Ifland. 

Pro. Thou 



The Tempeji. 



Pro. Thou molt lying flaue, 
Whom ftripes may moue, not kindnes: I haue vs'd thee 
(Filth as thou art) with humane care, and lodg'd thee 
In mine owne Cell, till thou didft feeke to violate 
The honor of my childe. 

Cal. Oh ho, oh ho, would't had bene done : 
Thou didft preuent me, I had peopel'd elfe 
This Me with Calibans. 

Mira. Abhorred Slaue, 
Which any print of goodnefie wilt not take, 
Being capable of all ill : I pittied thee, 
Took pains to make thee fpeak, taught thee each houre 
One thing or other: when thou didft not (Sauage) 
Know thine owne meaning ; but wouldft gabble, like 
A thing mod brutifh, I endow'd thy purpofes 
With words that made them knowne : But thy vild race 
(Tho thou didft learn) had that in't, which good natures 
Could not abide to be with ; therefore waft thou 
Deferuedly confin'd into this Rocke, who hadft 
Deferu'd more then a prifon. 

Qal. You taught me Language, and my profit on't 
Is, I know how to curfe : the red-plague rid you 
For learning me your language. 

Prof. Hag-feed, hence : 
Fetch vs in Fewell, and be quicke thou'rt beft 
To anfwer other bufineffe : Ihrug'ft thou (Malice) 
If thou neglectft, or doft vn willingly 
What I command, He racke thee with old Crampes, 
Fill all thy bones with Aches, make thee rore, 
That beafts fliall tremble at thy dyn. 

Cal. No, 'pray thee. 
I muft obey, his Art is of fuch pow'r, 
It would controll my Dams god Setebos, 
And make a vafTaile of him. 

Pro. So flaue, hence. Exit Cal. 

Enter Ferdinand & Ariel, inuifible flaying & jinging. 
Ariel Song. Come -vnto thefe yellotv fands, 
and then take hands : 
Curt fed -when you haue, and kifi 
the ivilde <waues ivhijl : 
Foote it featly heere, and there, andfiveete Sp rights beare 

the burthen. Burthen difperfedly. 

Harke, harke, boivgh ivaivgb : the ivatch-Dogges barke, 
bozogh-ivaivgh. 
At. Hark, hark, I heare, the Jlraine of flrutting Qhanticlere 
cry cockadidle-dcrwe. 
Fer. Where fliold this Mufick be ? I'th aire, or th'earth ? 
It founds no more : and fure it waytes vpon 
Some God 'oth'Iland, fitting on a banke, 
Weeping againe the King my Fathers wracke. 
This Muficke crept by me vpon the waters, 
Allaying both their fury, and my pafiion 
With it's fweet ayre : thence I haue follow'd it 
(Or it hath drawne me rather) but 'tis gone. 
No, it begins againe. 

Ariell Song. Full j "adorn fiue thy Father lies, 
Of his bones are Ccrrall made : 
"Thoje are peartes that -were his eies, 
Nothing of him that doth fade , 
But doth fuffer a Sea-cbange 
Into fomething rich, & f range : 
Sea-Nimphs hourly ring his knell. 

Burthen : ding dong. 
Harke noiv I heare them, ding-dong bell. 
Fer. The Ditty do's remember my drown'd father, 
This is no mortall bufines, nor no found 



That the earth owes : I heare it now aboue me. 

Pro. The fringed Curtaines of thine eye aduance, 
And fay what thou fee'ft yond. 

Mira. What is't a Spirit ? 
Lord, how it lookes about : Beleeue me fir, 
It carries a braue forme. But 'tis a fpirit. 

Pro. No wench, it eats, and fleeps, & hath fuch fenfes 
As we haue : fuch. This Gallant which thou feeft 
Was in the wracke : and but hee's fomething ftain'd 
With greefe (that's beauties canker) y might'ft call him 
A goodly perfon : he hath loft his fellowes, 
And ftrayes about to finde 'em. 

Mir. I might call him 
A thing diuine, for nothing naturall 
I euer faw fo Noble. 

Pro. It goes on I fee 
As my foule prompts it : Spirit, fine fpirit, He free thee 
Within two dayes for this. 

Fer. Moft fure the Goddeffe 
On whom thefe ayres attend : Vouchfafe my pray'r 
May know if you remaine vpon this Ifland, 
And that you will fome good inftruclion giue 
How I may beare me heere : my prime requeft 
(Which I do laft pronounce) is ( O you wonder) 
If you be Mayd, or no ? 

Mir. No wonder Sir, 
But certainly a Mayd. 

Fer. My Language ? Heauens : 
I am the beft of them that fpeake this fpeech, 
Were I but where 'tis fpoken. 

Pro. How ? the beft ? 
What wer't thou if the King of Naples heard thee? 

Fer. A fingle thing, as I am now, that wonders 
To heare thee fpeake of Naples : he do's heare me, 
And that he do's, I weepe : my felfe am Naples, 
Who, with mine eyes (neuer fince at ebbe) beheld 
The King my Father wrack't. 

<LMir. Alacke, for mercy. 

Fer. Yes faith, & all his Lords, the Duke of Millaine 
And his braue fonne, being twaine. 

Pro. The Duke of Millaine 
And his more brauer daughter, could controll thee 
If now 'twere fit to do't : At the firft fight 
They haue chang'd eyes : Delicate Ariel, 
He fet thee free for this. A word good Sir, 
I feare you haue done your felfe fome wrong : A word. 

Mir. Why fpeakes my father fo vngently ? This 
Is the third man that ere I faw : the firft 
That ere I figh'd for : pitty moue my father 
To be enclin'd my way. 

Fer. O, if a Virgin, 
And your affection not gone forth, He make you 
The Queene of Naples. 

Pro. Soft fir, one word more. 
They are both in eythers pow'rs : But this fwift bufines 
I muft vneafie make, leaft too light winning 
Make the prize light. One word more : I charge thee 
That thou attend me : Thou do'ft heere vfurpe 
The name thou ow'ft not, and haft put thy felfe 
Vpon this Ifland, as a fpy, to win it 
From me, the Lord on't. 

Fer. No, as I am a man. 

Mir. Ther's nothing ill, can dwell in fuch a Temple, 
If the ill-fpirit haue fo fayre a houfe, 
Good things will ftnue to dwell with't. 

Pro. Follow me. 

A 3 Pro. 



6 The Tempefi. 


Prof. Speake not you for him : hee's a Traitor: come, 


Is much beyond our lofTe ; our hint of woe 


He manacle thy necke and feete together : 


Is common, euery day, fome Saylors wife, 


Sea water malt thou drinke : thy food mall be 


The Mafters of fome Merchant, and the Merchant 


The frefh-brooke Muflels, wither'd roots, and huskes 


Haue iuft our Theame of woe : But for the miracle, 


Wherein the Acorne cradled . Follow. 


(I meane our preferuation) few in millions 


Fer. No, 


Can fpeake like vs : then wifely (good Sir) weigh 


I will refift fuch entertainment, till 


Our forrow, with our comfort. 


Mine enemy ha's more pow'r. 


Alonf. Prethee peace. 


He drawes, and u charmed from mouing. 


Seb. He receiues comfort like cold porredge. 


Mira. O deere Father, 


Ant. The Vifitor will not giue him ore fo. 


Make not too raih a triall of him, for 


Seb. Looke, hee's winding vp the watch of his wit, 


Hee's gentle, and not fearfull. 


By and by it will ftrike. 


Prof. What I fay, 


Qon. Sir. 


My foote my Tutor? Put thy fword vp Traitor, 


Seb. One: Tell. 


Who mak'ft a mew, but dar'ft not ftrike : thy confcience 


Gon. When euery greefe is entertaind, 


Is fo poffeft with guilt: Come, from thy ward, 


That's offer'd comes to th'entertainer. 


For I can heere difarme thee with this fticke, 


Seb. A dollor. 


And make thy weapon drop. 


Gon. Dolour comes to him indeed, you haue fpoken 


csWira. Befeech you Father. 


truer then you purpos'd. 


Prof. Hence : hang not on my garments. 


Seb. You haue taken it wifelier then I meant you 


Mira. Sir haue pity, 


mould. 


He be his furety. 


Gon. Therefore my Lord. 


Prof. Silence : One word more 


Ant. Fie, what a fpend-thrift is he of his tongue. 


Shall make me chide thee, if not hate thee : What, 


Alon. I pre-thee fpare. 


An aduocate for an Impoftor ? Hum : 


Gon. Well, I haue done : But yet 


Thou think'ft there is no more fuch lhapes as he, 


Seb. He will be talking. 


(Hauing feene but him and Caliban:) Foolifh wench, 


Ant. Which, of he, or Adrian, for a good wager, 


To th'moft of men, this is a Caliban, 


Firft begins to crow ? 


And they to him are Angels. 


Seb. The old Cocke. 


<Mira. My affedtions 


Ant. The Cockrell. 


Are then moft humble : I haue no ambition 


Seb. Done : The wager? 


To fee a goodlier man. 


Ant. A Laughter. 


Prof. Come on, obey : 


Seb. A match. 


Thy Nerues are in their infancy againe. 


Adr. Though this Ifland feeme to be defert. 


And haue no vigour in them. 


Seb. Ha, ha, ha. 


Fer. So they are : 


tAnt. So : you'r paid. 


My fpirits, as in a dreame, are all bound vp : 


Adr, Vninhabitable, and almoft inacceffible. 


My Fathers loffe, the weakneffe which I feele, 


Seb. Yet 


The wracke of all my friends, nor this mans threats, 


Adr. Yet 


To whom I am fubdude, are but light to me, 


Ant. He could not mifle't. 


Might I but through my prifon once a day 


Adr. It mult needs be of fubtle, tender, and delicate 


Behold this Mayd : all corners elfe o'th'Earth 


temperance. 


Let liberty make vfe of: fpace enough 


Ant. Temperance was a delicate wench. 


Haue I in fuch a prifon. 


Seb. I, and a fubtle, as he moft learnedly deliuer'd. 


Prof. It workes : Come on. 


Adr. The ayre breathes vpon vs here moft fweetly. 


Thou haft done well, fine Ariell : follow me, 


Seb. As if it had Lungs, and rotten ones. 


Harke what thou elfe fhalt do mee. 


tAnt. Or, as 'twere perfum'd by a Fen. 


Mira. Be of comfort, 


Gon. Heere is euery thing aduantageous to life. 


My Fathers of a better nature (Sir) 


tAnt. True, faue meanes to liue. 


Then he appeares by fpeech : this is vnwonted 


Seb. Of that there's none, or little. 


Which now came from him. 


Gon. How lulh and lufty the graffe lookes ? 


Prof. Thou (halt be as free 


How greene ? 


As mountaine windes; but then exaftly do 


Ant. The ground indeed is tawny. 


All points of my command. 


Seb. With an eye of greene in't. 


tAriell. To th'fyllable. 


tAnt. He mifies not much. 


Prof. Come follow : fpeake not for him. Exeunt. 


Seb. No: he doth but miftake the truth totally. 




Gon. But the rariety of it is, which is indeed almoft 
beyond credit. 




ASius Secundus. Sccena Prima. 


Seb. As many voucht rarieties are. 

Gon. That our Garments being (as they were) drencht 




in the Sea, hold notwithftanding their freftinefle and 
gloiTes, being rather new dy'de then ftain'd with falte 




Enter Alonfo, Sebaftian, Anthonio, Gonzalo, Adrian, 


water. 


Francifco, and others. 


*Ant. If but one of his pockets could fpeake, would 


Qonz. Befeech you Sir, be merry ; you haue caufe, 


it not fay he lyes? 


(So haue we all) of ioy ; for our efcape 


Seb. I, or very falfely pocket vp his report. 

Gon. 



The Tempeji. 



Gon. Me tbinkes our garments are now as frefh as 
when we put them on firft in Affricke, at the marriage 
of the kings faire daughter Claribel to the king of Tunis. 

Seb. 'Twas a fweet marriage, and we profper well in 
our retuvne. 

sAdri. Tunis was neuer grac'd before with fuch a Pa- 
ragon to their Queene. 

Gon. Not fince widdow Dido's time. 

Ant. Widow ? A pox o'that : how came that Wid- 
dow in ? Widdow Dido ! 

Seb. What if he had faid Widdower vEneas too ? 
Good Lord, how you take it? 

Adri. Widdow Dido faid you ? You make me ftudy 
of that : She was of Carthage, not of Tunis. 

Gon. This Tunis Sir was Carthage. 

Adri. Carthage f Gon. I afiure you Carthage. 

Ant. His word is more then the miraculous Harpe. 

Seb. He hath rais'd the wall, and houfes too. 

Ant. What impofsible matter wil he make eafy next ? 

Seb. I thinke hee will carry this Ifland home in his 
pocket, and giue it his fonne for an Apple. 

Ant. And fowing the kernels of it in the Sea, bring 
forth more Iflands. 

Gon. I. Ant. Why in good time. 

Gon. Sir, we were talking, that our garments feeme 
now as frefh as when we were at Tunis at the marriage 
of your daughter, who is now Queene. 

Ant. And the rareft that ere came there. 

Seb. Bate (I befeech you) widdow T)ido . 

Ant. O Widdow Dido ? I, Widdow Dido. 

Gon. Is not Sir my doublet as frefh as the firft day I 
wore it? I meane in a fort. 

Ant. That fort was well fifh'd for. 

Gon. When I wore it at your daughters marriage. 

Alon. You cram 'thefe words into mine eares, againft 
the ftomacke of my fenfe : would I had neuer 
Married my daughter there : For comming thence 
My fonne is loft, and (in my rate) fhe too , 
Who is fo farre from Italy remoued, 
I ne're againe fhall fee her : O thou mine heiie 
Of Naples and of eMillaine, what ftrange fifh 
Hath made his meale on thee? 

Fran. Sir he may liue, 
I faw him beate the furges vnder him, 
And ride vpon their backes ; he trod the water 
Whofe enmity he flung afide : and brefted 
The furge mod fwolne that met him : his bold head 
'Boue the contentious waues he kept, and oared 
Himfelfe with his good armes in lufty ftroke 
To th'fhore ; that ore his waue-worne bafis bowed 
As ftooping to releeue him : I not doubt 
He came aliue to Land. 

Alon. No, no, hee's gone. 

Seb. Sir you may thank your felfe for this great lofie, 
That would not blefTe our Europe with your daughter, 
But rather loofe her to an Affrican, 
Where fhe at leaft, is banifh'd from your eye, 
Who hath caufe to wet the greefe on't. 

Alon. Pre-thee peace. 

Seb. You were kneel'd too, & importun'd otherwife 
By all of vs: and the faire foule her felfe 
Waigh'd betweene loathneffe, and obedience, at 
Which end o'th'beame fhould bow: we haue loft your 
I feare for euer: Millaine and Naples haue (f° n ) 

Mo widdowes in them of this bufinefl'e making, 
Then we bring men to comfort them : 



The faults your owne. 

Alon. So is the deer'ft oth'lofie. 

Gon. My Lord Sebaftian, 
The truth you fpeake doth lacke fome gentlenefle, 
And time to fpeake it in : you rub the fore, 
When you fhould bring the plaifter. 

Seb. Very well. Ant. And raoft Chirurgeonly. 

Gon. It is foule weather in vs all, good Sir, 
When you are cloudy. 

Seb. Fowle weather ? Ant. Very foule. 

Gon. Had I plantation of this Ifle my Lord. 

Ant. Hee'd fow't with Nettle-feed. 

Seb. Or dockes, or Mallowes. 

Gon. And were the King on't, what would I do ? 

Seb. Scape being drunke, for want of Wine. 

Gon. I'th'Common wealth I would (by contraries) 
Execute all things: For no kinde of Trafficke 
Would I admit: No name of Magiftrate: 
Letters fhould not be knowne : Riches, pouerty, 
And vfe of feruice, none : Contract, Succefsion, 
Borne, bound of Land, Tilth, Vineyard none: 
No vfe of Mettall, Corne, or Wine, or Oyle : 
No occupation, all men idle, all : 
And Women too, but innocent and pure : 
No Soueraignty. 

Seb. Yet he would be King on't. 

cAnt. The latter end of his Common-wealth forgets 
the beginning. 

Gon. All things in common Nature fhould produce 
Without fweat or endeuour : Treafon, fellony, 
Sword, Pike, Knife, Gun, or neede of any Engine 
Would I not haue : but Nature fhould bring forth 
Of it owne kinde, all foyzon,all abundance 
To feed my innocent people. 

Seb. No marrying 'mong his fubie&s ? 

Ant. None (man) all idle ; Whores and knaues, 

Gon. I would with fuch perfection gouerne Sir : 
T'Excell the Golden Age. 

Seb. 'Saue his Maiefty. Ant. Long liue Gonzalo. 

Gon. And do you marke me, Sir ? (me. 

Alon. Pre-thee no more: thou doft talke nothing to 

Gon. I do well beleeue your Highnefle, and did it 
to minifter occafion to thefe Gentlemen, who are of 
fuch fenfible and nimble Lungs, that they alwayes vfe 
to laugh at nothing. 

Ant. 'Twas you we laugh'd at. 

Gon. Who, in this kind of merry fooling am nothing 
to you : fo you may continue, and laugh- at nothing ftill. 

Ant. What a blow was there giuen ? 

Seb. And it had not falne flat-long. 

Gon. You are Gentlemen of braue mettal: you would 
lift the Moone out of her fpheare, if fhe would continue 
in it fiue weekes without changing. 

Enter Ariel! playing j'olemne Mujicfye. 

Seb. We would fo, and then go a Bat-fowling. 

Ant. Nay good my Lord, be not angry. 
■ Gon. No I warrant you, I will not aduenture my 
difcretion fo weakly : Will you laugh me afleepe, for I 
am very heauy . 

Ant. Go fleepe, and heare vs. 

Alon. What, all fo foone afleepe? I wifh mine eyes 
Would(with themfelues) fhut vp my thoughts, 
I finde they are inclin'd to do fo. 

Seb. Pleafe you Sir, 
Do not omit the heauy offer of it: 

It fildome vifits forrow, when it doth, it is a Comforter. 

Ant. 



The Tempeji. 



Ant. We two my Lord, will guard your perfon, 
While you take your reft, and watch your fafety. 

^/on.Thanke you : Wondrous heauy. 

Seb. What a ftrange drowfines poffeffes them i 

Ant. It is the quality o'th'Clvmate. 

Seb. Why 
Doth it not then our eye-lids finke ? I finde 
Not my felfe difpos'd to fleep. 

Ant. Nor I, my fpirits are nimble : 
They fell together all, as by confent 
They dropt, as by a Thunder-ftroke : what might 
Worthy Sebaslianf O, what might? no more : 
And yet, me thinkes I fee it in thy face, 
What thou fhould'ft be : th'occafion fpeaks thee, and 
My ftrong imagination fee's a Crowne 
Dropping vpon thy head. 

Seb. What? art thou waking ? 

Ant. Do you not heare me fpeake ? 

Seb. I do, and furely 
It is a fleepy Language ; and thou fpeak'ft 
Out of thy fleepe : What is it thou didft fay ? 
This is a ftrange repofe, to be afleepe 
With eyes wide open : ftanding, fpeaking, mouing : 
And yet fo faft afleepe. 

Ant. Noble Sebajiian, 
Thou let'ft thy fortune fleepe : die rather : wink'ft 
Whiles thou art waking. 

Seb. Thou do'ft fnore diftindtly, 
There's meaning in thy fnores. 

Ant. I am more ferious then my cuftome : you 
Muft be fo too, if heed me : which to do, 
Trebbles thee o're. 

Seb. Well : I am ftanding water. 

Ant, He teach you how to flow. 

Seb. Do fo : to ebbe 
Hereditary Sloth inftrudts me. 

Ant. O! 
If you but knew how you the purpofe cherifh 
Whiles thus you mocke it : how in ftripping it 
You more inueft it : ebbing men, indeed 
(Moft often) do fo neere the bottome run 
By their owne feare, or floth. 

Seb. 'Pre-thee fay on, 
The fetting of thine eye, and cheeke proclaime 
A matter from thee ; and a birth, indeed, 
Which throwesthee much to yeeld. 

Ant. Thus Sir : 
Although this Lord of weake remembrance; this 
Who (hall be of as little memory 
When he is earth'd, hath here almoft perfwaded 
(For hee's a Spirit of perfwafion, onely 
Profeffes to perfwade) the King his fonne's aliue, 
'Tis as impofsible that hee's vndrown'd, 
As he that fleepes heere, fwims. 

Seb. I haue no hope 
That hee's vndrown'd. 

Ant. O, out of that no hope, 
What great hope haue you? No hope that way, Is 
Another way fo high a hope, that euen 
Ambition cannot pierce a winke beyond 
But doubt difcouery there. Will you grant with me 
That Ferdinand is drown'd. 

Seb. He's gone. 

Ant . Then tell me, who's the next heire of Naples ? 

Seb. Claribell. 

tAnt. She that is Queene of Tunis : flie that dwels 



Ten leagues beyond mans life : Jhe that from Naples 
Can haue no note, vnleffe the Sun were poft : 
The Man i'th Moone's too flow, till new-borne chinnes 
Be rough, and Razor-able : She that from whom 
We all were fea-fwallow'd, though fome caft againe, 
(And by that deftiny) to performe an aft 
Whereof, what's paft is Prologue ; what to come 
In yours, and my difcharge. 

Seb. What ftuffe is this ? How fay you ? 
'Tis true my brothers daughter's Queene of Tunis, 
So is fhe heyre of Naples, 'twixt which Regions 
There is fome fpace. 

Ant. A fpace, whofe eu'ry cubit 
Seemes to cry out, how fhall that Claribell 
Meafure vs backe to Naples ? keepe in Tunis, 
And let Sebajiian wake. Say, this were death 
That now hath feiz'd them, why they were no worfe 
Then now they are : There be that can rule Naples 
As well as he that fleepes : Lords, that can prate 
As amply, and vnnecefiarily 
As this Gonzallo : I my felfe could make 
A Chough of as deepe chat : O, that you bore 
The minde that I do ; what a fleepe were this 
For your aduancement? Do you vnderftand me ? 

Seb. Me thinkes I do. 

Ant. And how do's your content 
Tender your owne good fortune? 

Seb. I remember 
You did fupplant your Brothet Profpero. 

Ant. True: 
And looke how well my Garments fit vpon me, 
Much feater then before : My Brothers feruants 
Were then my fellowes, now they are my men. 

Seb. But for your confcience. 

Ant . I Sir : where lies that ? If 'twere a kybe 
'Twould put me to my flipper : But I feele not 
This Deity in my bofome : 'Twentie confciences 
That ftand 'twixt me, and zflfillaine, candied be they, 
And melt ere they molleft : Heere lies your Brother, 
No better then the earth he lies vpon, 
If he were that which now hee's like (that's dead) 
Whom I with this obedient fteele (three inches of it) 
Can lay to bed for euer : whiles you doing thus, 
To the perpetuall winke for aye might put 
This ancient morfell : this Sir Prudence, who 
Should not vpbraid our courfe : for all the reft 
They'l take fuggeftion, as a Cat laps milke, 
They'l tell the clocke, to any bufineffe that 
We fay befits the houre. 

Seb. Thy cafe, deere Friend 
Shall be my prefident : As thou got'ft Millaine, 
I'le come by Naples: Draw thy fword, one ftroke 
Shall free thee from the tribute which thou paieft, 
And I the King fhall loue thee. 

Ant . Draw together : 
And when I reare my hand, do you the like 
To fall it on Gonzalo. 

Seb. O, but one word. 

Enter Ariell ■with dft£ufic\e and Song. 

Ariel. My Mafter through his Art forefees the danger 
That you (his friend)are in, and fends me forth 
(For elfe his proie<ft dies) to keepe them liuing. 

Sings in Gonzaloes eare. 
While you here do fnoaring lie, 
Open-efd Conjpiracie 
Ha time doth take : 



The Tempeji. 



If of Life you keepe a care , 
Shake off umber and beware. 
Awake, awake. 

Ant. Then let vs both be fodaine. 

Gon, Now, good Angels preferue the King. 

tAlo. Why how now hoa ; awake ? why are you drawn ? 
Wherefore this ghaftly looking ? 

Gon. What's the matter? 

Seb. Whiles we flood here fecuring your repofe, 
(Euen now) we heard a hollow burft of bellowing 
Like Buls, or rather Lyons, did't not wake you £ 
It ftrooke mine eare moft terribly. 

Alo. I heard nothing. 

Ant. O, 'twas a din to fright a Monfters eare j 
To make an earthquake : fure it was the roare 
Of a whole heard of Lyons. 

Alo. Heard you this Gonzalo ? 

Gon. Vpon mine honour, Sir, I heard a humming, 
(And that a ftrange one too) which did awake me : 
I fliak'd you Sir, and cride : as mine eyes opend, 
I faw their weapons drawne : there was a noyfe, 
That's verily : 'tis beft we ftand vpon our guard ; 
Or that we quit this place : let's draw our weapons. 

Alo. Lead off this ground & let's make further fearch 
For my poore fonne. 

Gon. Heauens keepe him from thefe Beafts : 
For he is fure i'th Iftand. 

eAlo. Lead away. (done. 

Ariell. Projpero my Lord, fliall know what I haue 
So (King) goe fafely on to feeke thy Son. Exeunt. 



Sccena Secunda. 



Enter Caliban, -with a burthen of Wood (a noyfe of 
Thunder heard.) 

Cal. All the infections that the Sunne fuckes vp 
From Bogs, Fens, Flats, on Projper fall, and make him 
By ynch-meale a difeafe : his Spirits heare me, 
And yet I needes mud curfe.But they'll nor pinch, 
Fright me with Vrchyn-fhewes, pitch me i'th mire, 
Nor lead me like a fire-brand, in the darke 
Out of my way, vnlefie he bid 'em ; but 
For euery trifle, are they fet vpon me, 
Sometime like Apes, that moe and chatter at me, 
And after bite me : then like Hedg-hogs, which 
Lye tumbling in my bare-foote way, and mount' 
Their pricks at my foot-fall : fometime am I 
All wound with Adders, who with clouen tongues 
Doe hiffe me into madneffe : Lo, now Lo, Enter 

Here comes a Spirit of his, and to torment me Trinculo. 
For bringing wood in (lowly : I'le fall flat, 
Perchance he will not minde me. 

Tri. Here's neither bum, nor fhrub to beare off any 
weather at all : and another Storme brewing, I heare it 
fing ith' winde; yond fame blacke cloud, yond huge 
one, lookes like a foule bumbard that would ftied his 
licquor ; if it fliould thunder, as it did before, I know 
not where to hide my head : yond fame cloud cannot 
choofe but fall by paile-fuls. What haue we here, a man, 
or a fifli? dead or aliue? a fifh, hee fmels like a fiih : a 
very ancient and fifh-like fmell : a kinde of, not of the 



neweft poore-Iohn : a ftrange fifli : were I in England 
now (as once I was) and had but this fifli painted ; not 
a holiday-foole there but would giue a peece of filuer : 
there, would this Monfter, make a man : any ftrange 
beaft there, makes a man : when they will not giue a 
doit to relieue a lame Begger, they will lay out ten to fee 
a dead Indian : Leg'd like a man ; and his Finnes like 
Armes: warme o'my troth: I doe now let loofe myo- 
pinion ; hold it no longer ; this is no fifti, but an Iflan- 
der, that hath lately fuffered by a Thunderbolt : Alas, 
the ftorme is come againe : my beft way is to creepe vn- 
der his Gaberdine : there is no other ftielter herea- 
bout : Mifery acquaints a man with ftrange bedfel- 
lowes : I will here flirowd till the dregges of the ftorme 
be paft. 

Enter Stephana ftnging. 
Ste. IJhall no more tofea, to fa, here /hall I dye afhore. 
This is a very fcuruy tune to fing at a mans 
Funerall ; well, here's my comfort. T>rinkes. 

Sings. The Mafler, the Swabber, the Boate-Jwaine <£f /; 
The Gunner, and his (JbLate 

Loud Mall, Meg, and elM~arrian, and zMargerie, 
But none of -us car d for Kate. 
For jhe had a tongue with a tang , 
Would cry to a Sailor goe hang : 
She lou'd not the fauour of Tar nor of Pitch, 
Yet a Tailor might f cratch her where ere Jhe did itch. 
Then to Sea Boyes, and let her goe hang. 
This is a fcuruy tune too : 
But here's my comfort. drinks. 

Cal. Doe not torment me: oh. 

Ste. What's the matter? 
Haue we diuelshere? 

Doe you put trickes vpon's with Saluages, and Men of 
Inde? ha? I haue not fcap'd drowning, to be afeard 
now of your foure legges : for it hath bin faid ; as pro- 
per a man as euer went on foure legs, cannot make him 
giue ground : and it lhall be faid ib againe, while Ste- 
phano breathes at' noftrils. 

Cal. The Spirit torments me ; oh. 

Ste. This is fome Monfter of the Ifle, with foure legs ; 
who hath got (as 1 take it) an Ague : where the diuell 
ihould he learne our language ? I will giue him fome re- 
liefe if it be but for that : if I can recouer him, and keepe 
him tame , and get to Naples with him, he's a Pre- 
fent for any Emperour that euer trod on Neates-lea- 
ther. 

Cal. Doe not torment me 'prethee : I'le bring my 
wood home fafter. 

Ste. He's in his fit now; and doe's not talke after the 
wifeft ; hee mail tafte of my Bottle : if hee haue neuer 
drunke wine afore, it will goe neere to remoue his Fit : 
if I can recouer him, and keepe him tame, I will not take 
too much for him ; hee fhall pay for him that hath him, 
and that foundly. 

Cal. Thou do'ft me yet but little hurt; thou wilt a- 
non, I know it by thy trembling : Now Projper workes 
vpon thee. . 

Ste. Come on your wayes : open your mouth : here 
is that which will giue language to you Cat ; open your 
mouth ; this will fhake your ihaking, I can tell you, and 
that foundly .• you cannot tell who's your friend ; open 
your chaps againe. 

Tri. I fliould know that voyce: 
It fliould be, 



The Tempeji. 



But hee is dround ; and thefe are diuels; O de- 
fend me. 

Ste. Foure legges and two voyces ; a moft delicate 
Monfter : his forward voyce now is to fpeake well of 
his friend ; his backward voice, is to vtter foule fpeeches, 
and to detracl: : if all the wine in my bottle will recouer 
him, I will helpe his Ague : Come : Amen, I will 
poure fome in thy other mouth. 

Tri. Stefbano. 

Ste. Doth thy other mouth call me ? Mercy, mercy : 
This is a diuell, and no Monfter : I will leaue him , I 
haue no long Spoone. 

Tri. Stephana : if thou beeft Stefbano, touch me, and 
fpeake to me : for I am Trinculo ; be not afeard, thy 
good friend Trinculo, 

Ste. If thou bee'ft Trinculo : come foorth : Tie pull 
thee by the leffer legges: if any be Trinculo 's legges, 
thefe are they: Thou art very Trinculo indeede : how 
cam'ft thou to be the fiege of this Moone-calfe ? Can 
he vent Trinculo' 's ? 

Tri. I tooke him to be kil'd with a thunder-ftrok ; but 
art thou not dround Stefbano : I hope now thou art 
not dround : Is the Storme ouer-blowne 2 I hid mee 
vnder the dead Moone-Calfes Gaberdine, for feare of 
the Storme: And art thou liuing Stephana? O Stephana, 
two Neapolitans fcap'd ? 

Ste. 'Prethee doe not turne me about, my ftomacke 
is not conftant. 

Cal. Thefe be fine things, and if they be not fprights: 
that's a braue God, and beares Celeftiall liquor : I will 
kneele to him. 

Ste. How did'ft thou fcape ? 
How cam'ft thou hither ? 

Sweare by this Bottle how thou cam'ft hither : I efcap'd 
vpon a But of Sacke, which the Saylors heaued o're- 
boord, by this Bottle which I made of the barke of 
a Tree, with mine owne hands, fince I was caft a'- 
ihore. 

Cal. I'le fweare vpon that Bottle, to be thy true fub- 
ie<3, for the liquor is not earthly. 

St. Heere : fweare then how thou efcap'dft. 

Tri. Sworn alhore (man) like a Ducke : I can fwim 
like a Ducke i'le be fworne. 

Ste. Here, kiffe the Booke. 
Though thou canft fwim like a Ducke, thou art made 
like a Goofe. 

Tri. O Stephana, ha'ft any more of this f 

Ste. The whole But (man) my Cellar is in a rocke 
by th'fea-fide, where my Wine is hid : 
How now Moone-Calfe, how do's thine Ague ? 

Cal. Ha'ft thou not dropt from heauen ? 

Ste. Out o'th Moone I doe affure thee. I was the 
Man ith' Moone, when time was. 

Cal. I haue feene thee in her : and I doe adore thee : 
My Miftris ftiew'd me thee, and thy Dog, and thy Bum. 

Ste. Come, fweare to that : kiffe the Booke : I will 
furniih it anon with new Contents." Sweare. 

Tri. By this good light, this is a very mallow Mon- 
fter : I afeard of him ? a very weake Monfter : 
The Man ith' Moone ? 
A moft poore cieadulous Monfter : 
Well drawne Monfter, in good (both. 

Cal. He ihew thee euery fertill ynch 'oth Ifland : and 
I will kifle thy foote : I prethee be my god. 

Tri. By this light, a moft perfidious, and drunken 
Monfter, when's god's a fleepe he'll rob his Bottle. 



Cal. He kiffe thy foot. He fweare my felfe thy Subieft. 

Ste. Come on then : downe and fweare. 

Tri. I mail laugh my felfe to death at this puppi-hea- 
ded Monfter : a moft fcuruie Monfter : I could finde in 
my heart to beate him. 

Ste. Come, kiffe. 

Tri. But that the poore Monfter's in drinke: 
An abhominable Monfter. 

Qal. I'le ihew thee the beft Springs : I'le plucke thee 
Berries : I'le fifli for thee ; and get thee wood enough. 
A plague vpon the Tyrant that I ferue ; 
I'le beare him no more Stickes, but follow thee, thou 
wondrous man. 

Tri. A moft rediculous Monfter, to make a wonder of 
a poore drunkard. 

Cal. I 'prethee let me bring thee where Crabs grow; 
and I with my long nayles will digge thee pig-nuts ; 
mow thee a Iayes neft, and inftruft thee how to fnare 
the .nimble Marmazet: I'le bring thee to cluftring 
Philbirts, and fometimes I'le get thee young Scamels 
from the Rocke : Wilt thou goe with me ? 

Ste. I pre'thee now lead the way without any more 
talking. Trinculo, the King, and all our company elfe 
being dround, wee will inherit here: Here; beare my 
Bottle ; Fellow Trinculo ; we'll fill him by and by a- 
gaine. 

Caliban Sings drunkenly. 
Farewell Mafterj farewell, farewell. 

Tri. A howling Monfter: a drunken Monfter. 
Cal. No more dams Tie make for fjh, 
Nor fetch in f ring, at requiring, 
Nor jc rape trenchering, nor ivajh a'ijb, 
'Ban' ban Qacalyban 
Has a neiv Majler,get a new Man. 
Freedome, high-day, high-day freedome, freedome high- 
day, freedome. 

Ste. O braue Monfter ; lead the way. Exeunt. 



ABus Tertius. Scoena ^rima. 



Enter Ferdinand (bearing a Log.) 

Fer. There be fome Sports are painfull ; & their labor 
Delight in them fet off: Some kindes of bafenefle 
Are nobly vndergon ; and moft poore matters 
Point to rich ends : this my meane Taske 
Would be as heauy to me, as odious, but 
The Miftris which I ferue, quickens what's dead, 
And makes my labours, pleafures: O She is 
Ten times more gentle, then her Father's crabbed ; 
And he's compos'd of harftineffe. I muft remoue 
Some thoufands of thefe Logs, and pile them vp, 
Vpon a fore iniunftion ; my fweet Miftris 
Weepes when me fees me worke, & faies, fuch bafenes 
Had neuer like Executor : I forget : 
But thefe fweet thoughts, doe euen refreih my labours, 
Moft bufie left, when I doe it. Enter Miranda 

<JV[ir. Alas, now pray you and Projpero. 

Worke not fo hard : I would the lightning had 
Burnt vp thofe Logs that you are enioynd to pile : 
Pray fet it downe, and reft you : when this burnes 
'Twill weepe for hauing wearied you : my Father 
Is hard at ftudy ; pray now reft your felfe, 

He's 



The Tempeji. 



1 1 



Hee's fate for thefe three houres. 

Fer. O moft deere Miftris, 
The Sun will fet before I ihall difcharge 
What I mult ftriue to do. 

Mir., If you '1 fit downe 
He beare your Logges the while : pray giue me that, 
He carry it to the pile. 

Fer. No precious Creature, 
I had rather cracke my finewes, breake my backe, 
Then you fhould fuch difnonor vndergoe, 
While I fit lazy by. 

Mir. It would become me 
As well as it do's you ; and I fhould do it 
With much more eafe : for my good will is to it, 
And yours it is againft. 

Pro. Poore worme thou art infected, 
This vifitation ihewes it. 

cflfir. You looke wearily. 

Fer. No, noble Miftris, 'tis frefh morning with me 
When you are by at night : I do befeech you 
Cheefely, that I might fet it in my prayers, 
What is your name ? 

Mir. Miranda, O my Father, 
I haue broke your heft to fay fo. 

Fer. Admir'd Miranda, 
Indeede the top of Admiration, worth 
What's deereft to the world : full many a Lady 
I haue ey'd with beft regard, and many a time 
Th'harmony of their tongues, hath into bondage 
Brought my too diligent eare : for feuerall vertues 
Haue I lik'd feuerall women, neuer any 
With fo full foule, but fome defeft in her 
Did quarrell with the nobleft grace me ow'd, 
And put it to the foile. But you, O you, 
So perfeft, and fo peetiefle, are created 
Of euerie Creatures beft. 

Mir. I do not know 
One of my fexe ; no womans face remember, 
Saue from my glafie, mine owne : Nor haue I feene 
More that I may call men, then you good friend, 
And my deere Father : how features are abroad 
I am skillefie of; but by my modeftie 
(The iewell in my dower) I would not wifh. 
Any Companion in the world but you: 
Nor can imagination forme a fhape 
Befides your felfe, to like of: but I prattle 
Something too wildely, and my Fathers precepts 
I therein do forget. 

Fer. I am, in my condition 
A Prince (Miranda) I do thinke a King 
(I would not fo) and would no more endure . 
This wodden flauerie, then to fuffer 
The fleih-flie blow my mouth : heare my foule fpeake. 
The verie inftant that I faw you, did 
My heart flie to your feruice, there refides 
To make me flaue to it, and for your fake 
Am I this patient Logge-man. 

<JV[ir. Do you loue me ? 

Fer. O heauen ; O earth, beare witnes to this found, 
And crowne what I profefle with kinde euent 
If I fpeake true : if hollowly, inuert 
What beft is boaded me, to mifchiefe : I, 
Beyond all limit of what elfe i'th world 
Do loue, prize, honor you. 

Mir. I am a foole 
To weepe at what I am glad of. 



Fro. Faire encounter 
Of two moft rare affecYions : heauens raine grace 
On that which breeds betweene 'em. 

Fer. Wherefore weepe you ? 

oMir : At mine vnworthinefle, that dare not offer 
What I defire to giue ; and much lefle take 
What I fhall die to want : But this is trifling, 
And all the more it feekes to hide it felfe, 
The bigger bulke it fhewes. Hence bafhfull cunning, 
And prompt me plaine and holy innocence. 
I am your wife, if you will marrie me ; 
If not, He die your maid : to be your fellow 
You may denie me, but lie be your feruant 
Whether you will or no. 

Fer. My Miftris (deereft) 
And I thus humble euer. 

Mir. My husband then ? 

Fer. I, with a heart as willing 
As bondage ere of freedome : heere's my hand. 

Mir. And mine, with my heart in't ; and now farewel 
Till halfe an houre hence. 

Fer. A thoufand, thoufand. Exeunt. 

Pro. So glad, of this as they I cannot be, 
Who are furpriz'd with all ; but my reioycing 
At nothing can be more : He to my booke, 
For yet ere fupper time, muft I performe 
Much bufineffe appertaining. Exit. 



Sccena Secunda. 



Enter Caliban, Stepbano, and Trinculo. 

Ste. Tell not me, when the But is out we will drinke 
water, not a drop before ; therefore beare vp, & boord 
em' Seruant Monfter, drinke to me. 

Trin. Seruant Monfter? the folly of this Hand, they 
fay there's but fiue vpon this Ifle ; we are three of them, 
if th'other two be brain'd like vs, the State totters. 

Sre. Drinke feruant Monfter when I bid thee, thy 
eies are almoft fet in thy head. 

•Trin. Where fhould they bee fet elfe ? hee were a 
braue Monfter indeede if they were fet in his taile. 

Ste. My man-Monfter hath drown'd his tongue in 
facke .- for my part the Sea cannot drowne mee, I lwam 
ere I could recouer the fhore, fiue and thirtie Leagues 
off" and on, by this light thou fhalt bee my Lieutenant 
Monfter, or my Standard. 

Trin. Your Lieutenant if you lift, hee's no ftandard. 

Ste. Weel not run Monfieur Monfter. 

Trin. Nor go neither : but you - l lie like dogs, and yet 
fay nothing neither. 

Ste. Moone-calfe, fpeak once in thy life, if thou beeft 
a good Moone-calfe. 

Qal. How does thy honour ? Let me licke thy fhooe : 
He not ferue him, he is not valiant. 

Trin. Thou lieft moft ignorant Monfter, I am in cafe 
to iuftle a Conftable : why, thou debofh'd Fifh thou, 
was there euer man a Coward, that hath drunk fo much 
Sacke as I to day ? wilt thou tell a monftrous lie, being 
but halfe a Fifh, and halfe a Monfter ? 

Qal. Loe, how he mockes me, wilt thou let him my 
Lord ? 

Cal. 



12 



The Tempefi. 



Trin. Lord, quoth he ? that a Monfter fliould be fuch 
a Naturall ? 

Qal, Loe, loe againe : bite him to death I prethee. 

Ste. Trinculo, keepe a good tongue in your head : If 
you proue a mutineere, the next Tree : the poore Mon- 
itor's my fubieft, and he (hall not fuffer indignity. 

Qal. I thanke my noble Lord. Wilt thou be pleas'd 
to hearken once againe to the fuite I made to thee ? 

Ste. Marry will I : kneele, and repeate it, 
I will ftand, and fo fliall Trinculo. 

Enter Arkll inuifible. 

Cal. As I told thee before, I am fubieft to a Tirant, 
A Sorcerer, that by his cunning hath cheated me 
Of the Ifland. 

Arkll. Thoulyeft. 

Cal. Thou lyeft, thou iefting Monkey thou : 
I would my valiant Matter would deftroy thee. 
I do not lye. 

Ste. Trinculo, if you trouble him any more in's tale, 
By this hand, 1 will fupplant fome of your teeth. 

Trin. Why, I faid nothing. 

Ste. Mum then, and no more: proceed. 

Cal. I fay by Sorcery he got this Ifle 
From me, he got it. If thy Greatneffe will 
Reuenge it on him, (for I know thou dar'ft) 
But this Thing dare not. 

Ste. That's moft certaine. 

Cal. Thou malt be Lord of it, and He ferue thee. 

Ste. How now fliall this be compaft ? 
Canft thou bring me to the party ? 

Cal. Yea, yea my Lord, He yeeld him thee afleepe, 
Where thou maift knocke a naile into his head. 

Ariell. Thou lieft, thou canft not. 

Qal. What a py'de Ninnie's this? Thou fcuruy patch : 
I do befeech thy Greatneffe giue him blowes, 
And take his bottle from him : When that's gone, 
He fliall drinke nought but brine, for He not fhew him 
Where the quicke Frefhes are. 

Ste. Trinculo, run into no further danger : 
Interrupt the Monfter one word further , and by this 
hand, He turne my mercie out o'doores, and make a 
Stockfifh of thee. 

Trin. Why, what did I ? I did nothing: 
He go farther off. 

Ste. Didft thou not fay he lyed ? 

Ariell. Thou lieft. 

Ste. Do I fo ? Take thou that, 
As you like this, giue me the lye another time. 

Trin. I did not giue the lie : Out o'your wittes, and 
hearing too ? 

A pox o'your bottle, this can Sacke and drinking doo: 
A murren on your Monfter, and the diuell take your 
fingers. 

Cal. Ha, ha, ha. 

Ste. Now forward with your Tale : prethee ftand 
further off. 

Cal. Beate him enough : after a little time 
lie beate him too. 

Ste. Stand farther : Come proceede. 

Cal. Why, as I told thee, 'tis a cuflome with him 
I'th afternoone to fleepe : there thou maift braine him, 
Hauing firft feiz'd his bookes : Or with a logge 
Batter his skull, or paunch him with a ftake, 
Or cut his wezand with thy knife. Remember 
Firft to poffeffe his Bookes; for without them 



Hee's but a Sot, as I am ; nor hath not 

One Spirit to command : they all do hate him 

As rootedly as I. Burne but his Bookes, 

He ha's braue Vtenfils (for fo he calles them) 

Which when he ha's a houfe, hee'l decke withall. 

And that moft deeply to confider, is 

The beautie of his daughter : he himfelfe 

Cals her a non-pareill : I neuer faw a woman 

But onely Sycorax my Dam, and fee ; 

But flie as farre furpaffeth Sycorax, 

As great'ft do's leaft. 

Ste. Is it fo braue a Laffe ? 

Cal. I Lord, flie will become thy bed, I warrant, 
And bring thee forth braue brood. 

Ste. Monfter, I will kill this man : his daughter and 
I will be King and gueene, faue our Graces : and Trin- 
culo and thy felfe mail be Vice-royes : 
Doftthou like the plot Trinculo? 

Trin. Excellent. 

Ste. Giue me thy hand, I am forry I beate thee : 
But while thou liu'ft keepe a good tongue in thy head. 

Cal. Within this halfe houre will he be afleepe, 
Wilt thou deftroy him then? 

Ste. I on mine honour. 

Ariell. This will I tell my Mafter. 

Qal. Thou mak'ft me merry: I am full of pleafure, 
Let vs be iocond. Will you troule the Catch 
You taught me but whileare? 

Ste. At thy requeft Monfter, I will do reafon, 
Any reafon : Come on Trinculo, let vs fing. 

Sings. 
Flout 'em, and cout 'em : and skoivt 'em, and flout 'em, 
Thought is free. 

Cal. That's not the tune. 

Ariell plaies the tune on a Tabor and Pipe. 

Ste. What is this fame i 

Trin. This is the tune of our Catch, plaid by the pic- 
ture of No-body. 

Ste. If thou beeft a man, fhew thy felfe in thy likenes : 
If thou beeft a diuell, take't as thou lift. 

Trin. O forgiue me my finnes. 

Ste. He that dies payes all debts : I defie thee ; 
Mercy vpon vs. 

Cal. Art thou affeard ? 

Ste. No Monfter, not I. 

Cal. Be not affeard, the Hie is full of noyfes, 
Sounds, and fweet aires, that giue delight and hurt not : 
Sometimes a thoufand twangling Inftruments 
Will hum about mine eares; and fometime voices, 
That if I then had wak'd after long fleepe, 
Will make me fleepe againe, and then in dreaming, 
The clouds methought would open, and fhew riches 
Ready to drop vpon me, that when I wak'd 
I cri'de to dreame againe. 

Ste. This will proue a braue kingdome to me, 
Where I mall haue my Muficke for nothing. 

Qal. When Pro/pen is deftroy'd. 

Ste. That fliall be by and by : 
I remember the ftorie. 

Trin. The found is going away, 
Lets follow it, and after do our worke. 

Ste. Leade Monfter, 
Wee'l follow : I would I could fee this Taborer, 
He layes it on. 

Trin. Wilt come? 
He follow Stephana. Exeunt. 

Scena 



The Tempefi. 



H 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Alonfo,Sebaftian, Anthonio,Gonza!lo, 
Adrian, Francifco,&c. 

Gon. By'r lakin, I can goe no further, Sir, 
My old bones akes : here's a maze trod indeede 
Through fourth rights, & Meanders : by your patience, 
I needes muft reft me. 

Al. Old Lord, I cannot blame thee, 
Who, am my felfe attach'd with wearinefTe 
To th'dulling of my fpirits : Sit downe, and reft : 
Euen here I will put off my hope, and keepe it 
No longer for my Flatterer : he is droun'd 
Whom thus we ftray to finde, and the Sea mocks 
Our fruftrate fearch on land .• well, let him goe. 

Ant. I am right glad, that he's fo out of hope : 
Doe not for one repulfe forgoe the purpofe 
That you refolu'd t'effedt. 

Seb. The next aduantage will we take throughly. 

Ant. Let it be to night, 
For now they are opprefs'd with trauaile, they 
Will not, nor cannot vfe fuch vigilance 
As when they are frefli. 
Solemne and flrange Mujicke : and Proffer on the top (inv.'t- 

Jible :) Enter feuerall Jlrange fhapes, bringing in a Banket ; 

and dance about it ■with gentle aclions of falutations, and 

inuiting the King, &c. to eate, they depart. 

Seb. I fay to night ; no more. 

Al. What harmony is this ? my good friends, harke. 

Gon. Maruellous fweet Muficke. 

Alo. Giue vs kind keepers, heaues : what were thefe ? 

Seb. A liuing Drohrie : now I will beleeue 
That there are Vnicornes : that in ^Arabia 
There is one Tree, the Phcenix throne, one Phoenix 
At this houre reigning there. 

Ant. He beleeue both : 
And what do's elfe want credit, come to me 
And lie befworne 'tis true : Trauellers nere did lye, 
Though fooles at home condemne 'em. 

Gon. If in Naples 
I mould report this now, would they beleeue me ? 
If I mould fay I faw fuch Mands ; 
(For certes, thefe are people of the Mand) 
Who though they are of monftrous ihape, yet note 
Their manners are more gentle, kinde, then of 
Our humaine generation you mail finde 
Many, nay almoft any. 

Pro. Honeft Lord, 
Thou haft faid well : for fome of you there pre'fent ; 
Are worfe then diuels. 

Al. I cannot too much mufe 
Such fhapes, fuch gefture, and fuch found expreffing 
(Although they want the vfe of tongue) a kinde 
Of excellent dumbe difcourfe. 

Pro. Praife in departing. 

Fr. They vanifti'd ftrangely. 

Seb. No matter, fince (macks. 

They haue left their Viands behinde ; for wee haue fto- 
Wilt pleafe you tafte of what is here f 

Alo. Not I. (Boyes 

Gon. Faith Sir, you neede not feare .• when wee were 
Who would beleeue that there were Mountayneeres, 
Dew-lapt, like Buls, whofe throats had hanging at'em 
Wallets of flefh ? or that there were fuch men 



Whofe heads flood in their brefts ? which now we finde 
Each putter out of fiue for one, will bring vs 
Good warrant of. 

Al. I will ftand to, and feede, 
Although my laft, no matter, fince I feele 
The beft is paft : brother : my Lord, the Duke, 
Stand too, and doe as we. 
thunder and Lightning. Enter Ariel! [like a Harpey) claps 

his wings -upon the Table, and with a auient deuice the 

Banquet •vanifhes. 

*Ar. You are three men of finne, whom deftiny 
That hath to inftrument this lower world, 
And what is in't : the neuer furfeited Sea, 
Hath caus'd to belch vp you ; and on this Ifland, 
Where man doth not inhabit, you 'mongft men, 
Being moft vnfit to liue : I haue made you mad ; 
And euen with fuch like valour, men hang, and drowne 
Their proper felues : you fooles, I and my fellowes 
Are minifters of Fate, the Elements 
Of whom your fwords are temper'd, may as well 
Wound the loud windes, or with bemockt-at-Stabs 
Kill the ftill clofing waters, as diminifh 
One dowle that's in my plumbe : My fellow minifters 
Are like-invulnerable : if you could hurt, 
Your fwords are now too maffie for your ftrengths, 
And will not be vplifted : But remember 
(For that's my bufinefle to you) that you three 
From (JVEillaine did fupplant good Profpero, 
Expos'd vnto the Sea (which hath requit it) 
Him, and his innocent childe ; for which foule deed, 
The Powres, delaying (not forgetting) haue 
Incens'd the Seas, and Shores ; yea, all the Creatures 
Againft your peace : Thee of thy Sonne, Alonfo 
They haue bereft; and doe pronounce by me 
Lingring perdition (worfe then any death 
Can be at once) fhall ftep, by ftep attend 
You, and your wayes, whofe wraths to guard you from, 
Which here, in this moft defolate Me, elfe fals 
Vpon your heads, is nothing but hearts-forrow, 
And a cleere life enfuing. 

He "vanifhes in Thunder : then {to foft Mujicke.) Enter the 
Jhapes againe, and daunce [with mockes and mowes) and 

carrying out the Table. 

Pro. Brauely the figure of this Harpie, haft thou 
Perform'd (my Ariell) a grace it had deuouring: 
Of my Inftrudlion, haft thou nothing bated 
In what thou had'ft to fay : fo with good life, 
And obferuation ftrange, my meaner minifters 
Their feuerall kindes haue done : my high charmes work, 
And thefe (mine enemies^ are all knit vp 
In their diftra&ions : they now are in my powre ; 
And in thefe fits, I leaue them, while I vifit 
Yong Ferdinard (whom they fuppofe is droun'd) 
And his, and mine lou'd darling. 

Gon. I'th name of fomething holy, Sir, why ftand you 
In this ftrange ftare ? 

cAl. O, it is monftrous ; monftrous : 
Me thought the billowes fpoke, and told me of it, 
The windes did fing it to me ; and the Thunder 
(That deepe and dreadfull Organ-Pipe) pronounc'd 
The name of Proffer ; it did bafe my Trefpaffe, 
Therefore my Sonne i'th Ooze is bedded ; and 
I'le feeke him deeper then ere plummet founded, 
And with him there lye mudded. Exit. 

Seb. But one feend at a time, 
He fight their Legions ore. 

B Ant. 



H 



The Tempeft. 



Ant. He be thy Second. Exeunt. 

Gon. All three of them are defperate : their great guilt 
(Like poyfon giuen to worke a great time after) 
Now gins to bite the fpirits : I doe befeech you 
(That are of fuppler ioynts) follow them fwiftly, 
And hinder them from what this extafie 
May now prouoke them to. 

Ad. Follow, I pray you. Exeunt omnes. 



ABus Quartus. Scena ^Prima. 



Enter Profpero, Ferdinand, and Miranda. 

Pro. If I haue too aufterely puni/h'd you, 
Your compenfation makes amends, for I 
Haue giuen you here, a third of mine owne life, 
Or that for which I liue : who, once againe 
I tender to thy hand : All thy vexations 
Were but my trials of thy loue, and thou 
Haft ftrangely ftood the teft : here, afore heauen 
I ratifie this my rich guift : O Ferdinand, 
Doe not fmile at me, that I boaft her of, 
For thou ihalt finde fhe will out-ftrip all praife 
And make it halt, behinde her. 

Fer, I doe beleeue it 
Againft an Oracle. 

Pro. Then, as my gueft, and thine owne acquifition 
Worthily purchas'd, take my daughter : But 
If thou do'ft breake her Virgin-knot, before 
All fanctimonious ceremonies may 
With full and holy right, be miniftred, 
No fweet afperfion mail the heauens let fall 
To make this contracT grow; but barraine hate, 
Sower-ey'd difdaine, and difcord mall beftrew 
The vnion of your bed, with weedes fo loathly 
That you /hall hate it both : Therefore take heede, 
As Hymens Lamps fhall light you. 

Fer. As I hope 
For quiet dayes, faire IfTue, and long life, 
With fuch loue, as 'tis now the murkieft den, 
The moft opportune place, the ftrongft fuggeftion, 
Our worfer Genius can, fhall neuer melt 
Mine honor into luft, to take away 
The edge of that dayes celebration, 
When I mail thinke, or Pheebui Steeds are founderd, 
Or Night kept chain'd below. 

Pro. Fairely fpoke ; 
Sit then, and talke with her, me is thine owne ; 
What Ariel!; my induftrious feruat Ariel/. Enter ArielL 

Ar. What would my potent matter ? here I am. 

Pro. Thou, and thy meaner fellowes, your laft feruice 
Did worthily performe : and I muft vfe you 
In fuch another tricke : goe bring the rabble 
(Ore whom I giue thee powre) here, to this place : 
Incite them to quicke motion, for I muft 
Beftow vpon the eyes of this yong couple 
Some vanity of mine Art : it is my promife, 
And they expecT it from me. 

Ar. Prefently? 

Pro. I ; with a twincke. 

zAr. Before you can fay come, and goe, 
And breathe twice ; and cry, fo, fo : 
Each one tripping on his Toe, 
Will be here with mop, and mowe. 
Doe you loue me Mafter ? no ? 



Pro. Dearely, my delicate Ariel!: doe not approach 
Till thou do'ft heare me call. 

Ar. Well; I conceiue. Exit. 

Pro. Looke thou be true : doe not giue dalliance 
Too much the raigne : the ftrongeft oathes, are ftraw 
To th'fire ith' blood : be more abftenious, 
Or elfe good night your vow. 

Fer. I warrant you, Sir, 
The white cold virgin Snow, vpon my heart 
Abates the ardour of my Liuer. 

Pro. Well. 
Now come my Ariel!, bring a Corolary, 
Rather then want a Spirit ; appear, & pertly. Soft mufiek. 
No tongue ; all eyes : be filent. Enter Iris. 

Ir. Ceres, moft bounteous Lady, thy rich Leas 
Of Wheate, Rye, Barley, Fetches, Oates and Peafe ; 
Thy Turphie-Mountaines, where liue nibling Sheepe, 
And flat Medes thetchd with Stouer, them to keepe : 
Thy bankes with pioned, and twilled brims 
Which fpungie April!, at thy heft betrims ; 
To make cold Nymphes chaft crownes ; & thy broome- 
Whofe Ihadow the difmifTed Batchelor loues, (grouesj 
Being laffe-lorne : thy pole-clipt vineyard , 
And thy Sea-marge ftirrile, and rockey-hard, 
Where thou thy felfe do'ft ayre, the gueene o'th Skie, 
Whofe watry Arch, and meflenger, am I. 
Bids thee leaue thefe, & with her foueraigne grace, Iuno 
Here on this grafTe-plot, in this very place descends. 

To come, and fport : here Peacocks flye amaine ; 
Approach, rich Ceres, her to entertaine. Enter Ceres. 

Cer. Haile, many-coloured MefTenger, that nere 
Do'ft difobey the wife of Iupiter : 
Who, with thy faffiron wings, vpon my flowres 
Diffufeft hony drops, refrefhing fhowres, 
And with each end of thy blew bowe do'ft crowne 
My boskie acres, and my vnfhrubd downe, 
Rich fcarph to my proud earth : why hath thy gueene 
Summond me hither, to this fhort gras'd Greene f 

Ir. A contracT: of true Loue, to celebrate, 
And fome donation freely to eftate 
On the bies'd Louers. 

Cer. Tell me heauenly Bowe, 
If Venus or her Sonne, as thou do'ft know, 
Doe now attend the gueene ? fince they did plot 
The meanes, that duskie DU, my daughter got, 
Her, and her blind-Boyes fcandald company, 
I haue forfworne. 

Ir. Of her focietie 
Be not afraid : I met her deitie 
Cutting the clouds towards Paphos : and her Son 
Doue-drawn with her : here thought they to haue done 
Some wanton charme, vpon this Man and Maide, 
Whofe vowes are, that no bed -right ihall be paid 
Till Hymens Torch be lighted : but in vaine, 
Marfes hot Minion is returnd againe, 
Her wafpiih headed fonne, has broke his arrowes, 
Swears he will fhoote no more, but play with Sparrows, 
And be a Boy right out. 

Cer. Higheft gueene of State, 
Great Iuno comes, I know her by her gate. 

Iu. How do's my bounteous fifter ? goe with me 
To blefle this twaine, that they may profperous be, 
And honourd in their IfTue. Tbey Sing. 

Iu. Honor, riches, marriage, blejfing, 
Long continuance, and encreajing, 
Hourely ioyes, be JIM vpon you, 

Iuno 



TheTempeJi. 



*5 



lunoftngs her blejjings on you. 
Earths increafe,foy-zon plentie, 
Barnes, and Garners, neuer empty. 
Vines, ivith clujiring bunches growing, 
Plants, ivtth goodly burthen bowing : 
Spring come to you at the fartheft, 
In the very end of Haruefi. 
Scarcity and ivant jhall jhun you, 
Ceres blejftngfo is on you. 
Fer. This is a moft maiefticke virion, and 
Harmonious charmingly : may I be bold 
To thinke thefe fpirits ? 

Pro. Spirits, which by mine Art 
I haue from their confines call'd to enaft 
My preient fancies. 

Fer. Let me hue here euer, 
So rare a wondred Father, and a wife 
Makes this place Paradife. 

Pro. Sweet now, filence : 
Iuno and Ceres whifper ferioufly, 
There's fomething elfe to doe : hufh, and be mute 
Or elfe our fpell is mar'd. 

Iuno and Ceres ivhijper, and fend Iris on employment. 
Iris. You Nimphs cald Nayades of y windring brooks, 
With your fedg'd crownes, and euer-harmelefle lookes, 
Leaue your crifpe channels, and on this greene-Land 
Anfwere your fummons, Iuno do's command. 
Come temperate Nimphes, and helpe to celebrate 
A Contract of true Loue : be not too late. 
Enter Certaine Nimphes. 
You Sun-burn'd Sicklemen of Auguft weary, 
Come hether from the furrow, and be merry, 
Make holly day : your Rye-ftraw hats put on, 
And thefe frefti Nimphes encounter euery one 
In Country footing. 

Enter certaine Reapers (properly habited : ) they ioyne -with 
the Nimphes, in a gracefull dance, towards the end where- 
of, Profpero ftarts Jodainly andfpeakes, after "which to a 
ftrange hollow and confufed noyje, they heauily •vanifh. 
Pro. I had forgot that foule confpiracy 
Of the bead Qalliban, and his confederates 
Againft my life: the minute of their plot 
Is almoft come: Well done, auoid : no more. 

Fer. This is ftrange : your fathers in fome paffion 
That workes him ftrongly. 
Mir. Neuer till this day 
Saw I him touch'd with anger, fo diftemper'd. 

Pro. You doe looke (my fon) in a mou'd fort, 
As if you were difmaid : be cheerefull Sir, 
Our Reuels now are ended : Thefe our a&ors , 
(As I foretold you) were all Spirits, and 
Are melted into Ayre, into thin Ayre, - ' A 

And like the bafelefie fabricke of this virion 
The Clowd-capt Towres, the gorgeous Pallaces, 
The folemne Temples, the great Globe it felfe, 
Yea, all which it inherit, ihall difTolue, 
And like this infubftantiall Pageant faded 
Leaue not a racke behinde : we are fuch ftuffe 
As dreames are made on ; and our little life 
Is rounded with a fleepe : Sir, I am vext, 
Beare with my weakenefie, my old braine is troubled : 
Be not difturb'd with my infirmitie, 
If you be pleas'd, retire into my Cell, 
And there repofe, a turne or two, He walke 
To ftill my beating minde. 

Fer. Mir. We wiih your peace. Exit. 



Pro. Come with a thought ; I thank thee Ariell : come. 
Enter Ariell. 

Ar. Thy thoughts I cleaue to, what's thy pleafure ? 

Pro. Spirit : We muft prepare to meet with Caliban. 

Ar. I my Commander, when I prefented Ceres 
I thought to haue told thee of it, but I fear'd 
Leaft 1 might anger thee. 

Pro. Say again, where didft thou leaue thefe varlots ? 

Ar. I told you Sir, they were red-hot with drinking, 
So full of valour, that they fmote the ayre 
For breathing in their faces : beate the ground 
For kifling of their feete ; yet alwaies bending 
Towards their proiecl: : then I beate my Tabor, 
At which like vnback't colts they prickt their eares, 
Aduanc'd their eye-lids, lifted vp their nofes 
As they fmelt muficke, fo I charm 'd their eares 
That Calfe-like, they my lowing follow'd, through 
Tooth'd briars, fharpe firzes, pricking gofle, & thorns, 
Which entred their fraile fhins : at laft I left them 
I'th' filthy mantled poole beyond your Cell, 
There dancing vp to th'chins, that the fowle Lake 
Ore-ftunck their feet. 

Pro. This was well done (my bird^) 
Thy fhape inuifible retaine thou ftill : 
The trumpery in my houfe, goe bring it hither 
For ftale to catch thefe theeues. Ar. I go, I goe. Exit. 

Pro. A Deuill, a borne-Deuill, on whofe nature 
Nurture can neuer fticke : on whom my paines 
Humanely taken, all, all loft, quite loft, 
And, as with age, his body ouglier growes, 
So his minde cankers : I will plague them all , 
Euen to roaring : Come, hang on them this line. 

Enter Ariell, loaden ivith gliftering apparell, &c. Enter 
Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo, all wet. 

Cal. Pray you tread foftly, that the blinde Mole may 
not heare a foot fall : we now are neere his Cell. 

St. Monfter, your Fairy, w you fay is a harmles Fairy, 
Has done little better then plaid the Iacke with vs. 

Trin. Monfter, I do fmell all horfe-pilfe, at which 
My nofe is in great indignation. 

Ste. So is mine. Do you heare Monfter t If I fhould 
Take a difpleafure againft you : Looke you. 

Trin. Thou wert but a loft Monfter. 

Cal. Good my Lord, giue me thy fauour ftil, 
Be patient, for the prize He bring thee too 
Shall hudwinke this mifchance : therefore fpeake foftly, 
All's hufht as midnight yet. 

Trin. I, but to loofe our bottles in the Poole. 

Ste. There is not onely difgrace and dimonor in that 
Monfter, but an infinite loffe. 

Tr. That's more to me then my wetting : 
Yet this is your harmlefle Fairy, Monfter. 

Ste. I will fetch off my bottle, 
Though I be o're eares for my labour. 

Qal. Pre-thee (my King) be quiet. Seeft thou heere 
This is the mouth o'th Cell : no noife, and enter : 
Do that good mifcheefe, which may make this Ifland 
Thine owne for euer, and I thy Caliban 
For aye thy foot-licker. 

Ste. Giue me thy hand, 
I do begin to haue bloody thoughts. 

Trin. O King Stephano, O Peere : O worthy Stephano, 
Looke what a wardrobe heere is for thee. 

Cal. Let it alone thou foole, it is but trafh. 

Tri. Oh, ho, Monfter : wee know what belongs to a 
frippery, O King Stephano. 

B 2 Ste. Put 



The Tempeji. 



Ste. Put off that gowne (Trinculo) by this hand He 
haue that gowne. 

Tri. Thy grace /hall haue it. (meane 

Cal. The dropfie drowne this foole , what doe you 
To doate thus on fuch luggage ? let's alone 
And doe the murther firft : if he awake , 
From toe to crowne hee'l fill our skins with pinches, 
Make vs ftrange ftuffe. 

Ste. Be you quiet (Monfter) Miftris line, is not this 
my Ierkin ? now is the Ierkin vnder the line : now Ier- 
kin you are like to lofe your haire, & proue a bald Ierkin. 

Trin. Doe, doe ; we fteale by lyne and leuell , and't 
like your grace. 

Ste. I thank thee for that ieft ; heer's a garment for't : 
Wit ihall not goe vn-rewarded while I am King of this 
Country : Steale by line and leuell, is an excellent paffe 
of pate : there's another garment for't. 

Tri. Monfter , come put fome Lime vpon your fin- 
gers, and away with the reft. 

Cal. I will haue none on't : we ihall loofe our time, 
And all be turn'd to Barnacles, or to Apes 
With foreheads villanous low. 

Ste. Monfter, lay to your fingers : helpe to beare this 
away, where my hogfhead of wine is, or He turne you 
out of my kingdome : goe to, carry this. 

Tri. And this. 

Ste. I , and this. 

A noyfe of Hunters heard. Enter diuers Spirits in Jbape 
of Dogs and Hounds, hunting them about : Projpero 
and zAriel jetting them on. 

Pro. Hey aMountaine, hey. 

Art. Siluer : there it goes, Siluer. 

Pro. Fury, Fury : there Tyrant, there : harke, harke. 
Goe, charge my Goblins that they grinde their ioynts 
With dry Convultions, fliorten vp their finewes 
With aged Cramps, & more pinch-fpotted make them, 
Then Pard, or Cat o'Mountaine. 

Ari. Harke, they rore. 

Pro. Let them be hunted foundly : At this houre 
Lies at my mercy all mine enemies : 
Shortly ihall all my labours end, and thou 
Shalt haue the ayre at freedome : for a little 
Follow, and doe me feruice. Exeunt. 



oABus quintus : Sccena ^rima. 



Enter Profpero (in his Magicke robes) and Ariel. 

Pro. Now do's my Proie<3 gather to a head : 
My charmes cracke not : my Spirits obey, and Time 
Goes vpright with his carriage : how's the day ? 

cAr. On the fixt hower, at which time, my Lord 
You faid our worke fhould ceafe. 

Pro. I did fay fo, 
When firft I rais'd the Tempeft : fay my Spirit, 
How fares the King, and's followers? 

Ar. Confin'd together 
In the fame fafhion, as you gaue in charge, 
Iuft as you left them ; ail prifoners Sir 
In the Line-groue which weather-fends your Cell, 
They cannot boudge till your releafe : The King, 
His Brother, and yours, abide all three diftrafted, 
And the remainder mourning ouer them, 
Brim full of forrow, and difmay : but chiefly 



Him that you term'd Sir, the good old Lord Gonzallo, 
His teares runs downe his beard like winters drops 
From eaues of reeds : your charm fo ftrongly works 'em 
That if you now beheld them, your affections 
Would become tender. 

Pro. Doft thou thinke fo, Spirit? 

Ar. Mine would , Sir, were I humane. 

Pro. And mine Ihall. 
Haft thou (which art but aire) a touch, a feeling 
Of their afflictions, and fhall not my felfe, 
One of their kinde, that rellilh all as fharpely, 
Paffion as they, be kindlier mou'd then thou art? 
Thogh with their high wrongs I am ftrook to th' quick, 
Yet, with my nobler reafon, gainft my furie 
Doe I take part : the rarer Aftion is 
In vertue, then in vengeance : they, being penitent, 
The fole drift of my purpofe doth extend 
Not a frowne further : Goe, releafe them Aricll, 
My Charmes lie breake, their fences He reftore, 
And they ihall be themfelues. 

Ar. He fetch them. Sir. Exit. 

Pro. Ye Elues of hils, brooks, ftading lakes & groues, 
And ye, that on the fands with printleffe foote 
Doe chafe the ebbing-Neptune, and doe flie him 
When he comes backe : you demy-Puppets, that 
By Moone-ihine doe the greene fowre Ringlets make, 
Whereof the Ewe not bites : and you, whole paftime 
Is to make midnight-Mulhrumps, that reioyce 
To heare the folemne Curfewe, by whofe ayde 
(Weake Matters though ye be) I haue bedymn'd 
The Noone-tide Sun, call'd forth the mutenous windes, 
And twixt the greene Sea, and the azur'd vault 
Set roaring warre : To the dread ratling Thunder 
Haue I giuen fire, and rifted Lues ftowt Oke 
With his owne Bolt : The ftrong bafs'd promontorie 
Haue I made fhake, and by the fpurs pluckt vp 
The Pyne, and Cedar. Graues at my command 
Haue wak'd their fleepers, op'd, and let 'em forth 
By my fo potent Art. But this rough Magicke 
I heere abiure : and when I haue requir'd 
Some heauenly Muficke (which euen now I do) 
To worke mine end vpon their Sences, that 
This Ayrie-charme is for, Pie breake my ftaffe, 
Bury it certaine fadomes in the earth , 
And deeper then did euer Plummet found 
He drowne my booke. Solemne muficke. 

Heere enters Ariel before : Then Alonfo -with a franticke ge- 
Jiure, attended by Gonzalo. Sebaftian and Anthonio in 
like manner attended by Adrian and Francifco : They all 
enter the circle ivhich Profpero had made, and there ftand 
charm" d: ivhich Profpero objeruing, Jpeakes. 
A folemne Ayre, and the beft comforter, 
To an vnfetled fancie, Cure thy braines 
(Now vfeleffe) boile within thy skull : there ftand 
For you are Spell-ftopt. 
Holy Gonzallo, Honourable man, 
Mine eyes ev'n fociable to the fhew of thine 
Fall fellowly drops : The charme diffolues apace, 
And as the morning fteales vpon the night 
(Melting the darkeneffe) fo their rifing fences 
Begin to chace the ignorant fumes that mantle 
Their cleerer reafon. O good Gonzallo 
My true preferuer, and a loyall Sir, 
To him thou follow'ft ; I will pay thy graces 
Home both in word, and deede : Moft cruelly 

Didft 



The Tempeji. 



17 



Did thou Alonfo, vfe me, and my daughter : 

Thy brother was a furtherer in the Aft, 

Thou art pinch'd for't now Sebaftian. Flefli, and bloud, 

You, brother mine, that entertaine ambition, 

Expelld remorfe, and nature, whom, with Sebaftian 

(Whofe inward pinches therefore are moil ftrong) 

Would heere haue kill'd your King : I do forgiue thee, 

Vnnaturall though thou art : Their vnderftanding 

Begins to fwell, and the approching tide 

Will fhortly fill the reafonable more 

That now ly foule, and muddy : not one of them 

That yet lookes on me, or would know me : Ariel!, 

Fetch me the Hat, and Rapier in my Cell, 

I will difcafe me, and my felfe prefent 

As I was fometime Millaine : quickly Spirit, 

Thou fhalt ere long be free. 

Ariel! fngs, and helps to attire him. 
Where the Beejucks, there fuck I, 
In a Cowftips bell, I lie, 
There I cowch when Ozvles doe crie, 
On the Bans bade I doe fie 

after Sommer merrily. 
Merrily, merrily, pall I Hue now, 
Vnder the blojfom that hangs on the Bow. 

Pro. Why that's my dainty Ariel! : I ihall miffe 
Thee, but yet thou malt haue freedome : fo, fo, fo. 
To the Kings (hip, inuifible as thou art, 
There /halt thou finde the Marriners afleepe 
Vnder the Hatches : the Mafter and the Boat-fwaine 
Being awake, enforce them to this place ; 
And prefently, I pre'thee. 

Ar. I drinke the aire before me, and returne 
Or ere your pulfe twice beate. Exit. 

Gon. All torment, trouble, wonder, and amazement 
Inhabits heere : fome heauenly power guide vs 
Out of this fearefull Country. 

Pro. Behold Sir King 
The wronged Duke of Millaine, Projpero : 
For more affurance that a liuing Prince 
Do's now fpeake to thee, I embrace thy body, 
And to thee, and thy Company, I bid 
A hearty welcome. 

Alo. Where thou bee'ft he or no, 
Or fbme inchanted triflle to abufe me, 
(As late I haue beene) I not know : thy Pulfe 
Beats as of fleih, and blood : and fince I faw thee, 
Th'afflicYion of my minde amends, with which 
I feare a madneffe held me : this muft craue 
(And if this be at all) a moft ftrange ftory. 
Thy Dukedome I refigne, and doe entreat 
Thou pardon me my wrongs : But how mold Rroffiero 
Be liuing, and be heere ? 

Pro. Firft, noble Frend, 
Let me embrace thine age, whofe honor cannot 
Be meafur'd, or confin'd. 

Gotrz. Whether this be, 
Or be not, I'le not fweare. 

Pro. You doe yet tafte 
Some fubtleties o'th'Ifle, that will nor let you 
Beleeue things certaine : Wellcome, my friends all, 
But you, my brace of Lords, were I fo minded 
I heere could plucke his Highneffe frowne vpon you 
And iuftifie you Traitors : at this time 
I will tell no tales. 

Seb. The Diuell fpeakes in him : 

Pro. No: 



For you (moft wicked SirJ whom to call brother 
Would euen infedt my mouth, I do forgiue 
Thy rankeft fault; all of them : and require 
My Dukedome of thee, which, perforce I know 
Thou muft reftore. 

Alo. If thou beeft ProfPero 
Giue vs particulars of thy preferuation, 
How thou haft met vs heere, whom three howres fince 
Were wrackt vpon this Ihore ? where I haue loft 
(How (harp the point of this remembrance is) 
My deere fonne Ferdinand. 

Pro. I am woe for't, Sir. 

Alo. Irreparable is the loffe, and patience 
Saies, it is paft her cure. 

Pro. I rather thinke 
You haue not fought her helpe, of whofe foft grace 
For the like loffe, I haue her foueraigne aid, 
And reft my felfe content. 

Alo. You the like loffe ? 

Pro. As great to me, as late, and fupportable 
To make the deere loffe, haue I meanes much weaker 
Then you may call to comfort you ; for I 
Haue loft my daughter. 

Alo. A daughter ? 
Oh heauens, that they were liuing both in Nalpes 
The King and gueene there, that they were, 1 wilh 
My felfe were mudded in that oo-zie bed 
Where my fonne lies : when did you lofe your daughter ? 

Pro. In this laft Tempeft. I perceiue thefe Lords 
At this encounter doe fo much admire, 
That they deuoure their reafon, and fcarce thinke 
Their eies doe offices of Truth : Their words 
Are naturall breath : but howfoeu'r you haue 
Beene iuftled from your fences, know for certain 
That I am Profpero, and that very Duke 
Which was thruft forth of Millaine, who moft ftrangely 
Vpon this more (where you were wrackt) was landed 
To be the Lord on't: No more yet of this, 
For 'tis a Chronicle of day by day, 
Not a relation for a break-faft, nor 
Befitting this firft meeting : Welcome, Sir ; 
This Cell's my Court : heere haue I few attendants, 
And Subiefts none abroad : pray you looke in : 



My Dukedc 



u ha 



;iuen me againe, 



I will requite you with as good a thin 

At leaft bring forth a wonder, to content ye 

As much, as me my Dukedome. 

Here Profpero dijcouers Ferdinand and Miranda, flay- 
ing at Cbejfe. 

Mir. Sweet Lord, you play me falfe. 

Fer. No my deareft loue, 
I would not for the world. (wrangle, 

Mir. Yes, for a fcore of Kingdomes, you mould 
And I would call it faire play. 

Alo. If this proue 
A vifion of the Ifland, one deere Sonne 
Shall I twice loofe. 

Seb. A moft high miracle. 

Fer. Though the Seas threaten they are mercifull, 
I haue curs'd them without caufe. 

Alo. Now all the bleffings 
Of a glad father, compaffe thee about : 
Arife, and fay how thou cam'ft heere. 

Mir. O wonder ! 
How many goodly creatures are there heere ? 
How beauteous mankinde is ? O braue new world 

B 3 That 



The Tempeji. 



That has fuch people in't. 

Pro. "Tis new to thee. (play ? 

Alo. What is this Maid, with whom thou was't at 
Your eld'ft acquaintance cannot be three houres : 
Is file the goddeffe that hath feuer'd vs, 
And brought vs thus together ? 

Fer. Sir, (he is mortall ; 
But by immortall prouidence, {he's mine 5 
I chofe her when I could not aske my Father 
For his aduife : nor thought I had one : She 
Is daughter to this famous Duke of Millaine, 
Of whom, lb often 1 haue heard renowne, 
But neuer faw before : of whom I haue 
Receiu'd a fecond life ; and fecond Father 
This Lady makes him to me. 

Alo. I am hers. 
But O, how odly will it found, that I 
Muft aske my childe forgiuenefie r 

Pro. There Sir flop, 
Let vs not burthen our remembrances, with 
A heauinefle that's gon. 

Gon. I haue inly wept, 
Or ftiould haue fpoke ere this : looke downe you gods 
And on this couple drop a bleffed crowne ; 
For it is you, that haue chalk' d forth the way 
Which brought vs hither. 

Alo. I fay Amen, Gonzallo. 

Gon. Was Millaine thruft from Millaine, that his Iflue 
Should become Kings of Naples} O reioyce 
Beyond a common ioy, and fet it downe 
With gold on lading Pillers : In one voyage 
Did Qlaribell her husband finde at Tunis, 
And Ferdinand her brother , found a wife, 
Where he himfelfe was loft ; Projpero, his Dukedome 
In a poore Ifle ; and all of vs, our felues, 
When no man was his owne. 

Alo. Giue me your hands : 
Let griefe and forrow ftill embrace his heart, 
That doth not wifh you ioy. 

Gon. Be it fo, Amen. 

Enter Ariell, 'with the Mafler and Boatjivaine 
amazedly following. 

looke Sir, looke Sir, here is more of vs : 

1 prophefi'd, if a Gallowes were on Land 

This fellow could not drowne ; Now blafphemy, 
That fwear'ft Grace ore-boord, not an oath on more, 
Haft thou no mouth by land? 
What is the newes ? 

Bot. The beft newes is, that we haue fafely found 
Our King, and company ; The next ; our Ship, 
Which but three glafTes fince, we gaue out fplit, 
Is tyte, and yare, and brauely rig'd, as when 
We firft put out to Sea. 

Ar. Sir, all this feruice 
Haue I done fince I went. 

Pro. My trickfey Spirit. 

tAlo. Thefe are not naturall euents, they ftrengthen 
From ftrange, to ftranger : fay, how came you hither? 

'Bot. If I did thinke, Sir, I were well awake, 
I'ld ftriue to tell you : we were dead of fleepe, 
And (how we know not) all clapt vnder hatches, 
Where, but euen now, with ftrange, and feuerall noyfes 
Of roring, ftireeking, howling, gingling chaines, 
And mo diuerfitie of founds, all horrible. 
We were awak'd : ftraight way, at liberty; 
Where we, in all our trim, freihly beheld 



Our royall, good, and gallant Ship : our Mafter 
Capring to eye her : on a trice, fo pleafe you, 
Euen in a dreame, were we diuided from them, 
And were brought moaping hither. 

Ar. Was't well done ? 

Pro. Brauely (my diligence) thou fhalt be free. 

Alo. This is as ftrange a Maze, as ere men trod, 
And there is in this bufineffe, more then nature 
Was euer conduft of: fome Oracle 
Muft re&ifie our knowledge. 

Pro. Sir, my Leige, 
Doe not infeft your minde, with beating on 
The ftrangenefie of this bufineffe, at pickt leifure 
(Which /hall be fhortly fingle) Tie refolue you, 
(Which to you fhall feeme probable) of euery 
Thefe happend accidents .• till when, be cheerefull 
And thinke of each thing well : Come hither Spirit, 
Set Caliban, and his companions free : 
Vntye the Spell : How fares my gracious Sir ? 
There are yet miffing of your Companie 
Some few odde Lads, that you remember not. 

Enter Ariell, driuing in Caliban, Stephano, and 
Trinculo in their Jlolne Apparell. 

Ste. Euery man fhift for all the reft, and let 
No man take care for himfelfe ; for all is 
But fortune : Qoragio Bully-Monfter Corajio. 

Tri. If thefe be true fpies which I weare in my head, 
here's a goodly fight. 

Cal. O Setebos, thefe be braue Spirits indeede : 
How fine my Mafter is? I am afraid 
He will chaftife me. 

Seb. Ha, ha : 
What things are thefe, my Lord Anthonio? 
Will money buy em f 

cAnt. Very like : one of them 
Is a plaine Fi(h, and no doubt marketable. 

Pro. Marke but the badges of thefe men, my Lords, 
Then fay if they be true : This mifhapen knaue ; 
His Mother was a Witch, and one fo ftrong 
That could controle the Moone ; make flowes, and ebs, 
And deale in her command, without her power: 
Thefe three haue robd me, and this demy-diuell 5 
(For he's a baftard one) had plotted with them 
To take my life : two of thefe Fellowes, you 
Muft know, and owne, this Thing of darkeneffe, I 
Acknowledge mine. 

Cal. I fhall be pincht to death. 

Alo. Is not this Stephana, my drunken Butler ? 

Seb. He is drunke now ; 
Where had he wine ? 

<lAIo. And Trinculo is reeling ripe : where mould they 
Finde this grand Liquor that hath gilded 'em ? 
How cam'ft thou in this pickle? 

Tri. I haue bin in fuch a pickle fince I faw you laft, 
That I feare me will neuer out of my bones : 
I fhall not feare fly-blowing. 

Seb. Why how now Stephano? 

Ste. O touch me not, I am not Stephano, but a Cramp. 

Pro. You'ld be King o'the Ifle, Sirha? 

Ste. I fliould haue bin a fore one then. 

Alo. This is a ftrange thing as ere I look'd on. 

Pro. He is as difproportion'd in his Manners 
As in his fliape : Goe Sirha, to my Cell, 
Take with you your Companions : as you looke 
To haue my pardon, trim it handfomely. 

Cal. I that I will: and He be wife hereafter, 

And 



The Tempeji. 1 9 


And feeke for grace : what a thrice double Affe 


Where I haue hope to fee the nuptiall 


Was I to take this drunkard for a god? 


Of thefe our deere-belou'd, folemnized, 


And worfliip this dull foole ? 


And thence retire me to my Millaine, where 


Pro. Goe to, away. (found it. 


Euery third thought mail be my graue. 


Alo. Hence , and beftow your luggage where you 


Alo. I long 


Set. Or ftole it rather. 


To heare the ftory of your life ; which muft 


Pro. Sir, I inuite your HighnefTe, and your traine 


Take the eare ftarngely. 


To my poore Cell : where you fhall take your reft 


Pro. Tie deliuer all, 


For this one night, which part of it, lie wafte 


And promife you calme Seas, aufpicious gales, 


With fuch difcourfe, as I not doubt, mall make it 


And faile, fo expeditious, that mail catch 


Goe quicke away : The ftory of my life, 


Your Royall fleete farre off: My Ariel; chicke 


And the particular accidents, gon by 


That is thy charge : Then to the Elements 


Since I came to this Ifle : And in the morne 


Be free, and fare thou well : pleafe you draw neere. 


Tie bring you to your fliip , and fo to Naples , 


Exeunt omnes. 


E P I L O G V E, 


The Scene,an vn-inhabited Ifland 


fpoken by T'rq/pero. 


Shames of the ABors. 


"^" Ow my Charmes are all ore-throwne, 
And what Jlrengtb I bane's mine owne. 


Alonfo, K. of Naples ; 


Sebaftian his Brother. 


Which is moft faint : now 'tis true 


Profpero, the right Duke of Millaine. 


I mujl be heere confinde by you, 


Anthonio his brother, the vfurping Duke of Millaine. 


Orfent to Naples, Let me not 


Ferdinand, Son to the King of Naples. 


Since I haue my D uke dome got , 


Gonzalo, an honeft old Councellor. 


And pardon d the deceiuer, dwell 


Adrian, & Francifco, Lords. 


In this bare IJland, by your Spell, 


Caliban, a faluage and deformed fiaue. 


But releafe me from my bands 


Trinculo, a Iesler. 


With the helpe of your good hands : 


Stephana, a drunken Butler. 


Gentle breath of yours, my Sailes 


M after of a Ship. 


Muft fill, or elfe my proieilfailes, 


Boate-Swaine. 


Which was to pleafe : Now I want 


Marriners. 


Spirits to enforce : Art to inchant, 


Miranda, daughter to Profpero. 


And my ending is defpaire, 


Ariell, an ayrie fpirit. 


Vnleffe I be relied d by praier 


Iris \ 


Which pierces fo, that it affaults 


Ceres 


Mercy it f elfe, and frees all faults. 


Iuno \ Spirits. 


As you from crimes would pardon d be., 


Nymphes \ 


Let your Indulgence fet me free. Exit. 


Reapers ) 


FINIS. 




THE 



20 




THE 

Two Gentlemen of Verona, 

aASius primus, Scena prima. 



Valentine : Protheui, and Speed. 

Valentine. 
Eafe to perfwade, my louing Protheui ; 
Home-keeping-youth, haue euer homely wits, 
Wer't not affeftion chaines thy tender dayes 
To the fweet glaunces of thy honour'd Loue, 
I rather would entreat thy company, 
To lee the wonders of the world abroad, 
Then (liuing dully fluggardiz'd at home) 
Weare out thy youth with fhapeleffe idleneffe. 
But fince thou lou'ft ; loue ftill, and thriue therein, 
Euen as I would, when I to loue begin. 

Pro. Wilt thou be gone f Sweet Valentine ad ew, 
Thinke on thy Protheui , when thou (hap'ly) feeft 
Some rare note-worthy obieft in thy trauaile. 
Wiih me partaker in thy happineffe, 
When thou do'ft meet good hap ; and in thy danger, 
(If euer danger doe enuiron thee) 
Commend thy grieuance to my holy prayers, 
For I will be thy beadef-man, Valentine. 

XJal. And on a loue-booke pray for my fucceffe ? 

Pro. Vpon fome booke I loue, Tie pray for thee. 

Val. That's on fome fhallow Storie of deepe loue, 
How yong Leander croft the Helkfpont. 

Pro. That's a deepe Storie, of a deeper loue, 
For he was more then ouer-fhooes in loue. 

%)al. 'Tis true ; for you are ouer-bootes in loue, 
And yet you neuer fwom the Hellefpont. 

Pro. Ouer the Bootes ? nay giue me not the Boots. 

Val. No, I will not ; for it boots thee not. 

Pro. What i (grones : 

Val. To be in loue ; where fcorne is bought with 
Coy looks, with hart-fore fighes : one fading moments 
With twenty watchfull, weary, tedious nights ; (mirth, 
If hap'ly won, perhaps a hapleffe gaine ; 
If loft, why then a grieuous labour won ; 
How euer : but a folly bought with wit, 
Or elfe a wit, by folly vanqui/hed. 

Pro. So, by your circumftance, you call me foole. 

"Val. So, by your circumftance, I feare you'll proue. 

Pro. 'Tis Loue you cauill at, I am not Loue. 

Val. Loue is your mafter, for he mafters you ; 
And he that is fo yoked by a foole, 
Me thinkes Ihould not be chronicled for wife. 

Pro. Yet Writers fay ; as in the fweeteft Bud, 
The eating Canker dwels ; fo eating Loue 
Inhabits in the fineft wits of all. 

Val. And Writers fay ; as the moft forward Bud 



Is eaten by the Canker ere it blow, 

Euen fo by Loue, the yong, and tender wit 

Is turn'd to folly, blafting in the Bud, 

Loofing his verdure, euen in the prime, 

And all the faire effefts of future hopes. 

But wherefore wafte I time to counfaile thee 

That art a votary to fond defire ? 

Once more adieu : my Father at the Road 

Expefts my comming, there to fee me fhip'd. 

Pro. And thither will I bring thee Valentine. 

Val. Sweet Protheus, no : Now let vs take our leaue : 
To '^Millaine let me heare from thee by Letters 
Of thy fucceffe in loue ; and what newes elfe 
Betideth here in abience of thy Friend : 
And I likewife will vifite thee with mine. 

Pro. All happineffe bechance to thee in Millaine. 
Val. As much to you at home : and fo farewell. Exit. 

Pro. He after Honour hunts, I after Loue ; 
He leaues his friends, to dignifie them more ; 
I loue my felfe, my friends, and all for loue : 
Thou Iulia thou haft metamorphis'd me : 
Made me negleft my Studies, loofe my time ; 
Warre with good counfaile; fet the world at nought; 
Made Wit with mufing, weake ; hart lick with thought. 

6^>. Sir Protheui : 'faue you : faw you my Mafter ? 

Pro. But now he parted hence to embarque for Millain. 

Sp. Twenty to one then, he is fhip'd already, 
And I haue plaid the Sheepe in loofing him. 

Pro. Indeede a Sheepe doth very often ftray, 
And if the Shepheard be awhile away. 

Sp. You conclude that my Mafter is a Shepheard then, 
and I Sheepe i 

Pro. I doe. 

Sp. Why then my homes are his homes, whether I 
wake or fleepe. 

Pro. A filly anfwere, and fitting well a Sheepe. 

Sp. This proues me ftill a Sheepe. 

Pro. True : and thy Mafter a Shepheard. 

Sp. Nay, that I can deny by a circumftance. 

Pro. It fhall goe hard but ile proue it by another. 

Sp. The Shepheard feekes the Sheepe, and not the 
Sheepe the Shepheard ; but I feeke my Mafter, and my 
Mafter feekes not me : therefore I am no Sheepe. 

Pro. The Sheepe for fodder follow the Shepheard, 
the Shepheard for foode followes not the Sheepe : thou 
for wages follower!: thy Mafter, thy Mafter for wages 
followes not thee : therefore thou art a Sheepe. 

Sp. Such another proofe will make me cry baa. 

Pro. But do'ft thou heare : gau'ft thou my Letter 
to Iulia ? 

Sp. I 



The two (gentlemen ofV* 



erona. 



Sp. I Sir : I (a loft-Mutton) gaue your Letter to her 
(a lac'd-Mutton) and (he (a lac'd-Mutton) gaue mee (a 
loft-Mutton) nothing for my labour. 

Pro. Here's too fmall a Pafture for fuch ftore of 
Muttons. 

^>. If the ground be ouer-charg'd, you were beft 
fticke her. 

Pro. Nay, in that you are aftray : 'twere beft pound 
you. 

Sp. Nay Sir, leffe then a pound (hall ferue me for car- 
rying your Letter. 

Pro. You miftake ; I meane the pound, a Pinfold. 

Sp. From a pound to a pin ? fold it ouer and ouer, 
'Tis threefold too little for carrying a letter to your louer 

Pro. But what faid fhe ? 

Sp. I. 

Pro. Nod-I, why that's noddy. 

Sp. You miftooke Sir : I fay fhe did nod ; 
And you aske me if fhe did nod, and I fay I. 

Pro. And that fet together is noddy. 

^>. Now you haue taken the paines to fet it toge- 
ther, take it for your paines. 

Pro. No, no, you fhall haue it for bearing the letter. 

Sp. Well, I perceiue I muft be faine to beare with you. 
Pro. Why Sir, how doe you beare with me ? 

Sp. Marry Sir, the letter very orderly, 
Hauing nothing but the word noddy for my paines. 

Pro. Befhrew me, but you haue a quicke wit. 

Sp. And yet it cannot ouer-take your flow purfe. 

Pro. Come, come, open the matter in briefe ; what 
faid me. 

Sp. Open your purfe, that the money, and the matter 
may be both at once deliuered. 

Pro. Well Sir : here is for your paines : what faid fhe ? 

Sp. Truely Sir, I thinke you'll hardly win her. 

Pro. Why ? could'ft thou perceiue fo much from her ? 

Sp. Sir, I could perceiue nothing at all from her ; 
No, not fo much as a ducket for deliuering your letter : 
And being fo hard to me, that brought your minde ; 
I feare fhe'll proue as hard to you in telling your minde. 
Giue her no token but ftones, for fhe's as hard as fteele. 

Pro. What faid fhe, nothing ? 

Sp. No, not fo much as take this for thy pains : (me ; 
To teftifie your bounty, I thank you, you haue ceftern'd 
In requital whereof, henceforth, carry your letters your 
felfe ; And fo Sir, I'le commend you to my Mafter. 

Pro. Go, go, be gone, to faue your Ship from wrack, 
Which cannot perifh hauing thee aboarde, 
Being deftin'd to a drier death on fhore ; 
I muft goe fend fome better MefTenger, 
I feare my Iulia would not daigne my lines, 
Receiuing them from fuch a worthleffe poft. Exit. 



Sccena Secunda 



Enter Iulia and Lucetta. 

Iul. But fay Lucetta (now we are alone) 
Would'ft thou then counfaile me to fall in loue? 

Luc. I Madam, fo you ftumble not vnheedfully. 

Iul. Of all the faire refort of Gentlemen, 
That euery day with par'le encounter me, 



In thy opinion which is worthieft loue ? 

Lu. Pleafe you repeat their names, ile fhew my minde, 
According to my fhallow fimple skill. 

lu. What thinkft thou of the faire fir Eglamoure ? 

Lu. As of a Knight, well-fpoken, neat, and fine ; 
But were I you, he neuer fhould be mine. 

Iu. What think'ft thou of the rich cMercatlo f 

Lu. Well of his wealth ; but of himfelfe, fo, fo. 

Iu. What think'ft thou of the gentle Protheui! 

Lu. Lord, Lord : to fee what folly raignes in vs. 
Iu. How now ? what meanes this paffion at his name ? 
Lu. Pardon deare Madam, 'tis a paffing fhame, 
That I (vnworthy body as I am) 
Should cenfure thus on louely Gentlemen. 

Iu. Why not on Protbeui, as of all the reft r 

Lu. Then thus : of many good, I thinke him beft. 

Iul. Your reafon ? 

Lu. I haue no other but a womans reafon : 
I thinke him fo, becaufe I thinke him fo. 

Iul. And would'ft thou haue me caft my loue on him ? 

Lu. I : if you thought your loue not caft away. 

Iul. Why he, of all the reft, hath neuer mou'd me. 

Lu. Yet he, of all the reft, I thinke beft loues ye. 

Iul. His little fpeaking, fhewes his loue but fmall. 

Lu. Fire that's clofeft kept, burnes moft of all. 

Iul. They doe not loue, that doe not fhew their loue. 

Lu. Oh, they loue leaft, that let men know their loue. 

Iul. I would I knew his minde. 

Lu. Perufe this paper Madam. 

Iul. To Iulia : fay, from whom ? 

Lu. That the Contents will fhew. 

Iul. Say, fay : who gaue it thee ? 

Lu. Sir Valentines page : & fent I think from Protheiu; 
He would haue giuen it you, but I being in the way, 
Did in your name receiue it : pardon the fault I pray. 

Iul. Now (by my modefty) a goodly Broker : 
Dare you prefume to harbour wanton lines ? 
To whifper, and confpire againft my youth ? 
Now truft me, 'tis an office of great worth, 
And you an officer fit for the place : 
There : take the paper : fee it be return'd, 
Or elfe returne no more into my fight. 

Lu. To plead for loue, deferues more fee, then hate. 
Iul. Will ye be gon ? 

Lu. That you may ruminate. Exit. 

Iul. And yet I would I had ore-look'd the Letter ; 
It were a fhame to call her backe againe, 
And pray her to a fault, for which I chid her. 
What 'foole is fhe, that knowes I am a Maid, 
And would not force the letter to my view i 
Since Maides, in modefty, fay no, to that, 
Which they would haue the profferer conftrue, I. 
Fie, fie ; how way- ward is this foolifh loue ; 
That (like a teftie Babe) will fcratch the Nurfe, 
And prefently, all humbled kiffe the Rod ? 
How churlifhly, I chid Lucetta hence, 
When willingly, I would haue had her here ? 
How angerly I taught my brow to frowne, 
When inward ioy enforc'd my heart to fmile ? 
My pennance is, to call Lucetta backe 
And aske remiffion, for my folly paft. 
What hoe : Lucetta. 

Lu. What would your Ladifhip ? 

Iul. Is't neere dinner time ? 

Lu. I would it were, 
That you might kill your ftomacke on your meat, 

And 



22 



The two (jentlemen of Verona. 



And not vpon your Maid. 

Iu. What is't that you 
Tooke vp fo gingerly ? 

Lu. Nothing. 

Iu. Why didft thou ftoope then ? 

Lu. To take a paper vp, that I let fall. 

Jul. And is that paper nothing ? 

Lu. Nothing concerning me. 

Iu/. Then let it lye, for thofe that it concernes. 

Lu. Madam, it will not lye where it concernes, 
Vnleffe it haue a falfe Interpreter. 

lul. Some loue of yours, hath writ to you in Rime. 

Lu. That I might fing it fMadam) to a tune : 
Giue me a Note, your Ladifhip can fet 

lul. As little by fuch toyes, as may be pomble : 
Belt fing it to the tune of Light 0, Loue. 

Lu. It is too heauy for fo light a tune. 

Iu. Heauy ? belike it hath fome burden then ? 

Lu. I : and melodious were it, would you fing it, 

Iu. And why not you ? 

Lu. I cannot reach fo high. 

Iu. Let's fee your Song : 
How now Minion ? 

Lu. Keepe tune there ftill ; fo you will fing it out : 
And yet me thinkes I do not like this tune. 

Iu. You doe not ? 

Lu. No fMadam) tis too fharpe. 

Iu. You (Minion) are too faucie. 

Lu. Nay, now you are too flat ; 
And marre the concord, with too harm a defcant : 
There wanteth but a Meane to fill your Song. 

Iu. The meane is dround with you vnruly bafe. 

Lu. Indeede I bid the bafe for Protheui. 

Iu. This babble fhall not henceforth trouble me ; 
Here is a coile with proteftation : 
Goe, get you gone : and let the papers lye ; 
You would be fingring them, to anger me. 

Lu. She makes it ftrage, but fhe would be beft pleas'd 
To be fo angred with another Letter. 

Iu. Nay, would I were fo angred with the fame : 
Oh hatefull hands, to teare fuch louing words ; 
Iniurious Wafpes, to feede on fuch fweet hony, 
And kill the Bees that yeelde it, with your flings ; 
He kiffe each feuerall paper, for amends : 
Looke, here is writ, kinde Iulia : vnkinde Iulia, 
As in reuenge of thy ingratitude, 
I throw thy name againft the bruzing-ftones, 
Trampling contemptuoufly on thy difdaine. 
And here is writ, Loue ivoundcd Protheui. 
Poore wounded name : my bofome, as a bed, 
Shall lodge thee till thy wound be throughly heal'd ; 
And thus I fearch it with a foueraigne kiffe. 
But twice, or thrice, was Protheui written downe : 
Be calme (good winde) blow not a word away, 
Till I haue found each letter, in the Letter, 
Except mine own name : That, fome whirle-winde beare 
Vnto a ragged, fearefull, hanging Rocke, 
And throw it thence into the raging Sea. 
Loe, here in one line is his name twice writ: 
Poore forlome Protheui, pajfionate Protheui : 
To the fweet Iulia : that ile teare away : 
And yet I will not, fith fo prettily 
He couples it, to his complaining Names 5 
Thus will I fold them, one vpon another ; 
Now kiffe, embrace, contend, doe what you will. 

Lu. Madam : dinner is ready : and your father ftaies. 



Iu. Well, let vs goe. 

Lu. What, fhall thefe papers lye, like Tel-tales here ? 

Iu. If you refpe<ft them ; beft to take them vp. 

Ln. Nay, I was taken vp, for laying them downe. 
Yet here they fhall not lye, for catching cold. 

Iu. I fee you haue a months minde to them. 

Lu. I (Madam) you may fay what fights you fee ; 
I fee things too, although you iudge I winke. 

Iu. Come, come, wilt pleafe you goe. Exeunt. 



Sccena Tertt 



Enter zAntonio and Panthino. Protheui. 

tAnt. Tell me Panthino, what fad talke was that, 
Wherewith my brother held you in the Cloyfter ? 

Pan. 'Twas of his Nephew Protheui, your Sonne. 

Ant. Why ? what of him ? 

Pan. He wondred that your Lordfhip 
Would fuffer him, to fpend his youth at home, 
While other men, of /lender reputation 
Put forth their Sonnes, to feeke preferment out. 
Some to the warres, to try their fortune there ; 
Some, to difcouer Iflands farre away : 
Some, to the ftudious Vniuerfities ; 
For any, or for all thefe exercifes, 
He faid, that Protheui, your fonne, was meet ; 
And did requeft me, to importune you 
To let him fpend his time no more at home ; 
Which would be great impeachment to his age, 
In hauing knowne no trauaile in his youth. 

Ant. Nor need'ft thou much importune me to that 
Whereon, this month I haue bin hamering. 
I haue confider'd well, his loffe of time, 
And how he cannot be a perfeft man, 
Not being tryed, and tutord in the world ; 
Experience is by induftry atchieu'd, 
And perfected by the fwift courfe of time : 
Then tell me, whether were I beft to fend him ? 

Pan. I thinke your Lordfhip is not ignorant 
How his companion, youthfull Valentine, 
Attends the Emperour in his royall Court. 

Ant. I know it well. (thither, 

Pan. 'Twere good, I thinke, your Lordfhip fent him 
There fhall he praftife Tilts, and Turnaments ; 
Heare fweet difcourfe, conuerfe with Noble-men, 
And be in eye of euery Exercife 
Worthy his youth, and nobleneffe of birth. 

Ant. I like thy counfaile : well haft thou aduis'd: 
And that thou maift perceiue how well I like it, 
The execution of it fhall make knowne; 
Euen with the fpeedieft expedition, 
I will difpatch him to the Emperors Court. 

Pan. To morrow, may it pleafe you, Don Alphonjo, 
With other Gentlemen of good efteeme 
Are iournying, to falute the Emperor, 
And to commend their feruice to his will. 

Ant. Good company : with them fhall Protheui go : 
And in good time : now will we breake with him. 

Pro. Sweet Loue, fweet lines, fweet life, 
Here is her hand, the agent of her heart; 
Here is her oath for loue, her honors paune ; 

O 



The two gentlemen qfV, 



erona. 



2 3 



that our Fathers would applaud our loues 
To feale our happineffe with their confents. 

Pro. Oh heauenly Iul'ia. 

Ant. How now ? What Letter are you reading there ? 

Pro. May't pleafe your Lordfhip, 'tis a word or two 
Of commendations fent from Valentine ; 
Deliuer'd by a friend, that came from him. 

Ant. Lend me the Letter : Let me fee what newes. 

Pro. There is no newes (my Lord) but that he writes 
How happily he Hues, how well-belou'd, 
And daily graced by the Emperor ; 
Wiming me with him, partner of his fortune. 

Ant. And how ftand you affected to his wiflh ? 

Pro. As one relying on your Lordfhips will, 
And not depending on his friendly wifh. 

Ant. My will is fomething forted with his wifh : 
Mufe not that I thus fodainly proceed ; 
For what I will, I will, and there an end : 

1 am refolu'd, that thou malt fpend fome time 
With Valentinu, in the Emperors Court : 
What maintenance he from his friends receiues, 
Like exhibition thou /halt haue from me, 

To morrow be in readineffe, to goe, 
Excufe it not : for I am peremptory. 

Pro. My Lord I cannot be fo foone prouided , 
Pleafe you deliberate a day or two. 

Ant. Look what thou want'ft fhalbe fent after thee : 
No more of ftay : to morrow thou muft goe ; 
Come on Panthmo ; you fhall be imployd, 
To haften on his Expedition. 

Pro. Thus haue I fhund the fire, for feare of burning, 
And drench'd me in the fea, where I am drown'd. 
I fear'd to ihew my Father Julias Letter, 
Leaft he mould take exceptions to my loue, 
And with the vantage of mine owne excufe 
Hath he excepted moft againft my loue. 
Oh, how this fpring of loue refembleth 
The vncertaine glory of an Aprill day, 
Which now ftiewes all the beauty of the Sun, 
And by and by a clowd takes all away. 

Pan. Sir Protheus, your Fathers call's for you, 
He is in haft, therefore I pray you go. 

Pro. Why this it is : my heart accords thereto, 
And yet a thoufand times it anfwer's no. 

Exeunt. Finis. 



<t4Busfecundus: Sccena ^rima. 



Enter Valentine, Speed, Siluia. 

Speed. Sir, your Gloue. 

Valen. Not mine : my Gloues are on. 

Sp. Why then this may be yours : for this is but one. 

Val. Ha ? Let me fee : I, giue it me, it's mine : 
Sweet Ornament, that deckes a thing diuine, 
Ah Siluia, Siluia. 

Speed. Madam Siluia : Madam Siluia. 

Val. How now Sirha ? 

Speed. Shee is not within hearing Sir. 

Val. Why fir, who bad you call her ? 

Speed. Your wormip fir, or elfe I miftooke. 

Val. Well : you'll ftill be too forward. 

Speed. And yet I was laft chidden for being too flow. 



Val. Goe to, fir, tell me : do you know Madam Siluia ? 
Speed. Shee that your worfhip loues ? 
Val. Why, how know you that I am in loue ? 
Speed. Marry by thefe fpeciall markes : firft, you haue 
learn'd (like Sir Protheus) to wreath your Armes like a 
Male-content: to rellilh a Loue-fong, like a Robin-reA- 
breaft : to walke alone like one that had the peftilence : 
to figh, like a Schoole-boy that had loft his A. 13. C. to 
weep like a yong wench that had buried her Grandam : 
to faft, like one that takes diet : to watch, like one that 
feares robbing : to fpeake puling , like a beggar at Hal- 
low-Maffe : You were wont, when you laughed, to crow 
like a cocke ; when you walk'd, to walke like one of the 
Lions : when you fafted , it was prefently after dinner : 
when you look'd fadly, it was for want of money : And 
now you are Metamorphis'd with a Miftris, that when I 
looke on you, I can hardly thinke you my Mafter. 
Val. Are all thefe things perceiu'd in me ? 

Speed. They are all perceiu'd without ye. 

Val. Without me ? they cannot. 

Speed. Without you ? nay, that's certaine : for with- 
out you were fo fimple , none elfe would : but you are 
fo without thefe follies, that thefe follies are within you, 
and mine through you like the water in an Vrinall : that 
not an eye that fees you , but is a Phyfician to comment 
on your Malady. 

Val. But tell me : do'ft thou know my Lady Siluia ? 

Speed. Shee that you gaze on fo, as flie fits at fupper? 

Val. Haft thou obferu'd that ? euen (he I meane. 

Speed. Why fir, I know her not. 

Val. Do'ft thou know her by my gazing on her, and 
yet know'ft her not ? 

Speed. Is ftie not hard-fauour'd , fir ? 

Val. Not fo faire (boy) as well fauour'd. 

Speed. Sir, I know that well enough. 

Val. What doft thou know ? 

Speed. That ihee is not fo faire, as ( of you ) well-fa- 
uourd f 

Val. I meane that her beauty is exquifite, 
But her fauour infinite. 

Speed. That's becaufe the one is painted , and the o- 
ther out of all count. 

Val. How painted ? and how out of count ? 

Speed. Marry fir, fo painted to make her faire, that no 
man counts of her beauty. 

Val. How efteem'ft thou me? I account of her beauty. 

Speed. You neuer faw her fince fhe was deform'd. 

Val. How long hath fhe beene deform'd ? 

Speed. Euer fince you lou'd her. 

Val. I haue lou'd her euer fince I faw her, 
And ftill I fee her beautifull. 

Speed. If you loue her, you cannot fee her. 

Val. Why? 

Speed. Becaufe Loue is blinde : O that you had mine 
eyes, or your owne eyes had the lights they were wont 
to haue, when you chidde at Sir Protheus, for going vn- 
garter'd. 

Val. What mould I fee then ? 

Speed. Your owne prefent folly , and her paffing de- 
formitie : for hee beeing in loue, could not fee to garter 
his hofe ; and you, beeing in loue , cannot fee to put on 
your hofe. (ning 

Val. Belike (boy) then you are in loue, for laft mor- 
You could not fee to wipe my /hooes. 

Speed. True fir: I was in loue with my bed, I thanke 
you, you fwing'd me for my loue, which makes mee the 

bolder 



2 4 



The two (gentlemen of Verona. 



bolder to chide you, for yours. 

Val. In conclufion, I ftand aft'e&ed to her. 

Speed. I would you were fet, fo your affection would 
ceafe. 

Val. Laft night fhe enioyn'd me , 
To write fome lines to one fhe loues. 

Speed. And haue you ? 

Val. I haue. 

Speed. Are they not lamely writt ? 

Val. No ( Boy) but as well as I can do them : 
Peace, here me comes. 

Speed. Oh excellent motion ; oh exceeding Puppet : 
Now will he interpret to her. 

Val. Madam & Miftres, a thoufand good-morrows. 

Speed. Oh, 'giue ye-good-ev'n : heer's a million of 
manners. 

Sil. Sir Valentine, and feruant, to you two thoufand. 

Speed. He mould giue her intereft : & fhe giues it him. 

Val. As you inioynd me ; I haue writ your Letter 
Vnto the fecret, nameles friend of yours : 
Which I was much vnwilling to proceed in, 
But for my duty to your Ladifhip. (done. 

Sil. I thanke you (gentle Seruant) 'tis very Clerkly- 

Val. Now truft me (MadamJ it came hardly-off: 
For being ignorant to whom it goes, 
I writ at randome, very doubtfully. 

Sil. Perchance you think too much of fo much pains? 

Val. No (Madam) fo it fteed you, I will write 
(Pleafe you command) a thoufand times as much : 
And yet 

Sil. A pretty period : well : I ghefle the fequell j 
And yet I will not name it : and yet I care not. 
And yet, take this againe : and yet I thanke you : 
Meaning henceforth to trouble you no more. 

Speed. And yet you will : and yet, another yet. 

Val. What meanes your Ladifhip ? 
Doe you not like it ? 

5/7. Yes, yes : the lines are very queintly writ , 
But (fince vnwillingly) take them againe. 
Nay, take them. 

Val. Madam, they are for you. 

Silu. I, I : you writ them Sir, at my requeft, 
But I will none of them : they are for you : 
I would haue had them writ more mouingly: 

Val. Pleafe you, He write your Ladifhip another. 

Sil. And when it's writ : for my fake read it ouer, 
And if it pleafe you, fo : if not : why fo : 

Val. If it pleafe me, (Madam ?) what then ? 

Sil. Why if it pleafe you, take it for your labour; 
And fo good-morrow Seruant. Exit. Sil. 

Speed. Oh left vnfeene : infcrutible : inuifible, 
As a nofe on a mans face, or a Wethercocke on a fteeple : 
My Mafter fues to her : and me hath taught her Sutor, 
He being her Pupill, to become her Tutor. 
Oh excellent deuife, was there euer heard a better ? 
That my mafter being fcribe , 
To himfelfe mould write the Letter ? 

Val. How now Sir ? 
What are you reafoning with your felfe ? 

Speed. Nay : I was riming : 'tis you y haue the reafon. 

Val. To doe what ? 

Speed. To be a Spokef-man from Madam Siluia. 

Val. To whom f 

Speed. To your felfe : why, me woes you by a figure. 

Val. What figure? 

Speed. By a Letter, I mould fay. 



Val. Why me hath not writ to me ? 

Speed. What need me, 
When fhee hath made you write to your felfe ? 
Why, doe you not perceiue the ieft ? 

Val. No, beleeue me. 

Speed. No beleeuing you indeed fir : 
But did you perceiue her earneft? 

Val. She gaue me none, except an angry word. 

Speed. Why /he hath giuen you a Letter. 

Val. That's the Letter I writ to her friend. 

Speed. And y letter hath me deliuer'd, & there an end. 

Val. I would it were no worfe. 

Speed. He warrant you, 'tis as well : 
For often haue you writ to her : and fhe in modefty , 
Or elfe for want of idle time, could not againe reply, 
Or fearing els fome meffeger, y might her mind difcouer 
Her felf hath taught her Loue himfelf, to write vnto her 
All this I fpeak in print, for in print I found it. (louer. 
Why mufe you fir, 'tis dinner time. 

Val. I haue dyn'd. 

Speed. I, but hearken fir : though the Cameleon Loue 
can feed on the ayre, I am one that am nourifiVd by my 
victuals ; and would faine haue meate : oh bee not like 
your Miftreffe, be moued, be moued. Sxeunt. 



Sccenafecunda. 



Enter Protbeui, Mia, Pantbion. 

Pro. Haue patience, gentle Iulia: 

Iul I muft where is no remedy. 

Pro. When poffibly I can, I will returne. 

Iul. If you turne not : you will return the fooner 
Keepe this remembrance for thy Iulia' $ fake. 

Pro. Why then wee'll make exchange ; 
Here, take you this. 

Iul. And feale the bargaine with a holy kifle. 

Pro. Here is my hand, for my true conftancie : 
And when that howre ore-flips me in the day, 
Wherein I figh not {Iulia) for thy fake, 
The next enfuing howre, fome foule mifchance 
Torment me for my Loues forgetfulneffe : 
My father ftaies my comming : anfwere not: 
The tide is now ; nay, not thy tide of teares , 
That tide will ftay me longer then I mould, 
Iulia, farewell : what, gon without a word ? 
I, fo true loue fhould doe ; it cannot fpeake, 
For truth hath better deeds, then words to grace it. 

Pantb. Sir Protbeui : you are ftaid for. 

Pro. Goe : I come, I come : 
Alas, this parting ftrikes pocre Louers dumbe. 



Sccena Tertia. 



Enter Launce, Pantbion. 
Launce. Nay, 'twill bee this howre ere I haue done 
weeping : all the kinde of the Launces , haue this very 
fault : I haue receiu'd my proportion, like the prodigious 

fonne, 



The fQoo gentlemen of Verona. 



2 5 



Sonne, and am going with Sir Protheui to the Imperialls 
Court : I thinke Crab my dog, be the fowreft natured 
dogge that Hues : My Mother weeping : my Father 
wayling : .my Sifter crying : our Maid howling : our 
Catte wringing her hands, and all our houfe in a great 
perplexitie, yet did not this cruell-hearted Curre fhedde 
one teare : he is a ftone, a very pibble ftone, and has no 
more pitty in him then a dogge : a lew would haue wept 
to haue feene our parting : why my Grandam hauing 
no eyes, looke you, wept her felfe blinde at my parting : 
nay, lie fhew you the manner of it. This ftiooe is my fa- 
ther : no, this left ihooe is my father ; no, no, this left 
ihooe is my mother : nay, that cannot bee fo neyther : 
yes; it is fo, it is fo : it hath the worfer fole : this ihooe 
with the hole in it, is my mother : and this my father : 
a veng'ance on't, there 'tis : Now fir, this ftaffe is my li- 
fter : for, looke you, fhe is as white as a lilly , and as 
fmall as a wand : this hat is Nan our maid : I am the 
dogge : no, the dogge is himfelfe, and I am the dogge : 
oh, the dogge is me, and I am my felfe : I ; fo, fo : now 
come I to my Father ; Father, your bleffing : now 
fhould not the ihooe fpeake a word for weeping : 
now ihould I kifle my Father ; well, hee weepes on : 
Now come I to my Mother : Oh that (he could fpeake 
now, like a would-woman : well, I kifle her : why 
there 'tis ; heere's my mothers breath vp and downe : 
Now come I to my fifter ; marke the moane fhe makes : 
now the dogge all this while meds not a teare .• nor 
fpeakes a word : but fee how I lay the duft with my 
teares. 

Panth. Launce, away, away : a Boord : thy Mafter is 
ftiip'd, and thou art to poft after with oares ; what's the 
matter? why weep'ft thou man? away afle, you'l loofe 
the Tide, if you tarry any longer. 

Laun. It is no matter if the tide were loft, for it is the 
vnkindeft Tide, that euer any man tide. 

Panth. What's the vnkindeft tide ? 

Lau. Why, he that's tide here, Crab my dog. 

Pant. Tut, man : I meane thou'lt loofe the flood, and 
in loofing the flood, loofe thy voyage, and in loofing thy 
voyage, loofe thy Mafter, and in loofing thy Mafter, 

loofe thy feruice, and in loofing thy feruice : why 

doft thou flop my mouth ? 

Laun. For feare thou fhouldft loofe thy tongue. 

Panth. Where fhould I loofe my tongue ? 

Lam. In thy Tale. 

Pautb. In thy Taile. 

Laun. Loofe the Tide, and the voyage, and the Ma- 
fter, and the Seruice, and the tide : why man, if the Ftiuer 
were drie, I am able to fill it with my teares : if the winde 
were downe, I could driue the boate with my fighes. 

Panth. Come : come away man , I was fent to call 
thee. 

Lau. Sir : call me what thou dar'ft. 

Pant. Wilt thou goe ? 

Laun. Well, I will goe. 

Exeunt. 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter Valentine, Siluia, Thurio, Speed, Duke, Protheus. 
Sil. Seruant. 
Val. Miftris. 



Spec. Mafter, Sir Thurio frownes on you. 

Val. I Boy, it's for loue. 

Spee. Not of you. 

Val. Of my Miftrefle then. 

Spee. 'Twere good you knockt him. 

Sil. Seruant, you are fad. 

Val. Indeed, Madam, I feeme fo. 

Thu. Seeme you that you are not ? 

Val. Hap'ly I doe. 

Thu. So doe Counterfeyts. 

Val. So doe you. 

Thu. What feeme I that I am not ? 

Val. Wife. 

Thu. What inftance of the contrary ? 

Val. Your folly. 

Thu. And how quoat you my folly ? 

Val. I quoat it in your Ierkin. 

Thu. My Ierkin is a doublet. 

Val. Well then, He double your folly. 

Thu. How? 

Sil. What, angry, Sir Thurio, do you change colour ? 

Val. Giue him leaue, Madam, he is a kind of Camelion. 

Thu. That hath more minde to feed on your bloud, 
then liue in your ayre. 

Val. You haue faid Sir. 

Thu. I Sir , and done too for this time. 

Val. I know it wel fir, you alwaies end ere you begin. 

Sil. A fine volly of words, gentleme, & quickly fhot off 

Val. 'Tis indeed, Mr. lam, we thank the giuer. 

Sil. Who is that Sen, mt ? 

Val. Your felfe (fwe^t Lady) for you gaue the fire, 
Sir Thurio borrows his wit from your Ladifhips lookes, 
And fpends what he borrowes kindly in your company. 

Thu. Sir, if you fpend word for word with me, I fhall 
make your wit bankrupt. (words, 

Val. I know it well fir : you haue an Exchequer of 
And I thinke, no other treafure to giue your followers : 
For it appeares by their bare Liueries 
That they liue by your bare words. 

Sil. No more, gentlemen, no more : 
Here comes my father. 

Duk. Now, daughter Siluia, you are hard befet. 
Sir Valentine, your father is in good health, 
What fay you to a Letter from your friends 
Of much good newes ? 

Val. My Lord, I will be thankfull, 
To any happy mefTenger from thence. 

Duk. Know ye, T>on Antonio, your Countriman ? 

Val. I, my good Lord, I know the Gentleman 
To be of worth, and worthy eftimation, 
And not without defert fo well reputed. 

Duk. Hath he not a Sonne ? 

Val. I, my good Lord, a Son, that well deferues 
The honor, and regard of fuch a father. 

Duk. Vou know him well f 

Val. I knew him as my felfe : for from our Infancie 
We haue conuerft, and fpent our howres together, 
And though my felfe haue beene an idle Trewant, 
Omitting the fweet benefit of time 
To cloath mine age with Angel-like perfection: 
Yet hath Sir Protbew (for that's his name) 
Made vfe, and faire aduantage of his daies : 
His yeares but yong, but his experience old : 
His head vn-mel lowed, but his Iudgement ripe ; 
And in a word (for far behinde his worth 
Comes all the praifes that I now beftow.) 

C He 



26 



The tVoo (gentlemen of Verona. 



He is compleat in feature, and in minde, 
With all good grace, to grace a Gentleman. 

T>uk. Befhrew me fir, but it" he make this good 
He is as worthy for an EmpreiTe loue, 
As meet to be an Emperors Councellor : 
Well, Sir : this Gentleman is come to me 
With Commendation from great Potentates, 
And heere he meanes to fpend his time a while, 
I thinke 'tis no vn-welcome newes to you. 

Val. Should I haue wifli'd a thing, it had beene he. 

Duk. Welcome him then according to his worth : 
Siluia, I fpeake to you, and you Sir Thurio , 
For Valentine, I need not cite him to it, 
I will fend him hither to you prefently. 

Val. This is the Gentleman I told your Ladi/hip 
Had come along with me, but that his MiftrefTe 
Did hold his eyes, lockt in her Chriftall lookes. 

SI. Be-like that now ihe hath enfranchis'd them 
Vpon fome other pawne for fealty. 

Val. Nay fure, I thinke fhe holds them prifoners ftil. 

SI. Nay then he fhould be blind, and being blind 
How could he fee his way to feeke out you ? 

Val. Why Lady, Loue hath twenty paire of eyes. 

Thur. They fay that Loue hath not an eye at all. 

Val. To fee fuch Louers, Thurio, as your felfe, 
Vpon a homely obiedt, Loue can winke. 

Sil. Haue done, haue done : here comesy gentleman. 

Val. Welcome, deer Protheui : Miftris, I befeech you 
Confirme his welcome, with fome fpeciall fauor. 

Sil. His worth is warrant for his welcome hether, 
If this be he you oft haue wifiYd to heare from. 

Val. Miftris, it is : fweet Lady, entertaine him 
To be my fellow-feruant to your Ladi/hip. 

Sil. Too low a Miftres for fo high a feruant. 

Pro. Not fo, fweet Lady, but too meane a feruant 
To haue a looke of fuch a worthy a MiftrefTe. 

Val. Leaue off difcourfe of difabilitie : 
Sweet Lady, entertaine him for your Seruant. 

Pro. My dutie will I boaft of, nothing elfe. 

Sil. And dutie neuer yet did want his meed. 
Seruant, you are welcome to a worthlefle MiftrefTe. 

Pro. He die on him that faies fo but your felfe. 

SI. That you are welcome r 

Pro. That you are worthleffe. (y ou - 

Thur. Madam, my Lord your father wold fpeak with 

Sil. I wait vpon his pleafure : Come Sir Thurio, 
Goe with me : once more, new Seruant welcome; 
He leaue you to confer of home affaires, 
When you haue done, we looke too heare from you. 

Pro. Wee'Il both attend vpon your Ladifhip. 

Val. Now tell me : how do al from whence you came ? 

Pro. Your frends are wel, & haue the much comended. 

Val. And how doe yours f 

Pro. I left them all in health. 

Val. How does your Lady ? & how thriues your loue ? 

Pro. My tales of Loue were wont to weary you, 
I know you ioy not in a Loue-difcourfe. 

Val. I Protheui, but that life is alter'd now, 
I haue done pennance for contemning Loue, 
Whofe high emperious thoughts haue punifh'd me 
With bitter fafts, with penitential] grones, 
With nightly teares, and daily hart-fore fighes, 
For in reuenge of my contempt of loue, 
Loue hath chas'd fleepe from my enthralled eyes, 
And made them watchers of mine owne hearts forrow. 
O gentle Protheui, Loue's a mighty Lord, 



And hath fo humbled me, as I confefTe 

There is no woe to his correction , 

Nor to his Seruice , no fuch ioy on earth : 

Now, no difcourfe, except it be of loue : 

Now can I breake my faft, dine, fup, and fleepe, 

Vpon the very naked name of Loue. 

Pro. Enough ; I read your fortune in your eye : 
Was this the Idoll, that you worfhip fo ? 

Val. Euen She ; and is fhe not a heauenly Saint ? 

Pro. No ; But fhe is an earthly Paragon. 

Val. Call her diuine. 

Pro. I will not flatter her. 

Val. O flatter me : for Loue delights in praifes. 

Pro. When I was fick, you gaue me bitter pils, 
And I muft minifter the like to you. 

Val. Then fpeake the truth by her ; if not diuine, 
Yet let her be a principalitie, 
Soueraigne to all the Creatures on the earth. 

Pro. Except my MiftrefTe. 

Val. Sweet : except not any, 
Except thou wilt except againft my Loue. 

Pro. Haue I not reafon to prefer mine owne? 

Val. And I will help thee to prefer her to : 
Shee fhall be dignified with this high honour, 
To beare my Ladies traine, left the bafe earth 
Should from her vefture chance to fteale a kifTe, 
And of fo great a fauor growing proud, 
Difdaine to roote the Sommer-fwelling flowre, 
And make rough winter euerlaftingly. 

Pro. Why Valentine, what Bragadifme is this ? 

Val. Pardon me {Protheui) all I can is nothing, 
To her, whofe worth, make other worthies nothing ; 
Shee is alone. 

Pro. Then let her alone. 

Val. Not for the world : why man, fhe is mine owne, 
And I as rich in hauing fuch a Iewell 
As twenty Seas, if all their fand were pearle, 
The water, Nectar, and the Rocks pure gold. 
Forgiue me that I doe not dreame on thee, 
Becaufe thou feed me doate vpon my loue : 
My foolifh Riuall that her Father likes 
(Onely for his pofTefTions are fo huge) 
Is gone with her along, and I muft after, 
For Loue (thou know'ft is full of iealoufie.^) 

Pro. But fhe loues you ? (howre, 

Val. I, and we are betroathd : nay more, our mariage 
With all the cunning manner of our flight 
Determin'd of : how I muft climbe her window, 
The Ladder made of Cords, and all the means 
Plotted, and 'greed on for my happinefie. 
Good Protheui goe with me to my chamber, 
In thefe affaires to aid me with thy counfaile. 

Pro. Goe on before : I fhall enquire you forth: 
I muft vnto the Road, to dif-embarque 
Some neceffaries, that I needs muft vfe, 
And then He prefently attend you. 

Val. Will you make hafte ? Exit. 

Pro. I will. 
Euen as one heate, another heate expels, 
Or as one naile, by ftrength driues out another. 
So the remembrance of my former Loue 
Is by a newer obiect quite forgotten , 



It is mine, or Vale, 



pran 



Her true perfection, or my falfe tranfgrefTion i 
That makes me reafonleffe, to reafon thus ? 
Shee is faire : and fo is Mia that I loue, 



(That 



The t*9po (gentlemen ofVe 



27 



("That I did loue, for now my loue is thaw'd, 
Which like a waxen Image 'gainft a fire 
Beares no impreffion of the thing it was.) 
Me thinkes my zeale to Valentine is cold , 
And that I loue him not as I was wont: 
O, but I loue his Lady too-too much , 
And that's the reafon 1 loue him fo little. 
How fliall I doate on her with more aduice, 
That thus without aduice begin to loue her? 
"Tis but her picture I haue yet beheld, 
And that hath dazel'd my reafons light: 
But when I looke on her perfections, 
There is no reafon, but I fliall be blinde. 
If I can checke my erring loue, I will, 
If not, to compafle her lie vfe my skill. 



Scena Quinta. 



Enter Speed and Launce. 

Speed. Launce, by mine honefty welcome to Padua. 

Laun. Forfweare not thy felfe, fweet youth, for I am 
not welcome. I reckon this alwaies, that a man is neuer 
vndon till hee be hang'd, nor neuer welcome to a place, 
till fome certaine fliot be paid, and the Hofteffe fay wel- 
come. 

Speed. Come-on you mad-cap : He to the Ale-houfe 
with you prefently ; where, for one fliot of fiue pence , 
thou malt haue fiue thoufand welcomes : But firha, how 
did thy Mafter part with Madam Iutia ? 

Lau. Marry after they cloas'd in earneft, they parted 
very fairely in ieft. 

Spee. But fliall flie marry him ? 

Lau. No. 

Spee. How then ? fliall he marry her ? 

Lau. No, neither. 

Spee. What, are they broken ? 

Lau. No ; they are both as whole as a fifli. 

Spee. Why then, how ftands the matter with them ? 

Lau. Marry thus , when it ftands well with him , it 
ftands well with her. 

Spee. What an afie art thou, I vnderftand thee not. 

Lau. What a blocke art thou, that thou canft not ? 
My ftaffe vnderftands me ? 

Spee. What thou faift? 

Lau. I, and what I do too : looke thee, He but leane, 
and my ftaffe vnderftands me. 

Spee. It ftands vnder thee indeed. 

Lau. Why, ftand-vnder: and vnder-ftand is all one. 

Spee. But tell me true, wil't be a match ? 

Lau. Aske my dogge, if he fay I, it will : if hee fay 
no , it will : if hee fliake his taile, and fay nothing , it 
will. 

Spee. The conclufion is then, that it will. 

Lau. Thou flialt neuer get fuch a fecret from me, but 
by a parable. 

Spee. 'Tis well that I get it fo : but Launce, how faift 
thou that that my mafter is become a notable Louer ? 

Lau. I neuer knew him otherwife. 

Spee. Then how ? 

Lau. A notable Lubber : as thou reporter!: him to 
bee. 



Spee. Why, thou whorfon Affe, thou miftak'ft me, 

Lau. Why Foole , I meant not thee , I meant thy 
Mafter. 

Spee. I tell thee, my Mafter is become a hot Louer. 

Lau. Why, I tell thee, I care not, though hee burne 
himfelfe in Loue. If thou wilt goe with me to the Ale- 
houfe : if not, thou art an Hebrew, a lew, and not worth 
the name of a Chriftian. 

Spee. Why? 

Lau. Becaufe thou haft not fo much charity in thee as 
to goe to the Ale with a Chriftian ; Wilt thou goe ? 

Spee. At thy feruice. 

Exeunt. 



Sccena Sexta. 



Enter Protheusfolus. 

Pro. To leaue my Iulia; fliall I be forfworne? 
To loue faire Siluia; fliall I be forfworne ? 
To wrong my friend, I fliall be much forfworne. 
And ev'n that Powre which gaue me firft my oath 
Prouokes me to this three-fold periurie. 
Loue bad mee fweare, and Loue bids me for-fweare 5 

fweet-fuggefting Loue, if thou haft fin'd, 
Teach me (thy tempted fubieft) to excufe it. 
At firft I did adore a twinkling Starre, 

But now I worfliip a celeftiall Sunne : 
Vn-heedfull vowes may heedfully be broken, 
And he wants wit, that wants refolued will, 
To learne his wit, t'exchange the bad for better; 
Fie, fie, vnreuerend tongue, to call her bad, 
Whofe foueraignty fo oft thou haft preferd , 
With twenty thoufand foule-confirming oathes. 

1 cannot leaue to loue ; and yet I doe : 

But there I leaue to loue, where I fliould loue. 

Iulia I loofe, and Valentine I loofe, 

If I keepe them, I needs muft loofe my felfe: 

If I loofe them, thus finde I by their lofle, 

For Valentine, my felfe : for Iulia, Siluia. 

I to my felfe am deerer then a friend, 

For Loue is ftill moft precious in it felfe, 

And Siluia (witneffe heauen that made her faire) 

Shewes Iulia but a fwarthy Ethiope. 

I will forget that Iulia is aliue , 

Remembring that my Loue to her is dead. 

And Valentine He hold an Enemie , 

Ayming at Siluia as a fweeter friend. 

I cannot now proue conftant to my felfe, 

Without fome treachery vs'd to Valentine. 

This night he meaneth with a Corded-ladder 

To climbe celeftiall Siluia's chamber window, 

My felfe in counfaile his competitor. 

Now prefently He giue her father notice 

Of their difguifing and pretended flight : 

Who fall inrag'd) will banifti Valentine: 

For Tburio he intends fliall wed his daughter, 

But Valentine being gon, He quickely crofle 

By fome flie tricke, blunt Tburio's dull proceeding. 

Loue lend me wings, to make my purpofe fwift 

As thou haft lent me wit, to plot this drift. 

Exit. 



Cz 



The tvpo (jentlemen of Verona. 



Sccena feptima. 



Enter Iulia and Lucetta. 

Iul. Counfaile, Lucetta, gentle girle aflift me, 
And eu'n in kinde loue, I doe coniure thee, 
Who art the Table wherein all my thoughts 
Are vifibly Chara&er'd, and engrau'd, 
To leffon me, and tell me fome good meane 
How with my honour I may vnde take 
A Journey :o my louing Protheiu. 

Luc. Alas, the way is wearifom; and long. 

Iul. A true-deuoted Pilgrime is not weary 
To meafur. Kingdomes with his fteble fteps, 
Much leffe mail flie that hath Loues wings to flie, 
And when the flight is made to one fo deere, 
Of fuch diuine perfection as Sir Protheiu. 

Luc. Better forbeare, till Protheiu make returne. 

Iul: Oh, know'ft y not, his looks are my foules food ? 
Pitty the dearth that I haue pined in, 
By longing for that food fo long a time. 
Didft thou but know the inly touch of Loue , 
Thou wouldft as foone goe kindle fire with fnow 
As feeke to quench the fire of Loue with words. 

Luc. I doe not feeke to quench your Loues hot fire, 
But qualifie the fires extreame rage, 
Left it ihould burne aboue the bounds of reafon. 

Iul. The more thou dam'ft it vp, the more it burnes : 
The Current that with gentle murmure glides 
(Thou know'ft) being ftop'd, impatiently doth rage : 
But when his faire courfe is not hindered, 
He makes fweet muficke with th'enameld ftones, 
Giuing a gentle kifl'e to euery fedge 
He ouer-taketh in his pilgrimage. 
And fo by many winding nookes he ftraies 
With willing fport to the wilde Ocean. 
Then let me goe, and hinder not my courfe : 
lie be as patient as a gentle ftreame, 
And make a paftime of each weary ftep, 
Till the laft ftep haue brought me to my Loue, 
And there He reft, as after much turmoile 
A bleffed foule doth in Elmium. 

Luc. But in what habit will you goe along? 

Iul. Not like a woman, for I would preuent 
The loofe encounters of lafciuious men : 
Gentle Lucetta, fit me with fuch weedes 
As may befeeme fome well reputed Page. 

Luc. Why then your Ladifhip muft cut your haire. 

Iul. No girle, He knit it vp in filken firings, 
With twentie od-conceited true-loue knots : 
To be fantaftique, may become a youth 
Of greater time then I fhall fhew to be. (ches? 

Luc. What fafhion (MadamJ mall I make your bree- 

Iul. That fits as well, as tell me (good my Lord) 
What compaffe will you weare your Farthingale? 
Why eu'n what fafhion thou beft likes {Lucetta.) 

Luc. You muft needs haue the with a cod-peece (Ma- 

Iul. Out, out, {Lucetta) that wilbe illfauourd. (dam) 

Luc. A aund hofe (Madam) now's not worth a pin 
Vnleffe you haue a cod peece to feck pins on. 

Iul. Lucetta, as thou lou'ft me let me haue 
What thou think'ft meet, and is moft mannerly. 
But tell me (wench) how will the world repute me 
For vndertaking fo vnftaid a iourney ? 



I feare me it will make me fcandaliz'd. 

Luc. If you thinke fo, then ftay at home, and go not. 

Iul. Nay, that I will not. 

Luc. Then neuer dreame on Infamy, but go : 
If Prothem like your iourney, when you come, 
No matter who's difpleas'd, when you are gone : 
I feare me he will fcarce be pleas'd with all. 

Iul. That is the leaft {Lucetta) of my feare : 
A thoufand oathes, an Ocean of his teares, 
And inftances of infinite of Loue, 
Warrant me welcome to my Protheiu. 

Luc. All thefe are feruants to deceitfull men. 

Iul. Bale men, that vfe them to fo bafe effecT: ; 
But truer ftarres did gouerne Protheiu birth, 
His words are bonds, his oathes are oracles, 
His loue fincere, his thoughts immaculate, 
His teares, pure meffengers, fent from his heart, 
His heart, as far from fraud, as heauen from earth. 

Luc. Pray heau'n he proue fo when you come to him. 

Iul. Now, as thou lou'ft me, do him not that wrong, 
To beare a hard opinion of his truth; 
Onely deferue my loue, by louing him, 
And prefently goe with me to my chamber 
To take a note of what I ftand in need of, 
To furniih me vpon my longing iourney : 
All that is mine I leaue at thy difpofe, 
My goods, my Lands, my reputation , 
Onely, in lieu thereof, difpatch me hence : 
Come ; anfwere not : but to it prefently, 
I am impatient of my tarriance. 

Exeunt. 



Aclus Tertius, Scena 'Prima. 



Enter Duke, Thurio, Protheus, Valentine, 
Launce, Speed. 

Duke. Sir Thurio, giue vs leaue (I pray) a while, 
We haue fome fecrets to confer about. 
Now tell me Protheus, what's your will with trie? 

Pro. My gracious Lord, that which I wold difcouer, 
The Law of friendfhip bids me to conceale, 
But when I call to minde yonr gracious fauours 
Done to me (vndeferuing as I am) 
My dude pricks me on to vtter that 
Which elfe, no worldly good fhould draw from me: 
Know (worthy Prince) Sir Valentine my friend 
This night intends to fteale away your daughter: 
My felfe am one made priuy to the plot. 
I know you haue determin'd to beftow her 
On Thurio, whom your gentle daughter hates , 
And fhould me thus be ftolne away from you, 
It would be much vexation to your age. 
Thus (for my duties fake) I rather chofe 
To croffe my friend in his intended drift, 
Then (by concealing it) heap on your head 
A pack of forrowes, which would preffe you downe 
(Being vnpreuented ) to your timeleffe graue. 

T)uke. Protheus, I thank thee for thine honeft care, 
Which to requite, command me while I Hue. 
This loue of theirs, my felfe haue often feene , 
Haply when they haue iudg'd me faft afleepe, 
And oftentimes haue purpos'd to forbid 



The tvoo (gentlemen of Verona. 



29 



Sir Valentine her companie, and my Court. 
But fearing left my iealous ayme might erre, 
And fo (vnworthily) difgrace the man 
(A rafhneffe that I euer yet haue fhun'd) 
I gaue him gentle lookes, thereby to finde 
That which thy felfe haft now difclos'd to me. 
And that thou maift perceiue my feare of this, 
Knowing that tender youth is foone fuggefted, 
I nightly lodge her in an vpper Towre, 
The key whereof, my felfe haue euer kept : 
And thence me cannot be conuay'd away. 

Pro. Know (noble Lord) they haue deuis'd a meane 
How he her chamber-window will afcend, 
And with a Corded-ladder fetch her downe : 
For which, the youthfull Louer now is gone, 
And this way comes he with it prefently. 
Where (if it pleafe you) you may intercept him. 
But (good my Lord) doe it fo cunningly 
That my difcouery be not aimed at : 
For, loue of you, not hate vnto my friend, 
Hath made me publisher of this pretence. 

Duke. Vpon mine Honor, he mall neuer know 
That I had any light from thee of this. 

Pro. Adiew, my Lord, Sir Valentine is comming. 

Duk. Sir Valentine, whether away fo faft ? 

Val. Pleafe it your Grace, there is a Meffenger 
Thar ftayes to beare my Letters to my friends, 
And I am going to deliuer them. 

Duk. Be they of much import? 

Val. The tenure of them doth but fignifie 
My health, and happy being at your Court. 

T)uk. Nay then no matter : ftay with me a while, 
I am to breake with thee of fome affaires 
That touch me neere : wherein thou muft be fecret. 
'Tis not vnknown to thee, that I haue fought 
To match my friend Sir Iburio, to my daughter. 

Val. I know it well (my Lord) and fure the Match 
Were rich and honourable : betides, the gentleman 
Is full of Vertue, Bounty, Worth, and Qualities 
Befeeming fuch a Wife, as your faire daughter : 
Cannot your Grace win her to fancie him ? 

Duk. No, truft me, She is peeuiih, Allien, froward, 
Prowd, difobedient, ftubborne, lacking duty, 
Neither regarding that (he is my childe, 
Nor fearing me, as if I were her father : 
And may I fay to thee, this pride of hers 
(Vpon aduice) hath drawne my loue from her, 
And where I thought the remnant of mine age 
Should haue beene cherifh'd by her child-like dutie, 
I now am full refolu'd to take a wife, 
And turne her out, to who will take her in : 
Then let her beauty be her wedding dowre: 
For me, and my poffeffions fhe efteemes not. 

Val. What would your Grace haue me to do in this ? 

T)uk. There is a Lady in Verona heere 
Whom I affect : but me is nice, and coy, 
And naught efteemes my aged eloquence. 
Now therefore would I haue thee to my Tutor 
(For long agone I haue forgot to court , 
Befides the fafhion of the time is chang'd) 
How, and which way I may beftow my felfe 
To be regarded in her fun-bright eye. 

Val. Win her with gifts, if fhe refpedl: not words, 
Dumbe Iewels often in their filent kinde 
More then quicke words, doe moue a womans minde. 

T)uk. But fhe did fcorne a prefent that I fent her, 



Val. A woman fomtime fcorns what beft cotents her. 
Send her another : neuer giue her ore, 
For fcorne at firft, makes after-loue the more. 
If me doe frowne, 'tis not in hate of you, 
But rather to beget more loue in you. 
If lhe doe chide, 'tis not to haue you gone, 
For why, the fooles are mad, if left alone. 
Take no repulfe, what euer me doth fay, 
For, get you gon, (he doth not meane away. 
Flatter, and praife, commend, extoll their graces : 
Though nere fo blacke, fay they haue Angells faces, 
That man that hath a tongue, I fay is no man, 
If with his tongue he cannot win a woman. 

Duk. But me I meane, is promis'd by her friends 
Vnto a youthfull Gentleman of worth, 
And kept feuerely from refort of men, 
That no man hath acceffe by day to her. 

Val. Why then 1 would refort to her by night. 

Duk. I, but the doores be lockt, and keyes kept fafe , 
That no man hath recourfe to her by night. 

Val. What letts but one may enter at her window? 

Duk. Her chamber is aloft, far from the ground, 
And built fo fheluing, that one cannot climbeit 
Without apparant hazard of his life. 

Val. Why then a Ladder quaintly made of Cords 
To caft vp, with a paire of anchoring hookes, 
Would ferue to fcale another Hero's towre, 
So bold Leander would aduenture it. 

Duk. Now as thou art a Gentleman of blood 
Aduife me, where I may haue fuch a Ladder. 

Val. When would you vfe it? pray fir, tell me that. 

Duk. This very night ; for Loue is like a childe 
That longs for euery thing that he can come by. 

Val. By feauen a clock, ile get you fuch a Ladder. 

Duk. But harke thee : I will goe to her alone, 
How fhall I beft conuey the Ladder thither? 

Val. It will be light (my Lord) that you may beare it 
Vnder a cloake, that is of any length. 

T>uk. A cloake as long as thine will ferue the turne ? 

Val. I my good Lord. 

Duk. Then let me fee thy cloake , 
Ile get me one of fuch another length. 

Val. Why any cloake will ferue the turn fmy LordJ 

Duk. How mail I fafhion me to weare a cloake ? 
I pray thee let me feele thy cloake vpon me. 
What Letter is this fame ? what's here ? to Siluia ? 
And heere an Engine fit for my proceeding, 
Ile be fo bold to breake the feale for once. 

oWy thoughts do harbour -with my Siluia nightly , 
Andjlaues they are to me, that fend themjlying. 
Oh, could their Mafter come, and goe as lightly, 
Himfelfe -would lodge, -where (fenceles) they are lying. 
<Sfy£y Herald Thoughts, in thy fure bojome rejl-them, 
While I (their King) that thither them importune 
Doe curje the grace, that -with fuch grace hath blefl them, 
Becaufe my felfe doe want my feruants fortune. 
I curfe my Jelfe,for they are fent by me, 
That they fhould harbour -where their Lord fhould be. 

What's here ? Siluia, this night I -will enfranchife thee. 
'Tis fo : and heere 's the Ladder for the purpofe. 
Why Phaeton (for thou art oMerofs fonne) 
Wilt thou afpire to guide the heauenly Car f 
And with thy daring folly burne the world? 
Wilt thou reach ftars, becaufe they mine on thee ? 

C 3 Goe 



3° 



The ftt>o Cj-entlemen of Verona. 



Goe bafe Intruder, ouer-weening Slaue, 

Beftow thy fawning fmiles on equall mates, 

And thinke my patience, (more then thy defert) 

Is priuiledge for thy departure hence. 

Thanke me for this, more then for all the fauors 

Which (all too-much) I haue bellowed on thee. 

But if thou linger in my Territories 

Longer then fwifteft expedition 

Will giue thee time to leaue our royall Court, 

By heauen, my wrath fhall farre exceed the loue 

I euer bore my daughter, or thy felfe. 

Be gone, I will not heare thy vaine excufe, 

But as thou lou'ft thy life, make fpeed from hence. 

Val. And why not death, rather then liuing torment ? 
To die, is to be banifht from my felfe , 
And Siluia is my felfe : banifh'd from her 
Is felfe from felfe. A deadly banifhment : 
What light, is light, if Siluia be not feene? 
What ioy is ioy, if Siluia be not by ? 
Vnlefle it be to thinke that Hie is by 
And feed vpon the fhadow of perfeftion. 
Except I be by Siluia in the night, 
There is no muficke in the Nightingale. 
Vnlefle I looke on Siluia in the day, 
There is no day for me to looke vpon. 
Shee is my eflence, and I leaue to be; 
If I be not by her faire influence 
Fofter'd, illumin'd, cherifh'd, kept aliue. 
I flie not death, to flie his deadly doome, 
Tarry I heere, I but attend on death, 
But flie I hence, I flie away from life. 

Pro. Run (boy) run, run, and feeke him out. 

Lau. So-hough, Soa hough 

Pro. What feeft thou ? 

Lau. Him we goe to finde, 
There's not a haire on's head , but t'is a Valentine. 

Pro. Valentine ? 

Val. No. 

Pro. Who then ? his Spirit ? 

Val. Neither, 

Pro. What then ? 

Val. Nothing. 

Lau. Can nothing fpeake ? Mafter, fhall I ftrike ? 

Pro. Who wouldft thou ftrike ? 

Lau. Nothing. 

Pro.. Villaine, forbeare. 

Lau. Why Sir, He ftrike nothing : I pray you. 

Pro. Sirha, I fay forbeare : friend Valentine, a word. 

Val. My eares are ftopt, & cannot hear good newes, 
So much of bad already hath pofleft them. 

Pro. Then in dumbe filence will I bury mine, 
For they are harfh, vn-tuneable, and bad. 

Val. Is Siluia dead ? 

Pro. No, Valentine. 

Val. No Valentine indeed, for facred Siluia, 
Hath (he forfworne me ? 

Pro. No, Valentine. 

Val. No Valentine, if Siluia haue forfworne me. 
What is your newes ? 

Lau. Sir, there is a proclamation, yyou are vanifhed. 

Pro. That thou art banifh'd : oh that's the newes, 
From hence, from Siluia, and from me thy friend. 

Val Oh, I haue fed vpon this woe already, 
And now excefle of it will make me furfet. 
Doth Siluia know that I am banifh'd ? 

Pro. I, I : and fhe hath offered to the doome 



(Which vn-reuerft ftands in effedluall force) 

A Sea of melting pearle, which fome call teares; 

Thofe at her fathers churlifh feete fhe tenderd, 

With them vpon her knees, her humble felfe, 

Wringing her har.Js, whofe whitenes fo became them, 

As if but now they waxed pale for woe : 

But neither bended knees, pure hands held vp, 

Sad lighes, deepe grones, nor filuer-fhedding teares 

Could penetrate her vncompaflionate Sire ; 

But Valentine, if he be tane, muft die. 

Befides, her interceflion chaf'd him fo , 

When fhe for thy repeale was fuppliant, 

That to clofe prifon he commanded her, 

With many bitter threats of biding there. 

Val. No more: vnles the next word that thou fpeak'ft 
Haue fome malignant power vpon my life : 
If fo : I pray thee breath it in mine eare, 
As ending Antheme of my endleffe dolor. 

Pro. Ceafe to lament for that thou canft not helpe, 
And ftudy helpe for that which thou lament'ft, 
Time is the Nurfe, and breeder of all good ; 
Here, if thou ftay, thou canft not fee thy loue : 
Befides, thy flaying will abridge thy life : 
Hope is a louers ftaffe, walke hence with that 
And manage it, againft defpairing thoughts : 
Thy letters may be here, though thou art hence, 
Which, being writ to me, fhall be deliuer'd 
Euen in the milke-white bofome of thy Loue. 
The time now femes not to expoftulate , 
Come, lie conuey thee through the City-gate. 
And ere I part with thee, confer at large 
Of all that may concerne thy Loue-affaires : 
As thou lou'ft Siluia (though not for thy felfe) 
Regard thy danger, and along with me. 

Val. I pray thee Launce, and if thou feeft my Boy 
Bid him make hafte, and meet me at the North-gate. 

Pro. Goe firha, finde him out : Come Valentine. 

Val. Oh my deere Siluia ; haplefle Valentine. 

Launce. I am but a foole, looke you , and yet I haue 
the wit to thinke my Mafter is a kinde of a knaue : but 
that's all one, if he be but one knaue : He Hues not now 
that knowes me to be in loue, yet I am in loue, but. a 
Teeme of horfe fhall not plucke that from me : nor who 
'tis I loue : and yet 'tis a woman ; but what woman , I 
will not tell my felfe : and yet 'tis a Milke-maid : yet 'tis 
not a maid : for fhee hath, had Goflips : yet 'tis a maid , 
for fhe is her Mafters maid, and ferues for wages. Shee 
hath more qualities then a Water-Spaniell , which is 
much in a bare Chriftian : Heere is the Cate-log of her 
Condition. Inprimit. Shee can fetch and carry : why 
a horfe can doe no more ; nay, a horfe cannot fetch, but 
onely carry, therefore is fhee better then a lade. Item. 
She can milke, looke you, a fweet vertue in a maid with 
cleane hands. 

Speed. How now Signior Launce ? what newes with 
your Mafterfhip ? 

La. With my Mafterfhip ? why, it is at Sea : 

Sf. Well, your old vice ftill : miftake the word : what 
newes then in your paper? 

La. The black'ft newes that euer thou heard'ft. 

Sp. Why man ? how blacke ? 

La. Why, as blacke as Inke. 

Sp. Let me read them ? 

La. Fie on thee Iolt-head, thou canft not read. 

Sp. Thou lyeft : I can. 

La. I will try thee : tell me this; who begot thee ? 

Sp. Marry, 
. . . 30 



The fppo (gentlemen of Verona. 



3 1 



Sp. Marry, the fon of my Grand-father. 

La. Oh illiterate loyterer ; it was the fonne of thy 
Grand-mother : this proues that thou canft not read. 

Sp. Come foole, come : try me in thy paper. 

La. There : and S. Nicholas be thy fpeed. 

Sp. Inprimis lhe can milke. 

La. I that lhe can. 

Sp. Item, me brewes good Ale. 

La. And thereof comes the prouerbe •• (BleJ/ing of 
your heart, you brew good Ale.) 

Sp. Item, lhe can fowe. 

La. That's as much as to fay {Can lhe Jo ?) 

Sp. Item (he can knit. 

La. What neede a man care for a ftock with a wench, 
When (he can knit him a ftocke ? 

Sp. Item, me can wafli and fcoure. 

La. A fpeciall vertue : for then fhee neede not be 
walh'd, and fcowr'd. 

Sp. Item, lhe can fpin. 

La. Then may I fet the world on wheeles, when Hie 
can fpin for her liuing. 

Sp. Item, lhe hath many namelefie vertues. 

La. That's as much as to fay Bajlard ■■vertues : that 
indeede know not their fathers ; and therefore haue no 

Sp. Here follow her vices. 

La. Clofe at the heeles of her vertues. 

Sp. Item, Ihee is not to be fafting in refpecl: of her 
breath. 

La. Well .■ that fault may be mended with a break- 
faft ; read on. 

Sp. Item, lhe hath a fweet mouth. 

La. That makes amends for her foure breath. 

Sp. Item, lhe doth talke in her fleepe. 

La. It's no matter for that ; fo Ihee fleepe not in her 
talke. 

^>. Item, lhe is flow in words. 

La. Oh villaine, that fet this downe among her vices ; 
To be flow in words, is a womans onely vertue : 
I pray thee out with't, and place it for her chiefe vertue. 

Sp. Item, lhe is proud. 

La. Out with that too : 
It was Eues legacie, and cannot be t'ane from her. 

Sp. Item, lhe hath no teeth. 

La. I care not for that neither : becaufe I loue crafts. 

Sp. Item, lhe is curft. 

La. Well : the beft is, lhe hath no teeth to bite. 

Sp. Item, lhe will often praife her liquor. 

La. If her liquor be good, lhe lhall : if lhe will not, 
I will ; for good things lhould be praifed. 

Sp. Item, lhe is too liberal!. 

La. Of her tongue lhe cannot; for that's writ downe 
lhe is flow of; of her purfe, Ihee lhall not, for that ile 
keepe Ihut : Now, of another thing fhee may, and that 
cannot I helpe. Well, proceede. 

Sp. Item, Ihee hath more haire then wit, and more 
faults then haires, and more wealth then faults. 

La. Stop there : Ile haue her : lhe was mine, and not 
mine, twice or thrice in that laft Article : rehearfe that 
once more. 

Sp. Item, (he hath more haire then wit. 

La. More haire then wit : it may be ile proue it : The 
couer of the fait, hides the fait, and therefore it is more 
then the fait; the haire that couers the wit, is more 
then the wit; for the greater hides the leffe : What's 
next ? 



Sp. And more faults then haires. 

La. That's monftrous : oh that that were out. 

Sp. And more wealth then faults. 

La. Why that word makes the faults gracious :, 
Well, ile haue her : and if it be a match, as nothing is 
impofllble. 

Sp. What then ? 

La. Why then, will I tell thee, that thy Matter ftaies 
for thee at the North gate. 

Sp. For me i 

La. For thee ? I, who art thou ? he hath ftaid for a bet- 
ter man then thee. 

Sp. And mutt I goe to him? 

La. Thou muft run to him ; for thou haft ftaid fo long, 
that going will fcarce ferue the turne. 

Sp. Why didft not tell me fooner f 'pox of your loue 
Letters, 

La. Now will he be fwing'd for reading my Letter ; 
An vnmannerly flaue, that will thruft himfelfe into fe- 
crets : Ile after, to reioyce in the boyes correftio. Exeunt. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Duke, Thurio, Protheus. 

Du. Sir Thurio, feare not, but that lhe will loue you 
Now Valentine is banilh'd from her fight. 

Th. Since his exile lhe hath defpis'd me moft, 
Forfworne my company, and rail'd at me, 
That I am defperate of obtaining her. 

Du. This weake imprefle of Loue, is as a figure 
Trenched in ice, which with an houres heate 
Difiolues to water, and doth loofe his forme. 
A little time will melt her frozen thoughts, 
And worthleffe Valentine lhall be forgot. 
How now fir Protheus, is your countriman 
(According to our Proclamation) gon ? 

Pro. Gon, my good Lord. 

T>u. My daughter takes his going grieuoufly ? 

Pro. A little time (my Lord) will kill that griefe. 

Du. So I beleeue : but Thurio thinkes not fo : 
Protheus, the good conceit I hold of thee, 
(For thou haft Ihowne fome figne of good defert) 
Makes me the better to confer with thee. 

Pro. Longer then I proue loyall to your Grace, 
Let me not liue, to looke vpon your Grace. 

T>u. Thou know'ft how willingly, I would effeft 
The match betweene fir Thurio, and my daughter f 

Pro. I doe my Lord. 

T>u. And alfo, I thinke, thou art not ignorant 
How lhe oppofes her againft my will ? 

Pro. She did my Lord, when Valentine was here. 

Du. I, and peruerfly, lhe perfeuers fo : 
What might we doe to make the girle forget 
The loue of Valentine, and loue fir Thurio ? 

Pro. The beft way is, to flander Valentine, 
With falfehood, cowardize, and poore difcent : 
Three things, that women highly hold in hate. 

Du. I, but lhe'11 thinke, that it is fpoke in hate. 

Pro. I, if his enemy deliuer it. 
Therefore it muft with circumftance be fpoken 
By one, whom lhe efteemeth as his friend. 

Du. Then you muft vndertake to flander him. 



32 



The ffro (gentlemen of Verona. 



Pro. And that (my Lord) I mall be loath to doe .■ 
'Tis an ill office for a Gentleman, 
Efpecially againft his very friend. 

1)u. Where your good word cannot aduantage him, 
Your flander neuer can endamage him ; 
Therefore the office is indifferent, 
Being intreated to it by your friend. 

Pro. You haue preuail'd (my Lord) if 1 can doe it 
By ought that I can fpeake in his difpraife, 
She fhall not long continue loue to him : 
But fay this weede her loue from Valentine, 
It followes not that me will loue fir Thurio. 

Tb. Therefore, as you vnwinde her loue from him ; 
Leaft it fliould rauel), and be good to none, 
You muft prouide to bottome it on me : 
Which muft be done, by praifing me as much 
As you, in worth difpraife, fir Valentine. 

Du. And Protbeiis, we dare truft you in this kinde, 
Becaufe we know fon Valentines report) 
You are already loues firme votary, 
And cannot foone reuolt, and change your minde. 
Vpon this warrant, (hall you haue accent, 
Where you, with Siluia, may conferre at large. 
For fhe is lumpiih, heauy, mellancholly, 
And (for your friends fake) will be glad of you; 
Where you may temper her, by your perfwafion, 
To hate yong Valentine, and loue my friend. 

Pro. As much as I can doe, I will effeft: 
But you fir Thurio, are not fharpe enough : 
You muft lay Lime, to tangle her defires 
By walefull Sonnets, whofe compofed Rimes 
Should be full fraught with feruiceable vowes. 

Du. I, much is the force of heauen-bred Poefie. 

Pro. Say that vpon the altar of her beauty 
You facrifice your teares, your fighes, your heart: 
Write till your inke be dry ; and with your teares 
Moift it againe : and frame fome feeling line, 
That may difcouer fuch integrity : 
For Orpheus Lute, was ftrung with Poets finewes, 
Whofe golden touch could foften fteele and ftones ; 
Make Tygers tame, and huge Leuiathans 
Forfake vnfounded deepes, to dance on Sands. 
After your dire-lamenting Elegies, 
Vifit by night your Ladies chamber-window 
With fome fweet Confort; To their Inftruments 
Tune a deploring dumpe : the nights dead filence 
Will well become fuch fweet complaining grieuance : 
This, or elfe nothing, will inherit her. 

Du. This difcipline, (howes thou haft bin in loue. 

Th. And thy aduice, this night, ile put in praftife : 
Therefore, fweet Protheus, my direftion-giuer, 
Let vs into the City prefently 
To fort fome Gentlemen, well skil'd in Muficke. 
I haue a Sonnet, that will ferue the turne 
To giue the on-fet to thy good aduife. 

Du. About it Gentlemen. 

Pro. We'll wait vpon your Grace, till after Supper, 
And afterward determine our proceedings. 

T>u. Euen now about it, I will pardon you. Exeunt. 



aASius Quartus. Scoena ^Prbna. 



Enter Valentine, Speed, and certaine Out-laives. 
l.Out-l. Fellowes, ftand faft : I fee a pafTenger. 



2. Oaf. If there be ten, Ihrinke not, but down with'em. 

3. Oaf. Stand fir, and throw vs that you haue about'ye. 
If not: we'll make you fit, and rifle you. 

Sp. Sir we are vndone ; thefe are the Villaines 
That all the Trauailers doe feare fo much. 

Val. My friends. 

l.Out. That's not fo, fir : we are your enemies. 

2. Oaf. Peace ; we'll heare him. 

3. Oaf. I by my beard will we ; for he is a proper man. 

Val. Then know that I haue little wealth to loofe ; 
A man I am, crofs'd with aduerfitie : 
My riches, are thefe poore habiliments, 
Of which, if you fhould here disfurniih me, 
You take the fum and fubftance that I haue. 

2. Oaf. Whether trauell you? 

Val. To Verona. 

l.Out. Whence came you ? 

Val. From Millaine. 

$.Out. Haue you long foiourn'd there? (ftaid, 

Val. Some fixteene moneths, and longer might haue 
If crooked fortune had not thwarted me. 

l.Out. What, were you banifh'd thence? 

Val. I was. 

2. Oaf. For what offence ? 

Val. For that which now torments me to rehearfe; 
I kil'd a man, whofe death I much repent, 
But yet I flew him manfully, in fight, 
Without falfe vantage, or bafe treachery. 

l.Out. Why nere repent it, if it were done fb; 
But were you baniiht for fo fmall a fault? 

Val. I was, and held me glad of fuch a doome. 

2. Oaf. Haue you the Tongues? 

Val. My youthfull trauaile, therein made me happy, 
Or elfe I often had beene often miferable. 

3. Oaf. By the bare fcalpe of Robin Hoods fat Fryer, 
This fellow were a King, for our wilde faftion. 

l.Out. We'll haue him : Sirs, a word. 

Sp. Mafter, be one of them : 
It's an honourable kinde of theeuery. 

Val. Peace villaine. 

2. Oaf. Tell vs this : haue you any thing to take to ? 

Val. Nothing but my fortune. 

l.Out. Know then, that fome of vs are Gentlemen, 
Such as the fury of vngouern'd youth 
Thruft from the company of awfull men. 
My felfe was from Verona baniflied, 
For praftifing to fteale away a Lady, 
And heire and Neece, alide vnto the Duke. 

2. Oaf. And I from Mantua, for a Gentleman, 
Who, in my moode, I ftab'd vnto the heart. 

I. Oaf. And I, for fuch like petty crimes as thefe. 
But to the purpofe : for we cite our faults, 
That they may hold excus'd our lawleffe liues ; 
And partly feeing you are beautifide 
With goodly fhape ; and by your owne report, 
A Linguift, and a man of fuch perfeftion, 
As we doe in our quality much want. 

2. Oaf. Indeede becaufe you are a banifti'd man, 
Therefore, aboue the reft, we parley to you : 
Are you content to be our Generall ? 
To make a vertue of neceffity, 
And Hue as we doe in this wildernefie? 

3. Oaf. What faift thou? wilt thou be of our confort? 
Say I, and be the captaine of vs all : 
We'll doe thee homage, and be rul'd by thee, 
Loue thee, as our Commander, and our King. 

I. Oaf. 



The fwo (jentlemen of Verona. 



33 



I. Out. But if thou fcorne our curtefie, thou dyeft. 

i.Out. Thou (halt not liue, to brag what we haue of- 

Val. I take your offer, and will liue with you, (fer'd. 
Prouided that you do no outrages 
On filly women, or poore paffengers. 

3. Oaf. No, we deteft fuch vile hafe pra&ifes. 
Come, goe with vs, we'll bring thee to our Crewes, 
And fhow thee all the Treafure we haue got 5 
Which, with our felues, all reft at thy difpofe. Exeunt. 



Sccena Secunda. 



Thurio, Iulia,HoJl, <&£ufitian,Siluia, 

Pro. Already haue I bin falfe to Valentine, 
And now I muft be as vniuft to Thurio, 
Vnder the colour of commending him, 
I haue acceffe my owne loue to prefer. 
But Siluia is too faire, too true, too holy, 
To be corrupted with my worthleffe guifts; 
When I proteft true loyalty to her, 
She twits me with my falfehood to my friend ; 
When to her beauty I commend my vowes, 
She bids me thinke how I haue bin forfworne 
In breaking faith with Iulia, whom I lou'd ; 
And notwithftanding all her fodaine quips, 
The leaft whereof would quell a louers hope; 
Yet (Spaniel-like; the more me fpurnes my loue, 
The more it growes, and fawneth on her ftill ; 
But here comes Thurio ; now muft we to her window, 
And giue fome euening Mufique to her eare. 

Th. How now, fir Protheus, are you crept before vs ? 

Pro. I gentle Thurio, for you know that loue 
Will creepe in feruice, where it cannot goe. 

Th. I, but I hope, Sir, that you loue not here. 

Pro. Sir, but I doe : or elfe I would be hence. 

Th. Who, Siluia ? 

Pro. I, Siluia, for your fake. 

Tb. I thanke you for your owne : Now Gentlemen 
Let's tune : and too it luftily a while. 

Ho. Now, my yong gueft; me thinks your' allycholly ; 
I pray you why is it i 

Iu. Marry (mine Hojl) becaufe I cannot be merry. 

Ho. Come, we'll haue you merry : ile bring you where 
you fhall heare Mufique, and fee the Gentleman that 
you ask'd for. 

Iu. But fhall I heare him fpeake. 

Ho. I that you mall. 

Iu. That will be Mufique. 

Ho. Harke, harke. 

Iu. Is he among thefe ? 

Ho. I : but peace, let's heare'm. 

Song. Who is Siluia ? -what is Jhe ? 
That all our Sivaines commend her ? 
Holy, faire, and -wife is jhe, 
The heauenjuch grace did lend her, 

that Jhe might admired be. 
Is Jhe kinde as Jhe is faire ? 
For beauty Hues -with kindnejfe : 
Loue doth to her eyes refaire, 
To helfe him of bis blindnejfe : 



And being helfd, inhabits there. 
Then to Siluia, let ■vsftng, 
That Siluia is excelling ; 
She excels each mortall thing 
Vfon the dull earth dwelling. 

To her let -us Garlands bring. 

Ho. How now ? are you fadder then you were before ; 
How doe you, man? the Muficke likes you not. 

Iu. You miftake : the Mufitian likes me not. 

Ho. Why, my pretty youth ? 

Iu. He plaies falfe (father.) 

Ho. How, out of tune on the firings. 

Iu. Not fo : but yet 
So falfe that he grieues my very heart-ftrings. 

Ho. You haue a quicke eare. (heart. 

Iu. I, I would I were deafe : it makes me haue a flow 

Ho. I perceiue you delight not in Mufique. 

Iu. Not a whit, when it iars fo. 

Ho. Harke, what fine change is in the Mufique. 

Iu. I : that change is the fpight. 

Ho. You would haue them alwaies play but one thing. 

Iu. I would alwaies haue one play but one thing. 
But Hoft, doth this Sir Protheus, that we talke on, 
Often refort vnto this Gentlewoman ? 

Ho. I tell you what Launce his man told me, 
He lou'd her out of all nicke. 

Iu. Where is Launce ? 

Ho. Gone to feeke his dog, which to morrow, by his 
Mafters command, hee muft carry for a prefent to his 
Lady. 

Iu. Peace, ftand afide, the company parts. 

Pro. Sir Thurio, feare not you, I will fo pleade, 
That you fhall fay, my cunning drift excels. 

Th. Where meete we i 

Pro. At Saint Gregories well. 

Th. Farewell. 

Pro. Madam ; good eu'n to your Ladifhip. 

Sil. I thanke you for your Mufique (Gentlemen) 
Who is that that fpake ? 

Pro. One (Lady) if you knew his pure hearts truth, 
You would quickly learne to know him by his voice. 

Sil. Sir Protheus, as I take it. 

Pro. Sir Protheus (gentle Lady) and your Seruant. 

Sil. What's your will ? 

Pro. That I may compafle yours. 

Sil. You haue your wifh : my will is euen this, 
That prefently you hie you home to bed : 
Thou fubtile, periur'd, falfe, difloyall man : 
Think'ft thou I am fo fhallow, fo conceitleffe, 
To be feduced by thy flattery, 
That has't deceiu'd fo many with thy vowes f 
Returne, returne and make thy loue amends: 
For me (by this pale queene of night I fweare) 
I am fo farre from granting thy requeft, 
That I defpife thee, for thy wrongfull fuite ; 
And by and by intend to chide my felfe, 
Euen for this time I fpend in talking to thee. 

Pro. I grant (fweet loue) that I did loue a Lady, 
But fhe is dead. 

Iu. 'Twere falfe, if I fhould fpeake it ; 
For I am fure fhe is not buried. 

SI. Say that fhe be : yet Valentine thy friend 
Suruiues; to whom (thy felfe art witneffe) 
I am betroth'd ; and art thou not afham'd 
To wrong him, with thy importunacy ? 

Pro. 



34 



The mo gentlemen ofV, 



erona. 



Pro. I likewife heare that Valentine is dead. 

Sil. And fo fuppofe am I ; for in her graue 
Aflure thy felfe, my loue is buried. 

Pro. Sweet Lady, let me rake it from the earth. 

Sil. Goe to thy Ladies graue and call hers thence, 
Or at the leaft, in hers, fepulcher thine. 

Iul. He heard not that. 

Pro. Madam : if your heart be lb obdurate : 
Vouchfafe me yet your Pifture for my loue, 
The Picture that is hanging in your chamber : 
To that ile fpeake, to that ile figh and weepe : 
For fince the fubftance of your perfect felfe 
Is elfe deuoted, I am but a fliadow; 
And to your fliadow, will I make true loue. 

Jul. IFtwere a fubftance you would fure deceiue it, 
And make it but a fliadow, as I am. 

Sil. I am very loath to be your Idoll Sir; 
But, fince your falfehood mail become you well 
To worftiip fliadowes, and adore falfe fliapes, 
Send to me in the morning, and ile fend it : 
And fo, good reft. 

Pro. As wretches haue ore-night 
That wait for execution in the morne. 

Iul. Hojl, will you goe ? 

Ho. By my hallidome, I was faft afleepe. 

Iul. Pray you, where lies Sir Protheiu ? 

Ho. Marry, at my houfe : 
Truft me, I thinke 'tis almoft day. 

Iul. Not fo : but it hath bin the longed night 
That ere I watch'd, and the moft heauieft. 



Sccena Inertia. 



Enter Eglcmore, Siluia. 

Eg. This is the houre that Madam Siluia 
Entreated me to call, and know her minde : 
Ther's fome great matter Ihe'ld employ me in. 
Madam, Madam. 

Sil. Whocals? 

Sg. Your feruant, and your friend ; 
One that attends your Ladiftiips command. 

Sil. Sir Eglamore, a thoufand times good morrow. 

Eg. As many (worthy Lady) to your felfe : 
According to your Ladilhips impofe, 
I am thus early come, to know what feruice 
It is your pleafure to command me in. 

Sil. Oh Eglamoure, thou art a Gentleman : 
Thinke not I flacter (for I fweare I doe not) 
Valiant, wife, remorfe-full, well accomplifli'd. 
Thou art not ignorant what deere good will 
I beare vnto the banifh'd 'Valentine : 
Nor how my father would enforce me marry 
Vaine Thurio (whom my very foule abhor'd.) 
Thy felfe haft lou'd, and I haue heard thee fay 
No griefe did euer come fo neere thy heart, 
As when thy Lady, and thy true-loue dide, 
Vpon whofe Graue thou vow'dft pure chaftitie :' 
Sir Eglamoure : I would to Valentine 
To Mantua, where I heare, he makes aboad ; 
And for the waies are dangerous to pafle, 
I doe defire thy worthy company, 



Vpon whofe faith and honor, I repofe. 

Vrge not my fathers anger {Eglamoure) 

But thinke vpon my griefe (a Ladies griefe) 

And on the iuftice of my flying hence, 

To keepe me from a moft vnholy match, 

Which heauen and fortune ftill rewards with plagues. 

I doe defire thee, euen from a heart 

As full of forrowes, as the Sea of lands, 

To beare me company, and goe with roe : 

If not, to hide what I haue faid to thee, 

That I may venture to depart alone. 

Egl. Madam, I pitty much your grieuances, 
Which, fince I know they vertuoufly are plac'd, 
I giue confent to goe along with you, 
Wreaking as little what betideth me, 
As much, I wilh all good befortune you. 
When will you goe ? 

Sil. This euening comming. 

Eg. Where fliall I meete you ? 

Sil. At Frier Patrickes Cell, 
Where I intend holy Confeffion. 

Eg. I will not faile your Ladifliip: 
Good morrow (gentle Lady.) 

Sil. Good morrow, kinde Sir Eglamoure. Exeunt. 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter Launce, Protheui, lulia, Siluia. 

Lau. When a mans feruant fliall play the Curre with 
him (looke you) it goes hard : one that I brought vp of 
a puppy : one that I fau'd from drowning, when three or 
foure of his blinde brothers and filters went to it : I haue 
taught him (euen as one would fay precifely , thus I 
would teach a dog) I was fent to deliuer him, as a pre- 
lent to Miftris Siluia, from my Matter ; and I came no 
fooner into the dyning-chamber, but he fteps me to her 
Trencher, and (teales her Capons-leg : O, 'tis a foule 
thing, when a Cur cannot keepe himfelfe in all compa- 
nies : I would haue (as one fliould fay) one that takes vp- 
on him to be a dog indeede, to be, as it were, a dog at all 
things. If I had not had more wit then he, to take a fault 
vpon me that he did, I thinke verily hee had bin hang'd 
for't : fure as I liue he had fuffer'd for't : you fliall iudge : 
Hee thrufts me himfelfe into the company of three or 
foure gentleman-like-dogs, vnder the Dukes table : hee 
had not bin there (blefle the marke) a pilling while, but 
all the chamber fmelt him : out with the dog (faies one) 
what cur is that (faies another) whip him out (faies the 
third) hang him vp (faies the Duke.) I hauing bin ac- 
quainted with the fmell before, knew it was Crab ; and 
goes me to the fellow that whips the dogges ; friend 
(quoth I) you meane to whip the dog : I marry doe I 
(quoth he) you doe him the more wrong (quoth 1) 'twas 
I did the thing you wot of : he makes me no more adoe, 
but whips me out of the chamber : how many Mafters 
would doe this for his Seruant ? nay, ile be fworne I haue 
fat in the ftockes, for puddings he hath ftolne, otherwife 
he had bin executed : I haue flood on the Pillorie for 
Geefe he hath kil'd, otherwife he had fufferd for't: thou 
think'ft not of this now: nay, I remember the tricke you 
feru'd me, when I tooke my leaue of Madam Siluia : did 

not 

34 



The ftoo (gentlemen of Verona. 



35 



not I bid thee ftill marke me, and doe as I do ; when did'ft 
thou fee me heaue vp my leg, and make water againft a 
Gentlewomans farthingale ? did'ft thou euer fee me doe 
fuch a tricke ? 

Pro. Sebaftian is thy name : I like thee well, 
And will imploy thee in fome feruice prefently. 

Iu. In what you pleafe, ile doe what I can. 

Pro. I hope thou wilt. 
How now you whor-fon pezant, 
Where haue you bin thefe two dayesloytering? 

La. Marry Sir, I carried Miftris Siluia the dogge you 
bad me. 

Pro. And what faies fhe to my little Iewell ? 

La. Marry ihe faies your dog was a cur, and tels you 
currifh thanks is good enough for fuch a prefent. 

Pro. But ihe receiu'd my dog ? 

La. No indeede did fhe not : 
Here haue I brought him backe againe. 

Pro. What, didft thou offer her this from me ? 

La. I Sir, the other Squirrill was ftolne from me 
By the Hangmans boyes in the market place, 
And then I offer'd her mine owne, who is a dog 
As big as ten of yours, & therefore the guift the greater. 

Pro. Goe, get thee hence, and finde my dog againe, 
Or nere returne againe into my fight. 
Away, I fay : ftayeft thou to vexe me here ; 
A Slaue, that ftill an end, turnes me to fhame : 
Sebaftian, I haue entertained thee, 
Partly that I haue neede of fuch a youth, 
That can with fome difcretion doe my bufinefTe : 
For 'tis no trailing to yond foolifh Lowt ; 
But chiefely, for thy face, and thy behauiour, 
Which (if my Augury deceiue me not) 
Witneffe good bringing vp, fortune, and truth : 
Therefore know thee, for this I entertaine thee. 
Go prefently, and take this Ring with thee, 
Deliuer it to Madam Siluia ; 
She lou'd me well, deliuer'd it to me. 

Iul. It feemes you lou'd not her, not leaue her token : 
She is dead belike f 

Pro. Not fo : I thinke fhe liues. 

Jul. Alas. 

Pro. Why do'ft thou cry alas ? 

Iul. I cannot choofe but pitty her. 

Pro. Wherefore fhould'ft thou pitty her ? 

Iul. Becaufe, me thinkes that fhe lou'd you as well 
As you doe loue your Lady Siluia: 
She dreames on him, that has forgot her loue, 
You doate on her, that cares not for your loue. 
'Tis pitty Loue, fhould be fo contrary : 
And thinking on it, makes me cry alas. 

Pro. Well : giue her that Ring, and therewithall 
This Letter : that's her chamber ; Tell my Lady, 
I claime the promife for her heauenly Picture : 
Your meffage done, hye home vnto my chamber, 
Where thou fhalt finde me fad, and folitarie. 

Iul. How many women would doe fuch a meffage ? 
Alas poore Protbeus, thou haft entertain'd 
A Foxe, to be the Shepheard of thy Lambs ; 
Alas, poore foole, why doe I pitty him 
That with his very heart defpifeth me f 
Becaufe he loues her, he defpifeth me, 
Becaufe I loue him, I muft pitty him. 
This Ring I gaue him, when he parted from me, 
To binde him to remember my good will ; 
And now am I (vnhappy Meffenger) 



To plead for that, which I would not obtaine ; 

To carry that, which I would haue refus'd ; 

To praife his faith, which I would haue difprais'd. 

I am my Mafters true confirmed Loue, 

But cannot be true feruant to my Mafter, 

Vnleffe I proue falfe traitor to my (e]fe. 

Yet will I woe for him, but yet fo coldly, 

As (heauen it knowes) I would not haue him fpeed. 

Gentlewoman, good day : I pray you be my meane 

To bring me where to fpeake with Madam Siluia. 

Sil. What would you with her, if that I be fhe ? 

Iul. If you be ihe, I doe intreat your patience 
To heare me fpeake the meffage I am fent on. 

SI. From whom ? 

Iul. From my Mafter, Sir Protheus, Madam. 

Sil. Oh : he fends you for a Pifture ? 

Iul. I, Madam. 

Sil. Vrjula, bring my Picture there , 
Goe, giue your Mafter this ; tell him from me, 
One lulia, that his changing thoughts forget 
Would better fit his Chamber, then this Shadow. 

Iul. Madam, pleafe you perufe this Letter ; 
Pardon me (Madam) I haue vnaduis'd 
Deliuer'd you a paper that I fhould not ; 
This is the Letter to your Ladifhip. 

SI. I pray thee let me looke on that againe. 

Iul. It may not be : good Madam pardon me. 

Sil. There, hold : 
I will not looke vpon your Mafters lines : 
I know they are ftuft with proteftations, 
And full of new-found oathes, which he will breake 
As eafily as I doe teare his paper. 

Iul. Madam, he fends your Ladifhip this Ring. 

SI. The more fhame for him, that he fends it me ; 
For I haue heard him fay a thoufand times, 
His lulia gaue it him, at his departure : 
Though his falfe finger haue prophan'd the Ring, 
Mine ihall not doe his lulia fo much wrong. 

Iul. She thankes you. 

Sil. What fai'ft thou ? 

Iul. I thanke you Madam, that you tender her : 
Poore Gentlewoman, my Mafter wrongs her much. 

Sil. Do'ft thou know her ? 

Iul. Almoft as well as I doe know my felfe. 
To thinke vpon her woes, I doe proteft 
That I haue wept a hundred feuerall times. 

SI. Belike fhe thinks that Protbeus hath forfook her f 

Iul. I thinke fhe doth : and that's'her caufe of forrow. 

SI. Is fhe not pafling faire ? 

Iul. She hath bin fairer (Madam) then fhe is, 
When fhe did thinke my Mafter lou'd her well ; 
She, in my iudgement, was as faire as you. 
But fince fhe did negleft her looking-glaffe, 
And threw her Sun-expelling Mafque away, 
The ayre hath ftaru'd the rofes in her cheekes, 
And pinch'd the lilly-tindlure of her face, 
That now fhe is become as blacke as I. 

SI. How tall was fhe * 

Iul. About my ftature : for at Pentecoft, 
When all our Pageants of delight were plaid, 
Our youth got me to play the womans part, 
And I was trim'd in Madam Iulias gowne, 
Which ferued me as fit, by all mens iudgements, 
As if the garment had bin made for me ; 
Therefore I know fhe is about my height, 
And at that time I made her weepe a good, 

For 



36 



The tVoo (jentlemen of Verona. 



For I did play a lamentable part. 
(Madam) 'twas Ariadne, paflioning 
For Thejus periury, and vniuft flight ; 
Which I fo liuely acted with my teares : 
That my poore Miftris moued therewithall, 
Wept bitterly : and would I might be dead, 
If I in thought felt not her very forrow. 

Sil. She is beholding to thee (gentle youth) 
Alas (poore Lady) defolate, and left ; 
I weepe my felfe to thinke vpon thy words : 
Here youth : there is my purfe ; I giue thee this (well. 
For thy fweet Miftris fake, becaufe thou lou'ft her. Fare- 

lul. And fhe lhall thanke you for't, if ere you know 
A vertuous gentlewoman, milde, and beautifull. (her. 

I hope my Mafters fuit will be but cold, 
Since /he refpects my Miftris loue fo much. 
Alas, how loue can trifle with it felfe : 
Here is her Pifture : let me fee, I thinke 
If I had fuch a Tyre, this face of mine 
Were full as louely, as is this of hers ; 
And yet the Painter flatter'd her a little, 
Vnleffe I flatter with my felfe too much. 
Her haire is Aburne, mine is perfect Tellow; 
If that be all the difference in his loue, 
lie get me fuch a coulour'd Perrywig : 
Her eyes are grey as glaffe, and fo are mine : 
I, but her fore-head's low, and mine's as high : 
What ihould it be that he refpefts in her, 
But I can make refpeftiue in my felfe i 
If this fond Loue, were not a blinded god. 
Come fhadow, come, and take this fhadow vp, 
For 'tis thy riuall : O thou fenceleffe forme, 
Thou fhalt be worfhip'd, kifs'd, lou'd, and ador'd 5 
And were there fence in his Idolatry, 
My fubftance mould be ftatue in thy ftead. 
He vfe thee kindly, for thy Miftris fake 
That vs'd me fo : or elfe by hue, I vow, 
I Ihould haue fcratch'd out your vnfeeing eyes, 
To make my Mafter out of loue with thee. Exeunt. 



ABus Quintus. Sccena Prima. 



Enter Eglamoure, Silu'ta. 

Egl. The Sun begins to guild the wefterne skie, 
And now it is about the very houre 
That Siluia, at Fryer Patricks Cell fhould meet me, 
She will not faile ; for Louers breake not houres, 
Vnleffe it be to come before their time, 
So much they fpur their expedition. 
See where fhe comes : Lady a happy euening. 

Sil. Amen, Amen : goe on (good Eglamoure) 
Out at the Pofterne by the Abbey wall ; 
I feare I am attended by fome Spies. 

Egl. Feare not : the Forreft is not three leagues off, 
If we recouer that, we are fure enough. Exeunt. 



Sccena Secunda. 



Enter Thurio, Protheui, Iulia, Duke. 
Th. Sir Protheui, what faies Siluia to my fuit ? 



Pro. Oh Sir, I finde her milder then fhe was, 
And yet fhe takes exceptions at your perfon. 

Tbu. What ? that my leg is too long ? 

Pro. No, that it is too little. (der. 

Tbu. He weare a Boote, to make it fomewhat roun- 

Pro. But loue will not be fpurd to what it loathes. 

Tbu. What faies fhe to my face ? 

Pro. She faies it is a faire one. 

Thu. Nay then the wanton lyes : my face is blacke. 

Pro. But Pearles are faire ; and the old faying is, 
Blacke men are Pearles, in beauteous Ladies eyes. 

Thu. 'Tis true, fuch Pearles as put out Ladies eyes, 
For I had rather winke, then looke on them. 

Thu. How likes fhe my difcourfe f 

Pro. Ill, when you talke of war. 

Thu. But well, when I difcourfe of loue and peace. 

lul. But better indeede, when you hold you peace. 

Tbu. What fayes fhe to my valour ? 

Pro. Oh Sir, fhe makes no doubt of that. 

Iul. She needes not, when fhe knowes it cowardize. 

Thu. What faies fhe to my birth ? 

Pro. That you are well deriu'd. 

Iul. True : from a Gentleman, to a foole. 

Thu. Confiders fhe my Poffeffions ? 

Pro. Oh, I : and pitties them. 

Thu. Wherefore? 

Iul. That fuch an Affe fhould owe them. 

Pro. That they are out by Leafe. 

Iul. Here comes the Duke. 

Du. How now fir Protheui ; how now Thurio ? 
Which of you faw Eglamoure of late r 

Thu. Not I. 

Pro. Nor I. 

Du. Saw you my daughter? 

Pro. Neither. 

Du. Why then 
She's fled vnto that pezant, Valentine j 
And Eglamoure is in her Company : 
'Tis true : for Frier Laurence met them both 
As he, in pennance wander'd through the Forreft : 
Him he knew well : and guefd that it was fhe, 
But being mask'd, he was not fure of it. 
Befides fhe did intend Confeflion 
At Patricks Cell this euen, and there fhe was not. 
Thefe likelihoods confirme her flight from hence ; 
Therefore I pray you ftand, not to difcourfe, 
But mount you prefently, and meete with me 
Vpon the rifing of the Mountaine foote 
That leads toward Mantua, whether they are fled : 
Difpatch (fweet Gentlemen) and follow me. 

Thu. Why this it is, to be a peeuifh Girle, 
That flies her fortune when it followes her : 
He after ; more to be reueng'd on Eglamoure, 
Then for the loue of reck-leffe Siluia. 

Pro. And I will follow, more for Siluat loue 
Then hate of Eglamoure that goes with her. 

Iul. And I will follow, more to croffe that loue 
Then hate for Siluia, that is gone for loue. Exeunt. 



Scena Tertia. 



Siluia, Out-la 
l. Out. Come, come be patient: 



The Merry Wiues of Wind/or. 



37 



We muft bring you to our Captaine. 

Sil. A thoufand more mifchances then this one 
Haue learn'd me how to brooke this patiently. 

2 Out. Come, bring her away. 

I Out. Where is the Gentleman that was with her ? 

3 Out. Being nimble footed, he hath out-run vs. 
But Moyfes and Valerius follow him : 

Goe thou with her to the Weft end of the wood, 
There is our Captaine : Wee'll follow him that's fled, 
The Thicket is befet, he cannot fcape. 

I Out. Come, I muft bring you to our Captains caue. 
Feare not : he beares an honourable minde, 
And will not vfe a woman lawlefly. 

81. O Valentine : this I endure for thee. 

Exeunt. 



Sccena Quarta. 



Enter Valentine, Protheus, Siluia, Mia, T>uke, Thurio, 
Out-laives. 
Val. How vfe doth breed a habit in a man ? 
This fhadowy defart, vnfrequented woods 
I better brooke then flourifliing peopled Townes : 
Here can I fit alone, vn-feene of any, 
And to the Nightingales complaining Notes 
Tune my diftreftes, and record my woes. 

thou that doft inhabit in my breft, 
Leaue not the Manfion fo long Tenant-leffe, 
Left growing ruinous, the building fall, 
And leaue no memory of what it was, 
Repaire me, with thy prefence, Siluia : 

Thou gentle Nimph, cherifh thy for-lome fwaine. 

What hallowing, and what ftir is this to day ? 

Thefe are my mates, that make their wills their Law, 

Haue fome vnhappy pafTenger in chace ; 

They loue me well : yet I haue much to doe 

To keepe them from vnciuill outrages. 

Withdraw thee Valentine : who's this comes heere ? 

Pro. Madam, this feruice I haue done for you 
(Though you refpedt not aught your feruant doth,) 
To hazard life, and reskew you from him, 
That would haue forc'd your honour, and your loue , 
Vouchfafe me for my meed, but one faire looke: 
(A fmaller boone then this I cannot beg, 
And lefie then this, I am fure you cannot giue.) 

Val. How like a dreame is this ? I fee, and heare : 
Loue, lend me patience to forbeare a while. 

Sil. O miferable, vnhappy that I am. 

Pro. Vnhappy were you (Madam) ere I came : 
But by my comming, I haue made you happy. 

Sil. By thy approach thou mak'ft me moft vnhappy. 

Iul. And me, when he approcheth to your prefence. 

Sil. Had I beene ceazed by a hungry Lion, 

1 would haue beene a break-faft to the Beaft , 
Rather then haue falfe Protheus reskue me : 
Oh heauen be iudge how I loue Valentine, 
Whofe life's as tender to me as my foule, 
And full as much (Tor more there cannot be) 
I doe deteft falfe periur'd Protheus : 
Therefore be gone, follicit me no more. 

Pro. What dangerous action, ftood it next to death 
Would I not vndergoe, for one calme looke : 
Oh 'tis the curfe in Loue, and ftill approu'd 



37 



When women cannot loue, where they're belou'd. 

Sil. When Protheus cannot loue, where he's belou'd : 
Read ouer Iulia s heart, (thy firft beft Loue) 
For whofe deare fake, thou didft then rend thy faith 
Into a thoufand oathes ; and all thofe oathes, 
Defcended into periury, to loue me, 
Thou haft no faith left now, vnleffe thou'dft two, 
And that's farre worfe then none : better haue none 
Then plurall faith, which is too much by one : 
Thou Counterfeyt, to thy true friend. 

Pro. In Loue, 
Who refpefts friend ? 

SI. All men but Protheus. 

Pro. Nay, if the gentle fpirit of mouing words 
Can no way change you to a milder forme ; 
He wooe you like a Souldier, at armes end, 
And loue you 'gainft the nature of Loue : force ye. 

Sil. Oh heauen. 

Pro. He force thee yeeld to my defire. 

Val. Ruffian : let goe that rude vnciuill touch, 
Thou friend of an ill fafliion. 

Pro. Valentine. 

Val. Thou comon friend, that's without faith or loue, 
For fuch is a friend now : treacherous man, 
Thou haft beguil'd my hopes ; nought but mine eye 
Could haue perfwaded me : now I dare not fay 
I haue one friend aliue ; thou wouldft difproue me : 
Who fliould be trufted, when ones right hand 
Is periured to the bofome ? Protheus 
I am forry I muft neuer truft thee more, 
But count the world a ftranger for thy fake : 
The priuate wound is deepeft : oh time, moft accurft : 
'Mongft all foes that a friend fhould be the worft f 

Pro. My lhame and guilt confounds me : 
Forgiue me Valentine : if hearty forrow 
Be a fufficient Ranfome for offence, 
I tender't heere : I doe as truely fuffer, 
As ere I did commit. 

Val. Then I am paid : 
And once againe, I doe receiue thee honeft ; 
Who by Repentance is not fatisfied , 
Is nor of heauen, nor earth'; for thefe are pleas'd : 
By Penitence th'Eternalls wrath's appeas'd : 
And that my loue may appeare plaine and free, 
All that was mine, in Siluia, I giue thee. 

Iul. Oh me vnhappy. 

Pro. Looke to the Boy. 

Val. Why, Boy? 
Why wag : how now ? what's the matter ? look vp : fpeak. 

Iul. O good fir, my mafter charg'd me to deliuer a ring 
to Madam Siluia : w (out of my neglect) was neuer done. 

Pro. Where is that ring ? boy ? 

Iul. Heere 'tis : this is it. 

Pro. How ? let me fee. 
Why this is the ring I gaue to Iulia. 

Iul. Oh, cry you mercy fir, I haue miftooke : 
This is the ring you fent to Siluia. 

Pro. But how cam'ft thou by this ring ? at my depart 
I gaue this vnto Iulia. 

Iul. And Iulia her felfe did giue it me, 
And Iulia her felfe hath brought it hither. 

Pro. How ? Iulia ? 

Iul. Behold her, that gaue ayme to all thy oathes, 
And entertain'd 'em deepely in her heart. 
How oft haft thou with periury cleft the roote ? 
Oh Protheus, let this habit make thee blufli. 

D Be 



38 The Merry 


Wiues of Wind/or. 


Be thou afham'd that I haue tooke vpon me, 


Now, by the honor of my Anceftry, 


Such an immodeft rayment ; if fhame Hue 


I doe applaud thy fpirit, Valentine, 


In a difguife of loue ? 


And thinke thee worthy of an Emprefie loue : 


It is the leffer blot modefty findes , 


Know then, I heere forget all former greefes, 


Women to change their fhapes, then men their minds. 


Cancell all grudge, repeale thee home againe, 


Pro. Then men their minds? tis true : oh heuen, were man 


Plead a new ftate in thy vn-riual'd merit, 


But Conftant, he were perfect ; that one error 


To which I thus fubferibe : Sir Valentine, 


Fils him with faults : makes him run through all th'fins ; 


Thou art a Gentleman, and well deriu'd, 


Inconftancy falls-oft", ere it begins : 


Take thou thy Siluia, for thou haft deferu'd her. 


What is in Siluia's face, but I may fpie 


Val. I thank your Grace, y gift hath made me happy : 


More frefh in lulia" i, with a conftant eye ? 


I now befeech you (for your daughters fake ) 


Val. Come, come : a hand from either : 


To grant one Boone that I fhall aske of you. 


Let me be bleft to make this happy clofe : 


Duke. I grant it (for thine owne) what ere it be. 


'Twere piety two fuch friends fhould be long foes. 


Val. Thefe banifh'd men, that I haue kept withall, 


Pro. Beare witnes (heauen) I haue my wifh for euer. 


Are men endu'd with worthy qualities : 


Iul. And I mine. 


Forgiue them what they haue committed here, 


Oar-/. A prize : a prize : a prize. 


And let them be recall'd from their Exile : 


Val. Forbeare, forbeare I fay : It is my Lord the Duke. 


They are reformed, ciuill, full of good, 


Your Grace is welcome to a man difgrae'd, 


And fit for great employment (worthy Lord.) 


Banifhed Valentine. 


Duke. Thou haft preuaild, I pardon them and thee : 


Duke. Sir Valentine ? 


Difpofe of them, as thou knowft their deferts. 


Thu. Yonder is Siluia : and Siluia's mine. 


Come, let vs goe, we will include all iarres, 


Val. Thurio giue backe ; or elfe embrace thy death : 


With Triumphes, Mirth, and rare folemnity. 


Come not within the meafure of my wrath : 


Val. And as we walke along, I dare be bold 


Doe not name Siluia thine : if once againe, 


With our difcourfe, to make your Grace to fmile. 


Verona (hall not hold thee : heere me ftands , 


What thinke you of this Page (my Lord f ) 


Take but poffeffion of her, with a Touch : 


Duke. I think the Boy hath grace in him, he blufhes. 


I dare thee, but to breath vpon my Loue. 


Val. I warrant you (my Lord ) more grace, then Boy. 


Tbur. Sir Valentine, I care not for her, I : 


T>uke. What meane you by that faying ? 


I hold him but a foole that will endanger 


Val. Pleafe you, lie tell you, as we pafle along, 


His Body, for a Girle that loues him not : 


That you will wonder what hath fortuned : 


I claime her not, and therefore fhe is thine. 


Come Protheus, 'tis your pennance, but to heare 


Duke. The more degenerate and bafe art thou 


The ftory of your Loues difcouered. 


To make fuch meanes for her, as thou haft done, 


That done, our day of marriage fhall be yours, 


And leaue her on fuch flight conditions. 


One Feaft, one houfe, one mutuall happinefle. Exeunt. 




Eglamoure : Agent for Siluia in her efcape. 


The names of all the Actors. 


Hojl : where lulia lodges. 
Out-lawes with Valentine. 




Speed: a clownijhferuant to Valentine. 


Duke : Father to Siluia. 


Launce : the like to Protheus. 


V ptotbe n us'\ thetwoGentlmen ' 


Panthion: feruant to Antonio. 
Iulia: beloued of Protheus. 


Anthonio : father to Protheus. 


Siluia: beloued of Valentine. 


Thurio : a foolijh riuall to Valentine. 


Lucetta: waighting-woman to lulia. 


FINIS. 


THE 



39 




THE 



Merry Wiues of Windfor. 

zABus primus , Scena prima. 



Enter Juflice Shallow, Slender, Sir Hugh Euans, Mafier 
Page, Falftoffe, Bardolph, Nym, Piftoll, Anne Page, 
Mftrejfe Ford, sMiftreffe Page, Simple. 



Ir Hugh, perfwade me not : I will make a Star- 
Chamber matter of it, if hee were twenty Sir 
" " Falftoffs, he /hall not abufe Robert Shallow 
Efquire. (Coram. 

Slen. In the County of Qlocefter, Iuftice of Peace and 

Shal. I (Cofen Slender) and Cuft-alorum. 

Slen. I, and Rato lorum too ; and a Gentleman borne 
(Mafter Parfon) who writes himfelfe Armigero , in any 
Bill, Warrant, Quittance, or Obligation, Armigero. 

Shal. I that I doe, and haue done any time thefe three 
hundred yeeres. 

Slen. All his fucceffors (gone before him) hath don't: 
and all his Anceftors (that come after him) may : they 
may giue the dozen white Luces in their Coate. 

Shal. It is an olde Coate. 

Euans. The dozen white Lowfes doe become an old 
Coat well : it agrees well paffant : It is a familiar beaft to 
man, and fignifies Loue. 

Shal. The Lufe is the frerti-fifli, the falt-fiffi, is an old 
Coate. 

Slen. I may quarter (Coz). 

Shal. You may, by marrying. 

Euans. It is marring indeed, if he quarter it. 

Shal. Not a whit. 

Euan. Yes per-lady : if he ha's a quarter of your coat, 
there is but three Skirts for your felfe, in my fimple con- 
ie<ftures ; but that is all one : if Sir John Falftaffe haue 
committed difparagements vnto you, I am of the Church 
and will be glad to do my beneuolence, to make attone- 
ments and compremifes betweene you. 

Shal. The Councell fhall heare it, it is a Riot. 

Euan. It is not meet the Councell heare a Riot: there 
is no feare of Got in a Riot: The Councell (looke you) 
(hall defire to heare the feare of Got, and not to heare a 
Riot : take your viza-ments in that. 

Shal. Ha ; o' my life, if I were yong againe, the fword 
fliould end it. 

Euans. It is petter that friends is the fword, and end 
it: and there is alfo another deuice in my praine, which 
peraduenture prings goot difcretions with it. There is 
Anne Page, which is daughter to Mafter Thomas Page , 
which is pretty virginity. 

Slen. ^MiftrU Anne Page? {he has browne haire, and 
fpeakes fmall like a 



Suans. It is that ferry perfon for all the orld, as iuft as 
you will defire , and feuen hundred pounds of Moneyes, 
and Gold, and Siluer, is her Grand-fire vpon his deaths- 
bed, (Got deliuer to a ioyfull refurrections) giue, when 
file is able to ouertake feuenteene yeeres old. It were a 
goot motion, if we leaue our pribbles and prabbles, and 
defire a marriage betweene Mafter Abraham, and Miftris 
Anne Page. 

Slen. Did her Grand-fire leaue her feauen hundred 
pound ? 

Euan. I, and her father is make her a petter penny. 

Slen. I know the young Gentlewoman, file has good 
gifts. 

Euan. Seuen hundred pounds , and poffibilities , is 
goot gifts. 

Shal. Wei, let vs fee honeft M r Page : is Falftaffe there ? 

Euan. Shall I tell you a lye ? I doe defpife a Iyer, as I 
doe defpife one that is falfe, or as I defpife one that is not 
true: the Knight Sir lohn is there, and I befeech you be 
ruled by your well-willers : I will peat the doore for M r . 
Page. What hoa ? Got-pleffe your houfe heere. 

M.Page. Who's there ? 

Euan. Here is goYs pleffing and your friend, and Iu- 
ftice Shallow, and heere yong Mafter Slender : that perad- 
uentures fhall tell you another tale , if matters grow to 
your likings. 

M'.Page. I am glad to fee your Worships well : I 
thanke you for my Venifon Mafter Shallow. 

Shal. Mafter Page, I am glad to fee you : much good 
doe it your good heart : I wifh'd your Venifon better, it 
was ill killd : how doth good Miftreffe Page? and I thank 
you alwaies with my heart, la : with my heart. 

M.Page. Sir, I thanke you. 

Shal. Sir, I thanke you : by yea, and no I doe. 

M.Pa. I am glad to fee you, good Mafter Slender. 

Slen. How do's your fallow Greyhound, Sir, I heard 
fay he was out-run on Qotfall. 

M.Pa. It could not be iudg'd, Sir. 

Slen. You'll not confeffe : you'll not confeffe. 

Shal. That he will not, 'tis your fault, 'tis your fault : 
'tis a good dogge. 

M.Pa. A Cur, Sir. 

Shal. Sir i hee's a good dog, and a faire dog, can there 
be more faid ? he is good, and faire. Is Sir lohn Falftaffe 
heere ? 

M.Pa. Sir, hee is within : and I would I could doe a 
good office be tweene you. 

Euan. It is fpoke as a Chriftians ought to fpeake. 

Shal. He hath wrong'd me (Mafter Page.) 

M.Pa. Sir, he doth in fome fort confeffe it. 

D a Sha.) 



4° 



The Merry Wiues ofWindfor. 



Shal. If it be confeffed, it is not redrelTed ; is not that 
fo ( M.Page? ) he hath wrong' d me, indeed he hath, at a 
word he hath : beleeue me, Robert Shallow Efquire, faith 
he is wronged. 

Ma. Pa. Here comes Sir Iohn. 

Fal. Now, Mafter Shallow, you'll complaine of me to 
the King ? 

Shal. Knight, you haue beaten my men , kill'd my 
deere, and broke open my Lodge. 

Fal. But not kifs'd your Keepers daughter ? 

Shal. Tut, a pin : this fliall be anfwer'd. 

Fal. I will anfwere it ftrait, I haue done all this : 
That is now anfwer'd. 

Shal. The Councell fliall know this. 

Fal. 'Twere better for you if it were known in coun- 
cell : you'll be laugh'd at. 

Eu. Pauca -verba ; (Sir Iohn) good worts. 

Fal. Good worts ? good Cabidge ; Slender, I broke 
your head : what matter haue you againft me? 

Slen. Marry fir, I haue matter in my head againft you, 
and againft your cony-catching Rafcalls, 'Bardolf, Nym, 
and Pijloll. 

Bar. You Banbery Cheefe. 

Slen. I, it is no matter. 

Pijl. How now, Mepbojlophilus ? 

Slen. I, it is no matter. 

Nym. Slice, I fay ; pauca,pauca ; Slice, that's my humor. 

Slen. Where's Simple my man ? can you tell, Cofen ? 

Eua. Peace, I pray you : now let vs vnderftand : there 
is three Vmpires in this matter, as I vnderftand ; that is , 
Mafter Page (fidelicet Mafter Page, ) & there is my felfe, 
(fidelicet my felfe) and the three party is ( laftly , and fi- 
nally) mine Hoft of the Gater. 

Ma. Pa. We three to hear it, & end it between them. 

Euan. Ferry goo't, I will make a priefe of it in my 
note-booke, and we wil afterwards orke vpon the caufe, 
with as great difcreetly as we can. 

Fal. Pijloll. 

Fiji. He heares with eares. 

Euan. The Teuill and his Tarn ; what phrafe is this ? 
he heares with eare ? why, it is affectations. 

Fal. Pijloll, did you picke M. Slenders purfe ? 

Slen. I, by thefe gloues did hee, or I would I might 
neuer come in mine owne great chamber againe elfe , of 
feauen groates in mill-fixpences , and two Ed-ward Sho- 
uelboords , that coft me two fliilling and two pence a 
peece of Tead Miller : by thefe gloues. 

Fal. Is this true, Pijloll? 

Euan. No, it is falfe, if it is a picke-purfe. 

Pijl. Ha, thou mountaine Forreyner : Sir Iohn, and 
Mafter mine, I combat challenge of this Latine Bilboe : 
word of deniall in thy labras here ; word of denial ; froth, 
and fcum thou lieft. 

Slen. By thefe gloues, then 'twas he. 

Nym. Be auis'd fir , and paffe good humours ; I will 
fay marry trap with you, if you runne the nut-hooks hu- 
mor on me, that is the very note of it. 

Slen. By this hat, then he in the red face had it : for 
though I cannot remember what I did when you made 
me drunke, yet I am not altogether an affe. 

Fal. What fay you Scarlet, and Iohn ? 

Bar. Why fir, (for my part) I fay the Gentleman had 
drunke himfelfe out of his fiue fentences. 

Eu. It is his fiue fences : fie, what the ignorance is. 

Bar. And being fap, fir, was (as they fay) caflieerd : and 
fo conclusions paft the Car-eires. 



Slen. I, you fpake in Latten then to : but 'tis no mat- 
ter ; He nere be drunk whilft I liue againe, but in honeft, 
ciuill, godly company for this tricke : if I be drunke , He 
be drunke with thole that haue the feare of God, and not 
with drunken knaues. 

Euan. So got-udge me, that is a vertucns minde. 

Fal. You heare all thefe matters deni'd, Gentlemen ; 
you heare it. 

M'.Page. Nay daughter , carry the wine in, wee'll 
drinke within. 

Slen. Oh heauen : This is Miftreffe Anne Page. 

M'.Page. How now Miftris Ford? 

Fal. Mijlris Ford, by my troth you are very wel met : 
by your leaue good Miftris. 

M'.Page. Wife, bid thefe gentlemen welcome : come, 
we haue a hot Venifon pafty to dinner ; Come gentle- 
men, I hope we (hall drinke downe all vnkindneffe. 

Slen. I had rather then forty flvillings I had my booke 
of Songs and Sonnets heere : How now Simple, where 
haue you beene ? I muft wait on my felfe, muft I ' you 
haue not the booke of Riddles about you, haue you i 

Sim. Booke of Riddles ? why did you not lend it to 
Alice Short-cake vpon Alhallowmas laft , a fortnight a- 
fore Michaelmas. 

Shal. Come Coz, come Coz, we ftay for you : a word 
with you Coz : marry this, Coz : there is as 'twere a ten- 
der, a kinde of tender, made a farre-off by Sir Hugh here : 
doe you vnderftand me ? 

Slen. I Sir, you fliall finde me reafonable ; if it be fo, 
I fliall doe that that is reafon. 

Shal. Nay, but vnderftand me. 

Slen. So I doe Sir. 

Euan. Giue eare to his motions ; {M r .Slender) I will 
defcription the matter to you, if you be capacity of it. 

Slen. Nay, I will doe as my Cozen Shallow faies : I 
pray you pardon me, he's a Iuftice of Peace in his Coun- 
trie, fimple though I ftand here. 

Euan. But that is not the queftion : the queftion is 
concerning your marriage. 

Shal. I, there's the point Sir. 

Eu. Marry is it : the very point of it, to Mi. An Page. 

Slen. Why if it be fo ; I will marry her vpon any rea- 
fonable demands. 

Eu. But can you affection the 'o-man, let vs command 
to know that of your mouth, or of your lips : for diuers 
Philofophers hold, that the lips is parcell of the mouth : 
therfore precifely, ca you carry your good wil to y maid ? 

Sh. Cofen Abraham Slender, can you loue her f 

Slen. I hope fir, I will do as it ftiall become one that 
would doe reafon. 

Eu. Nay, got's Lords, and his Ladies, you muft fpeake 
poffitable, if you can carry-her your defires towards her. 

Shal. That you muft : 
Will you, (vpon good dowry) marry her ? 

Slen. I will doe a greater thing then that, vpon your 
requeft (Cofen) in any reafon. 

Shal. Nay conceiue me, conceiue mee, (fweet Coz) : 
what I doe is to pleafure you (Coz:) can you loue the 
maid ? 

Slen. I will marry her ( Sir ) at your requeft ; but if 
there bee no great loue in the beginning , yet Heauen 
may decreafe it vpon better acquaintance , when wee 
are married, and haue more occafion to know one ano- 
ther : I hope vpon familiarity will grow more content : 
but if you fay mary-her, I will mary-ber, that I am freely 
diffolued, and diffolutely. 

Eu. It 



The Merry Wiues ofWindfor. 



4i 



Eu. It is a fery difcetion-anfwere ; faue the fall is in 
the'ord, diftblutely : the ort is (according to our mea- 
ning) refolutely : his meaning is good. 

Sb. 1:1 thinke my Cofen meant well. 

SI. I, or elfe I would I might be hang'd (la.) 

Sh. Here comes faire Miftris Anne; would I were 
yong for your fake, Miftris Anne. 

An. The dinner is on the Table, my Father defires 
your worships company. 

Sh. I will wait on him, (faire Miftris Anne.) 

Eh. Od's plefied-wil : I wil not be ablece at the grace. 

An. Wil't pleafe your worfhip to come in, Sir ? 

SI. No, I thank you forfooth, hartely ; I am very well. 

An. The dinner attends you, Sir. 
SI. I am not a-hungry, I thanke you, forfooth : goe, 
Sirha, for all you are my man, goe wait vpon my Cofen 
Shalloio : a Iuftice of peace fometime may be beholding 
to his friend, for a Man ; I keepe but three Men, and a 
Boy yet, till my Mother be dead : but what though, yet 
I hue like a poore Gentleman borne. 

An. I may not goe in without your worfhip : they 
will not fit till you come. 

SI. I'faith, lie eate nothing : I thanke you as much as 
though I did. 

An. I pray you Sir walke in. 

SI. I had rather walke here (I thanke you) I bruiz'd 
my ftiin th'other day, with playing at Sword and Dag- 
ger with a Mafter of Fence (three veneys for a difti of 
ftew'd Prunes) and by my troth, I cannot abide the fmell 
of hot meate fince. Why doe your dogs barke fo ? be 
there Beares ith' Towne f 

eAn. I thinke there are, Sir, I heard them talk'd of. 

SI. I loue the fport well, but I mail as foone quarrell 
at it, as any man in England : you are afraid if you fee the 
Beare loofe, are you not? 

An. I indeede Sir. 

SI. That's meate and drinke to me now : I haue feene 
Sackerfon loofe, twenty times, and haue taken him by the 
Chaine : but (I warrant you) the women haue fo cride 
and ftirekt at it, that it paft : But women indeede, cannot 
abide'em , they are very ill-fauour'd rough things. 

Ma. Pa. Come, gentle M. Slender, come ; we ftay for you. 

SI. He eate nothing, I thanke you Sir. 

Ma. Pa. By cocke and pie, you fhall not choofe, Sir : 
come, come. 

SI. Nay, pray you lead the way. 

Ma.Pa. Come on, Sir. 

SI. Miftris Anne : your felfe fhall goe firft. 

An. Not I Sir, pray you keepe on. 

SI. Truely I will not goe firft : truely-la : I will not 
doe you that wrong. 

An. I pray you Sir. 

SI. He rather be vnmannerly, then troublefome : you 
doe your felfe wrong indeede-la. Exeunt. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Euans , and Simple. 

Eu. Go your waies, and aske of Doctor Caiui houfe, 
which is the way ; and there dwels one Miftris Quickly ; 
which is in the manner of his Nurfe; or his dry-Nurfe; or 
his Cooke; or his Laundry ; his Wafher, and his Ringer. 

Si. Well Sir. 



Eu. Nay, it is petter yet : giue her this letter ; for it is 
a'oman that altogeathers acquaintace with Miftris Anne 
Page ; and the Letter is to defire, and require her to foli- 
cite your Mafters defires, to Miftris Anne Page: I pray 
you be gon : I will make an end of my dinner ; ther's Pip- 
pins and Cheefe to come. Sxeunt. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Falftaffe, Hoft, Bardolfe, Nym, Pijioll, Page. 

Fal. Mine Hoft of the Garter i 

Ho. What faies my Bully Rooke ? fpeake fchollerly, 
and wifely. 

Fal. Truely mine Hoji ; I muft turne away fome of my 
followers. 

Ho. Difcard, (bully Hercules) caiheere ; let them wag; 
trot, trot. 

Fal. I fit at ten pounds a weeke. 

Ho. Thou'rt an Emperor (Cefar , Keifer and Pbeazar) 
I will entertaine Bardolfe : he mail draw ; he mail tapjfaid 
I well (bully He&or ? ) 

Fa. Doe fo (good mine Hoft. 

Ho. I haue fpoke : let him follow : let me fee thee froth, 
and liue ; I am at a word : follow. 

Fal. Bardolfe, follow him : a Tapjler is a good trade : - 
an old Cloake, makes a new Ierkin : a wither'd Seruing- 
man, a freih Tapfter : goe, adew. 

"iBa. It is a life that I haue defir'd : I will thriue. 

Pijl. O bafe hungarian wight : wilt y the fpigot wield. 

iV;.He was gotten in drink : is not the humor coceited? 

Fal. I am glad I am fo acquit of this Tinderbox : his 
Thefts were too open : his filching was like an vnskilfull 
Singer, he kept not time. 

Ni. The good humor is to fteale at a minutes reft. 

Pijl. Conuay : the wife it call : Steale? foh : a fico for 
the phrafe. 

Fal. Well firs, I am almoft out at heeles. 

Pijl. Why then let Kibes enfue. 

Fal. There is no remedy : I muft conicatch, I muft ftiift. 

Pijl. Yong Rauens muft haue foode. 

Fal. Which of you know Ford of this Towne? 

Pijl. I ken the wight : he is of fubftance good. 

Fal. My honeft Lads, I will tell you what I am about. 

Pijl. Two yards, and more. 

Fal. No quips now Piftoll : (Indeede I am in the wafte 
two yards about : but I am now about no wafte ; I am a- 
bout thrift) briefely : I doe meane to make loue to Fords 
wife : I fpie entertainment in her : fhee difcourfes : ihee 
carues ; ihe giues the leere of inuitation : I can conftrue 
the action of her familier ftile, & the hardeft voice of her 
behauior (to be englifiYd rightly) is, I am- Sir Iohn Faljlafs. 

Pijl. He hath ftudied her will; and tranflated her will : 
out of honefty, into Englifh. 

Ni. The Anchor is deepe : will that humor pafle ? 

Fal. Now, the report goes, (he has all the rule of her 
husbands Purfe : he hath a legend of Angels. 

Pijl. As many diuels entertaine : and to her Boy fay I. 

Ni. The humor rifes : it is good : humor me the angels. 

Fal. I haue writ me here a letter to her : & here ano- 
ther to Pages wife, who euen now gaue mee good eyes 
too ; examind my parts with moft iudicious illiads : fome- 
times the beame of her view, guilded my foote : fome- 
times my portly belly. 

D 3 Pijl. 



4 2 



'■The Merry Wiues of Wind/or. 



Pifl. Then did the Sun on dung-hill fliine. 

Ni. I thanke thee for that humour. 

Fa/. O fhe did fo courie o're my exteriors with fuch 
a greedy intention, that the appetite of her eye, did feeme 
to fcorch me vp like a burning-glafTe : here's another 
letter to her ; She beares the Purfe too : She is a Region 
in Guiana : all gold, and bountie : I will be Cheaters to 
them both , and they fhall be Exchequers to mee : they 
fhall be my Eaft and West Indies, and I will trade to 
them both : Goe, beare thou this Letter to Miftris Page ; 
and thou this to Miftris Ford: we will thriue (Lads) we 
will thriue. 

Fiji. Shall I Sir Pandarui of troy become, 
And by my fide weare Steele? then Lucifer take all. 

Ni. I will run no bafe humor : here take the humor- 
Letter ; I will keepe the hauior of reputation. 

Fa/. Hold Sirha, beare you thefe Letters tightly, 
Saile like my Pinnace to thefe golden fhores. 
Rogues, hence, auaunt, vanifh like haile-ftones ; goe, 
Trudge ; plod away ith' hoofe : feeke fhelter, packe : 
Fa/ftaffe will learne the honor of the age, 
French-thrift, you Rogues, my felfe, and skirted Page. 

Fiji. Let Vultures gripe thy guts : for gourd, and 
Fullam holds : & high and low beguiles the rich & poore, 
Tefter ile haue in pouch when thou /halt lacke, 
Bafe Phrygian Turke. 

Ni. I haue opperations, 
Which be humors of reuenge. 

Pifl. Wilt thou reuenge ? 

Ni. By Welkin, and her Star. 

Pifl. With wit, or Steele i 

Ni. With both the humors, I : 
I will difcuffe the humour of this Loue to Ford. 

Pifl. And I to Page fhall eke vnfold 
How Fa/ftaffe (varlet vile) 
His Doue will proue ; his gold will hold, 
And his foft couch defile. 

Ni. My humour fhall not coole : I will incenfe Ford 
to deale with poyfon : I will pofTefle him with yallow- 
nefle, for the reuolt of mine is dangerous : that is my 
true humour. 

Pifl. Thou art the oMars of Malecontents : I fecond 
thee : troope on. Exeunt. 



Scoena Quart a. 



Enter Miftris $uickly, Simple, Iohn Rugby, "DocJor, 
Caiiu, Fenton. 

£}u. What, Iohn Rugby, I pray thee goe to the Cafe- 
ment, and fee if you can fee my Mafter, Matter Docler 
Caiui comming : if he doe (I'faith) and finde any body 
in the houfe ; here will be an old abufing of Gods pati- 
ence, and the Kings Englifh. 

Ru. Ile goe watch. 

Slu. Goe, and we'll haue a poflet for't foone at night, 
(in faith) at the latter end of a Sea-cole-fire : An honeft, 
willing, kinde fellow, as euer feruant fhall come in houfe 
withall : and I warrant you, no tel-tale, nor no breede- 
bate : his worft fault is, that he is giuen to prayer ; hee is 
fomething peeuifh that way : but no body but has his 
fault : but let that pafTe. Peter Simple, you fay your 



Si. I : for fault of a better. 
Qu. And Mafter S/ender's your Mafter ? 

Si. I forfooth. 

S^u. Do's he not weare a great round Beard, like a 
Glouers pairing-knife ? 

•Si'. No forfooth : he hath but a little wee-face ; with 
a lief le yellow Beard : a Caine colourd Beard. 

S\u. A foftly-fprighted man, is he not? 

Si. I forfooth : but he is as tall a man of his hands, as 
any is betweene this and his head : he hath fought with 
a Warrener. 

S^u. How fay you : oh, I fhould remember him : do's 
he not hold vp his head (as it were?) and ftrut in his gate? 
Si. Yes indeede do's he. 

Sjt. Well, heauen fend Anne Page, no worfe fortune : 
Tell Mafter Farfon Euans, I will doe what I can for your 
Mafter : Anne is a good girle, and I wifh — 

Ru. Out alas .- here comes my Mafter. 

Slu. We fhall all be fhent : Run in here, good young 
man : goe into this ClofTet : he will not ftay long : what 
Iohn Rugby ? Iohn : what Iohn I fay f goe Iohn, goe en- 
quire for my Mafter, I doubt he be not well, that hee 
comes not home : [and doivne, doivne, adotvne'a. ©V. 

£a. Vat is you fing ? I doe not like des-toyes : pray 
you goe and vetch me in my ClofTet, vnboyteene verd ; 
a Box, a greene-a-Box : do intend vat I fpeake ? a greene- 
a-Box. 

Slu. I forfooth ile fetch it you : 
I am glad hee went not in himfelfe : if he had found the 
yong man he would haue bin horne-mad. 

Ca. Fe,fe,fe,fe, maifoy, il fait for ehando, le man -voi a le 
Court la grand affaires. 

Slu. Is it this Sir? 

Qa. Ouy mette le au man pocket ,de-peech quickly : 
Vere is dat knaue Rugby ? 

%/. What Iohn Rugby, Iohn i 

Ru. Here Sir. 

Ca. You are Iohn Rugby, aad you are lacke Rugby : 
Come, take-a-your Rapier, and come after my heele to 
the Court. 

Ru. 'Tis ready Sir, here in the Porch. 

Ca. By my trot : I tarry too long : od's-me : que ay ie 
oub/ie : dere is fome Simples in my ClofTet, dat I vill not 
for the varld I fhall leaue behinde. 
Slu. Ay-me, he'll finde the yong man there, & be mad. 

Ca. O T>iab/e, Diable : vat is in my ClofTet ? 
Villanie, La-roone : Rugby, my Rapier. 

Slu. Good Mafter be content. 

Ca. Wherefore fhall I be content-a ? 

Slu. The yong man is an honeft man. 

Ca. What fhall de honeft man do in my ClofTet : dere 
is no honeft man dat fhall come in my ClofTet. 

Slu. I befeech you be not fo flegmaticke : heare the 
truth of it. He came of an errand to mee, from Parfon 
Hugh. 

Ca. Veil. 

Si. I forfooth : to defire her to — 

Slu. Peace, I pray you. 

Ca. Peace-a-your tongue : fpeake-a-your Tale. 

Si. To defire this honeft Gentlewoman (your Maid) 
to fpeake a good word to Miftris Anne Page, for my Ma- 
fter in the way of Marriage. 

Slit. This is all indeede-la : but ile nere put my finger 
in the fire, and necde not. 

Ca. Sir Hugh fend-a you ? Rugby, ballow mee fome 
paper : tarry you a littell-a-while. 

%• I 



The Merry Wiues of Wind/or. 



43 



Slui. I am glad he is fo quiet : if he had bin through- 
ly moued, you mould haue heard him fo loud, and fo me- 
lancholly : but notwithstanding man, He doe yoe your 
Mafter what good I can : and the very yea, & the no is, y 
French Doctor my Mafter, (I may call him my Mafter, 
looke you, for I keepe his houfe ; and I warn, ring, brew, 
bake, lcowre, drefle meat and drinke, make the beds, and 
doe all my felfe.) 

Simp. "lis a great charge to come vnder one bodies 
hand. 

S>ui. Are you a-uis'd o'that? you fhall finde it a great 
charge : and to be vp early, and down late : but notwith- 
ftanding, (to tell you in your eare, I wold haue no words 
of it) my Mafter himfelfe is in loue with Miftris Anne 
Page: but notwithftanding that I know Ans mind, that's 
neither heere nor there. 

Qaius. You, lack 'Nape : giue-'a this Letter to Sir 
Hugh, by gar it is a fhallenge : I will cut his troat in de 
Parke , and I will teach a fcuruy Iack-a-nape Prieft to 

meddle, or make: you may be gon : it is not good 

you tarry here : by gar I will cut all his two ftones : by 
gar, he mill not haue a ftone to throw at his dogge. 

Slui. Alas : he fpeakes but for his friend. 

Caius. It is no matter'a ver dat : dp not you tell-a-me 
dat I (hall haue Anne Page for my felfe ? by gar , I vill 
kill de Iack-Prieft : and I haue appointed mine Hoft of 
de Iarteer to meafure our weapon : by gar, I wil my felfe 
haue Anne Page. 

Slui. Sir, the maid loues you , and all fhall bee well : 
We muft giue folkes leaue to prate : what the good-ier. 

Caius. Rugby, come to the Court with me : by gar, if 
I haue not Anne Page, I fhall turne your head out of my 
dore : follow my heeles, Rugby. 

S^ui. You mail haue _^»-fooles head of your owne : 
No, I know Am mind for that : neuer a woman in Wind- 
sor knowes more of Am minde then I doe , nor can doe 
more then I doe with her, I thanke heauen. 

Fenton. Who's with in there, hoa ? 

Slui. Who's there, I troa ? Come neere the houfe I 
pray you. 

Fen. How now (good woman) how doft: thou i 

Slui. The better that it pleafes your good Worfhip 
to aske ? 

Fen. What newes ? how do's pretty Miftris Anne'? 

Sui. In truth Sir, and fhee is pretty, and honeft, and 
gentle, and one that is your friend, I can tell you that by 
the way, I praife heauen for it. 

Fen. Shall I doe any good thinkft thou ? fhall I not 
loofe my fuit? 

Slui. Troth Sir , all is in his hands aboue : but not- 
withftanding (Mafter Fenton) He be fworne on a booke 
mee loues you : haue not your Worfhip a wart aboue 
your eye f 

Fen. Yes marry haue I, what of that ? 

Slut. Wei, thereby hangs a tale : good faith, it is fuch 
another Nan ; (but (I deteft) an honeft maid as euer 
broke bread : wee had an howres talke of that wart ; I 
fhall neuer laugh but in that maids company : but (in- 
deed) fhee is giuen too much to Allicholy and mufing : 
but for you well — goe too 

Fen. Well : I fhall fee her to day : hold, there's mo- 
ney for thee : Let mee haue thy voice in my behalfe : if 
thou feeft her before me, commend me. 

Slut. Will I? I faith that wee will : And I will tell 
your Worfhip more of the Wart, the next time we haue 
confidence, and of other wooers. 



Fen. Well, fare-well, I am in great hafte now. 

Slui. Fare-well to your Worfhip : truely an honeft 
Gentleman : but Anne loues hiim not : for I know zAns 
minde as well as another do's : out vpon't : what haue I 
forgot. Exit. 



Affus Secundus. Sccena^Prima. 



Enter Miftris Page, oMiftris Ford, Mafter Page, Mafter 
Ford, Piftoll, Nim, Qujckly, Hoft, Shallow. 

Mift.Page. What, haue fcap'd Loue-letters in the 
holly-day-time of my beauty , and am I now a fubiect 
for them ? let me fee ? 

Aske me no reason ivby I hue you, for though Loue vfe Rea- 
Jon for his precifian, hee admits him not for his Qounfailour 
you are not yong, no more am I : goe to then, there's fmpathie 
you are merry, Jo am I : ha, ha, then there's more fimpathie 
you loue facke, and fo do I : would you defire better fimpathie ? 
Let itfuffice thee (^Miftris Page) at the leaft if the Loue of 
Souldier can Juffice, that I loue thee : J ivill not jay pitty mee , 
'tis not a Souldier --like phrafe ; but I fay, loue me : 

15y me, thine oiune true Knight, by day or night : 

Or any kinde of light, ivith all his might , 

For thee to fight. Iohn Falftaffe. 

What a Herod of Iurie is this ? O wicked, wicked world : 
One that is well-nye worne to peeces with age 
To fhow himfelfe a yong Gallant ? What an vnwaied 
Behauiour hath this Flemifh drunkard pickt ( with 
The Deuills name) out of my conuerfation, that he dares 
In this manner affay me ? why, hee hath not beene thrice 
In my Company : what fhould I fay to him ? I was then 
Frugall of my mirth : ( heauen forgiue mee : ) why He 
Exhibit a Bill in the Parliament for the putting downe 
of men : how fhall I be reueng'd on him ? for reueng'd I 
will be ? as fure as his guts are made of puddings. 

MifFord. Miftris Page, truft me, I was going to your 
houfe. 

Mif. Page. And truft me, I was comming to you : you 
looke very ill. 

Mif.Ford. Nay, He nere beleeee that ; I haue to fhew 
to the contrary. 

ttMij.Page. 'Faith but you doe in my minde. 

Mif.Ford. Well : I doe then : yet I fay , I could fhew 
you to the contrary : O Miftris Page, giue mee fome 
counfaile. 

Mif Page. What's the matter, woman ? 

Mi. Ford. O woman : if it were not for one trifling re- 
fpecT:, I could come to fuch honour. 

Mi. Page. Hang the trifle (woman) take the honour : 
what is it ? difpence with trifles : what is it ? 

Mi. Ford. If I would but goe to hell , for an eternall 
moment, or fo : I could be knighted. 

cMi.Page. What thou lieft ? Sir Alice Ford ? thefe 
Knights will hacke, and fo thou fhouldft not alter the ar- 
ticle of thy Gentry. 

eMi.Ford. Wee burne day-light: heere , read , read : 
perceiue how I might bee knighted , I fhall thinke the 
worfe of fat men , as long as I haue an eye to make diffe- 
rence of mens liking : and yet hee would not fweare : 

praife 



44 



The Merry JViues ofWindjor. 



praife womens modefty : and gaue fuch orderly and wel- 
behaued reproofe to al vncomelineffe, that I would haue 
fworne his difpofition would haue gone to the truth of 
his words : but they doe no more adhere and keep place 
together, then the hundred Pfalms to the tune of Green- 
fleeues : What tempeft (I troa) threw this Whale, (with 
fo many Tuns of oyle in his belly) a'fhoare at Windfor ? 
How fhall I bee reuenged on him ? I thinke the beft way 
were, to entertaine him with hope , till the wicked fire 
of luft haue melted him in his owne greace : Did you e- 
uer heare the like ? 

MiJ.Page. Letter for letter ; but that the name of 
Page and Ford differs : to thy great comfort in this my- 
ftery of ill opinions, heere's the twyn-brother of thy Let- 
ter : but let thine inherit firft , for I proteft mine neuer 
fhall : I warrant he hath a thoufand of thefe Letters, writ I 
with blancke-fpace for different names (fure more,) : and 
thefe are of the fecond edition : hee will print them out | 
of doubt: for he cares not what hee puts into the preffe, j 
when he would put vs two : I had rather be a Gianteffe, j 
and lye vnder Mount Pelion: Well ; I will find you twen- 
tie lafciuious Turtles ere one chafte man. 

Mij.Ford. Why this is the very fame : the very hand: 
the very words : what doth he thinke of vs? 

MiJ.Page. Nay I know not: it makes me almoft rea- 
die to wrangle with mine owne honefty : He entertaine 
my felfe like one that I am not acquainted withall : for 
fure vnlefTe hee know fome ftraine in mee , that I know 
not my felfe, hee would neuer haue boorded me in this 
furie. 

Mi. Ford. Boording, call you it ? He bee fure to keepe 
him aboue decke. 

cflfi.Page. So will I : if hee come vnder my hatches , 
lie neuer to Sea againe : Let's bee reueng'd on him : let's 
appoint him a meeting : giue him a (how of comfort in 
his Suit, and lead him on with a fine baited delay, till hee 
hath pawn'd his horfes to mine Hoft of the Garter. 

Mi. Ford. Nay, I wil confent to adl: any villany againft 
him, that may not fully the charineffe of our honefty : oh 
that my husband faw this Letter : it would giue eternall 
food to his iealoufie. 

MiJ.Page. Why look where he comes; and my good 
man too : hee's as farre from iealoufie, as I am from gi- 
uing him caufe, and that (I hope) is an vnmeafurable di- 
stance. 

Mij.Ford. You are the happier woman. 

MiJ.Page. Let's confult together againft this greafie 
Knight : Come hither. 

Ford. Well : I hope, it be not fo. 

Fiji. Hope is a curtall-dog in fome affaires : 
Sir Iohn affe&s thy wife. 

Ford. Why fir, my wife is not young. 

Pift. He wooes both high and low, both rich & poor, 
both yong and old, one with another [Ford) he loues the 
Gally-mawfry [Ford) perpend. 

Ford. Loue my wife ? 

Pift. With liuer, burning hot : preuent : 
Or goe thou like Sir Atleon he, with 
Ring-wood at thy heeles : O, odious is the name. 

Ford. What name Sir? 

Pift. The home I fay : Farewell : 
Take heed, haue open eye, for theeues doe foot by night. 
Take heed, ere fommer comes, or Cuckoo-birds do fing. 
Away fir Corporall Nim : 
Beleeue it (Page) he fpeakes fence. 

Ford. I will be patient : I will find out this. 



Nim. And this is true : I like not the humor of lying: 
hee hath wronged mee in fome humors: I fhould haue 
borne the humour'd Letter to her : but I haue a fword : 
and it fhall bite vpon my neceffitie : he loues your wife ; 
There's the fhort and the long : My name is Corporall 
Nim : I fpeak, and I auouch ; 'tis true : my name is Nim: 
and Falftaffe loues your wife : adieu, I loue not the hu- 
mour of bread and cheefe : adieu. 

Page. The humour of it (quoth'a ?) heere's a fellow 
frights Englifti out of his wits. 

Ford. I will feeke out Faljlaffe. 

Page. I neuer heard fuch a drawling-affecldng rogue. 

Ford. If I doe finde it : well. 

Page. I will not beleeue fuch a Catalan , though the 
Prieft o' th'Towne commended him for a true man. 

Ford. 'Twas a good fenfible fellow : well. 

Page. How now iJVEeg ? 

Mfi . Page. Whether goe you {George?) harke you. 

MiJ Ford. How now (fweet Frank) why art thou me- 
lancholy f 

Ford. I melancholy ? I am not melancholy : 
Get you home : goe. 

Mij.Ford. Faith, thou haft fome crochets in thy head, 
Now: will you goe, Mtjiris Page ? 

MiJ.Page. Haue with you : you'll come to dinner 
George f Looke who comes yonder : fhee (hall bee our 
Meflenger to this paltrie Knight. 

cMiJ.Ford. Truft me, I thought on her : fhee'll fit it. 

MiJ. Page. You are come to fee my daughter Anne"* 

S^ui. I forfooth : and I pray how do's good Miftreffe 
Ar.ne ? 

MiJ.Page. Go in with vs and fee: we haue an houres 
talke with you. 

Page. How now Mafter Ford ? 

For. You heard what this knaue told me, did you not? 

Page. Yes,and you heard what the other told me? 

Ford. Doe you thinke there is truth in them ? 

Pag. Hang 'em (laues : I doe not thinke the Knight 
would offer it : But thefe that accufe him in his intent 
towards our wiues, are a yoake of his difcarded men: ve- 
ry rogues, now they be out of feruice. 

Ford. Were they his men ? 

Page. Marry were they. 

Ford. I like it neuer the beter for that , 
Do's he lye at the Garter ? 

Page. I marry do's he : if hee fhould intend this voy- 
age toward my wife , I would turne her loofe to him ; 
and what hee gets more of her, then fharpe words, let it 
lye on my head. 

Ford. I doe not mifdoubt my wife : but I would bee 
loath to turne them together : a man may be too confi- 
dent : I would haue nothing lye on my head : I cannot 
be thus fatisfied. 

Page. Looke where my ranting-Hoft of the Garter 
comes : there is eyther liquor in his pate, or mony in his 
purfe , when hee lookes fo merrily : How now mine 
Hoft? 

Hoft. How now Bully-Rooke : thou'rt a Gentleman 
Caueleiro Iuftice, I fay. 

Sbal. I follow, (mine Hoft) I follow : Good-euen , 
and twenty (good Mafter Page.) Mafter Page, wil you go 
with vs? we haue fport in hand. 

Hoft. Tell him Caueleiro-Iuftice : tell him Bully- 
Rooke. 

Shall. Sir, there is a fray to be fought, betweene Sir 
Hugh the Welch Prieft, and Cairn the French Doctor. 

Ford. Good 



The Merry Wiues of Wind) or. 



45 



Ford. Good mine Hoft o'th'Garter: a word with you. 

Heft. What faift thou, my Bully-Rooke ? 

Sbal. Will you goe with vs to behold it ? My merry 
Hoft hath had the meafuring of their weapons ; and ( I 
thinke) hath appointed them contrary places : for ( be- 
leeue mee ) I heare the Parfon is no Iefter : harke, I will 
tell you what our fport /hall be. 

Heft. Haft thou no fuit againft my Knight ? my gueft- 
Caualeire ? 

Sbal. None, I proteft : but He giue you a pottle of 
burn'd facke , to giue me recourfe to him , and tell him 
my name is 'Broome : onely for a ieft. 

Hoft. My hand, (Bully : ) thou /halt haue egreffe and 
regrefle, (faid I well?) and thy name /hall be 'Broome. It 
is a merry Knight : will you goe An-heires ? 

Sbal. Haue with you mine Hoft. 

Page. I haue heard the French-man hath good skill 
in his Rapier. 

Sbal. Tut fir : I could haue told you more : In thefe 
times you ftand on diftance: your Paifes, Stoccado's, and 
I know not what: 'tis the heart (Mafter Page) 'tis heere, 
'tis heere : I haue feene the time, with my long-fword , I 
would haue made you fowre tall fellowes skippe like 
Rattes. 

Hoft. Heere boyes, heere, heere : /hall we wag ? 

Page. Haue with you : I had rather heare them fcold, 
then fight. 

Ford. Though Page be a fecure foole , and ftands fo 
firmely on his wiues frailty ; yet, I cannot put-oft" my o- 
pinion fo eafily : /he was in his company at Pages houfe : 
and what they made there, I know not. Well, I wil looke 
further into'r, and I haue a difguife, to found Falftaffe ; if 
I finde her honeft, I loofe not my labor : if /he be other- 
wife, 'tis labour well bellowed. Exeunt. 



Sccena Secunda. 



Enter Falftaffe, Piftoll, Robin, Quickly, Bardolffe, 
Ford. 

Fal. I will not lend thee a penny. 

Pift. Why then the world's mine Oyfter , which I, 
with fword will open. 

Fal. Not a penny : I haue beene content (Sir,) you 
Zhould lay my countenance to pawne : I haue grated vp- 
on my good friends for three Repreeues for you , and 
your Coach-fellow Nim; or elfe you had loolcd through 
the grate, like a Geminy of Baboones : I am damn'd in 
hell, for fwearing to Gentlemen my friends , you were 
good Souldiers, and tall-fellowes. And when Miftrefle 
Briget loft the handle of her Fan, I took't vpon mine ho- 
nour thou hadft it not. 

Pift. Didft not thou /hare ? hadft thou not fifteene 
pence ? 

Fal. Reafon, you roague, reafon : thinkft thou He en- 
danger my foule, gratis ? at a word, hang no more about 
mee , I am no gibbet for you : goe, a /hort knife, and a 
throng, to your Mannor of Pkkt-hatch : goe, you'll not 
beare a Letter for mee you roague ? you ftand vpon your 
honor : why, (thou vnconfinable bafenefle) it is as much 
as I can doe to keepe the termes of my hononor precife : 
I, I, I my felfe fometimes, leauing the feare of heauen on 



the left hand, and hiding mine honor in my neceflity, am 
faine to /hufflle : to hedge, and to lurch, and yet , you 
Rogue, will en-fconce your raggs ; your Cat-a-Moun- 
taine-lookes, your red-lattice phrafes , and your bold- 
beating-oathes, vnder the Zhelter of your honor 2 you 
will not doe it? you? 

Pift. I doe relent : what would thou more of man ? 

Robin. Sir, here's a woman would fpeake with you. 

Fal. Let her approach. 

Slui. Glut your wor/hip good morrow. 

Fal. Good-morrow, good-wife. 

Slui. Not fo, and't pleafe your wor/hip. 

Fal. Good maid then. 

S(ui. He be fworne, 
As my mother was the firft houre I was borne. 

Fal. I doe beleeue the fwearer ; what with me ? 

S>ui. Shall I vouch-fafe your wor/hip a word , or 
two ? 

Fal. Two thoufand (faire woman) and ile vouchfafe 
thee the hearing. 

Slut. There is one Miftrefle Ford, (Sir) I pray come a 
little neerer this waies : I ray felfe dwell with M. Doctor 
Caim: 

Fal. Well, on ; Miftrefle Ford, you fay. 

Slui. Your worlhip faies very true : I pray your wor- 
/hip come a little neerer this waies. 

Fal. I warrant thee , no-bodie heares : mine owne 
people, mine owne people. 

Slut. Are they fo ? heauen-blefle them , and make 
them his Seruants. 

Fal. Well ; Miftre/Te Ford, what of her ? 

Slui. Why, Sir ; /hee's a good-creature ; Lord, Lord, 
your Wor/hip's a wanton: well: heauen forgiue you, 
and all of vs, I pray . 

Fal. Miftrefle Ford : come, Miftrefle Ferd. 

Slui. Marry this is the /hort, and the long of it : you 
haue brought her into fuch a Canaries , as 'tis wonder- 
full : the beft Courtier of them all ( when the Court lay 
at JVindfer) could neuer haue brought her to fuch a Ca- 
narie : yet there has beene Knights, and Lords, and Gen- 
tlemen, with their Coaches ; I warrant you Coach after 
Coach, letter after letter, gift after gift, fmelling fo fweet- 
lyj all Muske, and fo ru/hling, I warrant you, in filke 
and golde, and in fuch alligant termes, and in fuch wine 
and fuger of the beft, and the faireft, that would haue 
wonne any womans heart : and I warrant you, they could 
neuer get an eye-winke of her : I had my felfe twentie 
Angels giuen me this morning, but I defie all Angels (in 
any fuch fort, as they fay) but in the way of honefty : and 
I warrant you, they could neuer get her fo much as fippe 
on a cup with the prowdeft of them all, and yet there has 
beene Earles : nay, (which is more) Pentioners, but I 
warrant you all is one with her. 

Fal. But what faies (hee to mee ? be briefe my good 
fhee-Mercurie. 

Slui. Marry, /he hath receiu'd your Letter : for the 
which /he thankes you a thoufand times ; and /he giues 
you to notifie, that her husband will, be abfence from his 
houfe, betweene ten and eleuen. 

Fal. Ten, and eleuen. 

Slui. I, forfooth : and then you may come and fee the 
picture (/he fayes) that you wot of : Mafter Ford her huf- 
band will be from home : alas, the fweet woman leades 
an ill life with him : hee's a very iealoufie-man ; /he leads 
a very frampold life with him, (good hart.) 

Fal. Ten, and eleuen. 

Woman 



4° 



The Merry Wiues of Wind/or. 



Woman, commend me to her, I will not faile her. 

Qui. Why, you fay well : But I haue another meflen- 
ger to your worihip : MiftrelTe Page hath her heartie 
commendations to you to : and let mee tell you in your 
eare, fhee's as fartuous a ciuill modeft wife, and one (I 
tell you ) that will not miffe you morning nor euening 
prayer, as any is in Windjor , who ere bee the other : and 
fhee bade me tell your worihip, that her husband is fel- 
dome from horn?, but (he hopes there will come a time. 
I neuer knew a woman fo doate vpon a man j furely I 
thinke you haue charmes,la : yes in truth. 

Fal. Not I, I adure thee ; fetting the attraction of my 
good parts afide, I haue no other charmes. 

Qui. Bleffing on your heart for't. 

Fal. But I pray thee tell me this : has Fords wife, and 
Pages wife acquainted each other, how they loue me? 

Qui. That were a ieft indeed : they haue not fo little j 
grace I hope, that were a tricke indeed : But Miftris Page 
would defire you to fend her your little Page of al loues: 
her husband has a maruellous infectio to the little Page : 
and truely Mafter Page is an honeft man : neuer a wife in 
Windjor leades a better life then ihe do's : doe what fhee 
will, fay what (he will, take all, pay all, goe to bed when 
ihe lift, rife when fhe lift, all is as fhe will : and truly Ihe 
defames it ; for if there be a kinde woman in Windjor, Hit 
is one : you muft fend her your Page, no remedie. 

Fal. Why, I will. 

Qu. Nay, but doe fo then , and looke you, hee may 
come and goe betweene you both : and in any cafe haue 
a nay-word , that you may know one anothers minde , 
and the Boy neuer neede to vnderftand any thing ; for 
'tis not good that children fhould know any wickednes : 
olde folkes you know, haue difcretion, as they fay , and 
know the world. 

Fal. Farechee-well , commend mee to them both : 
there's my purfe , I am yet thy debter : Boy, goe along 
with this woman, this newes diftra<Ss me. 

P:ft. This Puncke is one of Cupids Carriers, 
Clap on more failes,purfue : vp with your fights : 
Giue fire : fhe is my prize, or Ocean whelme them all. 

Fal. Saift thou fo (old Iacke) go thy waies : He make 
more of thy olde body then I haue done : will they yet 
looke after thee? wilt thou after the expence of fo much 
money, be now a gainer? good Body, I thanke thee : let 
them fay 'tis groffely done, fo it bee fairely done, no 
matter. 

liar. Sir Iohn, there's one Mafter Broome below would 
faine fpeake with you, and be acquainted with you ; and 
hath fent your worihip a mornings draught of Sacke. 

Fal. Broome is his name ? 

Bar. I Sir. 

Fal. Call him in : fuch 'Broomes are welcome to mee , 
that ore'flowes fuch liquor : ah ha, Miftreffe Ford and Mi- 
ftrelTe Pa%e, haue I encompafs'd you ? goe to, via. 

Ford. 'BlefTe you fir. 

Fal. And you fir : would you fpeake with me? 

Ford. I make bold, to preffe, with fo little prepara- 
tion vpon you. 

Fal. You'r welcome, what's your will ? giue vs leaue 
Drawer. 

Ford. Sir, I am a Gentleman that haue fpent much , 
my name is Broome. 

Fal. Good Mafter Broome, I defire more acquaintance 
of you. 

Ford. Good Sir Iohn, I fue for yours : not to charge 
you , for I muft let you vnderftand, I thinke my felfe in 



better plight for a Lender, then you are : the which hath 
fomething emboldned me to this vnfeafon'd intrufion : 
for they fay , if money goe before , all waies doe lye 
open. 

Fal. Money is a good Souldier (SirJ and will on. 

Ford. Troth , and I haue a bag of money heere trou- 
bles me : if you will helpe to beare it (Sir Iohn) take all, 
or halfe, for eafing me of the carriage. 

Fal. Sir, I know not how I may deferue to bee your 
Porter. 

Ford. I will tell you fir, if you will giue mee the hea- 
ring. 

Fal. Speake (good Mafter Broome) I fhall be glad to 
be your Seruant. 

Ford. Sir, I heare you are a Scholler; (I will be briefe 
with you) and you haue been a man long knowne to me, 
though I had neuer fo good means as defire, to make my 
felfe acquainted with you. I fhall difcouer a thing to 
you, wherein I muft very much lay open mine owne im- 
perfection : but (good Sir Iohn) as you haue one eye vp- 
on my follies, as you heare them vnfolded, turne another 
into the Regifter of your owne, that I may paffe with a 
reproofe the eafier, fith you your felfe know how eafie it 
is to be fuch an offender. 

Fal. Very well Sir, proceed. 

Ford. There is a Gentlewoman in this Towne , her 
husbands name is Ford. 

Fal. Well Sir. 

Ford. I haue long lou'd her, and I proteft to you, be- 
llowed much on her : followed her with a doating ob- 
feruance : Ingrofs'd opportunities to meete her : fee'd e- 
uery flight occafion that could but nigardly giue mee 
fight of her : not only bought many prefents to giue her, 
but haue giuen largely to many , to know what fhee 
would haue giuen : briefly, I haue purfu'd her, as Loue 
hath purfued mee, which hath beene on the wing of all 
occafions : but whatfoeuer I haue merited, either in my 
minde, or in my meanes,meede I am fure I haue receiued 
none, vnleffe Experience be a Iewell, that I haue purcha- 
fed at an infinite rate , and that hath taught mee to fay 
this, 

" Loue like a padciv flies,iuhen jubjiance Loue purfues, 

" Purjuing that that flies , and flying -what purfues. 

Fal. Haue you receiu'd no promife of fatisfaction at 
her hands ? 

Ford. Neuer. 

Fal. Haue you importun'd her to fuch a purpofe ? 

Ford. Neuer. 

Fal. Of what qualitie was your loue then ? 

Ford. Like a fair houfe, built on another mans ground, 
fo that I haue loft my edifice, by miftaking the place, 
where I erected it. 

Fal. To what purpofe haue you vnfolded this to me ? 

For. When I haue told you that, I haue told you all : 
Some fay, that though fhe appeare honeft to mee, yet in 
other places fhee enlargeth her mirth fo farre, that there 
is fhrewd conftrucTion made of her. Now (Sir Iohn) here 
is the heart of my purpofe : you are a gentleman of ex- 
cellent breeding, admirable difcourfe, of great admit- 
tance , authenticke in your place and perfon , generally 
allow'd for your many war-like, court-like, and learned 
preparations. 

Fal. O Sir. 

Ford. Beleeueit, for you know it : there is money, 
fpend it, fpend it, fpend more j fpend all I haue, onely 

giue 



The Merry Wiues of Wind/or. 



47 



giue me fo much of your time in enchange of it, as to lay 
an amiable liege to the honefty of this Fords wife : vfe 
your Art of wooing ; win her to confent to you : if any 
man may, you may as foone as any. 

Fal. Would it apply well to the vehemency of your 
affection that I fhould win what you would enioy ? Me- 
thinkes you prefcribe to your felfe very prepofteroufly. 

Ford. O, vnderftand my drift : me dwells fo fecurely 
on the excellency of her honor, that the folly of my foule 
dares not prefent it felfe : fhee is too bright to be look'd 
againft. Now, could I come to her with any detection 
in my hand j my defires had inftance and argument to 
commend themfelues, I could driue her then from the 
ward of her purity, her reputation, her marriage-vow , 
and a thoufand other her defences, which now are too- 
too ftrongly embattaild againft me : what fay you too't, 
Sir Iobn ? 

Fal. Mafter Broome, I will firft make bold with your 
money : next, giue mee your hand : and laft, as 1 am a 
gentleman, you fhall, if you will, enioy Fords wife. 

Ford. O good Sir. ' 

Fal. I fay you mall. 

Ford. Want no money (Sir Iohn)yoa mall want none. 

Fal. Want no Miftreje Ford {Mafter Broome)you ftiall 
want none : I /hall be with her (I may tell you) by her 
owne appointment, euen as you came in to me , her afli- 
ftant, or goe-betweene, parted from me : I fay I mail be 
with her betweene ten and eleuen : for at that time the 
iealiuus-rafcally-knaue her husband will be forth : come 
you to me at night, you mall know how I fpeed. 

Ford. I am bleft in your acquaintance : do you know 
JWSir? 

Fal. Hang him ( poore Cuckoldly knaue) I know 
him not : yet I wrong him to call him poore : They fay 
the iealous wittolly-knaue hath maffes of money, for 
the which his wife feemes to me well-fauourd : 1 will vfe 
her as the key of the Cuckoldly-rogues Coffer, & ther's 
my harueft-home. 

Ford. I would you knew Ford, fir, that you might a- 
uoid him, if you faw him. 

Fal. Hang him, mechanicall-falt-butter rogue; I wil 
ftare him out of his wits : I will awe-him with my cud- 
gell : it mail hang like a Meteor ore the Cuckolds horns: 
Mafter 'Broome, thou fhalt know, I will predominate o- 
uer the pezant, and thou malt lye with his wife. Come 
to me foone at night : Ford's a knaue, and I will aggra- 
uate his ftile : thou (Mafter Broome ) fhalt know him for 
knaue, and Cuckold. Come to me foone at night. 

Ford. What a damn'd Epicurian-Rafcall is this ? my 
heart is ready to cracke with impatience : who faies this 
is improuident iealoufie i my wife hath fent to him , the 
howre is fixt , the match is made : would any man haue 
thought this ? fee the hell of hauing a falfe woman : my 
bed mail be abus'd, my Coffers ranfack'd, my reputati- 
on gnawne at,and I mall not onely receiue this villanous 
wrong , but fland vnder the adoption of abhominable 
termes, and by him that does mee this wrong : Termes, 
names : Amaimon founds well : Lucifer, well : c Barbafon, 
well : yet they are Diuels additions, the names of fiends : 
But Cuckold, Wittoll, Cuckold ? the Diuell himfelfe 
hath not fuch a name. Page is an Afle, a fecure Affe ; hee 
will truft his wife , hee will not be iealous : I will rather 
truft a Fleming with my butter, Parfon Hugh the Weljh- 
man with my Cheefe, an Info-man with my Aqua-vitae- 
bottle, or a Theefe to walke my ambling gelding, then 
my wife with her felfe. Then me plots, then ftiee rumi- 



uates, then ihee deuifes : and what they thinke in their 
hearts they may effect ; they will breake their hearts but 
they will effect. Heauen bee prais'd for my iealoufie : 
eleuen o' clocke the howre , I will preuent this , detect 
my wife, bee reueng'd on Falftaffe, and laugh at Page. I 
will about it, better three houres too foone , then a my- 
nute too late : fie, fie, fie : Cuckold, Cuckold, Cuckold. 

Exti. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Caius, Rugby, Page, Shallow, Slender, Hoft. 

Caiui. Jacke Rugby. 

Rug. Sir. 

Caiui. Vat is the clocke, lack. 

Rug. 'Tis paft the howre (Sir) that Sir Hugh promis'd 
to meet. 

Cai. By gar, he has faue his foule, dat he is no-come : 
hee has pray his Pible well, dat he is no-come : by gar 
{lack Rugby) he is dead already, if he be come. 

Rug. Hee is wife Sir : hee knew your worfhip would 
kill him if he came. 

Cai. By gar, de herring is no dead , fo as I vill kill 
him : take your Rapier, {Iacke) I vill tell you how I vill 
kill him. 

Rug. Alas fir, I cannot fence. 

Cai. Villanie, take your Rapier. 

Rug. Forbeare : heer's company. 

Hoft. 'Bleffe thee, bully-Doctor. 

Shal. 'Saue you M r . Doctor Caiui. 

Page. Now good M r . Doctor. 

Slen. 'Giue you good-morrow, fir. 

Caiui. Vat be all you one, two, tree, fowre, come for ? 

Hoft. To fee tbee fight, to fee thee foigne, to fee thee 
trauerfe, to fee thee heere, to fee thee there, to fee thee 
paffe thy puncto, thy ftock, thy reuerfe, thy diftance, thy 
montant : Is he dead, my Ethiopian ? Is he dead, my Fran- 
cifco ? ha Bully ? what faies my EJculafiui ? my Galien? my 
heart of Elder ? ha? is he dead bully-Stale? is he dead ? 

Qai. By gar, he is de Coward-Iack-Prieft of de vorld: 
he is not fhow his face. 

Hoft. Thou art a Caftalion-king-Vrinall : HeBor of 
Greece (my Boy) 

Cai. I pray you beare witneffe , that me haue ftay, 
fixe or feuen, two tree howres for him, and hee is no- 
come. 

Shal. He is the wifer man (M.Docto)rhe is a curer of 
foules, and you a curer of bodies : if you fhould fight, you 
goe agjinft the haire of your profeffions : is it not true , 
Mafter Page} 

Page. Mafter Shallow ; you haue your felfe beene a 
great fighter, though now a man of peace. 

Shal. Body-kins M. Page, though I now be old, and 
of the peace ; if I fee a l'word out, my finger itches to 
make one ; though wee are Iuftices, and Doctors, and 
Church-men (M. Page) wee haue fome fait of our youth 
in vs, we are the fons of women {M.Page.) 

Page. 'Tis true, M r . Shallow. 

Shal. It wil be found fo, {M.Page:) M.Doctor Caius, 
I am come to fetch you home : 1 am fworn of the peace: 
you haue fhow'd your felfe a wife Phyfician , and Sir 
Hugh hath fhowne himfelfe a wife and patient Church- 
man : you muft goe with me, M.Dodtor. 

Hoft. Par- 



The Merry Wiues ofWindfor. 



Heft. Pardon , Gueft-Iuftice ; a Mounfeur Mocke- 
water. 

Cai. Mock-vater ? vat is dat ? 

Hoft. Mock-water, in our Englifh tongue, is Valour 
(Bully.) 

Cai. By gar, then I haue as much Mock-vater as de 
Englishman : fcuruy-Iack-dog-Prieft : by gar, mee vill 
cut his eares. 

Hoft. He will Clapper-claw thee tightly (Bully.) 

Cai. Clapper-de-claw ? vat is dat ? 

Heft. That is, he will make thee amends. 

Cai. By-gar, me doe looke hee fhall clapper-de-claw 
me, for by-gar, me vill haue it. 

Hoft. And I will prouoke him to't, or let him wag. 

Cai. Me tanck you for dat. 

Hoft. And moreouer, (Bully) but firft , M"\ Ghueft, 
and M.Page, & eeke Caualeiro Slender, goe you through 
the Towne to Frogmore. 

Page. Sir Hugh is there, is he? 

Hoft. He is there, fee what humor he is in : and I will 
bring the Doctor about by the Fields : will it doe well ? 

Sbal. We will doe it. 

<All. Adieu, good M. Doctor. 

Cai. By-gar, me vill kill de Prieft, for he fpeake tor a 
Iack-an-Ape to Anne Page. 

Hoft. Let him die : fheath thy impatience : throw cold 
water on thy Choller : goe about the fields with mee 
through Frogmore, I will bring thee where Miftris Anne 
Page is, at a Farm-houfe a Feafting : and thou malt wooe 
he r : Cride-game, faid I well ? 

Cai. By gar, mee dancke you vor dat : by gar I loue 
you : and I Jhall procure 'a you de good Gueft : de Earle, 
de Knight, de Lords, de Gentlemen, my patients. 

Hoft. For the which, I will be thy aduerfary toward 
Anne Page : faid I well ? 

Cai. By-gar, 'tis good : veil faid. 

Hoft. Let vs wag then. 

Cai. Come at my heeles, lack Rugby. 

Exeunt. 



Adius Tertius. Sccena '•Prima. 



Enter Euans, Simple, Page, Shallow, Slender, Hoft, Caiui, 
Rugby. 

Euans. I pray you now, good Mafter Slenders feruing- 
man, and friend Simple by your name ; which way haue 
you look'd for Mafter Caiui, that calls himfelfe Doctor 
ofPhificke. 

tie-ward , the Parke-ward : 

ay, and euery way but the 

Towne-way. 

Euan, i moft fehe 
looke that way. 

Sim. I will fir. 

Euan. 'Pkffe my foule : how full of Chollors I am, and 
trempling of minde : I fhall be glad if he haue deceiued 
me : how melancholies I am ? I will knog his Vrinalls a- 
bout his knaues coflard, when I haue good oportunities 
for the orke : 'Pleffe my foule : To pal/ow Ruiers to whofe 
falls : melodious Birds ftngs Madrigalls : There will we make 
our Peds of Rofes : and a tkoujand fragrant pofies. To pal- 
low : 'Mercie on mee, I haue a great difpofitions to cry. 



Sim. Marry Sir , the 
euery way : olde rVindjc 



ltly defire you , you will alfo 



Melodious birds ftng Madrigalls : When ai I fat in Pa- 

bilon : and a thoujand -vagram Pofies. To pal low, &c. 
Sim. Yonder he is comming, this way, Sir Hugh. 
Euan. Hee's welcome : To p allow Riuers, to wbofe fals: 
Heauen profper the right : what weapons is he? 

Sim. No weapons, Sir : there comes my Mafter, M r . 
Shallow, and another Gentleman ; from Frogmore , ouer 
the ftile, this way. 

Euan. Pray you giue mee my gowne, or elfe keepe it 
in your armes. 

Shal. How now Mafter Parfon ? good morrow good 
Sir Hugh : keepe a Gamefter from the dice, and a good 
Studient from his booke, and it is wonderfull. 
Slen. Ah fweet Anne Page. 
Page. 'Saue you, good Sir Hugh. 
Euan. 'Pleffe vou from his mercy-fake, all of you. 
Shal. What? the Sword, and the Word? 
Doe you ftudy them both, M r .Parfon ? 

Page. And youthfull ftill, in your doublet and hofe, 
this raw-rumaticke day ? 

Euan. There is reafons, and caufes for it. 
Page. We are come to you, to doe a good office, M r . 
Parfon. 

Euan. Fery-well : what is it ? 

Page. Yonder is a moft reuerend Gentleman ; who 
fbe-like) hauing receiued wrong by fome perfon , is at 
moft odds with his owne grauity and patience, that euer 
you faw. 

Shal. I haue liued foure-fcore yeeres, and vpward : I 
neuer heard a man of his place, grauity, and learning, fo 
wide of his owne refpect. 
Euan. What is he ? 

Page. I thinke you know him : M r . Doctor Caius the 
renowned French Phyfician. 

Euan. Got's-will, and his paffion of my heart : I had 
as lief you would tell me of a meffe of porredge. 
Page. Why? 

Euan. He has no more knowledge in Hibocrates and 
Galen, and hee is a knaue betides : a cowardly knaue , as 
you would defires to be acquaiuted withall. 

Page. I warrant you, hee's the man mould fight with 
him. 

Slen. O fweet Anne Page. 

Shal. It appeares fo by his weapons ; keepe them a- 
funder : here comes Doctor Caius. 

Page. Nay good M r . Parfon, keepe in your weapon. 
Shal. So doe you, good M r . Doctor. 
Hoft. Difarme them, and let them queftion : let them 
keepe their limbs whole, and hack our Engliih. 

Cai. I pray you let-a-mee fpeake a word with your 
eare ; vherefore vill you not meet-a me? 

Euan. Pray you vfe your patience in good time. 
Cai. By-gar, you are de Coward : de lack dog : Iohn 
Ape. 

Euan. Pray you let vs not be laughing-ftocks to other 
mens humors : I defire you in friendship, and I will one 
way or other make you amends : I will knog your Vrinal 
about your knaues Cogs-combe. 

Cai. Triable : lack Rugby : mine Hoft de Iarteer : haue I 
not ftay for him, to kill him ? haue I not at de place I did 
appoint? 

Euan. As I am a Chriftians-foule , now looke you : 
this is the place appointed, He bee iudgement by mine 
Hoft of the Garter. 

Hoft. Peace, I fay, Gallia and Gaule, French & Welch, 
Soule-Curer, and Body-Curer. 

Cai. I, 



The Merry Wiues of Wind/or. 



49 



Cai. I, dat is very good, excellant. 

Hojl. Peace, I fay : heare mine Hoft of the Garter, 
Am I politicked Am I fubtle ? Am I a Machiuell ? 
Shall. 1 loofe my Doctor? No, hee giues me the Potions 
and the Motions. Shall I loofe my Parfon ? my Prieft ? 
my Sir Hugh ? No, he giues me the Prouerbes, and the 
No-verbes. Giue me thy hand (Celeftiall) fo : Boyes of 
Art, I haue deceiu'd you both : I haue directed you to 
wrong places ; your hearts are mighty, your skinnes are 
whole, and let burn'd Sacke be the iflue : Come, lay their 
fwords to pawne : Follow me, Lad of peace, follow, fol- 
low, follow. 

Sbal. Truft me, a mad Hoft : follow Gentlemen, fol- 
low. 

Slen. O fweet Anne Page. 

Cai. Ha' do I perceiue dat ? Haue you make-a-de-fot 
of vs, ha, ha? 

Eua. This is well, he has made vs his vlowting-ftog : 
I defire you that we may be friends : and let vs knog our 
praines together to be reuenge on this fame fcall-fcur- 
uy-cogging-companion the Hoft of the Garter. 

Cai. By gar, with all my heart : he promife to bring 
me where is Anne Page : by gar he deceiue me too. - 

Euan. Well, I will fmite his noddles : pray you follow. 



Scena Secunda. 



Miji . Page, Robin, Ford, Page, Shallow, Slender , Hoft , 
EuansXaim. 

Mift.Page. Nay keepe your way (little Gallant) you 
were wont to be a follower, but now you are a Leader : 
whether had you rather lead mine eyes, or eye your ma- 
tters heeles ? 

Rob. I had rather (forfooth) go before you like a man, 
then follow him like a dwarfe. (Courtier. 

M.Pa. O you are a flattering boy, now I fee you'l be a 

Ford.WeU met miftris Page, whether go you. 

M.Pa.Tru\y Sir, to fee your wife, is ftie at home ? 

Ford. J, and as idle as (he may hang together for want 
of company : I thinke if your husbands were dead, you 
two would marry. 

M.Pa. Be fure of that, two other husbands. 

Ford. Where had you this pretty weather-cocke ? 

M.Pa. I cannot tell what (the dickens) his name is my 
husband had him of, what do you cai your Knights name 

Rob.Sir Iohn Falftaffe. (firrah ? 

Ford. Sir Iohn Falftaffe. 

M.Pa.He,he,l can neuer hit on ? s name ; there is fuch a 
league betweene my goodman, and he : is your Wife at 

Ford. Indeed (he is. (home indeed ? 

M.Pa.By your leaue fir, I am ficke till I fee her. 

Ford.Hzs Page any braines ? Hath he any eies ? Hath he 
any thinking? Sure they fleepej he hath no vfe of them ! 
why this boy will carrie a letter twentie mile as eafie, as 
a Canon will /hoot point-blanke twelue fcore : hee pee- 
ces out his wiues inclination : he giues her folly motion 
and aduantage : and now (he's going to my wife, & Fal- 
ftaffes boy with her : A man may heare this fhowre fing 
in the winde ; and Falfiaffes boy with her : good plots, 
they are laide, and our reuolted wiues (hare damnation 
together. Well, I will take him, then torture my wife, 
plucke the borrowed vaile of modeftie from the fo-fee- 
ming Mid. Page, divulge Page himfelfe for a fecure and 



wilfull A&eon, and to thefe violent proceedings all my 
neighbors (hall cry aime. The clocke giues me my Qu, 
and my afTurance bids me fearch, there I ihall finde Fal- 
ftaffe : I Ihall be rather praifd for this, then mock'd, for 
it is as poffitiue, as the earth is firme , that Falftaffe is 
there : I will go. 

Shal. Page,&c. Well met Mr Ford. 

Ford. Truft me, a good knotte ; I haue good cheere at 
home, and I pray you all go with me. 

Shal. I muft excufe my felfe M 1 Ford. 
Slen. And fo muft I Sir, 
We haue appointed to dine with Miftris zAnne, 
And I would not breake with her for more mony 
Then He fpeake of. 

Shal. We haue linger'd about a match betweene An 
Page, and my cozen Slender, and this day wee mall haue 
our anfwer. 

Slen. I hope I haue your good will Father Page. 

Pag. You haue M r Slender, I ftand wholly for you, 
But my wife (M r Doctor) is for you altogether. 

Cai. I be-gar, and de Maid is loue-a-me : my nur/h- 
a-Quickly tell me fo mufti. 

Hoft. What fay you to yong M r Fenton ? He capers, 
he dances, he has eies of youth : he writes verfes, hee 
fpeakes holliday, he fmels April and May, he wil carry't, 
he will carry't,'tis in his buttons, he will carry't. 

Page. Not by my confent I promife you. The Gentle- 
man is of no hauing, hee kept companie with the wilde 
Prince, and Point* : he is of too high a Region, he knows 
too much : no, hee mail not knit a knot in his fortunes, 
with the finger of my fubftance : if he take her, let him 
take her fimply : the wealth I haue waits on my confent, 
and my confent goes not that way. 

Ford. I befeech you heartily, fome of you goe home 
with me to dinner : befides your cheere you ihall haue 
fport, I will ftiew you a monfter : M r Doctor, you fhal 
go, io ihall you M r Page, and you Sir Hugh. 

Shal. Well, fare you well : 
We (hall haue the freer woing at M r Pages. 

Cai. Go home Iohn Rugby, I come anon. 

Hoft. Farewell my hearts, I will to my honeft Knight 
Falftaffe,and drinke Canarie with him.. 

Ford. I thinke I (hall drinke in Pipe-wine firft with 
him, lie make him dance. Will you go, Gentles? 

All. Haue with you, to fee this Monfter. Sxeunt 



Scena Tertia. 

Enter cM.Ford, M.I 'age, Seruants, Robin, Falftaffe, 
Ford,Page,Caius,Euam , 

Mift.Ford. What Iohn, what Robert. 

M,Page. Quickly, quickly : Is the Buck-basket 

Mif.Ford. I warrant. What Robin I fay. 

MiJ.Page. Come, come, come. 

Mift.Ford. Heere,fet it downe. 

M.Pag.Glue your men the charge, we muft be briefe, 

cflf.Ford.Marrie, as I told you before [Iohn & Robert) 
be ready here hard-by in the Brew-houfe, & when I fo- 
dainly call you, come forth, and (without any paufe, or 
daggering) take this basket on your (houlders : y done, 
trudge with it in all haft, and carry it among the Whit- 
fters in Dotcbet Mead, and there empty it in the muddie 
ditch, clofe by the Thames fide. 

M.Page. You will do it? (direction. 

M.Ford. I ha told them ouer and ouer, they lacke no 
E Be 



58 



The Merry Wiues of Windfa 



Be gone, and come when you are call'd. 

M.Page. Here comes little Robin. (with you ? 

Mift.Ford. How now my Eyas-Musket, what newes 
Rob. My M.Sir hbn is come in' at your backe doore 
C Mift.Ford, and requefts your company. 

M.Page. You litle Iack-a-lent, haue you bin true to vs 

Rob. 1, lie be fworne : my Mafter knowes not of your 

being heere : and hath threatned to put me into euerla- 

fting liberty, if I tell you of it : for he fweares he'll turne 

me away. 

Mift.Pag. Thou'rt a good boy: this fecrecy of thine 
fhall be a Tailor to thee, and fhal make thee a new dou- 
blet and hole. lie go hide me. 

Mi. Ford. Do fo : go tell thy Mafter, I am alone : Mi- 
ftris Page, remember you your £>u. 

Mift.Pag. I warrant thee, if I do not aft it, hifle me. 

Mift.Ford. Go-too then: we'l vfe this vnwholfome 
humidity, this groffe-watry Pumpion ; we'll teach him 
to know Turtles from Iayes. 

Fa/. Haue I caught thee, my heauenly Iewell? Why 
now let me die, for I haue liu'd long enough : This is the 
period of my ambition : O this blefTed houre. 

Mift.Ford. O fweet Sir Iobn. 

Fal. Miftris Ford, I cannot cog, I cannot prate (Mift. 
Ford) now mall I fin in my wifh ; I would thy Husband 
were dead, He fpeake it before the beft Lord, I would 
make thee my Lady. 

Mift.Ford. I your Lady Sir Iobn ? Alas, I mould bee a 
pittifull Lady. 

Fal. Let the Court of France (hew me fuch another : 
I fee how thine eye would emulate the Diamond : Thou 
haft the right arched-beauty of the brow, that becomes 
the Ship-tyre, the Tyre-valiant, or any Tire of Venetian 
admittance. 

cMift.Ford. A plaine Kerchiefe, Sir John : 
My browes become nothing elfe, nor that well neither. 

Fal. Thou art a tyrant to fay fo : thou wouldft make 
an abfolute Courtier, and the firme fixture of thy foote, 
would giue an excellent motion to thy gate, in a femi- 
circled Farthingale. I fee what thou wert if Fortune thy 
foe, were not Nature thy friend : Come, thou canft not 
hide it. 

Mift. Ford. Beleeue me, ther's no fuch thing in me. 

Fal. What made me loue thee ? Let that perfwade 
thee. Ther's fomething extraordinary in thee : Come, I 
cannot cog, and fay thou art this and that, like a-manie 
of thefe lifping-hauthorne buds, that come like women 
in mens apparrell, and fmell like Bucklers-berry in Am- 
ple time : I cannot, but I loue thee, none but thee ; and 
thou deferu'ft it. 

M.Ford. Do not betray me fir, I fear you loue M.Page. 

Fal. Thou mightft as well fay, I loue to walke by the 
Counter-gate, which is as hatefull to me, as the reeke of 
a Lime -kill. 

Mif. Ford. Well, heauen knowes how I loue you, 
And you (hall one day finde it. 

Fal. Keepe in that minde, He deferue it. 

Mift.Ford: Nay, I muft tell you, fo you doe ; 
Or elfe I could not be in that minde. 

Rob. Miftris Ford, Miftris Ford: heere's Miftris Page at 
the doore, fweating, and blowing, and looking wildely, 
and would needs fpeake with you prefently. 

Fal. She fhall not fee me, I will enfconce mee behinde 
the Arras. 

M.Ford. Pray you do fo, Die's a very tatling woman. 
Whats the matter? Hew now? 



Mift. Page. O miftris Ford what haue you done? 
You'r fham'd, y'are ouerthrowne, y'are vndone for euer. 
M.Ford. What's the matter, good miftris Page f 
M.Page. O weladay, mift. Ford, hauing an honeft man 
to your husband, to giue him fuch caufe of fufpition. 
M.Ford. What caufe of fufpition ? 
M.Page. What caufe of fufpition ? Out vpon you : 
How am I miftooke in you ? 

M.Ford. Why (alas) what's the matter? 
M.Page. Your husband's comming hether (Woman) 
with all the Officers in Windfor, to fearch for a Gentle- 
man, that he fayes is heere now in the houfe ; by your 
confent to take an ill aduantage of his abfence ; you are 
vndone. 

cM.Ford. 'Tis not fo, I hope. 

M.Page. Pray heauen it be not fo, that you haue fuch 
a man heere : but 'tis moft certaine your husband's com- 
ming, with halfe Windfor at his heeles, to ferch for fuch 
a one, I come before to tell you : If you know your felfe 
cleere, why I am glad of it: but if you haue a friend here, 
conuey, conuey him out. Be not amaz'd, call all your 
fenfes to you, defend your reputation, or bid farwell to 
your good life for euer. 

M.Ford. What fhall I do ? There is a Gentleman my 
deere friend : and I feare not mine owne fhame fo much, 
as his perill. I had rather then a thoufand pound he were 
out of the houfe. 

M.Page. For fhame, neuer ftand (you had rather, and 
you had rather :) your husband's heere at hand, bethinke 
you of fome conueyance : in the houfe you cannot hide 
him. Oh, how haue you deceiu'd me ? Looke, heere is a 
basket, if he be of any reafonable ftature, he may creepe 
in heere, and throw fowle linnen vpon him, as if it were 
going to bucking : Or it is whiting time, fend him by 
your two men to Datchet-Mea.de. 

M.Ford. He's too big to go in there : what fhall I do ? 

Fal. Let me fee't, let me fee't, O let me fee't : 
He in, He in : Follow your friends counfell, He in. 

M.Page. What Sir Iobn Faiftaffe} Are thefe your Let- 
ters, Knight ? 

Fal. I loue thee, helpe mee away : let me creepe in 
heere : ile neuer 

M.Page. Helpe to couer your mafter (Boy: ) Call 
your men (Mift.Ford.) You diflembling Knight. 

M.Ford. What Iobn, Robert, Iobn ; Go, take vp thefe 
cloathes heere, quickly : Wher's the Cowle-ftaffe f Look 
how you drumble ? Carry them to the Landrefle in Dat- 
chet mead : quickly, come. 

Ford. 'Pray you come nere : if I fufpe£t without caufe, 
Why then make fport at me, then let me be your ieft, 
I deferue it : How now ? Whether beare you this ? 

Ser. To the LandrefTe forfooth ? 

M.Ford. Why, what haue you to doe whether they 
beare it? You were beft meddle with buck-wafhing. 

Ford. Buck? I would I could wafh my felfe of y Buck : 
Bucke, bucke, bucke, I bucke : I warrant you Bucke, 
And of the feafon too ; it fhall appeare. 
Gentlemen, I haue dream'd to night, Ile tell you my 
dreame: heere, heere, heere bee my keyes, afcend my 
Chambers, fearch, feeke, finde out: Ile warrant wee'le 
vnkennell the Fox. Let me flop this way firft : fo, now 
vncape. 

Page. Good mafter Ford, be contented : 
You wrong your felfe too much. 

Ford. True (mafter Page) vp Gentlemen, 
You fhall fee fport anon : 

Follow 



The Merry Wiues of Wind/or. 



5 1 



Follow me Gentlemen. 

Euans. This is fery fantafticall humors and iealoulies. 

Caitu. By gar, 'tis no-the fafhion of France : 
It is not iealous in France. 

Page. Nay follow him (Gentlemen) fee the yfiue of 
his fearch. 

Mift.Pageh there not a double excellency in this ? 

Mift.Ford. I know not which pleafes me better, 
That my husband is deceiued, or Sir Iobn. 

Miji.Page. What a taking was hee in, when your 
husband askt who was in the basket ? 

Mift.Ford. I am halfe affraid he will haue neede of 
warning : fo throwing him into the water, will doe him 
a benefit. 

Miji.Page. Hang him dimoneft rafcall: I would all 
of the fame ftraine, were in the fame diftrefle. 

Mift.Ford. I thinke my husband hath fome fpeciall 
fufpition of Falftaftfts being heere : for I neuer faw him fo 
grofle in his iealoufie till now. 

Miji.Page. I will lay a plot to try that, and wee will 
yet haue more trickes with Falftaffe; his diffolute difeafe 
will fcarfe obey this medicine. 

Mift.Ford. Shall we fend that foolimion Carion, Mift. 
S^uickly to him, and excufe his throwing into the water, 
and giue him another hope, to betray him to another 
puniftiment? 

Mill. Page. We will do it : let him be fent for to mor- 
row eight a clocke to haue amends. 

Ford. I cannot finde him : may be the knaue bragg'd 
of that he could not compafTe. 

Mift. Page. Heard you that ? 

Mift.Ford. You vfe me well, M.Ford? Do you? 

Ford. I, I do fo. 

cM.Ford. Heauen make you better then your thoghts 

Ford. Amen. 

<3V[i.Page. You do your felfe mighty wrong (M.Ford) 

Ford. I, I : I muft beare it. 

Eu. If there be any pody in the houfe, & in the cham- 
bers, and in the coffers, and in the preffes : heauen for- 
giue my (ins at the day of iudgement. 

Caius. Be gar, nor I too : there is no-bodies. 

Page. Fy, fy, M.Ford, are you not afliEm'd i What fpi- 
rit, what diuell fuggefts this imagination ? I wold not ha 
your diftemper in this kind, for y welth of Windftor caftle. 

Ford. 'Tis my fault (M.Page) I fuffer for it. 

Euans. You fuffer for a pad confcience : your wife is 
as honeft a o'mans, as I will defires among flue thou- 
fand, and fiue hundred too. 

Cai. By gar, I fee 'tis an honeft woman. 

Ford. Well, I promifd you a dinner : come, come, walk 
in the Parke, I pray you pardon me : I wil hereafter make 
knowne to you why I haue done this. Come wife, come 
Mi. Page, I pray you pardon me. Pray hartly pardon me. 

Page-. Let's go in Gentlemen, but(truft me)we'l mock 
him : I doe inuite you to morrow morning to my houfe 
to breakfaft : after we'll a Birding together, I haue a fine 
Hawke for the bum. Shall it be fo : 

Ford. Any thing. 

Eu. If there is one, I (hall make two in the Companie 

Ca. If there be one, or two, I (hall make-a-theturd. 

Ford. Pray you go, M.Page. 

Eua.l pray you now remembrance to morrow on the 
lowfie knaue, mine Hoft. 

Cai. Dat is good by gar, withall my heart. 

S-ua. A lowfie knaue, to haue his gibes, and his moc- 
keries. Exeunt. 



Sccena Quarta. 



Enter Fenton, cAnne, Page, Shallow, Slender, 
Quickly, Page, Mift. Page. 

Fen: I fee I cannot get thy Fathers loue, 
Therefore no more turne me to him (fweet Nan.) 

cAnne. Alas, how then ? 

Fen. Why thou muft be thy felfe. 
He doth obieft, I am too great of birth, 
And that my ftate being gall'd with my expence, 
I feeke to heale it onely by his wealth. 
Befides thefe, other barres he layes before me, 
My Riots paft, my wilde Societies, 
And tels me 'tis a thing impoffible 
I (liould loue thee, but as a property. 

An. May be he tels you true. 

No, heauen fo fpeed me in my time to come, 
Albeit I will confeffe, thy Fathers wealth 
Was the firft motiue that I woo'd thee (JLnne :) 
Yet wooing thee, I found thee of more valew 
Then ftampes in Gold, or fummes in fealed bagges : 
And 'tis the very riches of thy felfe, 
That now I ayme at. 

tAn. Gentle M. Fenton, 
Yet feeke my Fathers loue, (till feeke it (ir, 
If opportunity and humbleft fuite 
Cannot attaine it, why then harke you hither. 

Sbal. Breake their talke Miftris Sluickly, 
My Kinfman (hall fpeake for himfelfe. 
' 5/ra.Ile make a (haft or a bolt on't, (lid, tis but ventu- 

Shal. Be not difmaid. ( rm S- 

Slen. No, (he (hall not difmay me : 
I care not for that, but that I am affeard. 

^a/.Hark ye, M.Slender would fpeak a word with you 

An. I come to him. This is my Fathers choice : 
O what a world of vilde ill-fauour'd faults 
Lookes handfome in three hundred pounds a yeere ? 

S>ui. And how do's good Mailer Fenton ? 
Pray you a word with you. 

Sbal. Shee's comming ; to her Coz : 
O boy, thou hadft a father. 

Slen. I had a father (MAn) my vncle can tel you good 
iefts of him : pray you Vncle, tel Mift. Anne the left how 
my Father ftole two Geefe out of a Pen, good Vnckle. 

Sbal. Miftris Anne, my Cozen loues you. 

Slen. I that I do, as well as I loue any woman in Glo- 
ceftermire. 

Shal. He will maintaine you like a Gentlewoman. 

Slen. I that I will, come cut and long-taile, vnder the 
degree of a Squire. 

Shal. He will make you a hundred and fiftie pounds 



felfe. 

Shal. Marrie I thanke you for it : I thanke you for 
that good comfort : (he cals you (Coz) He leaue you. 

Anne. Now Mafter Slender., 

Slen. Now good Miftris cAnne. 

Anne. What is your will ? 

Slen. My will ? Odd's-hart-lings, that's a prettie 
ieft indeede : I ne're made my Will yet (I thanke Hea- 
uen:) I am not fuch a fickely creature, I giue Heauen 
praife. 

E 2 An. 



52 



The Merry Wiues of Wind/or. 



Anne. I meane (M. Slender) what wold you with me ? 

Slett. Truely, for mine owne part, I would little or 
nothing with you : your father and my vncle hath made 
motions : if it be my lucke, fo ; if not, happy man bee his 
dole, they can tell you how things go, better then I can : 
you may aske your father, heere he comes. 

Page. Now M r Slender ; Loue him daughter Anne. 
Why how now? What does M r Fenter here i 
You wrong me Sir, thus ftill to haunt my houfe. 
I told you Sir, my daughter is difpofd of. 

Fen. Nay M r Page, be not impatient. 

MiJl.Page. Good M. Fenton.come not to my child. 

Page. She is no match for you. 

Fen. Sir, will you heare me? 

Page. No, good M. Fenton. 
Come M. Shallow : Come fonne Slender, in ; 
Knowing my minde, you wrong me (M. Fenton.) 

Slui. Speake to Miftris Page. 

Fen. Good Mift. Page, for that I loue your daughter 
In fuch a righteous fafhion as I do, 
Perforce, againft all checkes, rebukes, and manners, 
I mull aduance the colours of my loue, 
And not retire. Let me haue your good will. 

An. Good mother, do not marry me to yond foole. 

MiJl.Page. I meane it not, I ieeke you a better huf- 
band. 

Slut. That's my mafter,M.DocT:or. 

^«.AIas I had rather be fet quick i'th earth, 
And bowl'd to death with Turnips. 

cMiJl.Page. Come, trouble not your felfe good M. 
Fenton, I will not be your friend, nor enemy : 
My daughter will I queftion how fhe loues you, 
And as I finde her, fo am I afrefted : 
Till then, farewell Sir, ihe muft needs go in, 
Her father will be angry. 

Fen. Farewell gentle Miftris : farewell Nan. 

Slui. This is my doing now: Nay, faide I, will you 
caft away your childe on a Foole, and a Phyfitian : 
Looke on M. Fenton, this is my doing. 

Fen. I thanke thee : and I pray thee once to night, 
Giue my fweet Nan this Ring : there's for thy paines. 

Slut. Now heauen fend thee good fortune, a kinde 
heart he hath : a woman would run through fire & wa- 
ter for fuch a kinde heart. But yet, I would my Maifter 
had Miftris Anne, or I would M.Slender had her : or (in 
footh) I would M. Fenton had her ; I will do what I can 
for them all three, for fo I haue promifd, and He bee as 
good as my word, but fpecioully for M. Fenton. Well, I 
mult of another errand to Sir Iobn FalHaffe from my two 
Miftreffes : what a beaft am I to flacke it. Exeunt 



Scena Quinta. 



Enter Falflaffe, Bardolfe, Slickly, Ford. 

Fal. 'Bardolfe I fay. 

'Bar. Heere Sir. 

Fal. Go, fetch me a quart of Sacke, put a toft in't. 
Haue I liu'd to be carried in a Basket like a barrow of 
butchers Offall? and to be throwne in the Thames? Wei, 
if I be feru'd fuch another tricke, He haue my braines 
'tane out and butter'd, and giue them to a dogge for a 
New-yeares gift. The rogues flighted me into the riuer 
with as little remorfe, as they would haue drown'de a 



blinde bitches Puppies, fifteene i'th litter: and you may 
know by my fize, that I haue a kinde of alacrity in fink- 
ing : if the bottome were as deepe as hell, I Ihold down. 
I had beene drown'd, but that the ftiore was fheluy and 
mallow : a death that I abhorre : for the water fwelles a 
man ; and what a thing mould I haue beene, when I 
had beene fwel'd ? I mould haue beene a Mountaine of 
Mummie. 

Bar. Here's M.S>uickly Sir to fpeake with you. 

Fal. Come, let me poure in fome Sack to the Thames 
water : for my bellies as cold as if I had fwallow'd lnow- 
bais, for pilles to coole the reines. Call her in. 

Bar. Come in woman. 

S>ui. By your leaue : I cry you mercy ? 
Giue your worihip good morrow. 

Fal. Take away thefe Challices: 
Go, brew me a pottle of Sacke finely. 

•Bard. With Egges, Sir ? 

Fal. Simple of it felfe : He no Pullet-Sperfme in my 
brewage. How now? 

Slui. Marry Sir, I come to your worihip from M. Ford. 

Fal.Mift.Ford? I haue had Ford enough : I was thrown 
into the Ford ; I haue my belly full of Ford. 

Slui. Alas the day, (good-heart) that was not her 
fault : me do's fo take on with her men ; they miftooke 
their erection. (promife. 

Fal. So did I mine, to build vpon a foolifh Womans 

Slui. Well, fhe laments Sir for it, that it would yern 
your heart to fee it : her husband goes this morning a 
birding ; fhe defires you once more to come to her, be- 
tweene eight and nine : I muft carry her word quickely, 
lhe'11 make you amends I warrant you. 

Fal. Well, I will vifit her, tell her fo : and bidde her 
thinke what a-man is : Let her confider his frailety, and 
then iudge of my merit. 

S>ui. I will tell her. 

Fal. Do fo. Betweene nine and ten faift thou ? 

Slui. Eight and nine Sir. 

Fal. Well, be gone : I will not miffe her. 

Slui. Peace be with you Sir. 

Fal. I meruaile I heare not of M r Broome : he fent me 
word to ftay within : I like his money well. 
Oh, heere be comes. 

Ford. Blefie you Sir. 

Fal. Now M. 'Broome, you come to know 
What hath paft betweene me, and Fords wife. 

Ford. That indeed (Sir Iohn) is my bufinefie. 

Fal. M.Broome I will not lye to you, 
I was at her houfe the houre fhe appointed me. 

Ford. And fped you Sir ? 

Fal. very ill-fauouredly M.Broome. 

Ford. How fo fir, did fhe change her determination ? 

Fal. No {M.Broome) but the peaking Curnuto her huf- 
band (M.Broome) dwelling in a continual larum of ielou- 
fie, corns me in the inftant of our encounter, after we had 
embraft, kift, protefted, & (as it were) fpoke the prologue 
of our Comedy : and at his heeles, a rabble of his compa- 
nions, thither prouoked and inftigated by his diftemper, 
and (forfooth) to ferch his houfe for his wiues Loue. 

Ford. What* While you were there? 

Fal. While I was there. 

For. And did he fearch for you, & could not find you ? 

Fal. You mail heare. As good lucke would haue it, 
comes in one Mifl. Page, giues intelligence of Fords ap- 
proch : and in her inuention, and Fords wiues diftraftion, 
they conuey'd me into a bucke-basket. 

Ford 



The Merry Wiues of Wind/or. 



53 



Ford. A Buck-basket? 

Fal. Yes : a Buck-basket : ram'd mee in with foule 
Shirts and Smockes, Socks, foule Stockings, greafie 
Napkins, that (Mafter Broome) there was the rankeft 
compound of villanous fmell, that euer offended no- 
ftrill. 

Ford. And how long lay you there ? 

Fal. Nay, you ihall heare (Mafter Broome) what I 
haue fufferd, to bring this woman to euill, for your 
good : Being thus cram'd in the Basket, a couple of 
Fords knaues, his Hindes, were cald forth by their Mi- 
ftris, to carry mee in the name of foule Cloathes to 
hatchet-lane : they tooke me on their moulders : met 
the iealous knaue their Mafter in the doore ; who 
ask'd them once or twice what they had in their Baf- 
ket ? I quak'd for feare leaft the Lunatique Knaue 
would haue fearch'd it : but Fate (ordaining he fhould 
be a Cuckold) held his hand : well, on went hee, for 
a fearch, and away went I for foule Cloathes : But 
marke the fequell (Mafter Broome) I fuffered the pangs 
of three feuerall deaths : Firft, an intolerable fright, 
to be detected with a iealious rotten Bell-weather : 
Next to be compafs'd like a good Bilbo in the circum- 
ference of a Pecke, hilt to point, heele to head. And 
then to be ftopt in like a ftrong diftillation with {link- 
ing Cloathes , that fretted in their owne greafe : 
thinke of that, a man of my Kidney j thinke of that, 
that am as fubiect to heate as butter; a man of conti- 
nuall diffolution, and thaw : it was a miracle to fcape 
fuffocation. And in the height of this Bath (when I 
was more then halfe ftew'd in greafe (like a Dutch- 
difh ) to be throwne into the Thames , and 
coold, glowing-hot, in that ferge like a Horfe- 
ftioo ; thinke of that ; hiffing hot : thinke of that (Mafter 
Broome.) 

Ford. In good fadneffe Sir, I am iorry, that for my fake 
you haue fufferd all this. 

My fuite then is defperate : You'll vndertake her no 
more? 

Fal. Mafter Broome : I will be throwne into Etna, 
as I haue beene into Thames, ere I will leaue her thus ; 
her Husband is this morning gone a Birding : I 
haue receiued from her another ambaffie of mee- 
ting.- 'twixt eight and nine is the houre (Mafter 
Broome.) 

Ford. 'Tis paft eight already Sir. 

Fal. Is it ? I will then addreffe mee to my appoint- 
ment : Come to mee at your conuenient leifure, and 
you ihall know how I fpeede : and the conclufion 
ftiall be crowned with your enioying her: adiew : you 
lhall haue her (Mafter Broome) Mafter Broonte, you ihall 
cuckold Ford. 

Ford. Hum: ha? Is this a vifion? Is this a dreame f 
doe I fleepe? Mafter Ford awake, awake Matter Ford: 
ther's a hole made in your beft coate (Mafter Ford:) this 
'tis to be married ; this 'tis to haue Lynnen, and Buck- 
baskets : Well, I will proclaime my felfe what I am : 
I will now take the Leacher : hee is at my houfe : hee 
cannot fcape me : 'tis impoffible hee fhould : hee can- 
not creepe into a halfe-penny purfe, nor into a Pepper- 
Boxe : But leaft the Diuell that guides him, mould 
aide him, I will fearch impoffible places: though 
what I am, I cannot auoide ; yet to be what I would 
not, ihall not make me tame : If I haue homes, to make 
one mad, let the prouerbe goe with me, He be home- 
mad. Exeunt. 



A5ius Quartus. Sccena 'Prima. 



Enter Mijlris P age ,2Zuickly,WMiam ,Euans. 

MiJi.Pag. Is he at M. Fords already think'ft thou ? 

2}ui. Sure he is by this ; or will be prefently ; but 

truely he is very couragious mad, about his throwing 

into the water. Miftris Ford defires you to come fo- 

dainely. 

MiJi.Pag. He be with her by and by : He but bring 
my yong-man here to Schoole : looke where his Mafter 
comes; 'tis a playing day I fee : how now Sir Hugh, no 
Schoole to day ? 

Eua. No : Mafter Slender is let the Boyes leaue to play. 
Qui. 'Bleffing of his heart. 

MiJi.Pag. Sir Hugh, my husband faies my fonne pro- 
fits nothing in the world at his Booke : I pray you aske 
him fome queftions in his Accidence. 

Eu. Come hither William; hold vp your head; come. 

MiJi.Pag. Come-on Sirha ; hold vp your head ; an- 
fwere your Mafter, be not afraid. 

Eua. William, how many Numbers is in Nownes ? 

Will. Two. 

2)ui. Truely, I thought there had bin one Number 
more, becaufe they fay od's-Nownes. 

Eua. Peace, your tatlings. What is (Faire)William ? 

Will. Pulcher. 

2}u. Powlcats? there are fairer things then Powlcats, 
Aire. 

Sua. You are a very Simplicity o'man : 1 pray you 
oeace. What is (Lapis) William ? 

Will. A Stone. 

Eua. And what is a Stone (William ?) 

Will. A Peeble. 

Eua. No ; it is Lapis : I pray you remember in your 
praine. 

Will. Lapis. 

Eua. That is a good William : what is he (William) that 
do's lend Articles. 

Will. Articles are borrowed of the Pronoune ; and be 
thus declined. Singularity nominatiuo hie, h#c, hoc. 

Eua. Nominatiuo hig, hag, hog : pray you marke : geni- 
tiuo kuiiu : Well : what is your Accujatiue-caje ? 

Will. Accufatiuo bine. 

Eua. I pray you haue your remembrance (childe) Ac- 
cujatiuo king, hang, hog. 

S^u. Hang-hog, is latten for Bacon, I warrant you. 

Eua. Leaue your prables (o'man) What is the Foca- 
tim cafe (William!) 

Will. 0,Vocatiuo, 0. 

Eua. Remember William, Focatiue, is caret. 

SZu. And that's a good roote. 

Eua. O' man, forbeare. 

MiJi.Pag. Peace. 

Eua: What is your Genitiue cafe p/ur all (William}) 

Will. Genitiue cafe ? 

Eua. I. 

Will. Genitiue horum, harum, horum. 

<%u. 'Vengeance of Ginyes cafe ; fie on her ; neuer 
name her( childe) if fhe be a whore. 

Eua. For fhame o'man. 

<$u. You doe ill to teach the childe fuch words : hee 
teaches him to hie, and to hac ; which they'll doe faft 
enough of themfelues, and to call horum ; fie vpon you. 

E 3 Eua. 'Oman 



54 



The Merry Wiues of Wind/or. 



Euans. O'man, art thou Lunafies ? Haft thou no vn- 
derftandings for thy Cafes, & the numbers of the Gen- 
ders ? Thou art as foolife Chriftian creatures, as I would 
defires. 

c/W;'.Pag<?.Pre'thee hold thy peace. 

Eu. Shew me now [William) fome declenfions of your 
Pronounes. 

Will. Forfooth, I haue forgot. 

Eu. It is S>ui, que, quod; if you forget your Slmes, 
your Slues, and your Sluods, you muft be preeches : Goe 
your waies and play, go. 

M.Pag. He is a better fcholler then I thought he was. 

Eu. He is a good fprag-memory : Farewel Mis. Page. 

MJ.Page. Adieu good Sir Hugh: 
Get you home boy, Come we ftay too long. Exeunt. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Faljloffe, MiJl.Ford, Mifl.Page, Ser uants, Ford, 
Page,Caiui,Euans, Shallow. 

Fal. Mi. Ford, Your forrow hath eaten vp my fuffe- 
rance; I fee you are obfequious in your loue, and I pro- 
feffe requital! to a haires bredth, not onely Mift. Ford, 
in the fimple office of loue, but in all the accuflrement, 
complement, and ceremony of it; But are you fure of 
your husband now ? 

Mif.Ford. Hee's a birding (fweet Sir Iohn.) 

Mif.Page. What hoa,goffip Ford : what hoa. 

cMif.Ford. Step into th'chamber, Sir Iohn. 

Mij. Page. How now (fweete heart) whofe at home 
befides your felfe ? 

Mif Ford. Why none but mine owne people. 

Mif.Page. Indeed ? 

MiJ.Ford. No certainly : Speake louder. 

Mift.Pag.Trulv, I am fo glad you haue no body here. 

zMift.Ford. Why? 

Mif.Page. Why woman, your husband is in his olde 
lines againe : he fo takes on yonder with my husband, fo 
railes againft all married mankinde ; fo curfes all Eues 
daughters, of what complexion foeuer ; and fo buffettes 
himfelfe on the for-h<?ad : crying peere-out, peere-out, 
that any madneffe I euer yet beheld, feem'd but tame- 
neffe, ciuility, and patience to this his diftemper he is in 
now : I am glad the fat Knight is not heere. 

Mift. Ford. Why, do's he talke of him? 

Mifl.Page. Of none but him, and fweares he was ca- 
ried out the laft time hee fearch'd for him, in a Basket : 
Protefts to my husband he is now heere, & hath drawne 
him and the reft of their company from their fport, to 
make another experiment of his fufpition : But I am glad 
the Knight is not heere ; now he fhall fee his owne foo- 
lerie. 

MiJl.Ford. How neere is he Miftris Page? 

Mift.Pag. Hard by, at ftreet end ; he wil be here anon. 

Mift. Ford. I am vndone, the Knight is heere. 

Mift. Page. Why then you are vtterly fham'd, & hee's 
but a dead man. What a woman are you ? Away with 
him, away wdth him : Better feame, then murther. 

Mift. Ford. Which way mould he go? How Ihould I 
beftow him ? Shall 1 put him into the basket againe ? 

Fal. No, He come no more i'th Basket : 
May I not go out ere he come f 



cMift.Page. Alas: three of M 1 . Fords brothers watch 
the doore with Piftols, that none fhall iflue out : other- 
wife you might flip away ere hee came : But what make 
you heere i 

Fal. What fhall I do ? He creepe vp into the chimney. 

Mift. Ford. There they alwaies vfe to difcharge their 
Birding-peeces : creepe into the Kill-hole. 

Fal. Where is it t 

Mill. Ford. He will feeke there on my word : Neyther 
PrefTe, Coffer, Cheft, Trunke, Well, Vault, but he hath 
an abftract for the remembrance of fuch places, and goes 
to them by his Note : There is no hiding you in the 
houfe. 

Fal. He go out then. 

cMift.Ford. If you goe out in your owne femblance, 
you die Sir Iohn, vnleffe you go out difguis'd. 

Mift. Ford. How might we difguife him i 

Misl.Page. Alas the day I know not, there is no wo- 
mans gowne bigge enough for him : otherwife he might 
put on a hat, a muffler, and a kerchiefe, and fo efcape. 

Fal. Good hearts, deuife fomething : any extremitie, 
rather then a mifchiefe. 

Mift. Ford. My Maids Aunt the fat woman of ISrain- 
ford, has a gowne aboue. 

Mift. Page. On my word it will ferue him: fhee's as 
big as he is : and there's her thrum'd hat, and her muffler 
too : run vp Sir Iohn. 

MiJl.Ford. Go, go, fweet Sir Iohn : MiftriU Page and 
I will looke fome linnen for your head. 

Mifl.Page. Quicke, quicke, wee'le come dreffe you 
ftraight : put on the gowne the while. 

MiJl.Ford. I would my husband would meete him 
in this fhape : he cannot abide the old woman of Brain- 
ford ; he fweares fee's a witch, forbad her my houfe, and 
hath threatned to beate her. 

■ Mifl.Page. Heauen guide him to thy husbands cud- 
gell : and the diuell guide his cudgell afterwards. 

Mift. Ford. But is my husband comming? 

Mifl.Page. I in good fadneffe is he, and talkes of the 
basket too, howfoeuer he hath had intelligence. 

Mift . Ford. Wee'l try that : for He appoint my men to 
carry the basket againe, to meete him at the doore with 
it, as they did laft time. 

Mifl.Page. Nay, but hee'l be heere prefently : let's go 
dreffe him like the witch of £ 'rah ford. 

Mift . Ford. He firft direct direct my men , what they 
fhall doe with the basket : Goe vp, He bring linnen for 
him ftraight. 

Mift. Page. Hang him difhoneft Varlet, 
We cannot mifufe enough : 
We'll leaue a proofe by that which we will doo, 
Wiues may be merry, and yet honeft too : 
We do not afte that often, ieft, and laugh, 
'Tis old, but true, Still Swine eats all the draugh. 

MiJl.Ford. Go Sirs, take the basket againe on your 
fhoulders: your Mafter is hard at doore: if hee bid you 
fet it downe, obey him : quickly, difpatch. 

1 Ser. Come, come, take it vp. 

2 Ser. Pray heauen it be not full of Knight againe. 

I Ser. I hope not, I had liefe as beare fo much lead. 

Ford. I, but if it proue true (M r . Page) haue you any 
way then to vnfoole me againe. Set downe the basket 
villa'me : fome body call my wife : Youth in a basket : 
Oh you Panderly Rafcals, there's a knot : a gin, a packe, 
a confpiracie againft me : Now fhall the diuel be feam'd. 
What wife I fay : Come, come forth : behold what ho- 
neft 



The Merry Wiues of Wind/or. 



55 



neft cloathes you fend forth to bleaching. 

Page. Why, this paffes M.Ford: you are not to goe 
loofe any longer, you muft be pinnion'd. 

Euans. Why, this is Lunaticks : this is madde, as a 
mad dogge. 

Shall. Indeed M. Ford, thi is not well indeed. 

Ford. So fay I too Sir, come hither Miftris Ford, Mi- 
ftris Ford, the honeft woman, the modeft wife, the vertu- 
ous creature, that hath the iealious foole to her husband : 
I fufpeft without caufe (Miftris) do I ? 

Mifi. Ford. Heauen be my witneffe you doe, if you 
fufpect me in any difhonefty. 

Ford. Well faid Brazon-face, hold it out : Come forth 
firrah. 

Page. This pafles. 

Mift.Ford. Are you not afham'd, let the cloths alone. 

Ford. I fhall finde you anon. 

Eua. 'Tis vnreafonable ; will you take vp your wiues 
cloathes ? Come, away. 

Ford. Empty the basket I fay. 

M.Ford. Why man, why? 

Ford. Mailer Page, as I am a man, there was one con- 
uay'd out of my houfe yefterday in this basket : why 
may not he be there againe, in my houfe I am fure he is : 
my Intelligence is true, my iealoufie is reafonable, pluck 
me out all the linnen. 

MiJi.Ford.lt' you find a man there, he fhall dye a Fleas 
death. 

Page. Heer's no man. 

Sbal. By my fidelity this is not well Mf.Ford: This 
wrongs you. 

Euans. M r Ford, you muft pray, and not follow the 
imaginations of your owne heart : this is iealoufies. 

Ford. Well, hee's not heere I feeke for. 

Page.No, nor no where elfe but in your braine. 

Ford. Helpe to fearch my houfe this one time: if I find 
not what I feeke, fhew no colour for my extremity : Let 
me for euer be your Table-fport : Let them fay of me, as 
iealous as Ford, that fearch'd a hollow Wall-nut for his 
wiues Lemman. Salisfie me once more, once more ferch 
with me. 

M. Ford. What hoa (Miftris Page,) come you and 
the old woman downe : my husband will come into the 
Chamber. 

Ford. Old woman ? what old womans that ? 

M.Ford. Why it is my maids Aunt of c Brainford. 

Ford. A witch, a Queane, an olde couzening queane : 
Haue I not forbid her my houfe. She comes of errands 
do's me ? We are fimple men, wee doe not know what's 
brought to pafle vnder the profefiion of Fortune-telling. 
She workes by Charmes, by Spels, by th'Figur'e, & fuch 
dawbry as this is, beyond our Element : wee know no- 
thing. Come downe you Witch, you Hagge you, come 
downe I fay. 

Mifi.Ford. Nay, good fweet husband, good Gentle- 
men, let him ftrike the old woman. 

Mift.Page. Come mother Prat, Come giue me your 
hand. 

Ford. lie Prat-her : Out of my doore, you Witch, 
you Ragge, you Baggage, you Poulcat, you Runnion, 
out, out : lie coniure you, He fortune-tell you. 

Mifi. Page. Are you not afham'd ? 
I thinke you haue kill'd the poore woman. 

(^Mifi.Ford, Nay he will do it, 'tis a goodly credite 
for you. 

Ford. Hang her witch. 



Eua. By yea, and no, I thinke the o'man is a witch in- 
deede : I like not when a o'man has a great peard ; I fpie 
a great peard vnder his muffler. 

Ford. Will you follow Gentlemen, I befeech you fol- 
low : fee but the iffue of my iealoufie : If I cry out thus 
vpon no traile, neuer truft me when I open againe. 

Page. Let's obey his humour a little further : 
Come Gentlemen. 

Mift.Page. Truft me he beate him moft pittifully. 

Mift.Ford. Nay by th'Mafle that he did not: he beate 
him moft vnpittifully, me thought. 

Mift.Page. He haue the cudgell hallow'd, and hung 
ore the Altar, it hath done meritorious feruice. 

Mift.Ford. What thinke you ? May we with the war- 
rant of woman-hood, and the witnefle of a good confid- 
ence, purfue him with any further reuenge ? 

M.Page. The fpirit of wantonneffe is fure fcar'd out 
of him, if the diuell haue him not in fee-fimple, with 
fine and recouery, he will neuer (I thinke) in the way of 
wafte, attempt vs againe. 

Mift.Ford. Shall we tell our husbands how wee haue 
feru'd him. 

Mift.Page. Yes, by all meanes : if it be but to fcrape 
the figures out of your husbands braines : if they can find 
in their hearts, the poore vnuertuous fat Knight fhall be 
any further afflidted, wee two will ftill bee the mini- 
fters. 

Mift.Ford. He warrant, they'l haue him publiquely 
fham'd, and me thinkes there would be no period to the 
ieft, fhould he not be publikely fham'd. 

Mift.Page. Come, to the Forge with it, then fhape it : 
I would not haue things coole. Exeunt 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Hoft and Eardolfe. 

'Bar. Sir, the Germane defires to haue three of your 
horfes : the Duke himfelfe will be to morrow at Court, 
and they are going to meet him. 

Hoft. What Duke fhould that be comes fo fecretly ? 
I heare not of him in the Court : let mee fpeake with the 
Gentlemen, they fpeake Englifh? 

'Bar. I Sir ? He call him to you. 

Hoft. They fhall haue my horfes, but He make them 
pay: He fauce them, they haue had my houfes a week at 
commaund : I haue turn'd away my other guefts, they 
muft come off, He fawce them, come. Exeunt 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter Page, Ford, Miftris Page, oMiftris 
Ford, and Euans. 
Sua. 'Tis one of the beft difcretions of a o'man as e- 
uer I did looke vpon. 

Page. And did he fend you both thefe Letters at an 
inftant ? 

Mift.Page. Within a quarter of an houre. 
Ford. Pardon me (wife) henceforth do what y wilt: 
I rather will fufpedt the Sunne with gold, 
Then thee with wantonnes : Now doth thy honor ftand 

(In 



5° 



The Merry Wiues of Wind/or. 



(In him that was of late an Heretike) 
As firme as faith. 

Page. "Tis well, 'tis well, no more: 
Be not as extreme in fubmiffion, as in offence, 
But let our plot go forward : Let our wiues 
Yet once againe (to make vs publike fport) 
Appoint a meeting with this old fat-fellow, 
Where we may take him, and difgrace him for it. 

Ford. There is no better way then that they fpoke of. 

Page. How 2 to fend him word they'll meete him in 
the Parke at midnight ? Fie, fie, he'll neuer come. 

Eu. You fay he has bin throwne in the Riuers : and 
has bin greeuoufly peaten, as an old o'man : me-thinkes 
there mould be terrors in him, that he fhould not come : 
Me-thinkes his flefh is puniih'd, hee ihall haue no de- 
fires. 

Page. So thinke I too. 

M.Ford. Deuife but how you'l vfe him whe he comes, 
And let vs two deuife to bring him thether. 

Mif.Page. There is an old tale goes, that Heme the 
Hunter (fometime a keeper heere in Windfor Forreft) 
Doth all the winter time, at ftill midnight 
Walke round about an Oake, with great rag'd-hornes, 
And there he blafts the tree, and takes the cattle, 
And make milch-kine yeeld blood, and makes a chaine 
In a moft hideous and dreadfull manner. 
You haue heard of fuch a Spirit, and well you know 
The fuperftitious idle-headed-Eld 
Receiu'd, and did deliuer to our age 
This tale of Heme the Hunter, for a truth. 

Page. Why yet there want not many that do feare 
In deepe of night to walke by this Hemes Oake : 
But what of this? 

Mift .Ford. Marry this is our deuife, 
That FalBaffe at that Oake mall meete with vs. 

Page. Well, let it not be doubted but he'll come, 
And in this friape, when you haue brought him thether, 
What Ihall be done with him ? What is your plot ? 

Mift.Pa. That likewife haue we thoght vpon : & thus : 
Nan Page (my daughter) and my little fonne, 
And three or foure more of their growth, wee'l dreffe 
Like Vrchins, Ouphes, and Fairies, greene and white, 
With rounds of waxen Tapers on their heads, 
And rattles in their hands; vpon a fodaine, 
As Faljiaffe, ihe, and I, are newly met, 
Let them from forth a faw-pit rulh at once 
With fome diffufed fong : Vpon their fight 
We two, in great amazednefle will flye : 
Then let them all encircle him about, 
And Fairy-like to pinch the vncleane Knight ; 
And aske him why that houre of Fairy Reuell, 
In their fo facred pathes, he dares to tread 
In ihape prophane. 

Ford. And till he tell the truth, 
Let the fuppofed Fairies pinch him, found, 
And burne him with their Tapers. 

Mift.Page. The truth being knowne, 
We'll all prefent our felues ; dif-horne the fpirit, 
And mocke him home to Windfor. 

Ford. The children muft 
Be pracYis'd well to this, or they'll neu'r doo't. 

Eua. I will teach the children their behauiours : and I 
will be like a Iacke-an-Apes alfo, to burne the Knight 
with my Taber. 

Ford. That will be excellent, 
He go buy them vizards. 



Mift.Page. My Nan mall be the Queene of all the 
Fairies, finely attired in a robe of white. 

Page. That filke will I go buy, and in that time 
Shall M. Slender fteale my Nan away, 
And marry her at Eaton : go, fend to Falfiaffe ftraight. 

Ford. Nay, He to him againe in name of Broome, 
Hee'l tell me all his purpofe : fure hee'l come. 

Mift.Page. Feare not you that : Go get vs properties 
And tricking for our Fayries. 

Euans. Let vs about it, 
It is admirable pleafures, and ferry honeft knaueries. 

Mif.Page.Go Mift.Ford, 
Send quickly to Sir Iohn, to know his minde : 
He to the Doftor, he hath my good will, 
And none but he to marry with Nan Page: 
That Slender (though well landed) is an Ideot : 
And he, my husband beft of all afrefts : 
The Doftor is well monied, and his friends 
Potent at Court : he, none but he fliall haue her, 
Though twenty thoufand worthier come to craue her. 



Scena Quinta. 



Enter Heft, Simple, Faljiaffe, <Bardo/fe, Euans, 
Caius, Quickly. 

ift/?.What wouldft thou haue ? (Boore; what ? (thick 
skin) fpeake, breathe, difcufle : breefe, fliort, quicke, 
fnap. 

Simp. Marry Sir, I come to fpeake with Sir lobn Fal- 
jiaffe from M. Slender. 

Hojl. There's his Chamber, his Houfe, his Caftle, 
his ftanding-bed and truckle-bed : 'tis painted about 
with the ftory of the Prodigal!, frelh and new: go, knock 
and call : hee'l fpeake like an Anthropophaginian vnto 
thee : Knocke I fay. 

Simp. There's an olde woman, a fat woman gone vp 
into his chamber : He be fo bold as ftay Sir till Ihe come 
downe : I come to fpeake with her indeed. 

Hoft. Ha ? A fat woman f The Knight may be robb'd : 
He call. Bully-Knight, Bully Sir Iohn : fpeake from thy 
Lungs Military: Art thou there? It is thine Hoft, thine 
Ephefian cals. 

Fal. How now, mine Hoft ? 

Hosl. Here's a Bohemian-Tartar taries the comming 
downe of thy fat-woman: Let her defcend (Bully) let 
her defcend : my Chambers are honourable : Fie, priua- 
cy ? Fie. 

Fal. There was (mine Hoft) an old-fat-woman euen 
now with me, but (he's gone. 

Simp. Pray you Sir, was't not the Wife-woman of 
Brainford? 

Fal. I marry was it (Muflel-ftiell) what would you 
with her? 

Simp. My Mafter (Sir) my mafter Slender, fent to her 
feeing her go thorough the ftreets, to know (Sir,) whe- 
ther one Nim (Sir) that beguil'd him of a chaine, had the 
chaine, or no. 

Fal. I fpake with the old woman about it. 

Shu. And what fayes (he, I pray Sir ? 

Fal. Marry ftiee fayes, that the very fame man that 
beguil'd Mafter Slender of his Chaine, cozon'd him of it. 

Simp. I would I could haue fpoken with the Woman 

her 



The Merry Wiues ofWindfo 



or. 



57 



her felfe, I had other things 
too, from him. 



fpoken with her 



Fa!. What are they? let vs know. 

Hojl. I : come : quicke. 

Fa/. I may not conceale them (Sir.) 

Hoji. Conceale them, or thou di'ft. 

Sim. Why fir, they were nothing but about Miftris 
Anne Page, to know if it were my Matters fortune to 
haue her, or no. 

Fa/. 'Tis,'tis his fortune. 

Sim. What Sir? 

Fa/. To haue her, or no : goe ; fay the woman told 
me fo. 

Sim. May I be bold to fay fo Sir ? 

Fa/. I Sir : like who more bold. 

Sim. I thanke your worihip : I ihall make my Mafter 
glad with thefe tydings. 

Hoft. Thou are clearkly : thou art clearkly (Sir Iohn) 
was there a wife woman with thee ? 

Fa/. I that there wasfmine Hojl) one that hath taught 
me more wit, then euer I learn'd before in my life : and 
1 paid nothing for it neither, but was paid for my lear- 
ning. 

Bar. Out alas (Sir) cozonage : meere cozonage. 

Hojl. Where be my horfes ? fpeake well of them var- 
letto. 

Bar. Run away with the cozoners : for fo foone as 
I came beyond Eaton, they threw me off", from behinde 
one of them, in a flough of myre ; and fet fpurres, and 
away ; like three Germane-dlueh ; three T)oclor Fau- 
ftajes. 

Hoft. They are gone but to meete the Duke (villaine) 
doe not fay they be fled : Germanes are honeft men. 

Euan. Where is mine Hoft ? 

Hoft. What is the matter Sir ? 

Euan. Haue a care of your entertainments : there is a 
friend of mine come to Towne, tels mee there is three 
Cozen-Iermans, that has cozend all the Hofts of Readins, 
of Maidenhead ; of Cole-brooke, of horfes and money : I 
tell you for good will (looke you) you are wife, and full 
of gibes, and vlouting-ftocks : and 'tis not conuenient 
you mould be cozoned. Fare you well. 

Cai. Ver'is mine Hoft de Iarteere? 

Hoft. Here (Mafter Do&or) in perplexitie, and doubt- 
full delemma. 

Cat. I cannot tell vat is dat : but it is tell-a-me, dat 
you make grand preparation for a Duke de lamanie: by 
my trot : der is no Duke that the Court is know, to 
come : I tell you for good will : adieu. 

Hoft. Huy and cry, (villaine) goe : affift me Knight, I 
am vndone : fly, run : huy, and cry (villaine) I am vn- 
done. 

Fa/. I would all the world might be cozond, for I 
haue beene cozond and beaten too : if it ihould come 
to the eare of the Court, how I haue beene transformed ; 
and how my transformation hath beene waihd, and 
cudgeld, they would melt mee out of my fat drop by 
drop, and liquor Fiihermens-boots with me ; I warrant 
they would whip me with their fine wits, till I were as 
creft-falne as a dride-peare : I neuer profper'd, fince I 
forfwore my felfe at Primero : well, if my winde were 
but long enough ; I would repent : Now ? Whence come 
you ? 

Qui. From the two parties forfooth. 

Fa/. The Diuell take one partie, and his Dam the 
other; and fo they ihall be both beftowed ; I haue fuf- 



fer'd more for their fakes ; more then the villanous in- 
conftancy of mans difpofition is able to beare. 

Qui. And haue not they fuffer'd ? Yes, I warrant ; fpe- 
cioufly one of them ; Miftris Ford (good heart) is beaten 
blacke and blew, that you cannot fee a white fpot about 
her. 

Fa/. What tell'ft thou mee of blacke, and blew ? I 
was beaten my felfe into all the colours of the Raine- 
bow : and I was like to be apprehended for the Witch 
of 'Braineford, but that my admirable dexteritie of wit, 
my counterfeiting the action of an old woman deliuer'd 
me, the knaue Conftable had fet me ith' Stocks, ith' com- 
mon Stocks, for a Witch. 

Su, Sir : let me fpeake with you in your Chamber, 
you Ihall heare how things goe, and (I warrant) to your 
content : here is a Letter will fay fomewhat : (good- 
hearts) what a-doe here is to bring you together ? Sure, 
one of you do's not ferue heauen well, that you are fo 
croff'd. 

Fa/. Come vp into my Chamber. Exeunt. 



Scena Sexta. 



Enter Fenton, Hoft. 

Hoft. Mafter Fenton, talke not to mee, my minde is 
heauy : I will giue ouer all. 

Fen. Yet heare me fpeake : affift me in my purpofe, 
And (as I am a gentleman) ile giue thee 
A hundred pound in gold, more then your lofle. 

Hoft. I will heare you (Mafter Fenton) and I will (at 
the leaft) keepe your counfell. 

Fen. From time to time, I haue acquainted you 
With the deare loue I beare to faire Anne Page, 
Who, mutually, hath anfwer'd my affection, 
(So farre forth, as her felfe might be her choofer) 
Euen to my wiih ; I haue a letter from her 
Of fuch contents, as you will wonder at ; 
The mirth whereof, fo larded with my matter, 
That neither (fingly) can be manifefted 
Without the mew of both : fat Falftaffe 
Hath a great Scene ; the image of the ieft 
Ile mow you here at large (harke good mine Hoft:) 
To night at Hemes- Oie , iuft 'twixt twelue and one, 
Muft my fweet Nan prefent the Faerie- Queene : 
The purpofe why, is here : in which difguife 
While other lefts are fomething ranke on foote, 
Her father hath commanded her to flip 
Away with Slender, and with him, at Eaton 
Immediately to Marry : She hath confented : Now Sir, 
Her Mother, (euen ftrong againft that match 
And firme for Doctor Caim) hath appointed 
That he ihall likewife ftiuffle her away, 
While other fports are tasking of their mindes, 
And at the Deanry, where a Prieft attends 
Strait marry her : to this her Mothers plot 
She feemingly obedient) likewife hath 
Made promife to the Doclor : Now, thus it refts, 
Her Father meanes fhe ihall be all in white; 
And in that habit, when Slender fees his time 
To take her by the hand, and bid her goe, 
She ihall goe with him : her Mother hath intended 
(The better to deuote her to the Doclor ; 
For they muft all be mask'd, and vizarded) 

That 



58 



The Merry Wiues of Wind/or. 



That quaint in greene, fhe fhall be loofe en-roab'd, 
With Ribonds-pendant, flaring 'bout her head ; 
And when the Do&or fpies his vantage ripe, 
To pinch her by the hand, and on that token, 
The maid hath giuen confent to go with him. 

Hoji. Which meanes fhe to deceiue ? Father, or Mo- 
ther. 

Fen. Both (my good Hoft) to go along with me : 
And heere it refts, that you'l procure the Vicar 
To flay for me at Church, 'twixt twelue, and one, 
And in the lawfull name of marrying, 
To giue our hearts vnited ceremony. 

Hoft. Well, husband your deuice ; He to the Vicar, 
Bring you the Maid, you fhall not lacke a Prieft. 

Fen. So fhall I euermore be bound to thee ; 
Befides, lie make a prefent recompence. Exeunt 



ABus Quintus. Sccena 'Prima. 



Enter Faljioffe, Quickly, and Ford. 

Fa!. Pre'thee no more pratling : go, He hold, this is 
the third time : I hope good lucke lies in odde numbers : 
Away, go, they fay there is Diuinity in odde Numbers, 
either in natiuity, chance, or death : away. 

i%ai. He prouide you a chaine, and He do what I can 
to get you a paire of homes. 

Fall. Away I fay, time weares, hold vp your head & 
mince. How now M. Broome f Mafter Broome, the mat- 
ter will be knowne to night, or neuer. Bee you in the 
Parke about midnight, at Hernes-Oake, and you fhall 
fee wonders. 

Ford. Went you not to her yefterday (Sir) as you told 
me you had appointed ? 

Fal. I went to her (Mafter Broome) as you fee, like a 
poore-old-man, but I came from her (Mafter Broome ) 
like a poore-old-woman ; that fame knaue (Ford hir huf- 
band) hath the fineft mad diuell of iealoufie in him (Ma- 
fter Broome) that euer gouern'd Frenfie. I will tell you, 
he beate me greeuoufly, in the fhape of a woman : (for in 
the fhape of Man (Mafter Broome) I feare not Goliah 
with a Weauers beame, becaufe I know alfo, life is a 
Shuttle) I am in haft, go along with mee, He tell you all 
(Mafter Broome:) fince I pluckt Geefe, plaide Trewant, 
and whipt Top, I knew not what 'twas to be beaten, till 
lately. Follow mee, He tell you ftrange things of this 
knaue Ford, on whom to night I will be reuenged, and I 
will deliuer his wife into your hand . Follow, ftraunge 
things in hand (M.Broome) follow. Exennt. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Page, Shallow, Slender. 

Page. Come, come : wee'll couch i'th Caftle-ditch, 
till we fee the light of our Fairies. Remember fon Slen- 
der, my 

Slcn. I forfooth, I haue fpoke with her, & we haue 
a nay-word, how to know one another. I come to her 
in white, and cry Mum; fhe cries Budget, and by that 



we know one another. 

Shal. That's good too : But what needes either your 
Mum, or her Budget? The white will decipher her well 
enough. It hath ftrooke ten a'clocke. 

Page. The night is darke, Light and Spirits will be- 
come it wel : Heauen profper our fport. No man means 
euill but the deuill, and we fhal know him by his homes. 
Lets away : follow me. Exeunt. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Miji.Page, Mift.Ford, Caius. 

Mift .Page. M r Doftor, my daughter is in green, when 
you fee your time, take her by the hand, away with her 
to the Deanerie, and difpatch it quickly : go before into 
the Parke: we two muft go together. 

Cai. I know vat I haue to do, adieu. 

Mift. Page. Fare you well (Sir:) my husband will not 
reioyce fo much at the abufe of Falftaffe, as he will chafe 
at the Doftors marrying my daughter : But 'tis no mat- 
ter; better a little chiding, then a great deale of heart- 
breake. 

Mift.Ford. Where is Nan now? and her troop of Fai- 
ries? and the Welch-deuill Heme ? 

Mift. Page. They are all couch'd in a pit hard by Hemes 
Oake, with obfeur'd Lights ; which at the very inftant 
of Falftaffes and our meeting, they will at once difplay to 
the night. 

Mift.Ford. That cannot choofe but amaze him. 

Mift. Page. If he be not amaz'd he will be mock'd : If 
he be amaz'd, he will euery way be mock'd. 

Mift.Ford. Wee'll betray him finely. 

Mift. Page. Againft fuch Lewdfters, and their lechery, 
Thofe that betray them, do no treachery. 

Mift.Ford. The houre drawes-on : to the Oake, to the 
Oake. Exeunt. 



Scena Quarta. 



Euter Euans and Fairies. 

Euans. Trib, trib Fairies : Couie, and remember your 

parts : be pold (I pray you) follow me into the pit, and 

when I giue the watch-'ords, do as I pid you : Come, 

come, trib, trib. Exeunt 



Scena Quinta. 



Enter Falftaffe, Miftru Page, eMittrts Ford,Euans, 
Anne Page, Fairies,Page,Ford,Quic/tly, 
Slender, Fenton, Caiui,Piiloll. 
Fal. The Windfor-bell hath ftroke twelue : the Mi- 
nute drawes-on: Now the hot-bloodied-Gods aflift me: 
Remember Ioue, thou was't a Bull for thy Europa, Loue 
fet on thy homes. O powerfull Loue, that in fome re- 
flects makes a Beaft a Man : in fom other, a Man a bead. 
You were alfo (Iupiter) a Swan, for the loue of Leda : O 
omnipotent 



The Merry Wines of Wind/or. 



5i 



omnipotent Loue, how nere the God drew to the com- 
plexion of a Goofe : a fault done firft in the forme of a 
beaft, (O loue, a beaftly fault: ) and then another fault, 
in the femblance of a Fowle, thinke on't (loue) a fowle- 
fault. When Gods haue hot backes, what fhall poore 
men do ? For me, I am heere a Windfor Stagge, and the 
fatteft (I thinke) i'th Forreft. Send me a coole rut-time 
(loue) or who can blame me to piffe my Tallow f Who 
comes heere i my Doe ? 

oM.Ford. Sir Iohn' Art thou there (my Deere?) 
My male-Deere ? 

Fal. My Doe, with the blacke Scut ? Let the skie 
raine Potatoes : let it thunder, to the tune of Greene- 
fleeues, haile-kifling Comfits, and fnow Eringoes : Let 
there come a tempeft of prouocation, I will fhelter mee 
heere. 

M. Ford. Miftris Page is come with me (fweet hart.) 
Fal. Diuide me like a brib'd-Bucke, each a Haunch : 
I will keepe my fides to my felfe, my Ihoulders for the 
fellow of this walke ; and my homes I bequeath your 
husbands. Am I a Woodman, ha ? Speake I like Heme 
the Hunter ? _ Why, now is Cupid a child of confcience, 
he makes reftitution. As I am a true fpirit, welcome. 
M.Page. Alas, what noife? 
M.Ford. Heauen forgiue our finnes. 
Fal. What fhould this be ? 
M.Ford.M.Page. Away, away. 
Fal. I thinke the diuell wil not haue me damn'd, 
Leaft the oyle that's in me fhould fet hell on fire ; 
He would neuer elfe croffe me thus. 
Enter Fairies. 
S^ui. Fairies blacke, gray, greene, and white, 
You Moone-fliine reuellers, and mades of night. 
You Orphan heires of fixed deftiny, 
Attend your office, and your quality. 
Crier Hob-goblyn, make the Fairy Oyes. 

Pift. Elues, lift your names : Silence you aiery toyes. 
Cricket, to Windfor-chimnies flialt thou leape ; 
Where fires thou find'ft vnrak'd, and hearths vnfwept, 
There pinch the Maids as blew as Bill-berry, 
Our radiant Queene, hates Sluts, and Sluttery. 

Fal. They are Fairies, he that fpeaks to them mail die, 
He winke, and couch : No man their workes muft eie. 

Su. Wher's <Bede ? Go you, and where you find a maid 
That ere /he fleepe has thrice her prayers faid, 
Raife vp the Organs of her fantafie, 
Sleepe me as found as carelefle infancie, 
But thofe as fleepe, and thinke not on their fins, 
Pinch them armes, legs, backes, moulders, fides, & mins. 

2}u. About, about : 
Search Windfor Caftle (Elues) within, and out." 
Strewgood lucke (Ouphes) on euery facred roome, 
That it may ftand till the perpetuall doome, 
In ftate as wholfome, as in ftate 'tis fit, 
Worthy the Owner, and the Owner it. 
The feuerall Chaires of Order, looke you fcowre 
With iuyce of Balme ; and euery precious flowre, 
Each faire Inftalment, Coate, and feu'rall Creft, 
With loyall Blazon, euermore be bleft. 
And Nightly-meadow-Fairies, looke you fing 
Like to the Garters-Compaffe, in a ring, 
Th'expreffure that it beares : Greene let it be, 
Mote fertile-freih then all the Field to fee : 
And, Hony Soil Qui Mal-y-Pence, write 
In Emrold-tufFes, Flowres purple, blew, and white, 
Like Saphire-pearle, and rich embroiderie, 



Buckled below faire Knight-hoods bending knee ; 

Fairies vfe Flowres for their characterie. 

Away, difperfe : But till 'tis one a clocke, 

Our Dance of Cuftome, round about the Oke 

Of Heme the Hunter, let vs not forget. (fet : 

Euan. Pray you lock hand in hand : your felues in order 
And twenty glow-wormes fhall our Lanthornes bee 
To guide our Meafure round about the Tree. 
But ftay, I fmell a man of middle earth. 

Fal. Heauens defend me from that Welfli Fairy, 
Leaft he transforme me to a peece of Cheefe. 

Pift. Vilde worme, thou waft ore-look'd euen in thy 
birth. 

SJu. With Triall-fire touch me his finger end : 
If he be chafte, the flame will backe defcend 
And turne him to no paine : but if he ftart, 
It is the flefli of a corrupted hart. 

Pift. A triall, come. 

Eua. Come : will this wood take fire ? 

Fal. Oh, oh, oh. 

Qui. Corrupt, corrupt, and tainted in defire. 
About him (Fairies) fing a fcornfull rime, 
And as you trip, ftill pinch him to your time. 

The Song. 
Fie onftnnefullphantafie : Fie on Lufi, and Luxurie : 
Lujl is but a bloudy fire, kindled ivitb vnchaBe defire, 
Fed in heart ivhofe flames ajpire, 
tAs thoughts do blow them higher and higher. 
Pinch him (Fairies) mutually : Pinch him for his -villanie. 
Pinch him, and burne him, and turne him about, 
Till Candles, (S Star-light, & ^tMoone-jhine be out. 

Page. Nay do not flye, I thinke we haue watcht you 
now : Will none but Heme the Hunter ferue your 
turne ? 

M. Page.l pray you come, hold vp the ieft no higher. 
Now (good Sir John) how like you JVindjor wiues? 
See you thefe husband ? Do not thefe faire yoakes 
Become the Forreft better then the Towne ? 

Ford. Now Sir, whofe a Cuckold now ? 
M r Broome, FalRaffes a Knaue, a Cuckoldly knaue, 
Heere are his homes Mafter "Broome : 

And Mafter 'Broome, he hath enioyed nothing of Fords, 
but his Buck-basket, his cudgell, and twenty pounds of 
money, which muft be paid to M r 'Broome, his horfes are 
arrefted for it, M r Broome. 

M.Ford. Sir Iohn, we haue had ill lucke : wee could 
neuer meete : I will neuer take you for my Loue againe, 
but I will alwayes count you my Deere. 

Fal. I do begin to perceiue that I am made an Afle. 

Ford. I, and an Oxe too : both the proofes are ex- 
tant. 

Fal. And thefe are not Fairies: 
I was three or foure times in the thought they were not 
Fairies, and yet the guiltineffe of my minde, the fodaine 
furprize of my powers, droue the groffeneflTe of the fop- 
pery into a receiu'd beleefe, in defpight of the teeth of 
all rime and reafon, that they were Fairies . See now 
how wit may be made a Iacke-a-Lent, when 'tis vpon ill 
imployment. 

Suant. Sir Iohn Falslaffe, ferue Got, and leaue your 
defires, and Fairies will not pinfe you. 

Ford. Well faid Fairy Hugh. 

Euans. And leaue you your iealouzies too , I pray 
you. 

Ford. 



6o 



The £Merry Wiues of Wind/or. 



Ford. I will neuer miftruft my wife againe, till thou 
art able to woo her in good Englifti. 

Fal. Haue I laid my braine in the Sun, and dri'de it, 
that it wants matter to preuent fo grofle ore-reaching as 
this ? Am I ridden with a Welch Goate too i Shal I haue 
a Coxcombe of Frize ? Tis time I were choak'd with a 
peece of toafted Cheefe. 

Eu. Seefe is not good to giue putter ; your belly is al 
putter. 

Fal. Seefe, and Putter ? Haue I liu'd to ftand at the 
taunt of one that makes Fritters of Englifli ? This is e- 
nough to be the decay of luft and late-walking through 
the Realme. 

Miji.Page. Why Sir Iohrt, do you thinke though wee 
would haue thruft vertue out of our hearts by the head 
and flioulders, and haue giuen our felues without fcru- 
ple to hell, that euer the deuill could haue made you our 
delight ? 

Ford. What, a hodge-pudding ? A bag of flax ? 

Miji.Page. A puft man ? 

Page. Old, cold, wither'd, and of intollerable en- 
trail es ? 

Ford. And one that is as flanderous as Sathan ? 

Page. And as poore as lob ? 

Ford. And as wicked as his wife ? 

Euan. And giuen to Fornications, and to Tauernes, 
and Sacke, and Wine, and Metheglins, and to drinkings 
and fwearings, and ftarings ? Pribles and prables ? 

Fal. Well, I am your Theame : you haue the ftart of 
me, I am deiected : I am not able to anfwer the Welch 
Flannell , Ignorance it felfe is a plummet ore me, vfe me 
as you will. 

Ford. Marry Sir, wee'l bring you to Windfor to one 
M r Broome, that you haue cozon'd of money, to whom 
you mould haue bin a Pander: ouer and aboue that you 
haue fuffer'd, I thinke, to repay that money will be a bi- 
ting affliction. 

Page. Yet be cheerefull Knight : thou /halt eat a pof- 
fet to night at my houfe, wher I will defire thee to laugh 
at my wife, that now laughes at thee : Tell her M r Slen- 
der hath married her daughter. 

Miji.Page. Doctors doubt that ; 
If Anne Page be my daughter, (he is (by this) Dodtour 
Ca'mi wife. 

Slen. Whoa hoe, hoe, Father Page. 

Page. Sonne? How now? How now Sonne, 
Haue you difpatch'd ? 

Slen. Difpatch'd? He make the beft in Glofterfhire 
know on't : would I were hang'd la, elfe. 

Page. Of what fonne ? 

Slen. I came yonder at Eaton to marry Miftris Anne 
Page, and flie's a great lubberly boy. If it had not bene 
i'th Church, I would haue fwing'd him, or hee ihould 
haue fwing'd me. If I did not thinke it had beene Anne 
Page, would I might neuer ftirre, and 'tis a Poft-mafters 
Boy. 



Page. Vpon my life then, you tooke the wrong. 

Slen. What neede you tell me that ? I think fo, when 
I tooke a Boy for a Girle : If I had bene married to him, 
(Tor all he was in womans apparrell) I would not haue 
had him. 

Page. Why thisis your owne folly, 
Did not I tell you how you ihould know my daughter, 
By her garments ? 

Slen. I went to her in greene, and cried Mum, and 
ihe cride budget, as *Anne and I had appointed, and yet 
it was not cAnne, but a Poft-mafters boy. 

MiB.Page. Good George be not angry, I knew of 
your purpofe : turn'd my daughter into white, and in- 
deede Ihe is now with the Doctor at the Deanrie, and 
there married. 

Cai. Ver is Miftris Page : by gar I am cozoned, I ha 
married oon Garfoon, a boy ; oon pelant, by gar. A boy, 
it is not An Page, by gar, I am cozened. 

cM.Page. Why ? did you take her in white ? 

Cai. I bee gar, and 'tis a boy : be gar, He raife all 
Windfor. 

Ford. This is ftrange : Who hath got the right Anne? 

Page. My heart mifgiues me, here comes M r Fenton. 
How now M r Fenton ? 

Anne. Pardon good father, good my mother pardon 

Page. Now Miftris : 
How chance you went not with M r Slender} 

M.Page. Why went you not with M r Doctor, maid? 

Fen. You do amaze her : heare the truth of it, 
You would haue married her moft fhamefully, 
Where there was no proportion held in loue : 
The truth is, flie and I (long fince contracted) 
Are now fo fure that nothing can diflblue vs : 
Th'offence is holy, that flie hath committed, 
And this deceit loofes the name of craft, 
Of difobedience, or vnduteous title, 
Since therein flie doth euitate and fliun 
A thoufand irreligious curfed houres 
Which forced marriage would haue brought vpon her. 

Ford. Stand not amaz'd, here is no remedie : 
In Loue, the heauens themfelues do guide the ftate, 
Money buyes Lands, and wiues are fold by fate. 

Fal. I am glad, though you haue tane a fpecial ftand 
to ftrike at me, that your Arrow hath glanc'd. 

Page. Well, what remedy? Fenton, heauen giue thee 
ioy, what cannot be efchew'd, muft be embrac'd. 

Fal. When night-dogges run, all forts of Deere are 
chac'd. 

Miji Page. Well, I will mufe no further: M r Fenton, 
Heauen giue you many, many merry dayes : 
Good husband, let vs euery one go home, 
And laugh this fport ore by a Countrie fire, 
Sir Iohn and all. 

Ford. Let it be fo (Sir Iohn:) 
To Mafter Broome, you yet lhall hold yourword, 
For he, to night, fliall lye with Miftris Ford: Sxeun t 



FINIS. 



6i 




MEA8VRE, 

For Meafure. 



tABus primus, Scena prima. 



Enter Duke , Efcalus , Lords. 

Duke. 

Scalut. 

Efc. My Lord. (fold, 

Duk. Of Gouemment, the properties to vn- 

Would feeme in me t'affeft fpeech & difcourfe, 
Since I am put to know, that your owne Science 
Exceedes (in that) the lifts of all aduice 
My ftrength can giue you : Then no more remaines 
But that, to your fufficiency, as your worth is able, 
And let them worke ; The nature of our People, 
Our Cities Injiitutiotis , and the Termes 
For Common Iuftice, y'are as pregnant in 
As Art, and praftife, hath inriched any 
That we remember : There is our Commiffion, 
From which, we would not haue you warpe ; call hither, 
I fay, bid come before vs Angela : 
What figure of vs thinke you, he will beare. 
For you muft know, we haue with fpeciall foule 
Elefted him our abfence to fupply ; 
Lent him our terror, dreft him with our Ioue, 
And giuen his Deputation all the Organs 
Of our owne powre : What thinke you of it? 

Efc. If any in Vienna be of worth 
To vndergoe fuch ample grace, and honour, 
It is Lord Angela. 

Enter Angela. 

Duk. Looke where he comes. 

Ang. Alwayes obedient to your Graces will, 
I come to know your pleafure. 

T>uke. tAngelo: 
There is a kinde of Character in thy life, 
That to th'obferuer, doth thy hiftory 
Fully vnfold : Thy felfe, and thy belongings 
Are not thine owne fo proper, as to wafte 
Thy felfe vpon thy vertues ; they on thee •• 
Heauen doth with vs, as we, with Torches doe, 
Not light them for themfelues: For if our vertues 
Did not goe forth of vs, 'twere all alike 
As if we had them not : Spirits are not finely tonch'd, 
But to fine ifTues : nor nature neuer lends 
The fmalleft fcruple of her excellence, 
But like a thrifty goddeffe, (he determines 
Her felfe the glory of a creditour, 
Both thanks, and vfe ; but I do bend my fpeech 



To one that can my part in him aduertife ; 

Hold therefore Angela : 

In our remoue, be thou at full, our felfe : 

Mortallitie and Mercie in Vienna 

Liue in thy tongue, and heart : Old Efcalus 

Though firft in queftion, is thy fecondary. 

Take thy Commiffion. 

Ang. Now good my Lord 
Let there be fome more teft, made of my mettle, 
Before fo noble, and fo great a figure 
Be ftamp't vpon it. 

Duk. No more euafion : 
We haue with a leauen'd, and prepared choice 
Proceeded to you ; therefore take your honors: 
Our hafte from hence is of fo quicke condition, 
That it prefers it felfe, and leaues vnqueftion'd 
Matters of needfull value : We mall write to you 
As time, and our concernings mall importune, 
How it goes with vs, and doe looke to know 
What doth befall you here. So fare you well : 
To th' hopefull execution doe I leaue you, 
Of your Commifiions. 

Ang. Yet giue leaue (my Lord,) 
That we may bring you fomething on the way. 

Duk, My hafte may not admit it, 
Nor neede you (on mine honor) haue to doe 
With any fcruple : your fcope is as mine owne, 
So to inforce,or qualifie the Lawes 
As to your foule feemes good : Giue me your hand, 
He priuily away : I loue the people, 
But doe not like to ftage me to their eyes: 
Though it doe well, I doe not reHilh well 
Their lowd applaufe, and Aues vehement : 
Nor doe I thinke the man of fafe difcretion 
That do's affeft it. Once more fare you well. 

Ang. The heauens giue fafety to your purpofes. 

Efc. Lead forth , and bring you backe in 

neffe. 

Duk. I thanke you, fare you well. 

Efc. I /hall defire you, Sir, to giue me leaue 
To haue free fpeech with you ; and it concernes me 
To looke into the bottome of my place: 
A powre I haue, but of what ftrength and nature, 
I am not yet inftru£ted. 

Ang. "Tis fo with me : Let vs with-draw together, 
And we may foone our fatisfaftion haue 
Touching that point. 

Efc. He wait vpon your honor. Exeunt. 

F Sccena 



happi- 
Exit. 



62 



Meafure for Meafure. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Lucio, and two other Gentlemen. 

Luc. If the Duke, with the other Dukes, come not to 
compofition with the King of Hungary, why then all the 
Dukes fall vpon the King. 

I . Gent. Heauen grant vs its peace, but not the King 
of Hungaries. 

z.Gent. Amen. 

Luc. Thou eonclud'ft like the Sanctimonious Pirat, 
that went to fea with the ten Commandements, but 
fcrap'd one out of the Table. 

z.Gent. Thou /halt not Steale ? 

Luc. I, that he raz'd. 

J.Gent. Why? 'twas a commandement, to command 
the Captaine and all the reft from their fun&ions : they 
put forth to fteale : There's not a Souldier of vs all, that 
in the thankf-giuing before meate, do rallifti the petition 
well, that praies for peace. 

Z.Gent. I neuer heard any Souldier diflike it. 

Luc. I beleeue thee : for I thinke thou neuer was't 
where Grace was faid. 

Z.Gent. No? a dozen times at leaft. 

J.Gent. What? In meeter? 

Luc. In any proportion : or in any language. 

J.Gent. I thinke, or in any Religion. 

Luc. I, why not ? Grace, is Grace, defpight of all con- 
trouerfie: as for example; Thou thy felfe art a wicked 
villaine, defpight of all Grace. 

J.Gent. Well: there went but a paire of fheeres be- 
tween e vs. 

Luc. I grant ; as there may betweene the Lifts, and 
the Veluet. Thou art the Lift. 

I.Gent. And thou the Veluet ; thou art good veluet; 
thou'rt a three pild-peece I warrant thee : I had as liefe 
be a Lyft of an Englifh Kerfey, as be pil'd, as thou art 
pJl'd,for a French Veluet. Do I fpeake feelingly now? 

Luc. I thinke thou do'ft : and indeed with moft pain- 
full feeling of thy fpeech : I will, out of thine owne con- 
feffion, learne to begin thy health ; but, whilft I liue for- 
get to drinke after thee. 

j.Gen.I think I haue done my felfe wrong, haue I not? 

Z.Gent. Yes, that thou haft; whether thou art tainted, 
or free. Enter Bawde. 

Lac. Behold, behold, where Madam Mitigation comes. 
I haue purchaf'd as many difeafes vnder her Roofe, 
As come to 

Z.Gent. To what, I pray ? 

Luc. Iudge. 

z.Gent. To three thoufand Dollours a yeare. 

J.Gent. I, and more. 

Luc. A French crowne more. 

J.Gent. Thou art alwayes figuring difeafes in me; but 
thou art full of error, I am found. 

Luc. Nay, not (as one would fsy ) healthy : but fo 
found, as things that are hollow; thy bones are hollow; 
Impiety has made a feaft of thee. 

J.Gent. How now, which of your hips has the moft 
profound Ciatica ? 

Bawd. Well, well : there's one yonder arrefted, and 
carried to prifon, was worth fiue thoufand of you all. 

z.Gent. Who's that I pray'thee ? 

Bawd. Marry Sir, that's Claudia, Signior Qlaudio. 



J.Gent. Claudio to prifon ? 'tis not fo. 

'Bawd. Nay, but I know 'tis fo : I faw him arrefted : 
faw him carried away : and which is more, within thefe 
three daies his head to be chop'd off. 

Luc. But, after all this fooling, I would not haue it fo: 
Art thou fure of this? 

"Bawd. I am too fure of it : and it is for getting Madam 
Iulietta with childe. 

Luc. Beleeue me this may be : he 'promis'd to meete 
me two howres fince, and he was euer precife in promife 
keeping. 

z.Gent. Befides you know, it drawes fomthing neere 
to the fpeech we had to fuch a purpofe. 

I.Gent. But moft of all agreeing with the proclamatio. 

Luc. Away: let's goe learne the truth of it. Exit. 

'Bawd. Thus, what with the war ; what with the fweat, 
what with the gallowes, and what with pouerty, I am 
Cuftom-lhrunke. How now ? what's the newes with 
you. Enter Clowne. 

Clo. Yonder man is carried to prifon. 

Baw. Well : what has he done ? 

Clo. A Woman. 

'Baw. But what's his offence i 

Clo. Groping for Trowts, in a peculiar Riuer. 

'Baw. What ? is there a maid with child by him f 

Clo. No : but there's a woman with maid by him : 
you haue not heard of the proclamation, haue you ? 

Baw. What proclamation, man i 

Qlow. All howfes in the Suburbs of Vienna muft bee 
pluck'd downe. 

Bawd. And what mail become of thofe in the Citie ? 

Clow. They mall ftand for feed : they had gon down 
to, but that a wife Burger put in for them. 

'Bawd. But Ihall all our houfes of refort in the Sub- 
urbs be puld downe ? 

Clow. To the ground, Miflris. 

Bawd. Why heere's a change indeed in the Common- 
wealth : what /hall become of me ? 

Clow. Come : feare not you: good Counfellors lacke 
no Ciients : though you change your place , you neede 
not change your Trade : He bee your Tapfter ftill ; cou- 
rage, there will bee pitty taken on you ; you that haue 
worne your eyes almoft out in the feruice, you. will bee 
confidered. 

Bawd. What's to doe heere, Thomas Tapfter? let's 
withdraw ? 

Clo. Here comes Signior Claudio, led by the Prouoft 
to prifon : and there's Madam Iuliet. Exeunt. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Prouojl , Claudio, Iuliet, Officers, Lucio,& z.Gent. 

Cla. Fellow, why do'ft thou mow me thus to th'world? 
Beare me to prifon, where I am committed. 

Pro. I do it not in euill difpofition, 
But from Lord ^Angela by fpeciall charge. 

Clau. Thus can the demy-god (Authority) 
Make vs pay downe, for our offence, by waight 
The words of heauen ; on whom it will, it will, 
On whom it will not (foe) yet ftill 'tis iuft. (ftraint. 

Luc. Why how now Claudio? whence comes this re- 

Cla. From too much liberty, (my Lucio) Liberty 
As furfet is the father of much faft, 
So euery Scope by the immoderate vfe 
Turnes to reftraint : Our Natures doe purfue 

Like 



Meafure for Meafure. 



6.1 



Like Rats that rauyn downe their proper Bane, 
A thirfty euill, and when we drinke, we die. 

Luc. If I could fpeake fo wifely vnder an arreft, I 
would fend for certaine of my Creditors : and yet, to fay 
the truth, I had as lief haue the foppery of freedome, as 
the mortality of imprifonment : what's thy offence , 
Claudia ? 

Qla. What (but to fpeake of) would offend againe. 

Luc. What, is't murder ? 

Cla. No. 

Luc. Lecherie ? 

Cla. Call it fo. 

Fro. Away, Sir, you muft goe. 

Qla. One word, good friend : 
Lucio, a word with you. 

Luc. A hundred : 
If they'll doe you any good : Is Lechery fo look'd after ? 

Cla. Thus ftands it with me : vpon a true contract 
I got poffeffion of lulictas bed, 
You know the Lady, (he is faft my wife, 
Saue that we doe the denunciation lacke 
Of outward Order. This we came not to, 
Onely for propogation of a Dowre 
Remaining in the Coffer of her friend^, 
From whom we thought it meet to hide our Loue 
Till Time had made them for vs. But it chances 
The ftealth of our moft mutuall entertainment 
With Character too groffe, is writ on luliet. 

Luc. With childe, perhaps ? 

Cla. Vnhappely, euen fo. 
And the new Deputie, now for the Duke, 
Whether it be the fault and glimpfe of newnes, 
Or whether that the body publique, be 
A horfe whereon the Gouernor doth ride, 
Who newly in the Seate, that it may know 
He can command ; lets it ftrait feele the fpur : 
Whether the Tirranny be in his place, 
Or in his Eminence that fills it vp 
I ftagger in : But this new Gouernor 
Awakes me all the inrolled penalties 
Which haue (like vn-fcowr'd Armor) hung by th'wall 
So long, that ninteene Zodiacks haue gone round, 
And none of them beene worne ; and for a name 
Now puts the drowfie and neglefted Aft 
Fre/hly on me : 'tis furely for a name. 

Luc. I warrant it is : And thy head ftands fo tickle on 
thy moulders, that a milke-maid, if me be in loue, may 
figh it off : Send after the Duke, and appeale to him. 

Cla. I haue done fo, but hee's not to be found. 
I pre'thee {Lucio) doe me this kinde feruice : 
This day, my fifter mould the Cloyfter enter, 
And there receiue her approbation. 
Acquaint her with the danger of my ftate, 
Implore her, in my voice, that lhe make friends 
To the ftricT: deputie : bid her felfe affay him, 
I haue great hope in that : for in her youth 
There is a prone and fpeechleffe dialed!:, 
Such as moue men : befide, /he hath profperous Art 
When fhe will play with reafon, and difcourfe, 
And well flie can perfwade. 

Luc. I pray fhee may ; afwell for the encouragement 
of the like, which elfe would ftand vnder greeuous im- 
pofition : as for the enioying of thy life, who I would be 
forry mould bee thus foolimly loft, at a game of ticke- 
tacke : He to her. 

Cla. I thanke you good friend Lucio. 



63 



Luc. Within two houres. 
Qla. Come Officer, away. 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter Duke and Frier Thomas. 

Duk. No : holy Father, throw away that thought, 
Beleeue not that the dribling dart of Loue 
Can pierce a compleat bofome : why, I defire thee 
To giue me fecret harbour, hath a purpofe 
More graue, and wrinkled, then the aimes, and ends 
Of burning youth. 

Fri. May your Grace fpeake of it ? 

Duk. My holy Sir, none better knowes then you 
How I haue euer lou'd the life remoued 
And held in idle price, to haunt affemblies 
Where youth, and coft, witleffe brauery keepes. 
I haue deliuerd to Lord ^Angela 
(A man of ftri&ure and firme abftinence) 
My abfolute power, and place here in "Vienna, 
And he fuppofes me trauaild to Poland, 
(For fo I haue ftrewd it in the common eare) 
And fo it is receiu'd : Now (pious Sir) 
You will demand of me, why I do this. 

Fri. Gladly, my Lord. 

Duk. We haue ftrift Statutes, and moft biting Laws, 
(The needfull bits and curbes to headftrong weedes,) 
Which for this foureteene yeares, we haue le t flip, 
Euen like an ore-growne Lyon in a Caue 
That goes not out to prey : Now, as fond Fathers, 
Hauing bound vp the threatning twigs of birch, 
Onely to fticke it in their childrens fight, 
For terror, not to vfe : in time the rod 
More mock'd, then fear'd : fo our Decrees, 
Dead to infliction, to themfelues are dead, 
And libertie, plucks Iuftice by the nofe; 
The Baby beates the Nurfe, and quite athwart 
Goes all decorum. 

Fri. It refted in your Grace 
To vnloofe this tyde-vp Iuftice, when you pleaPd : 
And it in you more dreadfull would haue feem'd 
Then in Lord Angelo. 

Duk. I doe feare : too dreadfull : 
Sith 'twas my fault, to giue the people fcope, 
'T would be my tirrany to ftrike and gall them, 
For what I bid them doe : For, we bid this be done 
When euill deedes haue their permifliue paffe, 
And not the punifliment : therefore indeede (my father) 
I haue on Angelo impos'd the office, 
Who may in th'ambufli of my name, ftrike home, 
And yet, my nature neuer in the fight 
To do in flander : And to behold his fway 
I will, as 'twere a brother of your Order, 
Vifit both Prince, and People : Therefore I pre'thee 
Supply me with the habit, and inftrucl: me 
How I may formally in perfon beare 
Like a true Frier: Moe reafons for this a&ion 
At our more leyfure, fliall I render you ; 
Onely, this one : Lord Angelo is precife, 
Stands at a guard with Enuie : fcarce confeffes 
That his blood flowes : or that his appetite 
Is more to bread then ftone : hence fliall we fee 
If power change purpofe : what our Seemers be. Exit. 

F 2 Sccena 



64 



Meafure for Meafure. 



Scena Quinta. 



Enter IJabell and Francijca a Nun. 



IJa. And haue you Nuns no farther priuiledges ? 

Nun. Are not thefe large enough ? 

IJa. Yes truely ; I fpeake not as defiring more, 
But rather wiihing a more ftrict reftraint 
Vpon the Sifterftood, the Votarifts of Saint Clare. 
Lucio •within. 

Luc. Hoa ? peace be in this place. 

IJa: Who's that which cals ? 

Nun. It is a mans voice : gentle IJabella 
Turne you the key, and know his bufinefle of him; 
You may ; I may not : you are yet vnfworne : 
When you haue vowd, you muft not fpeake with men, 
But in the prefence of the PrioreJJ'e ; 
Then if you fpeake,you muft not ftiow your face; 
Or if you mow your face, you muft not fpeake. 
He cals againe : I pray you anfwere him 

Ifa. Peace and profperitie : who is't that cals ? 

Luc. Haile Virgin, (if you be) as thofe cheeke-Rofes 
Proclaime you are no lefle .• can you fo fteed me, 
As bring me to the fight of IJabella, 
A Nouice of this place, and the faire Sifter 
To her vnhappie brother C/audio? 

IJa. Why her vnhappy Brother ? Let me aske, 
The rather for I now muft make you know 
I am that IJabella, and his Sifter. 

Luc. Gentle & faire: your Brother kindly greets you; 
Not to be weary with you ; he's in prifon. 

IJa. Woe me ; for what f 

Luc. For that, which if my felfe might be his Iudge, 
He fhould receiue his punimment, in thankes; 
He hath got his friend with childe. 

IJa. Sir, make me not your ftorie. 

Luc . 'Tis true; I would not, though 'tis my familiar fin, 
With Maids to feeme the Lapwing, and to ieft 
Tongue, far from heart : play with all Virgins fo : 
I hold you as a thing en-skied, and fainted, 
By your renouncement, an imortall fpirit 
And to be talk'd within fincerity, 
As with a Saint. 

IJa. You doe blafpheme the good, in mocking me. 

Luc. Doe not beleeue it : fewnes, and truth ; tis thus, 
Your brother, and his louer haue embrac'd ; 
As thofe that feed, grow full : as bloffoming Time 
That from the feednes, the bare fallow brings 
To teemiug foyfon : euen fo her plenteous wombe 
Expreffeth his full Tilth, and husbandry. 

IJa. Some one with childe by him? my cofen Iul'iet ? 

Luc. Is ftie your cofen ? 

IJa. Adoptedly, as fchoole-maids change their names 
By vaine, though apt affection. 

Luc. She it is. 

IJa. Oh, let him marry her. 

Luc. This is the point. 
The Duke is very ftrangely gone from hence; 
Bore many gentlemen (my felfe being one) 
In hand, and hope of action : but we doe learne, 
By thofe that know the very Nerues of State, 
His giuing-out, were of an infinite diftance 
From his true meant defigne : vpon his place, 



( And with full line of his authority J 
Gouernes Lord Angela ; A man, whofe blood 
Is very fnow-broth : one, who neuer feeles 
The wanton flings, and motions of the fence; 
But doth rebate, and blunt his naturall edge 
With profits of the minde : Studie, and faft 
He (to giue feare to vfe, and libertie, 
Which haue, for long, run-by the hideous law, 
As Myce, by Lyons) hath pickt out an aft, 
Vnder whofe heauy fence, your brothers life 
Fals into forfeit : he arrefts him on it, 
And followes clofe the rigor of the Statute 
To make him an example : all hope is gone, 
Vnleffe you h.iue the grace, by your faire praier 
To loften Angelo : And that's my pith of bufinefle 
'Twixt you, and your poore brother. 

IJa. Doth he fo, 
Seeke his life ? 

Luc. Has cenfur'd him already, 
And as I heare, the Prouoft hath a warrant 
For's execution. 

IJa. Alas : what poore 
Abilitie's in me, to doe him good. 

Luc. Affay the powre you haue. 

IJa. My power ? alas, I doubt. 

Luc. Our doubts are traitors 
And makes vs loofe the good we oft might win, 
By fearing to attempt : Goe to Lord Angelo 
And let him learne to know, when Maidens fue 
Men giue like gods : but when they weepe and kneele, 
All their petitions, are as freely theirs 
As they themfelues would owe them. 

IJa. He fee what I can doe. 

Luc. But fpeedily. 

IJa. I will about it ftrait ; 
No longer flaying, but to giue the Mother 
Notice of my affaire : I humbly thanke you : 
Commend me to my brother : foone at night 
He fend him certaine word of my fuccefle. 

Luc. I take my leaue of you. 

IJa. Good fir, adieu. Exeunt 



ABus Secimdus. Sccena 'Prima. 



Enter Angelo, EJcalus, and Jeruants, Iujtice. 

Ang. We muft not make a fear-crow of the Law, 
Setting it vp to feare the Birds of prey, 
And let it keepe one fliape, till cuftome make it 
Their pearch, and not their terror. 

£Jc. I, but yet 
Let vs be keene, and rather cut a little 
Then fall, and bruife to death : alas, this gentleman 
Whom I would faue, had a moft noble father, 
Let but your honour know 
(Whom I beleeue to be moft ftrait in vertue) 
That in the working of your owne affections, 
Had time coheard with Place, or place with wiihing, 
Or that the refolute acting of our blood 
Could haue attaind th'effect of your owne purpofe, 
Whether you had not fometime in your life 
Er'd in this point, which now you cenfure him, 
And puld the Law vpon you. 

Ang. 'Tis one thing to be tempted [EJcalut) 

Another 



Meafure for Meafure. 



65 



Another thing to fall : I not deny 
The Iury paffing on the Prifoners life 
May in the fworne-twelue haue a thiefe, or two 
Guiltier then him they try; what's open made to Iuftice, 
That Iuftice ceizes; What knowes the Lawes 
That theeues do paffe on theeues? 'Tis very pregnant, 
The Iewell that we finde, we ftoope, and take't, 
Becaufe we fee it ; but what we doe not fee, 
We tread vpon,and neuer thinke of it. 
You may not fo extenuate his offence, 
For I haue had fuch faults ; but rather tell me 
When I, that cenfure him, do fo offend, 
Let mine owne Iudgement patterne out my death, 
And nothing came in partial!. Sir,he muft dye. 
Enter Prouojl. 
EJc. Be it as your wifedome will. 
Ang. Where is the Prouojl* 
Pro. Here if it like your honour. 
Ang. See that Claudia 
Be executed by nine to morrow morning, 
Bring him his Confeffor, let him be prepar'd, 
For that's the vtmoft of his pilgrimage. 

EJc. Well : heauen forgiue him ; and forgiue vs all ; 
Some rife by fume, and Jome by -venue fall : 
Some run from brakes of Ice, and anfwere none, 
And fome condemned for a fault alone. 

Enter Slboiu, Froth, Cloivne, Officers. 
Sib. Come, bring them away; if thefe be good peo- 
ple in a Common-weale, that doe nothing but vfe their 
abufes in common houfes, I know no law : bring them 
away. 

Ang. How now Sir, what's your name? And what's 
the matter? 

Sib. If it pleafe your honour, I am the poore Dukes 
Conftable, and my name is Elboiv ; I doe leane vpon Iu- 
ftice Sir, and doe bring in here before your good honor, 
two notorious Benefactors. 

Ang. Benefactors? Well: What Benefactors are they? 
Are they not Malefactors ? 

Elb. If it pleafe your honour, I know not well what 
they are : But precife villaines they are, that I am fure of, 
and void of all prophanation in the world , that good 
Chriftians ought to haue. 

EJc. This comes off well : here's a wife Officer. 
Ang. Goe to : What quality are they off Slboiu is 
your name ? 
Why do'ft thou not fpeake Elbow ? 

Clo. He cannot Sir : he's out at Elbow. 
Ang. What are you Sir? 

Elb. He Sir : a Tapfter Sir : parcell Baud : one that 
ferues a bad woman : whofe houfe Sir was £as they fay) 
pluckt downe in the Suborbs : and now fhee profeffes a 
hot-houfe ; which, I thinke is a very ill houfe too. 
EJc. How know you that? 

Elb. My wife Sir ? whom I deteft before heauen, and 
your honour. 

EJc. How ? thy wife ? 

Sib. I Sir : whom I thanke heauen is an honeft wo- 
man. 

EJc. Do'ft thou deteft her therefore ? 
Elb. I fay fir, I will deteft my felfe alfo, as well as fhe, 
that this houfe, if it be not a Bauds houfe, it is pitfy of her 
life, for it is a naughty houfe. 

EJc. How do'ft thou know that, Conftable ? 
Sib. Marry fir, by my wife, who, if fhe had bin a wo- 
man Cardinally giuen, might haue bin accus'd in forni- 



65 



cation, adultery, and all vncleanlineffe there. 
EJc. By the womans meanes ? 

Elb. I fir, by Miftris Ouer-dons meanes: but as me fpit 
in his face, fo fhe deride him. 

Qlo. Sir, if it pleafe your honor, this is not fo. 
Elb. Proue it before thefe varlets here, thou honora- 
ble man, proue it. 

EJc. Doe you heare how he mifplaces ? 
Clo. Sir, fhe came in great with childe : and longing 
(fauing your honors reuerence) for ftewd prewyns ; fir, 
we had but two in the houfe, which at that very diftant 
time ftood, as it were in a fruit difh (a dilh of fome three 
pence ; your honours haue feene fuch difhes) they are not 
China-difhes, but very good difhes. 

EJc. Go too : go too : no matter for the difh fir. 
Clo. No indeede fir not of a pin ; you are therein in 
the right : but, to the point : As I fay, this Miftris Elbciv, 
being (as I fay) with childe, and being great bellied, and 
longing (as I faid) for prewyns : and hauing but two in 
the difh (as I faid) Matter Froth here, this very man, ha- 
uing eaten the reft (as I faid) & (as I fay) paying for them 
very honeftly : for, as you know Mafter Froth, I could not 
giue you three pence againe. 
Fro. No indeede. 

Clo. Very well : you being then (if you be remem— 
bred) cracking the ftones of the forefaid prewyns. 
Fro. I, fo 1 did indeede. 

Clo. Why, very well : I telling you then (if you be 
remembred) that fuch a one, and fuch a one, were paft 
cure of the thing you wot of, vnleffe they kept very good 
diet, as I told you. 
Fro. All this is true. 
Clo. Why very well then. 

EJc. Come : you are a tedious foole : to the purpofe : 
what was done to Elbctvei wife, that hee hath caufe to 
complaine of? Come me to what was done to her. 
Qlo. Sir, your honor cannot come to that yet. 
EJc. No fir, nor I meane it not. 

Clo. Sir, but you fhall come to it, by your honours 
leaue : And I befeech you, looke into Mafter Froth here 
fir, a man of foure-fcore pound a yea're ; whofe father 
died at Halloivmai : Was't not at Halloivmai Mafter 
Froth ? 

Fro. Allhallond-Eue. 

Clo. Why very well : I hope here be truthes : he Sir, 
fitting (as I fay) in a lower chaire, Sir, 'twas in the bunch 
of Grapes, where indeede you haue a delight to fit, haue 
you not ? 

Fro. I haue fo, becaufe it is an open roome, and good 
for winter. 

Clo. Why very well then : I hope here be truthes. 
Ang. This will laft out a night in Rufsia 
When nights are longeft there : He take my leaue, 
And leaue you to the hearing of the caufe; 
Hoping youle finde good caufe to whip them all. Sxit. 

EJc. I thinke no leffe : good morrow to your Lord- 
fhip. Now Sir, come on : What was done to Elbcwes 
wife, once more* 

Clo. Once Sir ? there was nothing done to her once. 
Elb. I befeech you Sir, aske him what this man did to 
my wife. 

Qlo. I befeech your honor, aske me. 
SJc. Well fir, what did this Gentleman to her? 
Clo. I befeech you fir, looke in this Gentlemans face: 
good Mafter Froth looke vpon his honor; 'tis for a good 
purpofe : doth your honor marke his face ? 

F 3 SJc. I 



66 



Meafure for Meafu 



Efc. I fir, very well. 

Qlo. Nay, I befeech you marke it well. 

Efc. Well, I doe fo. 

Clo. Doth your honor fee any harme in his face ? 

Efc. Why no. 

Clo. He be fuppofd vpon a booke, his face is the worft 
thing about him: good then: if his face be the worft 
thing about him, how could Mafter Froth doe the Con- 
ftables wife any harme ? I would know that of your 
honour. 

Efc. He's in the right (Conftable) what fay you to it ? 

Elb. Firft, and it like you, the houfe is a refpecled 
houfe ; next, this is a refpecled fellow ; and his Miftris is 
a refpe&ed woman. 

Qlo. By this hand Sir, his wife is a more refpefted per- 
fon then any of vs all. 

Elb. Varlet, thou lyeft; thou lyeft wicked varlet : the 
time is yet to come that fhee was euer refpe&ed with 
man, woman, or childe. 

Clo. Sir, fhe was refpedted with him, before he mar- 
ried with her. 

Efc. Which is the wifer here ; Iuftice or Iniquitie ? Is 
this true ? 

Elb. O thou caytiffe : O thou varlet: O thou wick- 
ed Hanniball; I refpecled with her, before I was married 
to her? If euer I was refpedted with her, or fhe with me, 
let not your worfhip thinke mee the poore 'Dukes Offi- 
cer : proue this, thou wicked Hanniball , or ile haue 
mine aclion of battry on thee. 

Sfc. If he tooke you a box 'oth'eare, you might haue 
your aftion of Ihnder too. 

Elb. Marry I thanke your good worfhip for it : what 
is't your Worfhips pleafure I fhall doe with this wick- 
ed Caitiffe ? 

Ejc. Truly Officer, becaufe he hath fome offences in 
him, that thou wouldft difcouer, if thou couldft, let him 
continue in his courfes , till thou knowft what they are. 

Elb. Marry I thanke your worlhip for it : Thou feeft 
thou wicked varlet now, what's come vpon thee. Thou 
art to continue now thou Varlet, thou art to continue. 

Efc. Where were you borne, friend? 

Froth. Here in Vienna, Sir. 

Efc. Are you of fourefcore pounds a yeere ? 

Froth. Yes, and 'tpleafe you fir. 

Ejc. So : what trade are you of, fir ? 

Clo. A Tapfter, a poore widdowes Tapfter. 

Efc. Your Miftris name ? 

Clo. Miftris Ouer-dm. 

Efc. Hath fhe had any more then one husband? 

Clo. Nine, fir : Ouer-don by the laft. 

Efc. Nine ? come hether to me, Mafter Froth ; Mafter 
Froth, I would not haue you acquainted with Tapfters ; 
they will draw you Mafter Froth, and you wil hang them: 
get you gon, and let me heare no more of you. 

Fro. I thanke your woifhip : for mine owne part , I 
neuer come into any roome in a Tap-houfe, but I am 
drawne in. 

Efc. Well : no more of it Mafter Froth : farewell : 
Come you hether to me, M r . Tapfter : what's your name 
M r . Tapfter ? 

Clo. Pompey. 

Efc. What elfe ? 

Clo. "Bum, Sir. 

Efc. Troth, and your bum is the greateft thing about 
you, fo that in the beaftlieft fence, you are Pompey the 



great; Pompey, you are partly a bawd, Pompey; howfo- 
euer you colour it in being a Tapfter, are you not? come, 
tell me true, it fhall be the better for you. 

Clo. Truly fir, I am a poore fellow that would liue. 

Efc. How would you liue Pompey? by being a bawd? 
what doe you thinke of the trade Pompey ? is it a lawfull 
trade? 

Clo. If the Law would allow it, fir. 

Efc. But the Law will not allow it Pompey ; nor it 
fhall not be allowed in 'Vienna. 

Clo. Do's your Worfhip meane to geld and fplay all 
the youth of the City; 

Efc. No, Pompey. 

Clo. Truely Sir, in my poore opinion they will too't 
then : if your worfhip will take order for the drabs and 
the knaues, you need not to feare the bawds. 

Ejc. There is pretty orders beginning I can tell you: 
It is but heading, and hanging. 

Clo. If you head, and hang all that offend that way 
but for ten yeare together ; you'll be glad to giue out a 
Commiffion for more heads : if this law hold in Vienna 
ten yeare, ile rent the faireft houfe in it after three pence 
a Bay : if you liue to fee this come to paffe , fay Pompey 
told you fo. 

Efc. Thanke you good Pompey ; and in requitall of 
your prophefie, harke you : I aduife you let me not finde 
you before me againe vpon any complaint whatfoeuer; 
no, not for dwelling where you doe : if I doe Pompey, I 
fhall beat you to your Tent , and proue a fhrewd Cafar 
to you: in plaine dealing Pompey, I fhall haue you whipt; 
fo for this time, Pompey, fare you well. 

Clo. I thanke your Worfhip for your good counfell ; I 
but I fhall follow it as the flefh and fortune fhall better ; 
determine. Whip me ? no, no, let Carman whip his lade, J 
The valiant heart's not whipt out of his trade. Exit, j 

Efc. Come hether to me, Mafter Elbow : come hither j 
Mafter Conftable : how long haue you bin in this place , 
of Conftable ? 

Elb. Seuen yeere, and a halfe fir. 

Efc. I thought by the readinefTe in the office, you had 
continued in it fome time : you fay feauen yeares toge- 
ther. 

Elb. And a halfe fir. 

Efc. Alas, it hath beene great paines to you : they do | 
you wrong to put you fo oft vpon't. Are there not men ! 
in your Ward fufficient to ferue it ? 

Elb. 'Faith fir, few of any wit in fuch matters : as they 
are chofen, they are glad to choofe me for them ; I do it 
for fome peece of money, and goe through with all. 

Efc. Looke you bring mee in the names of fome fixe I 
or feuen, the moft fufficient of your parifh. 

Elb. To your Worfhips houfe fir? 

Efc. To my houfe : fare you well : what's a clocke, 
thinke you f 

IuB. Eleuen, Sir. 

Efc. I pray you home to dinner with me. 

7a/?. I humbly thanke you. 

Efc. It grieues me for the death of Claudio 
But there's no remedie: 

Iufi. Lord eAngelo is feuere. 

Efc. It is but needfull. 
Mercy is not it felfe, that oft lookes fo, 
Pardon is ftill the nurfe of fecond woe : 
But yet, poore Claudio; there is no remedie. 
Come Sir. Exeunt. 

Sccena 



3deafure for ^Meafure. 



6 7 



Seen a Secunda. 



Enter PrauoB , Seruant. 

Ser. Hee's hearing of a Caufe ; he will come ftraight, 
Tie tell him of you. 

Pro. 'Pray you doe ; He know 
His pleafuie, may be he will relent ; alas 
He hath but as offended in a dreame, 
All Sects, all Ages fmack of this vice, and he 
To die for't ? 

'Enter Angela. 
jing. Now, what's the matter Prouofi? 

Pro. Is it your will Claudia ihall die to morrow '. 

Ang.ThA. not I tell thee yea '. hadft thou not order? 
Why do'ft thou aske againe ? 

Pro. Left I might be too rafh : 
Vnder your good correction, I haue feene 
When after execution, Iudgement hath 
Repented ore his doome. 

Ang. Goe to ; let that be mine, 
Doe you your office, or giue vp your Place, 
And you /hall well be fpar'd. 

Pro. I craue your Honours pardon : 
What fhall be done Sir, with the groaning Iu/iet? 
Shee's very neere her howre. 

Ang. Difpofe of her 
To fome more fitter place ; and that with fpeed. 

Ser. Here is the fifter of the man condemn'd, 
Defires acceffe to you. 

Ang. Hath he a Sifter i 

Pro. I my good Lord,a very vertuous maid, 
And to be fhortlie of a Sifter-hood, 
If not alreadie. 

Ang. Well : let her be admitted, 
See you the Fornicatrefle be remou'd, 
Let her haue needfull, but not lauiih meanes, 
There ihall be order for't. 

Enter Lucia and Isabella. 

Pro. 'Saue your Honour. (will i 

Ang. Stay a little while : y'are welcome : what's your 

Ifab. I am a wofull Sutor to your Honour, 
'Pleafe but your Honor heare me. 

Ang. Well : what's your fuite. 

Ifab. There is a vice that moft I doe abhorre, 
And moft defire fhould meet the blow of Iuftice; 
For which I would not plead, but that I muft, 
For which I muft not plead, but that I am 
At warre, twixt will, and will not. 

Ang. Well : the matter? 

Ifab. I haue a brother is condemn'd to die, 
I doe beieech you let it be his fault, 
And not my brother. 

Pro. Heauen giue thee mouing graces. 

Ang. Condemne the fault, and not the actor of it, 
Why euery fault 's condemnd ere it be done : 
Mine were the verie Cipher of a Function 
To fine the faults, whofe fine ftands in record, 
And let goe by the Actor: 

Ifab. Oh iuft,but feuere Law : 
I had a brother then ; heauen keepe your honour. 

Luc. Giue 't not ore fo : to him againe, entreat him, 
Kneele downe before him, hang vpon his gowne, 
You are too cold : if you mould need a pin, 



You could not with more tame a tongue defire it: 
To him, I fay. 

Ifab. Muft he needs die i 

Ang. Maiden, no remedie. 

Ifab. Yes : I doe thinke that you might pardon him, 
And neither heauen, nor man grieue at the mercy. 

Ang. I will not doe't. 

Ifab. But can you if you would? 

Ang. Looke what I will not, that I cannot doe. 

Ifab. But might you doe't & do the world no wrong 
If fo your heart were touch'd with that remorfe, 
As mine is to him ? 

Ang. Hee's fentene'd, tis too late. 

Luc. You are too cold. 

Ifab. Too late ? why no : I that doe fpeak a word 
May call it againe : well, beleeue this 
No ceremony that to great ones longs, 
Not the Kings Crowne; nor the deputed fword, 
The Marlhalls Truncheon, nor the Iudges Robe 
Become them with one halfe fo good a grace 
As mercie does : If he had bin as you, and you as he, 
You would haue flip t like him, but he like you 
Would not haue beene fo fterne. 

Ang. Pray you be gone. 

Ifab. I would to heauen I had your potencie, 
And you were Ifabell : fhould it then be thus ? 
No : I would tell what 'twere to be a Iudge, 
And what a prifoner. 

Luc. I, touch him : there's the vaine. 

Ang. Your Brother is a forfeit of the Law, 
And you but wafte your words. 

Ifab. Alas, alas : 
Why all the foules that were, were forfeit once, 
And he that might the vantage beft haue tooke, 
Found out the remedie : how would you be, 
If he, which is the top of Iudgement, fhould 
But iudge you, as you are ? Oh, thinke on that, 
And mercie then will breathe within your lips 
Like man new made. 

Ang. Be you content, (faire Maid) 
It is the Law, not I, condemne your brother, 
Were he my kinfman, brother, or my fonne, 
It fhould be thus with him : he muft die to morrow. 

Ifab. To morrow ? oh, that's fodaine, 
Spare him, fpare him : 

Hee's not prepar'd for death ; euen for our kitchins 
We kill the fowle of feafon : fhall we ferue heauen 
With leiTe refped then we doe minifter 
To our groffe-felues? good, good my Lord, bethink you ; 
Who is it that hath di'd for this offence? 
There's many haue committed it. 

Luc. I, well faid. 

Ang. The Law hath not bin dead, thogh it hath flept 
Thofe many had not dar'd to doe that euill 
If the firft, that did th' Edict infringe 
Had anfwer'd for his deed : Now 'tis awake, 
Takes note of what is done, and like a Prophet 
Lookes in a glafTe that fhewes what future euils 
Either now, or by remifTenefTe, new conceiu'd, 
And fo in progreffe to be hatc'hd, and borne, 
Are now to haue no fucceffiue degrees, 
But here they liue to end. 

Ifab. Yet fhew fome pittie. 

Ang. I fhew it moft of all, when I fhow Iuftice ; 
For then I pittie thofe I doe not know, 
Which a difmis'd offence, would after gaule 

And 



67 



^Meafure for £Meafu 



And doe him right, that anfwering one foule wrong 
Liues not to aft another. Be fatisfied ; 
Your Brother dies to morrow ; be content. 

Ijab. So you muft be y firft that giues this fentence, 
And hee, that fufters : Oh, it is excellent 
To haue a Giants ftrength : but it is tyrannous 
To vfe it like a Giant. 

Luc. That's well faid. 

IJab. Could great men thunder 
I As hue himfelfe do's, hue would neuer be quiet, 
For euery pelting petty Officer 
Would vfe his heauen for thunder; 
Nothing but thunder : Mercifull heauen, 
Thou rather with thy fharpe and fulpherous bolt 
Splits the vn-wedgable and gnarled Oke, 
Then the foft Mertill : But man, proud man, 
Dreft in a little briefe authoritie, 
Molt ignorant of what he's moft afTur'd, 
(His glafsie Effence) like an angry Ape 
Plaies fuch phantaftique tricks before high heauen, 
As makes the Angels weepe: who with our fpleenes, 
Would all themfelues laugh mortall. 

Luc. Oh, to him, to him wench : he will relent, 
Hee's comming : 1 perceiue't. 

Pro. Pray heauen me win him. 

Ifab. We cannot weigh our brother with our felfe, 
Great men may ieft with Saints : tis wit in them, 
But in the lefle fowle prophanation. 

Luc. Thou'rti'th right (Girle) more o'that. 

Ijab. That in the Captaine's but a chollericke word, 
Which in the Souldier is flat blafphemie. 

Luc. Art auis'd o'that? more on't. 

Ang. Why doe you put thefe fayings vpon me ? 

Ijab. Becaufe Authoritie, though it erre like others, 
Hath yet a kinde of medicine in it felfe 
That skins the vice o'th top ; goe to your bofome, 
Knock there, and aske your heart what it doth know 
That's like my brothers fault : if it confelTe 
A natural! guiltineffe, fuch as is his, 
Let it not found a thought vpon your tongue 
Again ft my brothers life. 

Ang. Shee fpeakes, and 'tis fuch fence 
That my Sence breeds with it ; fare you well. 

Ijab. Gentle my Lord, turne backe. 

Ang. I will bethinke me : come againe to morrow. 
IJa. Hark, how He bribe you : good my Lord turn back. 

Ang. How ? bribe me ? 

If. 1, with fuch gifts that heauen mall mare with you. 

Luc. You had mar'd all elfe. 

Ifab. Not with fond Sickles of the tefted-gold, 
Or Stones, whofe rate are either rich, or poore 
As fancie values them : but with true prayers, 
That mail be vp at heauen, and enter there 
Ere Sunne rife : prayers from preferued foules, 
From fafting Maides, whofe mindes are dedicate 
To nothing temporall. 

Ang. Well : come to me to morrow. 

Luc. Goe to : 'tis well ; away . 

Ifab. Heauen keepe your honour fafe. 

Ang. Amen. 
For I am that way going to temptation , 
Where prayers crolTe. 

Ifab. At what hower to morrow, 
Shall I attend your Lord/hip ? 

Ang. At any time 'fore-noone. 

Ifab. 'Saue your Honour. 



Ang. From thee : euen from thy vertue. 
What's this? what's this? is this her fault, or mine? 
The Tempter, or the Tempted, who fins moft ? ha ? 
Not me : nor doth fhe tempt : but it is I, 
That, lying by the Violet in the Sunne , 
Doe as the Carrion do's, not as the flowre, 
Corrupt with vertuous feafon : Can it be, 
That Modefty may more betray our Sence 
Then womans lightneffe ? hauing wafte ground enough, 
Shall we defire to raze the Sanftuary 
And pitch our euils there? oh fie, fie, fie : 
What doft thou ? or what art thou ^Angela ? 
Doft thou defire her fowly, for thofe things 
That make her good ? oh, let her brother Hue : 
Theeues for their robbery haue authority, 
When Iudges fteale themfelues : what, doe I loue her, 
That I defire to heare her fpeake againe? 
And feaft vpon her eyes? wh3t is't I dreame on ? 
Oh cunning enemy, that to catch a Saint, 
With Saints doft bait thy hooke : moft dangerous 
Is that temptation, that doth goad vs on 
To finne, in louing vertue : neuer could the Strumpet 
With all her double vigor, Art, and Nature 
Once ftir my temper : but this vertuous Maid 
Subdues me quite : Euer till now 
When men were fond, I fmild, and wondred how. Exit. 



Scena Inertia. 



Enter Duke and Prouofi. 

Duke. Haile to you, Prouofi, fo I thinke you are. 

Pro. I am the Prouoft : whats your will, good Frier ? 

Duke. Bound by my charity, and my bleft order, 
I come to vifite the airlifted fpirits 
Here in the prifon : doe me the common right 
To let me fee them : and to make me "know 
The nature of their crimes, that I may minifter 
To them accordingly. 

Pro. I would do more then that, if more were needfull 1 
Enter Iuliet. 
Looke here comes one : a Gentlewoman of mine, 
Who falling in the fiawes of her owne youth, 
Hath blifterd her report : She is with childe, 
And he that got it, fentenc'd : a yong man, 
More fit to doe another fuch offence, 
Then dye for this. 

Duk. When muft he dye? 

Pro. As I do thinke to morrow. 
I haue prouided for you, ftay a while 
And you ihall be condufted. 

Tiuk. Repent you (faire one) of the fin you carry? 

Iul. I doe ; and beare the fhame moft patiently. 

Du.Wz teach you how you ihal araign your confciece 
And try your penitence, if it be found, 
Or hollowly put on. 

7k/. He gladly learne. 

Duk. Loue you the man that wrong'd you ? 

Iul. Yes, as I loue the woman that wrong'd him. 

Duk. So then it feemes your moft offence full aft 
Was mutually committed. 

Iul. Mutually. 

Duk. Then was your fin of heauier kinde then his. 

Iul. I doe confeiTe it, and repent it (Father.) 

Du. 'Tj 



•SVLeafure for SVLeafure. 



6 9 



Duk. 'Tis meet fo (daughter) but leaft you do repent 
As that the fin hath brought you to this fhame, 
Which forrow is alwaies toward our felues,not heauen, 
Showing we would not fpare heauen, as we loue it, 
But as we ftand in feare. 

Iul. I doe repent me, as it is an euill, 
And take the fhame with ioy. 

'Duke. There reft : 
Your partner (as I heare) muft die to morrow, 
And I am going with inftrudtion to him : 
Grace goe with you, Benedicite. Exit. 

Iul. Muft die to morrow ? oh iniurious Loue 
That refpits me a life, whofe very comfort 
Is ftill a dying horror. 

Pro. 'Tis pitty of him. Exeunt. 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter ^Angela. 
*An. When I would pray,& think, I thinke, and pray 
To feuerall fubie&s: heauen hath my empty words, 
Whilft my Inuention, hearing not my Tongue, 
Anchors on IJabell: heauen in my mouth, 
As if I did but onely chew his name , 
And in my heart the ftrong and fwelling euill 
Of my conception : the ftate whereon I ftudied 
Is like a good thing, being often read 
Growne feard, and tedious : yea, my Grauitie 
Wherein (let no man heare me) I take pride, 
Could I, with boote, change for an idle plume 
Which the ayre beats for vaine : oh place, oh forme, 
How often doft thou with thy cafe, thy habit 
Wrench awe from fooles, and tye the wifer foules 
To thy falfe feeming ? Blood, thou art blood , 
Let's write good Angell on the Deuills home 
'Tis not the Deuills Creft : how now ? who's there ? 
Enter Seruant. 

Ser. One IJabell, a Sifter, defires accefTe to you. 

Ang. Teach her the way : oh, heauens 
Why doe's my bloud thus mufter to my heart, 
Making both it vnable for it felfe, 
And difpoffefsing all my other parts 
Of neceffary fitneffe ? 

So play the foolifti throngs with one that fwounds, 
Come all to help him, and fo flop the ayre 
By which hee ihould reuiue : and euen fo 
The generall fubiect to a wel-wifht King 
Qujt their owne part, and in obfequious fondnefle 
Crowd to his prefence, where their vn-taught loue 
Muft needs appear offence : how now faire Maid. 
Enter Ijabella. 

Ifab. I am come to know your pleafure. ( me > 

An. That you might know it, wold much better pleafe 
Then to demand what 'tis : your Brother cannot Hue. 

Ifab. Euen fo : heauen keepe your Honor. 

Ang. Yet may he liue a while ; and it may be 
As long as you, or I : yet he muft die. 

Ifab. Vnder your Sentence ? 

Ang. Yea. 

Ifab. When, I befeech you : that in his Reprieue 
(Longer, or fhorter) he may be lb fitted 
That his foule ficken not. 

Ang. Ha ? fie, thefe filthy vices .-It were as good 



To pardon him, that hath from nature ftolne 

A man already made, as to remit 

Their fawcie fweetnes, that do coyne heauens Image 

In ftamps that are forbid : 'tis all as eafie, 

Falfely to take away a life true made, 

As to put mettle in reftrained meanes 

To make a falfe one. 

Ifab. 'Tis fet downe fo in heauen, but not in earth. 

lAng. Say you fo : then I (hall poze you quickly. 
Which had you rather, that the moft iuft Law 
Now tooke your brothers life, and to redeeme him 
Giue vp your body to fuch fweet vncleanneffe 
As fhe that he hath ftaind ? 

Ifab. Sir, beleeue this. 
I had rather giue my body, then my foule. 

Ang. I talke not of your foule : our compel'd fins 
Stand more for number, then for accompt. 

Ifab. How fay you ? 

Ang. Nay He not warrant that ; for I can fpeake 
Againft the thing I fay : Anfwere to this, 
I (now the voyce of the recorded Law) 
Pronounce a fentence on your Brothers life, 
Might there not be a charitie in finne, 
To faue this Brothers life ? 

Ifab. Pleafe you to doo't, 
He take it as a perill to my foule, 
It is no finne at all, but charitie. 

Ang. PleaPd you to doo't, at perill of your foule 
Were equall poize of finne, and charitie. 

Ifab. That I do beg his life, if it be finne 
Heauen let me beare it : you granting of my fuit, 
If that be fin, He make it my Morne-praier, 
To haue it added to the faults of mine, 
And nothing of your anfwere. 

Ang. Nay, but heare me, 
Your fence purfues not mine : either you are ignorant, 
Or feeme fo crafty ; and that's not good. 

Ifab. Let be ignorant, and in nothing good, 
But gracioufly to know I am no better. 

Ang. Thus wifdome wifhes to appeare moft bright, 
When it doth taxe it felfe : As thefe blacke Mafques 
Proclaime an en-fhield beauty ten times louder 
Then beauty could difplaied : But marke me, 
To be receiued plaine, He fpeake more grofie : 
Your Brother is to dye. 

Ifab. So. 

Ang. And his offence is fo, as it appeares, 
Accountant to the Law, vpon that pain'e. 

Ifab. True. 

Ang. Admit no other way to faue his life 
(As I fubfcribe not that, nor any other, 
But in the lofTe of queftion) that you, his Sifter, 
Finding your felfe defir'd of fuch a perfon, 
Whofe creadit with the Iudge, or owne great place, 
Could fetch your Brother from the Manacles 
Of the all-building-Law : and that there were 
No earthly meane to faue him, but that either 
You muft lay downe the treafures of your body, 
To this fuppofed, or elfe to let him fuffer : 
What would you doe ? 

Ifab. As much for my poore Brother, as my felfe ; 
That is : were I vnder the tearmes of death, 
Th'impreffion of keene whips, Fid weare as Rubies, 
And ftrip my felfe to death, as to a bed, 
That longing haue bin ficke for,ere I'ld yeeld 
My body vp to ftiame. 

Ang. That 



7° 



^Meafure for SVLeafure. 



Ang. Then muft your brother die. 

Ija. And 'twer the cheaper way: 
Better it were a brother dide at once, 
Then that a fifter, by redeeming him 
Should die for euer. 

Ang. Were not you then as cruell as the Sentence, 
That you haue flander'd fo ? 

Ija. Ignomie in ranfome, and free pardon 
Are of two houfes : lawfull mercie, 
Is nothing kin to fowle redemption. 

cAng. You feem'd of late to make the Law a tirant, 
And rather prou'd the Aiding of your brother 
A merriment, then a vice. 

Ija. Oh pardon me my Lord, it oft fals out 
To haue, what we would haue, 
We fpeake not what we meane ; 
I fomething do excufe the thing I hate, 
For his aduantage that I dearely loue. 

cAng. We are all fraile. 

Ija. Elfe let my brother die, 
If not a fedarie but onely he 
Owe, and fucceed thy weakneffe. 

Ang. Nay, women are fraile too. 

Ija. I, as the glafTes where they view themfelues, 
Which are as eafie broke as they make formes : 
Women? Helpe heauen; men their creation marre 
In profiting by them : Nay, call vs ten times fraile, 
For we are foft, as our complexions are, 
And credulous to falfe prints. 

Ang. I thinke it well : 
And from this teftimonie of your owne fex 
(Since I fuppofe we are made to be no ftronger 
Then faults may make our frames) let me be bold ; 
I do arreft your words. Be that you are, 
That is a woman ; if you be more, you'r none. 
If you be one (as you are well expreft 
By all externall warrants^ Ihew it now, 
: By putting on the deftin'd Liuerie. 

Ija. I haue no tongue but one; gentle my Lord, 
Let me entreate you fpeake the former language. 

Ang. Plainlie conceiue I loue you. 

Ija. My brother did loue luliet, 
And you tell me that he mall die for't. 

Ang. He mail not IjabellM you giue me loue. 

Ija. I know your vertue hath a licence in't, 
Which feemes a little fouler then it is, 
To plucke on others. 

Ang. Beleeue me on mine Honor, 
My words expreffe my purpofe. 

Ija. Ha? Little honor, to be much beleeu'd, 
And moft pernitious purpofe : Seeming, feeming. 
I will proclaime thee ^Angela, looke for't. 
Signe me a prefent pardon for my brother, 
Or with an out-ftretcht throate He tell the world aloud 
What man thou art. 

Ang. Who will beleeue thee IJahell ? 
My vnfoild name, th'aufteerenefie of my life, 
My vouch againft you, and my place i'th State, 
Will fo your accufation ouer-weigh, 
That you fhall ftifle in your owne reporr, 
And fmell of calumnie. I haue begun, 
And now I giue my fenfuall race, the reine, 
■ Fit thy confent to my fharpe appetite, 
' Lay by all nicetie, and prolixious blumes 
That bani/h what they fue for : Redeeme thy brother, 
By yeelding vp thy bodie to my will, 



Or elfe he muft not onelie die the death, 

But thy vnkindneffe mall his death draw out 

To lingring fufferance : Anlwer me to morrow, 

Or by the affection that now guides me moft, 

He proue a Tirant to him. As for you, 

Say what you can ; my falfe, ore-weighs your true. Exit 

. Ija. To whom fhould I complaine? Did I tell this, 

Who would beleeue me ? O perilous mouthes 

That beare in them, one and the felfefame tongue, 

Either of condemnation, or approofe, 

Bidding the Law make curtfie to their will, 

Hooking both right and wrong to th'appetite, 

To follow as it drawes. He to my brother, 

Though he hath falne by prompture of the blood, 

Yet hath he in him fuch a minde of Honor, 

That had he twentie heads to tender downe 

On twentie bloodie blockes, hee'ld yeeld them vp, 

Before his fifter mould her bodie ftoope 

To fuch abhord pollution. 

Then IJaiel/Wue chafte, and brother die; 

"More then our Brother, is our Chaftitie. 

He tell him yet of Ange/o's requeft, 

And fit his minde to death, for his foules reft. Exit. 



zA5lus Tertius. Scena IPrima. 



Enter Duke, Claudia, and Prauaji. 

Du. So then you hope of pardon from Lord Angela ? 

Cla. The miferable haue no other medicine 
But onely hope : I'haue hope to liue,and am prepar'd to 
die. 

'Duke. Be abfolute for death : either death or life 
Shall thereby be the fweeter. Reafon thus with life : 
If I do loofe thee, I do loofe a thing 
That none but fooles would keepe : a breath thou art, 
Seruile to all the skyie-influences, 
That doft this habitation where thou keepft 
Hourely afflict : Meerely, thou art deaths foole, 
For him thou labourft by thy flight to fhun, 
And yet runft toward him ftill. Thou art not noble, 
For all th'accommodations that thou bearft, 
Are nurft by bafeneffe : Thou'rt by no meanes valiant, 
For thou doft feare the foft and tender forke 
Of a poore worme : thy beft of reft is fleepe, 
And that thou oft prouoakft, yet groffelie fearft 
Thy death, which is no more. Thou art not thy felfe, 
For thou exifts on manie a thoufand graines 
That iffue out of duft. Happie thou art not, 
For what thou haft not, ftill thou ftriu'ft to get, 
And what thou haft forgetft. Thou art not certaine, 
For thy complexion Ihifts to ftrange effects, 
After the Moone : If thou art rich, thou'rt poore, 
For like an Afle, vvhofe backe with Ingots bowes; 
Thou bearft thy heauie riches but a iournie, 
And death vnloads thee; Friend haft thou none. 
For thine owne bowels which do call thee, lire 
The meere effufion of thy proper loines 
Do curfe the Gowt, Sapego, and the Rheume 
For ending thee no looner. Thou haft nor youth, nor age 
But as it were an after-dinners fleepe 
Dreaming on both, for all thy bleffed youth 
Becomes as aged, and doth begge the almes 
Of paliied-Eld : and when thou art old, and rich 

Thou 



£Meafure for <£Meafure. 



7 1 



Thou haft neither heate, affe£tion, limbe, nor beautie 
To make thy riches pleafant : what's yet in this 
That beares the name of lire ? Yet in this life 
Lie hid moe thoufand deaths; yet death we feare 
That makes thefe oddes, all euen. 

Cla. I humblie thanke you. 
To fue to liue, I finde I feeke to die, 
And feeking death, finde life : Let it come on. 
Enter Ifabella. 
Ifab.Whst hoa? Peace heere; Grace, and good com- 
panie. 

Pro. Who's there £ Come in, the wiih deferues a 
welcome. 

Duke. Deere fir, ere long He vifit you againe. 
Cla. Moft holie Sir, I thanke you. 
Ifa. My bufineffe is a word or two with Claudio. 
Pro. And verie welcom : looke Signior, here's your 
filter. 

T>uke. Prouoft, a word with you. 
Pro. As manie as you pleafe. 

Du&e.Bring them to heare me fpeak, where I may be 
conceal'd. 

Cla. Now fitter, what's the comfort ? 
Ifa. Why, 
As all comforts are : moft good, moft good indeede, 
Lord Angela hailing affaires to heauen 
Intends you for his fwift Ambaffador, 
Where you fhall be an euerlafting Leiger ; 
Therefore your beft appointment make with fpeed, 
To Morrow you fet on. 

Clau. Is there no remedie ? 
Ifa. None, 'but fuch remedie, as to faue a head 
To cleaue a heart in twaine: 
Clau. But is there anie? 
Ifa. Yes brother, you may liue; 
There is a diuellifti mercie in the Iudge, 
If you'l implore it, that will free your life, 
But fetter you till death. 
Cla. Perpetuall durance ? 
Ifa. I iuft, perpetuall durance, a reftraint 
Through all the worlds vaftiditie you had 
To a determin'd fcope. 

Clau. But in what nature ? 
Ifa. In fuch a one, as you confenting too't, 
Would barke your honor from that trunke you beare, 
And leaue you naked. 

Clau. Let me know the point. 
Ifa. Oh, I do feare thee Claudio, and I quake, 
Leaft thou a feauorous life ftiouldft entertaine, 
And fix or feuen winters more refpeft 
Then a perpetuall Honor. Dar'ft thou die •? 
The fence of death is moft in apprehenfion, 
And the poore Beetle that we treade vpon 
In corporall fufferance, finds a pang as great, 
As when a Giant dies. 

Cla. Why giue you me this ihame ? 
Thinke you I can a refolution fetch 
From flowrie tenderneffe ? If I muft die, 
I will encounter darkneffe as a bride, 
And hugge it in mine armes. 

7/a.There fpake my brother ; there my fathers graue 
Did vtter forth a voice. Yes, thou muft die : 
Thou art too noble, to conferue a li'fe 
In bafe appliances. This outward fainted Deputie, 
Whofe fetled vifage, and deliberate word 
Nips youth i'th head, and follies doth emmew 



7' 



As Falcon doth the Fowle, is yet a diuell : 
His filth within being caft,he would appeare 
A pond, as deepe as hell. 

Cla. The prenzie, Angelo ? 

Ifa. Oh 'tis the cunning Liuerie of hell, 
The damneft bodie to inueft, and couer 
In prenzie gardes; doft thou thinke Claudio, 
If I would yeeld him my virginitie 
Thou might'ft be freed ? 

Cla. Oh heauens, it cannot be. 

Ifa. Yes, he would giu't thee; from this rank offence 
So to offend him ftill. This night's the time 
That I fhould do what I abhorre to name, 
Or elfe thou dieft to morrow. 

Clau. Thou malt not do't. 

Ifa. O, were it but my life, 
I'de throw it downe for your deliuerance 
As frankely as a pin. 

Clau. Th3nkes deere Ifabell. 

Ifa. Be readie Claudio, for your death to morrow. 

Clau. Yes. Has he affections in him, 
That thus can make him bite the Law by th'nofe, 
When he would force it? Sure it is no finne, 
Or of the deadly feuen it is the leaft. 

Ifa. Which is the leaft ? 

Cla. If it were damnable, he being fo wife, 
Why would he for the momentarie tricke 
Be perdurablie fin'de ? Oh Ifabell. 

Ifa. What faies my brother ? 

Qla. Death is a fearefull thing. 

Ifa. And fliamed life, a hatefull. 

Cla. I, but to die, and go we know not where, 
To lie in cold obftruftion, and to rot, 
This fenfible warme motion, to become 
A kneaded clod; And the delighted fpirit 
To bath in fierie floods, or to recide 
In thrilling Region of thicke-ribbed Ice, 
To be imprifon'd in the viewleffe windes 
And blowne with reftleffe violence round about 
The pendant world : or to be worfe then worft 
Of thofe, that lawleffe and incertaine thought, 
Imagine howling, 'tis too horrible. 
The wearieft, and moft loathed worldly life 
That Age, Ache, periury, and imprifonment 
Can lay on nature, is a Paradife 
To what we feare of death. 

Ifa. Alas, alas. 

Cla. Sweet Sifter, let me liue. 
What finne you do, to faue a brothers life, 
Nature difpenfes with the deede fo farre, 
That it becomes a vertue. 

Ifa. Oh you beaft, 
Oh faithleffe Coward, oh difhoneft wretch, 
Wilt thou be made a man, out of my vice? 
Is't not a kinde of Inceft, to take life 
From thine owne fitters fhame ? What fhould I thinke, 
Heauen ftiield my Mother plaid my Father faire : 
For fuch a warped flip of wilderneffe 
Nere iffu'd from his blood. Take my defiance, 
Die, perifh : Might but my bending downe 
Repreeue thee from thy fate, it fhould proceede. 
He pray a thoufand praiers for thy death, 
No word to faue thee. 

Qla. Nay heare me Ifabell. 

Ifa. Oh fie, fie, fie: 
Thy finn's not accidentall, but a Trade; 

Mercie 



<6Meafure for ^Meafure. 



Mercy to thee would proue it felfe a Bawd, 
'Tis beft that thou dieft quickly. 

C.'a. Oh heare me IJabella. 

Duk. Vouch fafe a word,yong fifter, but one word. 

IJa. What is your Will. 

Duk, Might you difpenfe with your leyfure, I would 
by and by haue fome ipeech with you : the fatiffadlion I 
would require, is likewife your owne benefit. 

IJa. I haue no fuperfluous leyfure , my flay muft be 
ftolen out of other affaires : but I will attend you a while. 

Duke. Son, I haue ouer-heard what hath paft between 
you & your fifter. Angelo had neuer the purpofe to cor- 
rupt her ; onely he hath made an aflay of her vertue , to 
pradtife his iudgement with the difpofition of natures. 
She (hauing the truth of honour in her) hath made him 
that gracious deniall, which he is moft glad to receiue : I 
am Confeffor to Angela, and I know this to be true,ther- 
fore prepare your felfe to death : do not fatisfie your re- 
folution with hopes that are fallible , to morrow you 
muft die, goe to your knees, and make ready. 

Cla. Let me ask my fifter pardon, I am fo out of loue 
with life, that I will fue to be rid of it. 

Duke. Hold you there : farewell : Prouoji , a word 
with you. 

Pro. What's your will (father?) 

Duk. That now you are come, you wil be gone : leaue 
me a while with the Maid, my minde promifes with my 
habit, no loffe fhall touch her by my company. 

Pro. In good time. Exit. 

'Duk. The hand that hath made you faire , hath made 
you good : the goodnes that is cheape in beauty, makes 
beauty briefe in goodnes ; but grace being fne foule of 
your complexion , fhall keepe the body of it euer faire : 
the affault that Angela hath made to you, Fortune hath 
conuaid to my vnderftanding ; and but that frailty hath 
examples for his falling, I fhould wonder at Angela: how 
will you doe to content this Subftitute, and to faue your 
Brother? 

IJab. I am now going to refolue him : I had rather 
my brother die by the Law, then my fonne fhould be vn- 
lawfullie borne. But (oh) how much is the good Duke 
deceiu'd in ^Angela : if euer he returne, and I can fpeake 
to him, I will open my lips in vaine, or difcouer his go- 



Duke. That fhall not be much amiffe : yet, as the mat- 
I ter now (lands, he will auoid your accufation : he made 
triall of you onelie. Therefore fallen your eare On my 
i aduifings, to the loue I haue in doing good ; a remedie 
j prefents it felfe. I doe make my felfe beleeue that you 
I may moft vprighteoufly do a poor wronged Lady a me- 
j rited benefit; redeem your brother from theangry Law; 
doe no ftaine to your owne gracious perfon , and much 
pleafe the abfent Duke, if peraduenture he fhall euer re- 
turne to haue hearing of this bufineffe. 

Jjab. Let me heare you fpeake farther; I haue fpirit to 
do any thing that appeares not fowle in the truth of my 
fpirit. 

Duke. Vertue is bold, and goodnes neuer fearefull : 
I Haue you not heard fpeake of Mariana the fifter of Fre- 
| dericke the great Souldier, who mifcarried at Sea? 

IJa. I haue heard of the Lady, and good words went 
I with her name. 

'Duke. Shee fhould this Angela haue married .• was af- 
fianced to her oath, and the nuptiall appointed: between 
I which time of the contrail, and limit of the folemnitie , 
, her brother Fredericke was wrackt at Sea, hauing in that 



perifhed veffell, the dowry of his fifter : but marke how 
heauily this befell to the poore Gentlewoman, there fhe 
loft a noble and renowned brother, in his loue toward 
her, euer moft kinde and naturall : with him the portion 
and finew of her fortune , her marriage dowry : with 
both, her combynate-husband , this well-feeming 
Angela. 

IJab. Can this be fo ? did Angela fo leaue her? 

Duke. Left her in her teares, & dried not one of them 
with his comfort : fwallowed his vowes whole, preten- 
ding in her, difcoueries of difhonor : in few, beftow'd 
her on her owne lamentation, which fhe yet weares for 
his fake : and he, a marble to her teares, is wafhed with 
them, but relents not. 

IJab. What a merit were it in death to take this poore 
maid from the world? what corruption in this life, that 
it will let this man Hue ? But how out of this can fhee a- 
uaile ? 

T>uke. It is a rupture that you may eafily heale: and the 
cure of it not onely faues your brother, but keepes you 
from difhonor in doing it. 

IJab. Shew me how (good Father.) 

'Duk. This fore-named Maid hath yet in her the con- 
tinuance of her firft affe£lion : his vniuft vnkindeneffe 
(that in all reafon fhould haue quenched her loue) hath 
(like an impediment in the Current) made it more vio- 
lent and vnruly : Goe you to Angela, anfwere his requi- 
ring with a plaufible obedience, agree with his demands 
to the point : onely refeire your felfe to this aduantage ; 
firft, that your (lay with him may not be long : that the 
time may haue all fhadow, and filence in it: and the place 
anfwere to conuenience : this being granted in courfe , 
and now followes all : wee fhall aduife this wronged 
maid to deed vp your appointment , goe in your place: 
if the encounter acknowledge it felfe heereafter , it may 
compell him to her recompence ; and heere , by this is 
your brother faued , your honor vntainted, the poore 
Mariana aduantaged , and the corrupt Deputy fcaled. 
The Maid will I frame, and make fit for his attempt : if 
you thinke well to carry this as you may, the doublenes 
of the benefit defends the deceit from reproofe. What 
thinke you of it f 

IJab. The image of it giues me content already, and I 
truft it will grow to a moft profperous perfection. 

Duk. It lies much in your holding vp : hafte you fpee- 
dily to Angela, if for this night he intreal you to his bed, 
giue him promife of fatisfaclion : I will prefently to S. 
Lukes , there at the moated-Grange recides this deie- 
£led Mariana ; at that place call vpon me, and difpatch 
with Angelo, that it may be quickly. 

IJab. 1 thank you for this comfort: fare you well good 
father. Exit. 

Enter Elbcw, Clowne, Officers. 

Bib. Nay, if there be no remedy for it, but that you 
will needes buy and fell men and women like beads, we 
fhall haue all the world drinke browne & white baftard. 

Duk. Oh heauens, what ftuffe is heere. 

CIoiv. Twas neuer merry world fince of two vfuries 
the merrieft was put downe , and the worfer allow'd by 
order of Law ; a fur'd gowne to keepe him warme ; and 
furd with Foxe and Lamb-skins too, to fignifie, that craft 
being richer then Innocency, Hands for the facing. 

Elb. Come your way fir : 'bleffe you good Father 
Frier. 

Duk. And you good Brother Father ; what offence 
hath this man made you, Sir ? 

Elb. Marry 



Meafure for Meafure. 



73 



Elb. Marry Sir, he hath offended the Law ; and Sir, 
we take him to be a Theefe too Sir : for wee haue found 
vpon him Sir, a ftrange Pick-lock, which we haue fent 
to the Deputie. 

Duke. Fie, firrah, a Bawd, a wicked bawd, 
The euill that thou caufeft to be done, 
That is thy meanes to liue. Do thou but thinke 
What 'tis to cram a maw, or cloath a backe 
From fuch a filthie vice : fay to thy felfe, 
From their abhominable and beaftly touches 
I drinke, I eate away my felfe, and liue : 
Canft thou beleeue thy iiuing is a life, 
So ftinkingly depending i Go mend, go mend. 

Clo. Indeed, it do's ftinke in fome fort, Sir: 
But yet Sir I would proue. 

Duke.Nzy, if the diuell haue giuen thee proofs for fin 
Thou wilt proue his. Take him to prifon Officer: 
Correction, and Inftruction muft both worke 
Ere this rude beaft will profit. 

Elb. He muft before the Deputy Sir, he ha's giuen 
him warning : the Deputy cannot abide a Whore-ma- 
fter : if he be a Whore-monger, and comes before him, 
he were as good go a mile on his errand. 

Duke. That we were all, as fome would feeme to bee 
From our faults, as faults from feeming free. 
Enter Lucio. 

Elb. His necke will come to your waft, a Cord fir. 

Clo. I fpy comfort, I cry baile: Here's a Gentleman, 
and a friend of mine. 

Luc. How now noble Pompey} What, at the wheels 
ofCtefar} Art thou led in triumph? What is there none 
of Pigmalioits Images newly made woman to bee had 
now, for putting the hand in the pocket, and extracting 
clutch'd 2 What reply ? Ha ? What faift thou to this 
Tune, Matter, and Method i Is't not drown'd i'th laft 
raine?Ha? What faift thou Trot? Is the world as it was 
Man? Which is the way? Is it fad, and few words? 
Or how ? The tricke of it ? 

Duke. Still thus, and thus: ftill vvorfe? 

Luc. How doth my deere Morfell, thy Miftris ? Pro- 
cures fhe ftill ? Ha ? 

Clo. Troth fir, fhee hath eaten vp all her beefe, and 
fhe is her felfe in the tub. 

Luc. Why 'tis good : It is the right of it: it muft be 
fo. Euer your frefh Whore, and your pouder'd Baud, an 
vnfhun'd confequence, it muft be fo. Art going to pri- 
fon Pompey ? 

Clo. Yes faith fir. 

Luc. Why 'tis not amifTe Pompey : farewell : goe fay 
I fent thee thether : for debt Pompey} Or how ? 

Elb. For being a baud, for being a baud. 

Luc. Well, then imprifon him : If imprifonment be 
the due of a baud, why 'tis his right. Baud is he doubt- 
leffe, and of antiquity too : Baud borne. Farwell good 
Pompey : Commend me to the prifon Pompey, you will 
turne good husband now Pompey, you will keepe the 
houfe. 

Clo.l hope Sir, your good Wor/hip wil be my baile? 

Luc. No indeed wil I not Pompey, it is not the wear: 
I will pray (Pompey) to encreafe your bondage if you 
take it not patiently : Why, your mettle is the more : 
Adieu truftie Pompey. 
BlefTe you Friar. 

Tluke. And you. 

Luc. Do's Bridget paint ftill, Pompey ?Ha? 

Elb. Come your waies fir, come. 



Clo. You will not baile me then Sir ? 

Luc. Then Pompey, nor now : what newes abroad Fri- 
er? What newes? 

Elb. Come your waies fir, come. 

Luc. Goe to kennell (Pompey) goe : 
What newes Frier of the Duke ? 

Duke. I know none : can you tell me of any ? 

Luc. Some fay he is with the Emperor of Rujfta : other 
fome, he is in Rome : but where is he thinke you ? 

Duke. I know not where: but wherefoeuer, I wifh 
him well. 

Luc. It was a mad fantafticall tricke of him to fteale 
from the State, and vfurpe the beggerie hee was neuer 
borne to : Lord Angelo Dukes it well in his abfence : he 
puts tranfgreffion too't. 

Duke. He do's well in't. 

Luc. A little more lenitie to Lecherie would doe no 
harme in him : Something too crabbed that way, Frier. 

Duk. It is too general a vice, and feueritie muft cure it. 

Luc. Yes in good footh, the vice is of a great kindred; 
it is well allied, but it is impoffible to extirpe it quite, 
Frier, till eating and drinking be put downe. They fay 
this Angelo was not made by Man and Woman, after 
this downe-right way of Creation : is it true, thinke 
you ? 

Duke. How fhould he be made then ? 

Luc. Some report, a Sea-maid fpawn'd him. Some, 
that he was begot betweene two Stock-fifties . But it 
is certaine, that when he makes water, his Vrine is con- 
geal'd ice, that I know to bee true : and he is a motion 
generatiue, that's infallible. 

Duke. You are pleafant fir, and fpeake apace. 

Luc. Why, what a ruthleffe thing is this in him, for 
the rebellion of a Cod-peece, to take away the life of a 
man ? Would the Duke that is abfent haue done this? 
Ere he would haue hang'd a man for the getting a hun- 
dred Baftards, he would haue paide for the Nurfing a 
thoufand. He had fome feeling of the fport, hee knew 
the feruice, and that inftructed him to mercie. 

Duke. I neuer heard the abfent Duke much detected 
for Women, he was not enclin'd that way. 

Luc. Oh Sir, you are deceiu'd. 

Duke. 'Tis not poffible. 

Luc. Who, not the Duke ? Yes, your beggar of fifty : 
and his vfe was, to put a ducket in her Clack-difh ; the 
Duke had Crochets in him. Hee would be drunke too, 
that let me informe you. 

Duke. You do him wrong, furely. 

Luc. Sir, I was an inward of his : a (hie fellow was 
the Duke, and I beleeue I know the caufe of his with- 
drawing. 

Tluke. What (1 prethee) might be the cause? 

Luc. No, pardon : 'Tis a fecret muft bee lockt with- 
in the teeth and the lippes : but this I can let you vnder- 
ftand,the greater file of the fubiecT: held the Duke to be 
wife. 

Duke. Wife? Why no queftion but he was. 

Luc. A very fuperficiall, ignorant, vnweighing fellow 

Duke. Either this is Enuie in you, Folly, or mifta- 
king : The very ftreame of his life, and the bufineffe he 
hath helmed, muft vppon a warranted neede, giue him 
a better proclamation. Let him be but teftimonied in 
his ovvne bringings forth, and hee {hall appeare to the 
enuious, a Scholler, a Statefman, and a Soldier : there- 
fore you fpeake vnskilfully : or, if your knowledge bee 
more, it is much darkned in your malice. 

G Luc. 



74 



Meafure for Meafure. 



Luc. Sir, I know him, and I louehim. 

Duke. Loue talkes with better knowledge, & know- 
ledge with deare loue. 

Luc. Come Sir, I know what I know. 

Duke. I can hardly beleeue that, fince you know not 
what you l'peake. But if euer the Duke returne (as our 
praiers are he may) let mee defire you to make your an- 
iwer before him : if it bee honeft you haue fpoke, you 
haue courage to maintaine it ; I am bound to call vppon 
you, and I pray you your name ? 

Luc. Sir my name is Lucio, wel known to the Duke. 

'Duke. He ihall know you better Sir, if I may liue to 
report you. 

Luc. I feare you not. 

Duke. O, you hope the Duke will returne no more: 
or you imagine me to vnhurtfull an oppofite : but indeed 
I can doe you little harme : You'll for-fweare this a- 
gaine? 

Luc. He be hang'd firft : Thou art deceiu'd in mee 
Friar. But no more of this : Canft thou tell if Claudia 
die to morrow, or no ? 

Duke. Why mould he die Sir ? 

Luc. Why ? For filling a bottle with a Tunne-diih : 
I would the Duke we talke of were return'd againe: this 
vngenitur'd Agent will vn-people the Prouince with 
Continencie. Sparrowes muft not build in his houfe- 
eeues, becaufe they are lecherous: The Duke yet would 
haue darke deeds darkelie anfwered, hee would neuer 
bring them to light : would hee were return'd. Marrie 
this Qlaudio is condemned for vntrufling. Far well good 
Friar, I prethee pray for me : The Duke (I fay to thee 
againe) would eate Mutton on Fridaies. He's now paft 
it, yet (and I fay to thee) hee would mouth with a beg- 
gar, though me fmelt browne-bread and Garlicke : fay 
that I faid fo : Farewell. Exit. 

Duke. No might, nor greatnefie in mortality 
Can cenfure fcape : Back-wounding calumnie 
The whiteft vertue ftrikes. What King fo ftrong, 
Can tie the gall vp in the flanderous tong ? 
But who comes heere ? 

Enter EJcalui, Prouoji, and Baivd. 

Efc. Go, away with her to prifon. 

Bawd. Good my Lord be good to mee, your Honor 
is accounted a mercifull man : good my Lord. 

Efc. Double, and trebble admonition, and ftill for- 
feite in the fame kinde ? This would make mercy fweare 
and play the Tirant. 

Pro. A Bawd of eleuen yeares continuance, may it 
pleafe your Honor. 

Baivd. My Lord, this is one Lucio's information a- 
gainft me, Miftris Kate Keefe-doivtte was with childe by 
him in the Dukes time, he promis'd her marriage : his 
Childe is a yeere and a quarter olde come Philip and la- 
cob : I haue kept it my felfe; and fee how hee goes about 
to abufe me. 

Efc. That fellow is a fellow of much Licenfe : Let 
him be call'd before vs. Away with her to prifon : Goe 
too, no more words. Prouoft, my Brother ^Angela will 
not be alter'd, Claudia muft die to morrow : Let him be 
furnim'd with Diuines, and haue all charitable prepara- 
tion. If my brother wrought by my pitie, it ihould not 
be fo with him. 

Pro. So pleafe you, this Friar hath beene with him, 
and aduis'd him for th'entertainment of death. 

Efc. Good'euen, good Father. 

'Duke. BliiTe, and goodnefle on you. 



Efc. Of whence are you ? 

Duke.Not of this Countrie, though my chance is now 
To vfe it for my time : I am a brother 
Of gracious Order, late come from the Sea, 
In fpeciall bufineffe from his Holineffe. 

Efc. What newes abroad i'th World ? 
.'Duke. None, but that there is fo great a Feauor on 
goodneffe, that the diffolution of it muft cure it. No- 
ueltie is onely in requeft, and as it is as dangerous to be 
aged in any kinde of courfe, as it is vertuous to be con- 
ftant in any vndertaking. There is fcarfe truth enough 
aliue to make Societies fecure, but Securitie enough to 
make Fellow/hips accurft: Much vpon this riddle runs 
the wifedome of the world : This newes is old enough, 
yet it is euerie daies newes. I pray you Sir, of what dif- 
pofition was the Duke? 

Efc. One, that aboue all other ftrifes, 
Contended efpecially to know himfelfe. 

'Duke. What pleafure was he giuen to? 

Efc. Rather reioycing to fee another merry, then 
merrrie at anie thing which profeft to make him reioice. 
A Gentleman of all temperance. But leaue wee him to 
his euents, with a praier they may proue profperous, & 
let me defire to know, how you finde Claudia prepar'd ? 
I am made to vnderftand, that you haue lent him vifita- 
tion. 

Duke. He profefles to haue receiued no finifter mea- 
fure from his Iudge, but moft willingly humbles him- 



ielfe to the determi 



of Iuftice : vet had he framed 



to himfelfe (by the inftruction of his frailty) mar.ie de- 
ceyuing promifes of life, which I (by my good leifure) 
haue difcredited to him, and now is he refolu'd to die. 

Efc. You haue paid the heauens your Function, and 
the prifoner the verie debt of your Calling. I haue la- 
bour'd for the poore Gentleman, to the extremeft more 
of my modeftie, but my brother-Iuftice haue I found fo 
feuere, that he hath forc'd me to tell him, hee is indeede 
Iuftice. 

'Duke. If his owne life, 
Anfwere the ftraitnefTe of his proceeding, 
It ihall become him well : wherein if he chance to faile 
he hath fentenc'd himfelfe. 

Efc. I am going to viiit the prifoner, Fare you well. 

'Duke. Peace be with you. 
He who the fword of Heauen will beare, 
Should be as holy, as feueare : 
Patterne in himfelfe to know, 
Grace to ftand, and Vertue go : 
More, nor leffe to others paying, 
Then by felfe-offences weighing. 
Shame to him, whofe cruell ftriking, 
Kils for faults of his owne liking : 
Twice trebble ihame on Angela, 
To vveede my vice, and let his grow. 
Oh, what may Man within him hide, 
Though Angel on the outward fide? 
How may likeneffe made in crimes, 
Making praclife on the Times, 
To draw with ydle Spiders firings 
Moft ponderous and fubftantiall things? 
Craft againft vice, I muft applie. 
With Angela to night ihall lye 
His old betroathed (but defpifed:) 
So difguife (hall by th'difguifed 
Pay with falihood, falfe exacting, 

And performe an olde contracting. Exit 

ABut 

74 



Meafurefor Meafure. 



75 



A5ius Quartus. Sccena 'Prima. 



Enter. Mariana, and Bay finging. 

Song. Take, oh take tbofe lips aivay, 

that fo fiveet/y luere forfworne, 
And thoje eyes : the breake of day 

lights that doe mijlead the Morne ; 
'But my kijjes bring again e, bring againe , 
Scales of hue, but feal'd in vainefeaPd in vaine. 

Enter Duke. 

Mar. Breake off thy fong, and hafte thee quick away, 
Here comes a man of comfort, whofe aduice 
Hath often ftill'd my brawling difcontent. 
I cry you mercie,Sir, and well could wifli 
You had not found me here fo muficall. 
Let me excufe me, and beleeue me fo, 
My mirth it much difpleafd, but pleaf'd my woe. 

DukST'is good ; though Mufick oft hath fuch a charme 
To make bad, good ; and good prouoake to harme. 
I pray you tell me, hath any 'body enquir'd for mee here 
to day ; much vpon this time haue I promif'd here to 
meete. 

Mar. You haue not bin enquir'd after : I haue fat 
here all day. 

Enter Ifabell. 

Duk. I doe conftantly beleeue you : the time is come 
euen now. I mall craue your forbearance alittle, may be 
I will call vpon you anone for fome aduantage to your 
felfe. 

Mar. I am alwayes bound to you. Exit. 

Duk. Very well met, and well come : 
What is the newes from this good Deputie? 

Ijab. He hath a Garden circummur'd with Bricke, 
Whofe wefterne fide is with a Vineyard back't ; 
And to that Vineyard is a planched gate, 
That makes his opening with this bigger Key : 
This other doth command a little doore, 
Which from the Vineyard to the Garden leades, 
There haue I made my promife, vpon the 
Heauy midle of the night, to call vpon him. 

T)uk. But mall you on your knowledge find this way ? 

Ifab. I haue t'ane a due, and wary note vpon't, 
With whifpering, and moft guiltie diligence, 
In action all of precept, he did mow me 
The way twice ore. 

Duk. Are there no other tokens 
Betweene you 'greed, concerning her obferuance? 

Ifab. No : none but onely a repaire ith' darke, 
And that I haue poffeft him, my moft ftay 
Can be but briefe ; for I haue made him know, 
I haue a Seruant comes with me along 
That ftaies vpon me ; whofe perfwafion is, 
I come about my Brother. 

Duk. 'Tis well borne vp. 
I haue not yet made knowne to Mariana 

Enter Mariana. 
A word of this : what hoa, within; come forth, 
I pray you be acquainted with this Maid, 
She comes to doe you good. 

Ifab. I doe defire the like. 

Duk. Do you perfwade your felfe that I refpect you ? 



75 



Mar. Good Frier, I know you do, and haue found it. 

Duke. Take then this your companion by the hand 
Who hath a ftorie readie for your eare : 
I fhall attend your leifure, but make hafte 
The vaporous night approaches. 

Mar. Wilt pleafe you walke afide. Exit. 

Duke. Oh Place, and greatnes : millions of falfe eies 
Are ftucke vpon thee : volumes of report 
Run with thefe falfe, and moft contrarious Queft 
Vpon thy doings : thoufand efcapes of wit 
Make thee the father of their idle dreame, 
And racke thee in their fancies. Welcome, how agreed ? 
Enter Mariana and Ifabella. 

Ifab. Shee'll take the enterprize vpon her father, 
If you aduife it. 

'Duke. It is not my confent, 
But my entreaty too. 

Ifa. Little haue you to fay 
When you depart from him, but foft and low, 
Remember now my brother. 

Mar. Feare me not. 

T)uk. Nor gentle daughter, feare you not at all : 
He is your husband on a pre-contract : 
To bring you thus together 'tis no finne, 
Sith that the Iuftice of your title to him 
Doth flourifh the deceit. Come, let vs goe, 
Our Corne's to reape, for yet our Tithes to fow. Exeunt. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Prouoft and Qloiune. 

Pro. Come hither firha ; can you cut off a mans head? 

C/o. If the man be a Bachelor Sir, I can: 
But if he be a married man, he's his wiues head, 
And I can neuer cut off a womans head. 

Pro. Come fir, leaue me your fnatches, and yeeld mee 
a direct anfwere. To morrow morning are to die Clau- 
dio and Barnardine : heere is in our prifon a common exe- 
cutioner, who in his office lacks a helper, if you will take 
it on you to affift him , it mall redeeme you from your 
Gyues : if not, you lhall haue your full time ofimprifon- 
ment, and your deliuerance with an vnpittied whipping; 
for you haue beene a notorious bawd. 

Clo. Sir, I haue beene an vnlawfull bawd, time out of 
minde , but yet I will bee content to be a lawfull hang- 
man : I would bee glad to receiue fome inftruction from 
my fellow partner. 

Pro. What hoa, Abhorfon : where's Abhorfon there ? 
Enter Abhorfon. 

Abh. Doe you call fir ? 

Pro. Sirha, here's a fellow will helpe you to morrow 
in your execution : if you thinke it meet, compound with 
him by the yeere, and let him abide here with you, if not, 
vfe him for the prefent, and difmiffe him , hee cannot 
plead his eftimation with you : he hath beene a Bawd. 

Abh. A Bawd Sir? fie vpon him, he will difcredit our 
myfterie. 

Pro. Goe too Sir, you waigh equallie : a feather will 
turne the Scale. Exit. 

Clo. Pray fir, by your good fauor : for furely fir , a 
good fauor you haue, but that you haue a hanging look: 
Doe you call fir, your occupation a Myfterie ? 

G 2 Abb. I, 



7 6 



Meajure for Meafure. 



Abh. I Sir, a Mifterie. 

Clo. Painting Sir, I haue heard fay, is a Mifterie; and 
your Whores fir, being members of my occupation, v- 
fing painting, do proue my Occupation, a Mifterie: but 
what Mifterie there fliould be in hanging, if I fhould 
be hang'd, I cannot imagine. 

eAbh. Sir, it is a Mifterie. 

Ch. Proofe. 

*Abh. Euerie true mans apparrell fits your Theefe. 

Clo. If it be too little for your theefe, your true man 
thinkes it bigge enough. If it bee too bigge for your 
Theefe, your Theefe thinkes it little enough : So euerie 
true mans apparrell fits your Theefe. 
Snler Prouojl. 

Pro. Are you agreed ? 

Clo. Sir, I will ferue him : For I do finde your Hang- 
man is a more penitent Trade then your Bawd: he doth 
oftner aske forgiueneffe. 

Pro. You firrah, prouide your blocke and your Axe 
to morrow, foure a clocke. 

Abb. Come on (Bawd) I will inftruct thee in my 
Trade : follow. 

Ch. I do defire to learne fir : and I hope, if you haue 
occafion to vfe me for your owne turne, you mail finde 
me y'are. For truly fir, for your kindneffe, I owe you a 
good turne. Exit 

Pro. Call hether Barnardine and Claudio : 
Th'one has my pitie ; not a iot the other, 
Being a Murtherer, though he were my brother. 

Enter Claudio. 
Looke, here's the Warrant Claudio, for thy death, 
'Tis now dead midnight, and by eight to morrow 
Thou muft be made immortall. Where's Barnardine? 

Cla. As fail lock'd vp in fleepe, as guiltleffe labour, 
When it lies ftarkely in the Trauellers bones, 
He will not wake. 

Pro. Who can do good on him ? 
Well, go, prepare your felfe. But harke, what noife ? 
Heauen giue your fpirits comfort : by, and by, 
I hope it is fome pardon, or repreeue 
For the moft gentle Claudio. Welcome Father. 

Enter Duke. 

Duke. The beft, and wholfomft fpirits of the night, 
Inuellop you, good Prouoft : who call'd heere of late? 

Pro. None fince the Curphew rung. 

Duke. Not Ifabell? 

Pro. No. 

Duke. They will then er't be long. 

Pro. What comfort is for Claudio ? 

'Duke. There's fome in hope. 

Pro. It is a bitter Deputie. 

Duke. Not fo, not fo : his life is paralel'd 
Euen with the ftroke and line of his great Iuftice : 
He doth with holie abftinence fubdue 
That in himfelfe, which he fpurres on his powre 
To qualifie in others : were he meal'd with that 
Which he corrects, then were he tirrannous, 
But this being fo, he's iuft. Now are they come. 
This is a gentle Prouoft, fildome when 
The fteeled Gaoler is the friend of men : 
How now ? what noife i That fpirit's poiTeft with haft, 
That wounds th'vnfifting Pofterne with thefe ftrokes. 

Pro. There he muft ftay vntil the Officer 
Arife to let him in : he is call'd vp. 

Duke. Haue you no countermand for Claudio yet ? 



But he muft die to morrow ? 

Pro. None Sir, none. 

Duke. As neere the dawning Prouoft, as it is, 
You fhall heare more ere Morning. 

Pro. Happely 
You fomething know : yet I beleeue there comes 
No countermand : no fuch example haue we: 
Befides, vpon the verie fiege of Iuftice, 
Lord Angelo hath to the publike eare 
Profeft the contrarie. 

Enter a Meffenger. 

T)uke. This is his Lords man. 

Pro. And heere comes Claudio's pardon. 

Meff. My Lord hath fent you this note, 
And by mee this further charge ; 
That you fwerue not from the fmalleft Article of it, 
Neither in time, matter, or other circumftance. 
Good morrow: for as I take it, it is almoft day. 

Pro. I fhall obey him. 

Duke. This is his Pardon purchas'd by fuch fin, 
For which the Pardoner himfelfe is in : 
Hence hath offence his quicke celeritie, 
When it is borne in high Authority. 
When Vice makes Mercie ; Mercie's fo extended, 
That for the faults loue, is th'offender friended. 
Now Sir, what newes? 

Pro. I told you : 
Lord Angelo (be-like) thinking me remiiTe 
In mine Office, awakens mee 

With this vnwonted putting on, methinks ftrangely : 
For he hath not vs'd it before. 

Duk. Pray you let's heare. 
The Letter. 
IVhatfoeuer you may heare to the contrary, let Claudio be ex- 
ecuted by foure of the clocke, and in the afternoone Bernar- 

dine : For my better jatkfaclion , let mee haue C/audios 

head fent me by fiue. Let this be duely performed ivith a 

thought that more depends on it, then ive muft yet deliuer. 

Thus faile not to doe your Office, as you -will anfivere it at 

your perill. 
What fay you to this Sir i 

Duke. What is that Barnardine, who is to be execu- 
ted in th'afternoone ? 

Pro. A Bohemian borne : But here nurft vp & bred, 
One that is a prifoner nine yeeres old. 

Duke. How came it, that the abfent Duke had not 
either deliuer'd him to his libertie, or executed him f I 
haue heard it was euer his manner to do fo. 

Pro. His friends ftill wrought Repreeues for him : 
And indeed his fact till now in the gouernment of Lord 
Angelo, came not to an vndoubtfull proofe. 

Duke. It is now apparant ? 

Pro. Moft manifeft, and not denied by himfelfe. 

Duke. Hath he borne himfelfe penitently in prifon i 
How feemes he to be touch'd ? 

Pro. A man that apprehends death no more dread- 
fully, but as a drunken fleepe, careleffe, wreakleffe, and 
feareleffe of what's paft, prefent, or to come : infenfible 
of mortality, and defperately mortall. 

Duke. He wants aduice. 

Pro.He wil heare none: he hath euermore had the li- 
berty of the prifon: giue him leaue to efcape hence, hee 
would not. Drunke many times a day, if not many daies 
entirely drunke. We haue verie oft awak'd him, as if to 
carrie him to execution, and Ihew'd him a feeming war- 
rant for it, it hath not moued him at all. 

Duke. 



Me a fur e for Me a fur e. 



77 



'Duke. More of him anon : There is written in your 
brow Prouoft, honefty and conftancie ; if I reade it not 
truly, my ancient skill beguiles me : but in the boldnes 
of my cunning, I will lay my felfe in hazard : Claudia, 
whom heere you haue warrant to execute, is no greater 
forfeit to the Law, then Angela who hath fentenc'd him. 
To make you vnderftand this in a manifefted effecT:, I 
craue but foure daies refpit : for the which, you are to 
do me both a prefent, and a dangerous courtefie. 

Pro. Pray Sir, in what ? 

Duke. In the delaying death. 

Pro. Alacke, how may I doit fHauing the houre li- 
mited, and an exprefTe command, vnder penaltie, to de- 
liuer his head in the view of Angela ? I may make my 
cafe as Claudia's, to crofle this in the fmalleft. 

Duke. By the vow of mine Order, I warrant you, 
If my inftruftions may be your guide, 
Let this Barnardine be this morning executed, 
And his head borne to ^Angela. 

Pro. Angela hath feene them both, 
And will difcouer the fauour. 

Duke. Oh, death's a great difguifer, and you may 
adde to it ; Shaue the head, and tie the beard, and fay it 
was the defire of the penitent to be fo bar'de before his 
death : you know the courfe is common. If any thing 
fall to you vpon this, more then thankes and good for- 
tune, by the Saint whom I profefTe, I will plead againft 
it with my life. 

Pro. Pardon me, good Father, it is againft my oath. 

Duke. Were you fworne to the Duke, or to the De- 
putie ? 

Pro. To him, and to his Subftitut.es. 

Duke. You will thinke you haue made no offence, if 
the Duke auouch the iuftice of your dealing ? 

Pro. But what likelihood is in that ? 

Duke. Not a refemblance, but a certainty ; yet fince 
I fee you fearfull, that neither my coate, integrity, nor 
perfwafion, can with eafe attempt you, I wil go further 
then I meant, to plucke all feares out of you . Looke 
you Sir, heere is the hand and Seale of the Duke : you 
know the Cbarracter I doubt not, and the Signet is not 
ftrange to you ? 

Pro. I know them both. 

Duke. The Contents of this, is the returne of the 
Duke ; you fhall anon ouer-reade it at your pleafure : 
where you fhall finde within thefe two daies, he wil be 
heere. This is a thing that Angela knowes not , for hee 
this very day receiues letters of ftrange tenor, perchance 
of the Dukes death, perchance entering into fome Mo- 
nafterie, but by chance nothing of what is writ.Looke, 
th'vnfolding Starre calles vp the Shepheard ; -put not 
your felfe into amazement, how thefe things mould be; 
all difficulties are but eafie when they are knowne. Call 
your executioner, and off with Barnardines head : I will 
giue him a prefent fhrift , and aduife him for a better 
place. Yet you are amaz'd, but this fhall abfolutely re- 
folue you : Come away, it is almoft cleere dawne. Sxit. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Cloivne. 
Clo. I am as well acquainted heere, as I was in our 
houfe of profeffion : one would thinke it were Miftris 



Ouer-dons owne houfe, for heere be manie of her olde 
Cuftomers. Firft, here's yong M 1 " Rajh, hee's in for a 
commoditie of browne paper, and olde Ginger, nine 
fcpre and feuenteene pounds, of which hee made fiue 
Markes readie money : marrie then, Ginger was not 
much in requeft, for the olde Women were all dead. 
Then is there heere one M 1 ' Caper, at the fuite of Mafter 
Three-Pile the Mercer, for fome foure fuites of Peach- 
colour'd Satten, which now peaches him a beggar. 
Then haue we heere, yong 'Diz.ie, and yong M r Deepe- 
•vonv, and M r Capperjpurre, and M r Starue-Lackey the Ra- 
pier and dagger man, and yong Drop-heire that kild lu- 
ftie Pudding, and M r Fortbtigbt the Tilter, and braue M r 
Shootie the great Traueller, and wilde Halfe-Canne that 
ftabb'd Pots, and I thinke fortie more, all great doers in 
our Trade, and are now for the Lords fake. 
Enter Abhorfon. 

Abb. Sirrah, bring Barnardine hether. 

Cla. M r Barnardine, you muft rife and be hang'd, 
M r Barnardine. 

Abb. What hoa Barnardine. 

Barnardine tuithin. 

Bar. A pox o'your throats : who makes that noyfe 
there ? What are you? 

Clo. Your friends Sir, the Hangman : 
You muft be fo good Sir to rife, and be put to death. 

Bar. Away you Rogue, away, I am fleepie. 

zAbb. Tell him he muft awake, 
And that quickly too. 

Clo: Pray Mafter Barnardine, awake till you areex- 
ecuted, and fleepe afterwards. 

Ab. Go in to him, and fetch him out. 

Qlo. He is comming Sir, he is comming : I heare his 
Straw ruffle. . 

Enter Barnardine. 

Abb. Is the Axe vpon the blocke, firrah? 

Clo. Verie readie Sir. 

Bar. How now Abhorfon ? 
What's the newes with you ? 

Abb. Truly Sir, I would defire you to clap into your 
prayers : for looke you, the Warrants come. 

Bar. You Rogue, I haue bin drinking all night, 
I am not fitted for't. 

Clo. Oh, the better Sir: for he that drinkes all night, 
and is hanged betimes in the morning , may fleepe the 
founder all the next day. 

Enter "Duke. 

Abb. Looke you Sir, heere comes your ghoftly Fa- 
ther : do we ieft now thinke you ? 

T>uke. Sir, induced by my charitie, and hearing how 
haftily you are to depart, I am come to aduife you, 
Comfort you, and pray with you. 

Bar. Friar, not I : I haue bin drinking hard all night, 
and I will haue more time to prepare mee, or they fhall 
beat out my braines with billets ; I will not confent to 
die this day, that's certaine. 

T>uke.O\\ fir, you muft : and therefore I befeech you 
Looke forward on the iournie you fhall go. 

Bar. I fweare I will not die to day for anie mans per- 
fwafion. 

'Duke. But heare you: 

■Bar.Not a word : if you haue anie thing to fay to me, 
come to my Ward : for thence will not I to day. 

Exit 
Enter Prouofl. 

Duke. Vnfit to liue, or die : oh grauell heart. 

G 3 After 



78 



Meafure for Meafure. 



After him (Fellowes) bring him to the blocke. 

Pro. Now Sir, how do you finde the prifoner ? 

'Duke. A creature vnpre-par'd, vnmeet for death, 
And to tranfport him in the minde he is, 
Were damnable. 

Pro. Heere in the prifon, Father, 
There died this morning of a cruell Feauor, 
One Ragozine, a moft notorious Pirate, 
A man of Qlaudws yeares : his beard, and head 
Iuft of his colour. What if we do omit 
This Reprobate, til he were wel enclin'd, 
And fatisfie the Deputie with the vifage 
Of Ragozine, more like to Claudio} 

'Duke. Oh, 'tis an accident that heauen prouides : 
Difpatch it prefently, the houre drawes on 
Prefixt by Angelo : See this be done, 
And fent according to command, whiles I 
Perfwade this rude wretch willingly to die. 

Pro. This lhall be done (good Father) prefently : 
But Bamardine muft die this afternoone, 
And how lhall we continue Claudio, 
To faue me from the danger that might come, 
If he were knowne aliue ? 

Duke. Let this be done, 
Put them in fecret holds, both Bamardine and Claudio, 
Ere twice the Sun hath made his iournall greeting 
To yond generation, you fhal finde 
Your fafetie manifefted. 

Pro. I am your free dependant. Exits 

Duke. Quicke, difpatch, and fend the head to Angelo 
Now wil I write Letters to *Angelo, 
(The Prouoft he fhal beare them) whofe contents 
Shal witneffe to him I am neere at home : 
And that by great Iniunclions I am bound 
To enter publikely : him He defire 
To meet me at the confecrated Fount, 
A League below the Citie : and from thence, 
By cold gradation, and weale-ballanc'd forme. 
We fhal proceed with Angelo. 

Enter Prouoft. 

Pro. Heere is the head, He carrie it my felfe. 

'Duke. Conuenient is it : Make a fwift returne, 
For I would commune with you of fuch things, 
That want no eare but yours. 

Pro. He make all fpeede. Exit 

IJabell within. 

Ifa. Peace hoa, be heere. 

Duke. The tongue of IJabell. She's come to know, 
If yet her brothers pardon be come hither : 
But I will keepe her ignorant of her good, 
To make her heauenly comforts of difpaire, 
When it is leaft expected. 

Enter Ifabella. 

Ifa. Hoa, by your leaue. 

Duke. Good morning to you, faire, and gracious 
daughter. 

Ifa. The better giuen me by fo holy a man, 
Hath yet the Deputie fent my brothers pardon ? 

Duke. He hath releafd him, IJabell, from the world, 
His head is off, and fent to Angelo. 

Ifa. Nay, but it is not fo. 

Duke. It is no other, 
Shew your wifedome daughter in your clofe patience. 

Ifa. Oh, I wil to him, and plucke out his eies. 

Duk. You fhal not be admitted to his fight. 

Ifa. Vnhappie Claudio , wretched IJabell, 



Iniurious world, moft damned Angelo. 

'Duke. This nor hurts him, nor profits you a iot, 
Forbeare it therefore, giue your caufe to heauen, 
Marke what I fay, which you fhal finde 
By euery fillable a faithful veritie. 

The Duke comes home to morrow : nay drie your eyes, 
One of our Couent, and his ConfefTbr 
Giues me this inftance : Already he hath carried 
Notice to Efcalui and Angelo , 

Who do prepare to meete him at the gates, (dome, 

There to giue vp their powre : If you can pace your wif- 
In that good path that I would wifh it go, 
And you fhal haue your bofome on this wretch, 
Grace of the Duke, reuenges to your heart, 
And general Honor. 

Ija. I am directed by you. 

'Duk. This Letter then to Friar Peter giue, 
'Tis that he fent me of the Dukes returne : 
Say, by this token, I defire his companie 
At Mariana's houfe to night. Her caufe, and yours 
He perfc.fr. him withall, and he fhal bring you 
Before the Duke ; and to the head of Angelo 
Accufe him home and home. For my poore felfe, 
I am combined by a facred Vow, 
And fhall be abfent. Wend you with this Letter : 
Command thefe fretting waters from your eies 
With a light heart ; truft not my holie Order 
If I peruert your courfe : whofe heere? 
Enter Lucio. 

Lue. Good 'euen ; 
Frier, where's the Prouoft ? 

Duke. Not within Sir. 

Luc. Oh prettie Ifabella, I am pale at mine heart, to 
fee thine eyes fo red : thou muft be patient ; I am faine 
to dine and fup with water and bran : I dare not for my 
head fill my belly. One fruitful Meale would fet mee 
too't : but they fay the Duke will be heere to Morrow. 
By my troth Ifabell I lou'd thy brother, if the olde fan- 
taftical Duke of darke corners had bene at home, he had 
liued. 

Duke. Sir, the Duke is marueilous little beholding 
to your reports, but the beft is, he hues not in them. 

Luc. Friar, thou knoweft not the Duke fo wel as I 
do : he's a better woodman then thou tak'ft him for. 

Duke. Well : you'l anfwer this one day. Fare ye well. 

Luc. Nay tarrie, He go along with thee, 
I can tel thee pretty tales of the Duke. 

Duke. You haue told me too many of him already fir 
if they be true : if not true, none were enough. 

Lucio. I was once before him for getting a Wench 
with childe. 

Duke. Did you fuch a thing ? 

Luc. Yes marrie did I ; but I was faine to forfwear it, 
They would elfe haue married me to the rotten Medler. 

Duke. Sir your company is fairer then honeft, reft you 
well. 

Lucio. By my troth He go with thee to the lanes end: 
if baudy talke offend you, we'el haue very litle of it : nay 
Friar, I am a kind of Burre, I fhal fticke. Exeunt 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter Angelo £? Efcalui. 
.E/ir.Euery Letter he hath writ, hath difuouch'd other. 

Ang. 



SVLeafure for ^Meafure. 



79 



An. In moft vneuen and diftra&ed manner, his anions 
fhow much like to madneffe, pray heauen his wifedome 
bee not tainted : and why meet him at the gates and re- 
liuer ou rauthorities there? 

EJc. I gheffe not. 

Ang. And why mould wee proclaime it in an howre 
before his entring, that if any craue re*lreffe of iniuftice, 
they fhould exhibit their petitions in the ftreet? 

EJc. He fhowes his reafon for that: to haue a difpatch 
of Complaints , and to deliuer vs from deuices heere- 
after, which mall then haue no power to ftand againft 

Ang. Well : I befeech you let it bee proclaim'd be- 
times i'th'morne, He call you at your houfe : giue notice 
to fuch men of fort and fuite as are to meete him. 

Efc. I mall fir : fareyouwell. Exit. 


IJab. Befides he tells me, that if peraduenture 
He fpeake againft me on the aduerfe fide, 
I fhould not thinke it ftrange, for 'tis a phyficke 
That's bitter, to fweet end. 

Enter Peter. 

Mar. I would Frier Peter 

IJab. Oh peace, the Frier is come. 

Peter. Come I haue found you out a ftand moft fit, 
Where you may haue fuch vantage on the Duke 
He ihall not paffe you : 
Twice haue the Trumpets founded. 
The generous, and graueft Citizens 
Haue hent the gates, and very neere vpon 
The Duke is entring : 
Therefore hence away. Exeunt. 


Ang. Good night. 
This deede vnfhapes me quite, makes me vnpregnant 
And dull to all proceedings. A deflowred maid, 
And by an eminent body, that enforc'd 


Aclus Quintus. Scoena '•Prima. 


The Law againft it ? But that her tender fhame 

Will not proclaime againft her maiden loffe, 

How might lhe tongue me ? yet reafon dares her no, 

For my Authority beares of a credent bulke, 

That no particular fcandall once can touch 

But it confounds the breather. He fhould haue liu'd, 

Saue that his riotous youth with dangerous fence 

Might in the times to come haue ta'ne reuenge 

By fo receiuing a difhonor'd life 

With ranfome of fuch fhame : would yet he had liued. 

Alack, when once our grace we haue forgot, 

Nothing goes right, we would, and we would not. Exit. 


Enter T>uke,Varriui,Lords,^Angelo,EJcultu,Lucio, 
Citizens at Jeuerall doores. 

Duk. My very worthy Cofen, fairely met, 
Our old, and faithfull friend, we are glad to fee you. 

Ang.EJc. Happy returne be to yonr royall grace. 

Duk. Many and harty thankings to you both : 
We haue made enquiry of you, and we heare 
Such goodneffe of your Iuftice, that our foule 
Cannot but yeeld you forth to publique thankes 
Forerunning more requitall. 

tAng. You make my bonds ftill greater. 

Duk.Oh your defert fpeaks loud, & I fhould wrong it 


Scena Quinta. 


To locke it in the wards of couert bofome 
When it deferues with charafters of braffe 
A forted refidence 'gainft the tooth of time, 
And razure of obliuion : Giue we your hand 
And let the Subiedt fee, to make them know 
That outward curtefies would faine proclaime 
Fauours that keepe within : Come EJcaltu, 
You muft walke by vs, on our other hand : 
And good fupporters are you. 

Enter Peter and IJabella. 

Peter. Now is your time 
Speake loud, and kneele before him. 

IJab. Iuftice, O royall Duke, vaile your regard 
Vpon a wrong'd (I would faine haue faid a Maid) 
Oh worthy Prince, difhonor not your eye ' 
By throwing it on any other obiect, 
Till you haue heard me, in my true complaint, 
And giuen me Iuftice, Iuftice, Iuftice, Iuftice. 

Duk. Relate your wrongs ; 
In what, by whom f be briefe : 
Here is Lord Angela ihall giue you Iuftice, 
Reueale your felfe to him. 


Enter Duke and Frier Peter. 

Duke. Thefe Letters at fit time deliuer me, 
The Prouoft knowes our purpofe and our plot, 
The matter being a foote, keepe your inftrudlion 
And hold you euer to our fpeciall drift , 
Though fometimes you doe blench from this to that 
As caufe doth minifter : Goe call at F/auias houfe, 
And tell him where I ftay : giue the like notice 
To Valencius, Rowland, and to CraJJus , 
And bid them bring the Trumpets to the gate : 
But fend me Flauiui firft. 

Peter. It ihall be fpeeded well. 
Enter Varrius. 

Duke. I thank thee Varrius, thou haft made good haft, 
Come, we will walke ; There's other of our friends 
Will greet vs heere anon : my gentle Varrius. Exeunt. 


Scena Sexta. 


IJab. Oh worthy Duke, 
You bid me feeke redemption of the diuell, 
Heare me your felfe : for that which I muft fpeake 
Muft either punifh me, not being beleeu'd, 


Enter Isabella and ttMariana. 

IJab. To fpeak fo indirectly I am loath, 
I would fay the truth, but to accufe him fo 
That is your part, yet I am aduis'd to doe it, 
He faies, to vaile full purpofe. 

cMar. Be rul'd by him. 


Or wring redreffe from you : 
Heare me : oh heare me, heere. 

Ang. My Lord, her wits I feare me are not firme : 
She hath bin a fuitor to me, for her Brother 
Cut off by courfe of Iuftice. 

IJab. By courfe of Iuftice. 

Ang. And fhe will fpeake moft bitterly, and ftrange. 
IJab. Moft 



8o 



SVLeafure for «£Meafu 



Ifab. Moft ftrange : but yet moil truely wil I fpeake, 
That Angela % forfworne, is it not ftrange? 
That eA/.gelo's a murtherer, is't not ftrange? 
That Angela is an adulterous thiefe, 
An hypocrite, a virgin violator, 
Is it not ftrange? and ftrange? 

Duke. Nay it is ten times ftrange? 

Ifa. It is not truer he is Angela, 
Then this is all as true, as it is ftrange; 
Nay, it is ten times true, for truth is truth 
To th'end of reckning. 

Duke. Away with her : poore foule 
She fpeakes this, in th'infirmity offence. 

Ifa. Oh Prince, I coniure thee, as thou beleeu'ft 
There is another comfort, then this world, 
That thou neglect me not, with that opinion 
That I am touch'd with madneffe : make not impoffible 
That which but feemes vnlike, 'tis not impoflible 
But one, the wickedft caitiffe on the ground 
May feeme as fhie, as graue, as iuft, as abfolute : 
As Angela, euen fo may Angela 
In all his dreffings, carafts, titles, formes, 
Be an arch-villaine : Beleeue it, royall Prince 
If he be leffe, he's nothing, but he's more, 
Had I more name for badneffe. 

'Duke. By mine honefty 
If (he be mad, as I beleeue no other, 
Her madneffe hath the oddeft frame of fenfe, 
Such a dependancy of thing, on thing, 
As ere I heard in madneffe. 

Ifab. Oh gracious Duke 
Harpe not on that ; nor do not banifh reafon 
For inequality, but let your reafon ferue 
To make the truth appeare, where it feemes hid, 
And hide the falfe feemes true. 

Duk. Many that are not mad 
Haue fure more lacke of reafon : 
What would you fay? 

Ifab. I am the Sifter of one Claudia, 
Condemnd vpon the Act of Fornication 
To loofe his head, condemn'd by Angela, 
I, (in probation of a SifterhoodJ 
Was fent to by my Brother ; one Lucia 
As then the Meffenger. 

hue. That's I, and't like your Grace : 
I came to her from Qlaudio, and defir'd her, 
To try her gracious fortune with Lord Angela, 
For her poore Brothers pardon. 

Ifab. That's he indeede. 

'■Duk. You were not bid to fpeake. 

Luc. No, my good Lord, 
Nor wifh'd to hold my peace. 

Duk. I wifh you now then, 
Pray you take note of it : and when you haue 
A bufineffe for your felfe : pray heauen you then 
Be perfect. 

Luc. I warrant your honor. 

Duk. The warrant's for your felfe : take heede to't. 

Ifab. This Gentleman told fomewhat of my Tale. 

Luc. Right. 

Duk. It may be right, but you are i'the wrong 
To fpeake before your time : proceed, 

Ifab. I went 
To this pernicious Caitiffe Deputie. 

Duk. That's fomewhat madly fpoken. 

Ifab: Pardon it, 



The phrafe is to the matter. 

T>uke. Mended againe : the matter ; proceed. 

Ijab. In briefe, to fet the needleffe proceffe by : 
How I perf waded, how I praid, and kneel'd, 
How he refeld me, and how I replide 
(For this was of much length) the vild conclufion 
I now begin with *griefe, and (hame to vtter. 
He would not, but by gift of my chafte body 
To his concupifcible intemperate luft 
Releafe my brother ; and after much debatement, 
My fifterly remorfe, confutes mine honour, 
And I did yeeld to him : But the next morne betimes, 
His purpofe lurfetting, he fends a warrant 
For my poore brothers head. 

Duke. This is moft likely. 

Ifab. Oh that it were as like as it is true. (fpeak'ft, 

Duk. By heauen (fond wretch )y knowft not what thou 
Or elfe thou art fuborn'd againft his honor 
In hatefull practife : firft his Integritie 
Stands without blemifh' : next it imports no reafon, 
That with fuch vehemency he ftiould purfue 
Faults proper to himfelfe : if he had fo offended 
He would haue waigh'd thy brother by himfelfe, 
And not haue cut him off : fome one hath fet you on : 
Confeffe the truth, and fay by whofe aduice 
Thou cam'ft heere to complaine. 

Ifab. And is this all ? 
Then oh you bleffed Minifters aboue 
Keepe me in patience, and with ripened time 
Vnfold the euill, which is heere wrapt vp 
In countenance : heauen fhield your Grace from woe, 
As I thus wrong'd, hence vnbeleeued goe. 

"Duke. I know you'ld faine be gone: An Officer : 
To prifon with her : Shall we thus permit 
A blafting and a fcandalous breath to fall , 
On him fo neere vs ? This needs muft be a practife; 
Who knew of your intent and comming hither ? 

Ifa. One that I would were heere,Fr/er Ladotuick. 

Duk. A ghoftly Father, belike : 
Who knowes that Lodcivkke ? 

Luc. My Lord, I know him, 'tis a medling Fryer, 
I doe not like the man : had he been Lay my Lord, 
For certaine words he fpake againft your Grace 
In your retirment, I had fwing'd him foundly. 

Duke. Words againft mee ? this 'a good Fryer belike 
And to fet on this wretched woman here 
Againft our Subftitute : Let this Fryer be found. 

Luc. But yefternight my Lord, fhe and that Fryer 
I faw them at the prifon : a fawcy Fryar, 
A very fcuruy fellow. 

Peter. Bleffed be your Royall Grace : 
I haue flood by my Lord, and I haue heard 
Your royall eare abus'd : firft hath this woman 
Moft wrongfully accus'd your Subftitute, 
Who is as free from touch, or foyle with her 
As fhe from one vngot. 

Duke. We did beleeue no leffe. 
Know you that Frier Ladaivick that (he fpeakes of? 

Peter. I know him for a man diuine and holy, 
Not fcuruy, nor a temporary medler 
As he's reported by this Gentleman : 
And on my truft, a man that neuer yet 
Did (as he vouches) mif-report your Grace. 

Luc. My Lord, moft villanoufly, beleeue it. 

Peter. Well : he in time may come to cieere himfelfe; 
But at this inftant he is ficke, my Lord : 

Of 



3VIeafure for iMeafure. 



81 



Of a ftrange Feauor : vpon his meere requeft 

Being come to knowledge, that there was complaint 

Intended 'gainft Lord Angelo, came I hether. 

To fpeake as from his mouth, what he doth know 

Is true, and falfe : And what he with his oath 

And all probation will make vp full cleare 

Whenfoeuer he's conuented : Firft for this woman, 

To iuftifie this worthy Noble man 

So vulgarly and perfonally accus'd, 

Her lhall you heare difproued to her eyes, 

Till flie her felfe confefle it. 

Duk. Good Frier, let's heare it : 
Doe you not fmile at this, Lord ^Angelo ? 
Oh heauen, the vanity of wretched fooles. 
Giue vs fomeieates, Come cofen Angelo, 
In this I'll be impartiall : be you Iudge 
Of your owne Caufe : Is this the Witnes Frier ? 

Enter Mariana. 
Firft, let her mew your face, and after, fpeake. 

Mar. Pardon my Lord, I will not ftiew my face 
Vntill my husband bid me. 

T)uke. What, are you married i 

Mar. No my Lord. 

Duke. Are you a Maid ? 

Mar. No my Lord. 

T)uk. A Widow then ? 

Mar. Neither, my Lord. 

Duk. Why you are nothing then: neither Maid, Wi- 
dow, nor Wife ? 

Luc. My Lord, flie may be a Puncke : for many of 
them, are neither Maid, Widow, nor Wife. 

Duk. Silence that fellow : I would he had fome caufe 
to prattle for himfelfe. 

Luc. Well my Lord. 

Mar. My Lord, I doe confefle I nere was married, 
And I confefle befides, I am no Maid, 
I haue known my husband, yet my husband 
Knowes not, that euer he knew me. 

Luc. He was drunk then, my Lord, it can be no better. 

Duk.Vor the benefit of filence, would thou wert fo to. 

Luc. Well, my Lprd. 

Duk. This is no witnefle for Lord Angelo. 

Mar. Now I come to't, my Lord. 
Shee that accufes him of Fornication, 
In felfe-fame manner, doth accufe my husband , 
And charges him, my Lord, with fuch a time, 
When I'le depofe I had him in mine Armes 
With all th'effeft of Loue. 

Aug. Charges flie moe then me ? 

Mar. Not that I know. 

T>uk. No ? you fay your husband. 

Mar. Why iuft, my Lord, and that is Angelo, 
Who thinkes he knowes, that he nere knew my body, 
But knows, he thinkes, that he knowes Ij'abeh. 

Ang. This is a ftrange abufe: Let's fee thy face. 

Mar. My husband bids me, now I will vnmaske. 
This is that face, thou cruell Angelo 
Which once thou fworft, was worth the looking on : 
This is the hand, which with a vowd contract 
Was faft belockt in thine : This is the body 
That tooke away the match from IJabell, 
And did fupply thee at thy garden-houfe 
In her Imagin'd perfon. 

Duke. Know you this woman ? 

Luc. Carnallie fhe faies. 



Duk Sirha, no more. 

Luc. Enoug my Lord. 

Ang. My Lord, I muft confefle, I know this woman , 
And fiue yeres fince there was fome fpeech of marriage 
Betwixt my felfe, and her : which was broke off, 
Partly for that her promis'd proportions 
Came fhort of Compofition : But in chiefe 
For that her reputation was dif-valued 
In leuitie : Since which time of fiue yeres 
I neuer fpake with her, faw her, nor heard from her 
Vpon my faith, and honor. 

Mar. Noble Prince, 
As there comes light from heauen, and words fro breath, 
As there is fence in truth, and truth in vertue, 
I am affianced this mans wife, as ftrongly 
As words could make vp vowes : And my good Lord, 
But Tuefday night laft gon, in's garden houfe, 
He knew me as a wife. As this is true, 
Let me in fafety raife me from my knees, 
Or elfe for euer be confixed here 
A Marble Monument. 

Ang. 1 did but fmile till now, 
Now, good my Lord, giue me the fcope of Iuftice, 
My patience here is touch'd : I doe perceiue 
Thefe poore informall women, are no more 
But inftruments of fome more mightier member 
That fets them on. Let me haue way, my Lord 
To finde this practife out. 

Duke. I, with my heart, 
And punifli them to your height of pleafure. 
Thou foolifh Frier, and thou pernicious woman 
Compact with her that's gone : thinkft thou, thy oathes, 
Though they would fwear downe each particular Saint, 
Were teftimonies againft his worth, and credit 
That's feald in approbation ? you, Lord Efcalus 
Sit with my Cozen, lend him your kinde paines 
To finde out this abufe, whence 'tis deriu'd. 
There is another Frier that fet them on, 
Let him be fent for. 

Peter. Would he were here, my Lord, for he indeed 
Hath fet the women on to this Complaint; 
Your Prouoft knowes the place where he abides , 
And he may fetch him. 

Duke. Goe, doe it inftantly : 
And you, my noble and well-warranted Cofen 
Whom it concernes to heare this matter forth, 
Doe with your iniuries as feemes you beft 
In any chaftifement ; I for a while 
Will leaue you ; but ftir not you till you haue 
Well determin'd vpon thefe Slanderers. Exit. 

Efc. My Lord, wee'U doe it throughly : Signior Lu- 
cio, did not you fay you knew that Frier Lodoivick to be a 
difhoneft perfon ? 

Luc. Cucullui non facit Monacbum, honeft in nothing 
but in his Clothes , and one that hath fpoke moft villa- 
nous fpeeches of the Duke. 

Efc. We fhall intreat you to abide heere till he come, 
and inforce them againft him : we lhall finde this Frier a 
notable fellow. 

Luc. As any in Vienna, on my word. 

Efc. Call that fame Ifabell here once againe , I would 
fpeake with her : pray you, my Lord, giue mee leaue to 
queftion, you fhall fee how lie handle her. 

Luc. Not better then he, by her owne report. 

Efc. Say you f 

Luc. Marry fir, I thinke, if you handled her priuately 

flie'e 



£Meafure for £Meafure. 



She would fooner confeffe, perchance publikely flie'll be 
afliam'd. 

Enter Duke,ProuoJi,IJabella. 

EJc. I will goe darkely to worke with her. 

Luc. That's the way : for women are light at mid- 
night. 

EJc. Come on Miftris, here's a Gentlewoman, 
Denies all that you haue faid. 

Luc. My Lord, here comes the rafcall I fpoke of, 
Here, with the Prouoji. 

EJc. In very good time : fpeake not you to him, till 
we call vpon you. 

Luc. Mum. 

EJc. Come Sir, did you fet thefe women on to flan- 
der Lord Angela ? they haue confef'd you did. 

Duk. 'Tis falfe. 

EJc. How ? Know you where you are ? 

Duk. Refpedt to your great place ; and let the diuell 
Be fometime honour'd, for his burning throne. 
Where is the Duke'? 'tis he fhould heare me fpeake. 

EJc. The Duke's in vs : and we will heare you fpeake, 
Looke you fpeake iuftly. 

Duk. Boldly, at leaft. But oh poore foules, 
Come you to feeke the Lamb here of the Fox ; 
Good night to your redrefie : Is the T>uke gone ? 
Then is your caufe gone too : The Duke's vniuft, 
Thus to retort your manifeft Appeale, 
And put your triall in the villaines mouth, 
Which here you come to accufe. 

Luc. This is the rafcall : this is he I fpoke of. 

EJc. Why thou vnreuerend, and vnhallowed Fryer : 
Is't not enough thou haft fuborn'd thefe women, 
To accufe this worthy man ? but in foule mouth, 
And in the witneffe of his proper eare, 
To call him villaine; and then to glance from him, 
To th'Duke himfelfe, to taxe him with Iniuftice ? 
Take him hence; to th' racke with him : we'll towze you 
Ioynt by ioynt, but we will know his purpofe : 
What ? vniuft ? 

Duk. Be not fo hot : the Duke dare 
No more ftretch this finger of mine, then he 
Dare racke his owne : his SubiecT: am I not, 
Nor here Prouinciall : My bufinefle in this State 
Made me a looker on here in Vienna, 
Where I haue feene corruption boyle and bubble, 
Till it ore-run the Stew. - Lawes,for all faults, 
But faults fo countenanc'd,that the ftrong Statutes 
Stand like the forfeites in a Barbers ihop, 
As much in mocke, as marke. 

EJc. Slander to th' State : 
Away with him to prifon. 

Ang. What can you vouch againft him Signior Lucioi 
Is this the man that you did tell vs of? 

Luc. 'Tis he, my Lord: come hither goodman bald- 
pate, doe you know me ? 

Duk. I remember you Sir, by the found of your voice, 
I met you at the Prifon, in the abfence of the *Duke. 

Luc. Oh, did you fo? and do you remember what you 
faid of the Duke. 

Duk. Moft notedly Sir. 

Luc. Do you fo Sir : And was the Duke a fleih-mon- 
ger, a foole, and a coward, as you then reported him 
to be f 

Duk. You muft(Sir) change perfons with me, ere you 
make that my report : you indeede fpoke fo of him, and 



much more, much worfe. 

Luc. Oh thou damnable fellow : did not I plucke thee 
by the nofe, for thy fpeeches ? 

Duk. I proteft, I loue the Duke, as I loue my felfe. 
Ang. Harke how the villaine would clofe now, after 
his treafonable abufes. 

EJc. Such a fellow is not to be talk'd withall : Away 
with him to prifon: Where is the Prouoji} away with 
him to prifon : lay bolts enough vpon him: let him fpeak 
no more : away with thofe Giglets too, and with the o- 
ther confederate companion. 

Duk. Stay Sir, ftay a while. 

Ang. What, refifts he ? helpe him Lucio. 

Luc. Come fir, come fir, come fir : foh fir, why you 
bald-pated lying rafcall.-you muft be hooded muft you ? 
(how your knaues vifage with a poxe to you: fhow your 
fheepe-biting face , and be hang'd an houre : will't 
not off? 

Duk. Thou art the firft knaue, that ere mad'ft a Duke. 
Firft Prouoft,\et me bayle thefe gentle three : 
Sneake not away Sir, for the Fryer, and you, 
Muft haue a word anon: lay hold on him. 

Luc. This may proue worfe then hanging. 

Duk. What you haue fpoke, I pardon: fit you downe, 
We'll borrow place of him ; Sir, by your leaue : 
Ha'ft thou or word, or wit, or impudence, 
That yet can doe thee office ? If thou ha'ft 
Rely vpon it, till my tale be heard, 
And hold no longer out. 

Ang. Oh, my dread Lord, 
I mould be guiltier then my guiltineffe, 
To thinke I can be vndifcerneable, 
When I perceiue your grace, like powre diuine, 
Hath look'd vpon my paffes. Then good Prince, 
No longer Seffion hold vpon my lhame, 
But let my Triall, be mine owne Confeffion : 
Immediate fentence then, and fequent death, 
Is all the grace I beg. 

Duk. Come hither Mariana, 
Say : was't thou ere contracted to this woman ? 

Ang. I was my Lord. 

T)uk. Goe take her hence, and marry her inftantly. 
Doe you the office {Fryer) which confummate, 
Returne him here againe : goe with him Prouoji. Exit. 

EJc. My Lord, I am more amaz'd at his difhonor, 
Then at the ftrangeneffe of it. 

Duk. Come hither IJabell, 
Your Frier is now your Prince : As I was then 
Aduertyfing, and holy to your bufineffe, 
(Not changing heart with habit) I am ftill, 
Atturnied at your feruice. 

JJab. Oh giue me pardon 
That I, your vaffaile, haue imploid, and pain'd 
Your vnknowne Soueraigntie. 

Duk. You are pardon'd IJabell: 
And now,deere Maide, be you as free to vs. 
Your Brothers death I know fits at your heart : 
And you may maruaile, why I obfcur'd my felfe, 
Labouring to faue his life : and would not rather 
Make raih remonftrance of my hidden powre, 
Then let him fo be loft : oh moft kinde Maid, 
It was the fwift celeritie of his death, 
Which I did thinke, with flower foot came on, 
That brain'd my purpofe : but peace be with him, 
That life is better life part fearing death, 
Then that which Hues to feare : make it your comfort, 

So 



£Meafure for £Meafure. 



83 



So happy is your Brother. 

Enter Angela,oMaria,Peter,Prouofl. 

Ifab. I doe my Lord. 

Duk. For this new-maried man, approaching here, 
Whofe fait imagination yet hath wrong'd 
Your well defended honor : you muft pardon 
For Marianas fake : But as he adiudg'd your Brother, 
Being criminal], in double violation 
Of facred Chaftitie,and of promife-breach, 
Thereon dependant for your Brothers life, 
The very mercy of the Law cries out 
Moft audible,euen from his proper tongue. 
An Angelo for Qlaudio, death for death : 
Hafte ftill paies hafte,and leafure, anfwers leafure ; 
Like doth quit like, and Meafure ftill for Meafurei 
Then Angelo, thy fault's thus manifefted ; 
Which though thou would'ft deny, denies thee vantage. 
We doe condemne thee to the very Blocke 
Where Claudia ftoop'd to death, and with like hafte. 
Away with him. 

Mar. Oh my moft gracious Lord, 
I hope you will not mocke me with a husband ? 

Duk. It is your husband mock't you with a husband, 
Confenting to the fafe-guard of your honor, 
I thought your marriage fit : elfe Imputation, 
For that he knew you, might reproach your life, 
And choake your good to come : For his Poffeffions, 
Although by confutation they are ours ; 
We doe en-ftate,and widow you with all, 
To buy you a better husband. 

Mar. Oh my deere Lord, 
I craue no other, nor no better man. 

'Duke. Neuer craue him, we are definitiue. 

Mar: Gentle my Liege. 

Duke. You doe but loofe your labour. 
Away with him to death : Now Sir, to you. 

Mar. Oh my good Lord, fweet Ifabell, take my part, 
Lend me your knees, and all my life to come, 
I'll lend you all my life to doe you feruice. 

Duke. Againft all fence you doe importune her, 
Should ftie kneele downe, in mercie of this facT:, 
Her Brothers ghoft, his paued bed would breake, 
And take her hence in horror. 

cMar. Ifabell: 
Sweet Ifabel, doe yet but kneele by me, 
Hold vp your hands, fay nothing : I'll fpeake all. 
They fay beft men are moulded out of faults, 
And for the moft, become much more the better 
For being a little bad : So may my husband. 
Oh Ifabel : will you not lend a knee ? 

'Duke. He dies for Claudia's death.- 

Ifab. Moft bounteous Sir. 
Looke if it pleafe you, on this man condemn'd, 
As if my Brother liu'd : I partly thinke, 
A due finceritie gouerned his deedes, 
Till he did looke on me : Since it is fo, 
Let him not die : my Brother had but Iuftice, 
In that he did the thing for which he dide. 
For Angelo,hJs A<ft did not ore-take his bad intent, 
And muft be buried but as an intent 
That perifh'd by the way : thoughts are no fubiects 
Intents, but meerely thoughts. 

Mar. Meerely my Lord. 

'Duk. Your fuite's vnprofitable : ftand vp I fay : 
I haue bethought me of another fault. 
Prauofi, how came it Claudia was beheaded 



At an vnufuall howre? 

Pro. It was commanded fo. 

Duke. Had you a fpeciall warrant for the deed ? 

Pro. No my good Lord : it was by priuate meffage. 

Duk. For which I doe difcharge you of your office, 
Giue vp your keyes. 

Pro. Pardon mc, noble Lord, 
I thought it was a fault, but knew it not, 
Yet did repent me after more aduice, 
For teftimony whereof, one in the prifon 
That fhould by priuate order elfe haue dide, 
I haue referu'd aliue. 

Duk. What's he ? 

Pro. His name is Barnardtne. 

Duke. I would thou hadft done fo by Qlaudio: 
Goe fetch him hither, let me looke vpon him. 

Efc. I am forry, one fo learned, and fo wife 
As you, Lord Angelo, haue ftil appear'd, 
Should flip fo groffelie, both in the heat of bloud 
And lacke of temper'd iudgement afterward. 

Ang. I am forrie, that fuch forrow I procure, 
And fo deepe flicks it in my penitent heart, 
That I craue death more willingly then mercy, 
'Tis my deferuing, and I doe entreat it. 

Enter 'Barnardine and Prouofi, Claudia, Iulietta. 

T>uke. Which is that Barnardine? 

Pro. This my Lord. 

Duke. There was a Friar told me of this man. 
Sirha, thou art faid to haue a ftubborne foule 
That apprehends no further then this world, 
And fquar'ft thy life according : Thou'rt condemn'd, 
But for thofe earthly faults, I quit them all, 
And pray thee take this mercie to prouide 
For better times to come : Frier aduife him, 
I leaue him to your hand . What muffeld fellow's that? 

Pro. This is another prifoner that I fau'd, 
Who fhould haue di'd when Claudia loft his head, 
As like almoft to Claudio, as himfelfe. 

Duke. If he be like your brother, for his fake 
Is he pardon'd, and for your louelie fake 
Giue me your hand, -and fay you will be mine, 
He is my brother too : But fitter time for that : 
By this Lord Angelo perceiues he's fafe, 
Methinkes I fee a quickning in his eye : 
Well Angelo, your euill quits you well. 
Looke that you loue your wife : her worth, worth yours 
I finde an apt remiffion in my felfe : 
And yet heere's one in place I cannot pardon, 
You firha, that knew me for a foole,a Coward, 
One all of Luxurie, an affe, a mad man : 
Wherein haue I fo deferu'd of you 
That you extoll me thus ? 

Luc. 'Faith my Lord , I fpoke it but according to the 
trick : if you will hang me for it you may : but I had ra- 
ther it would pleafe you, I might be whipt. 

T)uke. Whipt firft, fir, and hang'd after. 
Proclaime it Prouoft round about the Citie, 
If any woman wrong'd by this lewd fellow 
(As I haue heard him fweare himfelfe there's one 
whom he begot with childe) let her appeare, 
And he fhall marry her : the nuptiall finifh'd, 
Let him be whipt and hang'd. 

Luc. I befeech your Highneffe doe not marry me to 
a Whore : your Highneffe faid euen now I made you a 
Duke, good my Lord do not recompence me, in making 
me a Cuckold. 

Duk. Vpon 



^Meafure for <£Meafu 



lire. 



Duke. Vpon mine honor thou (halt marrie her. 
Thy flanders I forgiue,and therewithall 
Remit thy other forfeits : take him to prifon, 
And fee our pleafure herein executed. 

Luc. Marrying a punke my Lord, is preffing to death, 
Whipping and hanging. 

Duke. Slandering a Prince deferues it. 
She Claudia that you wrong'd, looke you reftore. 
I oy to you Mariana, loue her ^Angela : 
I haue confes'd her, and I know her vertue. 
Thanks good friend, Sfcalus, for thy much goodneffe, 



There's more behinde that is more gratulate. 

Thanks Prouojl for thy care, and fecrecie, 

We Ihall imploy thee in a worthier place. 

Forgiue him Angelo, that brought you home 

The head of Ragozine for Qlaudios, 

Th'offence pardons it felfe. Deere IJabell, 

I haue a motion much imports your good, 

Whereto if you'll a willing eare incline ; 

What's mine is yours, and what is yours is mine. 

So bring vs to our Pallace, where wee'll (how 

What's yet behinde, that meete you all (hould know. 



The Scene Vienna. 


Thomas. \ „ . 
Peter. \ 2 ' jFW " 




Elbow, afimple Confiable. 


The names of all the Actors. 


Froth , a foolijh Gentleman. 




Clowne. 


Vincentio : the Duke. 


Abhorfon, an Executioner. 


Angelo, the Deputie. 


Barnardine, a dijfolute prifoner. 


Efcalus, an ancient Lord. 


Ifabella,JiJler to Claudio. 


Claudio, a yong Gentleman. 


Mariana, betrothed to Angelo. 


Lucio, a fantaftique. 


Iuliet, beloued of Claudio. 


z. Other like Gentlemen. 


Francifca, a Nun. 


Prouojl. 


Mijlris Ouer-don, a Bawd. 



FINIS. 




85 




The Comedie of Errors. 



zABus primus, Scena prima. 



Enter the Duke of Epheftu , with the Merchant of Siracufa, 
Iaylor,and other attendants. 

Marchant . 

Roceed Solinus to procure my fall, 
And by the doome of death end woes and all. 
Duke. Merchant of Siracufa, plead no more. 
I am not partiall to infringe our Lawes ; 

The enmity and difcord which of late 

Sprung from the rancorous outrage of your Duke, 

To Merchants our well-dealing Countrimen, 

Who wanting gilders to redeeme their hues, 

Haue feal'd his rigorous ftatutes with their blouds , 

Excludes all pitty from our threatning lookes : 

For fince the mortall and inteftine iarres 

Twixt thy feditious Countrimen and vs , 

It hath in folemne Synodes beene decreed , 

Both by the Siracufans and our felues, 

To admit no trafficke to our aduerfe townes : 

Nay more, if any borne at Ephefus 

Be feene at any Siracufian Marts and Fayres : 

Againe, if any Siracufian borne 

Come to the Bay of Ephefus, he dies : 

His goods confifcate to the Dukes difpofe, 

Vnleffe a thoufand markes be leuied 

To quit the penalty, and to ranfome him : 

Thy fubftance, valued at the higheft rate, 

Cannot amount vnto a hundred Markes, 

Therefore by Law thou art condemn'd to die. 
Mcr. Yet this my comfort, when your words are done, 

My woes end likewife with the euening Sonne. 
<T>uk. Well Siracufian ; fay in briefe the caufe 

Why thou departed!* from thy natiue home? 

And for what caufe thou cam'ft to Spbefus. 

Mer. A heauier taske could not haue beene impos'd, 

Then I to fpeake my griefes vnfpeakeable : 

Yet that the world may witneffe that my end 

Was wrought by nature, not by vile offence, 

He vtter what my forrow giues me leaue. 

In Syracuja was I borne, and wedde 

Vnto a woman, happy but for me, 

And by me ; had not our hap beene bad : 

With her I liu'd in ioy, our wealth increaft 

By profperous voyages I often made 

To Epidamium, till my factors death, 

And he great care of goods at randone left, 

Drew me from kinde embracements of my fpoufe; 

From whom my abfence was not iixe moneths olde, 

Before her felfe (almoft at fainting vnder 



The pleafing punimment that women beare ) 

Had made prouifion for her following me, 

And foone, and fafe,arriued where I was : 

There had fhe not beene long, but me became 

A ioyfull mother of two goodly fonnes : 

And, which was Arrange, the one to like the other, 

As could not be diftinguifh'd but by names. 

That very howre,and in the felfe-fame Inne, 

A meane woman was deliuered 

Of fuch a burthen Male, twins both alike : 

Thofe,for their parents were exceeding poore, 

I bought, and brought vp to attend my fonnes. 

My wife, not meanely prowd of two fuch boyes, 

Made daily motions for our home returne: 

Vnwilling I agreed, alas, too foone wee came aboord. 

A league from Epidamium had we fai!d 

Before the alwaies winde-obeying deepe 

Gaue any Tragicke Inftance of our harme : 

But longer did we not retaine much hope ; 

For what obfcured light the heauens did grant, 

Did but conuay vnto our fearefull mindes 

A doubtfull warrant of immediate death, 

Which though my felfe would gladly haue imbrac'd, 

Yet the inceffant weepings of my wife, 

Weeping before for what me faw muft come, 

And pitteous playnings of the prettie babes 

That mourn'd for fafhion, ignorant what to feare, 

Forft me to feeke delayes for them and me, 

And this it was: (for other meanes was none) 

The Sailors fought for fafety by our boate, 

And left the fhip then finking ripe to vs. 

My wife, more carefull for the latter borne, 

Had faftned him vnto a fmall fpare Maft, 

Such as fea-faring men prouide for ftormes : 

To him one of the other twins was bound, 

WhiFfl I had beene like heedfull of the other. 

The children thus difpos'd, my wife and I, 

Fixing our eyes on whom our care was fixt, 

Faftned our felues at eyther end the maft, 

And floating ftraight, obedient to the ftreame, 

Was carried towards Corinth, as we thought. 

At length the fonne gazing vpon the earth, 

Difperft thofe vapours that offended vs, 

And by the benefit of his wiihed light 

The feas waxt calme, and we difcouered 

Two fhippes from farre, making amaine to vs : 

Of Corinth that, of Epidarui this , 

But ere they came, oh let me fay no more, 

Gather the fequell by that went before. 

Duk. Nay forward old man, doe not breake offfo, 

H For 



The Qomedie of Errors. 



For we may pitty, though not pardon thee. 

Merch. Oh had the gods done fo,I had not now 
Worthily tearm'd them mercilefle to vs : 
For ere the fhips could meet by twice fiue leagues, 
We were encountred by a mighty rocke, 
Which being violently borne vp, 
Our helpefull fhip was fplitted in the midft; 
So that in this vniuft diuorce of vs, 
Fortune had left to both of vs alike, 
What to delight in, what to forrow for, 
Her part, poore foule, feeming as burdened 
With leiTer waight, but not with leffer woe, 
Was carried with more fpeed before the winde, 
And in our fight they three were taken vp 
By Fifhermen of Corinth, as we thought. 
At length another fhip had feiz'd on vs, 
And knowing whom it was their hap to faue, 
Gaue healthfull welcome to their fhip-wrackt guefts, 
And would haue reft the Fifhers of their prey, 
Had not their backe beene very flow of faile ; 
And therefore homeward did they bend their courfe. 
Thus haue you heard me feuer'd from my bliffe, 
That by misfortunes was my life prolong'd, 
To tell fad ftories of my owne mifhaps. 

Duke. And for the fake of them thou forroweft for, 
Doe me the fauour to dilate at full, 
What haue befalne of them and they till now. 

Merch. My yongeft boy,and yet my eldeft care, 
At eighteene yeeres became inquifitiue 
After his brother ; and importun'd me 
That his attendant, fo his cafe was like, 
Reft of his brother, but retain'd his name, 
Might beare him company in the queft of him: 
Whom whil'ft I laboured of a loue to fee, 
I hazarded the lofle of whom I lou'd. 
Fiue Sommers haue I fpent in fartheft Greece, 
Roming cleane through the bounds of AJia, 
And coafting homeward, came to Ephefiu : 
Hopelefle to finde, yet loth to leaue vnfought 
Or that, or any place that harbours men : 
But heere muft end the ftory of my life, 
And happy were I in my timelie death, 
Could all my trauells warrant me they Hue. 

Duke. Hapleffe Bgeon whom the fates haue markt 
To beare the extremitie of dire miihap : 
Now truft me, were it not againft our Lawes, 
Againft my Crowne, my oath, my dignity, 
Which Princes would they may not difanull, 
My foule fliould fue as aduocate for thee : 
But though thou art adjudged to the death, 
And pafTed fentence may not be recal'd 
But to our honours great difparagement : 
Yet will I fauour thee in what I can ; 
Therefore Marchant, He limit thee this day 
To feeke thy helpe by beneficiall helpe, 
Try all the friends thou haft in Sphejui , 
Beg thou, or borrow, to make vp the fumme, 
And Hue: if no, then thou art doom'd to die: 
Iaylor, take him to thy cuftodie. 

lay lor. I will my Lord. 

Merch. Hopelefle and helpeleiTe doth Egean wend, 
But to procraftinate his liueleiTe end. Exeunt. 

Enter Antipholis Erotes,a Marchant , and Dromio. 
Mer. Therefore giue out you are of Epidamium, 
Left that your goods too foone be confifcate : 



This very day a Syracujian Marchant 

Is apprehended for a riuall here, 

And not being able to buy out his life,^ 

According to the ftatute of the towne, 

Dies ere the wearie funne fet in the Weft : 

There is your monie that I had to keepe. 

' Ant. Goe beare it to the Centaure, where we hoft, 
And ftay there 'D romio, t\\l I come to thee ; 
Within this houre it will be dinner time, 
Till that He view the manners of the towne, 
Perufe the traders, gaze vpon the buildings, 
And then returne and fleepe within mine Inne, 
For with long trauaile I am ftifFe and wearie. 
Get thee away. 

T)ro. Many a man would take you at your word, 
And goe indeede,hauing fo good a meane. 

Exit ^Dromio. 

Ant. A truftie villaine fir, that very oft, 
When I am dull with care and melancholly, 
Lightens my humour with his merry iefts : 
What will you walke with me about the towne, 
And then goe to my Inne and dine with me? 

E.Mar. I am inuited fir to certaine Marchants, 
Of whom I hope to make much benefit : 
I craue your pardon, foone at fiue a clocke, 
Pleafe you, He meete with you vpon the Mart, 
And afterward confort you till bed time : 
My prefent bufinefle cals me from you now. 

Ant. Farewell till then : I will goe loofe my felfe, 
And wander vp and downe to view the Citie. 

E.cflfar. Sir, I commend you to your owne content. 
Exeunt. 

Ant. He that commends me to mine owne content, 
Commends me to the thing I cannot get : 
I to the world am like a drop of water, 
That in the Ocean feekes another drop, 
Who falling there to finde his fellow forth, 
(Vnfeene, inquifitiue) confounds himfelfe. 
So I, to finde a Mother and a Brother, 
In queft of them (vnhappiea)loofe my felfe. 

Enter Dromio ofEphejus. 
Here comes the almanacke of my true date : 
What now ? How chance thou art return'd fo foone. 

E.Dro. Return'd fo foone, rather approacht too late: 
The Capon burnes, the Pig fals from the fpit; 
The clocke hath ftrucken twelue vpon the bell : 
My Miftris made it one vpon my cheeke : 
She is fo hot becaufe the meate is colde : 
The meate is colde, becaufe you come not home : 
You come not home, becaufe you haue no ftomacke : 
You haue no ftomacke, hauing broke your faft : 
But we that know what 'tis to faft and pray, 
Are penitent for your default to day. 

Ant. Stop in your winde fir, tell me this I pray ? 
Where haue you left the mony that I gaue you. 

S.'Dro. Oh fixe pence that I had a wenfday laft, 
To pay the Sadler for my Miftris crupper : 
The Sadler had it Sir, I kept it not. 

Ant. I am not in a fportiue humor now : 
Tell me, and dally not, where is the monie ? 
We being ftrangers here, how dar'ft thou truft 
So great a charge from thine owne cuftodie. 

E.T>ro. I pray you ieft fir as you fit at dinner : 
I from my Miftris come to you in poft : 
If I returne I mail be poft indeede. 

For 



The Come die of Errors. 



87 



For ftie will fcoure your fault vpon my pate : 

Me thinkes your maw, like mine, mould be your cooke, 

And ftrike you home without a meffenger. 

Ant. Come "Drowse, come, thefe iefts are out of feafon, 
Referue them till a merrier houre then this : 
Where is the gold I gaue in charge to thee? 

E.T)ro. To me fir? why you gaue no gold to me? 

Ant. Come on fir knaue, haue done your fooliftines, 
And tell me how thou haft difpos'd thy charge. 

E.Dro. My charge was but to fetch you fr& the Mart 
Home to your houfe, the Phcenix fir, to dinner; 
My Miftris and her fitter ftaies for you. 

Ant. Now as I am a Chriftian anfwer me, 
In what fafe place you haue beftow'd my monie ; 
Or I /hall breake that merrie fconce of yours 
That ftands on tricks, when I am vndifpos'd : 
Where is the thoufand Markes thou hadft of me ? 

E.Dro. I haue fome markes of yours vpon my pate : 
Some of my Miftris markes vpon my moulders : 
But not a thoufand markes betweene you both. 
If I ftiould pay your wormip thofe againe, 
Perchance you will not beare them patiently. 

Ant. Thy Miftris markes? what Miftris flaue haft thou? 

E.T>ro. Your worships wife, my Miftris at the Phcenix; 
She that doth faft till you come home to dinner : 
And praies that you will hie you home to dinner. 

Ant. What wilt thou flout me thus vnto my face 
Being forbid?There take you that fir knaue. 

E.Dro. What meane you fir, for God fake hold your 
Nay, and you will not fir, He take my heeles. (hands : 

Exeunt Dromio Sf. 

Ant. Vpon my life by fome deuife or other, 
The villaine is ore- wrought of all my monie. 
They fay this towne is full of cofenage : 
As nimble Iuglers that deceiue the eie : 
Darke working Sorcerers that change the minde : 
Soule-killing Witches, that deforme the bodie : 
Difguifed Cheaters, prating Mountebankes ; 
And manie fuch like liberties of finne : 
If it proue fo, I will be gone the fooner : 
He to the Centaur to goe feeke this flaue, 
I greatly feare my monie is not fafe. Exit. 



?A5lus Secundus. 



Enter Adriana,ivife to Antipholis Sereptus,ivith 
Luciana ber S'tjier. 

Adr. Neither my husband nor the flaue return'd, 
That in fuch hafte I fent to feeke his Matter ? 
Sure Luciana it is two a clocke. 

Luc. Perhaps fome Merchant hath inuited him, 
And from the Mart he's fomewhere gone to dinner : 
Good Sifter let vs dine, and neuer fret ; 
A man is Mafter of his libertie : 
Time is their Mafter, and when they fee time, 
They'll goe or come ; if fo, be patient Sifter. 

Adr. Why ftiould their libertie then ours be more? 

Luc. Becaufe their bufineffe ftill lies out adore. 

Adr. Looke when I ferue him fo, he takes it thus. 

Luc. Oh, know he is the bridle of your will. 

Adr. There's none but affes will be bridled fo. 



Luc. Why, headftrong liberty is lafht with woe : 
There's nothing fituate vnder heauens eye, 
But hath his bound in earth, in fea, in skie. 
The beafts,the fifties, and the winged fowles 
Are their males fubiefts, and at their controules : 
Man more diuine, the Mafter of all thefe, 
Lord of the wide world, and wilde watry feas, 
Indued with intellectual] fence and foules, 
Of more preheminence then fifti and fowles, 
Are matters to their females, and their Lords : 
Then let your will attend on their accords. 

Adri. This feruitude makes you to keepe vnwed. 

Luci. Not this, but troubles of the marriage bed. 

Adr. But were you wedded, you wold bear fome fway 

Luc. Ere I learne loue, He praftife to obey. 

Adr. How if your husband ftart fome other where ? 

Luc. Till he come home againe, I would forbeare. 

Adr. Patience vnmou'd, no maruel though ihe paufe, 
They can be meeke,that haue no other caufe : 
A wretched foule bruis'd with aduerfitie, 
We bid be quiet when we heare it crie. 
But were we burdned with like waight of paine , 
As much, or more, we ftiould our felues complaine : 
So thou that haft no vnkinde mate to greeue thee, 
With vrging helpeleffe patience would releeue me ; 
But if thou Hue to fee like right bereft, 
This foole-beg'd patience in thee will be left. 

Luci. Well, I will marry one day but to trie: 
Heere comes your man, now is your husband nie. 

Enter Dromio Efh. 

Adr. Say,is your tardie mafter now at hand? 

E.Dro. Nay, hee's at too hands with mee, and that my 
two eares can witnefle. 

Adr. Say, didft thou fpeake with him? knowft thou 
his minde ? 

6. Dro. 1,1, he told his minde vpon mine eare, 
Befhrew his hand, I fcarce could vnderftand it. 

Luc. Spake hee fo doubtfully, thou couldft not feele 
his meaning. 

E. Dro. Nay, hee ftrooke fo plainly, I could too well 
feele his blowes ; and withall fo doubtfully, that I could 
fcarce vnderftand them. 

Adri. But fay,I prethee, is he comming home? 
It feemes he hath great care to pleafe his wife. 

E.Dro. Why Miftreffe, fure my Mafter is home mad. 

Adri. Home mad, thou villaine f 

E.Dro. I meane not Cuckold mad, 
But fure he is ftarke mad : 
When I defir'd him to come home to dinner, 
He ask'd me for a hundred markes in gold : 
'Tis dinner time quoth I : my gold, quoth he : 
Your meat doth burne, quoth I : my gold quoth he : 
Will you come, quoth I : my gold, quoth he ; 
Where is the thoufand markes I gaue thee villaine ? 
The Pigge quoth I, is burn'd : my gold,quoth he : 
My miftreffe, fir, quoth I : hang vp thy Miftreffe : 
I know not thy miftreffe, out on thy miftreffe. 

Luci. Quoth who ? 

E.Dr. Quoth my Mafter, I know quoth he, no houfe, 
no wife , no miftreffe : fo that my arrant due vnto my 
tongue, I thanke him, I bare home vpon my ftioulders : 
for in conclufion,he did beat me there. 

Adri. Go back againe, thou flaue, & fetch him home. 

Dro. Goe backe againe, and be new beaten home f 
For Gods fake fend fome other meffenger. 

H 2 tAdri. Backe 



The Qomedie of Errors. 



Adri. Backe flaue, or I will breake thy pate a-crofle. 

Dro. And he will bleffe y crofle with other beating : 
Betweene you, I fcall haue a holy head. 

Adri. Hence prating pefant,fetch thy Matter home. 
Dro. Am I fo round with you, as you with me, 
That like a foot-ball you doe fpurne me thus : 
You fpurne me hence, and he will fpurne me hither, 
If I laft in this feruice,you muft cafe me in leather. 

Luci. Fie how impatience lowreth in your face. 

Adri. His company muft do his minions grace, 
Whirft I at home ftarue for a merrie looke : 
Hath homelie age th'alluring beauty tooke 
From my poore cheeke f then he hath wafted it. 
Are my difcourfes dull ? Barren my wit, 
If voluble and fharpe difcourfe be mar'd, 
Vnkindneffe blunts it more then marble hard. 
Doe their gay veftments his affeftions baite ? 
That's not my fault , hee's matter of my ftate. 
What ruines are in me that can be found , 
By him not ruin'd ? Then is he the ground 
Of my defeatures. My decayed faire, 
A funnie looke of his, would (bone repaire. 
But, too vnruly Deere, he breakes the pale, 
And feedes from home ; poore I am but his ftale. 

Luci. Selfe-harming Iealoufie ; fie beat it hence. 

Ad. Vnfeeling fools can with fuch wrongs difpence : 
I know his eye doth homage other-where, 
Or elfe, what lets it but he would be here ? 
Sifter, you know he promis'd me a chaine , 
Would that alone, a loue he would detaine, 
So he would keepe faire quarter with his bed : 
I fee the Iewell beft enamaled 
Will loofe his beautie : yet the gold bides ftill 
That others touch, and often touching will, 
Where gold and no man that hath a name, 
By falfliood and corruption doth it fhame : 
Since that my beautie cannot pleafe his eie, 
lie weepe (what's left away) and weeping die. 

Luci. How manie fond fooles ferue mad Ieloufie? 

Exit. 
Enter Antipholii Errotis. 

Ant. The gold I gaue to Dromio is laid vp 
Safe at the Centaur, and the heedfull flaue 
Is wandred forth in care to feeke me out 
By computation and mine hofts report. 
I could not fpeake with Dromio, fince at firft 
I fent him from the Mart ? fee here he comes. 

Enter Dromio Siracufia. 
How now fir, is your merrie humor alter'd ? 
As you loue ftroakes, fo ieft with me againe : 
You know no Centaur ? you receiu'd no gold ? 
Your Miftreffe fent to haue me home to dinner? 
My houfe was at the Phcenix ? Waft thou mad, 
That thus fo madiie thou did didft anfwere me? 

S.Dro. What anfwer fir ? when fpake I fuch a word ? 

E.tAnt. Euen now, euen here, not halfe an howre fince. 

S.Dro. I did not fee you fince you fent me hence 
Home to the Qentaur with the gold you gaue me. 

Ant. Villaine, thou didft denie the golds receit, 
And toldft me of a MiftrefTe,and a dinner, 
For which I hope thou feltft I was difpleas'd. 

S.Dro: I am glad to fee you in this merrie vaine, 
What meanes this ieft, I pray you Matter tell me ? 

Ant. Yea, doft thou ieere & flowt me in the teeth ? 
Thinkft y I ieft? hold, take thou that,& that. Beats Dro. 

S.Dr. Hold fir, for Gods fake,now your ieft is earneft, 



Vpon what bargaine do you giue it me ? 

Antipb. Becaufe that I familiarlie fometimes 
Doe vfe you for my foole, and chat with you, 
Your fawcineffe will ieft vpon my loue, 
And make a Common of my ferious howres, 
When the funne fhines,let fooliih gnats make fport , 
Butcreepe in crannies, when he hides his beames : 
If you will ieft with me, know my afpeft , 
And fafhion your demeanor to my lookes, 
Or I will beat this method in your fconce. 

S.Dro. Sconce call you it? fo you would leaue batte- 
ring, I had rather haue it a head, and you vfe thefe blows 
long , I muft get a fconce for my head, and Infconce it 
to, or elfe I fhall feek my wit in my fhoulders, but I pray 
fir, why am I beaten ? 

Ant. Doft thou not know ? 

S.Dro, Nothing fir, but that I am beaten. 

Ant. Shall I tell you why ? 

S.Dro. I fir, and wherefore ; for they fay , euery why 
hath a wherefore. 

Ant. Why firft for flowting me, and then wherefore, 
for vrging it the fecond time to me. 

S.T>ro. Was there euer anie man thus beaten out of 
feafon , when in the why and the wherefore, is neither 
rime nor reafon. Well fir, I thanke you. 

Ant. Thanke me fir, for what ? 

S.Dro. Marry fir, for this fomething that you gaue me 
for nothing. 

Ant. He make you amends next, to giue you nothing 
for fomething. But fay fir, is it dinner time? 

S.^ro. No fir, I thinke the meat wants that I haue. 

Ant. In good time fir : what's that ? 

S.Dro. Baiting. 

Ant. Well fir, then 'twill be drie. 

S .Dro. If it be fir, I pray you eat none of it. 

tAnt. Your reafon? 

S.^Dro. Left it make you cholIericke,and purchafe me 
another drie bailing. 

Ant. Well fir, learne to ieft in good time , there's a 
time for all things. 

S.Dro. I durft haue denied that before you were fo 
chollericke. 

Anti. By what rule fir ? 

S.Dro. Marry fir, by a rule as plaine as the plaine bald 
pate of Father time himfelfe. 

Ant. Let's heare it. 

S.Dro. There's no time for a man to recouer his haire 
that growes bald by nature. 

Ant. May he not doe it by fine and recouerie ? 

S.Dro. Yes, to pay a fine for a perewig, and recouer 
the loft haire of another man. 

Ant. Why, is Time fuch a niggard of haire , being (as 
it is) fo plentifull an excrement ? 

S.Dro. Becaufe it is a bleffing that hee beftowes on 
beafts, and what he hath fcanted them in haire, hee hath 
giuen them in wit. 

Ant. Why, but theres manie a man hath more haire 
then wit. 

S.Dro. Not a man of thofe but he hath the wit to lofe 
his haire. 

*Ant. Why thou didft conclude hairy men plain dea- 
lers without wit. 

S.Dro. The plainer dealer, the fooner loft ; yet he loo- 
feth it in a kinde of iollitie. 

An. For what reafon. 

S.Dro. For two, and found ones to. 

./fo.Nay 



<The Come die of Errors. 



An. Nay not found I pray you. 

S.Dro. Sure ones then. 

cAn. Nay, not fure in a thing falfing. 

S.Dro. Certaine ones then. 

An. Name them. 

5. Dro. The one to faue the money that he fpends in 
trying : the other,that at dinner they mould not drop in 
his porrage. 

An. You would all this time haue prou'd, there is no 
time for all things. 

S.Dro. Marry and did fir : namely, in no time to re- 
couer haire loft by Nature. 

An. But your reafon was not fubftantiall, why there 
is no time to recouer. 

S.Dro. Thus I mend it : Time himfelfe is bald, and 
therefore to the worlds end, will haue bald followers. 

An. I knew 'twould be a bald conclufion : but foft, 
who wafts vs yonder. 

Enter Adriana and Luciano. 

Adri. I,I,Antipbo/tu,looke Arrange and frowne, 
Some other MiftrefTe hath thy fweet afpects : 
I am not Adriana, nor thy wife. 

The time was once, when thou vn-vrg'd wouldft vow, 
That neuer words were muficke to thine eare, 
That neuer obiecl pleafing in thine eye, 
That neuer touch well welcome to thy hand, 
That neuer meat fweet-fauour'd in thy tafte, 
Vnlefie I fpake,or look'd, or touch'd,or caru'd to thee. 
How comes it now, my Husband, oh how comes it, 
That thou art then eftranged from thy felfe ? 
Thy felfe I call it, being ftrange to me: 
That vndiuidable Incorporate 
Am better then thy deere felfes better part. 
Ah doe not teare away thy felfe from me ; 
For know my loue : as eafie maift thou fall 
A drop of water in the breaking gulfe , 
And take vnmingled thence that drop againe 
Without addition or diminifhing, 
As take from me thy felfe, and not me too. 
How deerely would it touch thee to the quicke, 
Shouldft thou but heare I were licencious ? 
And that this body confecrate to thee, 
By Ruffian Luft fhould be contaminate ? 
Wouldft thou not fpit at me, and fpurne at me, 
And hurle the name of husband in my face , 
And teare the ftain'd skin of my Harlot brow, 
And from my falfe hand cut the wedding ring, 
And breake it with a deepe-diuorcing vow ? 
I know thou canft, and therefore fee thou doe it. • 
I am pofleft with an adulterate blot, 
My bloud is mingled with the crime of luft : 
For if we two be one, and thou play falfe , 
I doe digeft the poifon of thy fleih, 
Being {trumpeted by thy contagion : 
Keepe then faire league and truce with thy true bed , 
I liue diftain'd,thou vndifhonoured. 

Antip. Plead you to me faire dame ? I know you not : 
In Ephejm I am but two houres old , 
As ftrange vnto your towne, as to your talke, 
Who euery word by all my wit being fcan'd, 
Wants wit in all, one word to vnderftand. 

Luci. Fie brother, how the world is chang'd with you: 
When were you wont to vfe my fitter thus ? 
She fent for you by Dromio home to dinner. 



Ant. By 'Dromio} Drom. By me. 

Adr. By thee, and this thou didft returne from him. 
That he did buffet thee, and in his blowes, 
Denied my houfe for his, me for his wife. 

Ant. Did you conuerfe fir with this gentlewoman: 
What is the courfe and drift of your compact? 

S.Dro. I fir? I neuer faw her till this time. 
Ant. Villaine thou lieft, for euen her verie words, 
Didft thou deliuer to me on the Mart. 

S.Dro. I neuer fpake with her in all my life. 

Ant. How can fhe thus then call vs by our names ? 
VnlefTe it be by infpiration. 

Adri. How ill agrees it with your grauitie, 
To counterfeit thus grofely with your flaue, 
Abetting him to thwart me in my moode ; 
Be it my wrong, you are from me exempt, 
But wrong not that wrong with a more contempt. 
Come I will faften on this fleeue of thine : 
Thou art an Elme my husband, I a Vine : 
Whofe weaknefle married to thy ftranger ftate, 
Makes me with thy ftrength to communicate : 
If ought pofiefle thee from me, it is drofie, 
Vsurping Iuie, Brier, or idle MofTe, 
Who all for want of pruning, with intrufion, 
Infect thy fap,and liue on thy confufion. 

Ant. To mee fhee fpeakes, fhee moues mee for her 
theame ; 
What, was I married to her in my dreame ? 
Or fleepe I now,and thinke I heare all this? 
What error driues our eies and eares amifTe ? 
Vntill I know this fure vncertaintie, 
He entertaine the free'd fallacie. 

Luc. Dromio, goe bid the feruants fpred for dinner. 
S.Dro. Oh for my beads, I croffe me for a finner. 
This is the Fairie land, oh fpight of fpights, 
We talke with Goblins, Owles and Sprights; 
If we obay them not, this will infue : 
They'll fucke our breath', or pinch vs blacke and blew. 

Luc. Why prat'ft thou to thy felfe, and anfwer'ft not? 
Dromio, thou Dromio, thou fnaile,thou flug,thou fot. 

S.Dro. I am transformed Mafter,am I not? 

cAnt. I thinke thou art in minde,and fo am I. 

S.Dro. Nay Mafter,both in minde,and in my fhape. 

*Ant. Thou haft thine owne forme. 

S.Dro. No, I am an Ape. 

Luc. If thou art chang'd to ought, 'tis to an AfTe. 

S.Dro. 'Tis true (he rides me,and I long for graffe. 
'Tis fo,I am an Afi"e,elfe it could neuer be, 
But I fhould know her as well as fhe knowes me. 

Adr. Come, come, no longer will I be a foole, 
To put the finger in the eie and weepe ; 
Whil'ft man and Mafter laughes my woes to fcorne : 
Come fir to dinner, Dromio keepe the gate : 
Husband He dine aboue with you to day, 
And fhriue you of a thoufand idle prankes : 
Sirra,if any aske you for your Mafter, 
Say he dines forth, and let no creature enter : 
Come d&er, Dromio play the Porter well. 

zAnt. Am I in earth, in heauen,or in hell? 
Sleeping or waking, mad or well aduifde : 
Knowne vnto thefe, and to my felfe difguifde : 
He fay as they fay, and perfeuer fo : 
And in this mift at all aduentures go. 

5. Dro. Mafter, fhall I be Porter at the gate ? 

Adr. I, and let none enter, leaft I breake your pate. 

Luc. Come, come, Antipbolm, we dine to late. 

H 3 eAElui 



9° 



The Qomedie of Errors. 



aA5lus 'Tertius. Scena 'Prima. 



Enter Antipholui of Ephejus , his man Dromio, Angelo the 
Goldjmith, and Balthajer the Merchant. 

E.Anti. Good fignior Angelo you muft excufe vs all, 
My wife is fhrewifh when I keepe not howres; 
Say that I lingerd with you at your fhop 
To fee the making of her Carkanet , 
And that to morrow you will bring it home. 
But here's a villaine that would face me downe 
He met me on the Mart, and that I beat him, 
And charg'd him with a thoufand markes in gold, 
And that I did denie my wife and houfe ; 
Thou drunkard thou, what didft thou meane by this ? 

E.Dro. Say what you wil fir, but I know what I know, 
That you beat me at the Mart I haue your hand to ftiow; 
If y skin were parchment,& y blows you gaue were ink, 
Your owne hand-writing would tell you what I thinke. 
E.Ant. I thinke thou art an affe. 
E.Dro. Marry fo it doth appeare 
By the wrongs I fuffer, and the blowes I beare, 
I ftiould kicke being kickt,and being at that pafie, 
You would keepe from my heeles, and beware of an affe. 
E.An. Y'are fad fignior 'Balthazar, pray God our cheer 
May anfwer my good will, and your good welcom here. 
Bal. I hold your dainties cheap fir,& your welcom deer. 
E.An. Oh fignior Balthazar, either at fleih or fifh, 
A table full of welcome, makes fcarce one dainty dim. 
*Bal. Good meat fir is comon that euery churle affords. 
Anti. And welcome more common, for thats nothing 

but words. 
Bal. Small cheere and great welcome, makes a mer- 

rie feaft. 
eAnti. I, to a niggardly Hoft, and more fparing gueft: 
But though my cates be meane, take them in good part, 
Better cheere may you haue, but not with better hart. 
But foft, my doore is lockt ; goe bid them let vs in. 
E.T>ro. Maud, Briget, Marian, Cijley, Gillian, Ginn. 
S.Dro. Mome, Malthorfe, Capon, Coxcombe , Idi- 
ot, Patch, 
Either get thee from the dore,or fit downe at the hatch : 
Doft thou coniure for wenches, that y calft for fuchftore, 
When one is one too many, goe get thee from the dore. 
E.Dro. What patch is made our Porter ? my Mafter 

ftayes in the ftreet. 
S.Dro. Let him walke from whence he came,left hee 

catch cold on's feet. 
E.Ant. Who talks within there? hoa,open the dore. 
S.T>ro. Right fir, He tell you when , and you'll tell 

me wherefore. 
Ant. Wherefore ? for my dinner : I haue not din'd to 

day. 
S.Dro. Nor to day here you muft not come againe 

when you may. 
Anti. What art thou that keep'ft mee out from the 

howfe I owe? 
S.T)ro. The Porter for this time Sir, and my name is 

Dromio. 
E.Dro. O villaine, thou haft ftolne both mine office 
and my name, 
; The one nere got me credit, the other mickle blame : 



If thou hadft beene Dr 



day in my place, 



Thou wouldft haue chang'd thy face for a name , or thy 

name for an affe. 

Enter Luce. 
Luce. What a coile is there T>romio ? who are thofe 

at the gate? 
E.Dro. Let my Mafter in Luce. 
Luce. Faith no , hee comes too late, and fo tell your 

Mafter. 
E.Dro. O Lord I muft laugh, haue at you with a Pro- 

uerbe, 
Shall I fet in my ftaffe. 

Luce. Haue at you with another , that's when f can 

you tell? 
S.Dro. If thy name be called Luce, Luce thou haft an- 

fwer'd him well. 
Anti. Doe you heare you minion, you'll let vs in I 

hope ? 
Luce. I thought to haue askt you. 
S.Dro. And you faid no. 
E.Dro. So come helpe, well ftrooke, there was blow 

for blow. 
Anti. Thou baggage let me in. 
Luce. Can you tell for whofe fake? 
E.Drom. Mafter, knocke the doore hard. 
Luce. Let him knocke till it ake. 
Anti. You'll crie for this minion , if I beat the doore 

downe. 
Luce. What needs all that, and a paire of flocks in the 

towne? 

Enter Adriana. 
Adr. Who is that at the doore y keeps all this noifef 
S.Dro. By my troth your towne is troubled with vn- 

ruly boies. 
tAnti. Are you there Wife ? you might haue come 

before. 
Adri. Your wife fir knaue ? go get you from the dore. 
E.Dro. If you went in paine Mafter, this knaue wold 

goe fore. 
Angelo. Heere is neither cheere fir, nor welcome, we 

would faine haue either. 
Baltz. In debating which was beft , wee /hall part j 

with neither. 
E.Dro. They ftand at the doore , Mafter , bid them 

welcome hither. 
tAnti. There is fomething in the winde,that we can- 
not get in. 
E.Dro. You would fay fo Mafter, if your garments 

were thin. 
Your cake here is warme within : you ftand here in the 

cold. 
It would make a man mad as a Bucke to be fo bought 

and fold. 
Ant. Go fetch me fomething, He break ope the gate. 
S.Dro. Breake any breaking here, and He breake your 

knaues pate. 
E.Dro. A man may breake a word with your fir, and 

words are but winde : 
I and breake it in your face,fo he break it not behinde. 
S.Dro.lt feemes thou want'ft breaking, out vpon thee 

hinde. 
E.Dro. Here's too much out vpon thee, I pray thee let 

me in. 
S.Dro. I, when fowles haue no feathers, and fifh haue 

no fin. 
Ant. Well, He breake in:go borrow me a crow. 
E.T)ro.A crow without feather, Mafter meane you fo; 

For 



The Come die of Errors. 



For a filh without a finne, ther's a fowle without afether, 
If a crow help vs in firra, wee'll plucke a crow together. 

Ant. Go, get thee gon, fetch me an iron Crow. 

c Baltb.Ha\ie patience fir, oh let it not be fo, 
Heerein you warre againft your reputation, 
And draw within the compafle of fufpect 
Th'vnuiolated honor of your wife. 
Once this your long experience of your wifedome, 
Her fober vertue, yeares, and modeftie , 
Plead on your part fome caufe to you vnknowne ; 
And doubt not fir, but ftie will well excufe 
Why at this time the dores are made againft you. 
Be rul'd by me, depart in patience, 
And let vs to the Tyger all to dinner, 
And about euening come your felfe alone, 
To know the reafon of this ftrange reftraint : 
If by ftrong hand you offer to breake in 
Now in the ftirring paflage of the day, 
A vulgar comment will be made of it ; 
And that fuppofed by the common rowt 
Againft your yet vngalled eftimation, 
That may with foule intrufion enter in, 
And dwell vpon your graue when you are dead 5 
For flander Hues vpon fucceflion; 
For euer hows'd, where it gets pofleffion. 

Ami. You haue preuail'd,I will depart in quiet, 
And in defpight of mirth meane to be merrie : 
I know a wench of excellent difcourfe , 
Prettie and wittie; wilde, and yet too gentle ; 
There will we dine : this woman that I meane 
My wife (but I proteft without defert) 
Hath oftentimes vpbraided me withall : 
To her will we to dinner, get you home 
And fetch the chaine, by this I know 'tis made, 
Bring it I pr2y you to the Porpentine , 
For there's the houfe: That chaine will I beftow 
(Be it for nothing but to fpight my wife) 
Vpon mine hofteffe there, good fir make hafte : 
Since mine owne doores refufe to entertaine me , 
lie knocke elfe-where, to fee if they'll difdaine me. 

Ang. lie meet you at that place fome houre hence. 

Ami. Do fo,this ieft fhall coft me fome expence. 

Exeunt. 
Enter Iuliana,witb Antipholus of Siracujia. 

Iulia. And may it be that you haue quite forgot 
A husbands office ? fhall Antipholut 
Euen in the fpring of Loue,thy Loue-fprings rot? 
Shall loue in buildings grow fo ruinate? 
If you did wed my filter for her wealth, 
Then for her wealths-fake vfe her with more kindnefTe : 
Or if you like elfe-where doe it by ftealth , 
Muffle your felfe loue with fome fliew of blindneffe : 
Let not my fifter read it in your eye : 
Be not thy tongue thy owne fhames Orator : 
Looke fweet, fpeake faire, become difloyaltie : 
Apparell vice like vertues harbenger : 
Beare a faire prefence, though your heart be tainted, 
Teach finne the carriage of a holy Saint, 
Be fecret felfe : what need fhe be acquainted ? 
What fimple thiefe brags of his owne attaine ? 
'Tis double wrong to truant with your bed , 
And let her read it in thy lookes at boord : 
Shame hath a baftard fame, well managed, 
111 deeds is doubled with an euill word : 
Alas poore women, make vs not beleeue 
(Being compact of credit) that you loue vs, 



Though others haue the arme, fliew vs the fleeue : 

We in your motion turne, and you may moue vs. 

Then gentle brother get you in againe ; 

Comfort my fifter. cheere her, call her wife ; 

'Tis holy fport to be a little vaine, 

When the fweet breath of flatterie conquers ftrife. 

S. Ami. Sweete Miftris, what your name is elfe I 
know not; 
Nor by what wonder you do hit of mine: 
Leffe in your knowledge, and your grace you fliow not, 
Then our earths wonder, more then earth diuine. 
Teach me deere creature how to thinke and fpeake : 
Lay open to my earthie grofle conceit : 
Smothred in errors, feeble, fliallow,weake, 
The foulded meaning of your words deceit: 
Againft my foules pure truth, why labour you, 
To make it wander in an vnknowne field ? 
Are you a god ? would you create me new ? 
Transforme me then, and to your powre He yeeld. 
But if that I am I, then well I know, 
Your weeping fifter is no wife of mine, 
Nor to her bed no homage doe I owe : 
Farre more,farre more, to you doe I decline: 
Oh traine me not fweet Mermaide with thy note, 
To drowne me in thy fifter floud of teares: 
Sing Siren for thy felfe, and I will dote : 
Spread ore the filuer waues thy golden haires ; 
And as a bud lie take thee, and there lie : 
And in that glorious fuppofition thinke, 
He gaines by death, that hath fuch meanes to die : 
Let Loue, being light, be drowned if ftie finke. 

Luc. What are you mad, that you doe reafon fo ? 

tAnt. Not mad, but mated, how I doe not know. 

Luc. It is a fault that fpringeth from your eie. 

Ant. For gazing on your beames faire fun being by. 

Luc. Gaze when you ftiould, and that will cleere 
your fight. 

Am. As good to winke fweet loue,as looke on night. 

Luc. Why call you me loue? Call my fifter fo. 

Ant. Thy fitters fifter. 

Luc. That's my fifter. 

Ant. No : it is thy felfe, mine owne felfes better part: 
Mine eies cleere eie, my deere hearts deerer heart ; 
My foode,my fortune,and my fweet hopes aime ; 
My fole earths heauen,and my heauens claime. 

Luc. All this my fifter is, or elfe Ihould be. 

iAnt. Call thy felfe fifter fweet, for I am thee : 
Thee will I loue, and with thee lead my life ; 
Thou haft no husband yet, nor I no wife : 
Giue me thy hand. 

Luc. Oh foft fir, hold you ftill : 
He fetch my fifter to get her good will. Exit. 

Enter Dromio , Siracujia. 

<JLnt. Why how now Dromio, where, run'ft thou fo 
faft? 

S.Dro. Doe you know me fir? Am I Dromio? Am I 
your man ? Am I my felfe ? 

Ant. Thou art Dromio , thou art my man, thou art 
thy felfe. 

Dro. I am an afie, I am a womans man, and befides 

my felfe. 
Ant. What womans man ? and how befides thy 
felfe? 

Dro. Marrie fir, befides my felfe, I am due to a woman: 
One that claimes me, one that haunts me, one that will 
haue me. 

Am. What 



9 2 



The Qomedie of Errors. 



Anti. What chime laies ihe to thee ? 

Dro. Marry fir,fuch claime as you would lay to your 
horfe, and ihe would haue me as a beaft, not that I bee- 
ing a beaft ihe would haue me, but that ihe being a ve- 
rie beaftly creature layes claime to me. 

cAnti. What is ihe ? 

Dro. A very reuerent body : I fuch a one, as a man 
may not fpeake of, without he fay fir reuerence, I haue 
but leane lucke in the match, and yet is ihe a wondrous 
fat marriage. 

Anti. How doft thou meane a fat marriage ? 

1>ro. Marry fir, ihe's the Kitchin wench, & al greafe, 
and I know not what vfe to put her too, but to make a 
Lampe of her, and run from her by her owne light. I 
warrant, her ragges and the Tallow in them, will burne 
a Poland Winter : If ihe liues till doomefday,ihe'l burne 
a weeke longer then the whole World. 

cAnti. What complexion is ihe of? 

Dro. Swart like my ihoo, but her face nothing like 
fo cleane kept : for why? ihe fweats a man may goe o- 
uer-ihooes in the grime of it. 

Anti. That's a fault that water will mend. 

Dro. No fir, 'tis in graine, Noahs flood could not 
do it. 

Anti. What's her name ? 

T>ro. Nell Sir : but her name is three quarters, that's 
an Ell and three quarters, will not meafure her from hip 
to hip. 

Anti. Then ihe beares fome bredth ? 

Dro. No longer from head to foot, then from hippe 
to hippe : ihe is fphericall, like a globe : I could find out 
Countries in her. 

Anti. In what part of her body ftands Ireland} 

"Dro. Marry fir in her buttockes, I found it out by 
the bogges. 

Ant, Where Scotland} 

Dro. I found it by the barrennefle, hard in the palme 
of the hand. 

Ant. Where France! 

Dro. In her forhead, arm'd and reuerted, making 
warre againft her heire. 

Ant. Where England} 

Dro. I look'd for the chalkle ClifFes,but I could find 
no whiteneife in them. But I gueffe, it ftood in her chin 
by the fait rheume that ranne betweene France, and it. 

Ant. Where Spaine} 

Dro. Faith I faw it not: but I felt it hot in her breth. 

Ant. Where America, the Indies ? 

Dro. Oh fir, vpon her nofe, all ore embelliihed with 
Rubies, Carbuncles, Saphires, declining their rich Af- 
pect to the hot breath of Spaine, who fent whole Ar- 
madoes of Carreers to be ballaft at her nofe. 

Anti. Where ftood Bclgia, the Netherlands} 

T>ro. Oh fir, I did not looke fo low. To conclude, 
this drudge or Diuiner layd claime to mee, call'd mee 
Dromio , fwore I was affur'd to her, told me what priuie 
markes I had about mee, as the marke of my fhoulder, 
the Mole in my necke, the great Wart on my left arme, 
that I amaz'd ranne from her as a witch. And I thinke,if 
my breft had not beene made of faith, and my heart of 
fteele, ihe had transform 'd me to a Curtull dog, & made 
me turne i'th wheele. 

Anti. Go hie thee prefently, poft to the rode, 
And if the winde blow anyway from fiiore, 
I will not harbour in this Towne to night. 
If any Barke put forth, come to the Mart, 



Where I will walke till thou returne to me : 
If euerie one knowes vs, and we know none, 
'Tis time I thinke to trudge, packe,and be gone. 

Dro. As from a Beare a man would run for life, 
So flie I from her that would be my wife. Exit 

Anti. There's none but Witches do inhabite heere, 
And therefore 'tis hie time that I were hence : 
She that doth call me husband, euen my foule 
Doth for a wife abhorre. But her faire fitter 
Polfeft with fuch a gentle foueraigne grace, 
Of such inchanting prefence and difcourfe, 
Hath almoft made me Traitor to my felfe : 
But leaft my felfe be guilty to felfe wrong, 
He flop mine eares againft the Mermaids fong. 

Enter sAngelo with the Chaine. 

'Ang. M r Antipholtu. 

Anti. I that's my name. 

Ang. I know it well fir, loe here's the chaine, 
I thought to haue tane you at the Porpentine, 
The chaine vnfiniih'd made me ftay thus long. 

'Anti. What is your will that I ihal do with this ? 

'Ang. What pleafe your felfe fir : I haue made it for 
you. 

Anti. Made it for me fir, I befpoke it not. 

<Ang. Not once, nor twice, but twentie times you 
haue : 

Go home with it, and pleafe your Wife withall, 
And foone at fupper time He vifit you, 
And then receiue my money for the chaine. 

Anti. I pray you fir receiue the money now, 
For feare you ne're fee chaine, nor mony more. 

Ang. You are a merry man fir, fare you well. Exit. 

Ant. What I ihould thinke of this, I cannot tell : 
But this I thinke, there's no man is fo vaine, 
That would refufe fo faire an offer'd Chaine. 
I fee a man heere needs not liue by ihifts, 
When in the ftreets he meetes fuch Golden gifts : 
He to the Mart, and there for Dromio ftay, 
If any ihip put out, then ftraight away. Exit. 



Affius Quartus. Sccena^rima. 



Enter a Merchant, Goldjmitb, and an Officer. 

Mar. You know fince Pentecoft the fum is due, 
And fince I haue not much importun'd you, 
Nor now I had not, but that I am bound 
To Perjia, and want Gilders for my voyage : 
Therefore make prefent fatisfaftion, 
Or He attach you by this Officer. 

Gold. Euen iuft the fum that I do owe to you, 
Is growing to me by Antipholui, 
And in the inftant that I met with you, 
He had of me a Chaine, at flue a clocke 
I ihall receiue the money for the fame : 
Pleafeth you walke with me downe to his houfe, 
I will difcharge my bond, and thanke you too. 

Enter Antipholtu Ephef.'Dromio from the Courtizans. 
Off. That labour may you faue: See where he comes. 
^Ant. While I go to the Goldfmiths houfe, go thou 

And 



The Comedie of Errors. 



93 



And buy a ropes end, that will I beftow 
Among my wife, and their confederates, 
For locking me out of my doores by day : 
But foft I iee the Goldfmith ; get thee gone, 
Buy thou a rope, and bring it home to me. 

Dro. I buy a thoufand pound a yeare, I buy a rope. 

Exit Dromlo 

Eph. Ant. A man is well holpe vp that trufts to you, 
I promifed your prelence, and the Chaine, 
But neither Chaine nor Goldfmith came to me : 
Belike you thought our loue would laft too long 
If it were chain'd together : and therefore came not. 

Gold. Sauing your merrie humor : here's the note 
How much your Chaine weighs to the vtmoft chaiecl, 
The fineneffe of the Gold, and chargefull fafhion, 
Which doth amount to three odde Duckets more 
Then I ftand debted to this Gentleman, 
I pray you fee him prefently difcharg'd, 
For he is bound to Sea, and Itayes but for it. 

Anti. I am not furniih'd with the prefent monie : 
Befides I haue fome bufineffe in the towne, 
Good Signior take the ftranger to my houfe, 
And with you take the Chaine,and bid my wife 
Disburfe the fumme, on the receit thereof, 
Perchance I will be there as foone as you. 

Gold. Then you will bring the Chaine to her your 
felfe. 

Anti. No beare it with you, leaft I come not time e- 
nough. 

Gold. Well fir, I will? Haue you the Chaine about 
you? 

Ant. And if I haue not fir, I hope you haue: 
Or elfe you may returne without your money. 

Gold. Nay come I pray you fir, giue me the Chaine : 
Both winde and tide ftayes for this Gentleman, 
And I too blame haue held him heere too long. 

Anti. Good Lord, you vfe this dalliance to excufe 
Your breach of promife to the Porpentine, 
I mould haue chid you for not bringing it, 
But like a fhrew you firft begin to brawle. 

Mar. The houre fteales on, I pray you fir difpatch. 

Gold. You heare how he importunes me, the Chaine. 

Ant. Wh y giue it to my wife, and fetch your mony. 

Gold. Come, come, you know I gaue it you euen now. 
Either fend the Chaine, or fend me by fome token. 

Ant. Fie, now you run this humor out of breath, 
Come where's the Chaine, I pray you let me fee it. 

<J\/[ar. My bufineffe cannot brooke this dalliance, 
Good fir fay, whe'r you'l anfwer me, or no : 
If not, He leaue him to the Officer. 

Ant. I anfwer you ? What fhould I anfwer you. 

Gold. The monie that you owe me for the Chaine. 

Ant. I owe you none, till I receiue the Chaine. 

Gold. You know I gaue it you halfe an houre fince. 

Ant. You gaue me none, you wrong mee much to 
fay fo. 

Gold. You wrong me more fir in denying it. 
Confider how it ftands vpon my credit. 

Mar. Well Officer, arreft him at my fuite. 

Offi, I do, and charge you in the Dukes name to o- 
bey me. 

Gold. This touches me in reputation. 
Either confent to pay this fum for me, 
Or I attach you by this Officer. 

Ant. Confent to pay thee that I neuer had : 
Arreft me fooliih fellow if thou dar'ft. 



Gold. Heere is thy fee, arreft him Officer. 
I would not fpare my brother in this cafe, 
If he fhould fcorne me fo apparantly. 

Ojjiic. I do arreft you fir, you heare the fuite. 

Ant. I do obey thee, till I giue thee baile. 
But firrah, you mall buy this fport as deere, 
As all the mettallin your fhop will anfwer. 

Gold. Sir, fir, I mail haue Law in Epbejui , 
To your notorious fhame, I doubt it not. 

Enter T)romio Sira. from the Bay. 

T)ro. Mafter, there's a Barke of Epidamium, 
That ftaies but till her Owner comes aboord, 
And then fir me beares away. Our fraughtage fir, 
I haue conuei'd aboord, and I haue bought 
The Oyle, the Ea/Jamum, and Aqua-vitae. 
The lhip is in her trim, the merrie winde 
Blowes faire from land : they ftay for nought at all, 
But for their Owner, Mafter, and your felfe. 

A.How now? a Madman? Why thou peeuiih fheep 
What fhip of Epidamium ftaies for me. 

S.T)ro. A fhip you fent me too, to hier waftage. 

A.t. Thou drunken flaue, I fent thee for a rope, 
And told thee to what purpofe,and what end. 

S.Dro. You fent me for a ropes end as foone, 
You fent me to the Bay fir, for a Barke. 

Ant. I will debate this matter at more leifure 
And teach your eares to lift me with more heede : 
To Adriana Villaine hie thee ftraight: 
Giue her this key, and tell her in the Deske 
That's couer'd o're with Turkifh Tapiftrie, 
There is a purfe of Duckets, let her fend it: 
Tell her, I am arrefted in the ftreete, 
And that fhall baile me : hie thee flaue, be gone, 
On Officer to prifon, till it come. Exeunt 

S. Dromio. To Adriana, that is where we din'd, 
Where Dowfabell did claime me for her husband, 
She is too bigge I hope for me to compafie, 
Thither I muft, although againft my will : 
For feruants muft their Mafters mindes fulfill. Exit 

Enter Adriana and Luciana. 

Adr. Ah Luciana, did he tempt thee fo i 
Might'ft thou perceiue aufteerely in his eie, 
That he did plead in earneft, yea or no : 
. Look'd he or red or pale, or fad or merrily ? 
What obferuation mad'ft thou in this cafe f 
Oh, his hearts Meteors tilting in his face. 

Luc. Firft he deni'de you had in him no right. 

Adr. He meant he did me none : the more my fpight 

Luc. Then fwore he that he was a ftranger heere. 

Adr. And true he fwore, though yet forfworne hee 

Luc. Then pleaded I for you. 

Adr. And what faid he ? 

Luc. That loue I begg'd for you, he begg'd of me. 

Adr. With what perfwafion did he tempt thy loue ? 

Luc. With words, that in an honeft fuit might moue. 
Firft, he did praife my beautie, then my fpeech. 

Adr. Did'ft fpeake him faire ? 

Luc. Haue patience I befeech. 

Adr. I cannot, nor I will not hold me ftill, 
My tongue, though not my heart, fhall haue his will. 
He is deformed, crooked, old, and fere, 
Ill-fac'd, worfe bodied, fhapelefle euery where: 
Vicious, vngentle, foolifh, blunt, vnkinde, 

Stigma- 



94 



The Qomedie of Errors. 



Stigmaticall in making w orfe in minde. 

Luc. Who would be iealous then of fuch a one? 
No euill loft is wail'd, when it is gone. 

Adr. Ah but I thinke him better then I fay : 
And yet would herein others eies were worfe: 
Farre from her neft the Lapwing cries away; 
My heart praies for him, though my tongue doe curfe. 

Enter S.Dromio. 
T)ro. Here goe : the deske,the purfe,fweet now make 
hafte. 

Luc. How haft thou loft thy breath ? 
S.Dro. By running faft. 

Adr. Where is thy Mafter Dromio ? Is he well ? 
S.Dro. No, he's in Tartar limbo, worfe then hell : 
A diuell in an euerlafting garment hath him; 
On whofe hard heart is button'd vp with fteele : 
A Feind, a Fairie, pittileiTe and ruffe : 
A Wolfe,nay worfe, a fellow all in buffe : 
A back friend, a fhoulder-clapper, one that countermads 
The paffages of allies, creekes, and narrow lands : 
A hound that runs Counter, and yet draws drifoot well, 
One that before the Iudgmet carries poore foules to hel. 
Adr. Why man, what is the matter? 
S.Dro. I doe not know the matter, hee is refted on 
the cafe. 

Adr. What is he arrefted? tell me at whofe fuite? 
S.T>ro. I know not at whofe fuite he is arefted well; 
but is in a fuite of buffe which refted him, that can I tell, 
will you fend him Miftris redemption , the monie in 
his deske. 

Adr. Go fetch it Sifter : this I wonder at. 

Exit Luciana. 
Thus he vnknowne to me mould be in debt : 
Tell me, was he arefted on a band? 

S.Dro. Not on a band, but on a ftronger thing: 
A chaine,a chaine,doe you not here it ring. 
Adria. What, the chaine ? 

S.Dro. No, no, the bell, 'tis time that I were gone : 
It was two ere I left him, and now the clocke ftrikes one. 
Adr. The houres come backe, that did I neuer here. 
S.Dro. Oh yes,if any houre meete a Serieant,a turnes 
backe for verie feare. 

Adri. As if time were in debt: how fondly do'ft thou 
reafon? 

S.Dro. Time is a verie bankerout,and owes more then 
he's worth to feafon. 

Nay, he's a theefe too : haue you not heard men fay, 
That time comes dealing on by night and day? 
If I be in debt and theft, and a Serieant in the way, 
Hath he not reafon to turne backe an houre in a day? 

Enter Luciana. 
Adr. Go Dromio, there's the monie, beare it ftraight, 
And bring thy Mafter home imediately. 
Come fifter, I am preft downe with conceit : 
Conceit, my comfort and my iniurie. Exit. 

Enter Antipholus Siracujia. 
There's not a man I meete but doth falute me 
As if I were their well acquainted friend, 
And euerie one doth call me by my name : 
Some tender monie to me, fome inuite me ; 
Some other giue me thankes for kindneffes ; 
Some offer me Commodities to buy. 
Euen now a tailor cal'd me in his mop, 



And fhow'd me Silkes that he had bought for me, 
And therewithall tooke meafure of my body. 
Sure thefe are but imaginarie wiles, 
And lapland Sorcerers inhabite here. 

Enter Dromio. Sir. 

S~Dro. Mafter, here's the gold you fent me for : what 
haue you got the picture of old Adam new apparel'd? 

*Ant. What gold is this? What *Adam do'ft thou 
meane ? 

5. Dro. Not that Adam that kept the Paradife : but 
that Adam that keepes the prifon ; hee that goes in the 
calues-skin, that was kil'd for the Prodigall : hee that 
came behinde you fir, like an euill angel,and bid you for- 
fake your libertie. 

Ant. I vnderftand thee not. 

S.Dro. No? why 'tis a plaine cafe : he that went like 
a Bafe-Viole in a cafe of leather ; the man fir, that when 
gentlemen are tired giues them a fob, and refts them : 
he fir, that takes pittie on decaied men, and giues them 
fuites of durance : he that fets vp his reft to doe more ex- 
ploits with his Mace, then a Moris Pike. 

*Ant. What thou mean'ft an officer? 

S.Dro. I fir, the Serieant of the Band : he that brings 
any man to anfwer it that breakes his Band : one that 
thinkes a man alwaies going to bed, and faies,God giue 
you good reft. 

Ant. Well fir, there reft in your foolerie : 
Is there any fhips puts forth to night ? may we be gone ? 

S.Dro. Why fir, I brought you word an houre fince, 
that the Barke Expedition put forth to night, and then 
were you hindred by the Serieant to tarry for the Hoy 
Delay : Here are the angels that you fent for to deliuer 
you. 

Ant. The fellow is diftra<ft,and fo am I, 
And here we wander in illufions : 
Some bleffed power deliuer vs from hence. 

Enter a Curthan. 

Cur. Well met, well met, Mafter tAntipholui : 
I fee fir you haue found the Gold-fmith now : 
Is that the chaine you promis'd me to day. 

Ant. Sathan auoide, I charge thee tempt me not. 

S.Dro. Mafter, is this Miftris Satbatii 

Ant. It is the diuell. 

S.Dro. Nay, (he is worfe, fhe is the diuels dam : 
And here me comes in the habit of a light wench, and 
thereof comes, that the wenches fay God dam me, That's 
as much to fay, God make me a light wench : It is writ- 
ten, they appeare to men like angels of light, light is an 
effect of fire, and fire will burne : ergo, light wenches will 
burne, come not neere her. 

Cur. Your man and you are maruailous merrie fir. 
Will you goe with me, wee'll mend our dinner here ? 

S.Dro. Mafter,if do expect fpoon-meate, or befpeake 
a long fpoone. 

Ant. Why 'Dromio ? 

5. Dro. Marrie he muft haue a long fpoone that muft 
eate with the diuell. 

Ant. Auoid then fiend, what tel'ft thou me of fup- 
Thou art, as you are all a forcereffe : (p'ng f 

I coniure thee to leaue me, and be gon. 

Cur. Giue me the ring of mine you' had at dinner, 
Or for my Diamond the Chaine you promis'd, 
And He be gone fir, and not trouble you. 

S.Dro. Some diuels aske but the parings of ones naile, 



The Comedie of Errors. 



95 



a rufh, a haire, a drop of blood, a pin, a nut, a cherrie- 
ftone : but fhe more couetous, wold haue a chaine: Ma- 
iler be wife, and if you giue it her, the diuell will fhake 
her Chaine, and fright vs with it. 

Cur. I pray you fir my Ring, or elfe the Chaine, 
I hope you do not meane to cheate me fo ? 

Ant. Auant thou witch : Come Dromio let vs go. 

S.Dro. Flie pride faies the Pea-cocke, Miftris that 
you know. Exit. 

Cur. Now out of doubt Antipholus is mad, 
Elfe would he neuer fo demeane himfelfe, 
A Ring he hath of mine worth fortie Duckets, 
And for the fame he promis'd me a Chaine, 
Both one and other he denies me now : 
The reafon that I gather he is mad, 
Befides this prefent inftance of his rage, 
Is a mad tale he told to day at dinner, 
Of his owne doores being fhut againft his entrance. 
Belike his wife acquainted with his fits, 
On purpofe /hut the doores againft his way : 
My way is now to hie home to his houfe, 
And tell his wife, that being Lunaticke, 
He rufh'd into my houfe, and tooke perforce 
My Ring away. This courfe I fitteft choofe, 
For fortie Duckets is too much to loofe. 

Enter Antipholus Ephef. -with a Iailor. 

An. Feare me not man, I will not breake away, 
lie giue thee ere I leaue thee fo much money 
To warrant thee as I am refted for. 
My wife is in a wayward moode to day, 
And will not lightly truft the Meffenger, 
That I mould be attach' d in Ephefus, 
I tell you 'twill found harfhly in her eares. 

Enter Dromio Eph.ivirh a ropes end. 
Heere comes my Man, I thinke he brings the monie. 
How now fir? Haue you that I fent you for ? 

E.Dro. Here's that I warrant you will pay them all. 

Ami. But where's the Money ? 

E. Dro. Why fir, I gaue the Monie for the Rope. 

Ant . Fiue hundred Duckets villaine for a rope ? 

E. 'Dro. He ferue you fir fiue hundred at the rate. 

Ant. To what end did I bid thee hie thee home? 

E.Dro. To a ropes end fir, and to that end am I re- 
turn'd. 

Ant. And to that end fir, I will welcome you. 

Offi. Good fir be patient. 

E. Dro. Nay 'tis for me to be patient, I am in aduer- 
fitie. 

Offi. Good now hold thy tongue. 

E.Dro. Nay, rather perfwade him to hold his hands. 

Ami. Thou whorefon fenfelefie Villaine. 

E. Dro. I would I were fenfelefie fir, that I might 
not feele your blowes. 

cAnti. Thou art fenfible in nothing but blowes, and 
fo is an Affe. 

E. Dro. I am an Affe indeede, you may prooue it by 
my long eares. I haue ferued him from the houre of my 
Natiuitie to this inftant, and haue nothing at his hands 
for my feruice but blowes. When I am cold, he heates 
me with beating : when I am warme, he cooles me with 
beating : I am wak'd with it when I fleepe, rais'd with 
it when I fit, driuen out of doores with it when I goe 
from home, welcom'd home with it when I returne,nay 



95 



I beare it on my fhoulders, as a begger woont her brat : 
and I thinke when he hath lam'd me, I ihall begge with 
it from doore to doore. 



Enter lAdriana, Luciano, Courtizan, and a Schoole- 
majler, call'd Pinch. 

*Ant. Come goe along, my wife is comming yon- 
der. 

E.Dro. Miftris reffice finem, refpect your end, or ra- 
ther the prophefie like the Parrat, beware the ropes end. 

Anti. Wilt thou ftill talke? Beats Dro. 

Curt. How fay you now? Is not your husband mad ? 

Adri. His inciuility confirmes no leffe : 
Good Doftor Pinch, you are a Coniurer, 
Eftablifh him in his true fence againe, 
And I will pleafe you what you will demand. 

Luc. Alas how fiery, and how ftiarpe he lookes. 

Cur. Marke, how he trembles in his extafie. 

Pinch. Giue me your hand, and let mee feele your 
pulfe. 

A.nt. There is my hand, and let it feele your eare. 

Pinch. I charge thee Sathan,hous'd within this man, 
To yeeld pofTefiion to my holie praiers, 
And to thy ftate of darkneffe hie thee ftraight, 
I coniure thee by all the Saints in heauen. 

Anti. Peace doting wizard, peace ; I am not mad. 

Adr. Oh that thou wer't not, poore diftreffed foule. 

Anti. You Minion you, are thefe your Cuftomers ? 
Did this Companion with the faffron face 
Reuell and feaft it at my houfe to day, 
Whil'ft vpon me the guiltie doores were fhut, 
And I denied to enter in my houfe. 

Adr.O husband, God doth know you din'd at home 
Where would you had remain'd vntill this time, 
Free from thefe flanders, and this open fhame. 

Anti. Din'd at home ? Thou Villaine, what fayeft 
thou f 

Dro. Sir footh to fay, you did not dine at home. 

Ant. Were not my doores lockt vp, and I fhut out ? 

Dro. Perdie, your doores were lockt, and you fhut 
out. 

cAnti. And did not fhe her felfe reuile me there ? 

Dro. Sans Fable, fhe her felfe reuil'd you there. 

Anti. Did not her Kitchen maide raile, taunt, and 
fcorne me ? 

Dro. Certis fhe did, the kitchin veftall fcorn'd you. 

Ant. And did not I in rage depart from thence ? 

Dro. In veritie you did, my bones beares witneffe, 
That fince haue felt the vigor of his rage. 

Adr. Is't good to footh him in thefe crontraries? 

Pinch. It is no fhame, the fellow finds his vaine, 
And yeelding to him, humors well his frenfie. 

Ant. Thou haft fubborn'd the Goldfmith to arreft 
mee. 

Adr. Alas, I fent you Monie to redeeme you, 
By Dromio heere, who came in haft for it. 

Dro. Monie by me? Heart and good will you might, 
But furely Mafter not a ragge of Monie. 

Ant. Wentft not thou to her for a purfe of Duckets. 

Adri. He came to me, and I deliuer'd it. 

Luci. And I am witneffe with her that fhe did: 

Dro. God and the Rope-maker beare me witneffe, 
That I was fent for nothing but a rope. 

Pinch. Miftris, both Man and Mafter is poffeft, 
I know it by their pale and deadly lookes, 

They 



96 



The Qome die of Errors. 



They muft be bound and laide in fome darke roome. 

Ant.Say wherefore didft thou locke me forth to day, 
And why doft thou denie the bagge of gold? 

Adr. I did not gentle husband locke thee forth. 

Dro. And gentle M r I receiu'd no gold : 
But I confefTe fir, that we were lock'd out. 

Adr. DifTembling Villain, thou fpeak'ft falfe in both 

cAnt. DifTembling harlot, thou art falfe in all, 
And art confederate with a damned packe, 
To make a loathfome abiect fcorne of me : 
But with thefe nailes, He plucke out thefe falfe eyes, 
That would behold in me this lhamefull fport. 

Enter three orfoure, and offer to binde him: 
Heefiriues. 
Adr. Oh binde him, binde him, let him not come 

Pinch. More company, the fiend is ftrong within him 

Luc. Aye me poore man, how pale and wan he looks. 

Ant. What will you murther me, thou Iailor thou ? 
I am thy prifoner, wilt thou fuffer them to make a ref- 
cue ? 

Offi. Matters let him go : he is my prifoner, and you 
fhall not haue him. 

Pinch. Go binde this man, for he is franticke too. 

aAdr. What wilt thou do, thou peeuifh Officer ? 
Haft thou delight to fee a wretched man 
Do outrage and difpleafure to himfelfe? 

Offi. He is my prifoner, if I let him go, 
The debt he owes will be requir'd of me. 

Adr. I will dilcharge thee ere I go from thee, 
Beare me forthwith vnto his Creditor, 
And knowing how the debt growes I will pay it. 
Good Mafter Dodtor fee him fafe conuey'd 
Home 

*Ant 

T>rc 

Ant, 
mee? 

Dro. Will you be bound for nothing, be mad good 
Mafter, cry the diuell. 

Luc. God helpe poore foules, how idlely doe they 
talke. 

Adr. Go beare him hence, fifter go you with me: 
Say now, whofe fuite is he arretted at? 

Exeunt. Manet Offic. cAdri. Luci. Courtizan 

Off. One zAngelo a Goldfmith, do you know him? 

Adr. I know the man : what is the fumme he owes? 

Off. Two hundred Duckets. 

Adr. Say, how growes it due. 

Off. Due for a Chaine your husband had of him. 

Adr. He did befpeake a Chain for me, but had it not. 

Cur. When as your husband all in rage to day 
Came to my houfe, and teoke away my Ring, 
The Ring I faw vpon his finger now, 
Straight after did I meete him with a Chaine. 

Adr. It may be fo, but I did neuer fee it. - 
Come Iailor, bring me where the Goldfmith is, 
I long to know the truth heereof at large. 

Enter Anttpholui Siracufia with his Rapier draivne, 
and Dromio Sirac. 

Luc. God for thy mercy, they are loofe againe. 
Adr. And come with naked fwords, 
Let's call more helpe to haue them bound againe. 

Runne all oat. 



o my houfe, oh moft vnhappy day. 
Oh moft vnhappie ftrumpet. 
Mafter, I am heere entred in bond for you. 
Out on thee Villaine, wherefore doft thou mad 



Off. Away, they'l kill vs. 

Exeunt omnes, as f aft as may be , frighted. 
S. tJLnt, I fee thefe Witches are aftraid of fwords. 
S.T>ro. She that would be your wife, now ran from 
you. 

cAnt. Come to the Centaur, fetch our ftuffe from 
thence : 
I long that we were fafe and found aboord. 

Dro. Faith ftay heere this night, they will furely do 
vs no harme : you faw they fpeake vs faire, giue vs gold: 
me thinkes they are fuch a gentle Nation , that but for 
the Mountaine of mad flefh that claimes mariage of me, 
I could finde in my heart to ftay heere ftill, and turne 
Witch. 

Ant. I will not ftay to night for all the Townej 
Therefore away, to get our ftuffe aboord . Exeunt 



ABus Quintus. Sccena <P; 



Enter the Merchant and the Goldfmith. 

Gold. I am forry Sir that I haue hindred you, 
But I proteft he had the Chaine of me, 
Though moft difhoneftly he doth denie it. 

Mar. How is the man efteem'd heere in the Citie? 

Gold. Of very reuerent reputation fir, 
Of credit infinite, highly belou'd, 
Second to none that liues heere in the Citie : 
His word might beare mv wealth at any time. 

zMar. Speake foftly, yonder as I thinke he walkes. 

Enter Antipholui and Dromio againe. 

Gold. 'Tis fo : and that felfe chaine about his necke, 
Which he forfwore moft monftroufly to haue. 
Good fir draw neere to me, He fpeake to him : 
Signior Antipholtu, I wonder much 
That you would put me to this fhame and trouble, 
And not without fome fcandall to your felfe, 
With circumftance and oaths, fo to denie 
This Chaine, which now you weare fo openly. 
Befide the charge, the fhame, imprifonment, 
You haue done wrong to this my honeft friend, 
Who but for flaying on our Controuerfie, 
Had hoifted faile, and put to fea to day: 
This Chaine you had of me, can you deny it? 

Ant . I thinke I had, I neuer did deny it. 

Mar. Yes that you did fir, and forfwore it too. 

Ant. Who heard me to denie it or forfweare it? 

Mar .Thefe eares of mine thou knowft did hear thee : 
Fie on thee wretch, 'tis pitty that thou liu'ft 
To walke where any honeft men refort. 

Ant. Thou art a Villaine to impeach me thus, 
lie proue mine honor, and mine honeftie 
Againft thee prefently, if thou dar'ft ftand: 

Mar. I dare and do dene thee for a villaine. 

They draiv. Enter Adriana, Luciana, Courtezan, £? others. 

Adr. Hold, hurt him not for God fake, he is mad, 
Some get within him, take his fword away : 
Binde Dromio too, and beare them to my houfe. 

S.Dro. Runne mafter run, for Gods fake take a houfe, 
This is fome Priorie, in, or we are fpoyl'd. 

Exeunt to the Priorie . 
Enter 



The Qomedie of Errors. 



97 



Enter Ladie Abbeffe. 

Ab. Be quiet people, wherefore throng you hither? 

Adr. To retch my poore diftra&ed husband hence, 
Let vs come in, that we may binde him faft, 
And beare him home for his recouerie. 

Gold. I knew he was not in his perfect wits. 

Mar. I am forry now that I did draw on him. 

Ab. How long hath this poffeffion held the man. 

Adr. This weeke he hath beene heauie, lower fad, 
And much different from the man he was: 
But till this aftemoone his paffion 
Ne're brake into extremity of rage. 

Ab. Hath he not loft much wealth by wrack of fea, 
Buried fome deere friend, hath not elfe his eye 
Stray' d his affection in vnlawfull loue, 
A finne preuailing much in youthfull men, 
Who giue their eies the liberty of gazing. 
Which of thefe forrowes is he fubiedt too? 

Adr. To none of thefe, except it be the laft, 
Namely, fome loue that drew him oft from home. 

Ab. You mould for that haue reprehended him. 

Adr. Why fo I did. 

Ab. I but not rough enough. 

Adr. As roughly as my modeftie would let me. 

Ab. Haply in priuate. 

Adr. And in affemblies too. 

Ab. I, but not enough. 

Adr. It was the copie of our Conference. 
In bed he flept not for my vrging it, 
At boord he fed not for my vrging it: 
Alone, it was the fubiecl: of my Theame : 
In company I often glanced it : 
Still did I tell him, it was vilde and bad. 

Ab, And thereof came it, that the man was mad. 
The venome clamors of a iealous woman, 
Poifons more deadly then a mad dogges tooth. 
It feemes his fleepes were hindred by thy railing, 
And thereof comes it that his head is light. 
Thou faift his meate was fawc'd with thy vpbraidings, 
Vnquiet meales make ill digeftions, 
Thereof the raging fire of feauer bred, 
And what's a Feauer, but a fit of madneffe? 
Thou fayeft his fports were hindred by thy bralles. 
Sweet recreation barr'd, what doth enfue 
But moodie and dull melancholly, 
Kinfman to grim and comfortleffe difpaire, 
And at her heeles a huge infectious troope 
Of pale diftemperatures, and foes to life? 
In food, in fport, and life-preferuing reft 
To be difturb'd, would mad or man, or beaft : 
The confequence is then, thy iealous fits 
Hath fcar'd thy husband from the vfe of wits. 

Luc. She neuer reprehended him but mildely, 
When he demean'd himfelfe, rough, rude,and wildly, 
Why beare you thefe rebukes, and anfwer not? 

Adri. She did betray me to my owne reproofe, 
Good people enter,and lay hold on him. 

Ab. No, not a creature enters in my houfe. 

Ad. Then let your feruants bring my husband forth 

Ab. Neither : he tooke this place for fanctiiary, 
And it mall priuiledge him from your hands, 
Till I haue brought him to his wits againe, 
Or loofe my labour in affaying it. 

Adr. I will attend my husband, be his nurfe, 



Diet his fickneffe, for it is my Office, 

And will haue no atturney but my felfe, 

And therefore let me haue him home with me. 

Ab. Be patient, for I will not let him ftirre, 
Till I haue vs'd the approoued meanes I haue, 
With wholfome firrups, drugges, and holy prayers 
To make of him a formall man againe: 
It is a branch and parcell of mine oath, 
A charitable dutie of my order, 
Therefore depart, and leaue him heere with me. 

Adr. I will not hence, and lerue my husband heere: 
And ill it doth befeeme your holineffe 
To feparate the husband and the wife. 

Ab. Be quiet and depart, thou /halt not haue him. 

Luc. Complaine vnto the Duke of this indignity. 

Adr. Come go, I will fall proftrate at his feete, 
And neuer rife vntill my teares and prayers 
Haue won his grace to come in perfon hither, 
And take perforce my husband from the Abbeffe. 

Mar. By this I thinke the Diall points at fiue: 
Anon I'me fure the Duke himfelfe in perfon 
Comes this way to the melancholly vale ; 
The place of depth, and forrie execution, 
Behinde the ditches of the Abbey heere. 

Gold. Vpon what caufe ? 

Mar. To fee a reuerent Siracufian Merchant, 
Who put vnluckily into this Bay 
Againft the Lawes and Statutes of this Towne, 
Beheaded publikely for his offence. 

Gold. See where they come, we wil behold his death 

Luc. Kneele to the Duke before he paffe the Abbey. 



Enter the Duke of Efhejus, and the Merchant of Siracufe 
bare bead, -with the Headjman, & other 



Duke. Yet once againe proclaime it publikely, 
If any friend will pay the fumme for him, 
He mall not die, fo much we tender him. 

Adr. Iuftice moft facred Duke againft the Abbeffe. 

Duke. She is a vertuous and a reuerend Lady, 
It cannot be that fhe hath done thee wrong. 

Adr. May it pleafe your Grace, Antipholu6 my husbad, 
Who I made Lord of me, and all I had, 
At your important Letters this ill day, 
A moft outragious fit of madneffe tooke him : 
That defp'rately he hurried through the ft'reete, 
With him his bondman, all as mad as he, 
Doing difpleafure to the Citizens, 
By ruining in their houfes : bearing thence 
Rings, Iewels, any thing his rage did like. 
Once did I get him bound, and fent him home, 
Whil'ft to take order for the wrongs I went," 
That heere and there his furie had committed, 
Anon I wot not, by what ftrong efcape 
He broke from thofe that had the guard of him, 
And with his mad attendant and himfelfe, 
Each one with irefull paffion, with drawne fwords 
Met vs againe, and madly bent on vs 
Chac'd vs away : till railing of more aide 
We came againe to binde them : then they fled 
Into this Abbey, whether we purlu'd them, 
And heere the Abbtffe fhuts the gates on vs, 
And will not fuffer vs to fetch him out, 
Nor fend him forth, that we may beare him hence. 

I Therefore 



The Qo?nedie of Errors. 



Therefore moft gracious Duke with thy command, 
Let him be brought forth, and borne hence for helpe. 

Duke. Long fince thy husband feru'd me in my wars 
And I to thee ingag'd a Princes word, 
When thou didft make him Mafter of thy bed, 
To do him all the grace and good I could. 
Go fome of you, knocke at the Abbey gate, 
And bid the Lady Abbeffe come to me : 
I will determine this before I ftirre. 

Enter a Mejfenger. 
Oh Miftris, Miftris, fliift and faue your felfe, 
My Mafter and his man are both broke loofe, 
Beaten the Maids a-row, and bound the DocTror, 
Whofe beard they haue findg'd off with brands of fire, 
And euer as it blaz'd, they threw on him 
Great pailes of puddled myre to quench the haire; 
My M r preaches patience to him, and the while 
His man with Cizers nickes him like a foole : 
And fure (vnleffe you fend fome prefent helpe) 
Betweene them they will kill the Coniurer. 

Adr. Peace foole, thy Mafter and his man are here, 
And that is falfe thou doft report to vs. 

MeJJ'. Miftris, vpon my life I tel you true, 
I haue not breath'd almoft fince I did fee it. 
He cries for you, and vowes if he can take you, 
To fcorch your face, and to disfigure you : 

Cry ivithin. 
Harke, harke, I heare him Miftris : flie, be gone. 

Duke. Come ftand by me,feare nothing: guard with 
Halberds. 

Adr. Ay me, it is my husband : witneffe you, 
That he is borne about inuifible, 
Euen now we hous'd him in the Abbey heere. 
And now he's there, paft thought of humane reafon. 



• cAntipholus , and E . Dromio ofEpbefui. 



(ftice, 



E.Ant. Iuftice moft gracious Duke, oh grant me iu- 
Euen for the feruice that long fmce I did thee, 
When I beftrid thee in the warres, and tooke 
Deepe fcarres to faue thy life ; euen for the blood 
That then I loft for thee, now grant me iuftice. 

eM'ar.Fat. Vnleffe the feare of death doth make me 
dote, I fee my fonne Antipholui and Dromio. 

E.Ant. Iuftice (fweet Prince) againft y Woman there: 
She whom thou gau'ft to me to be my wife; 
That hath abufed and dishonored me, 
Euen in the ftrength and height of iniurie : 
Beyond imagination is the wrong 
That fhe this day hath fhameleffe throwne on me. 

'Duke. Difcouer how, and thou ihalt finde me iuft. 

E.Ant. This day (great Duke) flie fliut the doores 
vpon me, 
While fhe with Harlots feafted in my houfe. 

Duke. A greeuous fault : fay woman, didft thou fo ? 

Adr. No my good Lord. My felfe, he,and my fifter, 
To day did dine together : fo befall my foule, 
As this is falfe he burthens me withall. 

Luc. Nere may I looke on day, nor fleepe on night, 
But fhe tels to your Highneffe fimple truth. 

Gold. O periur'd woman! They are both forfworne, 
In this the Madman iuftly chargeth them. 

E.Ant. My Liege, I am aduifed what I fay, 
Neither difturbed with the effect of Wine, 
Nor headie-rafh prouoak'd with raging ire, 
Albeit my wrongs might make one wifer mad. 



This woman lock'd me out this day from dinner; 

That Goldfmith there, were he not pack'd with her, 

Could witneffe it : for he was with me then, 

Who parted with me to go fetch a Chaine, 

Promiiing to bring it to the Porpentine, 

Where Baltbafar and I did dine together. 

Oar dinner done, and he not comming thither, 

I went to feeke him. In the ftreet I met him, 

And in his companie that Gentleman. 

There did this periur'd Goldfmith fweare me downe, 

That I this day of him receiu'd the Chaine, 

Which God he knowes, I faw not. For the which, 

He did arreft me with an Officer. 

I did obey, and fent my Pefant home 

For certaine Duckets : he with none return'd. 

Then fairely I befpoke the Officer 

To go in perfon with me to my houfe. 

By'th'way, we met my wife, her fifter, and a rabble more 

Of vilde Confederates : Along with them 

They brought one Pinch, a hungry leane-fac'd Villaine ; 

A meere Anatomie, a Mountebanke, 

A thred-bare Iugler, and a Fortune-teller, 

A needy-hollow-ey'd-iharpe-looking-wretch ; 

A liuing dead man. This pernicious flaue, 

Forfooth tooke on him as a Coniurer : 

And gazing in mine eyes, feeling my pulfe, 

And with no-face (as 'twere) out-facing me, 

Cries out, I was poffeft. Then altogether 

They fell vpon me, bound me, bore me thence, 

And in a darke and dankifh vault at home 

There left me and my man, both bound together, 

Till gnawing with my teeth my bonds in funder, 

I gain'd my freedome ; and immediately 

Ran hether to your Grace, whom I befeech 

To giue me ample fatisfaction 

For thefe deepe fhames, and great indignities. 

Gold. My Lord, in truth, thus far I witnes with him : 
That he din'd not at home, but was lock'd out. 

c Duke. But had he fuch a Chaine of thee, or no ? 

Gold. He had my Lord, and when he ran in heere, 
Thefe people faw the Chaine about his necke. 

Mar. Befides, I will be fworne thefe eares of mine, 
Heard you confeffe you had the Chaine of him, 
After you firft forfwore it on the Mart, 
And thereupon I drew my fword on you: 
And then you fled into this Abbey heere, 
From whence I thinke you are come by Miracle. 

E.tAnt. I neuer came within thefe Abbey wals, 
Nor euer didft thou draw thy fword on me : 
I neuer faw the Chaine, fo helpe me heauen: 
And this is falfe you burthen me withall. 

Duke. Why what an intricate impeach is this ? 
I thinke you all haue drunke of Circes cup: 
If heere you hous'd him, heere he would haue bin. 
If he were mad, he would not pleade fo coldly : 
You fay he din'd at home, the Goldfmith heere 
Denies that faying. Sirra, what fay you? 

E.Dro. Sir he din'de with her there,at the Porpen- 
tine. 

Cur. He did, and from my finger fnacht that Ring. 

E.Anti. Tis true (my Liege) this Ring I had of her. 

'Duke. Saw'ft thou him enter at the Abbey heere? 

Curt. As fure ( my Liege) as I do fee your Grace. 

Duke. Why this is ftraunge : Go call the Abbeffe hi- 
ther. 
I thinke you are all mated, or ftarke mad. 

Exit 



The Comedie of Errors. 



99 



Exit one to the Abbejfe. 

Fa. Moft mighty Duke,vouchfafe me fpeak a word: 
Haply I fee a friend will faue my life, 
And pay the fum that may deliuer me. 

Duke. Speake freely Siracufian what thou wilt. 

Fatb. Is not your name fir call'd tAntipbolus} 
And is not that your bondman T>romio ? 

E. 1)ro. Within this houre I was his bondman fir, 
But he I thanke him gnaw'd in two my cords, 
Now am I T>romio, and his man, vnbound . 

Fath. I am fure you both of you remember me. 

"Dro. Our felues we do remember fir by you : 
For lately we were bound as you are now. 
You are not Pinches patient, are you fir ? 

Father. Why looke you ftrange on me ? you know 
me well. 

E.Alt. I neuer faw you in my life till now. 
■Fa.Oh! griefe hath cbang'd me fince you faw me laft, 
And carefull houres with times deformed hand, 
Haue written ftrange defeatures in my face : 
But tell me yet, doft thou not know my voice ? 

Ant. Neither. 

Fat. Dromio, nor thou ? 

Dro. No truft me fir, nor I. 

Fa. I am fure thou doft? 

E. Dromio. I fir, but I am fure I do not, and whatfo- 
euer a man denies, you are now bound to beleeue him. 

Fath. Not know my voice, oh times e tremity 
Haft thou fo crack'd and fplitted my poore tongue 
In feuen fliort yeares, that heere my onely fonne 
Knowes not my feeble key of vntun'd cares? 
Though now this grained face of mine be hid 
In fap-confuming Winters drizled fnow, 
And all the Conduits of my blood froze vp : 
Yet hath my night of life fome memorie : 
My wafting lampes fome fading glimmer left ; 
My dull deafe eares a little vfe to heare : 
All thefe old witnefles, I cannot erre. 
Tell me, thou art my fonne tAntipholw. 

sAnt. I neuer faw my Father in my life. 

Fa. But feuen yeares fince, in Siracuja boy 
Thou know'ft we parted, but perhaps my fonne, 
Thou fliam'ft to acknowledge me in miferie. 

Ant. The Duke, and all that know me in the City, 
Can witnefie with me that it is not fo. 
I ne're faw Siracuja in my life. 

T>uke. I tell thee Siracufian, twentie yeares 
Haue I bin Patron to tAntipholus, 
During which time, he ne're faw Siracuja : 
I fee thy age and dangers make thee dote. 

Enter the Abbejfe -with cAntipholus Siracuja, 
and Dromio Sir. 

Abbejfe. Moft mightie Duke, behold a man much 
wrong'd. 

All gather tojee them. 

Adr. I fee two husbands, or mine eyes deceiue me. 

Duke. One of thefe men is genius to the other : 
And fo of thefe, which is the naturall man , 
And which the fpirit ? Who deciphers them ? 

<S. Dromio. I Sir am Dromio, command him away. 

E.Dro. I Sir am T>romio, pray let me ftay. 

5. Ant. Egeon art thou not? or elfe his ghoft. 



S.Drom. Oh my olde Mafter, who hath bound him 
heere ? 

Abb. Who euer bound him, I will lofe his bonds, 
And gaine a husband by his libertie : 
Speake olde Sgeon, if thou bee'ft the man 
That hadft a wife once call'd vEmilia, 
That bore thee at a burthen two faire fonnes ? 
Oh if thou bee'ft the fame Sgeon, fpeake : 
And fpeake vnto the fame csEmilia. 

Duke. Why heere begins his Morning ftorie right : 
Thefe two Antipholui, thefe two fo like, 
And thefe two Dromio's, one in femblance: 
Befides her vrging of her wracke at fea, 
Thefe are the parents to thefe children, 
Which accidentally are met together. 

Fa. If I dreame not, thou art (^Emilia, 
If thou art ftie, tell me, where is that fonne 
That floated with thee on the fatall rafte. 

Abb. By men of Epidamium, he,and I, 
And the twin T>romio, all were taken vp 5 
But by and by, rude Fiihermen of Corinth 
By force tooke Dromio, and my fonne from them, 
And me they left with thofe of Epidamium. 
What then became of them, I cannot tell : 
I, to this fortune that you fee mee in. 

Duke. Antipbolus thou cam'ft from Qorinth firft. 

S.Ant. No fir, not I, I came from Siracuje. 

Duke. Stay, ftand apart, I know not which is which. 

E. Ant. I came from Corinth my moft gracious Lord 

E.Dro. And I with him. 

E.Ant. Brought to this Town by that moft famous 
Warriour, 
Duke Menaphon, your moft renowned Vnckle. 

Adr. Which of you two did dine with me to day? 

S.tAnt. I, gentle Miftris. 

Adr . And are not you my husband ? 

E. Ant. No, I fay nay to that. 

S. Ant. And fo do I, yet did (he call me fo : 
And this faire Gentlewoman her fifter heere 
Did call me brother. What I told you then, 
I hope I fhall haue leifure to make good, 
If this be not a dreame I fee and heare. 

Goldjmith. That is the Chaine fir, which you had of 
mee. 

S. Ant. I thinke it be fir, I denie it not. 

E.Ant. And you fir for this Chaine arrefted me. 

Qold. I thinke I did fir, I deny it not. 

Adr. I fent you monie fir to be your'baile 
By 'Dromio, but I thinke he brought it not. 

S.Dro. No, none by me. 

S.Ant. This purfe of Duckets I receiu'd from you, 
And Dromio my man did bring them me : 
I fee we ftill did meete each others man, 
And I was tane for him, and he for me, 
And thereupon thefe errors are arofe. 

E.Ant. Thefe Duckets pawne I for my father heere. 

Duke. It (hall not neede, thy father hath his life. 

Cur. Sir I muft haue that Diamond from you. 

E.Ant. There take it, and much thanks for my good 
cheere. 

Abb. Renowned Duke, vouchfafe to take the paines 
To go with vs into the Abbey heere, 
And heare at large difcourfed all our fortunes, 
And all that are aflembled in this place : 
That by this fimpathized one daies error 
Haue fuffer'd wrong. Goe, keepe vs companie, 

I 2 And 



oo 



The Come die of Errors . 



And we fhall make full fatisfa&ion. 

Thirtie three yeares haue I but gone in trauaile 

Of you my fonnes, and till this prefent houre 

My heauie burthen are deliuered : 

The Duke my husband, and my children both, 

And you the Kalenders of their Natiuity, 

Go to a Goffips feaft, and go with mee, 

After fo long greefe fuch Natiuitie. 

Duke. With all my heart, He Goffip at this feaft. 

Exeunt onirics. <3V[anet the tivo Dromtis and 
tivo Brothers. 
S.Dro. Maft.fliall I fetch your ftuffe from fhipbord? 
E.j4n.T)romh,what ftuffe of mine haft thou imbarkt 
S.Dro.Your goods that lay at hoft fir in the Centaur. 
S.Ant. He fpeakes to me, I am your mafter Dromio. 



Come 



go 



ith vs, wee'l looke to that anon, 



Embrace thy brother there, reioyce with him. Exit 

S.Tlro. There is a fat friend at your matters houfe, 
That kitchin'd me for you to day at dinner : 
She now fliall be my fitter, not my wife, 

g.XXMe thinks you are my glaffe,& not my brother : 
I fee by you, I am a fweet-fac'd youth, 
Will you walke in to fee their goffipping* 

S.Dro. Not I fir, you are my elder. 

E.Tlro. That's a queftion,how fhall we trie it. 

S.1)ro. Wee'l draw Cuts for the Signior, till then, 
lead thou fiift. 

S.Dro. Nay then thus : 
We came into the world like brother and brother: 
And now let's go hand in hand, not one before another. 

Exeunt. 



FINIS. 




io: 




Much adoe about Nothing. 

aAttus primus, Scena prima. 



Enter Leonato Gouernour of Meffina, Innogen his •wife, He- 
ro his daughter, and Beatrice hu Neece,iuith a rnejfenger. 

Leonato. 
^Learne in this Letter, that T>on Peter of jirra- 

raHrlb g0 "> comes this n ' sht t0 Me f ! " a - 

iSSIiSR Mejf. He is very neere by. this : he was not 
ii3<Jto*h t h ree leagues off when I left him. 

Leon. How many Gentlemen haue you loft in this 
action ? 

Mejf. But few of any fort, and none of name. 

Leon. A victorie is twice it felfe, when the atchieuer 
brings home full numbers: I finde heere, that Don Pe- 
ter hath bellowed much honor on a yong Florentine, cal- 
led Claudia. 

MeJf.Much deferu'd on his part, and equally remem- 
bred by Don Pedro, he hath borne himfelfe beyond the 
promife of his age, doing in the figure of a Lambe, the 
feats of a Lion, he hath indeede better bettred expecta- 
tion, then you mult expect of me to tell you how. 

Leo. He hath an Vnckle heere in Meffina, wil be very 
much glad of it. 

Mejf. I haue alreadie deliuered him letters, and there 
appeares much ioy in him, euen fo much, that ioy could 
not lhew it lelfe modeft enough, without a badg of bit- 
terneffe. 

Leo. Did he breake out into teares ? 

Mejf. In great meafure. 

Leo. A kinde ouerflow of kindneffe, there are no fa- 
ces truer, then thofe that are fo wafh'd, how much bet- 
ter is it to weepe at ioy, then to ioy at weeping? 

Bea. I pray you, is Signior Mountanta return'd from 
the warres, or no? 

Mejf. I know none of that name, Lady, there was 
none fuch in the armie of any fort. 

Leon. What is he that you aske for Neece ? 

Hero. My coufin meanes Signior Benedick of Padua 

Mejf. O he's return'd, and as pleafant as euer he was. 

Beat. He fet vp his bils here in MeJfina,Sc challeng'd 
Cupid at the Flight: and my Vnckles foole reading the 
Challenge, fubfcrib'd for Cupid, and challeng'd him at 
the Burbolt. I pray you, how many hath hee kil'd and 
eaten in thefe warres? But how many hath he kil'd? for 
indeed, I promis'd to eate all of his killing. 

Leon. 'Faith Neece, you taxe Signior Benedicke too 
much, but hee'l be meet with you, I doubt it not. 

MeJJ.Be hath done good feruice Lady in thefe wars. 

Beat. You had mufty victuall, and he hath holpe to 
ease it : he's a very valiant Trencher-man, hee hath an 
excellent ftomacke. 



Mejf. And a good fouldier too Lady. 

Beat. And a good fouldier to a Lady. But what is he 
to a Lord ? 

Mejf. A Lord to a Lord, a man to a man, ftuft with 
all honourable vertues. 

Beat, It is fo indeed, he is no leffe then a ftuft man : 
but for the fluffing well, we are all mortall. 

Leon. You muft not (fir) miftake my Neece, there is 
a kind of merry war betwixt Signior Benedick, & her : 
they neuer meet, but there's a skirmifh of wit between 
them. 

Bea. Alas, he gets nothing by that. In our laft con- 
flict, foure of his fiue wits went halting off, and now is 
the whole man gouern'd with one : fo that if hee haue 
wit enough to keepe himfelfe warme, let him beare it 
for a difference betweene himfelfe and his horfe : For it 
is all the wealth that he hath left, to be knowne a reafo- 
nable creature. Who is his companion now? He hath 
euery month a new fworne brother. 

Mejf. I'st poffible ? 

Beat. Very eafily poffible : he weares his faith but as 
the fafhion of his hat, it euer changes with y next block. 

cMeJf. I fee (Lady) the Gentleman is not in your 
bookes. 

''Bea. No, and he were, I would burne my ftudy. But 
I pray you, who is his companion ? Is there no young 
fquarer now, that will make a voyage with him to the 
diuell? 

zMeJf. He is moft in the company of the right noble 
Claudia. 

<Beat. O Lord, he will hang vpon him like a difeafe : 
he is fooner caught then the peftilence,- and the taker 
runs prefently mad. God helpe the noble Claudia, if hee 
haue caught the Benedict, it will coft him a thoufand 
pound ere he be cur'd. 

Mejf. I will hold friends with you Lady. 

Bea. Do good friend. 

Leo. You'l ne're run mad Neece. 

Bea. No, not till a hot Ianuary. 

Mejf. Don Pedro is approach'd. 

Enter don Pedro,Claudio,Benedicke,Balthafar, 
and lohn the baftard. 
Pedro. Good Signior Leonato, you are come to meet 
your trouble : the fafhion of the world is to auoid coft, 
and you encounter it. 

Leon. Neuer came trouble to my houfe in the likenes 
of your Grace : for trouble being gone, comfort fhould 
remaine: but when you depart from me,forrow abides, 
and happineffe takes his Ieaue. 

W I 3 Pedro. 



102 



Much adoe about Nothing. 



Pedro. You embrace your charge too willingly : I 
thinke this is your daughter. 

Leonato. Her mother hath many times told me fo. 

Bened. Were you in doubt that you askt her ? 

Leonato. Signior Benedicke, no, for then were you a 
childe. 

Pedro. You haue it full Benedicke, we may gheffe by 
this, what you are, being a man, truely the Lady fathers 
her lelfe : be happie Lady, for you are like an honorable 
father. 

Ben. If Signior Leonato be her father, me would not 
haue his head on her moulders for al Meffina,as like him 
as fhe is. 

"Beat. I wonder that you will ftill be talking, fignior 
Benedicke, no body markes you. 

Ben. What my deere Ladie Difdaine ! are you yet 
liuing ? 

Beat. Is it poffible Difdaine mould die, while fhee 
hath fuch meete foode to feede it, as Signior Benedicke? 
Curtefie it felfe muft conuert to Difdaine, if you come in 
her prefence. 

"Bene. Then is curtefie a turne-coate, but it is cer- 
taine I am loued of all Ladies, onely you excepted : and 
I would I could finde in my heart that I had not a hard 
heart, for truely I loue none. 

Beat. A deere happineffe to women, they would elfe 
haue beene troubled with a pernitiuus Suter, I thanke 
God and my cold blood, I am of your humour for that, I 
had rather heare my Dog barke at a Crow, than a man 
fweare he loues me. 

'Bene. God keepe your Ladifhip ftill in that minde, 
fo fome Gentleman or other mall fcape a predeftinate 
fcratcht face. 

Beat. Scratching could not make it worfe,and 'twere 
fuch a face as yours were. 

'Bene. Well, you are a rare Parrat teacher. 

Beat. A bird of my tongue, is better than a bead of 
your. 

Ben. I would my horfe had the fpeed of your tongue, 
and fo good a continuer, but keepe your way a Gods 
name, I haue done. 

Beat. You alwaies end with a lades tricke, I know 
you of old. 

Pedro. This is the fumme of all: Leonato, fignior Qlau- 
dio,3nd fignior Benedicke; my deere friend Leonato, hath 
inuited you all, I tell him we fhall ftay here, at the leaft 
a moneth, and he heartily praies fome occafion may de- 
taine vs longer : I dare fweare hee is no hypocrite, but 
praies from his heart. 

Leon. If you fweare, my Lord, you fhall not be for- 
fworne, let mee bid you welcome, my Lord, being re- 
conciled to the Prince your brother : I owe you all 
duetie. 

lohn. I thanke you, I am not of many words, but I 
thanke you. 

Leon. Pleafe it your grace leade on f 

Pedro. Your hand Leonato,we will goe together. 
Exeunt. Manet Benedicke and C/audio. 

Clau. Benedicke, didft thou note the daughter of fig- 
nior Leonato ? 

Bene. I noted her not, but I lookt on her. 

Clau. Is ftie not a modeft yong Ladie ? 

Bene. Doe you queftion me as an honeft man fhould 
doe, for my fimple true iudgement ? or would you haue 
me fpeake after my cuftome, as being a profeffed tyrant 
to their fexe ? 



Clau. No, I pray thee fpeake in fober iudgement. 

'Bene: Why yfaith me thinks fhee's too low for a hie 
praife,too browne for a faire praife, and too little for a 
great praife, onely this commendation I can affoord her, 
that were fhee other then fhe is, fhe were vnhandfome, 
and being no other, but as fhe is, I doe not like her. 

Clau. Thou think'ft I am in fport, I pray thee tell me 
truely how thou lik'ft her. 

'Bene. Would you buie her, that you enquier after 
her? 

Clau. Can the world buie fuch a iewell? 

Ben. Yea, and a cafe to put it into, but fpeake you this 
with a fad brow? Or doe you play the flowting iacke,to 
tell vs Cupid is a good Hare-finder, and Vulcan a rare 
Carpenter : Come, in what key fhall aman take you to 
goe in the fong ? 

Clau. In mine eie, me is the fweeteft Ladie that euer 
I lookt on. 

Bene. I can fee yet without fpe&acles, and I fee no 
fuch matter : there's her cofin, and fhe were not poffeft 
with a furie, exceedes her as much in beautie, as the firft 
of Maie doth the laft of December : but I hope you haue 
no intent to turne husband, haue you? 

Clau. I would fcarce truft my felfe, though I had 
fworne the contrarie, if Hero would be my wife. 

'Bene. Ift come to this? in faith hath not the world one 
man but he will weare his cap with fufpition ? fhall I ne- 
uer fee a batcheller of three fcore againe ? goe to yfaith, 
and thou wilt needes thruft thy necke into a yoke, weare 
the print of it, and figh away fundaies : looke, don Pedro 
is returned to feeke you. 

Enter don Pedro, lohn the baftard. 

Pedr. What fecret hath held you here, that you fol- 
lowed not to Leonatoes? 

Bened. I would your Grace would conftraine mee to 
tell. 

Pedro. I charge thee on thy allegeance. 

Ben. You heare, Count Claudio, I can be fecret as a 
dumbe man, I would haue you thinke fo (but on my al- 
legiance, marke you this, on my allegiance) hee is in 
loue, With who ? now that is your Graces part : marke 
how fhort his anfwere is, with Hero, Leonatoes fhort 
daughter. 

Clau. If this were fo,fo were it vttred. 

Bened. Like the old tale, my Lord, it is not fo, nor 'twas 
not fo : but indeede, God forbid it fhould be fo. 

Clau. If my paffion change not fhortly, God forbid it 
ihould be otherwife. 

Pedro. Amen, if you loue her, for the Ladie is verie 
well worthie. 

Clau. You fpeake this to fetch me in, my Lord. 

Pedr. By my troth I fpeake my thought. 

Clau. And in faith, my Lord, I ipoke mine. 

Bened. And by my two faiths and troths, my Lord, I 
fpeake mine. 
* Clau. That I loue her, I feele. 

Pedr. That fhe is worthie, I know. 

Bened. That I neither feele how Ihee ihould be lo- 
ued , nor know how ihee (hould be worthie, is the 
opinion that fire cannot melt out of me, I will die in it at 
the ftake. 

Pedr.Thou waft euer an obftinate heretique in the de- 
fpight of Beautie. 

Clau. And neuer could maintaine his part, but in the 
force of his will. 

Bene. That 



<EMuch adoe about Soothing. 



ikn.That a woman concerned me, I thanke her : that 
me brought mee vp, I likewife giue her moft humble 
thankes : but that I will haue a rechate winded in my 
forehead, or hang my bugle in an inuifible baldricke,all 
women mall pardon me: becaufe I will not do them the 
wrong to miftruft any, I will doe my felfe the right to 
truft none : and the fine is, (for the which I may goe the 
finer) I will liue a Batchellor. 

Pedro. I fhall fee thee ere I die, looke pale with loue. 

Bene. With anger, with fickneffe, or with hunger, 
my Lord, not with loue ; proue that euer I loofe more 
blood with loue, then I will get againe with drinking, 
picke out mine eyes with a Ballet-makers penne, and 
hang me vp at the doore of a brothel-houfe for the figne 
of blinde Cupid. 

Pedro. Well, if euer thou dooft fall from this faith, 
thou wilt proue a notable argument. 

Bene. If I do, hang me in a bottle like a Cat,& moot 
at me, and he that hit's me, let him be clapt on the ihoul- 
der, and cal'd Adam. 

Pedro. Well, as time mall trie : In time the fauage 
Bull doth beare tne yoake. 

Bene. The iauage bull may, but if euer the fenfible 
Benedicke beare it, plucke off" the bulks homes, and fet 
them in my forehead, and let me be vildely painted, and 
in fuch great Letters as they write, heere is good horfe 
to hire : let them fignifie vnder my figne, here you may 
fee Benedicke the married man. 

Clau. If this mould euer happen, thou wouldft bee 
home mad. 

Pedro. Nay,if Cupid haue not fpent all his Qumer in 
Venice, thou wilt quake for this mortly. 

Bene. I looke for an earthquake too then. 

Pedro. Well, you will temporize with the houres, in 
the meane time, good Signior Benedicke, repaire to Leo- 
natoes, commend me to him, and tell him I will not faile 
him at fupper, for indeede he hath made great prepara- 
tion. 

'Bene. I haue almoft matter enough in me for fuch an 
Embaffage, and fo I commit you. 

Clau. To the tuition of God. From my houfe, if I 
had it. 

Pedro. The fixt of Iuly.Your louing friend, Benedick. 

Bene. Nay mocke net, mocke not ; the body of your 
difcourfe is fometime guarded with fragments, and the 
guardes are but flightly bafted on neither, ere you flout 
old ends any further, examine your confeience, and fo I 
leaue you. Exit. 

Clau. My Liege, your Highnefle now may doe mee 
good. 

Pedro. My loue is thine to teach, teach it but how, 
And thou flialt fee how apt it is to learne 
Any hard Leffbn that may do thee good. 

Clau. Hath Leonato any fonne my Lord ? 

Pedro. No childe but Hero, fhe's his onely heire. 
Doft thou affect her Qlaudio} 

Clau. O my Lord, 
When you went onward on this ended action, 
I look'd vpon her with a fouldiers eie, 
That lik'd, but had a rougher taske in hand, 
Than to driue liking to the name of loue: 
But now I am return'd, and that warre-thoughts 
Haue left their places vaca'nt : in their roomes, 
Come thronging foft and delicate defires, 
All prompting mee how faire yong Hero is, 
Saying I lik'd her ere I went to warres. 



Pedro. Thou wilt be like a louer prefently, 
And tire the hearer with a booke of words: 
If thou doft loue faire Hero, cherifii it, 
And I will breake with her : waft not to this end, 
That thou beganft to twift fo fine a ftory ? 

Clau. How fweetly doe you minifter to loue, 
That know loues griefe by his complexion ! 
But left my liking might too fodaine feeme, 
I would haue falu'd it with a longer treadle. 

Ped. What need y bridge much broder then the flood? 
The faireft graunt is the neceffitie : 
Looke what will ferue,is fit : 'tis once, thou loueft, 
And I will fit thee with the remedie, 
I know we fhall haue reuelling to night, 
1 will affume thy part in fome difguife, 
And tell faire Hero I am Claudia, 
And in her bofome He vnclafpe my heart, 
And take her hearing prifoner with the force 
And ftrong incounter of my amorous tale : 
Then after, to her father will I breake, 
And the conclufion is, fhee fhall be thine, 
In practife let vs put it prefently. Exeunt. 

Enter Leonato and an old man, brother to Leonato. 

Leo. How now brother, where is my cofen your fon : 
hath he prouided this muficke? 

Old. He is very bufie about it, but brother, I can tell 
you newes that you yet dreamt not of. 

Lo. Are they good ? 

Old. As the euents ftamps them, but they haue a good 
couer : they ihew well outward, the Prince and Count 
Claudia walking in a thick pleached alley in my orchard, 
were thus ouer-heard by a man of mine : the Prince dif- 
couered to Claudia that hee loued my niece your daugh- 
ter, and meant to acknowledge it this night in a dance, 
and if hee found her accordant, hee meant to take the 
prefent time by the top , and inftantly breake with you 
of it. 

Leo. Hath the fellow any wit that told you this? 

Old. A good lharpe fellow, I will fend for him , and 
queftion him your felfe. 

Leo. No, no; wee will hold it as a dreame, till it ap- 
peare it felfe : but I will acquaint my daughter withall , 
that fhe may be the better prepared for an anfwer,if per- 
aduenture this bee true : goe you and tell her of it : coo- 
fins, you know what you haue to doe, O I crie you mer- 
cie friend, goe you with mee and I will vfe your skill, 
good cofin haue a care this bufie time. Exeunt. 

Enter Sir Iohn the Bajlard,and Conrade his companion. 

Con. What the good yeere my Lord , why are you 
thus out of meafure fad ? 

Ioh. There is no meafure in the occafion that breeds, 
therefore the fadnefie is without limit. 

Con. You (hould heare reafon. 

Iohn. And when I haue heard it, what blefling brin- 
geth it ? 

Con. If not a prefent remedy, yet a patient fufferance. 

Ioh. I wonder that thou (being as thou faift thou art, 
borne vnder Saturne) goeft about to apply a morall me- 
dicine, to a mortifying mifchiefe : I cannot hide what I 
am : I muft bee fad when I haue caufe, and fmile at no 
mans iefts, eat when I haue ftomacke, and wait for no 
mans leifure : fleepe when I am drowfie, and tend on no 
mans bufinefie, laugh when I am merry, and claw no man 
in his humor. 

Con. Yea, but you muft not make the ful fliow of this, 
till you may doe it without controllment, you haue of 

late 



104 



^Much adoe about Soothing. 



late flood out againft your brother, and hee hath tane 
you newly into his grace , where it is impoffible you 
fliould take root, but by the faire weather that you make 
your felfe,it is needful that you frame the feafon for your 
owne harueft. 

Iohn. I had rather be a canker in a hedge, then a rofe 
in his grace,and it better fits my bloud to be difdain'd of 
all, then to fafhion a carriage to rob loue from any: in this 
(though I cannot be faid to be a flattering honeft man ) 
it muft not be denied but I am a plaine dealing villaine, I 
am trufted with a muflell , and enfranchifde with a clog, 
therefore I haue decreed, not to fing in my cage : if I had 
my mouth, I would bite : if I had my liberty, I would do 
my liking : in the meane time, let me be that I am , and 
feeke not to alter me. 

Con. Can you make no vfe of your difcontent? 

Iohn. I will make all vfe of it, for I vfe it onely. 
Who comes here ? what newes Borachio ? 

Enter c Borackio. 

Bor. I came yonder from a great fupper, the Prince 
your brother is royally entertained by Leonato, and I can 
giue you intelligence of an intended marriage. 

Iohn. Will it ferue for any Modell to build mifchiefe 
on ? What is hee for a foole that betrothes himfelfe to 
vnquietnefTe ? 

Bor. Mary it is your brothers right hand. 

Iohn. Who, the moft exquifite Claudiof 

'Bor. Euen he. 

Iohn. A proper fquier, and who,and who, which way 
lookes he ? 

Bor. Mary on Hero, the daughter and Heire of Leo- 
nato. 

Iohn. A very forward March-chicke, how came you 
to this f 

Bor. Being entertain'd for a perfumer,as I was fmoa- 
king a mufty roome , comes me the Prince and Claudia, 
hand in hand in fad conference: I whipt behind the Ar- 
ras, and there heard it agreed vpon,that the Prince fliould 
wooe Hero for himfelfe, and hauing obtain'd her, giue 
her to Count Claudio. 

Iohn. Come,come,let vs thither, this may proue food 
to my difpleafure, that young ftart-vp hath all the glorie 
of my ouerthrow : if I can crofle him any way, I blefle 
my lelfe euery way, you are both fure, and will afiift 
mee? 

Conr. To the death my Lord. 

Iohn. Let vs to the great fupper, their cheere is the 
greater that I am fubdued, would the Cooke were of my 
minde:ftiall we goe proue whats to be done? 

Bor. Wee'll wait vpon your Lordfliip. 

Exeunt. 



qABus Secundus. 



Enter Leonato, his brother, his ivife, Hero his daughter, and 
Beatrice his neece,and a kinfman. 

Leonato. Was not Count Iohn here at fupper? 
Brother. I fiw him not. 

Beatrice. How tartly that Gentleman lookes, I neuer 
can lee him, but I am heart-burn'd an howre after. 
Hero. He is of a very melancholy difpofition. 



'Beatrice. Hee were an excellent man that were made 
iuft in the mid- way betweene him and Bencdicie,the one 
is too like an image and faies nothing, and the other too 
like my Ladies eldeft fonne, euermore tatling. 

Leon. Then halfe fignior benedicks tongue in Count 
Iohns mouth, and halfe Count Iohns melancholy in Sig- 
nior "Benedicks face. 

Beat. With a good legge,and a good foot vnckle,and 
money enough in his purie, fuch a man would winne any 
woman in the world, if he could get her good will. 

Leon. By my troth Neece, thou wilt neuer get thee a 
husband, if thou be fo fhrewd of thy tongue. 

Brother. Infaith fliee's too curft. 

Beat. Too curft is more then curft, I fliall leflen Gods 
fending that way: for it is faid , God fends a curft Cow 
ftiort hornes,but to a Cow too curft he fends none. 

Leon. So, by being too curft, God will fend you no 
homes. 

Beat. Iuft, if he fend me no husband, for the which 
bleffing,I am at him vpon my knees euery morning and 
euening : Lord, I could not endure a husband with a 
beard on his face, I had rather lie in the woollen. 

Leonato. You may light vpon a husband that hath no 
beard. 

Batrice. What fliould I doe with him ? drefTe him in 
my apparell, and make him my waiting gentle woman?he 
that hath a beard, is more then a youth : and he that hath 
no beard, is leife then a man : and hee that is more then a 
youth, is not for mee : and he that is leffe then a man, I am 
not for him: therefore I will euen take fixepence in ear- 
ned of the Berrord,and leade his Apes into hell. 

Leon. Well then, goe you into hell. 

Beat. No, but to the gate, and there will the Deuill 
meete mee like an old Cuckold with homes on his head, 
and fay, get you to heauen Beatrice, get you to heauen , 
heere's no place for you maids, fo deliuer I vp my Apes, 
and away to S. Peter : for the heauens, hee fliewes mee 
where the Batchellers fit , and there Hue wee as merry as 
the day is long. 

Brother. Well neece, I truft you will be rul'd by your 
father. 

Beatrice. Yes faith, it is my cofens dutie to make curt- 
fie,and fay, as it pleafe you : but yet for all that cofin, let 
him be a handfome fellow, or elfe make an other curfie, 
and fay, father, as it pleafe me. 

Leonato Well neece, I hope to fee you one day fitted 
with a husband. 

Beatrice. Not till God make men of fome other met- 
tall then earth, would it not grieue a woman to be ouer- 
maftred with a peece of valiant duft'f to make account of 
her life to a clod of waiward marie ? no vnckle, ile none : 
Adams fonnes are my brethren, and truly 1 hold it a finne 
to match in my kinred. 

Leon. Daughter, remember what I told you, if the 
Prince doe folicit you in that kinde, you know your an- 
fwere. 

Beatrice. The fault will be in the muficke cofin, if you 
be not woed in good time : if the Prince bee too impor- 
tant, tell him there is meafure in euery thing, & fo dance 
out the anfwere,for heare me Hero, wooing, wedding, & 
repenting, is as a Scotch ijgge, a meafure, and a cinque- 
pace : the firft fuite is hot and hafty like a Scotch ijgge 
(and full as fantafticall) the wedding manerly modeft, 
fas a meafure) full of ftate & aunchentry,and then comes 
repentance, and with his bad legs falls into the cinque- 
pace fafter and ("after, till he finkes into his graue. 

Leonato. 






3VLuch adoe about ZN^pthing. 



io 5 



Leonata. Cofin you apprehend paffing mrewdly. 
Beatrice. I haue a good eye vnckle,I can fee a Church 
by daylight. 

Leon. The reuellers are entring brother , make good 



Enter Prince, Pedro, Claudio,and Benedicke,and Balthajar, 

or dumbe Iohn, Maskers with a drum. 

Pedro. Lady, will you walke about with your friend? 

Hero. So you walke foftly,and looke fweetly, and fay 
nothing, I am yours for the walke, and efpecially when I 
walke away. 

Pedro. With me in your company. 

Hero. I may fay fo when I pleafe. 

Pedro. And when pleafe you to fay fo ? 

Hero. When I like your fauour , for God defend the 
Lute mould be like the cafe. 

Pedro. My vifor is Philemons roofe , within the houfe 
is Loue. 

Hero. Why then your vifor mould be thatcht. 

Pedro. Speake low if you fpeake Loue. 

Bene. Well, I would you did like me. 

<£War. So would not I for .your owne fake, for I haue 
manie ill qualities. 

Bene. Which is one ? 

Mar. I fay my prayers alowd. 

Ben. I loue you the better , the hearers may cry Amen. 

Mar. God match me with a good dauncer. 

Bait. Amen. 

Mar. And God keepe him out of my fight when the ' 
daunce is done : anfwer Clarke. 

'Bait. No more words, the Clarke is anfwered. 

Vrjula. I know you well enough,you are Signior An- 
thonio. 

Anth. At a word , I am not. 

Vrjula. I know you by the wagling of your head. 

Anth. To tell you true, I counterfet him. 

Vrju. You could neuer doe him fo ill well , vnleffe 
you were the very man : here's his dry hand vp & down, 
you are he, you are he. 

Anth. At a word I am not. 

Vrjula. Come, come, doe you thinke I doe not know 
you by your excellent wit? can vertue hide it felfe i goe 
to, mumme, you are he, graces will appeare , and there's 
an end. 

Beat. Will you not tell me who told you fo ? 

Bene. No, you mall pardon me. 

Beat. Nor will you not tell me who you are i 

Bened. Not now. 

Beat. That I was difdainfull, and that I had my good 
wit out of the hundred merry tales.: well, this was Signi- 
or Benedicke that faid fo. 

Bene. What's he ? 

Beat. I am fure you know him well enough. 

Bene. Not I, beleeue me. 

Beat. Did he neuer make you laugh ? 

'Bene. I pray you what is he f 

Beat. Why he is the Princes ieafter,a very dull foole, 
onely his gift is , in deuifing impofsible (landers , none 
but Libertines delight in him, and the commendation is 
not in his witte, but in his villanie, for hee both pleafeth 
men and angers them, and then they laugh at him, and 
beat him : I am fure he is in the Fleet , I would he had 
boorded me. 

Bene. When I know the Gentleman, He tell him what 
you fay. 



Beat. Do, do, hee'l but breake a comparifon or two 
on me, which peraduenture (not markt, or not laugh'd 
at) ftrikes him into melancholly, and then there's a Par- 
tridge wing faued, for the foole will eate no fupper that 
night. We muft follow the Leaders. 

Ben. In euery good thing. 

Bea. Nay, if they leade to any ill, I will leaue them 
at the next turning. Exeunt. 

Mufickefor the dance. 

Iohn. Sure my brother is amorous on Hero, and hath 
withdrawne her father to breake with him about it: the 
Ladies follow her,and but one vifor remaines. 

Borachio. And that is Qlaudio,l know him by his bea- 
ring. 

Iohn. Axe. not you fignior Benedicke} 

Clau. You know me well, 1 am hee. 

Iohn. Signior, you are verie neere my Brother in his 
loue, he is enamor'd on Hero, I pray you difTwade him 
from her, fhe is no equall for his birth : you may do the 
part of an honeft man in it. 

Claudia. How know you he loues her ? 

Iohn. I heard him fweare his affection, 

Bor. So did I too, and he fwore he would marrie her 
to night. 

Iohn. Come, let vs to the banquet. Ex.manet Qlau. 

Clau. Thus anfwere I in name of Benedicke, 
But heare thefe ill newes with the eares of Claudia: 
'Tis certaine fo, the Prince woes for himfelfe : 
Friendship is conftant in all other things, 
Saue in the Office and affaires of loue : 
Therefore all hearts in loue vfe their owne tongues. 
Let euerie eye negotiate for it felfe, 
And truft no Agent : for beautie is a witch, 
Againft whofe charmes, faith melteth into blood : 
This is an accident of hourely proofe, 
Which I miftrufted not. Farewell therefore Hero. 
Enter Benedicke. 

Ben. Count Claudia. 

Clau. Yea, the fame. 

lien. Come, will you go with me ? 

Clau. Whither? 

'Ben. Euen to the next Willow, about your own bu- 
fineffe, Count. What faihion will you weare the Gar- 
land off? About your necke, like an Vfurers chaine ? Or 
vnder your arme, like a Lieutenants fcarfe ? You muft 
weare it one way, for the Prince hath got your Hero. 

Clau: I wifh him ioy of her. 

Ben. Why that's fpoken like an horteft Drouier, fo 
they fel Bullockes : but did you thinke the Prince wold 
haue ferued you thus? 

Clau. I pray you leaue me. 

Ben. Ho now you ftrike like the blindman, 'twas the 
boy that ftole your meate, and you'l beat the poft. 

Clau. If it will not be, He leaue you. Exit. 

Ben. Alas poore hurt fowle, now will he creepe into 
fedges : But that my Ladie Beatrice mould know me, & 
not know me : the Princes foole! Hah? It may be I goe 
vnder that title, becaufe I am merrie : yea but fo I am 
apt to do my felfe wrong : I am not fo reputed, it is the 
bafe (though bitter) difpofition of Beatrice, that putt's 
the world into her perfon, and fo giues me out: well, He 
be reuenged as I may. 

Enter the Prince. 
Pedro- Now Signior, where's the Count, did you 
fee him f 

'Ben- 



io6 



<£Mucb adoe about thQothing. 



Bene. Troth my Lord, I haue played the part of Lady 
Fame, I found him heere as melancholy as a Lodge in a 
Warren, I told him, and I thinke,told him true, that your 
grace had got the will of this young Lady, and I offered 
him my company to a willow tree, either to make him a 
garland, as being forfaken,or to binde him a rod, as be- 
ing worthy to be whipt. 
• Pedro. To be whipt, what's his fault? 

Bene. The flat tranfgreflion of a Schoole-boy, who 
being ouer-ioyed with finding a birds neft, fhewes it his 
companion, and he fteales it. 

Pedro. Wilt thou make a truft, a tranfgreflion ? the 
tranfgreflion is in the ftealer. 

Ben. Yet it had not beene amifie the rod had beene 
made, and the garland too, for the garland he might haue 
worne himfelfe,and the rod hee might haue beftowed on 
you,who(as I take it)haue ftolne his birds neft. 

Pedro. I will but teach them to ling, and reftore them 
to the owner. 

Bene. If their ringing anfwer your faying,by my faith 
you fay honeftly. 

Pedro. The Lady Beatrice hath a quarrell to you , the 
Gentleman that daunft with her , told her fhee is much 
wrong' d by you. 

Bene. O ihe mifufde me paft the indurance of a block: 
an oake but with one greene leafe on it, would haue an- 
fwered her: my very vifor began to affume life, and fcold 
with her : mee told mee , not thinking I had beene my 
felfe, that I was the Princes Iefter, and that I was duller 
then a great thaw, hudling ieft vpon ieft , with fuch im- 
poflible conueiance vpon me, that I flood like a man at a 
marke, with a whole army mooting at me : fhee fpeakes 
poynyards, and euery word ftabbes : if her breath were 
as terrible as terminations, there were no liuing neere 
her, (he would infect to the north ftarre : I would not 
marry her,though ihe were indowed with all that Adam 
had left him before he tranfgreft, me would haue made 
Hercules haue turnd fpit, yea, and haue cleft his club to 
make the fire too: come, talke not of her, you mail finde 
her the infernall Ate in good apparell. I would to God 
fome icholler would coniure her,for certainely while fhe 
is heere, a man may liue as quiet in hell,as in a fanftuary, 
and people finne vpon purpofe, becaufe they would goe 
thither, fo indeed all difquiet, horror, and perturbation 
followes her. 

Enter Claudia and Beatrice, Leonato, Hero. 

Pedro. Looke heere me comes. 

Bene. Will your Grace command mee any feruice to 
the worlds end ? I will goe on the (lighted arrand now 
to the Antypodes that you can deuife to fend me on : I 
will fetch you a tooth-picker now from the furtheft inch 
of Afia : bring you the length of Prejier Iobns foot: fetch 
you a hayre off the great Qhatns beard : doe you any em- 
bnffage to the Pigmies, rather then hould three words 
conference, with this Harpy : you haue no employment 
for me ? 

Pedro. None, but to defire your good company. 

Bene. O God fir,heeres a dim I loue not, I cannot in- 
dure this Lady tongue. Exit. 

Pedr. Come Lady, come, you haue loft the heart of 
Signior 'Benedicke. 

Beatr. Indeed my Lord, hee lent it me a while, and I 
gaue him vfe for it, a double heart for a fingle one, marry 
once before he wonne it of mee, with falfe dice, therefore 
your Grace may well fay I haue loft it. 



Pedro. You haue put him downe Lady,you haue put 
him downe. 

Beat. So I would not he mould do me, my Lord, left 
I mould prooue the mother of fooles : I haue brought 
Count Claudia, whom you fent me to feeke. 

Pedro. Why how now Count, wherfore are you fad? 

Claud. Not fad my Lord. 

Pedro. How then ? ficke P 

Claud. Neither, my Lord. 

Beat. The Count is neither fad, nor ficke, nor merry, 
nor well: but ciuill Count,ciuill as an Orange,and fome- 
thing of a iealous complexion. 

Pedro. Ifaith Lady, I thinke your blazon to be true, 
though He be fworne, if hee be fo, his conceit is falfe : 
heere Claudia, 1 haue wooed in thy name , and faire Hero 
is won , I haue broke with her father, and his good will 
obtained, name the day of marriage, and God giue 
thee ioy. 

Leona. Count, take of me my daughter, and with her 
my fortunes : his grace hath made the match, & all grace 
fay, Amen to it. 

Beatr. Speake Count, tis your Qu. 

Claud. Silence is the perfecteft Herault of ioy, I were 
but little happy if I could fay, how much ? Lady, as you 
are mine, I am yours, I giue away my felfe for you, and 
doat vpon the exchange. 

Beat. Speake cofin, or (if you cannot) flop his mouth 
with a kiffe, and let not him fpeake neither. 

Pedro. Infaith Lady you haue a merry heart. 
• Beatr. Yea my Lord I thanke it,poore foole it keepes 
on the windy fide of Care, my coofin tells him in his eare 
that he is in my heart. 

Clau. And fo me doth coofin. 

Beat. Good Lord for alliance : thus goes euery one 
to the world but I, and lam fun-burn'd,I may fit in a cor- 
ner and cry, heigh ho for a husband. 

Pedro. Lady Beatrice, I will get you one. 

Beat. I would rather haue one of your fathers getting: 
hath your Grace ne're a brother like you ? your father 
got excellent husbands, if a maid could come by them. 

Prince. Will you haue me ? Lady. 

"Beat. No, my Lord, vnleffe I might haue another for 
working-daies, your Grace is too coftly to weare euerie 
day : but I befeech your Grace pardon mee, I was borne 
to fpeake all mirth, and no matter. 

Prince. Your filence moft offends me, and to be mer- 
ry, beft becomes you, for out of queftion,you were born 
in a merry howre. 

'Beatr. No fure my Lord, my Mother cried, but then 
there was a ftarre daunft, and vnder that was I borne :co- 
fins God giue you ioy. 

Leonato. Neece,will you looke to thofe rhings I told 
you of? 

Beat. I cry you mercy Vncle,by your Graces pardon. 
Exit Beatrice. 

Prince. By my troth a pleafant fpirited Lady. 

Leon. There's little of the melancholy element in her 
my Lord, fhe is neuer fad, but when me fieepes, and not 
euer fad then:for I haue heard my daughter fay, fhe hath 
often dreamt of vnhappinefle, and wakt her felfe with 
laughing. 

Pedro. Shee cannot indure to heare tell of a husband. 

Leonato. O, by no meanes, fhe mocks all her wooers 
out of fuite. 

Prince. She were an excellent wife for Benedick. 

Leonato. O Lord, my Lord, if they were but a weeke 
married, 

106 



SVLuch adoe about Soothing. 



107 



married, they would talke themfelues madde. 

Prince. Counte Claudia , when meane you to goe to 
Church ? 

Clau. To morrow my Lord, Time goes on crutches, 
till Loue haue all his rites. 

Leonata. Not till monday, my deare fonne, which is 
hence a iuft feuen night,and a time too briefe too, to haue 
all things anfwer minde. 

Prince. Come, you fhake the head at fo long a brea- 
thing, but I warrant thee Claudio, the time mail not goe 
dully by vs, I will in the interim, vndertake one of Her- 
cules labors, which is, to bring Signior Benedicke and the 
Lady Beatrice into a mountaine of affeclion, th'one with 
th'other, I would faine haue it a match , and I doubt not 
but to fafhion it, if you three will but minifter fuch affi- 
ftance as I mail giue you diredlion. 

Leonata. My Lord, I am for you, though it coft mee 
ten nights watchings. 

Claud. And I my Lord. 

Prin. And you to gentle Hero} 

Hero. I will doe any modeft office, my Lord, to helpe 
my cofin to a good husband. 

Prin. And Benedick is not the vnhopefulleft husband 
that I know : thus farre can I praife him,hee is of a noble 
ftraine, of approued valour,and confirm'd honefty,I will 
teach you how to humour your cofin, that fhee mail fall 
in loue with Benedicke, and I, with your two helpes,will 
fo pracTrife on Benedicke, that in defpight of his quicke 
wit, and his queafie ftomacke, bee fhall fall in loue with 
Beatrice : if wee can doe this, Cupid is no longer an Ar- 
cher, his glory fhall be ours, for wee are the onely loue- 
gods, goe in with me, and I will tell you my drift. Exit. 
Enter Iohn and'Borachio. 

lob. It is fo, the Count Claudio fhal marry the daugh- 
ter of Leonato. 

Bora. Yea my Lord, but I can croffe it. 

Iohn. Any barre, any croffe, any impediment, will be 
medicinable to me, I am ficke in difpleafure to him, and 
whatfoeuer comes athwart his affeclion, ranges euenly 
with mine, how canft thou croffe this marriage? 

Bor. Not honeftly my Lord, but fo couertly, that no 
diihonefty {hall appeare in me. 

Iohn. Shew me breefely how. 

'Bor. I thinke I told your Lord/hip a yeere fince,how 
much I am in the fauour of Margaret, the waiting gentle- 
woman to Hero. 

Iohn. I remember. 

Bor. I can at any vnfeafonable inftant of the night , 
appoint her to look out at her Ladies chamber window. 

Iohn. What life is in that, to be the death of this mar- 
riage? 

Bor. The poyfon of that lies in you to temper , goe 
you to the Prince your brother, fpare not to tell him, that 
hee hath wronged his Honor in marrying the renowned 
Qlaudio, whofe eftimation do you mightily hold vp, to a 
contaminated ftale,fuch a one as Hero. 

Iohn. What proofe mail I make of that? 

Bor. Proofe enough, to mifufe the Prince , to vexe 
Claudio, to vndoe Hero, and kill Leonato, looke you for a- 
ny other iffue ? 

Iohn. Onely to defpight them, I will endeauour any 
thing. 

Bor. Goe then,finde me a meete howre , to draw on 
Pedro and the Count Qlaudio alone , tell them that you 
know that Hero loues me, intend a kinde of zeale both 
to the Prince and Claudio (as in a loue of your brothers 



honor who hath made this match ) and his friends repu- 
tation, who is thus like to be cofen'd with the fembtance 
of a maid, that you haue difcouer'd thus:they will fcarce- 
ly beleeue this without trialli offer them inftances which 
fhall beare no leffe likelihood , than to fee mee at her 
chamber window,heare me call t^Margaret, Hero; heare 
Margaret terme me Claudio , and bring them to fee this 
the very night before the intended wedding, for in the 
meane time, I will fo faihion the matter, that Hero mail 
be abfent,and there fhall appeare fuch feeming truths of 
Heroes difloyaltie, that iealoufie fhall be cal'd affurance , 
and all the preparation ouerthrowne. 

Iohn. Grow this to what aduerfe iffue it can , I will 
put jt in pradtife : be cunning in the working this , and 
thy fee is a thoufand ducates. 

Bor. Be thou conftant in the accufation, and my cun- 
ning fhall not fhame me. 

Iohn. I will prefentlie goe learne their day of marri- 
age. Exit. 

Enter Benedicke alone. 

'Bene. Boy. 

Boy. Signior. 

Bene. In my chamber window lies a booke , bring it 
hither to me in the orchard. 

Boy. I am heere already fir. Exit. 

Bene. I know that, but I would haue thee hence, and 
heere againe. I doe much wonder, that one man feeing 
how much another man is a foole, when he dedicates his 
behauiours to loue , will after hee hath laught at fuch 
fhallow follies in others, become the argument of his 
owne fcorne, by falling in loue, & fuch a man is Claudio, 
I haue known when there was no muficke with him but 
the drum and the fife , and now had hee rather heare the 
taber and the pipe : I haue knowne when he would haue 
walkt ten mile afoot, to fee a good armor, and now will 
he lie ten nights awake caruing the faihion of a new dub- 
let: he was wont to fpeake plaine,& to the purpofe (like 
an honeft man & a fouldier) and now is he turn'd ortho- 
graphy, his words are a very fantafticall banquet, iuft fo 
many ftrange difhes : may 1 be fo conuerted, & fee with 
thefe eyes ? I cannot tell , I thinke not : I will not bee 
fworne, but loue may transforme me to an oyfter, but He 
take my oath on it, till he haue made an oyfter of me, he 
fhall neuer make me fuch a foole: one woman is faire,yet 
I am well : another is wife, yet I am well: another vertu- 
ous, yet I am well : but till all graces be in one woman, 
one woman fhall not come in my grace : rich fhee fhall 
be, that's certaine : wife, or He none : vertuous, or He ne- 
uer cheapen her : faire, or He neuer looke on her : milde, 
or come not neere me : Noble, or not for an Angell : of 
good difcourfe : an excellent Mufitian,and her haire fhal 
be of what colour it pleafe God , hah / the Prince and 
Monfieur Loue, I will hide me in the Arbor. 

Enter Prince,Leonato,Claudio, and Iacke Wiljon. 

Prin. Come,fhall we heare this muficke ? 

Claud. Yea my good Lord : how ftill the euening is, 
As hufht on purpofe to grace harmonie. 

Prin. See you where Benedicke hath hid himfelfe ? 

Clau. O very well my Lordithe muficke ended, 
Wee'll fit the kid-foxe with a penny worth. 

Prince. Come Balthazar, wee'll heare that fong again. 

Balth. O good my Lord,taxe not fo bad a voyce, 
To (lander muficke any more then once. 

Prin. It is the witneffe ftill of excellency, 



IO< 



<£Much adoe about ZKj). 



To {lander Muficke any more then once. 

Prince. It is the witnelfe ftill of excellencie, 
To put a ftrange face on his owne perfection, 
I pray thee fing,and let me woe no more. 

Balth. Becaufe you talke of wooing, I will fing, 
Since many a wooer doth commence his fuit, 
To her he thinkes not worthy, yet he wooes, 
Yet will he fweare he loues. 

Prince. Nay pray thee come, 
Or if thou wilt hold longer argument, 
Doe it in notes. 

Balth. Note this before my notes, 
Theres not a note of mine that's worth the noting. 

Prince. Why thefe are very crotchets that he fpeaks, 
Note notes forfooth,and nothing. 

Bene. Now diuine aire, now is his foule rauilht, is it 
not ftrange that fheepes guts ihould hale foules out of 
mens bodies ? well , a home for my money when all's 
done. 

The Song. 

Sigh no more Ladies, figh no more, 
Men 'were deceiuers euer, 
One foot e in Sea, and one on Jhore , 
To one thing con/} ant neuer , 
Then figh not jo, but let them goe, 
jind be you blithe and bonnie, 
Conuerting all your founds ofivoe, 
Into hey nony nony. 

Sing no more ditties, fing no moe, 
Of dumps fo dull and heauy , 
'The fraud of men were euer fo, 
Since fummer fir ft was leauy, 
Then figh not fo, &c. 

Prince. By my troth a good song. 

Balth. And an ill finger, my Lord. 

Prince. Ha, no, no faith, thou fingft well enough for a 
fhift. 

Ben. And he had been a dog that lhould haue howld 
thus , they would haue hang'd him, and I pray God his 
bad voyce bode no mifchiefe , I had as liefe haue heard 
the night-rauen, come what plague could haue come af- 
ter it. 

Prince. Yea marry, doft thou heare Tialthafar ? I pray 
thee get vs fome excellent mufick : for to morrow night 
we would haue it at the Lady Heroes chamber window. 

Balth. The beft I can, my Lord. Exit Balthafar. 

Prince. Do fo, farewell. Come hither Leonato, what 
was it you told me of to day, that your Niece Beatrice 
was in loue with fignior Benedicke} 

Cla. O I, ftalke on, ftalke on, the foule fits. I did ne- 
uer thinke that Lady would haue loued any man. 

Leon. No, nor I neither, but moft wonderful, that me 
ihould fo dote on Signior 'Benedicke, whom lhee hath in 
all outward behauiours feemed euer to abhorre. 

Bene. Is't poffible ? fits the winde in that corner? 

Leo. By my troth my Lord, I cannot tell what to 
thinke of it, but that lhe loues him with an inraged affe- 
ction, it is part the infinite of thought. 

Prince. May be lhe doth but counterfeit. 

Claud. Faith like enough. 

Leon. O God ! counterfeit? there was neuer counter- 
feit of pafiion, came fo neere the life of pafiion as She dif- 



Prince. Why what effects of pallion fhewes lhe ? 

Claud. Baite the hooke well, this fifli will bite. 

Leon. What effects my Lord ? lh.ee will fit you, you 
heard my daughter tell you how. 

Clau. She did indeed. 

Prin. How, how I pray you? you amaze me, I would 
haue thought her fpirit had beene inuincible againft all 
affaults of affection. 

Leo. I would haue fworne it had, my Lord,efpecially 
againft 'Benedicke. 

Bene. I Ihould thinke this a gull, but that the white- 
bearded fellow fpeakes it : knauery cannot fure hide 
himfelfe in fuch reuerence. 

Claud. He hath tane th'infection,hold it vp. 

Prince. Hath fhee made her affection known to Bene- 
diche ". 

Leonato. No, and fweares lhe neuer will, that's her 
torment. 

Claud. 'Tis true indeed, fo your daughter faies : fhall 
I, faies lhe, that haue fo oft encountred him with fcorne, 
write to him that I loue him ? 

Leo. This faies fhee now when lhee is beginning to 
write to him, for lhee'11 be vp twenty times a night, and 
there will lhe fit in her fmocke, till lhe haue writ a fheet 
of paper : my daughter tells vs all. 

Clau. Now you talke of a Iheet of paper,I remember 
a pretty ieft your daughter told vs of. 

Leon. O when lhe had writ it, & was reading it ouer, 
lhe found Benedicke and 'Beatrice betweene the lheete. 

Clau. That. 

Leon. O lhe tore the letter into a thoufand halfpence, 
raild at her felf,that lhe Ihould be fo immodeft to write, 
to one that lhee knew would flout her : I meafure him, 
faies lhe, by my owne fpirit, for I Ihould flout him if hee 
writ to mee,yea though I loue him, I Ihould. 

Clau. Then downe vpon her knees lhe falls, weepes, 
fobs, beates her heart, teares her hayre,praies, curfes, O 
fweet Benedicke, God giue me patience. 

Leon. She doth indeed, my daughter faies fo, and the 
extafie hath fo much ouerborne her, that my daughter is 
fomtime afeard lhe will doe a defperate out-rage to her 
felfe, it is very true. 

Princ. It were good that Benedicke knew of it by fome 
other, if lhe will not difcouer it. 

Clau. To what end i he would but make a fport of it, 
and torment the poore Lady worfe. 

Prin. And he Ihould, it were an almes to hang him , 
fhee's an excellent fweet Lady, and(out of all fufpition,) 
lhe is vertuous. 

Claudio. And fhe is exceeding wife. 

Prince. In euery thing, but in louing Benedicke. 

Leon. O my Lord, wifedome and bloud combating in 
fo tender a body, we haue ten proofes to one, that bloud 
bath the victory, I am forry for her, as I haue iuft caufe , 
being her Vncle,and her Guardian. 

Prince. I would lhee had bellowed this dotage on 
mee, I would haue daft all other refpects, and made her 
halfe my felfe : I pray you tell Benedicke of it, and heare 
what he will fay. 

Leon. Were it good thinke you ? 

Clau. Hero thinkes furely lhe wil die, for lhe faies lhe 
will die, if hee loue her not, and lhee will die ere lhee 
make her loue knowne, and lhe will die if hee wooe her, 
rather than lhee will bate one breath of her accuftomed 
croflenefle. 

Prin. She doth well, if lhe ihould make tender of her 

loue, 



Much adoe about ZNj)thing. 



109 



loue, 'tis very poflible hee'l fcorne it, for the man fas you 
know all) hath a contemptible fpirit. 

Clau. He is a very proper man. 

Prin. He hath indeed a good outward happines. 

Clau. 'Fore God, and in my minde very wife. 

Prin. He doth indeed fhew fome fparkes that are like 
wit. 

Leon. And I take him to be valiant. 

Prin. As Hellor, I affure you, and in the managing of 
quarrels you may fee hee is wife, for either hee auoydes 
them with great difcretion , or vndertakes them with a 
Chriftian-like feare. 

Leon. If hee doe feare God, a muft neceffarilie keepe 
peace, if hee breake the peace, hee ought to enter into a 
quarrell with feare and trembling. 

Prin. And fo will he doe, for the man doth fear God, 
howfoeuer it feemes not in him, by fome large ieafts hee 
will make : well, I am forry for your niece, mail we goe 
fee Benedicke, and tell him of her loue. 

Claud. Neuer tell him, my Lord, let her weare it out 
with good counfell. 

Leon. Nay that's impoffible,fhe may weare her heart 
out firft. 

Prin. Well, we will heare further of it by your daugh- 
ter, let it coole the while , I loue Benedicke well, and I 
could wifh he would modeftly examine himfelfe, to fee 
how much he is vnworthy to haue fo good a Lady. 

Leon. My Lord, will you walke? dinner is ready. 

Clau. If he do not doat on her vpon this, I wil neuer 
truft my expectation. 

Prin. Let there be the fame Net fpread for her , and 
that muft your daughter and her gentlewoman carry: 
the fport will be, when they hold one an opinion of ano- 
thers dotage, and no fuch matter, that's the Scene that I 
would fee, which will be meerely a dumbe mew : let vs 
fend her to call him into dinner. Exeunt, 

Bene. This can be no tricke, the conference was fadly 
borne, they haue the truth of this from Hero, they feeme 
to pittie the Lady : it feemes her affections haue the full 
bent : loue me ? why it muft be requited : I heare how I 
am cenfur'd, they fay I will beare my felfe proudly, ifl 
perceiue the loue come from her : they fay too, that fhe 
will rather die than giue any figne of affection: I did ne- 
uer thinke to marry, I muft not feeme proud, happy are 
they that heare their detractions, and can put them to 
mending : they fay the Lady is faire, 'tis a truth, I can 
beare them witneffe : and vertuous, tis fo , I cannot re- 
prooue it, and wife, but for louing me, by my troth it is 
no addition to her witte, nor no great argument of her 
folly; for I wil be horribly in loue with her, I may chance 
haue fome odde quirkes and remnants of witte broken 
on mee, becaufe I haue rail'd fo long againft marriage : 
but doth not the appetite alter? a man loues the meat in 
his youth, that he cannot indure in his age. Shall quips 
and fentences, and thefe paper bullets of the braine awe 
a man from the careere of his humour ? No, the world 
muft be peopled. When I faid I would die a batcheler,I 
did not think I fhould liue till I were maried,here comes 
Beatrice : by this day,ihee's a faire Lady, I doe fpie fome 
markes of loue in her. 

Enter Beatrice. 

Beat. Againft my wil I am fent to bid you come in to 
dinner. 

Bene. Faire Beatrice, I thanke you for your paines. 



'Beat. I tooke no more paines for thofe thankes,then 
you take paines to thanke me, if it had been painefull, I 
would not haue come. 

Bene. You take pleafure then in the meffage. 

Beat. Yea iuft fo much as you may take vpon a kniues 
point, and choake a daw withall : you haue no ftomacke 
fignior, fare you well. Exit. 

Bene. Ha, againft my will I am fent to bid you come 
into dinner: there's a double meaning in that : I tooke 
no more paines for thofe thankes then you tooke paines 
to thanke me, that's as much as to fay, any paines that I 
take for you is as eafie as thankes : if I do not take pitty 
of her I am a villaine, if I doenotloue her I am a lew, I 
will goe get her picture. Exit. 



zAclus Tertius. 



Enter Hero and t-wo Qentlemen, Margaret, and Vrjula. 

Hero. Good aM'argaret runne thee to the parlour, 
There (halt thou finde my Cofin Beatrice, 
Propofing with the Prince and Claudia, 
Whifper her eare, and tell her I and Vrjula, 
Walke in the Orchard,and our whole difcourfe 
Is all of her, fay that thou ouer-heardft vs, 
And bid her fteale into the pleached bower, 
Where hony-fuckles ripened by the funne, 
Forbid the funne to enter : like fauourites, 
Made proud by Princes, that aduance their pride, 
Againft that power that bred it, there will fhe hide her, 
To liften our purpofe, this is thy office, 
Beare thee well in it, and leaue vs alone. 

Marg. He make her come I warrant you prefently. 

Hero. Now Vrjula, when Beatrice doth come, 
As we do trace this alley vp and downe, 
Our talke muft onely be of Benedicke, 
When I doe name him, let it be thy part, 
To praife him more then euer man did merit, 
My talke to thee muft be how Benedicke 
Is ficke in loue with Beatrice : of this matter , 
Is little Cupids crafty arrow made , 
That onely wounds by heare-fay : now begin, 

Enter Beatrice. 
For looke where Beatrice like a Lapwing runs 
Clofe by the ground, to heare our conference. 

Vrj. The pleafant'ft angling is to fee the fifli 
Cut with her golden ores the filuer ftreame, 
And greedily deuoure the treacherous bake : 
So angle we for Beatrice, who euen now, 
Is couched in the wood-bine couerture, 
Feare you not my part of the Dialogue. 

Her.Then go we neare her that her eare loofe nothing, 
Of the falfe fweete baite that we lay for it : 
No truely Vrju!a,{he is too difdainfull, 
I know her fpirits are as coy and wilde, 
As Haggerds of the rocke. 

Vrjula. But are you fure, 
That Benedicke loues Beatrice fo intirely ? 

Her. So faies the Prince,and my new trothed Lord. 

Vrj. And did they bid you tell her of it, Madam? 

Her. They did intreate me to acquaint her of it, 
But I perfwaded them, if they lou'd Benedicke, 

K To 



no 



<3VLuch adoe about Soothing. 



To wifh him wraftle with afte&ion , 
And neuer to let Beatrice know of it. 

Vrjula. Why did you fo,doth not the Gentleman 
Deferue as full as fortunate a bed, 
As euer Beatrice fhall couch vpon ? 

Hero. O God of loue! I know he doth deferue, 
As much as may be yeelded to a man : 
But Nature neuer fram'd a womans heart, 
Of prowder ftuffe then that of Beatrice : 
Difdaine and Scorne ride fparkling in her eyes, 
Mif-prizing what theyilooke on, and her wit 
Values it felfe fo highly, that to her 
All matter elfe feemes weakesfhe cannot loue, 
Nor take no fhape nor project of affection, 
Shee is fo felfe indeared. 

Vrjula. Sure I thinke fo , 
And therefore certainely it were not good 
She knew his loue, left fhe make fport at it. 

Hero. Why you fpeake truth, I neuer yet faw man, 
How wife, how noble, yong, how rarely featur'd. 
But fhe would fpell him backward: if faire fac'd, 
She would fweare the gentleman ihould be her filter: 
Ifblacke, why Nature drawing of an anticke, 
Made a foule blot : if tall, a launce ill headed: 
If low, an agot very vildlie cut: 
If lpeaking, why a vane blowne with all windes: 
If filent, why a blocke moued with none. 
So turnes fhe euery man the wrong fide out, 
And neuer giues to Truth and Vertue, that 
Which fimplenefle and merit purchafeth. 

Vrju. Sure, fure,fuch carping is not commendable. 

Hero. No, not to be fo odde,and from all fafhions, 
As Beatrice is, cannot be commendable, 
But who dare tell her fo? if I Ihould fpeake, 
She would mocke me into ayre,0 fhe would laugh me 
Out of my felfe,preffe me to death with wit, 
Therefore let Benedicke like couered fire, 
Confume away in fighes, wafte inwardly: 
It were a better death, to die with mockes, 
Which is as bad as die with tickling. 

Vrju. Yet tell her of it,heare what fhee will fay. 

Hero. No, rather I will goe to Benedicke, 
And counfaile him to fight againft his paffion, 
And truly He deuife fome honeft fianders , 
To ftaine my cofin with, one doth not know, 
How much an ill word may impoifon liking. 

Vrju. O doe not doe your cofin fuch a wrong, 
She cannot be fo much without true judgement, 
Hauing fo fwift and excellent a wit 
As fhe is prifde to haue, as to refufe 
So rare a Gentleman as fignior Benedicke. 

Hero. He is the onely man of Italy, 
Alwaies excepted, my deare Claudia. 

Vrju. I pray you be not angry with me, Madame, 
Speaking my fancy: Signior 'Benedicke, 
For fhape, for bearing argument and valour, 
Goes formoft in report through Italy. 

Hero. Indeed he hath an excellent good name. 

Vrju. His excellence did earne it ere he had it: 
When are you married Madame ? 

Hero. Why euerie day to morrow, come goe in, 
He fhew thee fome attires, and haue thy counfell, 
Which is the beft to furnifh me to morrow. 

Vrju. Shee's tane I warrant you, 
We haue caught her Madame? 

Hero. If it proue fo,then louing goes by haps, 



Some Cupid kills with arrowes, fome with traps. Exit. 

'Beat. What fire is in mine eares? can this be true? 
Stand I condemn'd for pride and fcorne fo much? 
Contempt, farewell, and maiden pride, adew, 
No glory liues behinde the backe of fuch. 
And Benedicke,loue on, I will requite thee, 
Taming my wilde heart to thy louing hand : 
If thou doft loue, my kindeneffe fhall incite thee 
To binde our loues vp in a holy band. 
For others fay thou doft deferue, and I 
Beleeue it better then reportingly. Exit. 

Suter Prince, Qlaudio, Benedicke, and Leonato. 

Prince. I doe but flay till your marriage be confum- 
mate, and then go I toward Arragon. 

Clau. He bring you thither my Lord, if you'l vouch- 
fafe me. 

Prin. Nay, that would be as great a foyle in the new 
glofTe of your marriage, as to fhew a childe his new coat 
and forbid him to weare it, I will onely bee bold with 
Benedicke for his companie, for from the crowne of his 
head, to the fole of his foot, he is all mirth, he hath twice 
or thrice cut Cupids bow-ftring, and the little hang-man 
dare not fhoot at him, he hath a heart as found as a bell, 
and his tongue is the clapper, for what his heart thinkes, 
his tongue fpeakes. 

Bene. Gallants, I am not as I haue bin. 

Leo. So fay I, methinkes you are fadder. 

Claud. I hope he be in loue. 

Prin. Hang him truant, there's no true drop of bloud 
in him to be truly toucht with loue,if he be fad, he wants 
money. 

Bene. I haue the tooth-ach. 

Prin. Draw it. 

Bene. Hang it. 

Claud. You muft hang it firft,and draw it afterwards. 

Prin. What ? figh for the tooth-ach. 

Leon. Where is but a humour or a worme. 

Bene. Well, euery one cannot matter a griefe, but hee 
that has it. 

Clau. Yet fay I, he is in loue. 

Prin. There is no appearance of fancie in him,vnleffe 
it be a fancy that he hath to ftrange difguifes,as to bee a 
Dutchman to day, a Frenchman to morrow: vnleffe hee 
haue a fancy to this foolery, as it appeares hee hath, hee 
is no foole for fancy , as you would haue it to appeare 
he is. 

Clau. If he be not in loue with fome woman, there 
is no beleeuing old fignes,a brufhes his hat a mornings, 
What fhould that bode? 

Prin. Hath any man feene him at the Barbers? 

Clau. No, but the Barbers man hath beene feen with 
him, and the olde ornament of his cheeke hath alreadie 
ftuft tennis balls. 

Leon. Indeed he lookes yonger than hee did, by the 
loffe of a beard. 

Prin. Nay a rubs himfelfe with Ciuit,can you fmell 
him out by that? 

Clau. That's as much as to fay, the fweet youth's in 
loue. 

Prin. The greateft note of it is his melancholy. 

Clau. And when was he wont to wafh his face ? 

Prin. Yea, or to paint himfelfe? for the which I heare 
what they fay of him. 

Clau. Nay, but his letting fpirit, which is now crept 
into a lute-ftring,and now gouern'd by (Iods. 

Prince. 



Much adoe about Soothing. 



Priti. Indeed that tels a heauy tale for him: conclude, 
he is in loue. 

Clau. Nay, but I know who loues him. 

Prince. That would I know too, I warrant one that 
knowes him not. 

Cla. Yes, and his ill conditions, and in defpight of all, 
dies for him. 

Prin. Shee fhall be buried with her face vpwards. 

Bene. Yet is this no charme for the tooth-ake,old fig- 
nior, walke afide with mee, I haue ftudied eight or nine 
wile words to fpeake to you, which thefe hobby-horfes 
muft not heare. 

Prin. For my life to breake with him about 'Beatrice. 

Clau. 'Tis euen fo, Hero and Margaret haue by this 
played their parts with Beatrice,zn& then the two Beares 
will not bite one another when they meete. 

Enter Iohn the <Ba3ard. 

Baft. My Lord and brother, God faue you. 

Prin. Good den brother. 

Baft. If your leifure feru'd, 1 would fpeake with you. 

Prince. In priuate f 

Baft. If it pleafe you, yet Count Claudia may heare , 
for what I would fpeake of,concernes him. 

Prin. What's the matter ? 

Bafta. Meanes your Lordfhip to be married to mor- 
row? 

Prin. You know he does. 

Baft. I know not that when he knowes what I know. 

Clau. If there be any impediment , I pray you difco- 
uer it. 

Baft. You may thinke I loue you not, let that appeare 
hereafter, and ayme better at me by that I now will ma- 
nifeft, for my brother (I thinke, he holds you well, and in 
deareneffe of heart) hath holpe to effeft your enfuing 
marriage : furely fute ill fpent, and labour ill beftowed. 

Prin. Why, what's the matter ? 

"Baftard. I came hither to tell you, and circumftances 
ihortned, (for me hath beene too long a talking of) the 
Lady is difloyall. 

Clau. Who Hero ? 

Baft. Euen ihee, Leonatoes Hero, your Hero, euery 
mans Hero. 

Clau. Difloyall? 

Baft. The word is too good to paint out her wicked- 
neffe, I could fay fhe were worfe, thinke you of a worfe 
title, and I will fit her to it : wonder not till further war- 
rant : goe but with mee to night, you ihal fee her cham- 
ber window entred, euen the night before her wedding 
day, if you loue her, then to morrow wed her : But it 
would better fit your honour to change your rninde. 

Claud. May this be fo ? 

Princ. I will not thinke it. 

Bail. If you dare not truft that you fee, confeffe not 
that you know : if you will follow mee, I will fhew you 
enough, and when you haue feene more, & heard more, 
proceed accordingly. 

Clau. If I fee any thing to night, why I mould not 
marry her to morrow in the congregation, where I fhold 
wedde, there will I fhame her. 

Prin. And as I wooed for thee to obtaine her , I will 
ioyne with thee to difgrace her. 

Baft. I will difparage her no farther, till you are my 
witneffes, beare it coldly but till night, and let the iffue 
(hew it felfe. 

Prin. O day vntowardly turned .' 



Claud. O mifchiefe ftrangelie thwarting ! 
Baftard. O plague right well preuented ! fo will you 
fay, when you haue feene the fequele. Exit. 

Enter Dcgbery and his comfartner "with the watch. 

"Dog. Are you good men and true ? 

Verg. Yea, or elfe it were pitty but they fhould fuffer 
faluation body and foule. 

Dogb. Nay, that were a punifhment too good for 
them, if they fhould haue any allegiance in them, being 
chofen for the Princes watch. 

Verges. Well , giue them their charge , neighbour 
Dogbery. 

Dog. Firft, who thinke you the moft defartleffe man 
to be Conftable ? 

Watch. I . Hugh Ote-cake fir , or George Sea-coale , for 
they can write and reade. 

Dogb. Come hither neighbour Sea-coale , God hath 
bleft you with a good name : to be a wel-fauoured man, 
is the gift of Fortune, but to write and reade, comes by 
Nature. 

Watch 2. Both which Mafter Conftable 

Dogb. You haue : I knew it would be your anfwere : 
well, for your fauour fir, why giue God thankes, & make 
no boaftofit, and for your writing and reading, let that 
appeare when there is no need of fuch vanity, you are 
thought heere to be the moft fenfleffe and fit man for the 
Conftable of the watch : therefore beare you the lan- 
thorne : this is your charge : You fhall comprehend all 
vagrom men, you are to bid any man ftand in the Prin- 
ces name. 

Watch 2. How if a will not ftand ? 

Dogb. Why then take no note of him, but let him go, 
and prefently call the reft of the Watch together , and 
thanke God you are ridde of a knaue. 

Verges. If he will not ftand when he is bidden, hee is 
none of the Princes fubiecfs. 

Dogb. True , and they are to meddle with none but 
the Princes fubie&s : you fhall alfo make no noife in the 
ftreetes : for, for the Watch to babble and talke, is moft 
tollerable, and not to be indured. 

Watch. We will rather fleepe than talke, wee know 
what belongs to a Watch. 

"Dog. Why you fpeake like an ancient and moft quiet 
watchman, for I cannot fee how fleeping fhould offend : 
only haue a care that \our bills be not ftolne : well, you 
are to call at all the Alehoufes , and bid them that are 
drunke get them to bed. 

Watch. How if they will not? 

Dogb. Why then let them alone till they are fober, if 
they make you not then the better anfwere, you may fay, 
they are not the men you tooke them for. 

Watch. Well fir. 

"Dogb. If you meet a theefe, you may fufpedt, him, by 
vertue of your office, to be no true man : and for fuch 
kinde of men, the leffe you meddle or make with them, 
why the more is for your honefty. 

Watch. If wee know him to be a thiefe,fhall wee not 
lay hands on him. 

"Dogb. Truly by your office you may, but I think they 
that touch pitch will be defil'd : the moft peaceable way 
for you, if you doe take a theefe, is, to let him fhew him- 
felfe what he is, and fteale out of your company. 

Ver. You haue bin alwaies cal'd a merciful ma partner. 

Dog. Truely I would not hang a dog by my will, much 
more a man who hath anie honeftie in him. 

K 2 Verges. 



112 



SMuch adoe about V^Qothing. 



Verges. If you heare a child crie in the night you muft 
call to the nurfe, and bid her ftill it. 

Watcb. How if the nurfe be afleepe and will not 
heare vs? 

Dog. Why then depart in peace, and let the childe 
wake her with crying, for the ewe that will not heare 
her Lambe when it baes,will neuer anfwere a calfe when 
he bleates. 

Verges. 'Tis verie true. 

Dog. This is the end of the charge : you conftable 
are to prefent the Princes owne perfon, if you meete the 
Prince in the night, you may ftaie him. 

Verges. Nay birladie that I thinke a cannot. 

Dog. Fiue Shillings to one on't with anie man that 
knowes the Statues, he may ftaie him, marrie not with- 
out the prince be willing, for indeed the watch ought to 
offend no man, and it is an offence to ftay a man againft 
his will. 

Verges. Birladie I thinke it be fo. 

Dog. Ha, ah ha, well mafters good night, and there be 
anie matter of weight chances, call vp me, keepe your 
fellowes counfailes, and your owne, and good night, 
come neighbour. 

Watch. Well mafters, we heare our charge, let vs go 
lit here vpon the Church bench till two, and then all to 
bed. 

Dog. One word more, honeft neighbors. I pray you 
watch about fignior Leonatoes doore, for the wedding be- 
ing there to morrow, there is a great coyle to night, 
adiew,be vigitant I befeech you. Exeunt. 

Enter Borachio and Qonrade. 

Bor. What, Conrade} 

Watcb. Peace, ftir not. 

■TBor. Conrade 1 fay. 

Con. Here man, I am at thy elbow. 

Bor. Mas and my elbow itcht,I thought there would 
a fcabbe follow. 

Con. I will owe thee an anfwere for that, and now 
forward with thy tale. 

Bor. Stand thee clofe then vnder this penthoufe,for it 
driffels raine, and I will, like a true drunkard, vtter all to 
thee. 

Watch. Some treafon mafters,yet ftand clofe. 

Bor. Therefore know, I haue earned of Don Iohn a 
thoufand Ducates. 

Con. Is it poffible that anie villanie fhould be so deare? 

Bor. Thou fhould'ft rather aske if it were poffible a- 
nie villanie fhould be fo richffor when rich villains haue 
neede of poore ones, poore ones may make what price 
they will. 

Con. I wonder at it. 

Bor. That fhewes thou art vnconfirm'd,thou knoweft 
that the fafhion of a doublet, or a hat, or a cloake, is no- 
thing to a man. 

Qon. Yes, it is apparell. 

Bor. I meane the fafhion. 

Con. Yes the fafhion is the fafhion. 

Bor. Tufh,I may as well fay the foole's the foole,but 
feeft thou not what a deformed theefe this fafhion is ? 

Watch. I know that deformed, a has bin a vile theefe, 
this vii. yeares,a goes vp and downe like a gentle man: 
I remember his name. 

Bor. Did'ft thou not heare fome bodie ? 

Con. No,'twas the vaine on the houfe. 

Bor. Seeft thou not (I fay) what a deformed thiefe 
this fafhion is,how giddily a turnes about all the Hot- 



blouds,betweene foureteene & fiue & thirtie, fometimes 
fafhioning them like Pharaoes fouldiours in the rechie 
painting, fometime like god Bels priefts in the old 
Church window, fometime like the fhauen Hercules in 
the fmircht worm eaten tapeftrie, where his cod-peece 
feemes as maffie as his club. 

Con. All this I fee, and fee that the fafhion weares out 
more apparrell then the man;but art not thou thy felfe 
giddie with the fafhion too that thou haft fhifted out of 
thy tale into telling me of the fafhion f 

Bor. Not fo neither, but know that I haue to night 
wooed Margaret the Lady Heroes gentle- woman, by the 
name of Hero, fhe leanes me out at her miftris chamber- 
window, bids me a thoufand times good night : I tell 
this tale vildly. I fhould fir ft tell thee how the Prince 
Qlaudio and my Mafter planted, and placed, and poffeffed 
by my Mafter Don Iohn, faw a far off in the Orchard this 
amiable incounter. 

Con. And thought thy Margaret was Hero'. 

Bor. Two of them did, the Prince and Claudio,but the 
diuell my Mafter knew fhe was Margaret and partly by 
his oathes, which firft poffeft them, partly by the darke 
night which did deceiue them, but chiefely, by my villa- 
nie, which did confirme any flander that Don Iohn had 
made, away went Claudia enraged, fwore hee would 
meete her as he was apointed next morning at the Tem- 
ple, and there, before the whole congregation fhame her 
with what he faw o're night, and fend her home againe 
without a husbaud. 

Watch. I. We charge you in the Princes name ftand. 

Watch. 2. Call vp the right mafter Conftable, we haue 
here recouered the moft dangerous peece of lechery, that 
euer was knowne in the Common-wealth. 

Watch. I. And one Deformed is one of them, I know 
him, a weares a locke. 

Conr. Mafters, mafters. 

Watch. 2. Youle be made bring deformed forth I war- 
rant you, 

Conr. Mafters, neuer fpeake, we charge you, let vs o- 
bey you to goe with vs. 

Bor. We are like to proue a goodly commoditie,be- 
ing taken vp of thefe mens bils. 

Conr. A commoditie in queftion I warrant you, come 
weele obey you. Exeunt. 

Enter Hero, and Margaret,andVrfula. 

Hero. Good Vrfula wake my cofin Beatrice, and de- 
fire her to rife.. 

Vrju. I will Lady. 

Her. And bid her come hither. 

Vrf. Well. 

Mar. Troth I thinke your other rebato were better. 

Bero. No pray thee good Meg,l\t weare this. 

Marg. By my troth's not fo good, and I warrant your 
cofin will fay fo. 

'Bero. My conn's a foole, and thou art another, ile 
weare none but this. 

Mar. I like the new tire within excellently, if the 
haire were a thought browner : and your gown's a moft 
rare fafhion yfaith, I faw the Dutcheffe of Millaines 
gowne that they praife fo. 

Bero. O that exceedes they fay. 

Mar. By my troth's but a night-gowne in refpeft of 
yours, cloth a gold and cuts, and lac'd withfiluer, fet with 
pearles,downe fleeues,fide fleeues,and skirts, round vn- 
derborn with a blewifh tinfel,but for a fine queint grace- 
full and excellent fafhion, yours is worth ten on't. 

Bero. God 



£Much adoe about Soothing. 



JI 3 



Hero. God giue mee ioy to weare it, for my heart is 
exceeding heauy. 

cMarga. 'Twill be heauier foone , by the waight of a 
man. 

Hero. Fie vpon thee, art not aiham'd f 

Marg. Of what Lady? of fpeaking honourably? is 
not marriage honourable in a beggar? is not your Lord 
honourable without marriage? I thinke you would haue 
me fay, fauing your reuerence a husband : and bad thin- 
king doe not wreft true fpeaking, lie offend no body, is 
there any harme in the heauier for a husband ? none I 
thinke, and it be the right husband, and the right wife, 
otherwife 'tis light and not heauy,aske my Lady Beatrice 
elfe,herefhe comes. 

Enter Beatrice. 

Hero. Good morrow Coze. 
Beat. Good morrow fweet Hero. 

Hero. Why how now? do you fpeake in the fick tune? 
Beat. I am out of all other tune, me thinkes. 

Mar. Claps into Light a loue , (that goes without a 
burden,) do you fing it and lie dance it. 

Beat. Ye Light aloue with your heeles , then if your 
husband haue ftables enough, you'll looke he ftiall lacke 
no barnes. 

Mar. O illegitimate conflxuftion ! I fcorne that with 
my heeles. 

Beat. "Tis almoft fiue a clocke cofin, 'tis time you 
were ready, by my troth I am exceeding ill, hey ho. 

Mar. For a hauke,a horfe,or a husband ? 

Beat. For the letter that begins them all,H. 

Mar. Well, and you be not turn'd Turke, there's no 
more fayling by the ftarre. 

Beat. What meanes the foole trow ? 

Mar. Nothing 1, but God fend euery one rheir harts 
defire. 

Hero. Thefe gloues the Count fent mee , they are an 
excellent perfume. 

'Beat. I am ftuft conn, I cannot fmell. 

Mar. A maid and ftuft ! there's goodly catching of 
colde. 

Beat. O God helpe me, God help me, how long haue 
you profeft apprehenfion ? 

Mar. Euer fince you left it, doth not my wit become 
me rarely? 

Beat. It is not feene enough, you lhould weare it in 
your cap, by my troth I am ficke. 

Mar. Get you fome of this diftill'd carduiu beuediBus 
and lay it to your heart,it is the onely thing for a qualm. 

Hero. There thou prickft her with a thiffell. • 

Beat. Benediclui, why bcneditlus ? you haue fome mo- 
rall in this benediclw. 

Mar. Morall ? no by my troth, I haue no morall mea- 
ning, I meant plai'ne holy thiffell , you may thinke per- 
chance that I thinke you are in loue, nay birlady I am not 
fuch a foole to thinke what I lift, nor I lift not to thinke 
what I can, nor indeed I cannot thinke, if I would thinke 
my hart out of thinking,that you are in loue, or that you 
will be in loue, or that you can be in loue : yet Benedicke 
was fuch another, and now is he become a man, he fwore 
hee would neuer marry , and yet now in defpight of his 
heart he eates his meat without grudging, and how you 
may be conuerted I know not, but me thinkesyou looke 
with your eies as other women doe. 

Beat. What pace is this that thy tongue keepes. 



us 



Mar. Not a falfe gallop. 

Enter Vrjula. 

Vrjula. Madam, withdraw, the Prince, the Count, fig- 
nior Benedicke, Don Iobn , and all the gallants of the 
towne are come to fetch you to Church. 

Hero. Helpe to dreffe mee good coze, good cTrTeg , 
good Vrjula. 

Enter Leonato, and the Confiable, andthe Headborougb. 

Leonato. What would you with mee, honeft neigh- 
bour ? 

ConJi.Dog. Mary fir I would haue fome confidence 
with you, that decernes you nearely. 

Leon. Briefe I pray you , for you fee it is a bufie time 
with me. 

ConJi.T>og. Mary this it is fir. 

Headb. Yes in truth it is fir. 

Leon. What is it my good friends? 

Con.T)o. Goodman Verges fir fpeakes a little of the 
matter, an old man fir, and his wits are not fo blunt, as 
God helpe I would defire they were , but infaith honeft 
as the skin betweene his browes. 

Head. Yes I thank God, I am as honeft as any man li- 
uing,that is an old man,and no honefter then I. 

Con. 'Dog. Comparifons are odorous, palabras, neigh- 
bour Verges. 

Leon. Neighbours, you are tedious. 

Con.T)og. It pleafes your worftiip to fay fo, but we are 
the poore Dukes officers, but truely for mine owne part, 
if I were as tedious as a King I could finde in my heart to 
beftow it all of your worftiip. 

Leon. All thy tedioufneffe on me,ah? 

ConJi.Dog. Yea , and 'twere a thoufand times more 
than 'tis, for I heare as good exclamation on your Wor- 
ftiip as of any man in the Citie , and though I bee but a 
poore man, I am glad to heare it. 

Head. And fo am I. 

Leon. I would faine know what you haue to fay. 

Head. Marry fir our watch to night, excepting your 
worfliips prefence , haue tane a couple of as arrant 
knaues as any in Meffina. 

Con. Dog. A good old man fir, hee will be talking as 
they fay, when the age is in, the wit is out, God helpe vs, 
it is a world to fee : well faid yfaith neighbour Verges , 
well, God's a good man , and two men ride of a horfe, 
one muft ride behinde, an honeft foule yfaith fir, by my 
troth he is, as euer broke bread, but God is to bee wor- 
fhipt, all men are not alike, alas good neighbour. 

Leon. Indeed neighbour he comes too fliort of you. 

Con. Do. Gifts that God giues. 

Leon. I muft leaue you. 

Con.Tlog. One word fir , our watch fir haue indeede 
comprehended two afpitious perfons, & we would haue 
them this morning examined before your worftiip. 

Leon. Take their examination your felfe, and bring it 
me, I am now in great hafte,as may appeare vnto you. 

Conji. It ftiall be fufEgance. (Exit. 

Leon. Drinke fome wine ere you goe : fare you well. 

MeJJenger. My Lord, they ftay for you to giue your 
daughter to her husband. 

Leon. He wait vpon them, I am ready. 

Dogb. Goe good partner, goe get you to Francis Sea- 
coale, bid him bring his pen and inkehorne to the Gaole : 
we are now to examine thofe men. 

Verges. And we muft doe it wifely. 

T>ogb. Wee will fpare for no witte I warrant you : 
K 3 heere s 



i4 



^Much adoe about Soothing. 



heere's that (hall driue fome of them to a non-come, on- 
ly get the learned writer to fet downe our excommuni- 
cation, and meet me at the Iaile. Exeunt. 



aABus Quartus. 



Enter Prince, 'Baslard, Leonato, Frier, Claudia, Benedicke, 
Hero, and'Beatrice. 

Leonato. Come Frier Francis, be briefe, onely to the 
plaine forme of marriage, and you fhal recount their par- 
ticular duties afterwards. 

Fran. You come hither, my Lord, to marry this Lady. 

Clau. No. 

Leo. To be married to her : Frier, you come to mar- 
rie her. 

Frier. Lady, you come hither to be married to this 
Count. 

Hero. I doe. 

Frier. If either of you know any inward impediment 
why you mould not be conioyned, I charge you on your 
foules to vtter it. 

Claud. Know you anie, Hero f 

Hero. None my Lord. 

Frier. Know you anie, Count? 

Leon. I dare make his anfwer, None. 

Clau. O what men dare do / what men may do ! what 
men daily do ! 

Bene. How now ! interieftions ? why then, fome be 
of laughing, as ha, ha, he. 

Clau. Stand thee by Frier, father, by your leaue, 
Will you with free and vnconftrained foule 
Giue me this maid your daughter ? 

Leon. As freely fonne as God did giue her me. 

Cla. And what haue I to giue you back,whofe worth 
May counterpoife this rich and precious gift? 

Prin. Nothing, vnleffe you render her againe. 

Qlau. Sweet Prince, you learn me noble thankfulnes : 
There Leonato, take her backe againe, 
Giue not this rotten Orenge to your friend, 
Shee's but the figne and femblance of her honour : 
Behold how like a maid me blufhes heere ! 

what authoritie and mew of truth 
Can cunning finne couer it felfe withall ! 
Comes not that bloud, as modeft euidence, 

To witneffe fimple Vertue ? would you not fweare 
All you that fee her, that me were a maide, 
By thefe exterior fhewes ? But me is none: 
She knowes the heat of a luxurious bed: 
Her blufh is guiltinefTe, not modeftie. 

Leonato. What doe you meane, my Lord? 

Clau. Not to be married, 
Not to knit my foule to an approued wanton. 

Leon. Deere my Lord, if you in your owne proofe, 
Haue vanquifht the refiftance of her youth, 
And made defeat of her virginitie. (her, 

Clau. I know what you would fay: if I haue knowne 
You will fay, me did imbrace me as a husband, 
And fo extenuate the forehand finne : No Leonato, 

1 neuer tempted her with word too large, 
But as a brother to his fifter, mewed 
Baihfull finceritie and comely loue. 

Hero. And feem'd I euer otherwife to you ? 



Qlau. Out on thee feeming,I will write againft it, 
You feeme to me as Diane in her Orbe, 
As chafte as is the budde ere it be blowne : 
But vou are more intemperate in your blood, 
Than Venu6, or thofe pampred animalls, 
That rage in fauage fenfualitie. 

Hero. Is my Lord well, that he doth fpeake fo wide? 

Leon. Sweete Prince, why fpeake not you ? 

Prin. What mould I fpeake ? 
I ftand difhonour'd that haue gone about, 
To linke my deare friend to a common ftale. 

Leon. Are thefe things fpoken, or doe I but dreame ? 

Baft. Sir, they are fpoken, and thefe things are true. 

'Bene. This lookes not like a nuptiall. 

Hero. True, O God / 

Clau. Leonato, ftand I here ? 
Is this the Prince ? is this the Princes brother? 
Is this face Heroes ? are our eies our owne? 

Leon. All this is fo, but what of this my Lord ? 

Clau. Let me but moue one queftion to your daugh- 
And by that fatherly and kindly power, (ter, 

That you haue in her, bid her anfwer truly. 

Leo. I charge thee doe, as thou art my childe. 

Hero. O God defend me how am I befet , 
What kinde of catechizing call you this? 

Clau. To make you anfwer truly to your name. 

Hero. Is it not Hero ? who can blot that name 
With any iuft reproach ? 

Claud. Marry that can Hero, 
Hero it felfe can blot out Heroes vertue. 
What man was he,talkt with you yefternight, 
Out at your window betwixt twelue and one ? 
Now if you are a maid, anfwer to this. 

Hero. I talkt with no man at that howre my Lord. 

Prince. Why then you are no maiden. Leonato, 
I am forry you muft heare : vpon mine honor, 
My felfe, my brother, and this grieued Count 
Did fee her, heare her, at that howre laft night, 
Talke with a ruffian at her chamber window, 
Who hath indeed moft like a liberall villaine, 
Confeft the vile encounters they haue had 
A thoufand times in fecret. 

Iohn. Fie, fie, they are not to be named my Lord, 
Not to be fpoken of, 

There is not chaftitie enough in language, 
Without offence to vtter them: thus pretty Lady 
I am forry for thy much mifgouernment. 

Claud. O Hero ! what a Hero hadft thou beene 
If halfe thy outward graces had beene placed 
About thy thoughts and counfailes of thy heart? 
But fare thee well, moft foule, moft faire, farewell 
Thou pure impiety, and impious puritie, 
For thee He locke vp all the gates of Loue, 
And on my eie-lids mall Coniefture hang, 
To turne all beauty into thoughts of harme, 
And neuer mail it more be gracious. 

Leon. Hath no mans dagger here a point for me ? 

Beat. Why how now cofin,wherfore fink you down? 
ifo/?. Come, let vs go: thefe things come thus to light, 
Smother her fpirits vp. 

Bene. How doth the Lady ? 
Beat. Dead I thinke, helpe vncle, 
Hero, why Hero, Vncle,Signor Benedicie,Vr\er. 

Leonato. O Fate ! take not away thy heauy hand, 
Death is the faireft couer for her fhame 
That may be wifht for. 

'Beat. Ho v 

114 



Much adoe about Soothing. 



n 5 



Beatr. How now cofin Hero ? 

Fri. Haue comfort Ladie. 

Leon. Doft thou looke vp ? 

Frier. Yea, wherefore fhould fhe not? 

Leon. Wherfore ? Why doth not euery earthly thing 
Cry fhame vpon her? Could /lie heere denie 
The ftorie that is printed in her blood? 
Do not liue Hero, do not ope thine eyes: 
For did I thinke thou wouldft not quickly die, 
Thought I thy fpirits were ftronger then thy mames, 
My felfe would on the reward of reproaches 
Strike at thy life. Grieu'd I, I had but one ? 
Chid I, for that at frugal Natures frame ? 

one too much by thee : why had I one? 
Why euer was't thou louelie in my eies? 
Why had I not with charitable hand 
Tooke vp a beggars iflue at my gates, 
Who fmeered thus, and mir'd with infamie, 

1 might haue faid, no part of it is mine : 

This fhame deriues it felfe from vnknowne loines, 

But mine,and mine I lou'd, and mine I prais'd, 

And mine that I was proud on mine fo much, 

That I my felfe, was to my felfe not mine: 

Valewing of her, why fhe, O {he is falne 

Into a pit of Inke, that the wide fea 

Hath drops too few to warn her cleane againe, 

And fait too little, which may feafon giue 

To her foule tainted flelh. 

Ben. Sir, fir, be patient : for my part, I am fo attired 

in wonder, I know not what to fay. 
Bea. O on my foule my cofin is belied. 
Ben. Ladie, were you her bedfellow laft night ? 
'Bea. No truly : not although vntill laft night, 
I haue this tweluemonth bin her bedfellow. 

Leon. Confirm'd,confirm'd, O that is ftronger made 
Which was before barr'd vp with ribs of iron. 
Would the Princes lie, and Claudio lie, 
Who lou'd her fo, that fpeaking of her foulnefTe, 
Walh'd it with teares ? Hence from her, let her die. 

Fri. Heare me a little, for I haue onely bene filent fo 
long, and giuen way vnto this courfe of fortune, by no- 
ting of the Ladie, I haue markt. 
A thoufand blulhing apparitions, 
To ftart into her face, a thoufand innocent lhames, 
In Angel whitenefie beare away thofe blufhes, 
And in her eie there hath appear'd a fire 
To burne the errors that thefe Princes hold 
Againft her maiden truth. Call me a foole, 
Truft not my reading, nor my obferuations, 
Which with experimental feale doth warrant 
The tenure of my booke : truft not my age, 
My reuerence, calling, nor diuinitie, 
If this fweet Ladie lye not guiltleffe heere, 
Vnder fome biting error. 

Leo. Friar,it cannot be : 
Thou feeft that all the Grace that lhe hath left, 
Is, that {he wil not adde to her damnation, 
A finne of periury, lhe not denies it: 
Why feek'ft thou then to couer with excufe, 
That which appeares in proper nakednefle ? 

Fri, Ladie, what man is he you are accus'd of? 
Hero. They know that do accufe me, I know none : 
If I know more of any man aliue 
Then that which maiden modeftie doth warrant, 
Let all my finnes lacke mercy. O my Father, 
Proue you that any man with me conuerft, 



At houres vnmeete, or that I yefternight 
Maintain'd the change of words with any creature, 
Refufe me, hate me, torture me to death. 

Fri. There is fome ftrange mifprifion in the Princes. 

Ben. Two of them haue the verie bent of honor, 
And if their wifedomes be milled in this : 
The praclife of it Hues in Iobn the baftard, 
Whofe fpirits toile in frame of villanies. 

Leo. I know not : if they fpeake but truth of her, 
Thefe hands fhall teare her : If they wrong her honour, 
The proudeft of them fhall wel heare of it. 
Time hath not yet fo dried this bloud of mine, 
Nor age fo eate vp my inuention, 
Nor Fortune made fuch hauocke of my meanes, 
Nor my bad life reft me fo much of friends, 
But they fhall finde, awak'd in fuch a kinde, 
Both ftrength of limbe,and policie of minde, 
Ability in meanes, and choife of friends, 
To quit me of them throughly. 

Fri. Paufe awhile : 
And let my counfell fway you in this cafe, 
Your daughter heere the Princefie (left for dead) 
Let her awhile be fecretly kept in, 
And publiih it, that me is dead indeed : 
Maintaine a mourning orientation, 
And on your Families old monument, 
Hang mournfull Epitaphes, and do all rites, 
That appertaine vnto a buriall. 

Leon. What fhall become of this ? What wil this do ? 

Fri. Marry this wel carried, fhall on her behalfe, 
Change Dander to remorfe, that is fome good, 
But not for that dreame I on this ftrange courfe, 
But on this trauaile looke for greater birth : 
She dying, as it muft be fo maintain'd, 
Vpon the inftant that lhe was accus'd, 
Shal be lamented, pittied, and excus'd 
Of euery hearer : for it fo fals out, 
That what we haue, we prize not to the worth, 
Whiles we enioy it ; but being lack'd and loft, 
Why then we racke the value, then we finde 
The vertue that pofiefsion would not fliew vs 
Whiles it was ours, fo will it fare with Claudio : 
When he fhal heare fhe dyed vpon his words, 
Th'Idea of her life lhal fweetly creepe 
Into his ftudy of imagination. 
And euery louely Organ of her life, 
Shall come apparel'd in more precious habite : 
More mouing delicate, and ful of life, 
Into the eye and profpec"t of his foule 
Then when lhe liu'd indeed : then lhal he mourne, 
If euer Loue had intereft in his Liuer, 
And wilh he had not fo accufed her : 
No, though he thought his accufation true : 
Let this be fo, and doubt not but fucceffe 
Wil falhion the euent in better ihape, 
Then I can lay it downe in likelihood. 
But if all ayme but this be leuelld falfe, 
The fuppofition of the Ladies death, 
Will quench the wonder of her infamie. 
And if it fort not well, you may conceale her, 
As beft befits her wounded reputation, 
In fome reclufiue and religious life, 
Out of all eyes, tongnes, mindes and iniuries. 

Bene. Signior Leonato, let the Frier aduife you, 
And though you know my inwardnefle and loue 
Is very much vnto the Prince and Qlaudio. 

Yet 



i6 



3/Luch adoe about Nothing. 



Yet, by mine honor, I will deale in this, 
As fecretly and iuftlie, as your foule 
Should with your bodie. 

Leon. Being that I flow in greefe, 
The fmalleft twine may lead me. 

Frier. "Tis well contented, prefently away, 
For to ftrange fores, ftrangely they ftraine the cure, 
Come Lady,die to Hue, this wedding day 
I Perhaps is but prolong'd,haue patience & endure. Exit. 

Bene. Lady Beatrice,haue you wept all this while i 
\ Beat. Yea,and I will weepe a while longer. 

Bene. I will not defire that. 
! Beat. You haue no reafon, I doe it freelv. 



Bene. Surelie I do beleeue your fair cofin is wrong'd. 

Beat. Ah, how much might the man deferue of mee 
that would right her! 

Bene. Is there any way to mew fuch friendfhip f 

Beat. A verie euen way, but no fuch friend. 

Bene. May a man doe it? 

Beat. It is a mans office, but not yours. 

'Bene. I doe loue nothing in the world fo well as you, 
is not that ftrange i 

"Beat. As ftrange as the thing I know not, it were as 
poffible for me to fay,I loued nothing fo well as you, but 
beleeue me not, and yet I lie not, I confeffe nothing, nor 
I deny nothing, I am forry for my coufin. 

Bene. By my fword Beatrice thou lou'ft me. 

Beat. Doe not fweare by it and eat it. 

Bene. I will fweare by it that you loue mee, and I will 
make him eat it that fayes I loue not you. 

Beat. Will you not eat your word i 

Bene. With no fawce that can be deuifed to it, I pro- 
teft I loue thee. 

Beat. Why then God forgiue me. 

Bene. What offence fweet Beatrice i 

Beat. You haue flayed me in a happy howre, I was a- 
bout to proteft I loued you. 

"Bene. And doe it with all thy heart. 

'Beat. I loue you with fo much of my heart, that none 
is left to proteft. 

Bened. Come, bid me doe any thing for thee. 

Beat. Kill Claudia. 

Bene. Ha, not for the wide world. 

'Beat. You kill me to denie, farewell. 

Bene. Tarrie fweet 'Beatrice. 

Beat. I am gone, though I am heere, there is no loue 
in you, nay I pray you let me goe. 

Bene. Beatrice. 

Beat. Infaith I will goe. 

Bene. Wee'll be friends firft. 

'Beat. You dare eafier be friends with mee, than fight 
with mine enemy. 

Bene. Is Claudia thine enemie ? 

Beat. Is a not approued in the height a villaine, that 
hath flandered, fcorned, diihonoured my kinfwoman ? O 
that I were a man ! what, beare her in hand vntill they 
come to take hands , and then with publike accufation 
vncouered ilander, vnmittigated rancour ? O God that I 
were a man I I would eat his heart in the market-place. 

Bene. Heare me Beatrice. 

Beat. Talke with a man out at a window 
faying. 

Bene. Nay but Beatrice. 

'Beat. Sweet Hero, fhe is wrong'd, mee is flandered. 
flie is vndone. 

Bene. Beat? 



proper 



Beat. Princes and Counties ! furelie a Princely tefti- 
monie, a goodly Count, Comfedt, a fweet Gallant fure- 
lie, O that I were a man for his fake I or that I had any 
friend would be a man for my fake/But manhood is mel- 
ted into curfies, valour into complement, and men are 
onelie turned into tongue, and trim ones too : he is now 
as valiant as Hercules, that only tells a lie, and fweares it: 
I cannot be a man with whhing, therfore I will die a wo- 
man with grieuing. 

'Bene. Tarry good 'Beatrice,^ this hand I loue thee. 

Beat. Vfe it for my loue ibme other way then fwea- 
ring by it. 

Bened. Thinke you in your foule the Count Claudia 
hath wrong'd Hera? 

Beat. Yea, as fure as I haue a thought, or a foule. 

Bene. Enough,I am engagde,I will challenge him, I 
will kifle your hand, and fo leaue you : by this hand Clau- 
dia (hall render me a deere account : as you heare of me , 
fo thinke of me : goe comfort your coofin, I muft fay flie 
is dead, and fo farewell. 

Enter the Conftables, Borachio, and the Towne Clerke 
in goivnes. 

Keeper. Is our whole diflembly appeard '. 

Cowley. O a ftoole and a cufhion for the Sexton. 

Sextan. Which be the malefactors i 

Andrew. Marry that am I, and my partner. 

Cowley. Nay that's certaine, wee haue the exhibition 
to examine. 

Sexton. But which are the offenders that are to be ex- 
amined, let them come before matter Conftable. 

Kemp. Yea marry, let them come before mee, what is 
your name, friend ? 

Bar. Borachio. 

Kem. Pray write downe 'Borachio. Yours firra. 

Con. I am a Gentleman fir,and my name is Conrade. 

Kee. Write downe Mafter gentleman Conrade : mai- 
fters, doe you ferue God : maifters, it is proued alreadie 
that you are little better than falfe knaues, and it will goe 
neere to be thought fo fhortly,how anfwer you for your 
felues ? 

Con. Marry fir, we fay we are none. 

Kemp. A maruellous witty fellow I afifure you, but I 
will goe about with him : come you hither firra, a word 
in your eare fir , I fay to you , it is thought you are falfe 
knaues. 

Bor. Sir, I fay to you, we are none. 

Kemp. Well, ftand afide, 'fore God they are both in 
a tale : haue you writ downe that they are none ? 

Sext. Mafter Conftable, you goe not the way to ex- 
amine, you muft call forth the watch that are their ac- 
cufers. 

Kemp. Yea marry, that's the efteft way, let the watch 
come forth : matters, I charge you in the Princes name , 
accufe thefe men. 

Watch i. This man faid fir, that Don Iohn the Princes 
brother was a villaine. 

Kemp. Write down, Prince Iohn a villaine: why this 
is flat periurie, to call a Princes brother villaine. 

Bora. Mafter Conftable. 

Kemp. Pray thee fellow peace, I do not like thy looke 
I promife thee. 

Sexton. What heard you him fay elfe ? 

Watch 2. Mary that he had receiued a thoufand Du- 
kates of T>on Iohn, for accufing the Lady Hero wrong- 
fully. Kem. 

H6 



Much adoe about Soothing. 



117 



Kemp. Flat Burglarie as euer was committed. 

Conft. Yea by th'maffe that it is. 

Sexton. What elfe fellow ? 

Watch 1. And that Count Claudia did meane vpon his 
words, to difgrace Hero before the whole aflembly, and 
not marry her. 

Kemp. O villainelthou wilt be condemn'd into euer- 
Iafting redemption for this. 

Sexton. What elfe f 

Watcb. This is all. 

Sexton. And this is more matters then you can deny, 
Prince lohn is this morning fecretly ftolne away : Hero 
was in this manner accus'd , in this very manner refus'd, 
and vpon the griefe of this fodainely died : Matter Con- 
ftable, let thefe men be bound, and brought to Leonato, 
I will goe before, and (hew him their examination. 

Conjt. Come,let them be opinion'd. 

Sex. Let them be in the hands of Qoxcombe. 

Kern. Gods my life, wbere's the Sexton?let him write 
downe the Princes Officer Coxcombe : come, binde them 
thou naughty varlet. 

Cculey. Away, you are an affe, you are an affe. 

Kemp. Doft thou not fufpect my place? doft thou not 
fufpecf. my yeeres ? O that hee were heere to write mee 
downe an affe ! but matters, remember that I am an a(Te : 
though it be not written down, yet forget not y I am an 
affe:No thou villaine,y art full of piety as ttiall be prou'd 
vpon thee by good witneffe , I am a wife fellow , and 
which is more, an officer, and which is more, a houftioul- 
der,and which is more,as pretty a peece of fleffi as any in 
Meffina, and one that knowes the Law, goe to, & a rich 
fellow enough, goe to, and a fellow that hath had loffes, 
and one that hath two gownes, and euery thing hand- 
fome about him: bring him away:0 that I had been writ 
downe an affe / Exit. 



aAclus Quintus. 



Enter Leonato andhis brother. 

Brother. If you goe on thus, you will kill your felfe, 
And 'tis not wifedome thus to fecond griefe, 
Againft your felfe. 

Leon. I pray thee ceafe thy counfaile, 
Which falls into mine eares as profitleffe, 
As water in a fiue : giue not me counfaile, 
Nor let no comfort delight mine eare, 
But fuch a one whofe wrongs doth fute with mine. 
Bring me a father that fo lou'd his childe, 
Whofe ioy of her is ouer-whelmed like mine, 
And bid him fpeake of patience, 
Meafure his woe the length and bredth of mine, 
And let it anfwere euery ftraine for ftraine , 
As thus for thus, and fuch a griefe for fuch , 
In euery lineament, branch, fhape,and forme: 
If fuch a one will fmile and ftroke his beard, 
And forrow, wagge, crie hem, when he mould grone, 
Patch griefe with prouerbs, make misfortune drunke, 
With candle-wafters : bring him yet to me, 
And I of him will gather patience: 
But there is no fuch man, for brother, men 
Can counfaile, and fpeake comfort to that griefe, 
Which they themfelues not feele, but tatting it, 
Their counfaile turnes to paffion, which before, 



Would giue preceptiall medicine to rage, 
Fetter ftrong madneffe in a filken thred, 
Charme ache with ayre, and agony with words, 
No, no, 'tis all mens office, to fpeake patience 
To thole that wring vnder the load of forrow: 
But no mans vertue nor fufficiencie 
To be fo morall, when he mall endure 
The like himfelfe : therefore giue me no counfaile, 
My griefs cry lowder then aduertifement. 

Broth. Therein do men from children nothing differ. 

Leonato. I pray thee peace,I will be flefh and bloud, 
For there was neuer yet Philofopher, 
That could endure the tooth-ake patiently, 
How euer they haue writ the ftile of gods, 
And made a putti at chance and fufferance. 

Brother. Yet bend not all the harme vpon your felfe, 
Make thofe that doe offend you, fuffer too. 

Leon. There thou fpeak'ft reafon,nay I will doe fo, 
My foule doth tell me, Hero is belied, 
And that fhall Qlaudio know,fo ihall the Prince, 
And all of them that thus di/honour her. 

Enter Prince and Claudio. 

Brot. Here comes the Prince and Claudio haftily. 

Prin. Good den, good den. 

Clau. Good day to both of you, 

Leon. Heare you my Lords ? 

Prin. We haue fome hafte Leonato. 

Leo. Some hafte my Lord! wel,fareyouwel my Lord, 
Are you fo hafty now? well, all is one. 

Prin. Nay, do not quarrell with vs,good old man. 

Brot. If he could rite himfelfe with quarrelling, 
Some of vs would lie low. 

Claud. Who wrongs him ? 

Leon. Marry y doft: wrong me, thou diffembler, thou: 
Nay, neuer lay thy hand vpon thy fword, 
I feare thee not. 

Claud. Marry belhrew my hand, 
If it mould giue your age fuch caufe of feare, 
Infaith my hand meant nothing to my fword. 

Leonato. Tufti, tufh, man, neuer fleere and ieft at me, 
I fpeake not like a dotard, nor a foole, 
As vnder priuiledge of age to bragge, 
What I haue done being yong, or what would doe, 
Were I not old, know Claudio to thy head, 
Thou haft fo wrong'd my innocent childe and me, 
That I am forc'd to lay my reuerence by, 
And with grey haires and bruife of manydaies, 
Doe challenge thee to triall of a man, 
I fay thou haft belied mine innocent childe. 
Thy flander hath gone through and through her heart, 
And ihe lies buried with her anceftors : 
O in a tombe where neuer fcandall ilept, 
Saue this of hers, fram'd by thy villanie. 

Claud. My villany? 

Leonato. Thine Claudio, thine I fay. 

Prin. You fay not right old man. 

Leon. My Lord, my Lord, 
lie proue it on his body if he dare, 
Defpight his nice fence, and his adtiue praftife, 
His Maie of youth, and bloome of luftihood. 

Claud. Away, I will not haue to do with you. 

Leo. Canft thou fo daffe me?thou haft kild- my child, 
If thou kilft me,boy,thou ftialt kill a man. 

"Bro. He Ihall kill two of vs, and men indeed, 
But that's no matter, let him kill one firft : 

Win 



1 1 



^Much adoe about J/\£ o, 



Win me and weare me, let him anfwere me, 
Come follow me boy, come fir boy, come follow me 
Sir boy, ile whip you from your foyning fence, 
Nay, as I am a gentleman, I will. 

Leon. Brother. 

iW.Content your felf,God knows I lou'd my neece, 
And fhe is dead,flander'd to death by villaines, 
That dare as well anfwer a man indeede, 
As I d are take a ferpent by the tongue. 
Boyesiapes, braggarts, I ackes, milke-fops. 

Leon. Brother Anthony. 

Brot. Hold you content, what man^I know them, yea 
And what they weigh, euen to the vtmoft fcruple, 
Scambling, out-facing, fafhion-monging boyes, 
That lye, and cog, and flout, depraue, and ilander, 
Goe antiquely, and fhow outward hidioufneffe, 
And fpeake of halfe a dozen dang'rous words, 
How they might hurt their enemies, if they durft. 
And this is all. 

Leon. But brother Anthon\e. 

Ant. Come,'tis no matter, 
Do not you meddle, let me deale in this. 

PW.Gentlemen both, we will not wake your patience 
My heart is forry for your daughters death : 
But on my honour (he was charg'd with nothing 
But what was true, and very full of proofe. 

Leon. My Lord, my Lord. 

Prin. I will not heare you. 

Enter Benedkke. 

Leo. No come brother, away, I will be heard. 

Exeunt ambo. 

Bro. And fhall, or fome of vs will fmart for it. 

Prin. See,fee,here comes the man we went to feeke. 

Clau. Now fignior, what newes? 

Ben. Good day my Lord. 

Prin. Welcome fignior, you are almoft come to part 
almoft a fray. 

Clau. Wee had likt to haue had our two nofes fnapt 
off with two old men without teeth. 

Prin. Leonato and his brother, what think'ft thou?had 
wee fought, I doubt we fhould haue beene too yong for 
themi 

'Ben. In a falfe quarrell there is no true valour,I came j 
to feeke you both. 

Clau. We haue beene vp and downe to feeke thee, for 
we are high proofe melancholly,and would faine haue it 
beaten away, wilt tbou vfe thy wit? 

Ben. It is in my fcabberd,fhall I draw it? 

Prin. Doeft thou weare thy wit by thy fide ? 

Clau. Neuer any did fo, though verie many haue been 
befide their wit,I will bid thee drawe,as we do the min- 
ftrels,draw to pleafure vs. 

Prin. As I am an honeft man he lookes pale, art thou 
ficke,or angrie ? 

Clau. What,courage man: what though care kil'd a 
cat, thou haft mettle enough in thee to kill care. 

Ben. Sir, I fhall meete your wit in the careere , and 
you charge it againft me, I pray you chufe another fub- 
iecft. 

Clau. Nay then giue him another ftaffe, this laft was 
broke croffe. 

Prin.By this light, he changes more and more, I thinke 
he be angrie indeede. 

Clau. If he be, he knowes how to turne his girdle. 

Ben. Shall I fpeake a word in your eare ? 

Clau. God bleffe me from a challenge. 



Ben. You are a villaine,I ieft not,I will make it good 
how you dare, with what you dare,and when you dare : 
do me right,or I will proteft your cowardife : you haue 
kill'd a fweete Ladie,and her death fhall fall heauie on 
you, let me heare from you. 

Clau. Well, I will meete you, fo I may haue good 
cheafe. 

Prin. What, a feaft,a feaft ? 

Clau. I faith I thanke him, he hath bid me to a calues 
head and a Capon, the which if I doe not carue moft cu- 
rioufly, fay my knife's naught, fhall I not finde a wood- 
cocke too ? 

'Ben. Sir, your wit ambles well,it goes eafily. 

Prin. lie tell thee how Beatrice prais'd thy wit the o- 
ther day: I faid thou hadft a fine wit:true faies fhe, a fine 
little one : no faid I, a great wit : right faies fhee, a great 
groffe one : nay faid I, a good wit: iuft faid fhe,it hurts 
no body : nay faid I, the gentleman is wife : certain faid 
fhe, a wife gentleman : nay faid I, he hath the tongues: 
that I beleeue faid fhee, for hee fwore a thing to me on 
munday night, which he forfwore on tuefday morning: 
there's a double tongue , there's two tongues : thus did 
fhee an howre together tranf-fhape thy particular ver- 
tues, yet at laft fhe concluded with a figh, thou waft the 
propreft man in Italic 

Claud. For the which fhe wept heartily, and faid fhee 
car'd not. 

Prin. Yea that fhe did, but yet for all that, and if fhee 
did not hate him deadlie, fhee would loue him dearely, 
the old mans daughter told vs all. 

Clau. All, all, and moreouer, God faw him when he 
was hid in the garden. 

Prin. But when fhall we fet the fauage Bulls homes 
on the fenfible Benedicts head? 

Clau. Yea and text vnder-neath, heere dwells Bene- 
dicke the married man. 

Ben. Fare you well, Boy, you know my minde, I will 
leaue you now to your goffep-like humor, you breake 
iefts as braggards do their blades, which God be thank- 
ed hurt not: my Lord, for your manie courtefies I thank 
you, I muft difcontinue your companie, your brother 
the Baftard is fled from <JV[eJfina : you haue among you, 
kill'd a fweet and innocent Ladie : for my Lord Lacke- 
beard there, he and I fhall meete, and till then peace be 
with him. 

Prin. He is in earneft. 

Clau. In moft profound earneft, and Ile warrant you, 
for the loue of Beatrice. 

Prin. And hath challeng'd thee. 

Clau. Moft fincerely. 

PWn.Wbata prettie thing man is, when he goes in his 
doublet and hofe,and leaues off his wit. 

Enter Conjlable, Conrade,andBorachio. 

Clau. He is then a Giant to an Ape, but then is an Ape 
a Doctor to fuch a man. 

Prin. But foft you,let me be,plucke vp my heart,and 
be fad, did he not fay my brother was fled ? 

Conjl. Come you fir, if iuftice cannot tame you, fhee 
fhall nere weigh more reafons in her ballance, nay, and 
you be a curling hypocrite once, you muft be lookt to. 

Prin. How now, two of my brothers men bound? Bo- 
rachio one. 

Clau. Harken after their offence my Lord. 

Prin. Officers, what offence haue thefe men done i 

Con. Marrie 



£Much adoe about Soothing. 



119 



Conji. Marrie fir, they haue committed falfe report, 
moreouer they haue fpoken vntruths, fecondarily they 
are (landers, fixt and laftly, they haue belyed a Ladie, 
thirdly, they haue verified vniuft things, and to conclude 
they are lying knaues. 

Prin. Firft I aske thee what they haue done, thirdlie 
I aske thee what's their offence, fixt and laftlie why they 
are committed, and to conclude, what you lay to their 
charge. 

Clau. Rightlie reafoned, and in his owne diuifion, and 
by my troth there's one meaning well futed. 

Prin. Who haue you offended matters, that you are 
thus bound to your anfwer? this learned Conftable is too 
cunning to be vnderftood, what's your offence? 

Bor. Sweete Prince, let me go no farther to mine an- 
fwere : do you heare me, and let this Count kill mee : I 
haue decerned euen your verie eies : what your wife- 
domes could not difcouer, thefe fhallow fooles haue 
brought to light, who in the night ouerheard me con- 
ferring to this man, how Don Iohn your brother incenfed 
me to (lander the Ladie Hero, how you were brought 
into the Orchard, and faw me court Margaret in Heroes 
garments, how you difgrac'd her when you fhould 
marrie her : my villanie they haue vpon record, which 
I had rather feale with my death, then repeate ouer to 
my (hame : the Ladie is dead vpon mine and my matters 
falfe accufation : and briefelie, I defire nothing but the 
reward of a villaine. 

Prin. Runs not this fpeech like yron through your 
bloud ? 

Clau. I haue drunke poifon whiles he vtter'd it. 

Prin. But did my Brother fet thee on to this ? 

Bor. Yea, and paid me richly for the pra&ife of it. 

Prin. He is compos'd and fram'd of treacherie, 
And fled he is vpon this villanie. 

Clau. Sweet Hero,now thy image doth appeare 
In the rare femblance that I lou'd it firft. 

Conji. Come, bring away the plaintiffes,by this time 
our Sexton hath reformed Signior Leonato of the matter : 
and mailers, do not forget to fpecifie when time & place 
(hallferue,thatlaman Affe. 

Con. 2. Here, here comes mafter Signior Leonato, and 
the Sexton too. 

Enter Leonato. 

Leon. Which is the villaine ? let me fee his eies, 
That when I note another man like him, 
I may auoide him : which of thefe is he ? 

Bor. If you would know your wronger, looke on me. 

Leon. Art thou thou the (hue that with thy breath 
haft kild mine innocent childe? 

Bor. Yea, euen I alone. 

Leo. No, not fo villaine, thou belieft thy felfe, 
Here ftand a paire of honourable men, 
A third is fled that had a hand in it : 
I thanke you Princes for my daughters death, 
Record it with your high and worthie deedes, 
'Twas brauely done, if you bethinke you of it. 

Clau. I know not how to pray your patience, 
Yet I muft fpeake, choofe your reuenge your felfe, 
Impofe me to what penance your inuention 
Can lay vpon my finne,yet finn'd I not, 
But in miftaking. 

Prin. By my foule nor I, 
And yet to fatisfie this good old man, 



I would bend vnder anie heauie waight, 
That heele enioyne me to. 

Leon. I cannot bid you bid my daughter liue, 
That were impoflible, but I praie you both, 
Poffeffe the people in MeJJha here, 
How innocent (he died, and if your loue 
Can labour aught in fad inuention, 
Hang her an epitaph vpon her toomb, 
And fing it to her bones, fing it to night : 
To morrow morning come you to my houfe, 
And fince you could not be my fonne in law, 
Be yet my Nephew : my brother hath a daughter, 
Almoft the copie of my childe that's dead, 
And (he alone is heire to both of vs, 
Giue her the right you fhould haue giu'n her cofin, 
And fo dies my reuenge. 

Clau. O noble fir ! 
Your ouerkindneffe doth wring teares from me, 
I do embrace your offer, and dilpofe 
For henceforth of poore Qlaudio. 

Leon. To morrow then I will expeft your comming, 
To night I take my leaue,this naughtie man 
Shall face to face be brought to Margaret, 
Who I beleeue was packt in all this wrong, 
Hired to it by your brother. 

Bor, No by my foule (he was not, 
Nor knew not what (he did when (he fpoke to me, 
But alwaies hath bin iuft and vertuous, 
In anie thing that I do know by her. 

Conji. Moreouer fir, which indeede is not vnder white 
and black, this plaintiffe here, the offendour did call mee 
affe, I befeech you let it be remembred in his punifh- 
ment, and alfo the watch heard them talke of one Defor- 
med, they fay he weares a keyin his eare and a lock hang- 
ing by it,and borrowes monie in Gods name, the which 
he hath vs'd fo long, and neuer paied,that now men grow 
hard-harted and will lend nothing for Gods fake : praie 
you examine him vpon that point. 

Leon. I thanke thee for thy care and honeft paines. 

Qonft. Your worfhip fpeakes like a moft thankefull 
and reuerend youth, and I praife God for you. 

Leon. There's for thy paines. 

Conji. God faue the foundation. 

Leon. Goe, I difcharge thee of thy prifoner, and I 
thanke thee. 

Conji. I leaue an arrant knaue with your worfhip, 
which I befeech your worfhip to correft your felfe, for 
the example of others : God keepe your worfhip, I 
wifh your worfhip well, God reftore you to health, 
I humblie giue you leaue to depart , and if a mer- 
rie meeting may be wifht, God prohibite it : come 
neighbour. 

Leon. Vntill to morrow morning, Lords, farewell. 

Exeunt. 

Brot. Farewell my Lords, we looke for you to mor- 
row. 

Prin. We will not faile. 

Clau. To night ile mourne with Hero: 

Leon. Bring you thefe fellowes on, weel talke with 
Margaret, how her acquaintance grew with this lewd 
fellow. Exeunt. 

Enter Benedkke and Margaret. 
'Hen. Praie thee fweete Miftris Margaret, deferue 
well at my hands, by helping mee to the fpeech of Bea- 
trice. 

Mar. Will 



120 



<3VLuch adoe about Soothing. 



Mar. Will you then write me a Sonnet in praife of 
my beautie ? 

Ber.e. In fo high a ftile Margaret, that no man liuing 
fhall come ouer it, for in moil comely truth thou defer- 
ueft it. 

Mar. To haue no man come ouer me, why, mail I al- 
waies keepe below ftaires ? 

Bene.Thy wit is as quicke as the grey-hounds mouth, 
it catches. 

Mar. And yours,as blunt as the Fencers foiles, which 
hit, but hurt not. 

Bene. A moft manly wit Margaret, it will not hurt a 
woman : and fo I pray thee call Beatrice, I giue thee the 
bucklers. 

Mar. Giue vs the fwords, wee haue bucklers of our 
owne. 

'Bene. If you vfe them Margaret, you muft put in the 
pikes with a vice, and they are dangerous weapons for 
Maides. 

Mar. Well, I will call Beatrice to you, who I thinke 
hath legges. Exit Margarite. 

Ben. And therefore will come. The God of loue that 
fits aboue,and knowes me, and knowes me, how pitti- 
full I deferue. I meane in ringing, but in louing, Lean- 
der the good fwimmer, Troilous the firft imploier of 
pandars, and a whole booke full of thefe quondam car- 
pet-mongers, whofe name yet runne fmoothly- in the e- 
uen rode of a blanke verfe, why they were neuer fo true- 
ly turned ouer and ouer as my poore felfe in loue : mar- 
rie I cannot ihew it rime, I haue tried, I can finde out no 
rime to Ladie but babie, an innocent rime : for fcorne, 
home, a hard time : for fchoole foole, a babling time : 
verie ominous endings , no, I was not borne vnder a ri- 
ming Plannet, for I cannot wooe in feftiuall tearmes : 

Enter Beatrice. 
fweete 'Beatrice would'ft thou come when I cal'd 
thee ? 

Beat. Yea Signior,and depart when you bid me. 

Bene. O ftay but till then. 

Beat. Then, is fpoken : fare you well now, and yet ere 
I goe,let me goe with that I came, which is, with know- 
ing what hath part betweene you and Claudia. 

'Bene. Onely foule words, and thereupon I will kiffe 
thee. 

Beat. Foule words is but foule wind, and foule wind 
is but foule breath, and foule breath is noifome, there- 
fore I will depart vnkift. 

Bene. Thou haft frighted the word out of his right 
fence, fo forcible is thy wit, but I muft tell thee plainely, 
Claudia vndergoes my challenge, and either I muft fhort- 
ly heare from him, or I will fubfcribe him a coward,and 
I pray thee now tell me, for which of my bad parts didft 
thou firft fall in loue with me ? 

'Beat. For them all together, which maintain'd fo 
politique a ftate of euill, that they will not admit any 
good part to intermingle with them : but for which of 
my good parts did you firft fuffer loue for me ? 

Bene. Suffer loue! a good epithite,I do fuffer loue in- 
deede,for I loue thee againft my will. 

Beat . In fpight of your heart I think, alas poore heart, 
if you fpight it for my fake,I will fpight it for yours,for 
I will neuer loue that which my friend hates. 

Bened. Thou and I are too wife to wooe peacea- 
blie. 

'Bea. It appeares not in this confeffion, there's not one 
wife man among twentie that will praife himfelfe. 



Bene. An old, an old inftance Beatrice, that liu'd in 
the time of good neighbours, if a man doe not erect in 
this age his owne tombe ere he dies, hee fhall hue no 
longer in monuments, then the Bels ring, & the Widdow 
weepes. 

Beat. And how long is that thinke you ? 

Ben. Queftion,why an hower in clamour and a quar- 
ter in rhewme,therfore is it moft expedient for the wife, 
if Don worme (his confcience) finde no impediment to 
the contrarie, to be the trumpet of his owne vertues, as 
I am to my felfe fo much for praifing my felfe, who I my 
felfe will beare witneffe is praife worthie, and now tell 
me, how doth your cofin ? 

Beat. Verie ill. 

Bene. And how doe you ? 

Beat. Verie ill too. 

Enter Vrfula. 

Bene.Serue God, loue me, and mend, there will I leaue 
you too, for here comes one in hafte. 

Vrj Madam, you muft come to your Vncle, yon- 
ders old coile at home, it is prooued my Ladie He- 
ro hath bin falfelie accufde , the Prince and Qlaudio 
mightilie abufde, and Don Iohn is the author of all, who 
is fled and gone : will you come prefehtlie ? 

Beat. Will you go heare this newes Signior? 

Bene. I will liue in thy heart, die in thy lap, and be bu- 
ried in thy eies : and moreouer, I will goe with thee to 
thy Vncles. Exeunt. 

Enter Claudia, Prince, and three or four e with Tapers. 

Clau. Is this the monument of Leonato? 
Lord. It is my Lord. Epitaph. 

Done to death by Jlanderous tongues, 
Was the Hero that here lies : 
Death in guerdon of her -wrongs, 
Giues her fame -which neuer dies : 
So the life that dyed -with fbame, 
Liues in death -with glorious fame. 
Hang thou there -upon the tombe, 
Praifing her -when I am dombe. 
Qlau. Now mufick found & fing your folemn hymne 

Song. 
Pardon goddeffe of the night, 
Tkofe that flew thy -virgin knight, 
For the -which -with Jongs of -woe, 
Round about her tombe they goe : 
Midnight affift our mone,helpe -vs tofigh and grone. 
Heauity ,heauily. 

Graues ya-wne and yeclde your dead, 
Till death be -uttered, 
Heauenly , heauenly. 

(this right. 
Lo.Now vnto thy bones good night, yeerely will I do 
Prin. Good morrow mafters, put your Torches out, 
The wolues haue preied,and looke, the gentle day 
Before the wheeles of Phoebus, round about 
Dapples the drowfie Eaft with fpots of grey : 
Thanks to you all, and leaue vs,fare you well. 

Qlau. Good morrow mafters, each his feuerall way. 
Prin. Come let vs hence,and put on other weedes, 
And then to Leonatoes we will goe. 

Clau. And Hymen now with luckier iffue fpeeds, 

Then 



<3VLiich adoe aboat Soothing. 



Then this for whom we rendred vp this woe. Exeunt. 
Enter Leonato,'Bene. Marg. Vrjula, old man, Frier , Hero. 

Frier. Did I not tell you flie was innocent? 

Leo. So are the Prince and Claudia who accus'd her, 
Vpon the errour that you heard debated : 
But Margaret was in fome fault for this, 
Although againft her will as it appeares, 
In the true courfe of all the queftion. 

Old. Well, I am glad that all things fort fo well. 

Bene. And fo am I, being elfe by faith enforc'd 
To call young Claudia to a reckoning for it. 

Leo. Well daughter, and you gentlewomen all, 
Withdraw into a chamber by your felues, 
And when I fend for you, come hither mask'd : 
The Prince and Claudia promis'd by this howre 
To vifit me, you know your office Brother, 
You muft be father to your brothers daughter, 
And giue her to young Qlaudio. Exeunt Ladies. 

Old. Which I will doe with confirm'd countenance. 

'Bene. Frier, I muft intreat your paines,I thinke. 

Frier. To doe what Signior ? 

Bene. To binde me, or vndoe me,one of them: 
Signior Leonato , truth it is good Signior, 
Your neece regards me with an eye of fauour. 

Leo. That eye my daughter lent her, 'tis moft true. 

Bene. And I doe with an eye of loue requite her. 

Leo. The fight whereof I thinke you had from me, 
From Claudia, and the Prince, but what's your will ? 

'Betted. Your anfwer fir is Enigmaticall, 
But for my will, my will is, your good will 
May (land with ours, this day to be conioyn'd, 
In the ftate of honourable marriage, 
In which (good Frier) I fhall defire your helpe. 

Leon. My heart is with your liking. 

Frier. And my helpe. 

Snter Prince and Claudia, -with attendants. 

Prin. Good morrow to this faire affembly. 

Leo. Good morrow Prince, good morrow Claudia: 
We heere attend you, are you yet determin'd, 
To day to marry with my brothers daughter ? 

Claud. He hold my minde were fhe an Ethiope. 

Leo. Call her forth brother, heres the Frier ready. 

Prin. Good morrow Benedike, why what's the matter? 
That you haue fuch a Februarie face, 
So full of froft, of ftorme,and clowdinefle. 

Claud. I thinke he thinkes vpon the fauage bull : 
Tufli, feare not man, wee'll tip thy homes with gold, 
And all Europa fhall reioyce at thee, 
As once Europa did at lufty hue, 
When he would play the noble beaft in loue. 

Ben. Bull loue fir, had an amiable low, 
And fome fuch ftrange bull leapt your fathers Cow, 
A got a Calfe in that fame noble feat, 
Much like to you, for you haue iuft his bleat. 
Enter brother, Hero, Beatrice, Margaret, Vrjula. 

Cla. For this I owe you: here comes other recknings. 
Which is the Lady I muft feize vpon ? 

Leo. This fame is /he, and I doe giue you her. 

Cla. Why then fhe's mine,fweet let me fee your face. 

Leon. No that you fhal not, till you take her hand, 
Before this Frier, and fweare to marry her. 

Clau. Giue me your hand before this holy Frier, 
I am your husband if you like of me. 

Hero. And when I liu'd I was your other wife, 
And when you lou'd, you were my other husband. 

Clau. Another Hero? 



Are . 



Hero. Nothing certainer. 
One Hero died, but I doe liue, 
And furely as I liue, I am a maid. 

Prin. The former Hero, Hero that is dead. 

Leon. Shee died my Lord, but whiles her flander liu'd. 

Frier. All this amazement can I qualifie, 
When after that the holy rites are ended, 
He tell you largely of faire Heroes death : 
Meane time let wonder feeme familiar , 
And to the chappell let vs prefently. 

Ben. Soft and faire Frier, which is Beatrice} 

Beat. I anfwer to that name, what is your will ? 

Bene. Doe not you loue me ? 

Beat. Why no, no more then reafon. 

Bene. Why then your Vncle, and the Prince, & Clau- 
dia, haue beene deceiued, they fwore you did. 

Beat. Doe not you loue mee ? 

Bene. Troth no, no more then reafon. 

Beat. Why then my Cofin Margaret and Vrjula 
:h deceiu'd,for they did fweare you did. 

Bene. They fwore you were almoft ficke for me. 

'Beat. They fwore you were wel-nye dead for me. 

Bene. 'Tis no matter, then you doe not loue me? 

Beat. No truly, but in friendly recompence. 

Leon. Come Cofin, I am fure you loue the gentlema. 

Clau. And He be fworne vpon't, that he loues her, 
For heres a paper written in his hand, 
A halting fonnet of his owne pure braine, 
Faftuoned to Beatrice. 

Hero. And heeres another, 
Writ in my cofins hand, ftolne from her pocket, 
Containing her affection vnto Bencdicke. 

Bene. A miracle, here's our owne hands againft our 
hearts: come I will haue thee, but by this light I take 
thee for pittie. 

'Beat. I would not denie you, but by this good day, I 
yeeld vpon great perfwafion, & partly to faue your life, 
for I was told, you were in a confumption. 

Leon. Peace I will flop your mouth. 

Prin. How doft thou Benedicke the married man ? 

•Bene. He tell thee what Prince : a Colledge of witte- 
crackers cannot flout mee out of my humour, doft thou 
think I care for a Satyre or an Epigram ? no, if a man will 
be beaten with braines, a fliall weare nothing handfome 
about him : in briefe, fince I do purpofe to marry, I will 
thinke nothing to any purpofe that the world can fay a- 
gainft it, and therefore neuer flout at me, for I haue faid 
againft it : for man is a giddy thing, and this is my con- 
clufion: for thy part Claudia, I did thinke to haue beaten 
thee, but in that thou art like to be my kinfman, liue vn 
bruis'd, and loue my coufin. 

Cla. I had well hop'd y wouldft haue denied Beatrice,^ 
I might haue cudgel'd thee out of thy fingle life, to make 
thee a double dealer, which out of queftia thou wilt be 
if 'my Coufin do not looke exceeding narrowly to thee 

Bene. Come, come, we are friends, let's haue a dance 
ere we are married, that we may lighten our own hearts, 
and our wiues heeles. 

Leon. Wee'll haue dancing afterward. 

Bene. Firft, of my word, therfore play mufick. Prince, 
thou art fad, get thee a wife, get thee a wife, there is no 
ftaff more reuerend then one tipt with horn. Enter. Mej. 

Mejfen. My Lord, your brother lohn is tane in flight. 
And brought with armed men backe to zMejfina. 

Bene. Thinke not on him till to morrow, ile deuife 

thee braue puniftiments for him: ftrike vp Pipers. Dance. 

L FINIS. 




Loues Labour s loft. 



aAStus primus. 



Enter Ferdinand King of Nauarre, Beroivne, Longauill, and 
Dumane. 



Ferdinand. 

Et Fame, that all hunt after in their Hues , 
Liue regiftred vpon our brazen Tombes, 
And then grace vs in the difgrace of death: 
hen fpight of cormorant deuouring Time, 




Th'endeuour of this prefent breath may buy: 

That honour which mall bate his fythes keene edge, 

And make vs heyres of all eternitie. 

Therefore braue Conquerours, for fo you are, 

That warre againft your owne affedtions , 

And the huge Armie of the worlds defires. 

Our late edicT: mall ftrongly ftand in force, 

Nauar mall be the wonder of the world. 

Our Court mail be a little Achademe , 

Still and contemplatiue in liuing Art. 

You three, c Beroivne, Dumaine, and Longauill, 

Haue fworne for three yeeres terme,to liue with me : 

My fellow Schollers, and to keepe thofe ftatutes 

That are recorded in this fcedule heere. 

Your oathes are p,ift,and now fubferibe your names: 

That his owne hand may ftrike his honour downe, 

That violates the fmalleft branch heerein : 

If you are arm'd to doe, as fworne to do, 

Subfcribe to your deepe oathes, and keepe it to. 

Longauill. I am reiolu'd, 'tis but a three yeeres faft: 
The minde mall banquet, though the body pine, 
Fat paunches haue leane pates: and dainty bits, 
Make rich the ribs, but bankerout the wits. 

Dumane. My louing Lor d, "Dumane is mortified, 
The grofier manner of thefe worlds delights, 
He throwes vpon the groffe worlds bafer llaues : 
To loue,to wealth, to pompe,I pine and die, 
With all thefe liuing in Philofophie. 

ISeroione. I can but fay their proteftation ouer , 
So much,deare Liege, I haue already fworne, 
That is, to liue and ftudy heere three yeeres. 
But there are other ftricl obferuances : 
As not to fee a woman in that terme, 
Which I hope well is not enrolled there. 
And one day in a weeke to touch no foode : 
And but one meale on euery day befide : 
The which I hope is not enrolled there. 
And then to fleepe but three houres in the night, 
And not be feene to winke of all the day. 
When I was wont to thinke no harme all night, 
And make a darke night too of halfe the day : 



Which I hope well is not enrolled there. 
O, thefe are barren taskes,too hard to keepe, 
Not to fee Ladies, ftudy, faft, not fleepe. 

Ferd. Your oath is paft, to paffe away from thefe. 

^eroiv. Let me fay no my Liedge, and if you pleafe, 
I onely fwore to ftudy with your grace, 
And ftay heere in your Court for three yeeres fpace. 

Longa. You fwore to that Bero-w ne, and to the reft. 

Beroiu. By yea and nay fir, than I fwore in ieft. 
What is the end of ftudy, let me know ? 

Fer. Why that to know which elfe wee mould not 
know. 

Ber. Things hid & bard (you meane)fro comon fenfe. 

Ferd. I, that is ftudies god-like recompence. 

'Bero. Come on then, I will fweare to ftudie fo, 
To know the thing I am forbid to know: 
As thus, to ftudy where I well may dine, 
When I to faft exprefiely am forbid. 
Or ftudie where to meet fome MiftreiTe fine, 
When Miftrefies from common fenfe are hid. 
Or hauing fworne too hard a keeping oath, 
Studie to breake it, and not breake my troth. 
If ftudies gaine be thus, and this be fo, 
Studie knowes that which yet it doth not know, 
Sweare me to this, and I will nere fay no. 

Ferd. Thefe be the flops that hinder ftudie quite, 
And traine our intellects to vaine delight. 

Ber. Why? all delights are vaine, and that moft vaine 
Which with paine purcbas'd,doth inherit paine, 
As painefully to poare vpon a Booke, 
To feeke the light of truth, while truth the while 
Doth falfely blinde the eye-fight of his looke : 
Light feeeking light,doth light of light beguile: 
So ere you finde where light in darkenefie lies, 
Your light growes darke by lofing of your eyes. 
Studie me how to pleafe the eye indeede, 
By fixing it vpon a fairer eye, 
Who dazling fo, that eye mall be his heed, 
And giue him light that it was blinded by. 
Studie is like the heauens glorious Sunne, 
That will not be deepe fearch'd with fawcy lookes : 
Small haue continuall plodders euer wonne, 
Saue bafe authoritie from others Bookes. 
Thefe earthly Godfathers of heauens lights, 
That giue a name to euery fixed Starre, 
Haue no more profit of their Alining nights, 
Then thofe that walke and wot not what they are. 
Too much to know,is to know nought but fame : 
And euery Godfather can giue a name. 

Fer. How'well bee's read, to reafon againft reading. 

c Dum. 



Loues Labour's loji. 



123 



Dum. Proceeded well, to flop all good proceeding. 

Lon. Hee weedes the come, and ftill lets grow the 
weeding. 

'Ber. The Spring is neare when greene geeffe are a 
breeding. 

Dum. How followes that ? 

'Ber. Fit in his place and time. 

Dum. In reafon nothing. 

'Her. Something then in rime. 

Ferd. 'Beroivne is like an enuious fneaping Froft, 
That bites the flrft borne infants of the Spring. 

"Ber. Wei, fay I am, why fhould proud Summer boaft, 
Before the Birds haue any caufe to ling? 
Why fhould I ioy in any abortiue birth ? 
At Chriftmas I no more defire a Rofe, 
Then wifh a Snow in Mayes new fangled fhowes : 
But like of each thing that in feafon growes. 
So you to ftudie now it is too late, 
That were to clymbe ore the houfe to vnlocke the gate. 

Fer. Well, fit you out : go home 'Berowne : adue. 

■3fj-.No my good Lord, I haue fworn to ftay with you. 
And though I haue for barbarifme fpoke more, 
Then for that Angell knowledge you can fay, 
Yet confident lie keepe what I haue fworne, 
And bide the pennance of each three yeares day. 
Giue me the paper, let me reade the fame, 
And to the ftricteft decrees He write my name. 

Fer. How well this yeelding refcues thee from fhame. 

Ber. Item. That no woman fhall come within a mile 
of my Court. 
Hath this bin proclaimed ? 

Lon. Foure dayes agoe. 

Ber. Let's fee the penaltie. 
On paine of loofing her tongue. 
Who deuis'd this penaltie ? 

Lon. Marry that did I. 

Ber. Sweete Lord, and why ? 

Lon. To fright them hence with that dread penaltie, 
A dangerous law againft gentilitie. 

Item, If any man be feene to talke with a woman with- 
in the tearme of three yeares, hee fhall indure fuch 
publique mame as the reft of the Court fhall poffibly 
deuife. 

13er. This Article my Liedge your felfe muft breake, 
For well you know here comes in Embaffie 
The French Kings daughter, with your felfe to fpeake : 
A Maide of grace and compleate maieftie, 
About furrender vp of Aquitaine : 
To her decrepit, ficke, and bed-rid Father. 
Therefore this Article is made in vaine, 
Or vainly comes th'admired Princeffe hither. 

Fer. What fay you Lords ? 
Why, this was quite forgot. 

'Ber. So Studie euermore is ouerfhot, 
While it doth ftudy to haue what it would, 
It doth forget to doe the thing it fhould : 
And when it hath the thing it hunteth moll, 
'Tis won as townes with fire, fo won,fo loft. 

Fer. We muft of force difpence with this Decree, 
She muft lye here on meere neceffitie. 

'Ber. Neceffity will make vs all forfworne 
Three thoufand times within this three yeeres fpace : 
For euery man with his affects is borne, 
Not by might maftred,but by fpeciall grace. 
If I breake faith, this word fhall breake for me, 
I am forfworne on meere neceffitie. 



125 



So to the Lawes at large I write my name, 
And he that breakes them in the leaft degree, 
Stands in attainder of eternall fhame. 
Suggeftions are to others as to me : 
But I beleeue although I feeme fo loth, 
I am the laft that will laft keepe his oth. 
But is there no quicke recreation granted? 

Fer. I that there is, our Court you know is hanted 
With a refined trauailer of Spaine , 
A man in all the worlds new fafhion planted, 
That hath a mint of phrafes in his braine : 
One, who the muficke of his owne vaine tongue, 
Doth rauifh like inchanting harmonie : 
A man of complements whom right and wrong 
Haue chofe as vmpire of their mutinie. 
This childe of fancie that Armado hight, 
For interim to our ftudies fhall relate, 
In high-borne words the worth of many a Knight : 
From tawnie Spaine loft in the worlds debate. 
How you delight my Lords, I know not I, 
But I proteft 1 loue to heare him lie, 
And I will vfe him for my Minftrelfie. 

Bero. Armado is a moft illuftrious wight, 
A man of fire, new words, fafhions owne Knight. 

Lon. Qofiard the fwaine and he, fhall be our fport, 
And fo to ftudie, three yeeres is but fhort. 

Enter a Conftable ivith Coflard with a Letter. 

Conji. Which is the Dukes owne perfon. 

Ber. This fellow, What would'ft? 

Con. I my felfe reprehend his owne perfon, for I am 
his graces Tharborough :But I would fee his own perfon 
in flefh and blood. 

Ber. This is he. 

Con. Signeor Arme,zArme commends you : 
Ther's villanie abroad, this letter will tell you more. 

Cloiv. Sir the Contempts thereof are as touching 
mee. 

Fer. A letter from the magnificent Armado. 

Ber. How low foeuer the matter, I hope in God for 
high words. 

Lon. A. high hope for a low heauen,God grant vs pa- 
tience. 

Ber. To heare, or forbeare hearing. 

Lon. To heare meekely fir,and to laugh moderately, 
or to forbeare both. 

Ber. Well fir, be it as the ftile fhall' giue vs caufe to 
clime in the merrinefTe. 

Clo. The matter is to me fir,as concerning Iaquenetta. 
The manner of it is. I was taken with the manner. 

Ber. In what manner? 

Clo. In manner and forme following fir all thofe three. 
I was feene with her in the Mannor houfe, fitting with 
her vpon the Forme, and taken following her into the 
Parke : which put to gether, is in manner and forme 
following. Now fir for the manner ; It is the manner 
of a man to fpeake to a woman, for the forme in fome 
forme. 

'Ber. For the following fir. 

Clo. As it fhall follow in my correction, and God de- 
fend the right. 

Fer. Will you heare this Letter with attention ? 

Ber. As we would heare an Oracle. 

Clo. Such is the fimplicitie of man to harken after the 
flefh. 

L 2 Fer. Great 



124 



Loues Labour's loft. 



Ferdinand. 

GReat Deputie, the Welkins Vicegerent, and file domi- 
nator of Nauar, my Joules earths God, and bodies fo- 
ftring patrone : 

Coft. Not a word of Qoftard yet. 

Ferd. So it is. 

Coft. It may be fo: but if he fay it is fo, he is in telling 
true : but fo. 

Ferd. Peace, 

Cl-jw. Be to me, and euery man that dares not fight. 

Ferd. No words, 

Clow. Of other mens fecrets I befeech you. 

Ferd. So it is befeged with fable coloured melancholic, I 
did commend the blacke oppreffing humour to the moft tuhole- 
Jhme Phyftcke of thy health-giuing ay re : And as I am a Gen- 
tleman, betooke my felfe to ivalke : the time When? about the 
Jixt houre, When beafts moft graje, birds beft pecke, and men 
ft downe to that nonrifhment "which is called jupper : So much 
for the time When. Now for the ground Which ? which I 
meane I walkt upon, it is ycliped, Thy Parke. Then for the 
place Where ? where I meane I did encounter that obfeene and 
moft prepofterous euent that draweth from my fnow-white pen 
the ebon coloured Like, which heere thou ■vieweft, beholdeft , 
Juruayeft, or feeft. But to the place Where ? It Handeth 
North North-eaft and by Eaft from the Weft corner of thy 
curious knotted garden ; "There did I fee that low fpiri- 
ted Sivaine , that bafe Minoiv of thy myrth, (Clown. Mee?) 
that vnletered final! knowing foule, (Clew Me?) that Jhailow 
■vajfall (Clow. Still mee?) which as I remember, hight Co- 
ftard, (Clow. O me) forted and confined contrary to thy e- 
ftablifoed proclaymed Edit! and Confine t, Cannon : Which 
ivith, owith, but ivith this I paffion to fay wherewith : 

Cio. With a Wench. 

Ferd. With a childe of our Grandmother Eue, a female ; 
or for thy more fiweet underftanding a woman : him, I (as my 
euer efteemed dutie prickes me on) hauefent to thee, to receiue 
the meed of punifhment by thy fweet Graces Officer Anthony 
Dull, a man of good repute, carriage, bearing, & estimation. 

Anth. Me,an't fhall pleafe you? I am Anthony Dull. 

Ferd. For Iaquenetta (fo is the weaker veffell called) 
which I apprehended with the aforefaid Swatne , / keeper her 
as a -veffell of thy Lawes furie, and pall at the leaf of thy 
fweet notice, bring her to triall. Thine in all complements of 
deuoted and heart-burning heat of dutie. 

Don Adriana de Armado. 

'Ber. This is not fo well as I looked for, but the beft 
that euer I heard. 

Fer. I the beft, for the worft. But firra, What fay you 
to this ? 

Cio. Sir I confefTe the Wench. 

Fer. Did you heare the Proclamation? 

Cio. I doe confefTe much of the hearing it, but little 
of the marking of it. 

Fer. It was proclaimed a yeeres imprifoment to bee 
taken with a Wench. 

Clow. I was taken with none fir, I was taken with a 
Damofell. 

Fer. Well, it was proclaimed Damofell. 

Cio. This was no Damofell neyther fir, fhee was a 
Virgin. 

Fer. It is fo varried to, for it was proclaimed Virgin. 

Cio. If it were, I denie her Virginitie : I was taken 
with a Maide. 

Fer. This Maid will not ferue your turne fir. 
Cio. This Maide will ferue my turne fir. 



Kin. Sir I will pronounce your fentence : You fhall 
faft a Weeke with Branne and water. 

Cio. I had rather pray a Moneth with Mutton and 
Porridge. 

Kin. And Don Armado fhall be your keeper. 
My Lord TSerowne, lee him deliuer'd ore, 
And goe we Lords to put in practice that, 
Which each to other hath fo ftrongly fworne. 

Bero. He lay my head to any good mans hat, 
Thefe oathes and lawes will proue an idle icorne. 
Sirra, come on. 

Cio. I fuffer for the truth fir : for true it is, I was ta- 
ken with Iaquenetta, and Iaquenetta is a true girle , and 
therefore welcome the fowre cup of profperitie, afflicti- 
on may one day fmile againe, and vntill then fit downe 
forrow. Exit. 

Enter Armado and Moth his Page. 

tArma. Boy, What figne is it when a man of great 
fpirit growes melancholy ? 

'Boy. A great figne fir, that he will looke fad. 

'Brag. Why? fadnefie is one and the felfe-fame thing 
deare impe. 

'Boy. No no, O Lord fir no. 

'Brag. How canft thou part fadnefie and melancholy 
my tender luuenaWi 

<Boy. By a familiar demonftration of the working, my 
tough figneur. 

Brag. Why tough figneur ? Why tough figneur? 

'Boy. Why tender luuenall? Why tender Iuuenall? 

'Brag. I fpoke it tender Iuuena/l, as a congruent apa- 
thaton, appertaining to thy young daies, which we may 
nominate tender. 

'Boy. And I tough figneur, as an appertinent title to 
your olde time, which we may name tough. 

'Brag. Pretty and apt. 

Boy. How meane you fir, I pretty, and my faying apt? 
or I apt, and my faying prettie? 

"Brag. Thou pretty becaufe little. 

'Boy. Little pretty, becaufe little: wherefore apt? 

'Brag. And therefore apt, becaufe quicke. 

'Boy. Speake you this in my praife Mafter ? 

'Brag. In thy condigne praife. 

'Boy. I will praife an Eele with the fame praife. 

'Brag. What? that an Eele is ingenuous. 

Boy. That an Eeele is quicke. 

Tirag. I doe fay thou art quicke in anfweres. Thou 
heat'ft my bloud. 

'Boy. I am anfwer'd fir. 

Brag. I loue not to be croft. ("him. 

'Boy. He fpeakes the meere contrary, croffes loue not 

'Br. I haue promis'd to ftudy iij. yeres with the Duke. 

'Boy. You may doe it in an houre fir. 

T5rag. Impoflible. 

'Boy. How many is one thrice told ? 

■Bra. I am ill at reckning,it fits the fpirit of a Tapfter. 

'Boy. You are a gentleman and a gamefter fir. 

'Brag. I confefTe both, they are both the varnifti of a 
compleat man. 

"Boy. Then I am fure you know how much the grofle 
fumme of deuf-ace amounts to. 

'Brag. It doth amount to one more then two. 

'Boy. Which the bafe vulgar call three. 

"Br. True. "Boy. Why fir is this fuch a peece of ftudy? 
Now here's three ftudied,ere you'll thrice wink, & how 
eafie it is to put yeres to the word three, and ftudy three 
yeeres in two words, the dancing horfe will tell you. 

'Brag. A 
124 



Loues Labour's loft. 



I2 5 



Brag. A moft fine Figure. 

'Boy. To proue you a Cypher. 

Brag. I will heereupon confefle I am in loue : and as 
it is bale for a Souldier to loue j fo am I in loue with a 
bafe wench, if drawing my fword againft the humour 
of affeftion, would deliuer mee from the reprobate 
thought of it, I would take Defire prifoner, and ranfome 
him to any French Courtier for a new deuis'd curtfie. I 
thinke fcorne to figh , me thinkes I mould out-fweare 
Cupid. Comfort me Boy, What great men haue beene 
in loue ? 

Boy. Hercules Mafter. 

Brag. Moft fweete Hercules : more authority deare 
Boy, name more ; and fweet my childe let them be men 
of good repute and carriage. 

Boy. Sampfon Mafter, he was a man of good carriage, 
great carriage : for hee carried the Towne-gates on his 
backe like a Porter: and he was in loue. 

Brag. O well-knit Sampfon, ftrong ioynted Sampfon; 
I doe excell thee in my rapier, as much as thou didft mee 
in carrying gates. I am in loue too. Who was Sampfons 
loue my deare Motb ? 

Boy. A Woman, Mafter. 

Brag. Of what complexion? 

Boy. Of all the foure, or the three, or the two, or one 
of the foure. 

Brag. Tell me precifely of what complexion? 

Boy. Of the fea-water Greene fir. 

Brag. Is that one of the foure complexions? 

Boy. As I haue read fir, and the beft of them too. 

Brag. Greene indeed is the colour of Louers : but to 
haue a Loue of that colour, methinkes Sampfon had fmall 
reafon for it. He furely arretted her for her wit. 

Boy. It was fo fir, for me had a greene wit. 

Brag. My Loue is moft immaculate white and red. 

Boy. Moft immaculate thoughts Mafter, are mask'd 
vnder fuch colours. 

'Brag. Define, define, well educated infant. 

Boy. My fathers witte, and my mothers tongue affift 
mee. 

Brag. Sweet inuocation of a childe, moft pretty and 
patheticall. 

Boy. If /hee be made of white and red, 
Her faults will nere be knowne : 
For blufh-in cheekes by faults are bred, 
And feares by pale white Ihowne : 
I Then if Ihe feare, or be to blame, 
By this you fhall not know, 
For ftill her cheekes poffeffe the fame, 
Which natiue fhe doth owe : 

A dangerous rime mafter againft the reafon 'of white 
and redde. 

Brag. Is there not a ballet Boy, of the King and the 
Begger ? 

Boy. The world was very guilty of fuch a Ballet fome 
three ages fince,but I thinke now 'tis not to be found: or 
if it were, it would neither ferue for the writing, nor the 
tune. 

Brag. I will haue that fubiecT: newly writ ore, that I 
may example my digreifion by fome mighty prefident. 
Boy, I doe loue that Countrey girle that I tooke in 
the Parke with the rationall hinde Cofiard: fhe deferues 
well. 

Boy. To bee whip'd : and yet a better loue then my 
Mafter. 

Brag. Sing Boy, my fpirit grows heauy in ioue. 



Boy. And that's great maruelI,louing a light wench. 

Brag. I fay fing. 

Boy. Forbeare till this company be paft. 

Enter Qloivne ,Conftable , and TVench. 

Conji . Sir, the Dukes pleafure,is that you keepe Co- 
fiard fafe, and you muft let him take no delight , nor no 
penance, but hee muft faft three daies a weeke : for this 
Damfell,I muft keepe her at the Parke, fhee is alowd for 
the Day-woman. Fare you well. Exit. 

Brag. I do betray my felfe with blufhing : Maide. 

Maid. Man. 

'Brag. I wil vifit thee at the Lodge. 

Maid. That's here by. 

Brag. I know where it is fituate. 

Mai. Lord how wife you are ! 

Brag. I will tell thee wonders. 

zMa. With what face? 

Brag. I loue thee. 

Mai. So I heard you fay. 

'Brag, And fo farewell. 

Mai. Faire weather after you. 

Clo. Come laquenetta, away. Exeunt. 

Brag. Villaine, thou fhalt faft for thy offences ere 
thou be pardoned. 

Clo. Well fir, I hope when I doe it, I fhall doe it on a 
full ftomacke. 

Brag. Thou fhalt be heauily punifhed. 

Clo. I am more bound to you then your fellowes, for 
they are but lightly rewarded. 

Clo. Take away this villaine, Ihut him vp. 

Boy. Come you tranfgreffing flaue,away. 

Cloio. Let mee not bee pent vp fir , I will faft being 
loofe. 

Boy. No fir, that were faft and loofe : thou ihalt to 
prifon. 

Clew. Well, if euer I do fee the merry dayes of def- 
lation that I haue feene, fome fhall fee. 

Boy. What fhall fome fee ? 

Qlotu. Nay nothing, Mafter Moth, but what they 
looke vpon. It is not for prifoners to be filent in their 
words, and therefore I will fay nothing : I thanke God, I 
haue as little patience as another man , and therefore I 
can be quiet. Exit. 

Brag. I doe affedl: the very ground ( which is bafe ) 
where her fliooe ( which is bafer ) guided by her foote 
(which is bafeft) doth tread. I fhall be forfworn ( which 
ia a great argument of falfhood^ if I loue. And how can 
that be true loue, which is falfly attempted? Loue is a fa- 
miliar, Loue is a Diuell. There is no euill Angell but 
Loue, yet Sampfon was fo tempted, and he had an excel- 
lent ftiength : Yet was Salomon fo feduced, and hee had 
a very good witte. Cupids Butfhaft is too hard for Her 
cules Clubbe , and therefore too much ods for a Spa- 
niards Rapier : The firft and fecond caufe will not ferue 
my turne : the Pafjddo hee refp'e&s not, the 'Duello he 
regards not ; his difgrace is to be called Boy , but his 
glorie is to fubdue men. Adue Valour, ruft Rapier, bee 
ftill Drum, for your manager is in loue ; yea hee loueth. 
Affift me fome extemporall god of Rime, for I am fure I 
fhall turne Sonnet. Deuife Wit, write Pen, for I am for 
whole volumes in folio. Sxit. 

Finis Aclus Primus. 

L % ABtu 



126 



Loues Labour's loji. 



ABus Secunda. 



Enter the PrinceJJe of France , with three attending Ladies , 
and three Lords. 



'Boyet. Now Madam furamon vp your deareft fpirits, 
Confider who the King your father fends : 
To whom he fends, and what's his Embaflie. 
Your felfe, held precious in the worlds efteeme, 
To parlee with the fole inheritour 
Of all perfections that a man may owe , 
Matchleffe Nauarre,the plea of no leffe weight 
Then Aquitaine,-* Dowrie for a Queene. 
Be now as prodigall of all deare grace, 
As Nature was in making Graces deare, 
When file did ftarue the generall world befide , 
And prodigally gaue them all to you. 

Queen. Good L. Boyet, my beauty though but mean, 
Needs not the painted flourifh of your praife : 
Beauty is bought by iudgement of the eye , 
Not vttred by bafe fale of chapmens tongues : 
I am leffe proud to heare you tell my worth, 
Then you much wiling to be counted wife, 
In fpending your wit in the praife of mine. 
But now to taske the tasker,good Boyet, 

Prin. You are not ignorant all-telling fame 
Doth noyfe abroad Nauar hath made a vow, 
Till painefull ftudie (hall out-weare three yeares, 
No woman may approach his filent Court : 
Therefore to's feemeth it a needfull courfe, 
Before we enter his forbidden gates , 
To know his pleafure, and in that behalfe 
Bold of your worthineffe, we fingle you, 
As our beft mouing faire foliciter : 
Tell him, the daughter of the King of France, 
On ferious bufineffe crauing quicke difpatch, 
Importunes perfonall conference with his grace. 
Halle, lignifie fo much while we attend, 
Like humble vifag'd futers his high will. 

Boy. Proud of imploymerit, willingly I goe. Exit. 

Prin. All pride is willing pride,and yours is fo : 
Who are the Votaries my louing Lords, that are vow- 
fellowes with this vertuous Duke ? 

Lor. Longauill is one. 

Princ. Know you the man ? 

I Lady. I know him Madame at a marriage feaft , 
Betweene L. Perigort and the beautious heire 
Of Iaques Fauconbridge folemnized. 
In Normandie faw I this Longauill , 
A man of foueraigne parts he is efteem'd : 
Well fitted in Arts, glorious in Armes : 
Nothing becomes him ill that he would well. 
The onely foyle of his faire vertues gloffe, 
If vertues gloffe will ftaine with any foile, 
Is a fharp wit match'd with too blunt a Will : 
Whofe edge hath power to cut whofe will rt ill wills, 
It fhould none fpare that come within his power. 

Prin. Some merry mocking Lord belike, ift fo ? 

Lad. I. They fay fo moft,that moft his humors know. 

Prin. Such ihort liu'd wits do wither as they grow. 
Who are the reft? 

i. Lad. The yong Dumaine, a well accomplifht youth, 



Of all that Vertue loue, for Vertue loued. 

Moft power to doe moft harme, leaft knowing ill : 

For he hath wit to make an ill ihape good, 

And lhape to win grace though (he had no wit. 

I faw him at the Duke Alanjoes once, 

And much too little of that good I faw, 

Is my report to his great worthineffe. 

Rojfa. Another of thefe Students at that time, 
Was there with him, as I haue heard a truth. 
Beroivne they call him, but a merrier man, 
Within the limit of becomming mirth, 
I neuer fpent an houres talke withall. 
His eye begets occafion for his wit, 
For euery obiecT: that the one doth catch , 
The other turnes to a mirth-mouing ieft. 
Which his faire tongue (conceits expofitor) 
Deliuers in fuch apt and gracious words , 
That aged eares play treuant at his tales, 
And yonger hearings are quite rauifhed. 
So fweet and voluble is his difcourfe. 

Prin. God bleffe my Ladies, are they all in loue? 
That euery one her owne hath garnifhed , 
With fuch bedecking ornaments of praile. 

Ma. Heere comes Boyet. 

Enter Boyet. 

Prin. Now, what admittance Lord? 

Boyet. Nauar had notice of your faire approach ; 
And he and his competitors in oath , 
Were all addreft to meete you gentle Lady 
Before I came : Marrie thus much I haue learnt, 
He rather meanes to lodge you in the field, 
Like one that comes heere to befiege his Court, 
Then feeke a difpenfation for his oath : 
To let you enter his vnpeopled houfe. 



Nauar , Longauill, Du 



and Beroivne. 



Heere comes Nauar. 

Nau. Faire Princeffe, welcom to the Court of Nauar. 

Prin. Faire I giue you backe againe , and welcome I 
haue not yet : the roofe of this Court is too high to bee 
yours, and welcome to the wide fields, too bafe to be 

Nau. You Hull be welcome Madam to my Court. 

Prin. I wil be welcome then,Conduft me thither. 

Nau. Heare me deare Lady, I haue fworne an oath. 

Prin. Our Lady helpe my Lord, he'll be forfworne. 

Nau. Not for the world faire Madam, by my will. 

Prin. Why, will mail breake it will, and nothing els. 

Nau. Your Ladifhip is ignorant what it is. 

Prin. Were my Lord fo, his ignorance were wife, 
Where now his knowledge muft proue ignorance. 
I heare your grace hath fworne oat Housekeeping : 
'Tis deadly finne to keepe that oath my Lord, 
And finne to breake it : 
But pardon me, I am too fodaine bold, 
To teach a Teacher ill befeemeth me. 
Vouchfafe to read the purpofe of my comming, 
And fodainly refolue me in my fuite. 

Nau. Madam, I will, if fodainly I may. 

Prin. You will the fooner that I were away, 
For you'll proue periur'd if you make me ftay. 

Berow. Did not I dance with you in Brabant once ? 

Rofa. Did not 1 dance with you in Brabant once ? 

Ber. I 



Loues Labour's loft. 



127 



Ber. I know you did. 

Sofa. How needleffe was it then to ask the queftion? 

Ber. You muft not be fo quicke. 

Rofa. 'Tis long of you y fpur me with fuch queftions. 

'Ber. Your wit's too hot, it fpeeds too faft, 'twill tire. 

Rofa. Not till it leaue the Rider in the mire. 

Ber. What time a day ? 

Rofa. The howre that fooles ftiould aske. 

Ber. Now faire befall your maske. 

Rofa. Faire fall the face it couers. 

Ber. And fend you many louers. 

Rofa. Amen,fo you be none. 

Ber. Nay then will I be gone. 

Kin. Madame, your father heere doth intimate, 
The paiment of a hundred thoufand Crownes, 
Being but th'one halfe, of an intire fumme, 
Disburfed by my father in his warres. 
But fay that he, or we, as neither haue 
Receiu'd that fumme ; yet there remaines vnpaid 
A hundred thoufand more : in furety of the which, 
One part of Aquitaine is bound to vs, 
Although not valued to the moneys worth. 
If then the King your father will reftore 
But that one halfe which is vnfatisfied, 
We will giue vp our right in Aquitaine, 
And hold faire friendship with his Maieftie : 
But that it feemes he little purpofeth, 
For here he doth demand to haue repaie, 
An hundred thoufand Crownes, and not demands 
One paiment of a hundred thoufand Crownes, 
To haue his title Hue in ^Aquitaine. 
Which we much rather had depart withall, 
And haue the money by our father lent, 
Then tAquitane, fo guelded as it is. 
Deare Princeffe, were not his requefts fo farre 
From reafons yeelding, your faire felfe mould make 
A yeelding'gainft fome reafon in my breft, 
And goe well fatisfied to France againe. 

Prin. You doe the King my Father too much wrong, 
And wrong the reputation of your name, 
In fo vnfeeming to confeffe receyt 
Of that which hath fo faithfully beene paid. 

Kin. I doe proteft I neuer heard of it, 
And if you proue it, He repay it backe, 
Or yeeld vp Aquitaine. 

Prin. We arreft your word : 
Boyet, you can produce acquittances 
For fuch a fumme, from fpeciall Officers, 
Of Charles his Father. 

Kin. Satisfie me fo. 

Boyet. So pleafe your Grace, the packet is not come 
Where that and other fpecialties are bound, 
To morrow you mall haue a fight of them. 

Kin. It mall fuffice me ; at which enterview, 
All liberall reafon would 1 yeeld vnto : 
Meane time, receiue fuch welcome at my hand, 
As Honour, without breach of Honour may 
Make tender of, to thy true worthineffe. 
You may not come faire Princeffe in my gates, 
But heere without you mail be fo receiu'd, 
As you ihall deeme your felfe lodg'd in my heart, 
Though fo deni'd farther harbour in my houfe : 
Your owne good thoughts excufe me,and farewell, 
To morrow we mall vifit you againe. 

Prin. Sweet health & faire defires confort your grace. 

Kin. Thy own wifh wifh I thee, in euery place. Exit. 



Boy. Lady, I will commend you to my owne heart. 
La. Ro. Pray you doe my commendations, 
I would be glad to fee it. 

Boy. I would you heard it grone. 

La. Ro. Is the foule ficke ?. 

Boy. Sicke at the heart. 

La.Ro. Alacke,let it bloud. 

Boy. Would that doe it good ? 

La. Ro. My Philkke faies I. 

"Boy. Will you prick't with your eye. 

La.Ro. No poynt, with my knife. 

Boy. Now God faue thy life. 

La.Ro. And yours from long liuing. 

"Ber. I cannot ftay thankf-giuing. Exit. 

Enter Dumane. 

Dum. Sir, I pray you a word : What Lady is that fame? 

'Boy. The heire of Alanfon, Rofalin her name. 

T>um. A gallant Lady, Mounfier fare you well. 

Long. I befeech you a word: what is ihe in the white? 

Boy. A woman fomtimes, if you faw her in the light. 

Long. Perchance light in the light : I defire her name. 

'Boy. Shee hath but one for her felfe, 
To defire that were a fhame. 

Long. Pray you fir, whofe daughter ? 

Boy. Her Mothers, I haue heard. 

Long. Gods bleffing a your beard. 

Boy. Good fir be not offended , 
Shee is an heyre of Faulconbridge. 

Long. Nay, my choller is ended : 
Shee is a moft fweet Lady. Exit. Long. 

Boy. Not vnlike fir, that may be. 

Enter Beroune. 

Ber. What's her name in the cap. 

Boy. Katherine by good hap. 

Ber. Is ihe wedded, or no. 

Boy. To her will fir, or fo. 

Ber. You are welcome fir, adiew. 

'Boy. Fare well to me fir, and welcome to you. Exit. 

La. Ma. That laft is Beroune,the mery mad-cap Lord. 
Not a word with him, but a ieft. 

Boy. And euery ieft but a word. 

Pri. It was well done of you to take him at his word. 

Boy. I was as willing to grapple, as he was to boord. 

La. Ma. Two hot Sheepes marie : 
And wherefore not Ships ? (lips. 

Boy. No Sheepe(fweet Lamb)vnleffe we feed on your 

La. You Sheep and I pafture : Ihall that finifh the ieft ? 

'Boy. So you grant pafture for me. 

La. Not fo gentle bead. 
My lips are no Common, though feuerall they be. 

Bo. Belonging to whom ? 

La. To my fortunes and me. 

Prin. Good wits wil be iangling, but gentles agree. 
This ciuill warre of wits were much better vfed 
On Nauar and his bookemen,for heere 'tis abus'd. 

Bo. If my obferuation(which very feldome lies 
By the hearts (till rhetoricke,difclofed with eyes) 
Deceiue me not now, Nauar is infected. 

Prin. With what ? 

"Bo. With that which we Louers intitle affefted. 

Prin. Your reafon. 

Bo. Why all his behauiours doe make their retire, 
To the court of his eye, peeping thorough defire. 
His hart like an Agot with your print impreffed, 

Proud 



12} 



Loues Labour's loji. 



Proud with his forme, in his eie pride expreffed. 

His tongue all impatient to fpeake and not fee, 

Did (tumble with hafte in his eie-fight to be, 

All fences to that fence did make their repaire, 

To feele onely looking on faireft of faire : 

Me thought all his fences were lockt in his eye, 

As Iewels in Chriftall for fome Prince to buy. (glaft, 

Who tendring their own worth from whence they were 

Did point out to buy them along as you paft. 

Kis faces owne margent did coate fuch amazes, 

That all eyes faw his eies inchanted with gazes. 

He giue you Aquitalne,ani all that is his, 

And you giue him for my fake, but one louing Kiffe. 

Prin. Come to our Pauillion, c Boyet is difpofde. 

Bro.But to fpeak that in words, which his eie hath dif- 
I onelie haue made a mouth of his eie, fclos'd. 

By adding a tongue, which I know will not lie. 

Lad.Ro. Thou art an old Loue-monger,and fpeakeft 
skilfully. 

Lad. Ma. He is Cupids Grandfathered learnes news 
of him. 

Lad.z. Then was Venui like her mother, for her fa- 
ther is but grim. 

Boy. Do you heare my mad wenches ? 

La.l. No. 

Boy. What then, do you fee ? 

Lad.z. I, our way to be gone. 

'Boy. You are too hard for me. Exeunt omnes. 



A5lus Tertius. 



Enter Braggart and Boy. 
Song. 

Bra. Warble childe,make paffionate my fenfe of hea- 
ring. 

Boy. Concolinel. 

'Brag. Sweete Ayer, go tenderneffe of yeares : take 
this Key, giue enlargement to the fwaine, bring him fe- 
ftinatly hither: I muft imploy him in a letter to my 
Loue. 

Boy. Will you win your loue with a French braule? 

Bra. How meaneft thou,brauling in French ? 

Boy. No my compleat matter, but to Iigge off a tune 
at the tongues end, canarie to it with the feete, humour 
it with turning vp your eie : figh a note and fing a note, 
fometime through the throate : if you fwallowed loue 
with ringing, loue fometime through : nofe as if you 
fnuft vp loue by fmelling loue with your hat penthoufe- 
like ore the (hop of your eies, with your armes croft on 
your thinbellie doublet , like a Rabbet on a fpit, or your 
hands in your pocket, like a man after the old painting, 
and keepe not too long in one tune, but a fnip and away: 
thefe are complements, thefe are humours, thefe betraie 
nice wenches that would be betraied without thefe, and 
make them men of note : do you note men that moft are 
affefted to thefe ? 

Brag. How haft thou purchafed this experience ? 

Boy. By my penne of obferuation. 

Brag. But O, but O. 

Boy. The Hobbie-horfe is forgot. 

Bra. Cal'ft thou my loue Hobbi-horfe. 

Boy. No Mafter, the Hobbie-horfe is but a Colt, and 
and your Loue perhaps, a Hacknie : 



But haue you forgot your Loue ? 

Brag. Almoft I had. 

Boy. Negligent ftudent,learne her by heart. 

Brag. By heart, and in heart Boy. 

Boy. And out of heart Mafter : all thofe three I will 
proue. 

Brag. What wilt thou proue ? 

'Hoy. A man, if I liue(and this)by,in,and without, vp- 
on the inftant: by heart you loue her,becaufe your heart 
cannot come by her: in heart you loue her, becaufe your 
heart is in loue with her : and out of heart you loue her, 
being out of heart that you cannot enioy her. 

'Brag. I am all thefe three. 

'Boy. And three times as much more, and yet nothing 
at all. 

Brag. Fetch hither the Swaine, he muft carrie mee a 
letter. 

Boy. A meffage well fimpathis'd, a Horfe to be em- 
bafTadour for an Affe. 

Brag. Ha,ha,What faieft thou? 

i?oy. Marrie fir, you muft fend the Affe vpon the Horfe 
for he is verie flow gated : but I goe. 

Brag. The way is but fliort,away. 

Boy. As fwift as Lead fir. 

Brag. Thy meaning prettie ingenious, is not Lead a 
mettall heauie, dull, and flow ? 

Boy. Minnime honeft Mafter, or rather Mafter no. 

Brad. I fay Lead is flow. 

Boy. You are too fwift fir to fay fo. 
Is that Lead flow which is fir'd from a Gunne f 

'Brag. Sweete fmoke of Rhetorike, 
He reputes me a Cannon, and the Bullet that's he : 
I fhoote thee at the Swaine. 

c Boy. Thump then, and I flee. 

Bra. A moft acute Iuuenall, voluble and free of grace, 
By thy fauour fweet Welkin, I muft figh in thy face. 
Moft rude melancholie, Valour giues thee place. 
My Herald is return'd. 

Enter Page and Cloiune. 

Pag. A wonder Mafter, here's a Cojlard broken in a' 

(hin. 
Ar. Some enigma, fome riddle, come, thy Lenuoy 

begin. 
Clo. No egma,no riddle, no lenuoy, no falue, in thee 
male fir. Or fir, Plantan, a plaine Plantan : no lenuoy, no 
lenuoy, no Salue fir, but a Plantan. 

Ar. By vertue thou inforceft laughter, thy fillie 
thought,my fpleene,the heauing of my lunges prouokes 
me to rediculous fmyling : O pardon me my ftars, doth 
the inconfiderate take Jalue for lenuoy, and the word len- 
uoy for a jalue ? 

Pag. Doe the wife thinke them other, is not lenuoy a 
Jalue ? (plaine, 

Ar. No Page, it is an epilogue or difcourfe to make 
Some obfcure precedence that hath tofore bin faine. 
Now will I begin your morrall, and do you follow with 
my lenuoy. 
The Foxe, the Ape,and the Humble-Bee, 

Were ftill at oddes, being but three. 
Arm. Vntill the Goofe came out of doore, 

Staying the oddes by adding foure. 
Pag. A good Lenuoy, ending in the Goofe: would you 

defire more ? 
Clo. The Boy hath fold him a bargaine,a Goofe, that's 

flat 



Loues Labour 



s 10 



29 



Sir, your penny-worth is good, and your Goofe be fat. 
To fell a bargaine well is as cunning as faft and loofe : 
Let me fee a fat Lenuoy, 1 that's a fat Goofe. 

Ar. Come hither, come hither : 
How did this argument begin ? 

Boy. By faying that a Coftard was broken in a lhin. 
Then cal'd you for the Lenuoy. 

Clow. True, and I for a Plantan : 
Thus came your argument in : 

Then the Boyes fat Lenuoy, the Goofe that you bought, 
And he ended the market. 

Ar. But tell me : How was there a Cojlard broken in 
a fliin ? 

Pag. I will tell you fencibly. 

Clow. Thou haft no feeling of it Moth, 
I will fpeake that Lenuoy. 
I Coftard running out, that was fafely within, 
Fell ouer the threfhold,and broke my ihin. 

Arm. We will talke no more of this matter. 

Clow. Till there be more matter in the ihin. 

Arm. Sirra Qoftard,l will infranchife thee. 

Clow. O, marrie me to one Francis, I fmell fome Len- 
uoy, fome Goofe in this. 

Arm. By my fweete foule,I meane,fetting thee at li- 
berie. Enfreedoming thy perfon : thou wert emured, 
restrained, captiuated, bound. 

Clow. True, true, and now you will be my purgation, 
and let me loofe. 

Arm. I giue thee thy libertie, fet thee from durance, 
and in lieu thereof, impofe on thee nothing but this : 
Beare this fignifkant to the countrey Maide Iaquenetta : 
there is remuneration, for the beft ward of mine honours 
is rewarding my dependants. Moth, follow. 

Pag. Like the fequell I. 
Signeur Coftard adew. Exit. 

Clow. My fweete ounce of mans flefh, my in-conie 
lew : Now will I looke to his remuneration. 
Remuneration, O, that's the Latine word for three-far- 
things: Three-farthings remuneration, What's the price 
of this yncle? i.d.no, He giue you a remuneration: Why? 
It carries it remuneration : Why? It is a fairer name then 
a French-Crowne. I will neuer buy and fell out of this 
word. 

Enter Berowne. 

Ber. O my good knaue Coftard, exceedingly well met. 

Qlow. Pray you fir, How much Carnation Ribbon 
may a man buy for a remuneration ? 

Ber. What is a remuneration ? 

Coft. Marrie fir,halfe pennie farthing. 

Ber. O, Why then threefarthings worth ofSilke. 

Coft. I thanke your worihip,God be wy you. 

Ber. O ftay flaue, I muft employ thee : 
"s thou wilt win my fauour, good my knaue, 
Doe one thing for me that I mail intreate. 

Clow. When would you haue it done fir? 

Ber. O this after-noone. 

Clo. Well, I will doe it fir : Fare you well. 

Ber. O thou knoweft not what it is. 

Clo. I fliall know fir, when I haue done it. 

Ber. Why villaine thou muft know firft. 

Clo.l wil come to your worftiip to morrow morning. 

Ber. It muft be done this after-noone, 
Harke flaue, it is but this: 
The PrincefTe comes to hunt here in the Parke, 



And in her traine there is a gentle Ladie : 

When tongues fpeak fweetly,then they name her name, 

And Rofaline they call her,aske for her : 

And to her white hand fee thou do commend 

This feal'd-vp counfaile. Ther's thy guerdon : goe. 

Qlo. Gardon,0 fweete gardon, better then remune- 
ration, a leuenpence-farthing better : moft fweete gar- 
don. I will doe it fir in print : gardon, remuneration. 

Sxit. 

Ber. O, and I forfooth in loue, 
I that haue beene loues whip.? 
A verie Beadle to a humerous figh : A Criticke, 
Nay,a night-watch Conftable. 
A domineering pedant ore the Boy, 
Then whom no mortall fo magnificent. 
This wimpled, whyning, purblinde waiward Boy, 
This fignior lunios gyant drawfe, don Cupid, 
Regent of Loue-rimes,Lord of folded armes, 
Th'annointed foueraigne of fighes and groanes: 
Liedge of all loyterers and malecontents : 
Dread Prince of Placcats, King of Codpeeces. 
Sole Emperator and great generall 
Of trotting Parrators (O my little heart.) 
And I to be a Corporall of his field, 
And weare his colours like a Tumblers hoope. 
What ? I loue, I fue, I feeke a wife, 
A woman that is like a Germane Cloake, 
Still a repairing : euer out of frame, 
And neuer going a right, being a Watch : 
But being watcht,that it may ftillgoe right. 
Nay, to be periurde, which is worft of all : 
And among three, to loue the worft of all, 
A whitly wanton, with a veluet brow. 
With two pitch bals ftucke in her face for eyes. 
I,and by heauen,one that will doe the deede, 
Though Argui were her Eunuch and her garde. 
And I to figh for her, to watch for her, 
To pray for her,go to : it is a plague 
That Qufid will impofe for my neglecT:, 
Of his almighty dreadfull little might. 
Well, I will loue, write, figh, pray, fhue,grone, 
Some men muft loue my Lady, and fome lone. 



<tA5lus Quartus. 



Enter the Princejfe, a Forrefter, her Ladies, and 
her Lords. 
Su. Was that the King that fpurd his horfe fo hard, 
Againft rhe fteepe vprifing of the hill? 

Boy. I know not, but I thinke it was not he. 
2>u. Who ere a was, a ihew'd a mounting minde : 
Well Lords, to day we /hall haue our difpatch, 
On Saterday we will returne to France. 
Then Forrefter my friend, Where is the Bum 
That we muft ftand and play the murtherer in ? 

For. Hereby vpon the edge of yr/nder Coppice, 
A Stand where you may make the faireft fhoote. 

$Zu. I thanke my beautie,I am faire that flioote, 
And thereupon thou fpeak'ft the faireft flioote. 
For. Pardon me Madam, for I meant not fo. 
£>». What, what? Firft praife me,& then again fay no. 
O ihort liu'd pride. Not faire? alacke for woe. 

For. Yes 



i3° 



Loues Labour . 



For. Yes Madam faire. 

Qu. Nay, neuer paint me now, 
Where faire is not,praife cannot mend the brow. 
Here (good my glaffe) take this for telling true : 
Faire paiment for foule words,is more then due. 

For. Nothing but faire is that which you inherit. 

S$u. See, fee, my beautie will be fau'd by merit. 
O herefie in faire, fit for thefe dayes, 
A giuing hand, though foule, mail haue frire praife. 
But come, the Bow : Now Mercie goes to kill, 
And fhooting well, is then accounted ill : 
Thus will I faue my credit in the fhoote, 
Not wounding, pittie would not let me do't: 
If wounding, then it was to fhew my skill, 
That more for praife, then purpofe meant to kill. 
And out of queftion,fo it is fometimes: 
Glory growes guiltie of detefted crimes, 
When for Fames fake, for praife an outward part, 
We bend to that, the working of the hart. 
As I for praife alone now feeke to fpill 
The poore Deeres blood, that my heart meanes no ill. 

Boy. Do not curft wiues hold that felfe-foueraigntie 
Onely for praife fake, when they ftriue to be 
Lords ore their Lords ? 

S^u. Onely for praife, and praife we may afford, 
To any Lady that fubdewes a Lord. 

Enter Cloivne. 

Boy. Here comes a member of the common-wealth. 

Clo. God dig-you-den all, pray you which is the head 
Lady ? 

SZu. Thou flialt know her fellow, by the reft that haue 
no heads. 

Clo. Which is the greateft Lady, the higheft? 

%. The thickeft,and the talleft. 

Clo. The thickeft,& the talleft : it is fo, truth is truth. 
And your wafte Miftris, were as flender as my wit, 
One a thefe Maides girdles for your wafte mould be fit. 
Are not you the chiefe woma? You are the thickeft here? 

S^u. What's your will fir ? What's your will? 

Clo. I haue a Letter from Monfier 'Beroivne, 
To one Lady Rofaline. 

S^u.O thy letter,thy letter:He's a good friend of mine. 
Stand a fide good bearer. 
"Boyet, you can carue, 
Breake vp this Capon. 

'Boyet. I am bound to ferue. 
This Letter is miftooke : it importeth none here : 
It is writ to Iaquenetta. 

S^u. We will reade it, I fweare. 
Breake the necke of the Waxe,and euery one giue eare. 

'Boyet reades. 

T3 Y heauen, that thou art faire, is moft infallible : true 
that thou art beauteous, truth it felfe that thou art 
louely : more fairer then faire, beautifull then beautious, 
truer then truth it felfe: haue comiferation on thy heroi- 
call Vaffall. The magnanimous and moft illuftrate King 
Qopketua fet eie vpon the pernicious and indubitate Beg- 
ger Zenelophon: and he it was that might rightly iny,Ve- 
ni, 'villi, -vici: Which to annothanize in the vulgar, O 
bafe and obfcure vulgar; -videlifet, He came, See, and o- 
uercame : hee came one ; fee, two ; couercame three: 
Who came? the King. Why did he come? to fee. Why 



did he fee? to ouercome. To whom came he? to the 
Begger. What faw he ? the Begger. Who ouercame 
he ? the Begger. The conclufion is vi&orie : On whofe 
fide? the King : the captiue is inricht : On whofe fide? 
the Beggers. The cataftrophe is a Nuptiall : on whofe 
fide? the Kings: no,on both in one, or one in both. I am 
the King (for fo ftands the comparifon) thou the Beg- 
ger, for fo witneffeth thy lowlineffe. Shall I command 
thy loue ? I may. Shall I enforce thy loue? I could. 
Shall I entreate thy loue? I will. What, malt thou ex- 
change for ragges, roabes: for tittles titles, for thy felfe 
mee. Thus expecting thy reply, I prophane my lips on 
thy foote, my eyes on thy pidlure, and my heart on thy 
euerie part. 

Thine in the dearefl dejigne of indujlrie, 

Don Adriana de Armatho. 

Thus doft thou heare the Nemean Lion roare, 
Gainft thee thou Lambe, that ftandeft as his pray : 
Submiffiue fall his princely feete before, 
And he from forrage will incline to play. 

But if thou ftriue (poore foule) what art thou then? 

Foode for his rage, repafture for his den. 

Slu. What plume of feathers is hee that indited this 
Letter? What veine? What Wethercocke? Did you 
euer heare better i 

'Boy. I am much decerned, but I remember the ftile. 

S$u. Elfe your memorie is bad, going ore it erewhile. 
■Boy.This Armado is a Spaniard that keeps here in court 
A Phantafime,a Monarcho,and one that makes fport 
To the Prince and his Booke-mates. 

£}u. Thou fellow, a word. 
Who gaue thee this Letter ? 

Qloiu. I told you, my Lord. 

£>u. To whom ftiould'ft thou giue it? 

Clo. From my Lord to my Lady. 

S^u. From which Lord, to which Lady? 

Clo. From my Lord Beroione,* good mafter of mine, 
To a Lady of France, that he call'd Rofaline. 

^a.Thou haft miftaken his letter. Come Lords away. 
Here fweete, put vp this,'twill be thine another day. 

Exeunt. 

"Boy. Who is the mooter? Who is the fliooter* 

Rofa. Shall I teach you to know. 

'Boy. I my continent of beautie. 

Rofa. Why fhe that beares the Bow. Finely put off. 

'Boy.My Lady goes to kill homes, but if thou marrie, 
Hang me by the necke,if homes that yeare mifcarrie. 
Finely put on. 

Rofa. Well then, I am the ftiooter. 

'Boy. And who is your Deare? 

Rojd.Ifwe choofe by the hornes,your felfe come not 
neare. Finely put on indeede. 

Maria. You ftill wrangle with her "Boyet, and fhee 
ftrikes at the brow. 

'Boyet. But fhe her felfe is hit lower : 
Haue I hit her now. 

Rofa. Shall I come vpon thee with an old faying, that 
was a man when King Pippin of France was a little boy, as 
touching the hit it. 

'Boyet. So I may anfwere thee with one as old that 
was a woman when Queene Guinouer of c Brittaine was a 
little wench, as touching the hit it. 

Rofa. Tho u 
130 



Loues Labour s loft. 



J 3 J 



Eofa. Thou canft not hit it, hit it, hit it, 
Thou canft not hit it my good man. 

'Boy. I cannot, cannot, cannot : 
And I cannot, another can. Exit. 

Clo. By my troth moft pleafant, how both did fit it. 
Mar. A marke marueilous well fhot, for they both 

did hit. 

'Boy. A mark,0 marke but that marke : a marke faies 

my Lady. 

Let the mark haue a pricke in't, to meat at, if it may be. 

Mar. Wide a'th bow hand, yfaith your hand is out. 

Clo. Indeede a'muft flioote nearer, or heele ne're hit 

the clout. 
'Boy. And if my hand be out, then belike your hand 

is in. 
Clo. Then will fhee get the vpfhoot by cleauing the 

is in. 
Ma. Come, come, you talke greafely, your lips grow 

foule. 
Clo. She's too hard for you at pricks, fir challenge her 

to boule. 
Boy. I feare too much rubbing : good night my good 

Oule. 
Clo. By my foule a Swaine,a moft fimple Clowne. 
Lord, Lord, how the Ladies and I haue put him downe. 
O my troth moft fweete iefts,moft inconie vulgar wit, 
When it comes fo fmoothly off, fo obfcenely,as it were, 

fofit. 
Armatbor ath to the fide, O a moft dainty man. 
To fee him walke before a Lady, and to beare her Fan. 
To fee him kiffe his hand, and how moft fweetly a will 

And his Page atother fide, that handfull of wit, 
Ah heauens,it is moft patheticall nit. 
Sowla, fowla. Exeunt. 

Shoote within. 

Enter Dull, Holof ernes , the Pedant and Nathaniel. 

Nat. Very reuerent fport truely, and done in the tefti- 
mony of a good confcience. 

Ped. The Deare was(as you know)fanguis in blood, 
ripe as a Pomwater, who now hangeth like a Iewell in 
the eare of Celo the fkie ; the welken the heauen, and a- 
non falleth like a Crab on the face of Terra, the foyle,the 
land, the earth. 

Curat. Nath. Truely M. Holof ernes, the epythithes are 
fweetly varied like a fcholler at the leaft: but fir 1 affure 
ye, it was a Bucke of the firft head. 

Hoi. Sir Nathaniel, baud credo. 

T)ul. 'Twas not a baud credo, 'twas a Pricket. . 

Hoi. Moft barbarous intimation : yet a kinde of insi- 
nuation, as it were in via, in way of explication facere : as 
it were replication, or rather ojlentare, to fhow as it were 
his inclination after his vndreffed, vnpolifhed, vneduca- 
ted, vnpruned, vntrained, or rather vnlettered, or rathe- 
reft vnconfirmed fafhion, to infert againe my baud credo 
for a Deare. 

T>ul. I faid the Deare was not a baud credo, 'twas a 
Pricket. 

Hoi. Twice fod fimplicitie, bis coBus, O thou mon- 
fter Ignorance, how deformed dooft thou looke. 

Nath. Sir hee hath neuer fed of the dainties that are 
bred in a booke. 
He hath not eate paper as it were : 
He hath not drunke inke. 



His intellect is not replenished, hee is onely an animall, 
onely fenfible in the duller parts: and fuch barren plants 
are fet before vs, that we thankfull Should be : which we 
tafte and feeling, are for thofe parts that doe fruclifie in 
vs more then he. 
For as it would ill become me to be vaine,indifcreet, or 

a foole ; 
So were there a patch fet on Learning, to fee him in a 

Schoole. 
But omne bene fay I, being of an old Fathers minde, 
Many can brooke the weather, that loue not the winde. 

Dul. You two are book-men: Can you tell by your 
wit, What was a month old at Cains birth, that's not fiue 
weekes old as yet? 

Hoi. Tliclifma goodman Dull, ditlifima goodman 
Dull. 

Dul. What is diaima ? 

Nath. A title to Phebe, to Luna, to the Moone. 

Hoi. The Moone was a month old when Adam was 
no more. (fcore. 

And wrought not to fiue-weekes when he came to fiue- 
Th'allufion holds in the Exchange. 

Dul. 'Tis true indeede, the Collufion holds in the 
Exchange. 

Hol.God comfort thy capacity, I fay th'allufion holds 
in the Exchange. 

Dul. And I fay the polufion holds in the Exchange : 
for the Moone is neuer but a month old : and I fay be- 
fide that, 'twas a Pricket that the Princefle kill'd. 

Hoi. Sir Nathaniel, will you heare an extemporall 
Epytaph on the death of the Deare, and to humour 
the ignorant call'd the Deare, the Princefle kill'd a 
Pricket. 

Nath. Perge, good M. Holofernes, perge, fo it Shall 
pleafe you to abrogate fcurilitie. 

Hoi I will fomething afTed the letter, for it argues 
facilitie. 

The prayfull Princeffe pearft and prickt 

a prettie pleafing Pricket , 
Some Jay a Sore, but not afore, 

till noiu made Jore -with /hooting. 
The Dogges did yell, put ell to Sore, 

then Sorell iumpsfrom thicket : 
Or Pricket-fore, or elf Sorell, 

the people fall a hooting. 
If Sore be fore, then ell to Sore, 

makes ff tie Jores for ell : 
Of one Jore I an hundred make 

by adding but one more L. 

Nath. A rare talent. 

Dul. If a talent be a claw, looke how he clawes him 
with a talent. 

Natb. This is a gift that I haue fimple: fimple, a foo- 
lilh extrauagant fpirit, full of formes, figures, Shapes, ob- 
jects, Ideas, apprehenfions, motions, reuolutions. Thefe 
are begot in the ventricle of memorie, nourifht in the 
wombe of primater, and deliuered vpon the mellowing 
of occafion : but the gift is good in thofe in whom it is 
acute, and I am thankfull for it. 

Hoi. Sir, I praife the Lord for you, and fo may my 
parifhioners, for their Sonnes are well tutor'd by you, 
and their Daughters profit very greatly vnder you : you 
are a good member of the common-wealth. 

Nath. Me hercle, If their Sonnes be ingennous, they 

ihall 



132 



Loues Labour's loft. 



(hall want no inftruftion: If their Daughters be capable, 
I will put it to them. But Vir fapti qui pauca loquitur, a 
foule Feminine faluteth vs. 

Enter Iaquenetta and the Qloivne. 

Iaqu. God giue you good morrow M.Perfon. 

Natb. Mafter Perfon,^/ Perfon? And if one fhould 
be perft, Which is the one? 

C/o.Marry M. Schoolemafter, hee that is likeft to a 
hogihead. 

Natb. Of perfing a Hogshead, a good lufter of con- 
ceit in a turph of Earth, Fire enough for a Flint, Pearle 
enough for a Swine : 'tis prettie,it is well. 

Iaqu. Good Mafter Parfon be fo good as reade mee 
this Letter, it was giuen mee by Coftard, and fent mee 
from Don Armatbo : I befeech you reade it. 

Natb. Facile precor gell'ida, quando pecas omnia fub •vm- 
bra ruminat, and fo forth. Ah good old Mantuan, I 
may fpeake of thee as the traueiler doth of Venice, <vem- 
chie ,-vencba, que non te -vnde,que non te perreche. Old Man- 
tuam, old Mantuan. Who vnderftandeth thee not, -vt re 
Jol la mi fa : Vnder pardon fir, What are the contents? or 
rather as Horrace fayes in his, What my foule verfes. 

Hoi. I fir, and very learned. 

Natb. Let me heare a ftafFe,a ftanze,a verfe, Lege do- 
mine. 
If Loue make me forfworne,how fhall I fweare to loue? 
Ah neuer faith could hold, if not to beautie vowed. 
Though to my felfe forfworn,to thee Ilefaithfull proue. 
Thofe thoughts to mee were Okes, to thee like Ofiers 

bowed. 
Studie his byas leaues, and makes his booke thine eyes. 
Where all thofe pleafures Hue, that Art would compre- 
hend. 
If knowledge be the marke,to know thee fhall fuffice. 
Well learned is that tongue, that well can thee comend. 
All ignorant that foule, that fees thee without wonder. 
Which is to me fome praife,that I thy parts admire ; 
Thy eye loues lightning beares, thy voyce his dreadfull 

thunder. 
Which not to anger bent, is mufique, and fweet fire. 
Celeftiall as thou art, Oh pardon loue this wrong, 
That fings heauens praife,with fuch an earthly tongue. 

Ped. You finde not the apoftraphas, and fo miffe the 
accent. Let me fuperuife the cangenet. 

Natb. Here are onely numbers ratified, but for the 
elegancy, facility, & golden cadence of poefie caret: 0- 
uidditu Najo was the man. And why in deed Nafo, but 
for fmelling out the odoriferous flowers of fancy ? the 
ierkes of inuention imitarie is nothing : So doth the 
Hound his mafter, the Ape his keeper, the tyred Horfe 
his rider : But Damojella virgin, Was this dire&ed to 
you? 

Iaq. I fir from one mounfier "Beroivne, one of the 
ftrange Queenes Lords. 

Natb. I will ouerglance the fuperfcript. 
To the fnoiv "white hand of the moft beautioui LadyRokYme. 
I will looke againe on the intellect of the Letter, for 
the nomination of the partie written to the perfon writ- 
ten vnto. 
Tour Ladijhips in all defircd imploymtnt , Berowne. 

Per. 'Sir Holofernes, this Beroivne is one of the Votaries 
with the King, and here he hath framed a Letter to a fe- 
quent of the ftranger Queenes : which accidentally, or 
by the way of progreffion, hath mifcarried. Trip and 



goe my fweete, deliuer this Paper into the hand of the 

King, it may concerne much : ftay not thy complement, I 

forgiue thy duetie,adue. 

• Maid. Good Coftard go with me : 

Sir God faue your life. 

Co/}. Haue with thee my girle. Exit. 

Hoi. Sir you haue done this in the feare of God very 
religioufly : and as a certaine Father faith 

Ped. Sir tell not me of the Father, I do feare coloura- 
ble colours. But to returne to the Verfes, Did they pleafe 
you fir Nathaniel? 

Natb. Marueilous well for the pen. 

Peda. I do dine to day at the fathers of a certaine Pu- 
pill of mine, where if ( being repair.) it Ihall pleafe you to 
gratifie the table with a Grace, I will on my priuiledge I 
haue with the parents of the forefaid Childe or Pupill, 
vndertake your bien -vonuto, where I will proue thofe 
Verfes to be very vnlearned , nei ther fauouring of 
Poetrie, Wit, nor Inuention. I befeech your So- 
cietie. 

Nat. And thanke you to: for focietie (faith the text) 
is the happinefle of life. 

Ptda. And certes the text moft infallibly cr/ncludes it. 
Sir I do inuite you too, you lhall not fay me nay : pauca 

Away, the gentles are at their game, and we will to our 
recreation. Exeunt. 

Enter Beroivne with a Paper in hid hand, alone. 

Bero. The King he is hunting the Deare, 
I am courfing my felfe. 

They haue pitcht a Toyle, I am toyling in a pytch, 
pitch that defiles ; defile, a foule word : Well, fet thee 
downe forrow ; for fo they fay the foole faid, and fo fay 
I, and I the foole : Well proued wit. By the Lord this 
Loue is as mad as Aiax, it kils fheepe, it kils mee, I a 
fheepe: Well proued againe a my fide. I will not loue; 
if I do hang me : yfaith I will not. O but her eye : by 
this light, but for her eye, I would not loue her; yes, for 
her two eyes. Well, I doe nothing in the world but lye, 
and lye in my throate. By heauen I doe loue,and it hath 
taught mee to Rime, and to be mallicholie : and here is 
part of my Rime, and heere my mallicholie. Well, fhe 
hath one a'my Sonnets already, the Clowne bore it, the 
Foole fent it, and the Lady hath it : fweet Clowne, fwee- 
ter Foole, fweeteft Lady. By the world, I would not care 
a pin, if the other three were in. Here comes one with a 
paper, God giue him grace to grone. 

Heftands aftde. The King entreth. 

Kin. Ay mee ! 

Ber. Shot by heauen : proceede fweet Cupid, thou haft 
thumpt him with thy Birdbolt vnder the left pap: in faith 
fecrets. 

King. So fweete a kifle the golden Sunne giues not, 
To thofe frefh morning drops vpon the Rofe, 
As thy eye beames, when their frefh rayfe haue fmot. 
The night of dew that on my cheekes downe flowes. 
Nor fhines the filuer Moone one halfe fo bright, 
Through the tranfparent bofome of the deepe, 
As doth thy face through teares of mine giue light: 
Thou fhin'ft in eue'ry teare that I doe weepe, 
No drop, but as a Coach doth carry thee : 
So rideft thou triumphing in my woe. 
Do but behold the teares that fwell in me, 
And they thy glory through my griefe will fhow : 



But 



Loues Labour's loft. 



J 33 



But doe not loue thy felfe, then thou wilt keepe 
My teares for glaffes,and ftill make me weepe. 
O Queene of Queenes, how farre doft thou excell, 
No thought can thinke,nor tongue of mortall tell. 
How lhall /he know my griefes? He drop the paper. 
Sweet leaues Ihade folly. Who is he comes heere ? 

Enter Lcngauile. The King fief % afide. 

What Longauill, and reading : liften eare. 

Ber. Now in thy likenefle, one more foole appeare. 
Long. Ay me, I am forfworne. 

'Ber. Why he comes in like a periure, wearing papers. 
Long. In loue I hope, fweet fellowship in lhame. 
Ber. One drunkard loues another of the name. 
Lon. Am I the firft y haue been periur'd fo ? (know, 
'Ber. I could put thee in comfort, not by two that I 
Thou makeft the triumphery, the corner cap of focietie , 
The fhape of Loues Tiburne,that hangs vp fimplicitie. 

Lon. I feare thefe ftubborn lines lack power to moue. 
O fweet Maria, Empreffe of my Loue , 
Thefe numbers will I teare,and write in profe. 

Ber. O Rimes are gards on wanton Cupids hofe, 
Disfigure not his Shop. 

Lon. This fame Hull goe. He reades the Sonnet. 

T>id not the heauenly Rhetoricke of thine eye, 
'Gainft whom the -world cannot hold argument, 
Perfwade my heart to this falfe periurief 
Vowesfor thee broke dejerue not punifbment. 
A Woman I forfwore, but Iivi/lproue, 
Thou being a Goddejfe, Iforjiuore not thee. 
My Vow -was earthly, thou a heauenly Loue. 
Thy grace being gain d, cures all difgrace in me. 
Vonves are but breath, and breath a vapour is. 
Then thoufaire Sun,<which on my earth doefl jhine, 
Exhales! this vapor-vow, in thee it is : 
If broken then, it is no fault of mine : 
If by me broke, What foole is not fo -wife, 
To loofe an oath, to win a Paradife ? 
Ber. This is the liuer veine, which makes flefh a deity. 
A greene Goofe,a Coddeffe, pure pure Idolatry. 
God amend vs, God amend, we are much out o'th'way. 

Enter Dumaine. 

Lon. By whom lhall I fend this (company?) Stay. 

Bero. All hid, all hid, an old infant play, 
Like a demie God, here fit I in the skie, 
And wretched fooles fecrets heedfully ore-eye. 
More Sacks to the myll. O heauens I haue my wifh, 
Dumaine transform'd, foure Woodcocks in a difh. 

Dum. O moft diuine Kate. 

Bero. O moft prophane coxcombe. 

Dum. By heauen the wonder of a mortall eye. 

Bero. By earth (he is not, corporall, there you lye. 

Dum. Her Amber haires for foule hath amber coted. 

Ber. An Amber eoloured Rauen was well noted. 

Dum. As vpright as the Cedar. 

'Ber. Stoope I fay, her Ihoulder is with-child. 

T)um. As faire as day. 
. Ber. I as fome daies,but then no funne muft mine. 

T>um. O that I had my wilh ? 

Lon. And I had mine. 

Kin. And mine too good Lord. 

Ber. Amen,fo I had mine : Is not that a good word ? 

Dum. I would forget her, but a Feuer fhe 
Raignes in my bloud,and will remembred be. 

'Ber. A Feuer in your bloud,why then incifion. 



Would let her out in Sawcers, fweet mifprifion. 

Dum. Once more lie read the Ode that I haue writ. 
Ber. Once more He marke how Loue can varry Wit. 

Dumane reades his Sonnet. 

On a day, alack the day : 
Loue, wbofe Month is euery May, 
Spied a bloffome paffing faire, 
Playing in the wanton ayre : 
Through the Veluet, leaues the ivinde, 
All vnfeene , can paffage finde. 
That the Louer ficke'to death, 
Wijh himfelfe the heauens breath. 
Ayre {quoth he) thy cheekes may blowe, 
Ayre, would I might triumph fo. 
But alacke my hand is fworne , 
Nere to plucie thee from thy throne : 
Vow alacke for youth vnmeete, 
Youth fo apt to plucke a fweet. 
•Doe not call it finne in me, 
That I am forfworne for thee. 
Thou for whom loue would fweare, 
Iuno but an cs£rbiop were, 
And denie himfelfe for loue. 
Turning mortall for thy Loue. 

This will I fend, and fomething elfe more plaine. 
That lhall expreffe my true-loues fafting paine. 

would the Kingj'Berowne and Longauill, 
Were Louers too, ill to example ill, 

Would from my forehead wipe a periur'd note : 
For none offend, where all alike doe dote. 

Lon. Dumaine, thy Loue is farre from charitie, 
That in Loues griefe defir'ft focietie : 
You may looke pale, but I mould blulh I know, 
To be ore-heard, and taken napping fo. 

Kin. Come fir,you bluih : as his, your cafe is fuch, 
You chide at him, offending twice as much. 
You doe not loue Maria ? Longauile, 
Did neuer Sonnet for her fake compile ; 
Nor neuer lay his wreathed armes athwart 
His louing bofome, to keepe downe his heart. 

1 haue beene clofely Ihrowded in this bum, 
And markt you both, and for you both did blulh. 
I heard your guilty Rimes, obferu'd your falhion : 
Saw lighes reeke from you, noted well your paflion. 
Aye me,fayes one ! O loue, the other cries-! 

On her haires were Gold, Chriftall the others eyes. 
You would for Paradiie breake Faith and troth, 
And loue for your Loue would infringe an oath. 
What will 'Berowne fay when that he lhall heare 
Faith infringed, which fuch zeale did fweare. 
How will he fcorne?how will he fpend his wit? 
How will he triumph, leape, and laugh at it ? 
For all the wealth that euer I did fee , 
I would not haue him know fo much by me. 
Bero. Now ftep I forth to whip hypocrifie. 
Ah good my Liedge, I pray thee pardon me. 
Good heart, What grace haft thou thus to reproue 
Thefe wormes for louing, that art moft in loue ? 
Your eyes doe make no couches in your teares. 
There is no certaine PrincefTe that appeares. 
You'll not be periur'd, 'tis a hatefull thing : 
Turn, none but Minftrels like of Sonnetting. 
But are you not afham'd ? nay, are you not 

M All 



J 34 



Loues Labour's loji. 



All three of you, to be thus much ore'fhot? 

You found his Moth, the King your Moth did fee : 

But I a Beame doe finde in each of three. 

O what a Scene of fool'ry haue 1 feene. 

Of fighes, of grones, of forrow, and of teene: 

O me, with what ftric~t patience haue I fat, 



To fee a Ki: 



sformed to a Gnat • 



To fee great Hercules whipping a Gigge, 
And profound Salomon tuning a Iygge ? 
And Neftor play at puih-pin with the boyes, 
And Crittkke Tymon laugh at idle toyes. 
Where lies thy griefe f O tell me good Dumaine; 
And gentle Longauill, where lies thy paine ? 
And where my Liedges f all about the breft : 
A Candle hoa ! 

Kin. Too bitter is thy ieft. 
Are wee betrayed thus to thy ouer-view? 

Iter. Not you by me, but I betrayed to you. 
I that am honeft, I that hold it finne 
To breake the vow I am ingaged in. 
I am betrayed by keeping company 
With men, like men of inconftancie. 
When (hall you fee me write a thing in rime ? 
Or grone for loaned or fpend a minutes time, 
In pruning mee, when mall you heare that I will praife a 
hand, a foot,a face,an eye : a gate,a ftate,a brow,a breft, 
a wafte,a legge,a limme. 

Kin. Soft, Whither a-way fo faft ? 
A true man, or a theefe, that gallops fo. 

'Ber. I poft from Loue,good Louer let me go. 

Enter Iaquenetta and Cloivne. 

Iaqu. God bleffe the King. 

Km. What Prefent haft thou there ? 

Clo. Some certaine treafon. 

Kin. What makes treafon heere ? 

Clo. Nay it makes nothing fir. 

Kin. If it marre nothing neither, 
The treafon and you goe in peace away together. 

Iaqu. I befeech your Grace let this Letter be read, 
Our perfon mif-doubts it : it was treafon he faid. 

Kin. c Bercwne,rea.i it ouer. He reades the Letter. 

Kin. Where hadft thou it? 

Iaqu. Of Cofiard. 

King. Where hadft thou it ? 

C°ft. Of Dun tAdramadio, Dun Adramadio. 

Kin. How now, what is in you? why doft thou tear it? 

'Ber. A toy my Liedge, a toy : your grace needes not 
feare it. 

Long. It did moue him to paflion,and therefore let's 
heare it. 

<r Dum. It is 'Beroivns writing, and heere is his name. 

Ber. Ah you whorefon loggerhead, you were borne 
to doe me fhame. 
Guilty my Lord, guilty : I confeffe, I confeffe. 

Kin. Whatf 

Ber. That you three fooles.lackt mee foole,to make 
vp the mefle. 
He, he, and you : and you my Liedge, and I, 
Are picke-purfes in Loue, and we deferue to die. 
O difmiffe this audience, and I (hall tell you more. 

T>um. Now the number is euen. 

'Beroiv. True true, we are fowre : will thefe Turtles 
be gone ? 

Kin. Hence firs, away. 

Clo. Walk afide the true folke,& let the traytors ftay. 



lier. Sweet Lords, fweet Louers, O let vs imbrace, 
As true we are as flefh and bloud can be, 
The Sea will ebbe and flow, heauen will fhew his face : 
Young bloud doth not obey an old decree. 
We cannot croffe the caufe why we are borne : 
Therefore of all hands muft we be forfworne. 

King. What, did thefe rent lines fhew fome loue of 
thine ? (Rofaline, 

Ber. Did they, quoth you ? Who fees the heauenly 
That ('like a rude and fauage man of Inde.) 
At the firft opening of the gorgeous Eaft, 
Bowes not his vaflall head, and ftrooken blinde, 
Kiffes the bafe ground with obedient breaft? 
What peremptory Eagle-fighted eye 
Dares looke vpon the heauen of her brow, 
That is not blinded by hermaieftie ? 

Kin. What zeale,what furie,hath infpir'd thee now? 
My Loue(her Miftres) is a gracious Moone, 
Shee (an attending Starre) fcarce feene a light. 

'Ber. My eyes are then no eyes, nor I Beroivne. 
0,but for my Loue, day would turne to night, 
Of all complexions the cul'd foueraignty, 
Doe meet as at a faire in her faire cheeke, 
Where feuerall Worthies make one dignity, 
Where nothing wants, that want it felte doth feeke. 
Lend me the flourifh of all gentle tongues, 
Fie painted Rethoricke,0 (he needs it not, 
To things of fale, a fellers praife belongs : 
She pafies prayfe, then prayfe too fhort doth blot. 
A withered Hermite, fiuefcore winters worne, 
Might (hake off fiftie, looking in her eye : 
Beauty doth varnifh Age, as if new borne, 
And giues the Crutch the Cradles infancie. 
O 'tis the Sunne that maketh all things (hine. 

King. By heauen, thy Loue is blacke as Ebonie. 

Beroiv. Is Ebonie like her ? O word diuine ? 
A wife of fuch wood were felicitie. 
O who can giue an oth ? Where is a booke ? 
That I may fweare Beauty doth beauty lacke, 
If that (he learne not of her eye to looke : 
No face is faire that is not full fo blacke. 

Kin. O paradoxe, Blacke is the badge of hell, 
The hue of dungeons, and the Schoole of night: 
And beauties creft becomes the heauens well. 

Ber. Diuels fooneft tempt refembling fpirits of light. 
O if in blacke my Ladies browes be deckt, 
It mournes, that painting vfurping haire 
Should rauifh doters with a falfe afpeft: 
And therfore is (he borne to make blacke, faire. 
Her fauour turnes the fafhion of the dayes, 
For natiue bloud is counted painting now: 
And therefore red that would auoyd difpraife, 
Paints it felfe blacke, to imitate her brow. 
c Dum. To look like her are Chimny-fweepers blacke. 
Lon. And fince her time, are Colliers counted bright. 
King. And <tJ£thiofs of their fweet complexion crake. 
T)um. Dark needs no Candles now, for dark is light. 
Ber. Your miftreffes dare neuer come in raine, 
For feare their colours Ihould be wafht away. 

Kin. 'Twere good yours did: for fir to tell you plaine, 
He finde a fairer face not wafht to day. 

'Ber. He proue her faire, or talke till dooms-day here. 

Kin. No Diuell will fright thee then fo much as (hee. 

T>uma. I neuer knew man hold vile ftuffe fo deere. 

Lon. Looke, heer's thy loue,"my foot and her face fee. 

'Ber. O if the ftreets were paued with thine eyes, 

Her 

134 



Loues Labour's loji. 



J 35 



Her feet were much too dainty for fuch tread. 

Duma. O vile, then as (he goes what vpward lyes? 
The ftreet fhould fee as (he walk'd ouer head. 

Kin. But what of this, are we not all in loue ? 

Ber. O nothing fo fure,and thereby all forfworne. 

Kin. Then leaue this chat,& good 'Beroiun now proue 
Our louing lawfull,and our fayth not torne. 

<Dum. 1 marie there, fome flattery for this euill. 

Long. O fome authority how to proceed , 
Some tricks, fome quillets, how to cheat the diuell. 

Dum. Some falue for periurie. 

"Ber. O 'tis more then neede. 
Haue at you then affections men at armes, 
Confider what you firft did fweare vnto : 
To faft,to ftudy, and to fee no woman : 
Flat treafon againft the Kingly ftate of youth. 
Say, Can you faft ? your ftomacks are too young: 
And abftinence ingenders maladies. 
And where that you haue vow'd to ftudie (Lords) 
In that each of you haue forfworne his Booke. 
Can you ftill dreame and pore, and thereon looke. 
For when would you my Lord,or you, or you, 
Haue found the ground of ftudies excellence, 
Without the beauty of a womans face ; 
From womens eyes this doctrine I deriue, 
They are the Ground, the Bookes,the Achadems, 
From whence doth fpring the true Promethean fire. 
Why, vniuerfall plodding poyfons vp 
The nimble fpirits in the arteries, 
As motion and long during action tyres 
The finnowy vigour of the trauailer. 
Now for not looking on a womans face, 
You haue in that forfworne the vfe of eyes : 
And ftudie too, the caufer of your vow. 
For where is any Author in the world , 
Teaches fuch beauty as a womans eye : 
Learning is but an adiunct to our felfe, 
And where we are, our Learning like wife is. 
Then when our felues we fee in Ladies eyes, 
With our felues. 

Doe we not likewife fee our learning there ? 
O we haue made a Vow to ftudie, Lords, 
And in that vow we haue forfworne our Bookes : 
For when would you (my Leege) or you, or you ? 
In leaden contemplation haue found out 
Such fiery Numbers as the prompting eyes, 
Of beauties tutors haue inrich'd you with : 
Other (low Arts intirely keepe the braine : 
And therefore finding barraine practizers, 
Scarce (new a harueft of their heauy toyle. 
But Loue firft learned in a Ladies eyes, 
Liues not alone emured in the braine : 
But with the motion of all elements, 
Courfes as fwift as thought in euery power, 
And giues to euery power a double power, 
Aboue their functions and their offices. 
It addes a precious feeing to the eye : 
A Louers eyes will gaze an Eagle blinde. 
A Louers eare will heare the loweft found. 
When the fufpicious head of theft is ftopt. 
Loues feeling is more foft and fenfible, 
Then are the tender homes of Cockled Snayles. 
Loues tongue proues dainty, Bachm grofie in tafte, 
For Valour, is not Loue a Hercules ? 
Still climing trees in the Hefporides. 
Subtill as Sphinx, as fweet and muficall, 



135 



As bright Apollo's Lute, ftrung with his haire. 
And when Loue fpeakes, the voyce of all the Gods, 
Make heauen drowfie with the harmonic 
Neuer durft Poet touch a pen to write, 
Vntill his Inke were tempred with Loues fighes: 
O then his lines would rauilh fauage eares, 
And plant in Tyrants milde humilitie. 
From womens eyes this doctrine I deriue. 
They fparcle ftill the right promethean fire, 
They are the Bookes, the Arts, the Achademes, 
That (hew, containe, and nouriih all the world. 
Elle none at all in ought proues excellent. 
Then fooles you were thefe women to forfweare : 
Or keeping what is fworne,you will proue fooles, 
For Wifedomes fake, a word that all men loue : 
Or for Loues fake, a word that loues all men. 
Or for Mens fake, the author of thefe Women : 
Or Womens fake, by whom we men are Men. 
Let's once loofe our oathes to finde our felues, 
Or elfe we loofe our felues, to keepe our oathes : 
It is religion to be thus forfworne. 
For Charity it felfe fulfills the Law : 
And who can feuer loue from Charity. 

Kin. Saint Cupid then, and Souldiers to the field. 

Ber. Aduance your ftandards, & vpon them Lords. 
Pell, mell,downe with them : but be firft aduis'd, 
In conflict that you get the Sunne of them. 

Long. Now to plaine dealing, Lay thefe glozes by, 
Shall we refolue to woe thefe girles of France ? 

Kin. And winne them too, therefore let vs deuife, 
Some entertainment for them in their Tents. 

Ber. Firft from the Park let vs conduct them thither, 
Then homeward euery man attach the hand 
Of his faire Miftrefle, in the afternoone 
We will with fome ftrange paftime folace them : 
Such as the (hortnefie of the time can (hape, 
For Reuels, Dances, Maskes, and merry houres, 
Fore-runne faire Loue, ftrewing her way with flowres. 

Kin. Away,away, no time (hall be omitted, 
That will be time, and may by vs be fitted. 

'Ber. Alone,alone fowed Cockell, reap'd no Come, 
And Iuftice alwaies whirles in equall meafure : 
Light Wenches may proue plagues to men forfworne, 
If fo, our Copper buyes no better treafure. Exeunt. 



A5ius Quartus. 



Enter the Pedant, Curate and 'Dull. 

Pedant. Satis quidjufficit. 

Curat. I praife God for you fir, your reafons at dinner 
haue beene fharpe & fententious:pleafant without fcur- 
rillity, witty without affection, audacious without im- 
pudency, learned without opinion, and ftrange without 
herefie : I did conuerfe this quondam day with a compa- 
nion of the Kings, who is intituled,nominated,or called, 
Don Adriano de Armatho. 

Ped. Noui hominum tanquam te, His humour is lofty, 
his difcourfe peremptorie : his tongue filed, his eye 
ambitious, his gate maiefticall, and his generall behaui- 
our vaine, ridiculous, and thrafonicall. He is too picked, 
too fpruce,too affected, too odde, as it were, too pere- 
grinates I may call it. 

M 2 Curat. 



136 



Loues Labour's loft. 



Curat. A moft lingular and choife Epithat, 

^Dra-w out his Table-booke . 

Peda. He draweth out the thred of his verbolitie, fi- 
ner then the ftaple of his argument. I abhor fuch pha- 
naticall phantafims, fuch infociable and poynt deuife 
companions, fuch rackers of ortagriphie, as to fpeake 
dout fine, when he Ihould fay doubt; det, when he Ihold 
pronounce debt;d e b t,not det:he clepeth a Calf,Caufe: 
halfe, haufe : neighbour vacatur nebour; neigh abreuiated 
ne: this is abhominable, which he would call abhomi- 
nable:it infinuateth me of infamie : ne inteligis domine, to 
make franticke,lunaticke ? 

Cura. Laus deo,bene intelligo. 

Peda. "Borne boon for boon prefcian,a. little fcratcht,'twil 
feme. 

Enter c Bragart, c Boy. 

Curat. Vides ne quit •venit ? 

Peda. Video, & gaudio. 

Brag. Chirra. 

Peda. Sluari Chirra, not Sirra ? 

"Brag. Men of peace well incountred. 

Ped. Moft millitarie fir falutation. 

Boy. They haue beene at a great feaft of Languages, 
and ftolne the fcraps. 

Clow. O they haue liu'd long on the almes-basket of 
words. I maruell thy M. hath not eaten thee for a word, 
for thou art not fo long by the head as honorificabilitu- 
dinitatibus : Thou art eafier fwallowed then a flapdra- 
gon. 

Page. Peace, the peale begins. 

"Brag. Mounfier,are you not lettred f 

Page. Yes,yes, he teaches boyes the Horne-booke : 
What is Ab fpeld backward with the horn on his head ? 

Peda. Ba,puericia with a home added. 

Pag. Ba moft feely Sheepe, with a home : you heare 
his learning. 

Peda. Quis quu,thon Confonant? 

Pag. The laft of the flue Vowels if You repeat them, 
or the fift if I. 

Peda. I will repeat them : a e I. 

Pag. The Sheepe, the other two concludes it o u. 

"Brag. Now by the fait waue of the mediteranium , a 
fweet tutch,a quicke vene we of wit, fnip fnap, quick & 
home,it reioyceth my intellect, true wit. 

Page. Offered by a childe to an olde man : which is 
wit-old. 

Peda. What is the figure ? What is the figure? 

Page. Homes. 

Peda. Thou difputes like an Infant : goe whip thy 
Gigge. 

Pag. Lend me your Home to make one, and I will 
whip about your Infamie irnum cita a gigge of a Cuck- 
olds home. 

CIoiv. And I had but one penny in the world, thou 
mouldft haue it to buy Ginger bread: Hold, there is the 
very Remuneration I had of thy Maifter,thou halfpenny 
purfe of wit,thou Pidgeon-egge of discretion. O & the 
heauens were fo pleafed,that thou wert but my Baftard; 
What a ioyfull father wouldft thou make mee ? Goe to, 
thou haft it ad dutigil,zt the fingers ends, as they fay. 

Peda. Oh I fmell falfe Latine, dungbel for -unguent. 

"Brag. Artj-man preambulat,we will bee fingled from 
the barbarous. Do you not educate youth at the Charg- 
houfe on the top of the Mountaine ? 

Peda. Or Mom the hill. 



'Brag. At your fweet pleafure, for the Mountaine. 

Peda. I doe Jans queftion. 

Bra. Sir, it is the Kings moft fweet pleafure and af- 
fection, to congratulate the Princeffe at her Pauilion, in 
the fojieriors of this day, which the rude multitude call 
the after-noone. 

Ped. The pojierior of the day,moft generous fir,is lia- 
ble, congruent, and meafurable for the after-noone : the 
word is well culd,chofe, fweet, and apt I doe allure you 
fir, I doe affure. 

"Brag. Sir, the King is a noble Gentleman, and my fa- 
miliar, I doe affure ye very good friend : for what is in- 
ward betweene vs, let it paffe. I doe befeech thee re- 
member thy curtefie. I befeech thee apparell thy head : 
and among other importunate & moft ferious defignes, 
and of great import indeed too : but let that paffe, for I 
muft tell thee it will pleafe his Grace (by the world) 
fometime to leane vpon my poore fhoulder, and with 
his royall finger thus dallie with my excrement, with my 
muftachio : but fweet heart let that paffe. By the world 
I recount no fable, fome certaine fpeciall honours it 
pleafeth his greatneffe to impart to zArmado a Souldier, 
a man of trauell, that hath feene the world : but let that 
paffe ; the very all of all is: but fweet heart, I do implore 
fecrecie , that the King would haue mee prefent the 
Princeffe (fweet chucke) with fome delightfull oftenta- 
tion, or mow, or pageant, or anticke, or fire-worke : 
Now,vnderftanding that the Curate and your fweet felf 
are good at fuch eruptions, and fodaine breaking out of 
myrth (as it were,) I haue acquainted you withall, to 
the end to craue your affiftance. 

Peda. Sir, you ihall prefent before her the Nine Wor- 
thies. Sir Holofernes, as concerning fome entertainment 
of time, fome mow in the pofterior of this day, to bee 
rendred by our affiftants the Kings command : and this 
moft gallant, illuftrate and learned Gentleman, before 
the Princeffe : I fay none fo fit as to prefent the Nine 
Worthies. 

Curat. Where will you finde men worthy enough to 
prefent them ? 

Peda. IoJ'ua, your felfe:my felfe, and this gallant gen- 
tleman Iudas Machabeus ; this Swaine (becaufe of his 
great limme or ioynt) Ihall paffe Pornpey the great, the 
Page Hercules. 

Brag. Pardon fir, error : He is not quantitie enough 
for that Worthies thumb, hee is not fo big as the end of 
his Club. 

Peda. Shall I haue audience ? he ihall prefent Hercu- 
les in minoritie : his enter and exit Ihall bee Strangling a 
Snake ; and I will haue an Apologie for that purpofe. 

Pag. An excellent deuice : fo if any of the audience 
hiffe, you may cry, Well done Hercules, now thou cru- 
lheft the Snake ; that is the way to make an offence gra- 
cious, though few haue the grace to doe it. 

"Brag. For the reft of the Worthies? 

Peda. I will play three my felfe. 

Pag. Thrice worthy Gentleman. 

Brag. Shall I tell you a thing ? 

Peda. We attend. 

'Brag. We will haue, if this fadge not,an Antique. I 
befeech you follow. 

Ped. Via good-man Dull, thou haft fpoken no word 
all this while. 

Dull. Nor vnderftood none neither fir. 

Ped. Alone, we will employ thee. 

Dull. He make one in a dance, or fo : or I will play 



Loues Labour's loji. 



r 37 



on the taber to the Worthies, & let them dance the hey. 
Bed. Moft Dull, honeft Dull, to our fport away. Exit. 

Enter Ladies. 

£)u. Sweet hearts we fliall be rich ere we depart , 
If fairings come thus plentifully in. 

A Lady wal'd about with Diamonds : Look you, what I 
haue from the louing King. 

Rofa. Madam, came nothing elfe along with that? 

Qu. Nothing but this : yes as much loue in Rime, 
As would be cram'd vp in a fheet of paper 
Writ on both fides the leafe,margent and all, 
That he was faine to feale on Qupids name. 

Rofa. That was the way to make his god-head wax : 
For he hath beene fiue thoufand yeeres a Boy. 

Kath. I, and a fhrewd vnhappy gallowes too. 

Rof. You'll nere be friends with him, a kild your fifter. 

Kath. He made her melancholy, fad, and heauy, and 
fo fhe died : had fhe beene Light iike you, of fuch a mer- 
rie nimble ftirring fpirit, fhe might a bin a Grandam ere 
fhe died. And fo may you : For a light heart hues long. 

Rof. What's your darke meaning moufe,of this light 
word ? 

Kat. A light condition in a beauty darke. 

Rof. We need more light to finde your meaning out. 

Kat. You'll marre the light by taking it in fnuffe : 
Therefore He darkely end the argument. 

Rof. Look what you doe,you doe it ftil i'th darke. 

Kat. So do not you, for you are a light Wench. 

Rof. Indeed I waigh not you, and therefore light. 

Ka. You waigh me not, O that's you care not for me. 

Rof. Great reafon : for paft care, is ftill paft cure. 

Siu. Well bandied both, a kt of Wit well played. 
But Rofaline, you haue a Fauour too ? 
Who fent it ? and what is it ? 

Ros. I would you knew. 
And if my face were but as faire as yours, 
My Fauour were as great, be witneffe this. 
Nay,I haue Verfes too,I thanke 'Berotvne, 
The numbers true, and were the numbring too, 
I were the faireft goddeffe on the ground. 
I am compar'd to twenty thoufand fairs. 
O he hath drawne my pifture in his letter. 

£?u. Any thing like? 

Rof. Much in the letters, nothing in the praife. 

£>u. Beauteous as Incke : a good conclusion. 

Kat. Faire as a text B. in a Coppie booke. 

Rof. Ware penfals.How?Let me not die your debtor, 
My red Domini call, my golden letter. 
O that your face were full of Oes. 

%. A Pox of thatieft,and I befhrew all Shrowes: 
But Katherine, what was fent to you 
From faire Dumaine'i 

Kat. Madame, this Gloue. 

£>u. Did he not fend you twaine ? 

Kat. Yes Madame : and moreouer, 
Some thoufand Verfes of a faithfull Louer. 
A huge tranflation of hypocrifie, 
Vildly compiled, profound fimplicitie. 

Mar. This, and thefe Pearls, to me fent Longauile. 
The Letter is too long by halfe a mile. 

£}u. I thinke no leffe : Doft thou wiffi in heart 
The Qhaine were longer, and the Letter fhort. 

Mar. I, or I would thefe hands might neuer part. 

Qjtee. We are wife girles to mocke our Louers fo. 

Rof. They are worfe fooles to purchafe mocking fo. 



That fame Beroivne ile torture ere I goe. 

that I knew he were but in by th'weeke, 

How I would make him fawne,and begge,and feeke, 

And wait the feafon, and obferue the times, 

And fpend his prodigall wits in booteles rimes. 

And fhape his feruice wholly to my deuice, 

And make him proud to make me proud that iefts. 

So pertaunt like would I o'refway his ftate, 

That he fhold be my foole,and I his fate. 

£>u. None are fo furely caught, when they are catcht, 
As Wit turn'd foole, follie in Wifedome hatch'd : 
Hath wifedoms warrant, and the helpe of Schoole, 
And Wits owne grace to grace a learned Foole ? 

Rof. The bloud of youth burns not with fuch exceffe, 
As grauities reuolt to wantons be. 

Mar. Follie in Fooles beares not fo ftrong a note, 
As fool'ry in the Wife, when Wit doth dote : 
Since all the power thereof it doth apply, 
To proue by Wit, worth in fimplicitie. 

Enter 'Boyet. 

Qu. Heere comes Boyet, and mirth in his face. 

Boy. O I am ftab'd with laughter, Wher's her Grace? 

Stu. Thy newes Boyet? 

Boy. Prepare Madame, prepare. 
Arme Wenches arme, incounters mounted are, 
Againft your Peace, Loue doth approach, difguis'd : 
Armed in arguments, you'll be furpriz'd. 
Mufter your Wits,fhnd in your owne defence, 
Or hide your heads like Cowards, and flie hence. 

2)u. Saint T>ennu to S.Cupid: What are they, 
That charge their breath againft vs? Say fcout fay. 

Boy. Vnder the coole fhade of a Siccamore, 

1 thought to clofe mine eyes fome halfe an houre : 
When lo to interrupt my purpos'd reft, 
Toward that fhade I might behold addreft, 

The King and his companions: warely 

I ftole into a neighbour thicket by, 

And ouer-heard, what you fhall ouer-heare : 

That by and by difguis'd they will be heere. 

Their Herald is a pretty knauifh Page : 

That well by heart hath con'd his embaffage, 

Affion and accent did they teach him there. 

Thus muft thou fpeake,and thus thy body beare. 

And euer and anon they made a doubt, 

Prefence maiefticall would put him out : 

For quoth the King, an Angell fhalt thou fee : 

Yet feare not thou, but fpeake audacioufly. 

The Boy reply'd, An Angell is not euill : 

I fiiould haue fear'd her, had fhe beene a deuill. 

With that all laugh'd,and clap'd him on the fhoulder, 

Making the bold wagg by their praifes bolder. 

One rub'd his elboe thus,and fleer'd, and fwore, 

A better fpeech was neuer fpoke before. 

Another with his finger and his thumb, 

Cry'd -via, we will doo't,come what will come. 

The third he caper'd and cried, All goes well. 

The fourth turn'd on the toe, and downe he fell : 

With that they all did tumble on the ground , 

With fuch a zelous laughter fo profound, 

That in this fpleene ridiculous appeares, 

To checke their folly paffions folemne teares. 

$Zuee. But what, but what, come they to vifit vs? 

'Boy. They do, they do ; and are apparel'd thus, 
Like Mufcouites, or Ruffians, as I geffe. 
Their purpofe is to parlee, to court, and dance, 

M 3 And 



■38 



Loues Labour's loft. 



And euery one his Loue-feat will aduance, 
Vnto his feuerall Miftreffe : which they'll know 
By fauours feuerall, which they did bellow. 

S^ueen. And will they fo?the Gallants fliall be taskt: 
For Ladies ; we will euery one be maskt , 
And not a man of them fliall haue the grace 
Defpight of fute, to fee a Ladies face. 
Hold Rofaline, this Fauour thou flialt weare, 
And then the King will court thee for his Deare : 
Hold, take thou this my fweet, and giue me thine, 
So (hall Beroivne take me for Rofaline. 
And change your Fauours too, fo fliall your Loues 
Woo contrary, deceiu'd by thefe remoues. 

Roja. Come on then, weare the fauours moft in fight. 

Katb. But in this changing, What is your intent? 

SZueen. The effecT: of my intent is to croffe theirs : 
They doe it but in mocking merriment, 
And mocke for mocke is onely my intent. 
Their feuerall counfels they vnbofome fliall, 
To Loues miftooke,and fo be mockt withall. 
Vpon the next occafion that we meete, 
With Vifages difplayd to talke and greete. 

Roj. But fliall we dance,if they defire vs too't? 

S^uee. No, to the death we will not moue a foot, 
Nor to their pen'd fpeech render we no grace : 
But while 'tis fpoke,each turne away his face. 

Boy. Why that contempt will kill the keepers heart, 
And quite diuorce his memory from his part. 

Quee. Therefore I doe it, and I make no doubt, 
The reft will ere come in, if he be out. 
Theres no fuch fport,as fport by fport orethrowne : 
To make theirs ours,and ours none but our owne. 
So fliall we ftay mocking entended game, 
And they well mockt, depart away with fliame. Sound. 

Boy. The Trompet founds , be maskt, the maskers 
come. 

Enter Black moores ivith mujicke , the 'Boy ivith a fpeech , 
and the rejl of the Lords difguifed. 

Page. All hath, the richefl 'Beauties on the earth. 

Ber. Beauties no richer then rich Taffata. 

Pag. A holy parcell of the fair eft dames that euer turnd 
their baches to mortall uietves. 

The Ladies turne their backes to him. 

Ber. Their eyes villaine, their eyes. 

Pag. That euer turnd their eyes to mortall uieives. 
Out 

Boy. True, out indeed 

Pag. Out of your fauours heauenly fpirits -vouchfafe 
Not to beholde. 

Ber. Once to behold, rogue. 

Pag. Once to behold ivith your Sunne beamed eyes, 
With your Sunne beamed eyes. 

Boy. They will not anfwer to that Epythite, 
You were beft call it Daughter beamed eyes. 

Pag. They do not marke me, and that brings me out. 

Bero. Is this your perfcftnefle ? be gon you -rogue. 

Rofa. What would thefe ftrangers? 
Know their mindes 'Bojet. 
If they doe fpeake our language, 'tis our will 
That ibme plaine man recount their purpofes. 
Know what they would ? 

'Boyet. What would you with the Princes ? 

Ber. Nothing but peace, and gentle vifitation. 

Rof. What would they, fay they ? 



Boy. Nothing but peace, and gentle vifitation. 

Rofa. Why that they haue, and bid them fo be gon. 

'Boy. She faies you haue it,and you may be gon. 

Kin. Say to her we haue meafur'd many miles , 
To tread a Meafure with you on the graffe. 

Boy. They fay that they haue meafur'd many a mile, 
To tread a Meafure with you on this grafle. 

Rofa. It is not fo. Aske them how many inches 
Is in one mile? If they haue mealur'd manie, 
The meafure then of one is eaflie told. 

'Boy. If to come hither, you haue meafur'd miles, 
And many miles : the Princeffe bids you tell, 
How many inches doth fill vp one mile ? 

Ber. Tell her we meafure them by weary fteps. 

'Boy. She heares her felfe. 

Rofa. How manie wearie fteps, 
Of many wearie miles you haue ore-gone, 
Are numbred in the trauell of one mile ? 

"Bero. We number nothing that we fpend for you, 
Our dutie is fo rich, fo infinite, 
That we may doe it ftill without accompt. 
Vouchfafe to fliew the funfliine of your face, 
That we ('like fauages) may worfliip it. 

Rofa. My face is but a Moone, and clouded too. 

Km. BlefTed are clouds, to doe as fuch clouds do. 
Vouchfafe bright Moone, and thefe thy ftars to ftiine, 
(Thofe clouds remoouedj vpon our waterie eyne. 

Rofa. O vaine peticioner, beg a greater matter, 
Thou now requefts but Moonefliine in the water. 

Kin. Then in our meafure, vouchfafe but one change. 
Thou bidft me begge,this begging is not ftrange. 

Rofa. Play muficke then : nay you muft doe it foone. 
Not yet no dance : thus change I like the Moone. 

Kin. Will you not dance ? How come you thus e- 
ftranged ? 

Rofa. You tooke the Moone at full, but now Ihee's 
changed ? 

Kin. Yet ftill flie is the Moone, and I the Man. 

Rofa. The mufick playes, vouchfafe fome motion to 
it : Our eares vouchfafe it. 

Kin. But your legges fliould doe it. 

Rof. Since you are ftrangers, & come here by chance, 
Wee'U not be nice, take hands, we will not dance. 

Kin. Why take you hands then ? 

Rofa. Onelie to part friends. 
Curtfie fweet hearts,and fo the Meafure ends. 

Kin. More meafure of this meafure, be not nice. 

Rofa. We can afford no more at fuch a price. 

Kin. Prife your felues: What buyes your companie? 

Rofa. Your abfence onelie. 

Km. That can neuer be. 

Rofa. Then cannot we be boughtiand fo adue, 
Twice to your Vifore, and halfe once to you. 

Kin. If you denie to dance, let's hold more chat. 

Rof. In priuate then. 

Kin. I am beft pleas'd with that. 

Be. White handed Miftris,one fweet word with thee. 

£}u. Hony,and Milke,and Sugenthere is three. 

'Ber. Nay then two treyes,an if you grow fo nice 
Methegline, Wort, and Malmfey ; well runne dice : 
There's halfe a dozen fweets. 

S^u. Seuenth fweet adue,fince you can cogg, 
He play no more with you. ^ 

'Ber. One word in fecret. 

£}u. Let it not be fweet. 

'Ber. Thou greeu'ft my gall. 

S£ueen. 



Loues Labour's loft. 



39 



Slu. Gall, bitter. 

'Ber. Therefore meete. 

T>u. Will you vouchfafe with me to change a word? 

Mar. Name it. 

Dum. Faire Ladie. 

Mar. Say you fo ? Faire Lord : 
Take you that for your faire Lady. 

Du. Pleafe it you, 
As much in priuate, and lie bid adieu. 

Mar. What, was your vizard made without a tong? 

Long. I know the reafon Ladie why you aske. 

<tft£ar. O for your reafon, quickly fir, I long. 

hong. You haue a double tongue within your mask. 
And would affoord my fpeechleffe vizard halfe. 

Mar. Veale quoth the Dutch-man : is not Veale a 
Calfe ? 

Long. A Calfe faire Ladie ? 

Mar. No, a faire Lord Calfe. 

Long. Let's part the word. 

Mar. No, lie not be your halfe : 
Take all and weane it, it may proue an Oxe. 

Long. Looke how you but your felfe in thefe marpe 
mockes. 
Will you giue homes chaft Ladie? Do not fo. 

Mar. Then die a Calfe before your horns do grow. 

Lon. One word in priuate with you ere I die. 

cMar. Bleat foftly then, the Butcher heares you cry. 

'Boyet. The tongues of mocking wenches are as keen 
As is the Razors edge, inuifible : 
Cutting a fmaller haire then may be feene, 
Aboue the fenfe offence fo fenfible : 
Seemeth their conference, their conceits haue wings, 
Fleeter then arrows, bullets wind,thoght,fwifter things 

Roja. Not one word more my maides, breake off, 
breake off. 

'Ber. By heauen, all drie beaten with pure fcoffe. 

King. Farewell madde Wenches, you haue fimple 
wits. Exeunt. 

Slu. Twentie adieus my frozen Mufcouits. 
Are thefe the breed of wits fo wondred at? 

'Boyet. Tapers they are, with your fweete breathes 
puft out. 

-Rc/i.Wel-hking wits they haue, groffe, groffe, fat, fat. 

Slu. O pouertie in wit, Kingly poore flout. 
Will they not (thinke you) hang themfelues to night ? 
Or euer but in vizards ftew their faces: 
This pert Beroivne was out of count'nance quite. 

Roja. They were all in lamentable cafes. 
The King was weeping ripe for a good word. 

Slu. 'Beroiune did fweare himfelfe out of all fuite. 

Mar. Dumaine was at my feruice,. and his fword : 
No point (quoth I:) my feruant ftraight was mute. 

Ka. Lord Longau'dl faid I came ore his hart : 
And trow you what he call'd me? 

Slu. Qualme perhaps. 

Kat. Yes in good faith. 

Slu. Go fickneffe as thou art. 

Rof. Well, better wits haue worne plain ftatute caps, 
But wil you heare; the King is my loue fworne. 

Slu. And quicke 'Beroiune hath plighted faith to me. 

Kat. And Longauill was for my feruice borne. 

Mar. ^Dumaine is mine as fure as barke on tree. 

'Boyet. Madam, and prettie miftreffes giue eare, 
Immediately they will againe be heere 
In their owne fhapes : for it can neuer be, 
They will digeft this harih indignitie. 



139 



%. Will they returne ? 

Boy. They will they will, God knowes, 
And leape for ioy, though they are lame with blowes: 
Therefore change Fauours, and when they repaire, 
Blow like fweet Rofes, in this fummer aire. 

Slu. How blow? how blow? Speake to bee vnder- 
ftood. 

'Boy. Faire Ladies maskt,are Rofes in their bud : 
Difmaskt, their damaske fweet commixture fhowne, 
Are Angels vailing clouds, or Rofes blowne. 

Slu. Auant perplexitie : What mall we do, 
If they returne in their owne fliapes to wo i 

Roja. Good Madam, if by me you'l be aduis'd, 
Let's mocke them ftill as well knowne as difguis'd : 
Let vs complaine to them what fooles were heare, 
Difguis'd like Mufcouites in fliapeleffe geare : 
And wonder what they were, and to what end 
Their mallow fhowes, and Prologue vildely pen'd : 
And their rough carriage fo ridiculous, 
Should be prefented at our Tent to vs. 

'Boyet. Ladies, withdraw : the gallants are at hand. 

Sluee. Whip to our Tents, as Roes runnes ore Land. 
Exeunt. 
Enter the King and the reji. 

King. Faire fir, God faue you. Wher's the Princeffe ? 

'Boy. Gone to her Tent. 
Pleafe it your Maieftie command me any feruice to her? 

King. That me vouchfafe me audience for one word. 

"Boy. I will, and fo will fhe, I know my Lord. Exit. 

'Ber. This fellow pickes vp wit as Pigeons peafe, 
And vtters it againe, when loue doth pleafe. 
He is Wits Pedler,and retailes his Wares, 
At Wakes, and Waffels, Meetings, Markets, Faires. 
And we that fell by groffe, the Lord doth know, 
Haue not the grace to grace it with fuch ihow. 
This Gallant pins the Wenches on his fleeue. 
Had he bin zAdam, he had tempted Sue. 
He can carue too, and lifpe : Why this is he, 
That kift away his hand in courtefie. 
This is the Ape of Forme, Monfieur the nice, 
That when he plaies at Tables, chides the Dice 
In honorable tearmes : Nay he can fing 
A meane moft meanly, and in Vihering 
Mend him who can : the Ladies call him fweete. 
The ftaires as he treads on them kiffe his feete. 
This is the flower that fmiles on euerie one, 
To (hew his teeth as white as Whales bone. 
And confciences that wil not die in debt, 
Pay him the dutie of honie-tongued 'Boyet. 

King. A blifter on his fweet tongue with my hart, 
That put Armathoes Page out of his part. 



Enter the Ladies. 

"Ber.See where it comes. Behauiour what wer't thou, 
Till this madman fhew'd thee ? And what art thou now? 

King. All haile fweet Madame,and faire time of day. 

Slu. Faire in all Haile is foule,as I conceiue. 

King. Conftrue my fpeeches better, if you may. 

Slu. Then wifh me better, I wil giue you leaue. 

King. We came to vifit you, and purpofe now 
To leade you to our Court, vouchfafe it then. 

Slu. This field fhal hold me, and fo hold your vow : 
Nor God, nor I, delights in periur'd men. 

King. Rebuke me not for that which you prouoke : 

The 



140 



Loues Labour's loft. 



The vertue of your eie muft breake my oth. 

S^. You nickname vertue: vice you fhould haue fpoke: 
For vertues office neuer breakes men troth. 
Now by my maiden honor, yet as pure 
As the vnfallied Lilly, I proteft, 
A world of torments though I fhould endure, 
I would not yeeld to be your houfes gueft : 
So much I hate a breaking caufe to be 
Of heauenly oaths, vow'd with integritie. 

Kin. O you haue liu'd in deiolation heere, 
Vnfeene, vnuifited, much to our ftiame. 

S^u. Not fo my Lord, it is not fo I fweare, 
We haue had paftimes heere, and pleafant game, 
A meffe of Ruffians left vs but of late. 

Km. How Madam? Rufsians ? 

S^u. I in truth, my Lord. 
Trim gallants, full of Court/hip and of ftate. 

Rofa. Madam fpeake true. It is not fo my Lord : 
My Ladie (to the manner of the daiesj 
In curtefie giues vndeferuing praife. 
We foure indeed confronted were with foure 
In Rufsia habit : Heere they flayed an houre, 
And talk'd apace : and in that houre (my Lord) 
They did not bleffe vs with one happy word. 
I dare not call them fooles; but this I thinke, 
When they are thirftie, fooles would faine haue drinke. 

Ber. This ieft is drie to me. Gentle fweete, 
Your wits makes wife things fooliih when we greete 
With eies beft feeing, heauens fierie eie : 
By light we loofe light; your capacitie 
Is of that nature, that to your huge ftoore, 
Wife things feeme foolifh, and rich things but poore. 

Rof. This proues you wife and rich : for in my eie 

Ber. I am a foole, and full of pouertie. 

Rof. But that you take what doth to you belong, 
It were a fault to fnatch words from my tongue. 

'Ber. O, I am yours, and all that I poffeffe. 

Rof. All the foole mine. 

Ber. I cannot giue you leffe. 

Rof. Which of the Vizards what it that you wore T 

Ber. Where? when? What Vizard ? 
Why demand you this ? 

Rof. There, then, that vizard, that fuperfluous cafe, 
That hid the worfe, and fhew'd the better face. 

Kin. We are difcried, 
They'l mocke vs now downeright. 

Du. Let vs confeffe,and turne it to a ieft. 

Slue. Amaz'd my Lord ? Why lookes your Highnes 
fadde ? 

Rofa. Helpe hold his browes,hee'l found: why looke 
you pale ? 
Sea-ficke I thinke comming from Mufcouie. 

'Her. Thus poure the ftars down plagues for periury. 
Can any face of braffe hold longer out ? 
Heere ftand I, Ladie dart thy skill at me, 
Bruife me with fcorne, confound me with a flout. 
Thruft thy fharpe wit quite through my ignorance. 
Cut me to peeces with thy keene conceit : " 
And I will wifh thee neuer more to dance, 
Nor neuer more in Rufsian habit waite. 
O! neuer will I truft to fpeeches pen'd, 
Nor to the motion of a Schoole-boies tongue. 
Nor neuer come in vizard to my friend, 
Nor woo in rime like a blind-harpers fongue, 
Taffata phrafes, filken tearmes precife, 
Three-pil'd Hyperboles, fpruce affection; 



Figures pedanticall, thefe fummer flies, 

Haue blowne me full of maggot oftentation. 

I do forfweare them, and I heere proteft, 

By this white Gloue (how white the hand God knows) 

Henceforth my woing minde fhall be expreft 

In ruflet yeas, and honeft kerfie noes. 

And to begin Wench, fo God helpe me law, 

My loue to thee is fo\md,fans cracke or flaw. 

Rofa. Sans, fans, I pray you. 

Ber. Yet I haue a tricke 
Of the old rage : beare with me, I am ficke. 
He leaue it by degrees : foft, let vs fee, 
Write Lord haue mercie on vs, on thofe three, 
They are infe&ed, in their hearts it lies : 
They haue the plague, and caught it of your eyes : 
Thefe Lords are vifited, you are not free : 
For the Lords tokens on you do I fee. 

^a.No,they are free that gaue thefe tokens to vs. 

Ber. Our ftates are forfeit, feeke not to vndo vs. 

Rof. It is not fo ; for how can this be true, 
That you ftand forfeit, being thofe that fue. 

Ber. Peace, for I will not haue to do with you. 

Rof. Nor (hall not, if I do as I intend. 

Ber. Speake for yourfelues,my wit is at an end. 

King. Teach vs fweete Madame, for our rude tranf- 
grefsion, fome faire excufe. 

S}u. The faireft is confefsion. 
Were you not heere but euen now, difguis'd ? 

Kin. Madam, I was. 

S\u. And were you well aduis'd ? 

Kin. I was faire Madam. 

£>u. When you then were heere, 
What did you whifper in your Ladies eare i 

King. That more then all the world I did refpecl: her 

S^u. When fhee fhall challenge this, you will reieft 
her. 

King. Vpon mine Honor no. 

S^u. Peace, peace, forbeare : 
your oath once broke, you force not to forfweare. 

King. Defpife me when I breake this oath of mine. 

S^u. I will, and therefore keepe it. Rofaline, 
What did the Rufsian whifper in your eare ? 

Rof. Madam, he fwore that he did hold me deare 
As precious eye-fight, and did value me 
Aboue this World : adding thereto moreouer, 
That he would Wed me, or elfe die my Louer. 

Su. God giue thee ioy of him : the Noble Lord 
Moft honorably doth vphold his word. 

King. What meane you Madame f 
By my life, my troth, 
I neuer fwore this Ladie fuch an oth. 

Rof. By heauen you did ; and to confirme it plaine, 
you gaue me this : But take it fir againe. 

King. My faith and this, the Princeffe I did giue, 
I knew her by this Iewell on her fleeue. 

S^u. Pardon me fir, this Iewell did fhe weare, 
And Lord Berotvne (I thanke him) is my deare. 
What? Will you haue me, or your Pearle againe ? 

Her. Neither of either, I remit both twaine. 
I fee the tricke on't : Heere was a confent, 
Knowing aforehand of our merriment, 
To dafh it like a Chriftmas Comedie. 
Some carry-tale, fome pleafe-man, fome flight Zanie, 
Some mumble-newes, fome trencher-knight, fom Dick 
That fmiks his cheeke in yeares, and knowes the trick 
To make my Lady laugh, when fhe's difpos'd; 

Told 



Loues Labour's loji. 



H 



Told our intents before : which once difclos'd, 

The Ladies did change Fauours; and then we 

Following the fignes, woo'd but the figne of /he. 

Now to our periurie, to adde more terror, 

We are againe forfworne in will and error. 

Much vpon this tis : and might not you 

Foreftall our fport, to make vs thus vntrue ? 

Do not you know my Ladies foot by'th fquier ? 

And laugh vpon the apple of her eie ? 

And ftand betweene her backe fir, and the fire, 

Holding a trencher, iefting merrilie ? 

You put our Page out : go, you are alowd. 

Die when you will, a fmocke fhall be your flirowd. 

You leere vpon me , do you ? There's an eie 

Wounds like a Leaden fword. 

Boy. Full merrily hath this braue manager, this car- 
reere bene run. 

'Ber. Loe, he is tilting ftraight. Peace, I haue don. 

Enter Clotvne. 

Welcome pure wit, thou part'ft a faire fray. 

Clo. O Lord fir, they would kno, 
Whether the three worthies fhall come in, or no. 

'Ber. What, are there but three? 

C/o.No fir, but it is vara fine, 
For euerie one purfents three. 

'Ber. And three times thrice is nine. 

C/o.Not fo fir, vnder correction fir, I hope it is not fo. 
You cannot beg vs fir, I can afiure you fir, we know what 
we know : I hope fir three times thrice fir. 

'Ber. Is not nine. 

Clo. Vnder correction fir, wee know where-vntill it 
doth amount. 

Ber. By Ioue, I alwaies tooke three threes for nine. 

CIoiv. O Lord fir, it were pittie you ihould get your 
liuing by reckning fir. 

'Ber. How much is it ? 

Clo. O Lord fir, the parties themfelues, the actors fir 
will fliew where-vntill it doth amount : for mine owne 
part, I am (as they fay, but to perfect one man in one 
poore man ) Pompion the great fir. 

'Ber. Art thou one of the Worthies f 

Clo. It pleafed them to thinke me worthie of Pompey 
the great : for mine owne part, I know not the degree of 
the Worthie, but I am to ftand for him. 

'Ber. Go, bid them prepare. Exit. 

Clo. We will turne it finely off fir, we wil take fome 
care. 

King. Beroivne, they will fhame vs : 
Let them not approach. 

'Ber. We are lhame-proofe my Lord : and 'tis fome 
policie, to haue one mew worfe then the Kings and his 
companie. 

Kin. I fay they fhall not come. 

!$u. Nay my good Lord, let me ore-rule you now; 
That fport beft pleafes, that doth leaft know how. 
Where Zeale ftriues to content, and the contents 
Dies in the Zeale of that which it prefents : 
Their forme confounded, makes moft forme in mirth, 
When great things labouring perifh in their birth. 

'Ber. A right defcription of our fport my Lord. 

Snter'Brargart. 
'Brag. Annointed, I implore fo much expence of thy 



royall fweet breath, as will vtter a brace of words. 

$u. Doth this man ferue God? 

'Ber. Why aske you ? 

£}u. He fpeak's not like a man of God's making. 

'Brag. That's all one my faire fweet honie Monarch: 
For I proteft, the Schoolmafter is exceeding fantafticall: 
Too too vaine, too too vaine. But we wil put it(as they 
fay) to Fortuna delaguar , I wifti you the peace of minde 
moft royall cupplement. 

King.Here is like to be a good prefence of Worthies; 
He prefents Hetlor of Troy, the Swaine Pompey y great, 
the Parim Curate Alexander, Armadoes Page Hercules, 
the Pedant Judas Machabeus : And if thefe foure Wor- 
thies in their firft mew thriue, thefe foure will change 
habites,and prefent the other fiue. 

'Ber. There is fiue in the firft mew. 

Kin. You are decerned, tis not fo. 

'Ber. The Pedant, the Braggart, the Hedge-Prieft, the 
Foole, and the Boy, 
Abate throw at Novum, and the whole world againe, 
Cannot pricke out fiue fuch, take each one in's vaine. 

Kin.The ihip is vnder faile,and here fhe corns amain. 

Enter Pompey. 

Clo. I Pompey am. 

Ber. You lie, you are not he. 

Clo. I Pompey am. 

'Boy. With Libbards head on knee. 

'Ber. Well faid old mocker, 
I muft needs be friends with thee. 

Clo. I Pompey am, Pompey furnamd the big. 

T>u. The great. 

Clo. It is great fir : Pompey Jurnam'd the great : 
That oft in field, luith large and Shield, 

did make my foe to fweat : 
And trauailing along this coaft, I heere am come by chance, 
And lay my Armes before the legs of this fweet Laffe of 

France. 
If your Ladifhip would fay thankes Pompey, I had done. 

La. Great thankes great Pompey. 

Clo. Tis not fo much worth : but I hope I was per- 
fect. I made a little fault in great. 

'Ber. My hat to a halfe-penie , Pompey prooues the 
beft Worthie. 

Enter Curate for Alexander. 

Curat. When in the ivorld Iliud, I <was the tvorldes Com- 
mander : 
'By Eaft, Weft, North, & South, I Jpred my conqnering might 
My Scutcheon plaine declares that I am Alifander. 

'Boiet. Your nofe faies no, you are not : 
For it ftands too right. 

'Ber. Your nofe fmels no, in this moft tender fmel- 
ling Knight. 

^u. The Conqueror is difmaid : 
Proceede good Alexander. 

Cur. When in the world I liued, I ivas the tvorldes Com- 
mander. 

'Boiet. Moft true, 'tis right : you were fo Alifander. 

'Ber. Pompey the great. 

Clo. your feruant and C°ft ar d- 

'Ber. Take away the Conqueror, take away Alifander 

Clo. O fir, you haue ouerthrowne Alifander the con- 
queror : you will be fcrap'd out of the painted cloth for 

this. 



142 



Loues Labour's loft. 



this : your Lion that holds his Pollax fitting on a clofe 
ftoole, will be giuen to Aiax. He will be the ninth wor- 
thie. A Conqueror, and affraid to fpeake ? Runne away 
for ihame AHJander. There an't fhall pleafe you : a foo- 
lifh milde man, an honeft man,looke you,& foon dafht. 
He is a maruellous good neighbour infooth, and a verie 
good Bowler : but for Alijander, alas you fee, how 'tis a 
little ore-parted. But there are Worthies a comming, 
will fpeake their minde in fome other fort. Exit Cu. 

Qu. Stand afide good Pompey. 

Enter Pedant for Iudas, and the 'Boy for Hercules. 

Fed. Great Hercules is prefented by this Impe, 
Whofe Club kil'd Qerberui that three-headed Canus, 
And when he was a babe, a childe, a lhrimpe, 
Thus did he ftrangle Serpents in his Manus : 
Quoniam, he feemeth in minoritie, 
Ergo, I come with this Apologie. 
Keepe fome ftate in thy exit, and vanifh. Exit 'Boy 

Ped. Iudas / am. 

Dum. A Iudas? 

Ped. Not Ifcariotfir. 
Iudas I am,ycliped oM'achabeus. 

Dum. Iudas Machabem dipt, is plaine Iudas. 

"Ber. A kifsing traitor.How art thou prou'd Iudas? 

Ped. Iudas I am. 

'Dum. The more fhame for you Iudai. 

Ped. What meane you fir ? 

"Boi. To make Iudas hang himfelfe. 

Ped. Begin fir, you are my elder. 

"Ber . Well follow'd, Iudas was hang'd on an Elder. 

Ped. I will not be put out of countenance. 

"Ber. Becaufe thou haft no face. 

Ped. What is this? 

'Boi. A Citterne head. 

"Dum. The head of a bodkin. 

"Ber. A deaths face in a ring. 

Lon. The face of an old Roman coine, fcarce feene. 

"Boi. The pummell of Qafars Faulchion. 

"Dum. The caru'd-bone face on a Flaske. 

"Ber. S.Georges halfe cheeke in a brooch. 

Dum. I, and in a brooch of Lead. 

"Ber. I, and worne in the cap of a Tooth-drawer. 
And now forward, for we haue put thee in countenance 

Ped. You haue put me out of countenance. 

"Ber. Falfe, we haue giuen thee faces. 

Ped. But you haue out-fac'd them all. 

"Ber. And thou wer't a Lion, we would do fo. 

"Boy. Therefore as he is, an Affe, let him go : 
And fo adieu fweet lude. Nay, why doft thou flay ? 

"Dum. For the latter end of his name. 

Ber. For the Affe to the lude : giue it him. lud-as a- 
way. 

Ped. This is not generous, not gentle, not humble. 

Boy. A light for monfieur Iudas, it growes darke, he 
may ftumble. 

S^ue. Alas poore <tATachabeus, how hath hee beene 
baited. 

Enter "Braggart. 

Ber. Hide thy head cAchilles, heere comes Hector in 
Armes. 

Dum. Though my mockes come home by me, I will 
now be merrie. 

King. Hector was but a Troyan in refpedt of this. 



Boi. But is this Hector} 

Kin. I thinke Hector was not fo cleane timber'd. 

Lon. His legge is too big for Hector. 

Dum. More Calfe certaine. 

Boi. No, he is beft indued in the fmall. 

Ber. This cannot be Hector. 

Dum. He's a God or a Painter, for he makes faces. 

"Brag. The Armipotent Mars, of Launces the almighty, 
gaue Hector a gift. 

Dum. A gilt Nutmegge. 

Ber. A Lemmon. 

Lon. Stucke with Cloues. 

Dum. No clouen. 

Brag. The Armipotent oMars of Launces the almighty, 
Qaue He&or a gift, the heire of Illion ; 
A man fo breathed, that certaine be ivould fight : yea 
From morne till night, out of his Pauillion. 
I am that Flower. 

Dum. That Mint. 

Long. That Cullambine. 

"Brag. Sweet Lord Longauill reine thy tongue. 

Lon. I muft rather giue it the reine : for it runnes a- 
gainft Hector. 

Dum. I, and Hector's a Grey-hound. 

Brag. The fweet War-man is dead and rotten, 
Sweet chuckes,beat not the bones of the buried : 
But I will forward with my deuice ; 
Sweet Royaltie beftow on me the fence of hearing. 

Berowne jleppes forth. 

Qu. Speake braue Hector, we are much delighted. 

"Brag. I do adore thy fweet Graces flipper. 

Boy. Loues her by the foot. 

Dum. He may not by the yard. 

Brag. This He&or far re furm ounted Hanniball. 
The partie » gone. 

Qlo. Fellow Hector, fhe is gone ; fhe is two moneths 
on her way. 

"Brag. What meaneft thou? 

Clo. Faith vnleffe you play the honeft Troyan, the 
poore Wench is caft away: fhe's quick, the child brags 
in her belly alreadie : tis yours. 

Brag. Doft thou infamonize me among Potentates? 
Thou (halt die. 

Clo. Then fhall Hector be whipt for laquenetta that 
is quicke by him, and hang'd for Pompey, that is dead by 
him. 

Dum. Moft rare Pompey. 

Boi. Renowned Pompey. 

"Ber. Greater then great, great, great, great Pompey : 
Pompey the huge. 

Dum. Hector trembles. 

Ber. Pompey is moued, more Atees more Atees ftirre 
them, or ftirre them on. 

Dum. Hector will challenge him. 

Ber. I, if a'haue no more mans blood in's belly, then 
will fup a Flea. 

Brag. By the North-pole I do challenge thee. 

Clo. I wil not fight with a pole like a Northern man; 
He flafh, He do it by the fword : I pray you let mee bor- 
row my Armes againe. 

"Dum. Roome for the incenfed Worthies. 

Clo. He do it in my fhirt. 

Dum. Moft refolute Pompey. 

Page. Mafter, let me take you a button hole lower : 
Do you not fee Pompey is vncafing for the combat: what 



Loues Labour's loft. 



H3 



meane you? you will lofe your reputation. 

*Brag. Gentlemen and Souldiers pardon me, I will 
not combat in my fhirt. 

T>u. You may not denie it, Pompey hath made the 
challenge. 

'Brag. Sweet bloods, I both may, and will . 

*Ber. What reafon haue you for't? 

Brag. The naked truth of it is, I haue no fhirt, 
I go woolward for penance. 

'Boy. True, and it was inioyned him in Rome for want 
of Linnen : fmce when, He be fworne he wore none, but 
a difhclout of Iaquenettas, and that hee weares next his 
heart for a fauour. 

Enter a Mejfenger ,MonJieur Mar cade. 

Mar. God faue you Madame. 

S^u. Welcome Marcade, but that thou interrupteft 
our merriment. 

Marc. I am forrie Madam, for the newes I bring is 
heauie in my tongue. The King your father 

S^u. Dead for my life. 

Mar. Euen fo : My tale is told. 

'Her. Worthies away, the Scene begins to cloud. 

'Brag. For mine owne part, I breath free breath : I 
haue feene the day of wrong, through the little hole of 
difcretion, and I will right my felfe like a Souldier. 

Exeunt Worthies 

Kin. How fare's your Maieftie ? 

Qu. 'Boyet prepare, I will away to night. 

Kin. Madame not fo, I do befeech you ftay. 

Sjj. Prepare 1 fay. I thanke you gracious Lords 
For all your faire endeuours and entreats : 
Out of a new fad-foule, that you vouchfafe, 
In your rich wifedome to excufe, or hide, 
The liberall opposition of our fpirits, 
If ouer-boldly we haue borne our felues, 
In the conuerfe of breath (your gentlenefle 
Was guiltie of it.) Farewell worthie Lord : 
A heauie heart beares not a humble tongue. 
Excufe me fo, comming fo fhort of thankes, 
For my great fuite, fo eafily obtain'd. 

Kin. The extreme parts of time,extremelie formes 
All caufes to the purpofe of his fpeed : 
And often at his verie loofe decides 
That, which long procelfe could not arbitrate. 
And though the mourning brow of progenie 
Forbid the fmiling curtefie of Loue : 
The holy fuite which faine it would conuince, 
Yet fince loues argument was firft on foote, 
Let not the cloud of forrow iuftle it 
From what it purpos'd : fince to waile friends loft, 
Is not by much {o vvholfome profitable, 
As to reioyce at friends but newly found. 

£>u. I vnderftand you not, my greefes are double. 

c Ber.Hone& plain words, beft pierce the ears of griefe 
And by thefe badges vnderftand the King, 
For your faire fakes haue we negledted time, 
Plaid foule play with our oaths: your beautie Ladies 
Hath much deformed vs, fafhioning our humors 
Euen to the oppofed end of our intents. 
And what in vs hath feem'd ridiculous : 
As Loue is full of vnbefitting ftraines, 
All wanton as a childe, skipping and vaine. 
Form'd by the eie, and therefore like the eie. 
Full of ftraying Shapes, of habits,and of formes 



143 



Varying in fubiefts as the eie doth roule, 

To euerie varied obiect in his glance : 

Which partie-coated prefence of loofe loue 

Put on by vs, if in your heauenly eies, 

Haue misbecom'd our oathes and grauities. 

Thofe heauenlie eies that looke into thefe faults, 

Suggefted vs to make : therefore Ladies 

Our loue being yours, the error that Loue makes 

Is likewife yonrs. We to our felues proue falfe, 

By being once falfe, for euer to be true 

To thofe that make vs both, faire Ladies you. 

And euen that fallhood in it felfe a finne, 

Thus purifies it felfe, and turnes to grace. 

£>u. We haue receiu'd your Letters, full of Loue: 
Your Fauours, the Ambafladors of Loue. 
And in our maiden counfaile rated them. 
At courtfhip, pleafant ieft, and curtefie, 
As bumbaft and as lining to the time: 
But more deuout then thefe are our refpedts 
Haue we not bene, and therefore met your loues 
In their owne fafhion, like a merriment. 

Du.Our letters Madam, fhew'd much more then ieft. 

Lon. So did our lookes. 

Roja. We did not coat them fo. 

Km. Now at the lateft minute of the houre, 
Grant vs your loues. 

Su. A time me thinkes too fhort, 
To make a vvorld-without-end bargaine in $ 
No, no my Lord, your Grace is periur'd much, 
Full of deare guiltinefle, and therefore this : 
If for my Loue (as there is no fuch caufe) 
You will do ought, this lhall you do for me. 
Your oth I will not truft: but go with fpeed 
To fome forlorne and naked Hermitage, 
Remote from all the pleafures of the world : 
There ftay, vntill the twelue Celeftiall Signes 
Haue brought about their annuall reckoning. 
Ifthisauftereinfociablelife, 
Change not your offer made in heate of blood : 
If frofts, and fafts, hard lodging, and thin weeds 
Nip not the gaudie bloffomes of your Loue, 
But that it beare this triall,and laft loue : 
Then at the expiration of the yeare, 
Come challenge me, challenge me by thefe deferts, 
And by this Virgin palme, now killing thine, 
I will be thine : and till that inftant fhut 
My wofull felfe vp in a mourning houfe, 
Raining the teares of lamentation, 
For the remembrance of my Fathers death. 
If this thou do denie, let our hands part, 
Neither intitled in the others hart. 

Kin. If this, or more then this, I would denie, 
To flatter vp thefe powers of mine with reft, 
The fodaine hand of death clofe vp mine eie. 
Hence euer then, my heart is in thy breft. 

c Ber. And what to me my Loue? and what to me ? 

Rcf. You muft be purged too, your fins are rack'd. 
You are attaint with faults and periurie : 
Therefore if you my fauor meane to get, 
A tweluemonth mall you fpend, and neuer reft, 
But feeke the wearie beds of people ficke. 

Du. But what to me my loue? but what to me ? 

Kat. A wife? a beard, faire health, and honeftie, 
With three-fold loue, I wilh you all thefe three. 

Du. O ftiall I fay, I thanke you gentle wife? 

Kat. Not fo my Lord, a tweluemonth and a day, 



i 4 4 



Loues Labour's loji. 



lie marke no words that fmoothfac'd wooers fay. 
Come when the King doth to my Ladie come : 
Then if I haue much loue, lie giue you fome. 

Dum. He ferue thee true and faithfully till then. 

Kaib. Yet fweare not, leaft ye be forlworne agen. 

Lon. What faies Maria} 

Mart. At the tweluemonths end, 
lie change my blacke Gowne, for a faithfull friend. 

Lon. He ftay with patience : but the time is long. 

Mari. The liker you, few taller are fo yong. 

Ber. Studies my Ladie ? Miftreffe, looke on me, 
Behold the window of my heart, mine eie : 
What humble fuite attends thy anfwer there, 
Impofe fome feruice on me for my loue. 

Rof. Oft haue I heard of you my Lord 'Berowne, 
Before I faw you : and the worlds large tongue 
Proclaimes you for a man repleate with mockes, 
Full of comparifons, and wounding floutes : 
Which you on all eftates will execute, 
That lie within the mercie of your wit. 
To weed this Wormewood from your fruitfull braine, 
And therewithall to win me, if you pleafe, 
Without the which I am not to be won : 
You mail this tweluemonth terme from day to day, 
Vifite the fpeechlefle ficke, and ftill conuerfe 
With groaning wretches : and your taske fhall be, 
With all the fierce endeuour of your wit, 
To enforce the pained impotent to fmile. 

Ber. To moue wilde laughter in the throate of death ? 
It cannot be, it is impoffible. 
Mirth cannot moue a'foule in agonie. 

Rof. Why that's the way to choke a gibing fpirit, 
Whofe influence is begot of that loofe grace, 
Which mallow laughing hearers giue to fooles : 
A iefts prolperitie, lies in the eare 
Of him that heares it, neuer in the tongue 
Of him that makes it : then, if fickly eares, 
Deaft with the clamors of their owne deare grones, 
Will heare your idle fcornes; continue then, 
And I will haue you, and that fault withall. 
But if they will not, throw away that fpirit, 
And I fhal finde you emptie of that fault, 
Right ioyfull of your reformation. 

Ber. A tweluemonth? Well : befall what will befall, 
He ieft a tweluemonth in an Hofpitall. 

$u. I fweet my Lord, and fo I take my leaue. 

King. No Madam, we will bring you on your way. 

Ber. Our woing doth not end like an old Play: 
Iacke hath not Gill : thefe Ladies courtefie 
Might wel haue made our fport a Comedie. 

Kin. Come fir, it wants a tweluemonth and a day, 
And then 'twil end. 

'Ber. That's too long for a play. 

Enter 'Braggart. 
'Brag. Sweet Maiefty vouchfafe me. 
£>u. Was not that Hector ? 
Dum. The worthie Knight of Troy. 
'Brag. I wil kiffe thy royal finger, and take leaue. 
I am a Votarie, I haue vow'd to Iaquenetta to holde the 



Plough for her fweet loue three yeares. But moll eftee- 
med greatneffe,wil you heare the Dialogue that the two 
Learned men haue compiled, in praife of the Owle and 
the Cuckow? It mould haue followed in the end of our 
fhew. 

Kin. Call them forth quickely,we will do fo. 

Brag. Hoik, Approach. 

Enter all. 
This fide is Hiems, Winter. 

This Ver,the Spring : the one maintained by the Owle, 
Th'other by the Cuckow. 
Ver, begin. 

The Song. 

When Dafies pied, and Violets blew, 
And Cuckow-buds of yellow hew: 
And Ladie-fmockes all filuer white, 
Do paint the Medowes with delight. 
The Cuckow then on cuerie tree, 
Mockes married men, for thus fings he, 
Cuckow. 

Cuckow, Cuckow : O word of feare, 
Vnpleafmg to a married eare. 

When Shepheards pipe on Oaten ftrawes, 
And merrie Larkes are Ploughmens clockes : 
When Turtles tread, and Rookes and Dawes, 
And Maidens bleach their fummer fmockes : 
The Cuckow then on euerie tree 
Mockes married men ; for thus fings he, 
Cuckow. 

Cuckow, Cuckow : O word of feare, 
Vnpleafmg to a married eare. 

Winter. 
When Ificles hang by the wall, 
And Dicke the Sphepheard blowes his naile ; 
And Tom beares Logges into the hall, 
And Milke comes frozen home in paile : 
When blood is nipt, and waies be fowle, 
Then nightly fings the flaring Owle 
Tu-whit to-who. 

A merrie note, 

V/hile greafie lone doth keele the pot. 

When all aloud the winde doth blow, 
And coffing drownes the Parfons faw : 
And birds fit brooding in the fnow, 
And Marrians nofe lookes red and raw: 
When roafted Crabs hiffe in the bowle, 
Then nightly fings the flaring Owle, 
Tu-whit to who : 

A merrie note, 

While greafie lone doth keele the pot. 

Brag. The Words of Mercurie, 
Are harfh after the fongs of Apollo : 
You that way ; we this way. 



FINIS. 



14-5 




MIDSOMMER 

Nights Dreame. 

zABus primus. 



Enter Thefeus, Hippolita, ivith others. 

Thefeus. 
Ow faire Hippolita, our nuptiall houre 
Drawes on apace: foure happy daies bring in 
Another Moon: but oh, me thinkes,how flow 
This old Moon wanes ; She lingers my defires 
Like to a Step-dame, or a Dowager, 
Long withering out a yong mans reuennew. 

Hip.Yoare daies wil quickly fteep thefelues in nights 
Foure nights wil quickly dreame away the time: 
And then the Moone, like to a filuer bow, 
Now bent in heauen, fhal behold the night 
Of our folemnities. 

The. Go Philcftrate, 
Stirre vp the Athenian youth to merriments, 
Awake the pert and nimble fpirit of mirth, 
Turne melancholy forth to Funerals: 
The pale companion is not for our pompe, 
Hippolita, I woo'd thee with my fword, 
And wonne thy loue, doing thee iniuries : 
But I will wed thee in another key, 
With pompe, with triumph, and with reuelling. 

Enter Egeus and his daughter Hermia, Lyfander, 
and Demetrius. 
Ege. Happy be Thefeus, our renowned Duke. 
Ti&ir.Thanks good j&gras:what's the news with thee ? ' 
Ege. Full of vexation, come I, with complaint: 
Againft my childe, my daughter Hermia. 

Stand forth Dometrius. 
My Noble Lord, 
This man hath my confent to marrie her. 

Stand forth Lyfander. 
And my gracious Duke, 

This man hath bewitch'd the bofome of my childe: 
Thou, thou Lyfander, thou haft giuen her rimes, 
And interchang'd loue-tokens with my childe : 
Thou haft by Moone-light at her window lung, 
With faining voice, verfes of faining loue, 
And ftolne the imprefiion of her fantafie, 
With bracelets of thy haire, rings,gawdes, conceits, 
Knackes, trifles, Nofe-gaies, fweet meats( meflengers 
Of ftrong preuailment in vnhardned youth) 



With cunning haft thou filch'd my daughters heart, 

Turn'd her obedience (which is due to me) 

To ftubborne harfhnefie. And my gracious Duke, 

Be it fo flie will not heere before your Grace, 

Confent to marrie with Demetrius, 

I beg the ancient priuiledge of Athens $ 

As flie is mine, I may difpofe of her ; 

Which ftiall be either to this Gentleman, 

Or to her death, according to our Law, 

Immediately prouided in that cafe. 

The. What fay you Hermia? be aduis'd faire Maide, 
To you your Father ihould be as a God ; 
One that compos'd your beauties; yea and one 
To whom you are but as a forme in waxe 
By him imprinted : and within his power, 
To leaue the figure, or disfigure it : 
Demetrius is a worthy Gentleman. 

Her. So is Lyfander. 

The. In himfeife he is. 
But in this kinde, wanting your fathers voyce. 
The other mult be held the worthier. 

Her. I would my father look'd but with my eyes. 

Tie.Rather your eies muft with his iudgment looke. 

Her. I do entreat your Grace to pardon me. 
I know not by what power I am made bold, 
Nor how it may concerne my modeftie 
In fuch a prefence heere to pleade my thoughts : 
But I befeech your Grace, that I may know 
The worft that may befall me in this cafe, 
If I refufe to wed Demetrius. 

The. Either to dye the death, or to abiure 
For euer the fociety of men. 
Therefore faire Hermia queftion your defires, 
Know of your youth, examine well your blood, 
Whether (if you yeeld not to your fathers choice) 
You can endure the liuerie of a Nunne, 
For aye to be in fliady Cloifter mew'd, 
To liue a barren lifter all your life, 
Chanting faint hymnes to the cold fruitleffe Moone, 
Thrice blefled they that matter fo their blood, 
To vndergo fuch maiden pilgrimage, 
But earthlier happie is the Rofe diftiPd, 
Then that which withering on the virgin thorne, 
Growes, Hues, and dies,in fingle blefiednefTe. 

N Her. 



146 



A Midfommer nights Dreame. 



Her. So will I grow, fo liue, fo die my Lord, 
Ere I will yeeld my virgin Patent vp 
Vnto his Lordihip, whofe vnwifhed yoake, 
My foule confents not to giue foueraignty. 

The. Take time to paufe, and by the next new Moon 
The fealing day betwixt my loue and me, 
For euerlafting bond of fellow/hip : 
Vpon that day either prepare to dye, 
For difobedience to your fathers will, 
Or elfe to wed Demetrius as hee would, 
Or on Dianaes Altar to proteft 
For aie, aufterity, and lingle life. 

T)em. Relent fweet Hermia, and Lyfander, yeelde 
Thy crazed title to my certaine right. 

Lyf. You haue her fathers loue, 'Demetrius : 
Let me haue Hermiaes : do you marry him. 

Egeus. Scornfull Lyfander, true, he hath my Loue; 
Aud what is mine, my loue lhall render him. 
And fhe is mine, and all my right of her, 
I do eftate vnto Demetrius. 

Lyf. I am my Lord, as well deriu'd as he, 
As well poffeft : my loue is more then his : 
My fortunes euery way as fairely ranck'd 
(If not with vantage) as ^Demetrius : 
And (which is more then all thefe boafts can be) 
I am belou'd of beauteous Hermia. 
Why fhould not I then profecute my right? 
"Demetrius, He auouch it to his head, 
Made loue to Nedars daughter, Helena, 
And won her foule : and fhe (fweet Ladie)dotes, 
Deuoutly dotes, dotes in Idolatry, 
Vpon this fpotted and inconftant man. 

The. I muft confeffe, that I haue heard fo much, 
And with Demetrius thought to haue fpoke thereof: 
But being ouer-full of felfe-affaires, 
My minde did lofe it. But Demetrius come, 
And come Sgeus, you fhall go with me, 
I haue fome priuate fchooling for you both. 
For you faire Hermia, looke you arme your felfe, 
To fit your fancies to your Fathers will ; 
Or elfe the Law of Athens yeelds you vp 
(Which by no meanes we may extenuate) 
To death, or to a vow of fingle life. 
Come my Hippolita, what cheare my loue ? 
Demetrius and Egeus go along : 
I muft imploy you in fome bufineffe 
Againft our nuptiall, and conferre with you 
Of fomething, neerely that concernes your felues. 

Ege. With dutie and defire we follow you. Exeunt 
Manet Lyfander and Hermia. 

Lyf. How now my louePWhy is your cheek fo pale? 
How chance the Rofes there do fade fo faft? 

Her. Belike for want of raine, which I could well 
Beteeme them, from the tempeft of mine eyes. 

Lyf. For ought that euer I could reade, 
Could euer heare by tale or hiftorie, 
The courfe of true loue neuer did run fmooth, 
But either it was different in blood. 

Her. O croffe! too high to be entbral'd to loue. 

Lyf. Or elfe mifgraffed, in refpeft of yeares. 

Her. O fpight! too old to be ingag'd to yong. 

Lyf. Or elfe it ftood vpon the choife of merit. 

Her. O hell ! to choofe loue by anothers eie. 

Lyf. Or if there were a fimpathie in choife, 
Warre, death, or fickneffe, did lay fiege to it; 
Making it momentarie,as a found: 



Swift as a fhadow, fhort as any dreame, 

Briefe as the lightning in the collied night, 

That (in a fpleene) vnfolds.both heauen and earth ; 

And ere a man hath power to fay, behold, 

The iawes of darkneffe do deuoure it vp : 

So quicke bright things come to confufion. 

Her. If then true Louers haue beene euer croft, 
It ftands as an edift in deftinie : 
Then let vs teach our triall patience, 
Becaufe it is a cuftomarie croffe, 
As due to loue, as thoughts, and'dreames, and fighes, 
Wifhes and teares ; poore Fancies followers. 

Lyf.A good perfwafion ; therefore heare me Hermia, 
I haue a Widdow Aunt, a dowager, 
Of great reuennew, and fhe hath no childe, 
From Athens is her houfe remou'd feuen leagues, 
And fhe refpefts me, as her onely fonne : 
There gentle Hermia, may I marrie thee, 
And to that place, the fharpe Athenian Law 
Cannot purfue vs. If thou lou'ft me, then 
Steale forth thy fathers houfe to morrow night : 
And in the wood, a league without the towne, 
(Where I did meete thee once with Helena, 
To do obferuance for a morne of May) 
There will I ftay for thee. 

Her. My good Lyfander, 
I fweare to thee, by Cupids ftrongeft bow, 
By his beft arrow with the golden head, 
By the fimplicitie of Venus Doues, 
By that which knitteth foules, and profpers loue, 
And by that fire which burn'd the Carthage Queene, 
When the falfe Troyan vnder faile was feene, 
By all the vowes that euer men haue broke, 
(In number more then euer women fpoke) 
In that fame place thou haft appointed me, 
To morrow truly will I meete with thee. 

Lyf. Keepe promife loue : looke here comes Helena. 

Enter Helena. 

Her. God fpeede faire Helena, whither away? 

Hel. Cal you me faire? that faire againe vnfay, 
'Demetrius loues you faire : O happie faire ! 
Your eyes are loadftarres,and your tongues fweet ayre 
More tuneable then Larke to fhepheards eare, 
When wheate is greene, when hauthorne buds appeare, 
Sickneffe is catching : O were fauor fo, 
Your words I catch, faire Hermia ere I go, 
My eare fhould catch your voice, my eye, your eye, 
My tongue fhould catch your tongues fweet melodie, 
Were the world mine, Demetrius being bated, 
The reft He giue to be to you tranflated. 
O teach me how you looke, and with what art 
you fway the motion of Demetrius hart. 

Her. I frowne vpon him, yet he loues me ftill. 

Hel. O that your frownes would teach my fmiles 
fuch skil. 

Her. I giue him curfes, yet he giues me loue. 

Hel. O that my prayers could fuch affection mooue. 

Her. The more I hate, the more he followes me. 

Hel. The more I loue, the more he hateth me. 

Her. His folly Helena is none of mine. 

iW.None but your beauty, wold that fault wer mine 

Her. Take comfort : he no more fhall fee my face, 
Lyfander and my felfe will flie this place. 
Before the time I did Lyfander fee, 
Seem'd Athens like a Paradife to mee. 

O 

146 



A Midfommer nights T)reame. 



147 



then, what graces in my Loue do dwell , 
That he hath turn'd a heauen into hell. 

Lyf. Helen, to you our mindes we will vnfold, 
To morrow night, when Phoebe doth behold 
Her filuer vifage,in the watry glade, 
Decking with liquid pearle,the bladed grafie 
(A time that Louers flights doth ftill conceale) 
Through Athens gates, haue we deuis'd to fteale. 

Her. And in the wood, where often you and I, 
Vpon faint Primrofe beds, were wont to lye, 
Emptying our bofomes, of their counfell fweld : 
There my Lyfander, and my felfe mail meete, 
And thence from Athens turne away our eyes 
To feeke new friends and ftrange companions, 
Farwell fweet play-fellow, pray thou for vs, 
And good lucke grant thee thy Demetrius. 
Keepe word Lyjander we muft ftarue our fight, 
From louers foode, till morrow deepe midnight. 
Exit Hermia. 

Lyf. I will my Hermia. Helena adieu, 
As you on him, Demetrius dotes on you. Exit Lyjander. 

Hele. How happy fome,ore otherfome can be? 
Through Athens I am thought as faire as Ihe. 
But what of that ? Tlemetrius thinkes not fo : 
He will not know, what all, but he doth know, 
And as hee erres, doting on Hermias eyes ; 
So I, admiring of his qualities : 
Things bafe and vilde, holding no quantity, 
Loue can tranfpofe to forme and dignity, 
Loue lookes not with the eyes, but with the minde, 
And therefore is wing'd Cupid painted blinde. 
Nor hath loues minde of any iudgement tafte : 
Wings and no eyes, figure, vnheedy hafte. 
And therefore is Loue faid to be a childe, 
Becaufe in choife he is often beguil'd , 
As waggifli boyes in game themlelues forfweare ; 
So the boy Loue is periur'd euery where. 
For ere Demetrius lookt on Hermias eyne, 
He hail'd downe oathes that he was onely mine. 
And when this Haile fome heat from Hermia felt, 
So he diflblu'd, and fhowres of oathes did melt, 

1 will goe tell him of faire Hermias flight : 
Then to the wood will he, to morrow night 
Purfue her ; and for his intelligence, 

If I haue thankes, it is a deere expence : 
But heerein meane I to enrich my paine, 
To haue his fight thither, and backe againe. Exit. 

Enter Quince the Carpenter, Snug the Ioyner , Bottome the 
Weauer , Flute the belloiues-tnender , Snout the Tinker, and 
Starueling the Taylor. 

Quin. Is all our company heere ? 

'Bot. You were beft to call them generally, man by 
man,accoading to the fcrip. 

Qui. Here is the fcrowle of euery mans name, which 
is thought fit through all Athens, to play in our Enter- 
lude before the Duke and the Dutches, on his wedding 
day at night. 

Bot. Firft,good Peter Quince,^ what the play treats 
on : then read the names of the Actors : and fo grow on 
to a point. 

Quin. Marry our play is the moft lamentable Come- 
dy, and moft cruell death of Pyramus and Thisbie. 

'Bot. A very good peece of worke I allure you, and a 



merry. Now good Peter Quince, call forth your Adl:ors 
by the fcrowle. Matters fpread your felues. 

Quince. Anfwere as I call you. Nick Bottome the 
Weauer. 

Bottome. Ready ; name what part I am for , and 
proceed. 

Quince. You Nicke Bottome are fet downe for Py- 

Bot. What is Pyramus, a louer, or a tyrant ? 

Quin. A Louer that kills himfelfe moft gallantly for 
loue. 

'Bot. That will aske fome teares in the true perfor- 
ming of it : if I do it, let the audience looke to their eies : 
I will mooue ftormes ; I will condole in fome meafure. 
To the reft yet, my chiefe humour is for a tyrant. I could 
play Ercles rarely, or a part to teare a Cat in, to make all 
fplit the raging Rocks; and miuering fliocks ihall break 
the locks of prifon gates , and Phibbus carre Ihall ihine 
from farre, and make and marre the foolifh Fates. This 
was lofty. Now name the reft of the Players. This 
is Ercles vaine, a tyrants vaine : a louer is more condo- 
ling. 

Quin. Francis Flute the Bellowes-mender. 

Flu. Heere Peter Quince. 

Quin. You muft take Thisbie on you. 

Flut. What is Thisbie, a wandring Knight? 

Quin. It is the Lady that Pyramus muft loue. 

Flut. Nay faith, let not mee play a woman, I haue a 
beard comming. 

Qui. That's all one, you lhall play it in a Maske, and 
you may fpeake as fmall as you will. 

'Bot. And I may hide my face, let me play Thisbie too : 
He fpeake in a monftrous little voyce ; Thifne, Thifne, ah 
Pyramus my louer deare, thy Thisbie deare, and Lady 
deare. 

Quin. No no, you muft play Pyramus, and Flute, you 
Thisby. 

"Bot. Well, proceed. 

Qu. Robin Starueling the Taylor. 

Star. Heere Peter Quince. 

Quince. Robin Starueling , you muft play Thisbies 
mother ? 

Tom Snoiut, the Tinker. 

Sno-wt. Heere Peter Quince. 

Quin. You, Pyramus father ; my felf, Thisbies father ; 
Snugge the Ioyner, you the Lyons part : and I hope there 
is a play fitted. 

Snug. Haue you the Lions part written ? pray you if 
be,giue it me, for I am flow of ftudie. 

Quin. You may doe it extemporie, for it is nothing 
but roaring. 

. 'Bot. Let mee play the Lyon too, I will roare that I 
will doe any mans heart good to heare me. I will roare, 
that I will make the Duke fay, Let him roare againe, let 
him roare againe. 

Quin. If you ihould doe it too terribly, you would 
fright the Dutchefle and the Ladies, that they would 
lhrike, and that were enough to hang vs all. 

All. That would hang vs euery mothers fonne. 

'Bottome. I graunt you friends , if that you ihould 
fright the Ladies out of their Wittes , they would 
haue no more difcretion but to hang vs : but I will ag- 
grauate my voyce fo, that I will roare you as gently as 
any fucking Doue ; I will roare and 'twere any Nightin- 
gale. 

Quin. You can play no part but Piramus, for Pira- 
N 2 mus 



148 



A Midfom?ner nights T)reame. 



mus is a fweet-fac'd man, a proper man as one mall fee in 
a fummers day ; a moft louely Gentleman-like man,ther- 
fbre you muft needs play Piramiu. 

^Bot. Well, I will vndertake it. What beard were I 
beft to play it in ? 

Slum. Why, what you will. 

*Bot. I will difcharge it, in either your ftraw-colour 
beard, your orange tawnie beard, your purple in graine 
beard, or your French-crowne colour'd beard, your per- 
fect yellow. 

Sluin. Some of your French Crownes haue no haire 
at all, and then you will play bare-fac'd. But matters here 
are your parts, and I am to intreat you, requeft you, and 
defire you, to con them by too morrow night : and meet 
me in the palace wood, a mile without the Towne, by 
Moone-light, there we will rehearfe : for if we meete in 
the Citie, we fhalbe dog'd with company, and our deui- 
fes knowne. In the meane time, I wil draw a bil of pro- 
perties, fuch as our play wants. I pray you faile me not. 

Bottom. We will meete, and there we may rehearfe 
more obfcenely and couragioufly. Take paines, be per- 
fect, adieu. 

S^uin. At the Dukes oake we meete. 

'Bot. Enough, hold or cut bow-ftrings. Exeunt 



zASlus Secundus. 



Enter a Fairie at one doore , and Robin good- 
felloiv at another. 

Rob. How now fpirit, whether wander you ? 

Fai. Ouer hil, ouer dale, through bum, through briar, 
Ouer park e, ouer pale, through flood, through fire, 
I do wander euerie where, fwifter then y Moons fphere ; 
And I ferue the Fairy Queene, to dew her orbs vpon the 
The Covvflips tall, her penfioners bee, (green. 

In their gold coats, fpots you fee, 
Thofe be Rubies, Fairie fauors, 
In thofe freckles, liue their fauors, 
I muft go feeke fome dew drops heere, 
And hang a pearle in euery cowflips eare. 
Farewell thou Lob of fpirits, He be gon, 
Our Queene and all her Elues come heere anon. 

Rob. The King doth keepe his Reuels here to night, 
Take heed the Queene come not within his fight, 
For Oberon is pafsing fell and wrath, 
Becaufe that me, as her attendant, hath 
A louely boy ftolne from an Indian King, 
She neuer had fo fweet a changeling, 
And iealous Oberon would haue the childe 
Knight of his traine, to trace the Forrefts wilde. 
But lhe (perforce) with-holds the loued boy, 
Crownes him with flowers, and makes him all her ioy. 
And now they neuer meete in groue, or greene, 
By fountaine cleere, or fpangled ftar light fheene, 
But they do fquare, that all their Elues for feare 
Creepe into Acorne cups and hide them there. 

Fai. Either I miftake your fhape and making quite, 
Or elfe you are that flirew'd and knauilh fpirit 
Cal'd Robin Good-fellow. Are you not hee, 
That frights the maidens of the Villagree, 
Skim milke, and fometimes labour in the querne, 
And bootlefle make the breathleffe hufwife cherne, 
And fometime make the drinke to beare no barme, 



Mifleade night-wanderers, laughing at their harme, 

Thofe that Hobgoblin call you, and fweet Pucke, 

You do their worke, and they fliall haue good lucke. 

Are not you he ? 

Rob. Thou fpeak'ft aright ; 

I am that merrie wanderer of the night : 

I ieft to Oberon, and make him fmile, 

When I a fat and beane-fed horfe beguile, 

Neighing in likeneffe of a filly foale, 
j And fometime lurke I in a Goffips bole, 
j In very likeneffe of a roafted crab : 
j And when me drinkes, againft her lips I bob, 
i And on her withered dewlop poure the Ale. 
j The wifeft Aunt telling the faddeft tale, 

Sometime for three-foot ftoole, miftaketh me, 
1 Then flip I from her bum, downe topples me, 

And tailour cries, and fals into a coflfe. 
I And then the whole quire hold their hips, and loffe, 
I And waxen in their mirth, and neeze, and fweare, 
I A merrier houre was neuer wafted there. 

But roome Fairy, heere comes Oberon. 
Fair. And heere my Miftris: 

Would that he were gone. 

Enter the King of Fairies at one doore tvith his traine, 
and the S^ueene at another "with hers. 

Ob. Ill met by Moone-light, 

Proud Tytania. 

£}u. What, iealous Oberon} Fairy skip hence. 

I haue forfworne his bed and companie. 

Ob. Tarrie rafli Wanton ; am not I thy Lord ? 
%u. Then I muft be thy Lady : but I know 

When thou waft ftolne away from Fairy Land, 

And in the ftiape of Corin, fate all day, 

Playing on pipes of Corne, and verfing loue 

To amorous Phillida. Why art thou heere 

Come from the fartheft fteepe of India} 

But that forfooth the bouncing Amazon 

Your buskin'd Miftreffe, and your Warrior loue, 

To Thefeus muft be Wedded ; and you come, 

To giue their bed ioy and profperitie. 

Ob. How canft thou thus for fhame Tytania, 

Glance at my credite, with Hippolita ? 

Knowing I know thy loue to Thejetu} 

Didft thou not leade him through the glimmering night 

From Peregenia, whom he rauilhed ? 

And make him with faire Eagles breake his faith 

With Ariadne, and Atiopa ? 

£>ue. Thefe are the forgeries of iealoufie, 

And neuer fmce the middle Summers fpring 

Met we on hil, in dale, forreft, or mead, 

By paued fountaine, or by ruihie brooke, 
I Or in the beached margent of the fea, 

To dance our ringlets to the whittling Winde, 

But with thy braules thou haft difturb'd our fport. 

Therefore the Wind es, piping to vs in vaine, 

As in reuenge, haue fuck'd vp from the fea 

Contagious fogges : Which falling in the Land, 

Hath euerie petty Riuer made fo proud, 
i That they haue ouer- borne their Continents. 
i The Oxe hath therefore ftretch'd his yoake in vaine, 
I The Ploughman loft his fweat,and the greene Corne 

Hath rotted, ere his youth attain'd a beard : 
1 The fold ftands empty in the drowned field, 
I And Crowes are fatted with the murrion flocke, 



A Midfojnmer nights T>reame. 



149 



The nine mens Morris is fild vp with mud, 

And the queint Mazes in the wanton greene , 

For lacke of tread are vndiftinguifhable. 

The humane mortals want their winter heere, 

No night is now with hymne or caroll bleft ; 

Therefore the Moone f the gouerneffe of floods) 

Pale in her anger, walhes all the aire ; 

That Rheumaticke difeafes doe abound. 

And through this diftemperature, we fee 

The feafons alter ; hoared headed frofts 

Fall in the frefh lap of the crimfon Rofe , 

And on old Hyems chinne and Icie crowne, 

An odorous Chaplet of fweet Sommer buds 

Is as in mockry fet. The Spring, the Sommer, 

The childing Autumne, angry Winter change 

Their wonted Liueries,and the mazed world , 

By their increafe, now knowes not which is which j 

And this fame progeny of euills, 

Comes from our debate, from our difTention, 

We are their parents and originall. 

Ober. Do you amend it then, it lies in you, 
Why fhould Titania crofTe her Oberon ? 
I do but beg a little changeling boy, 
To be my Henchman. 

£>u. Set your heart at reft, 
The Fairy land buyes not the childe of me, 
His mother was a Votrefle of my Order, 
And in,, the fpiced Indian aire, by night 
Full often hath fhe goffipt by my fide, 
And fat with me on Nep tunes yellow fands, 
Marking th'embarked traders on the flood, 
When we haue laught to fee the failes conceiue, 
And grow big bellied with the wanton winde : 
Which fhe with pretty and with fwimming gate, 
Following (her wombe then rich with my yong fquire) 
Would imitate, and faile vpon the Land, 
To fetch me trifles, and returne againe , 
As from a voyage, rich with merchandize. 
But fhe being mortall, of that boy did die, 
And for her fake I doe reare vp her boy, 
And for her fake I will not part with him. 

Ob. How long within this wood intend you ftay ? 

£}u. Perchance till after Thefeus wedding day. 
If you will patiently dance in our Round, 
And fee our Moone-light reuels, goe with vs ; 
If not, fhun me and I will fpare your haunts. 

Ob. Giue me that boy, and I will goe with thee. 

£>u. Not for thy Fairy Kingdome. Fairies away : 
We (hall chide downe right, if I longer ftay. Exeunt. 

Ob. Wei, go thy way: thou fhalt not from this groue, 
Till I torment thee for this iniury. 
My gentle Pucke come hither ; thou remembreft 
Since once I fat vpon a promontory, 
And heard a Meare-maide on a Dolphins backe, 
Vttering fuch dulcet and harmonious breath, 
That the rude fea grew ciuill at her fong, 
And certaine ftarres fhot madly from their Spheares, 
To heare the Sea-maids muficke. 

Puc. I remember. 

Ob. That very time I fay ( but thou couldft notj 
Flying betweene the cold Moone and the earth, 
Cupid all arnvd ; a certaine aime he tooke 
At a faire Veftall, throned by the Weft, 
And loos'd his loue-fhaft fmartly from his bow, 
As it fhould pierce a hundred thoufand hearts, 
But I might fee young Cupids fiery fhaft 



Quencht in the chafte beames of the watry Moone ; 

And the imperiall Votreffe palled on, 

In maiden meditation, fancy free. 

Yet markt I where the bolt of Cupid fell. 

It fell vpon a little wefterne flower ; 

Before, milke-white ; now purple with loues wound, 

And maidens call it, Loue in idlenefle. 

Fetch me that flower; the hearb I fhew'd thee once, 

The iuyce of it, on fleeping eye-lids laid, 

Will make or man or woman madly dote 

Vpon the next liue creature that it fees. 

Fetch me this hearbe, and be thou heere againe, 

Ere the Leuiathan can fwim a league. 

Pucke. He put a girdle about the earth , in forty mi- 
nutes. 

Ober. Hauing once this iuyce , 
He watch Titania,when fhe is afleepe, 
And drop the liquor of it in her eyes ; 
The next thing when fhe waking lookes vpon , 
(Be it on Lyon,Beare,or Wolfe, or Bull, 
On medling Monkey, or on bufie Ape) 
Shee fhall purfue it, with the foule of loue. 
And ere I take this charme oft" from her fight , 
(As I can take it with another hearbe J 
lie make her render vp her Page to me. 
But who comes heere? I am inuifible, 
And I will ouer-heare their conference. 

Enter T>emetrius, Helena following bim. 

Tteme. I loue thee not, therefore purfue me not, 
Where is Lyfander, and faire Hermia ? 
The one He ftay, the other ftayeth me. 
Thou toldft me they were ftolne into this wood ; 
And heere am I, and wood within this wood, 
Becaufe I cannot meet my Hermia. 
Hence, get thee gone, and follow me no more. 

Hel. You draw me, you hard-hearted Adamant, 
But yet you draw not Iron, for my heart 
Is true as fteele. Leaue you your power to draw, 
And I fhall haue no power to follow you. 

T>eme. Do I entice you ? do I fpeake you faire ? 
Or rather doe I not in plaineft truth, 
Tell you I doe not, nor I cannot loue you ? 

Hel. And euen for that doe I loue thee the more ; 
I am your fpaniell, and Demetriui , 
The more you beat me, I will fawne on you. 
Vfe me but as your fpaniell ; fpurne me, ftrike me, 
Neglect me,lofe me ; onely giue me leaue 
(Vn worthy as I am) to follow you. 
What worfer place can I beg in your loue, 
(And yet a place of high refpect with me) 
Then to be vfed as you doe your dogge. 

Dem. Tempt not too much the hatred of -my fpirit, 
For I am ficke when I do looke on thee. 

Hel. And I am ficke when I looke not on you. 

T>em. You doe impeach your modefty too much, 
To leaue the Citty, and commit your felfe 
Into the hands of one that loues you not, 
To truft the opportunity of night, 
And the ill counfell of a defert place, 
With the rich worth of your virginity. 

Hel. Your vertue is my priuiledge : for that 
It is not night when I doe fee your face. 
Therefore I thinke I am not in the night, 
Nor doth this wood lacke worlds of company , 

N s For 



ISO 



A Midfommer nights Dfeame. 



*or you in my refpecT: are nil the world. 

Then how can it be faid I am alone , 

When all the world is heere to looke on me ? 

T>em. He run from thee, and hide me in the brakes, 
And leaue thee to the mercy of wilde beafts. 

Hel. The wildeft hath not fuch a heart as you ; 
Runne when you will, the ftory mall be chang'd : 
Apollo flies, and Daphne holds the chafe ; 
The Doue purfues the Griffin, the milde Hinde 
Makes fpeed to catch the Tyger. Bootleffe fpeede, 
When cowardife purfues, and valour flies. 

Demet. I will not ftay thy queftions, let me go; 
Or if thou follow me, doe not beleeue, 
But I /hall doe thee mifchiefe in the wood. 

Hel. I, in the Temple, in the Towne, and Field 
You doe me mifchiefe. Fye Demetrius, 
Your wrongs doe fet a fcandall on my fexe : 
We cannot fight for loue, as men may doe ; 
We mould be woo'd, and were not made to wooe. 
I follow thee, and make a heauen of hell, 
To die vpon the hand I loue fo well. Exit. 

Ob. Fare thee well Nymph, ere he do leaue this groue, 
Thou malt flie him, and he mall feeke thy loue. 
Haft thou the flower there? Welcome wanderer. 

Enter Pucke. 
Puck. I, there it is. 
Ob. I pray thee giue it me. 
I know a banke where the wilde time blowes, 
Where Oxflips and the nodding Violet growes, 
Quite ouer-cannoped with lufcious woodbine, 
With fweet muske rofes, and with Eglantine ; 
There fleepes Tytania, fometime of the night, 
Lul'd in thefe flowers, with dances and deiight : 
And there the fnake throwes her enammel'd skinne, 
Weed wide enough to rap a Fairy in. 
And with the iuyce of this lie ftreake her eyes , 
And make her full of hatefull fantafies. 
Take thou fome of it, and feek through this groue ; 
A fweet ^Athenian Lady is in loue 
With a difdainefull youth : annoint his eyes, 
But doe it when the next thing he efpies, 
May be the Lady. Thou fhalt know the man, 
By the Athenian garments he hath on. 
Effect it with fome care, that he may proue 
More fond on her, then fhe vpon her loue ; 
And looke thou meet me ere the firft Cocke crow. 
Pu. Feare not my Lord, your feruant mail do fo. Exit. 

Enter S^ueene of Fairies, -with her traine. 
SJueen. Come, now a Roundell,and a Fairy fong ; 
Then for the third part of a minute hence, 
Some to kill Cankers in the muske rofe buds, 
Some warre with Reremife, for their leathern wings, 
To make my fmall Elues coates,and fome keepe backe 
The clamorous Owle that nightly hoots and wonders 
At our queint fpirits : Sing me now afieepe, 
Then to your offices, and let me reft. 

Fairies Sing. 

Tou fpotted Snakes tuith double tongue, 
Thorny Hedgehogges be not feene, 
Newts and blinde ivormes do no wrong, 
Come not neere our Fairy Slueene. 
Philomele with melodic, 



Sing in your fweet Lullaby, 

Lulla, iulla, lullaby, lulla, lulla, lullaby , 

Neuer harme ,nor Jpell,nor charme, 

Qome our louely Lady nye, 

So good night with Lullaby. 

2. Fairy. M'eauing Spiders come not heere, 
Hence you long legd Spinners, hence: 
Beetles blacke approach not neere ; 
Worme nor Snayle doe no offence. 
Philomele with melody, &c. 

I . Fairy. Hence away, now all is well ; 
One aloofe,ftancl Centinell. Shee fleepes. 

Enter Oberon. 
Ober. What thou feeft when thou doft wake, 
Doe it for thy true Loue take : 
Loue and languifh for his fake. 
Be it Ounce, or Catte, or Beare, 
Pard, or Boare with briftled haire, 
In thy eye that mail appeare, 
When thou wak'ft, it is thy deare, 
Wake when fome vile thing is neere. 

Enter Lifandcr and Hermia. 

Lif. Faire loue, you faint with wandring in y woods, 
And to fpeake troth I haue forgot our way : 
Wee'll reft vs Hermia, if you thinke it good , ^ 

And tarry for the comfort of the day. 

Her. Be it fo Lyjander ; finde you out a bed, 
For I vpon this banke will reft my head. 

Lyf. One turfe ftiall ferue as pillow for vs both, 
One heart, one bed, two bofomes,and one troth. 

Her. Nay good Lyjander, for my fake my deere 
Lie further off yet, doe not lie fo neere. 

Lyf. O take the fence fweet, of my innocence, 
Loue takes the meaning, in loues conference, 
I meane that my heart vnto yours is knit, 
So that but one heart can you make of it. 
Two bofomes interchanged with an oath , 
So then two bofomes, and a fingle troth. 
Then by your fide, no bed-roome me deny, 
For lying fo, Hermia, I doe not lye. 

Her. Lyjander riddles very prettily ; 
Now much beftirew my manners and my pride, 
If Hermia meant to fay, Lyjander lied. 
But gentle friend, for loue and courtefie 
Lie further off, in humane modefty, 
Such feparation, as may well be faid, 
Becomes a vertuous batchelour, and a maide, 
So farre be diftant, and good night fweet friend ; 
Thy loue nere alter, till thy fweet life end. 

Lyf. Amen, amen, to that faire prayer, fay I, 
And then end life, when I end loyalty : 
Heere is my bed, fieepe giue thee all his reft. 

Her. With halfe that wiih,the wifhers eyes be preft. 
Enter Pucke. They fieepe. 

Puck. Through the Forreft haue I gone, 
But Athenian finde I none , 
One whofe eyes I might approue 
This flowers force in ftirring loue. 
Night and filence : who is heere? 
Weedes of Athens he doth weare : 
This is he (my mafter faid) 
Deipifed the Athenian maide : 
And heere the maiden fleeping found, 

On 



AMidfomer nights Dreame. 



I5i 



On the danke and durty ground. 

Pretty foule,fhe durft not lye 

Neere this lacke-loue, this kill-curtefie. 

Churle, vpon thy eyes I throw 

All the power this charme doth owe : 

When thou wak'ft,let loue forbid 

Sleepe his feate on thy eye-lid. 

So awake when I am gone : 

For I muft now to Oberon. 



Enter Demetrius t 



Heli 



ena running. 



Hel. Stay, though thou kill me,fweete Demetrius. 

De. I charge thee hence, and do not haunt me thus. 

Hel. O wilt thou darkling leaue me? do not fo. 

De. Stay on thy perill, I alone will goe. 

Exit Demetrius. 

Hel. O I am out of breath, in this fond chace, 
The more my prayer, the lefler is my grace, 
Happy is Hermia, wherefoere fhe lies ; 
For fhe hath bleffed and attractiue eyes. 
How came her eyes fo bright? Not with fait teares. 
If fo, my eyes are oftner wafht then hers. 
No, no, I am as vgly as a Beare ; 
For beafts that meete me, runne away for feare, 
Therefore no maruaile, though 'Demetrius 
Doe as a monfter, flie my prefence thus. 
What wicked and diffembling glaffe of mine, 
Made me compare with Hermias fphery eyne ? 
But who is here ? Lyfander on the ground ; 
Deade or afleepe? I fee no bloud, no wound, 
Lyfander, if you liue, good fir awake. 

Lyf. And run through fire I will for thy fweet fake. 
Tranfparent Helena, nature her fhewes art, 
That through thy bofome makes me fee thy heart. 
Where is Demetrius ? oh how fit a word 
Is that vile name, to periih on my fword ! 

Hel. Do not fay fo Lyfander, fay not fo : 
What though he loue your Hermia? Lord, what though? 
Yet Hermia ftill loues you ; then be content. 

Lyf. Content with Hermia ? No, I do repent 
The tedious minutes I with her haue fpent. 
Not Hermia, but Helena now I loue ; 
Who will not change a Rauen for a Doue ? 
The will of man is by his reafon fway'd : 
And reafon faies you are the worthier Maide. 
Things growing are not ripe vntill their feafon ; 
So I being yong, till now ripe not to reafon, 
And touching now the point of humane skill, 
Reafon becomes the Marfhall to my will, 
And leades me to your eyes, where I orelooke " 
Loues ftories, written in Loues richeft booke. 

Hel. Wherefore was I to this keene mockery borne? 
When at your hands did I deferue this fcorne ? 
Ift not enough, ift not enough, yong man, 
That I did neuer, no nor neuer can, 
Deferue a fweete looke from Demetrius eye, 
But you muft flout my insufficiency ? 
Good troth you do me wrong(good-footh you do) 
In fuch difdainfull manner, me to wooe. 
But fare you well ; perforce I muft confeffe, 
I thought you Lord of more true gentleneffe. 
Oh, that a Lady of one man refus'd, 
Should of another therefore be abus'd. Exit. 

Lyf. She fees not Hermia : Hermia fleepe thou there, 
And neuer maift thou come Lyfander neere ; 



For as a furfeit of the fweeteft things 

The deepeft loathing to the ftomacke brings : 

Or as the herefies that men do leaue, 

Are hated moft of thofe that did deceiue : 

So thou, my furfeit, and my herefie, 

Of all be hated; but the moft of me ; 

And all my powers addrefle your loue and might, 

To honour Helen, and to be her Knight. Exit. 

Her. Helpe me Lyfander, he\pe me ; do thy beft 
To plucke this crawling ferpent from my breft. 
Aye me, for pitty; what a dreame was here ? 
Lyfander looke, how I do quake with feare : 
Me-thought a ferpent eate my heart away, 
And yet fat fmiling at his cruell prey. 
Lyfander, what remoou'd ? Lyfander, Lord, 
What, out of hearing, gone? No found, no word ? 
Alacke where are you ? fpeake and if you heare : 
Speake of all loues ; I found almoft with feare. 
No, then I well perceiue you are not nye, 
Either death or you He finde immediately. Exit. 



A5ius fortius. 



Enter the Cloivnes. 

Bot. Are we all met ? 

Slum. Pat, pat, and here's a maruailous conuenient 
place for our rehearfall. This greene plot fhall be our 
ftage,this hauthorne brake our tyring houfe,and we will 
do it in ac£Hon,as we will do it before the Duke. 

"Hot. Peter quince ? 

Peter. What faift thou, bully Bottomed 

Bot. There are things in this Comedy of Piramus and 
Thisby, that will neuer pleafe. Firft, Piramus muft draw a 
fword to kill himfelfe ; which the Ladies cannot abide. 
How anfwere you that ? 

Snout. Berlaken,a parlous feare. 

Star. I beleeue we muft leaue the killing out, when 
all is done. 

Bot. Not a whit, I haue a deuice to make all well. 
Write me a Prologue, and let the Prologue feeme to fay, 
we will do no harme with our fwords, and that Pyramus 
is not kill'd indeede : and for the more better affurance, 
tell them, that I Piramus am not Piramus, but Bottome the 
Weauer; this will put them out of feare. 

&luin. Well, we will haue fuch a Prologue, and it fhall 
be written in eight and fixe. 

Bot. No, make it two more, let it be written in eight 
and eight. 

Snout. Will not the Ladies be afear'd of the Lyon ? 

Star. I feare it, I promife you. 

-Bof.Mafters, you ought to confider with your felues,to 
bring in(God fhield vs)a Lyon among Ladies,is a moft 
dreadfull thing. For there is not a more fearefull wilde 
foule then your Lyon liuing : and wee ought to looke 
to it. 

Snout. Therefore another Prologue muft tell he is not 
a Lyon. 

'Bot. Nay, you muft name his name, and halfe his face 

muft be feene through the Lyons necke, and he himfelfe 

muft fpeake through, faying thus, or to the fame defect ; 

Ladies, or faire Ladies, I would wifh you, or I would 

t requeft 



5 2 



A Midfomer nights Dreame. 



requeft you, or I would entreat you, not to feare, not to 
tremble: my life for yours. If you thinke I come hither 
as a Lyon, it were pitty of my life. No, I am no fuch 
thing, I am a man as other men are ; and there indeed let 
him name his name, and tell him plainly hee is Snug the 
ioyner. 

Slum. Well, it mall be fo ; but there is two hard 
things, that is, to bring the Moone-light into a cham- 
ber: for you know, Piramui and Thisby meete by Moone- 
light. 

Sn. Doth the Moone mine that night wee play our 
play? 

'Bot. A Calender, a Calender, looke in the Almanack, 
finde out Moone-flvine, finde out Moone-ftiine. 
Enter Pucke. 
<%uin. Yes, it doth mine that night. 
"Bot. Why then may you leaue a cafement of the great 
chamber window (where we play) open,and the Moone 
may mine in at the cafement. 

Simn. I, or elfe one muft come in with a bum of thorns 
and a lanthorne,and fay he comes to disfigure, or to pre- 
fent the perfon of Moone-fliine. Then there is another 
thing, we muft haue a wall in the great Chamber;for Pi- 
ramm and Thisby (faies the ftoryj did talke through the 
chinke of a wall. 

Sn. You can neuer bring in a wall. What fay you 
'Bottome ? 

Bot. Some man or other muft prefent wall, and let 
him haue fome Plafter, or fome Lome, or fome rough 
caft about him, to fignifie wall ; or let him hold his fin- 
gers thus ; and through that cranny, mail Piramui and 
Thisby whifper. 

Sluln. If that may be, then all is well. Come, fit 
downe euery mothers fonne, and rehearfe your *parts. 
Piramui, you begin; when you haue fpoken your fpeech, 
enter into that Brake, and fo euery one according to his 
cue. 

Enter Robin. 
Rob. What hempen home-fpuns haue we fwagge- 
ring here, 
So neere the Cradle of the Faierie Queene ? 
What, a Play toward ? He be an auditor, 
An Aftor too perhaps, if I fee caufe. 

Slum. Speake Piramui : Thisby ftand forth. 
Fir. Tbuby,the flowers of odious fauors fweete. 
Sluin. Odours, odours. 
Pir. Odours fauors fweete, 
So hath thy breath, my deareft Thisby deare. 
But harke, a voyce : ftay thou but here a while, 
And by and by I will to thee appeare. Exit. Pir. 

Puck. A ftranger Piramui, then ere plaid here. 
Thif. Muft I fpeake now ? 

Pet. I marry muft you. For you muft vnderftand he 
goes but to fee a noyfe that he heard, and is to come a- 
gaine. 

Thyf. Moft radiant Piramui, molt Lilly white of hue, 
Of colour like the red rofe on triumphant bryer, 
Moft brisky Iuuenall,and eke moft louely lew, 
As true as trueft horfe,that yet would neuer tyre, 
lie meete thee Piramui, at Ninnies toombe. 

Pet. Ninui toombe man: why, you muft not fpeake 
that yet ; that you anfwere to Piramui : you fpeake all 
your part at once, cues and all. Piramui enter, your cue is 
paft ; it is neuer tyre. 

Thyf. 0,as true as trueft horfe,that yet would neuer 
tyre: 



Pir. If I were fa ire, Thisby I were onely thine. 

Pet. O monftrous. O ftrange. We are hanted; pray 
mafters, flye mafters, helpe. 

The Clownes all Exit. 

Pui. He follow you, lie leade you about a Round, 
Through bogge, through bufh, through brake, through 
Sometime a horfe He be,fometime a hound : (bryer, 

A hogge,a headlefTe beare, fometime a fire, 
And neigh, and barke,and grunt,and rore,and burne, 
Like horfe, hound, hog, beare, fire, at euery turne. Exit. 
Enter Piramui with the AJJe head. 

'Bot. Why do they run away ? This is a knauery of 
them to make me afeard. Enter Snoivt. 

Sn. O 'Bottom, thou art chang'd ; What doe I fee on 
thee ? 

'Bot. What do you fee? You fee an Affe-head of your 
owne, do you ? 

Enter Peter S\uince. 

Pet. Blefle thee 'Bottome, blefle thee; thou art tranfla- 
ted. Exit. 

'Bot. I fee their knauery; this is to make an afie of me, 
to fright me if they could ; but I will not ftirre from 
this place,do what they can. I will walke vp and downe 
here, and I will fing that they (hall heare I am not a- 
fraid. 

The Woofell cocke, fo blacke of hew, 
With Orenge-tawny bill. 
The Throftle,with his note fo true, 
The Wren and little quill. 

Tyta. What Angell wakes me from my flowry bed ? 

'Bot. The Finch, the Sparrow, and the Larke, 
The plainfong Cuckow gray; 
Whofe note foil many a man doth marke, 
And dares not anfwere, nay. 

For indeede,who would fet his wit to fo foolim a bird? 
Who would giue a bird the lye, though he cry Cuckow, 
neuer fo ? 

Tyta. I pray thee gentle mortall, fing againe, 
Mine eare is much enamored of thy note; 
On the firft view to fay, to fweare I loue thee. 
So is mine eye enthralled to thy mape, 
And thy faire vertues force (perforce,) doth moue me. 

'Bot. Me-thinkes miftrefle , you mould haue little 
reafon for that : and yet to fay the truth, reafon and 
loue keepe little company together , now-adayes. 
The more the pittie, that fome honeft neighbours will 
not make them friends. Nay, I can gleeke vpon occa- 
fion. 

Tyta. Thou art as wife, as thou art beautifull. 

Bot. Not fo neither : but if I had wit enough to get 
out of this wood, I haue enough to ferue mine owne 
turne. 

Tyta. Out of this wood, do not defire to goe, 
Thou ihalt remaine here, whether thou wilt or no. 
I am a fpirit of no common rate: 
The Summer ftill doth tend vpon my ftate, 
And I doe loue thee ; therefore goe with me, 
He giue thee Fairies to attend on thee; 
And they fliall fetch thee Iewels from the deepe, 
And fing, while thou on prefied flowers doft fleepe : 
And I will purge thy mortall groflenefle fo, 
That thou (halt like an airie fpirit go. 

Enter Peafe-bloJJbme, Cobiveb, Moth, Mujlard- 
Jeede, and f owe Fairies. 
Fai. Ready; and I, and I, and I, Where mail we go? 
Tita. Be 



A Midfommer nights "Dreame. 



Tita. Be kinde and curteous to this Gentleman, 
Hop in his walkes.and gambole in his eies, 
Feede him with Apricocks, and Dewberries, 
With purple Grapes,greene Figs, and Mulberries, 
The honie-bags fteale from the humble Bees, 
And tor night-tapers crop their waxen thighes, 
And light them at the fierie-Glow-wormes eyes, 
To haue my loue to bed, and to arife : 
And plucke the wings from painted Butterflies, 
To fan the Moone-beames from his fleeping eies . 
Nod to him Elues, and doe him curtefies. 

l.Fai. Haile mortall, haile. 

z.Fai. Haile. 

■±.Fai. Haile. 

Bot. I cry your worships mercy hartily ; I befeech 
your worfhips name. 

Cob. Cobweb. 

'Bot. I fliall defire you of more acquaintance, good 
Mafter Cobweb : if I cut my finger, I fliall make bold 
with you. 
Your name honeft Gentleman ? 

Peaf. Peafe blofome. 

'Bot. I pray you commend mee to miftrefTe Squajh , 
your mother, and to mafter Peajcod your father. Good 
mafter Peafe-blojfome, I flial defire of you more acquain- 
tance to. Your name I befeech you fir i 

Muf tMuftard-feede. 

Peaf. Peafe-blojome. 

Bot. Good mafter Muftard feede, I know your pati- 
ence well : that fame cowardly gyant-like Oxe-beefe 
hath deuoured many a gentleman or your houfe. I pro- 
mife you, your kindred hath made my eyes water ere 
now. I defire you more acquaintance, good Mafter 
Muftard-feede. 

Tita. Come waite vpon him, lead him to my bower. 
The Moone me-thinks,lookes with a watrie eie, 
And when fhe weepes, weepe euerie little flower, 
Lamenting fome enforced chaftitie. 
Tye vp my louers tongue, bring him filently. Exit. 

Enter King of Pharies,folui. 

Ob. I wonder if Titania be awak't; 
Then what it was that next came in her eye, 
Which fhe muft dote on, in extremitie. 

Enter Pucke. 
Here comes my mefTenger : how now mad fpirit, 
What night-rule now about this gaunted groue? 

Puck. My Miftris with a monfter is in loue, 
Neere to her clofe and confecrated bower, 
While fhe was in her dull and fleeping hower, 
A crew of patches, rude Mcehanicals, 
That worke for bread vpon Athenian ftals, 
Were met together to rehearfe a Play, 
Intended for great Thefeui nuptiall day : 
The fiialloweft thick-skin of that barren fort, 
Who Piramus prefented,in their fport, 
Forfooke his Scene, and entred in a brake, 
When I did him at this aduantage take, 
An AfTes nole I fixed on his head. 
Anon his ThUbie muft be anfwered, 
And forth my Mimmick comes : when they him fpie, 
As Wilde-geefe,that the creeping Fowler eye, 
Or ruffed-pated choughes,many in fort 
(Rifing and cawing at the guns report) 
Seuer themfelues,and madly fweepe the skye : 



So at his fight, away his fellowes flye, 

And at our ftampe, here ore and ore one fals; 

He murther cries, and helpe from Athens cals. 

Their fenfe thus weake, loft with their fears thus ftrong, 

Made fenfelefle things begin lo do them wrong. 

For briars and thornes at their apparell fnatch, 

Some fleeuesjfome hats, from yeelders all things catch, 

I led them on in this diftrafted feare, 

And left fweete Piramus tranfhted there : 

When in that moment(fo it came to pafle) 

Tytania waked, and ftraightway lou'd an AfTe. 

Ob. This fals out better then I could deuife : 
But haft thou yet lacht the Athenians eyes, 
With the loue iuyce,as I did bid thee doe? 

Rob. I tooke him fleeping (that is finifht to) 
And the Athenian woman by his fide, 
That when he wak't, of force fhe muft be eyde. 

Enter Demetrius and Hermia. 

Ob. Stand clofe, this is the fame Athenian. 

Rob. This is the woman, but not this the man. 

Dem. O why rebuke you him that loues you fo? 
Lay breath fo bitter on your bitter foe. 

Her. Now I but chide, but I fhould vfe thee worfe. 
For thou (I feare) haft giuen me caufe to curfe, 
If thou haft flaine Lyfander in his fleepe, 
Being ore fhooes in bloud, plunge in the deepe, and kill 

me too : 
The Sunne was not fo true vnto the day, 
As he to me. Would he haue ftollen away, 
From fleeping Hermia} He beleeue as foone 
This whole earth may be bord,and that the Moone 
May through the Center creepe,and fo difpleafe 
Her brothers noonetide, with th' Antipodes. 
It cannot be but thou haft murdred him, 
So fhould a mutrherer looke,fo dead,fo grim. 

Dem. So fhould the murderer looke,and fo fhould I, 
Pierft through the heart with your ftearne cruelty: 
Yet you the murderer looks as bright as cleare, 
As yonder Venus in her glimmering fpheare. 

Her. What's this to my Lyfander ? where is he ? 
Ah good Demetrius, wilt thou giue him me ? 

Dem. I'de rather giue his carkaffe to my hounds. 

Her.Out dog, out cur, thou driu'ft me paft the bounds 
Of maidens patience. Haft thou flaine him then? 
Henceforth be neuer numbred among men. 
Oh, once tell true, euen for my fake, 
Durft thou a lookt vpon him, being awake ? 
And haft thou kill'd him fleeping? O braue tutch : 
Could not a worme,an Adder do fo much ? 
An Adder did it : for with doubler tongue 
Then thine(thou ferpent) neuer Adder ftung. 

Dem. You fpend your paffion on a mifpri'sd mood, 
I am not guiltie of Lyfanders blood : 
Nor is he dead for ought that I can tell. 

Her. I pray thee tell me then that he is well. 

Dem. And if I could, what fhould I get therefore? 

Her. A priuiledge, neuer to fee me more ; 
And from thy hated prefence part I: fee me no more 
Whether he be dead or no. Exit. 

T)em. There is no following her in this fierce vaine, 
Here therefore for a while I will remaine. 
So forrowes heauinefTe doth heauier grow: 
For debt that bankrout flip doth forrow owe, 
V/hich now in fome flight meafure it will pay, 



154 



A Midfommer nights Dreame. 



If for his tender here I make fome ftay. Lie doivne. 

Ob. What haft thou done?Thou haft miftaken quite 
And laid the loue iuyce on fome true loues fight: 
Of thy mi(prifion,muft perforce enfue 
Some true loue turn'd,and not a falfe turn'd true. 

Rob. Then fate ore-rules, that one man holding troth, 
A million faile, confounding oath on oath. 

Ob. About the wood,goe fwifter then the winde, 
And Helena of Athens looke thou finde. 
All fancy ficke Ihe is, and pale of cheere, 
With fighes of loue, that cofts the frefh bloud deare. 
By fome illufion fee thou bring her heere , 
lie charme his eyes againft fhe doth appeare. 

Robin. I go, I go, looke how I goe, 
Swifter then arrow from the Tartars bowe. Exit. 

Ob. Flower of this purpie die , 
Hit with Cupids archery, 
Sinke in apple of his eye, 
When his loue he doth efpie, 
Let her fhine as glorioufly 
As the Venus of the sky. 
When thou wak'ft if fhe be by, 
Beg of her for remedy. 

Enter Pucke. 

Puck. Captaine of our Fairy band, 
Helena is heere at hand, 
And the youth, miftooke by me, 
Pleading for a Louers fee. 
Shall we their fond Pageant fee? 
Lord, what fooles thefe mortals be ! 

Ob. Stand afide: the noyfe they make, 
Will caufe 'Demetrius to awake. 

Puck. Then will two at once wooe one, 
That muft needs be fport alone : 
And thofe things doe beft pleafe me , 
That befall prepofteroufly. 

Enter Lyfander and Helena. 

Lyf. Why fhould you think y I mould wooe in fcorn ? 
Scorne and derifion neuer comes in teares: 
Looke when I vow I weepe ; and vowes fo borne, 
In their natiuity all truth appeares. 
How can thefe things in me,feeme fcorne to you ? 
Bearing the badge of faith to proue them true. 

Hel. You doe aduance your cunning more & more, 
When truth kils truth, O diuelifh holy fray! 
Thefe vowes are Hermias. Will you giue her ore ? 
Weigh oath with oath, and you will nothing weigh. 
Your vowes to her, and me, (put in two fcalesj 
Will euen weigh, and both as light as tales. 

Lyf. I had no iudgement, when to her I fwore. 

Hel. Nor none in my minde,now you giue her ore. 

Lyf. Demetrius loues her, and he loues not you. Aiva. 

T>em. O i&/t'», goddeffejnimph, perfect, diuine, 
To what my, loue, mall I compare thine eyne ! 
Chrifbll is muddy, O how ripe in fhow, 
Thy lips, thofe killing cherries, tempting grow! 
That pure congealed white, high 'Taurus inow, 
Fan'd with the Eafterne winde, turnes to a crow, 
When thou holdft vp thy hand. O let me kiffe 
This Princeffe of pure white, this feale of bliffe. 

Hell. O fpight / O hell ! I fee you are all bent 
To fet againft me, for your merriment : 
If you were ciuill, and knew curtefie, 
You would not doe me thus much iniury. 



Can you not hate me, as I know you doe, 

But you muft ioyne in foules to mocke me to ? 

If you are men, as men you are in mow, 

You would not vfe a gentle Lady fo j 

To vow, and fweare, and fuperpraife my parts, 

When I am fure you hate me with your hearts. 

You' both are Riuals,and loue Hermia ; 

And now both Riuals to mocke Helena. 

A trim exploit, a manly enterprize, 

To coniure teares vp in a poore maids eyes, 

With your derifion ; none of noble fort, 

Would fo offend a Virgin, and extort. 

A poore foules patience, all to make you fport. 

Lyf a. You are vnkind Derne trius; be not fo, 
For you loue Hermia ; this you know I know ; 
And here with all good will, with all my heart, 
In Hermias loue I yeeld you vp my part; 
And yours of Helena, to me bequeath, 
Whom I do loue, and will do to my death. 

/frANeuer did mockers waft more idle breth. 

Dem. Lyfander, keep thy Hermia,l will none: 
If ere I lou'd her, all that ioue is gone. 
My heart to her, but as gueft-wife foiourn'd, 
And now to Helen it is home return'd, 
There to remaine. 

Lyf. It is not lb. 

.De.Difparage not the faith thou doft not know, 
Left to thy perill thou abide it deare. 
Looke where thy Loue comes,yonder is thy deare. 

Enter Hermia. 

Her. Dark night, that from the eye his function takes, 
The eare more quicke of apprehenfion makes , 
Wherein it doth impaire the feeing fenfe , 
Ir paies the hearing double recompence. 
Thou art not by mine eye, Lyfander found, 
Mine eare (I thanke it) brought me to that found. 
But why vnkindly didft thou leaue me fo ? (to go? 

Lyfan. Why fhould hee ftay whom Loue doth preffe 

Her. What loue could preffe Lyfander from my fide? 

Lyf. Lyfander!, loue (that would not let him bide) 
Faire Helena ; who more engilds the night, 
Then all yon fierie oes, and eies of light. 
Why feek'ft thou me? Could not this make thee know, 
The hate I bare thee, made me leaue thee fo ? 

Her. You fpeake not as you thinke; it cannot be. 

Hel. Loe, Ihe is one of this confederacy, 
Now I perceiue they haue conioyn'd all three, 
To falhion this falfe fport in fpight of me. 
Iniurious Hermia, moft vngratefull maid , 
Haue you confpir'd, haue you with thefe contriu'd 
To baite me, with this foule derifion ? 
Is all the counfell that we two haue Ihar'd, 
The filters vowes, the houres that we haue fpent, 
When wee haue chid the hafty footed time, 
For parting vs ; O, is all forgot? 
All fchooleJaies friendfhip. child-hood innocence? 
We Hermia, like two Artificiall gods, 
Haue with our needles, created both one flower, 
Both on one fampler, fitting on one cufhion, 
Both warbling of one fong,both in one key; 
As if our hands, our fides, voices, and mindes 
Had beene incorporate. So we grew together, 
Like to a double cherry, feeming parted, 
But yet a vnion in partition, 

Two 



A Midfommer nights IDreame. 



*55 



Two louely berries molded on one item, 

So with two feeming bodies, but one heart, 

Two of the firft life coats in Heraldry, 

Due but to one and crowned with one creft. 

And will you rent our ancient loue afunder, 

To ioyne with men in fcorning your poore friend ? 

It is not friendly, 'tis not maidenly. 

Our fexe as well as I, may chide you for it, 

Though I alone doe feele the iniurie. 

Her. I am amazed at your paffionate words, 
I fcorne you not ; It feemes that you fcorne me. 

Hel. Haue you not fet Lyfander, as in fcorne 
To follow me, and praife my eies and face ? 
And made your other loue, Demetrius 
(Who euen but now did fpurne me with his foote) 
To call me goddelTe,nimph,diuine,and rare, 
Precious, celefti a 11 ? Wherefore fpeakes he this 
To her he hates ? And wherefore doth Lyfander 
Denie your loue(fo rich within his foule) 
And tender me (forfoothj affection, 
But by your fetting on, by your confent ? 
What though I be not fo in grace as you, 
So hung vpon with loue,fo fortunate? 
(But miferable moft, to loue vnlou'd) 
This you ihould pittie, rather then defpife. 

Her. I vnderftand not what you meane by this. 

Hel. I,doe, perfeuer, counterfeit fad lookes, 
Make mouthes vpon me when I turne my backe, 
Winke each at other, hold the fweete ieft vp : 
This fport well carried, mail be chronicled. 
If you haue any pittie, grace, or manners,, 
You would not make me fuch an argument: 
But fare ye well, 'tis partly mine owne fault, 
Which death or abfence foone fhall remedie. 

Lyf. Stay gentle Helena ,heare my excufe, 
My loue, my life, my foule, faire Helena. 

Hel. O excellent! 

Her. Sweete, do not fcorne her fo. 

Dem. If me cannot entreate, I can compell. 

Lyf. Thou canft compell, no more then ihe entreate. 
Thy threats haue no more ftrength then her weak praife. 
Helen,l loue thee, by my life I doe ; 
I fweare by that which I will lofe for thee, 
To proue him falfe, that faies I loue thee not. 

Dem. I fay, I loue thee more then he can do. 

Lyf. If thou fay fo,with-draw and proue it too. 

Dem. Quick, come. 

Her. Lyfander,whereto tends all this? 

Lyf. Away, you Stbiofe. 

T>em. No,no,Sir,feeme to breake loofe ; 
Take on as you would follow, 
But yet come not: you are a tame man, go. 

Lyf. Hang off thou cat, thou bur; vile thing let loofe, 
Or I will /hake thee from me like a ferpent. 

Her. Why are you growne fo rude ? 
What change is this fweete Loue ? 

Lyf. Thy loue? out tawny Tartar, out ; 
Out loathed medicine ; O hated poifon hence. 

Her. Do you not ieft ? 

Hel. Yes footh, and fo do you. 

Lyf, Demetrius: I will keepe my word with thee. 

Dem. I would I had your bond : for I perceiue 
A weake bond holds you ; lie not truft your word. 

Lyf. What, mould I hurt her, ftrike her, kill her dead ? 
Although I hate her, He not harme her fo. 

Her. What, can you do me greater harme then hate? 



Hate me, wherefore? O me, what n ewes my Loue ? 

Am not I Hermia ? Are not you Lyfander? 

I am as faire now, as I was ere while. 

Since night you lou'd me; yet iince night you left me. 

Why then you left me (O the gods forbid 

In earneft, mall I fay ? 

Lyf. I, by my life ; 
And neuer did defire to fee thee more. 
Therefore be out of hope, of queftion,of doubt; 
Be certaine, nothing truer: 'tis no ieft, 
That I doe hate thee, and loue Helena. 

Her. O me, you iugler, you canker bloffome, 
You theefe of loue; What, haue you come by night, 
And ftolne my loues heart from him ? 

Hel. Fine yfaith : 
Haue you no modefty, no maiden fhame, 
No touch of baihfulnelTe.y What, will you teare 
Impatient anfwers from my gentle tongue ? 
Fie, fie, you counterfeit, you puppet, you. 

Her. Puppet ? why fo ? I, that way goes the game. 
Now I perceiue that fhe hath made compare 
Betweene our ftatures,fhe hath vrg'd her height, 
And with her perfonage,her tall perfonage, 
Her height (forfooth) fhe hath preuail'd with him. 
And are you growne fo high in his efteeme, 
Becaufe I am fo dwarfilh, and fo low f 
How low am I, thou painted May-pole? Speake, 
How low am I ? I am not yet fo low, 
But that my nailes can reach vnto thine eyes. 

Hel. I pray you though you mocke me, gentlemen, 
Let her not hurt me ; I was neuer curft : 
I haue no gift at all in fhrewifhneffe ; 
I am a right maide for my cowardize ; 
Let her not ftrike me : you perhaps may thinke, 
Becaufe Ihe is fomething lower then my felfe, 
That I can match her. 

Her. Lower? harke againe. 

Hel. Good Hermia, do not be fo bitter with me, 
I euermore did loue you Hermia, 
Did euer keepe your counfels, neuer wronged you, 
Saue that in loue vnto Demetrius, 
I told him of your ftealth vnto this wood. 
He followed you, for loue I followed him, 
But he hath chid me hence, and threatned me 
To ftrike me,ipurne me, nay to kill me too; 
And now,fo you will let me quiet go, 
To ^Athens will I beare my folly backe, 
And follow you no further. Let me go.- 
You fee how fimple,and how fond I am. 

Her. Why get you gone : who ift that hinders you ? 

Hel. A foolifh heart, that I leaue here behinde. 

Her. What, with Lyfander*. 

Her. With 'Demetrius. 

Lyf. Be not afraid, Ihe fhall not harme thee Helena. 

c Dem. No fir, fhe fhall not, though you take her part. 

Hel. O when fhe's angry, fhe is keene and fhrewd, 
She was a vixen when fhe went to fchoole, 
And though fhe be but little, fhe is fierce. 

Her. Little againe ? Nothing but low and little ? 
Why will you fuffer her to flout me thus ? 
Let me come to her. 

Lyf. Get you gone you dwarfe, 
You minimus, of hindring knot-graffe made, 
You bead, you acorne. 

Dem. You are too officious, 
In her behalfe that fcornes your feruices. 



i 5 6 



A Midfommer nights T>reame. 



Let her alone,fpeake not of Helena, 
Take not her part. For if thou doit intend 
Neuer fo little fhew of loue to her, 
Thou fhak abide it. 

Lyf. Now fhe holds me not, 
Now follow if thou dar'ft, to try whofe right, 
Of thine or mine is moft in Helena. 

T>em. Follow i Nay, He goe with thee cheeke by 
iowle. Exit Lyfander and Demetrius. 

Her. You Miftris,all this coyle is long of you. 
Nay, goe not backe. 

He/. I will not truft you I, 
Nor longer ftay in your curft companie. 
Your hands then mine, are quicker for a fray, 
My legs are longer though to runne away. 

Enter Oberon and Pucke. 

Ob. This is thy negligence, ftill thou miftak'ft, 
Or elfe committ'ft thy knaueries willingly. 

Puck. Beleeue me, King of fhadowes,! miftooke, 
Did not you tell me, I fhould know the man, 
By the Athenian garments he hath on ? 
And fo farre blameleffe proues my enterprize, 
That I haue nointed an Athenians eies, 
And fo farre am I glad, it fo did fort, 
As this their iangling I efteeme a fport. 

Ob. Thou feeft thefe Louers feeke a place to fight, 
Hie therefore Robin, ouercaft: the night, 
The ftarrie Welkin couer thou anon, 
With drooping fogge as blacke as Acheron, 
And lead thefe teftie Riuals fo aftray, 
As one come not within anothers way. 
Like to Lyfander, fometime frame thy tongue, 
Then ftirre Demetrius vp with bitter wrong; 
And fometime raile thou like Demetrius ; 
And from each other looke thou leade them thus, 
Till ore their browes, death-counterfeiting, fleepe 
With leaden legs, and Battie- wings doth creepe; 
Then crufti this hearbe into Lyfanders eie, 
Whofe liquor hath this vertuous propertie, 
To take from thence all error, with his might, 
And make his eie-bals role with wonted fight. 
When they next wake, all this derifion 
Shall feeme a dreame,and fruitlelfe vifion, 
And backe to Athens fhall the Louers wend 
With league, whofe date till death fhall neuer end. 
Whiles I in this affaire do thee imply, 
He to my Queene,and beg her Indian Boy; 
And then I will her charmed eie releafe 
From monfters view, and all things fhall be peace. 

Puck. My Fairie Lord, this muft be done with hafte, 
For night-fwift Dragons cut the Clouds full faft, 
And yonder fhines Auroras harbinger ; 
At whofe approach Ghofb wandring here and there, 
Troope home to Church-yards; damned fpirits all, 
That in croffe-waies and flouds haue buriall, 
Alreadie to their wormie beds are gone ; 
For feare leaft day mould looke their /names vpon, 
They wilfully themfelues dxile from light, 
And muft for aye confort with blacke browd night. 

Ob. But we are fpirits of another fort: 
I, with the mornings loue haue oft made fport, 
And like a Forrefter,the groues may tread, 
Euen till the Eafterne gate all fierie red, 
Opening on Neptune, with faire bleffed beames, 
Turnes into yellow gold, his fait greene ftreames. 



But notwithstanding hafte, make no delay : 
We may effect this bufineffe,yet ere day. 

Puck. Vp and downe, vp and downe, I will leade 
them vp and downe : 1 am fear'd in field and towne. 
Goblin, lead them vp and downe : here comes one. 
Enter Lyfander. 

Lyf. Where art thou, proud Demetrius} 
Speake thou now. 

Rob. Here villaine,drawne & readie. Where art thou ? 

Lyf. I will be with thee ftraight. 

Rob. Follow me then to plainer ground. 
Enter Demetrius. 

Dem. Lyfander, fpeake againe ; 
Thou runaway, thou coward, art thou fled? 
Speake in fome bum : Where doft thou hide thy head ? 

Rob. Thou coward,art thou bragging to the ftars, 
Telling the bulhes that thou look'ft for wars, 
And wilt not come? Come recreant, come thou childe, 
He whip thee with a rod. He is defil'd 
That drawes a fword on thee. 

Dem. Yea, art thou there? 

Ro. Follow my voice, we'l try no manhood here. Exit. 

Lyf. He goes before me, and ftill dares me on, 
When I come where he cals, then he's gone. 
The villaine is much lighter heel'd then I : 
I followed faft, but fafter he did flye ; pifting places. 

That fallen am I in darke vneuen way, 
And here wil reft me. Come thou gentle day : lye down. 
For if but once thcu lhew me thy gray light, 
He finde Demetrius, and reuenge this fpight. 
Enter Robin and Demetrius. 

Rob. Ho, ho, ho; coward, why com'ft thou not? 

Dem. Abide me,if thou dar'ft. For well I wot, 
Thou runft before me, fhifting euery place, 
And dar'ft not ftand,nor looke me in the face. 
Where art thou? 

Rob. Come hither, I am here. 

Dem.tlzy then thou mock'ft me ; thou fhalt buy this 
deere, 
If euer I thy face by day-light fee. 
Now goe thy way : faintneffe conftraineth me, 
To meafure out my length on this cold bed, 
By daies approach looke to be vifited. 
Enter Helena. 

Hel. O weary night, O long and tedious night, 
Abate thy houres,ihine comforts from the Eaft, 
That I may backe to Athens by day-light, 
From thefe that my poore companie deteft ; 
And fleepe that fometime fhuts vp forrowes eie, 
Steale me a while from mine owne companie. Sleepe. 

Rob. Yet but three ? Come one more, 
Two of both kindes makes vp foure. 
Here fhe comes, curft and fad, 
Cupid is a knauilh lad, 

Enter Hermia. 
Thus to make poore females mad. 

Her. Neuer fo wearie,neuer fo in woe, 
Bedabbled with the dew, and torne with briars, 
I can no further crawle, no further goe ; 
My legs can keepe no pace with my defires. 
Here will I reft me till the breake of day, 
Heauens fhield Lyfander, if they meane a fray. 

Rob. On the ground fleepe found, 
He apply your eie gentle louer,remedy. 
When thou wak'ft,thou tak'ft 
True delight in the fight of thy former Ladies eve, 

And 



A Midfommer nights Dreame. 



l 57 



And the Country Prouerb knowne, 

That euery man fhould take his owne, 

In your waking fhall be fhowne. 

Iacke /hall haue ////, nought fhall goe ill, 

The man fhall haue his Mare againe, and all mall bee 

well. 

They fleepe all the AH. 



<l4Bms Quartus. 



Enter Queene of Fairies, and Clowne, and Fairies, and the 
King behinde them. 

Tita. Come, fit thee downe vpon this flowry bed, 
While I thy amiable cheekes doe coy, 
And fticke muske rofes in thy fleeke fmoothe head, 
And kifle thy faire large eares, my gentle ioy. 

Clow. Where's Peafe bloffome? 

PeaJ. Ready. 

Qloiu. scratch my head, Peafe-bloffome. Wher's Moun- 
fieuer Cob-web. 

Cob. Ready. 

Cloiune. Mounfieur Cobweb, good Mounfier get your 
weapons in your hand, & kill me a red hipt humble-Bee, 
on the top of a thiftle ; and good Mounfieur bring mee 
the hony bag. Doe not fret your felfe too much in the 
aftion, Mounfieur; and good Mounfieur haue a care the 
hony bag breake not, I would be loth to haue yon ouer- 
flowne with a hony-bag figniour. Where's Mounfieur 
Muftardfeed ? 

Muf Ready. 

Clo. Giue me your neafe, Mounfieur Muftardfeed. 
Pray you leaue your courtefie good Mounfieur. 

Muf. What's your will ? 

Clo. Nothing good Mounfieur, but to help Caualery 
Cobweb to fcratch. I muft to the Barbers Mounfieur, for 
me-thinkes I am maruellous hairy about the face. And I 
am fuch a tender afTe,if my haire do but tickle me, I muft 
fcratch. 

Tita. What, wilt thou heare fome muficke,my fweet 
loue. 

Clow. I haue a reafonable good eare in muficke. Let 
vs haue the tongs and the bones. 

zMuficke Tongs, Pur all Muficke. 

Tita. Or fay fweete Loue, what thou defireft to eat. 

Cloiune. Truly a pecke of Prouender ; I could munch 
your good dry Oates. Me-thinkes I haue a great defire 
to a bottle of hay : good hay , fweete hay hath no fel- 
low. 

Tita. I haue a venturous Fairy, 
That fhall feeke the Squirrels hoard , 
And fetch thee new Nuts. 

Clown. I had rather haue a handfull or two of dried 
peafe. But I pray you let none of your people ftirre me, I 
haue an expofition of fleepe come vpon me. 

Tyta. Sleepe thou, and I will winde thee in my arms, 
Fairies be gone, and be alwaies away. 
So doth the woodbine, the fweet Honifuckle, 
Gently entwift; the female Iuy fo 
Enrings the barky fingers of the Elme. 



how I loue thee ! how I dote on thee / 

Enter Robin goodfellow and Oberon. 
Ob. Welcome good Robin : 
Seeft thou this fweet fight ? 
Her dotage now 1 doe begin to pitty. 
For meeting her of late behinde the wood, 
Seeking fweet fauors for this hatefull foole, 

1 did vpbraid her, and fall out with her. 
For lhe his hairy temples then had rounded, 
With coronet of frefh and fragrant flowers. 
And that fame dew which fomtime on the buds, 
Was wont to fwell like round and orient pearles; 
Stood now within the pretty flouriets eyes, 

Like teares that did their owne difgrace bewaile. 
When I had at my pleafure taunted her, 
And fhe in milde termes beg'd my patience, 
I then did aske of her, her changeling childe, 
Which ftraight fhe gaue me,and her Fairy fent 
To beare him to my Bower in Fairy Land. 
And now I haue the Boy, I will vndoe 
This hatefull imperfection of her eyes. 
And gentle P«cfe,take this transformed fcalpe, 
From off the head of this Athenian fwaine; 
That he awaking when the other doe , 
May all to Athens backe againe repaire, 
And thinke no more of this nights accidents, 
But as the fierce vexation of a dreame. 
But firft I will releafe the Fairy Queene. 

Be thou as thou ivaft wont to be ; 
See as thou waft wont to fee. 
Tlians bud, or Cupids flower , 
Hath fuch force and bleflfed power . 

Now my Titania wake you my fweet Oueene. 

Tita. My Oberon, what vifions haue I feene \ 
Me-thought I was enamoured of an Affe. 

Ob. There lies your loue. 

Tita. How came thefe things to paffe ? 
Oh, how mine eyes doth loath this vifage now ! 

Ob. Silence a while. Robin take off his head : 
Titania,mu{ick. call, and ftrike more dead 
Then common fleepe ; of all thefe, fine the fenfe. 

Tita. Muficke, ho muficke, fuch as charmeth fleepe. 
Muflckftill. 

Rob. When thou wak'ft, with thine owne fooles eies 
peepe. • (me 

Ob. Sound mufick; come my Queen, take hands with 
And rocke the ground whereon thefe fleepers be. 
Now thou and I are new in amity, 
And will to morrow midnight, folemnly 
Dance in Duke Thejeus houfe triumphantly, 
And bleffe it to all faire pofterity. 
There fhall the paires of faith full Louers be 
Wedded, with Thefeus,a\l in iollity. 

Rob. Faire King attend, and marke, 
I doe heare the morning Larke. 

Ob. Then my Queene in filence fad, 
Trip we after the nights fhade ; 
We the Globe can compaffe foone, 
Swifter then the wandring Moone. 

Tita. Come my Lord, and in our flight, 
Tell me how it came this night, 
That I fleeping heere was found, 

Sleepers Lye ft ill. 
O With 



i S 8 



A Midfommer nights Dreame. 



With thefe mortals on the ground. Exeunt. 

Winde Homes. 
Enter Thefeus, Egeus, Hippolita and all his traine. 

Thef. Goe one of you,finde out the Forrefter, 
For now our obferuation is performed ; 
And fince we haue the vaward of the day, 
My Loue /hall heare the mulicke of my hounds. 
Vncouple in the Wefterne valley, let them goe ; 
Difpatch I fay, and finde the Forrefter. 
We will faire Queene,vp to the Mountaines top. 
And marke the muficall confufion 
Of hounds and eccho in coniundlion. 

Hip. I was with Hercules and Cadmus once, 
When in a wood of Qreete they bayed the Beare 
With hounds of Sparta ; neuer did I heare 
Such gallant chiding. For befides the groues, 
The skies, the fountaines,euery region neere, 
Seeme all one mutuall cry. I neuer heard 
So muficall a difcord, fuch fweet thunder. 

Thef. My hounds are bred out of the Spartan kinde, 
So flew'd, (b fanded, and their heads are hung 
With eares that fweepe away the morning dew, 
Crooke kneed, and dew-lapt,like TheJJalian Buls, 
Slow in purfuit, but match'd in mouth like bels, 
Each vnder each. A cry more tuneable 
Was neuer hallowed to, nor cheer'd with home, 
In Creete, in Sparta, nor in TheJ/aly ;. 
Iudge when you heare. Bnt foft, what nimphs are thefe? 

Egeus. My Lord, this is my daughter heere afleepe, 
And this Lyfander, this Demetrius is, 
This Helena, olde Nedars Helena, 
I wonder of this being heere together. 

The. No doubt they rofe vp early, to obferue 
The right of May ; and hearing our intent, 
Came heere in grace of our i'olemnity. 
But fpeake Egeus, is not this the day 
That Hermia ftiould giue anfwer of her choice? 

Egeus. It is, my Lord. 

Thef. Goe bid the huntf-men wake them with their 
homes. 

Homes and they ivake. 
Shout within, they all jlart -vp. 

Thef. Good morrow friends : Saint Valentine is paft, 
Begin thefe wood birds but to couple now? 

Lyf. Pardon my Lord. 

Thef. I pray you all ftand vp. 
I know you two are Riuall enemies. 
How comes this gentle concord in the world, 
That hatred is is fo farre from iealoufie, 
To fleepe by hate, and feare no enmity. 

Lyf. My Lord, I fliall reply amazedly, 
Halfe fleepe, halfe waking. But as yet, I fweare, 
I cannot truly fay how I came heere. 
But as I thinke (for truly would I fpeake) 
And now I doe bethinke me, fo it is ; 
I came with Hermia hither. Our intent 
Was to be gone from Athens, where we might be 
Without the perill of the Athenian Law. 

Ege. Enough, enough, my Lord : you haue enough ; 
I beg the Law, the Law, vpon his head : 
They would haue ftolne away, they would Demetrius, 
Thereby to haue defeated you and me : 
You of your wife, and me of my confent; 
Of my confent, that flie ihould be your wife. 

T>em. My Lord, faire Helen told me of their ftealth, 
Of this their purpofe hither, to this wood, 



And I in furie hither followed them ; 

Faire Helena, in fancy followed me. 

But my good Lord, I wot not by what power, 

(But by fome power it is ) my loue 

To Hermia (melted as the fnow) 

Seems to me now as the remembrance of an idle gaude, 

Which in my childehood I did doat vpon : 

And all the faith, the vertue of my heart, 

The obiecl and the pleafure of mine eye, 

Is onely Helena. To her,my Lord, 

Was I betroth 'd, ere I fee Hermia , 

But like a fickenefTe did I loath this food, 

But as in health, come to my naturall tafte, 

Now doe I wifh it, loue it, long for it , 

And will for euermore be true to it. 

Thef. Faire Louers, you are fortunately met; 
Of this difcourfe we /hall heare more anon. 
Egeui, I will ouer-beare your will; 
For in the Temple, by and by with vs, 
Thefe couples fliall eternally be knit. 
And for the morning now is fomething worne, 
Our purpos'd hunting (hall be fet afide. 
Away, with vs to ^Athens ; three and three, 
Wee'll hold a feaft in great folemnitie. 
Come Hippo/it or. Exit Duke and Lords. 

T)em. Thefe things feeme fmall & vndiftinguifliable, 
Like farre off mountaines turned into Clouds. 

Her. Me-thinks I fee thefe things with parted eye, 
When euery things feemes double. 

Hel. So me-thinkes: 
And I haue found Demetrius, like a iewell, 
Mine owne, and not mine owne. 

Dem. It feemes to mee, 
That yet we fleepe, we dreame. Do not you thinke, 
The Duke was heere, and bid vs follow him? 

Her. Yea, and my Father. 

Hel. And Hippolita?. 

Lyf. And he bid vs follow to the Temple. 

Dem. Why then we are awake ; lets follow him, and 
by the way let vs recount our dreames. 

TSottome wakes. Exit Louers. 

Clo. When my cue comes, call me, and I will anfwer. 
My next is, moft faire Piramus. Hey ho. Peter Quince? 
Flute the bellowes-mender ? Snout the tinker? Starue- 
ling>. Gods my life ! Stolne hence,and left me afleepe : I 
haue had a moft rare vifion. I had a dreame, paft the wit 
of man, to fay, what dreame it was. Man is but an AfTe, 
if he goe about to expound this dreame. Me-thought I 
was, there is no man can tell what. Me-thought I was, 
and me-thought I had. But man is but a patch'd foole, 
if he will offer to fay, what me-thought I had. The eye of 
man hath not heard, the eare of man hath not feen, mans 
hand is not able to tafte, his tongue to conceiue, nor his 
heart to report, what my dreame was. I will get Peter 
Quince to write a ballet of this dreame, it fliall be called 
Bottomes Dreame,becauCe it hath no bottome; and I will 
fing it in the latter end of a play, before the Duke. Per- 
aduenture,to make it the more gracious, I fliall fing it 
at her death. Exit. 

Enter Quince, Flute, Tbisbie, Snout, and Starueling. 

Quin. Haue you fent to TSottomes houfe ? Is he come 
home yet? 

Staru. He cannot be heard of. Out of doubt hee is 
tianfported. 

Thif. If 



A Midfommer night sT)reame. 



59 



Thif. If he come not, then the play is mar'd. It goes 
not forward, doth it? 

£}uin. It is not pofiible : you haue not a man in all 
Athens, able to difcharge Piramui but he. 

Thif. No, hee hath fimply the beft wit of any handy- 
craft mm in ^Athens. 

S^uin. Yea, and the beft perfon too, and hee is a very 
Paramour, for a fweet voyce. 

Thif. You muft fay, Paragon. A Paramour is ( God 
blefTe vsj a thing of nought. 

Enter Snug the Ioyner. 

Snug. Mafters,the Duke is comming from the Tem- 
ple, and there is two or three Lords & Ladies more mar- 
ried: If our fport had gone forward, we had all bin made 
men. 

Thif. O fweet bully 'Bottome : thus hath he loft fixe- 
pence a day, during his life; he could not haue fcaped fix- 
pence a day. And the Duke had not giuen him fixpence 
a day for playing Piramus,l\s be hang'd. He would haue 
deferued it. Sixpence a day in Piramus,or nothing. 
Enter 'Bottome. 

<Bot. Where are thefe Lads? Where are thefe hearts? 

Siuin. 'Bottome, o moft couragious day I O moft hap- 
pie houre ! 

'Bot. Mafters,I am to difcourfe wonders ; but ask me 
not what. For if I tell you , I am no true Athenian. I 
will tell you euery thing as it fell out. 

<$u. Let vs heare, fweet Bottome. 

'Bot. Not a word of me: all that I will tell you, is, that 
the Duke hath dined. Get your apparell together, good 
fixings to your beards, new ribbands to your pumps, 
meete prefently at the Palace , euery man looke ore his 
part : for the fliort and the long is, our play is preferred : 
In any cafe let Thiiby haue cleane linnen: and let not him 
that playes the Lion, paire his nailes, for they (hall hang 
out for the Lions clawes. And moft deare A&ors, eate 
no Onions , nor Garlicke ; for wee are to vtter fweete 
breath, and I doe not doubt but to heare them fay, it is a 
fweet Comedy. No more words : away, go away. 

Exeunt. 



ABus Quintus. 



Enter Thefeus,Hippolita, Egeus and his Lords. 

Hip. "Tis ftrange my Thefeus,y thefe louers fpeake of. 

The. More ftrange then true. I neuer may beleeue 
Thefe anticke fables, nor thefe Fairy toyes, 
Louers and mad men haue fuch feething braines, 
Such lhaping phantafies, that apprehend more 
Then coole reafon euer comprehends. 
The Lunaticke, the Louer,and the Poet, 
Are of imagination all compaft. 
One fees more diuels then vafte hell can hold ; 
That is the madman. The Louer,all as franticke, 
Sees Helens beauty in a brow of Egipt. 
The Poets eye in a fine frenzy rolling,doth glance 
From heauen to earth, from earth to heauen. 
And as imagination bodies forth the forms of things 
Vnknowne ; the Poets pen turnes them to fhapes, 
And giues to aire nothing, a locall habitation, 
And a name. Such tricks hath ftrong imagination, 



That if it would but apprehend fome ioy, 
It comprehends fome bringer of that ioy. 
Or in the night, imagining fome feare, 
How eafie is a bufii fuppos'd a Beare ? 

Hip. But all the ftorie of the night told ouer, 
And all their minds transfigur'd fo together, 
More witneffeth than fancies images, 
And growes to fomething of great conftancie; 
But howfoeuer, ftrange, and admirable. 



Enter lot 



, Lyfander, Demetrius, Hermia, 
and Helena. 



The. Heere come the louers, full of ioy and mirth : 
Ioy, gentle friends, ioy and frefli dayes 
Of loue accompany your hearts. 

Lyf. More then to vs, waite in your royall walkes, 
your boord, your bed. 

The. Come now, what maskes, what dances /hall 
we haue, 

To weare away this long age of three houres, 
Between our after fupper, and bed-time ? 
Where is our vfuall manager of mirth ? 
What Reuels are in hand ? Is there no play, 
To eafe the anguifti of a torturing houre? 
Call Egeus. 

Ege. Heere mighty Thefeus, 

The. Say, what abridgement haue you for this eue- 
ning? 

What maske? What muficke?How mall we beguile 
The lazie time, if not with fome delight? 

Sge. There is a breefe how many fports are rife: 
Make choife of which your Highneffe will fee firft. 

Lif. The battell with the Centaurs to be fung 
By an Athenian Eunuch, to the Harpe. 

The. Wee'l none of that. That haue I told my Loue 
In glory of my kinfman Hercules. 

Lif. The riot of the tipfie Bachanals, 
Tearing the Thracian finger,in their rage? 

The. That is an old deuice, and it was plaid 
When I from Thebes came laft a Conqueror. 

Lif The thrice three Mufes, mourning for the death 
of learning, late deceaft in beggerie. 

The. That is fome Satire keene and critical], 
Not forting with a nuptiall ceremonie. 

Lif. A tedious breefe Scene of yong Piramus, 
And his loue Thiiby ; very tragicall mirth. 

The. Merry and tragicall? Tedious, and briefe? That 
is, hot ice, and wondrous ftrange fnow. How mall wee 
finde the concord of this difcord ? 

Sge. A play there is, my Lord, fome ten words long, 
Which is as breefe, as I haue knowne a play ; 
But by ten words, my Lord, it is too long; 
Which makes it tedious. For in all the play; 
There is not one word apt, one Player fitted. 
And tragicall my noble Lord it is : for Piramzis 
Therein doth kill himfelfe. Which when I faw 
Rehearft, I muft confeffe, made mine eyes water : 
But more merrie teares, the paffion of loud laughter 
Neuer flied. 

Thef. What are they that do play it? 

Ege. Hard handed men, that worke in Athens heere, 
Which neuer labour'd in their mindes till now ; 
And now haue toyled their vnbreathed memories 
With this fame play, againft your nuptiall. 

The. And we will heare. it. 

O 2 Phil. 



i6o 



A Midjommer nights r Dreame. 



Phi. No, my noble Lord, it is not for you. I haue heard 
It ouer,and it is nothing, nothing in the world ; 
VnlefTe you can finde fport in their intents, 
Extreamely ftretcht,and cond with cruell paine, 
To doe you feruice. 

The/. I will heare that play. For neuer any thing 
Can be amiffe, when fimpleneffe and duty tender it. 
Goe bring them in, and take your places, Ladies. 

Hip. I loue not to fee wretchedneffe orecharged ; 
And duty in his feruice perifhing. 

Tbef. Why gentle fweet, you fhall fee no fuch thing. 

Hip. He faies, they can doe nothing in this kinde. 

Tbef. The kinder we, to giue them thanks for nothing 
Our fport fhall be, to take what they miftake ; 
And what poore duty cannot doe, noble refpeit 
Takes it in might, not merit. 
Where I haue come, great Clearkes haue purpofed 
To greete me with premeditated welcomes ; 
Where I haue feene them fhiuer and looke pale, 
Make periods in the midft of fentences, 
Throttle their practiz'd accent in their feares, 
And in conclufion, dumbly haue broke off, 
Not paying me a welcome. Truft me fweete, 
Out of this filence yet, I pickt a welcome : 
And in the modefty of fearefull duty, 
I read as much, as from the ratling tongue 
Of faucy and audacious eloquence. 
Loue therefore, and tongue-tide fimplicity, 
In leaft, fpeake moll, to my capacity. 

Sgeus. So pleafe your Grace, the Prologue is addreft. 

Duke. Let him approach. Flor. Trum. 

E;:ter the Prologue. S^uince. 

Pro. If we offend, it is with our good will. 
That you fhould thinke, we come not to offend, 
But with good will. To fhew our fimple skill , 
That is the true beginning of our end. 
Confider then, we come but in defpight. 
We do not come, as minding to content you, 
Our true intent is. All for your delight, 
We are not heere. That you fhould here repent you, 
The Aclors are at hand ; and by their fhow , 
You fhall know all, that you are like to know. 

Thef. This fellow doth not ftand vpon points. 

Lyf. He hath rid his Prologue, like a rough Colt : he 
knowes not the ffop. A good morall my Lord. It is not 
enough to fpeake, but to fpeake true. 

Hip. Indeed hee hath plaid on his Prologue , like a 
childe on a Recorder, a found, but not in gouernment. 

Thef. His fpeech was like a tangled chaine: nothing 
impaired, but all difordered. Who is next? 

Taivyer -with a Trumpet before them. 

Enter Pyramui and Thisby, Wall, Moone-ftine, and Lyon. 

Pro/. Gentles, perchance you wonder at this fhow, 
But wonder on, till truth make all things plaine. 
This man is Piramus, if you would know; 
This beauteous Lady, Thisby is certaine. 
This man, with lyme and rough-caft,doth prefent 
Wall, that vile wall, which did thefe louers funder : 
And through walls chink (poor foules) they are content 
To whifper. At the which, let no man wonder. 
This man, with Lanthorne,dog,and bufh of thorne, 
Prefenteth moone-fhine. For if you will know, 
By moone-fhine did thefe Louers thinke no fcorne 
To meet at Ninus toombe, there, there to wooe : 



This grizy beaft (which Lyon hight by name) 
The trufty Thisby, comming firft by night, 
Did fcarre away, or rather did affright : 
And as fhe fled, her mantle fhe did fall ; 
Which Lyon vile with bloody mouth did ftaine. 
Anon comes Piramus, fweet youth and tall, 
And Andes his Thisbies Mantle flaine ; 
Whereat, with blade, with bloody blamefull blade, 
He brauely broacht his boiling bloudy breaft, 
And Thisby, tarrying in Mulberry fhade, 
His dagger drew, and died. For all the reft, 
Let Lyon, Moone-fhine, Wall, and Louers twaine, 
At large difcourfe, while here they doe remaine. 
Exit all but Wall. 

Thef. I wonder if the Lion be to fpeake. 

Deme. No wonder, my Lord : one Lion may, when 
many Affes doe. 

Exit Lyon, Thisbie, and Moonejhine. 

Wall. In this fame Interlude, it doth befall, 
That I, one Snoivt (by name) prefent a wall : 
And fuch a wall, as I would haue you thinke, 
That had in it a crannied hole or chinke : 
Through which the Louers, Piramus and Thisbie 
Did whifper often, very fecretly. 
This loame,this rough-caft,and this ftone doth fhew, 
That I am that fame Wall ; the truth is fo. 
And this the cranny is, right and finifter, 
Through which the fearefull Louers are to whifper. 

Thef. Would you defire Lime and Haire to fpeake 
better ? 

Deme. It is the vvittieft partition, that euer I heard 
difcourfe, my Lord. 

Tbef. Pyramus drawes neere the Wall, filence. 
Enter Pyramus. 

Pir. O grim lookt night, 6 night with hue fo blacke, 
O night, which euer art, when day is not : 

night, 6 night, alacke, alacke, alacke, 

1 feare my Thisbies promife is forgot. 

And thou 6 wall, thou fweet and louely wall, 

That ftands betweene her fathers ground and mine, 

Thou wall, 6 wall, 6 fweet and louely wall, 

Shew me thy chinke, to blinke through with mine eihe. 

Thankes courteous wall, hue fhield thee well for this. 

But what fee I? No Thisbie doe 1 fee. 

O wicked wall, through whom I fee no bliffe , 

Curft be thy ftones for thus deceiuing mee. 

Thef. The wall me-thinkes being fenfible , fhould 
curfe againe. 

Pir. No in truth fir, he fhould not. "Deceiuing me, 
Is Thisbies cue ; fhe is to enter, and I am to fpy 
Her through the wall. You fhall fee it will fall. 

Enter Thisbie. 
Pat as I told you ; yonder fhe comes. 

Tbif. O wall, full often haft thou heard my mones, 
For parting my faire Piramus, and me. 
My cherry lips haue often kift thy ftones; 
Thy ftones with Lime and Haire knit vp in thee. 

Pyra. I fee a voyce ; now will I to the chinke , 
To fpy and I can heare my Thisbies face. Thisbie} 

Thif. My Loue thou art, my Loue I thinke. 

Pir. Thinke what thou wilt.I am thy Louers grace, 
And like Limander am I trufly ftill. 

Thif. And like Helen till the Fates me kill. 

Pir. Not Shafalus to Procrus, was fo true. 

Thif. As Shafalus to Procrus,l to you. 

Pir. O 



A Midfommer nights Dreame. 



•6 3 



Pir. O kifle me through the hole of this vile wall. 

Tbif. I kiffe the wals hole, not your lips at all. 

Pir. Wilt thou at Ninnies tombe meete me ftraight 
way ? 

Tbif. Tide life, tide death, I come without delay. 

Wall. Thus haue I Wall, my part difcharged fo; 
And being done, thus Wall away doth go. Exit C/oiv. 

Du. Now is the morall downe betweene the two 
Neighbors. 

T>em. No remedie my Lord, when Wals are fo wil- 
ful!, to heare without warning. 

Dut. This is the fillieft ftuffe that ere I heard. 

Du. The beft in this kind are but lhadowes, and the 
worft are no worfe, if imagination amend them. 

Dut. It muft be your imagination then,& not theirs. 

Duk. If wee imagine no worfe of them then they of 
themfelues, they may pafie for excellent men. Here com 
two noble beafts,in a man and a Lion. 

Enter Lyon and Moone-Jhine. 

Lyon. You Ladies, you (whofe gentle harts do feare 
The fmalleft monftrous moufe that creepes on floore) 
May now perchance, both quake and tremble heere, 
When Lion rough in wildeft rage doth roare. 
Then know that I, one Snug the Ioyner am 
A Lion fell, nor elfe no Lions dam : 
For if I fhould as Lion come in ftrife 
Into this place, 'twere pittie of my life. 

Du.A verie gentle beaft, and of a good confcience. 

Dem. The verie beft at a beaft, my Lord, y ere I faw. 

Lif. This Lion is a verie Fox for his valor. 

Du. True, and a Goofe for his difcretion. 

Dem. Not fo my Lord : for his valor cannot carrie 
his difcretion, and the Fox carries the Goofe. 

Du. His difcretion I am fure cannot carrie his valor : 
for the Goofe carries not the Fox. It is well ; leaue it to 
his difcretion, and let vs hearken to the Moone. 

Moon. This Lanthorne doth the horned Moone pre- 
fent. 

De. He mould haue worne the homes on his head. 

Du. Hee is no crefcent, and his homes are inuifible, 
within the circumference. 

Moon. This lanthorne doth the horned Moone pre- 
fent : My felfe, the man i'th Moone doth feeme to be. 

Du. This is the greateft error of all the reft; the man 
mould be put into the Lanthorne. How is it els the man 
i'th Moone ? 

Dem. He dares not come there for the candle. 
For you fee, it is already in fnuffe. 

Dut. I am vvearie of this Moone ; would he would 
change. 

Du. It appeares by his fmal light of difcretion, that 
he is in the wane : but yet in courtefie, in all reafon, we 
muft ftay the time. 

Lyf. Proceed Moone. 

Moon. All that I haue to fay, is to tell you, that the 
Lanthorne is the Moone; I, the man in the Moone ; this 
thorne bum, my thorne bum; and this dog, my dog. 

Dem. Why all thefe mould be in the Lanthorne: for 
they are in the Moone. But filence, heere comes Thisby. 

Enter Thisby. 
Tbif. This is old Ninnies tombe : where is my loue ? 
Lyon. Oh. 

The Lion roares, Thisby runs off. 
Dem. Well roar'd Lion. 



Du. Well run Thisby. 
Dut. Well ihone Moone. 
Truly the Moone ftiines with a good grace. 
Du. Wei mouz'd Lion. 
Dem. And then came Piramus. 
Lyf. And fo the Lion vaniflit. 

Enter Piramus. 

Pyr.Sweet Moone,I thank thee for thy funny beames, 
I thanke thee Moone, for mining now fo bright: 
For by thy gracious, golden, glittering beames, 
I truft to tafte of trueft Thubies fight. 
But ftay : O fpight ! but marke,poore Knight, 
What dreadful dole is heere ? 
Eyes do you fee ! How can it be • 
O dainty Ducke : O Deere I 
Thy mantle good ; what ftaind with blood I 
Approch you Furies fell : 
O Fates/ come, come : Cut thred and thrum, 
Quaile, crum, conclude, and quell. 

Du. This paffion,and the death of a deare friend, 
Would go neere to make a man looke fad. 

Dut. Befhrew my heart, but I pittie the man. 

Pir. O wherefore Nature, did'ft thou Lions frame ? 
Since Lion vilde hath heere deflour'd my deere : 
Which is : no, no, which was the faireft Dame 
That liu'd, that lou'd, that lik'd, that look'd with cheere. 
Come teares, confound : Out fword,and wound 
The pap of Piramus : 
I, that left pap, where heart doth hop ; 
Thus dye I, thus, thus, thus. 

Now am I dead, now am I fled, my foule is in the sky, 
Tongue lofe thy light, Moone take thy flight, 
Now dye, dye, dye, dye, dye. 

T>em. No Die, but an ace for him ; for he is but one. 

Lif. LefTe then an ace man. For he is dead, he is no- 
thing. 

Du. With the helpe of a Surgeon, he might yet reco- 
uer, and proue an AfTe. 

Dut. How chance Moone-fhine is gone before ? 
Thisby comes backe, and findes her Louer. 

Enter Thisby. 

Duke. She wil finde him by ftarre-light. 
Heere me comes, and her paflion ends the play. 

Dut. Me thinkes mee mould not vfe a long one for 
fuch a Piramus : I hope (he will be breefe; 

Dem. A Moth wil turne the ballance, which Piramus 
which Thiiby is the better. (eyes. 

Lyf. She hath fpyed him already, with thofe fweete 

Dem. And thus fhe meanes, -videlicit. 

This. Afleepe my Loue ? What, dead my Doue ? 
O Piramus arife : 

Speake,Speake. Quite dumbe? Dead, dead? A tombe 
Muft couer thy fweet eyes. 
Thefe Lilly Lips, this cherry nofe, 
Thefe yellow Cowflip cheekes 
Are gone, are gone : Louers make mone : 
His eyes were greene as Leekes. 
O lifters three, come, come to mee, 
With hands as pale as Milke, 
Lay them in gore, fince you haue more 
With Iheeres, his thred of filke. 
Tongue not a word : Come trufty fword : 
Come blade, my breft imbrue : 

O 3 And 



1 6 2 A Midfommer nights Dreame. 


And farwell friends, thus Thiibie ends ; 


By the dead and drowfie fier, 




Adieu, adieu, adieu. 


Euerie Elfe and Fairie fpright, 




Duk. Moon-mine & Lion are left to burie the dead. 


Hop as light as bird from brier, 




Deme. I, and Wall too. 


And this Ditty after me, fing and dance it trippi 


raglie. 


Bot. No, I affure you, the wall is downe, that parted 


Tita. Firft rehearfe this fong by roate, 




their Fathers. Will it pleafe you to fee the Epilogue, or 


To each word a warbling note. 




to heare a Bergomask dance, betweene two of our com- 


Hand in hand, with Fairie grace, 




pany? 


Will we fing and bleffe this place. 




Duk. No Epilogue, I pray you ; for your play needs 


The Song. 




no excufe. Neuer excufe ; for when the plaiers are all 


Now <vntill the breake of day , 




dead, there need none to be blamed. Marry, if hee that 


Through this houje each Fairy fir ay. 




writ it had plaid Piramm, and hung himfelfe in Thisbies 


To the beft Bride-bed -will -we, 




garter,it would haue beene a fine Tragedy: and fo it is 


Which by -vs Jhall bleffed be : 




truely, and very notably difcharg'd. But come, your 


And the iffue there create, 




Burgomaske ; let your Epilogue alone. 


Euer Jhall be fortunate : 




The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelue. 


Sofhall all the couples three, 




Louers to bed, 'tis almoft Fairy time. 


Euer true in louing be : 




I feare we ihall out-fleepe the comming morne, 


And the blots of Natures hand, 




As much as we this night haue ouer-watcht. 


Shall not in their iffue fiand. 




This palpable groffe play hath well beguil'd 


Neuer mole, harelip, nor fcarre, 
Nor marke prodigious, fuch as are 




The heauy gate of night. Sweet friends to bed. 




A fortnight hold we this folemnity. 


•Defpifed in Natiuitie, 




In nightly Reuels; and new iollitie. Exeunt. 


Shall -vpon their children be . 
With this field deiu confecrate , 




Enter Pucke. 


Euery Fairy take his gate , 




Puck Now the hungry Lyons rores, 


And each jeuerall chamber bleffe , 




And the Wolfe beholds the Moone : 


Through this Pallace with fweet peace, 




Whileft the heauy ploughman fnores, 


Euer Jhall infafety reft, 
And the owner of it bleft. 




All with weary taske fore-done. 




Now the wafted brands doe glow, 


Trip away, make no flay ; 




Whil'ft the fcritch-owle,fcritching loud, 


Meet me all by breake of day. 




Puts the wretch that lies in woe, 






In remembrance of a fhrowd. 


Robin. If we fhadowes haue offended, 




Now it is the time of night, 


Thinke but this (and all is mended) 




That the graues, all gaping wide, 


That you haue but flumbred heere, 




Euery one lets forth his fpright, 


While thefe vifions did appeare. 




In the Church-way paths to glide. 


And this weake and idle theame, 




And we Fairies, that do runne, 


No more yeelding but a dreame, 




By the triple Hecates teame , 


Centles, doe not reprehend. 




From the prefence of the Sunne, 


If you pardon, we will mend. 




Following darkeneffe like a dreame, 


And as I am an honeft Pucke , 




Now are frollicke ; not a Moufe 


If we haue vnearned lucke, 




Shall difturbe this hallowed houfe. 


Now to fcape the Serpents tongue, 




I am fent with broome before, 


We will make amends ere long : 




To fweep the duft behinde the doore. 


Elfe the Pucke a lyar call. 
So good night vnto you all. 




Enter King and S^ueene of Fairies, -with their frame. 


Giue me your hands, if we be friends, 




Ob. Through the houfe giue glimmering light, 


And Robin mall reftore amends. 




FINIS. 





i6 3 




The Merchant of Venice, 



aABus primus. 




Enter Antbonio, Salarino, and Salanio. 

Antbonio. 
N footh I know not why I am fo fad, 
It wearies me : you fay it wearies you ; 

ut how I caught it, found it, or came by it, 
What ftuffe 'tis made of, whereof it is borne, 
to learne : and fuch a Want-wit fadneffe makes of 
mee, 
That I haue much ado to know my felfe. 

&r/. Your minde is tofsing on the Ocean, 
There where your Argofies with portly faile 
Like Signiors and rich Burgers on the flood, 
Or as it were the Pageants of the fea, 
Do ouer-peere the pettie Traffiquers 
That curtfie to them, do them reuerence 
As they flye by them with their wouen wings. 

Salar. Beleeue me fir, had I fuch venture forth, 
The better part of my affections, would 
Be with my hopes abroad. I mould be ftill 
Plucking the graffe to know where fits the winde, 
Peering in Maps for ports, and peers, and rodes: 
And euery obieft that might make me feare 
Misfortune to my ventures, out of doubt 
Would make me fad. 

Sal. My winde cooling my broth, 
Would blow me to an Ague, when I thought 
What harme a winde too great might doe at fea. 
I fliould not fee the fandie houre-glaffe runne, 
But I fhould thinke of mallows, and of flats, 
And fee my wealthy Andrew docks in fand, 
Vailing her high top lower then her ribs 
To kifle her buriall ; ftiould I goe to Church 
And fee the holy edifice of ftone, 
And not bethinke me ftraight of dangerous rocks, 
Which touching but my gentle VefTels fide 
Would fcatter all her fpices on the ftreame , 
Enrobe the roring waters with my filkes, 
And in a word, but euen now worth this, 
And now worth nothing. Shall I haue the thought 
To thinke on this, and fliall I lacke the thought 
That fuch a thing bechaune'd would make me fad? 
But tell not me, I know Antbonio 
Is fad to thinke vpon his merchandize. 

Antb. Beleeue me no,I thanke my fortune for it, 
My ventures are not in one bottome fruited, 
Nor to one place ; nor is my whole eftate 



163 



Vpon the fortune of this prefent yeere : 
Therefore my merchandize makes me not fad. 

Sola. Why then you are in loue. 

Antb. Fie, fie. 

Sola. Not in loue neither : then let vs fay you are fad 
Becaufe you are not merry ; and 'twere as eafie 
For you to laugh and leape,and fay you are merry 
Becaufe you are not fad. Now by two-headed Iamu , 
Nature hath fram'd ftrange fellowes in her time : 
Some that will euermore peepe through their eyes, 
And laugh like Parrats at a bag-piper. 
And other of fuch vineger afpeft, 
That they'll not fhew their teeth in way of fmile, 
Though Nejlor fweare the ieft be laughable. 

Enter BaJJanio, Lorenfo, and Gratiano. 

Sola. Heere comes "Bajfanio, 
Your raoft noble Kinfman, 
Gratiano, and Lorenfo. Faryewell, 
We leaue you now with better company. 

Sala. I would haue ftaid till I had made you merry, 
If worthier friends had not preuented me. 

*Ant. Your worth is very deere in my regard. 
I take it your owne bufines calls on you, 
And you embrace th'occafion to depart. 

Sal. Good morrow my good Lords. (when? 

'Bajf. Good figniors both, when fhall we laugh? fay, 
You grow exceeding ftrange : muft it be fo ? 

Sal. Wee'U make our leyfures to attend on yours. 
Exeunt Salarino , and Solanio. 

Lor. My Lord 'BaffanioyCmce you haue found Antbonio 
We two will leaue you, but at dinner time 
I pray you haue in minde where we muft meete. 

Bajf. I will not faile you. 

Qrat. You looke not well fignior Antbonio , 
You haue too much refpeft vpon the world : - 
They loofe it that doe buy it with much care, 
Beleeue me you are maruelloully chang'd. 

Ant. I hold the world but as the world Gratiano, 
A ftage, where euery man muft play a part, 
And mine a fad one. 

Grati. Let me play the foole, 
With mirth and laughter let old wrinckles come, 
And let my Liuer rather heate with wine, 
Then my heart coole with mortifying grones. 
Why ihould a man whofe bloud is warme within, 
Sit like his Grandfire, cut in Alablafter ? 
Sleepe when he wakes ? and creep into the Iaundies 



l62 



The <£M ere h ant of Venice . 



By being peeuifh? I tell thee what Anthonio , 
I loue thee, and it is my loue that fpeakes : 
There are a fort of men, vvhofe vifages 
Do creame and mantle like a ftanding pond, 
And do a wilfull ftilnefle entertaine, 
With purpofe to be dreft in an opinion 
Of wiiedome, grauity, profound conceit, 
As who (hould fay, I am fir an Oracle, 
And when I ope my lips, let no dogge barke. 

my Anthonio, 1 do know of thefe 
That therefore onely are reputed wife, 
For faying nothing ; when I am verie fure 

If they mould fpeake, would almoft dam thofe eares 

Which hearing them would call their brothers fooles : 

He tell thee more of this another time. 

But fi(h not with this melancholly baite 

For this foole Gudgin, this opinion : 

Come good Lorenzo, faryewell a while, 

He end my exhortation after dinner. 

Lor. Well, we will leaue you then till dinner time. 

1 muft be one of thefe fame dumbe wife men, 
For Gratiano neuer let's me fpeake. 

Gra. Well, keepe me company but two yeares mo, 
Thou malt not know the found of thine owne tongue. 

tAnt. Far you well, He grow a talker for this geare. 

Gra. Thankes ifaith,for filence is onely commendable 
In a neats tongue dri'd, and a maid not vendible. Exit. 

Ant. It is that any thing now. 

'Baf. Gratiano fpeakes an infinite deale of nothing, 
more then any man in all Venice, his reafons are two 
graines of wheate hid in two bufhels of chaffe:you (hall 
feeke all day ere you finde them, & when you haue them 
they are not worth the fearch. 

An. Well : tel me now, what Lady is the fame 
To whom you fwore a fecret Pilgrimage 
That you to day promis'd to tel me of? 

'Baf. Tis not vnknowne to you Anthonio 
How much I haue dilabled mine eftate, 
By fomething mewing a more fwelling port 
Then my faint meanes would grant continuance : 
Nor do I now make mone to be abridg'd 
From fuch a noble rate, but my cheefe care 
Is to come fairely off from the great debts 
Wherein my time fomething too prodigall 
Hath left me gag'd : to you Anthonio 
I owe the moft in money,and in loue, 
And from your loue I haue a warrantie 
To vnburthen all my plots and purpofes, 
How to get cleere of all the debts I owe. 

An. I pray you good c Ba£anio let me know it, 
And if it (land as you your felfe ftill do, 
Within the eye of honour, be affur'd 
My purfe, my perfon, my extreameft meanes 
Lye all vnlock'd to your occafions. 

'Bajf. In my fchoole dayes, when I had loft one (haft 
I (hot his fellow of the felfefame flight 
The felfefame way, with more aduifed watch 
To finde the other forth, and by aduenturing both, 
I oft found both. I vrge this child-hoode proofe, 
Becaufe what followes is pure innocence. 
I owe you much, and like a wilfull youth, 
That which I owe is loft : but if you pleafe 
To (hoote another arrow that felfe way 
Which you did (hoot the firft, I do not doubt, 
As I will watch the ayme : Or to finde both, 
Or bring your latter hazard backe againe, 



And thankfully reft debter for the firft. 

*An. You know me well, and herein fpend but time 
To winde about my loue with circumftance, 
And out of doubt you doe more wrong 
In making queftion of my vttermoft 
Then if you had made wafte of all I haue: 
Then doe but fay to me what I ihould doe 
That in your knowledge may by me be done, 
And I am preft vnto it : therefore fpeake. 

Bajf. In 'Belmont is a Lady richly left , 
And (he is faire, and fairer then that word, 
Of wondrous vertues, fometimes from her eyes 
I did receiue faire fpeechlefTe meflages : 
Her name is Portia, nothing vndervallewd 
To faro's daughter, Brutus Portia, 
Nor is the wide world ignorant of her worth, 
For the foure windes blow in from euery coaft 
Renowned futors , and her funny locks 
Hang on her temples like a golden fleece, 
Which makes her feat of Belmont Qholcbos ftrond, 
And many Iafons come in queft of her. 

my Anthonio, had I but the meanes 
To hold a riuall place with one of them, 

1 haue a minde prefages me fuch thrift, 
That I ihould queftionleffe be fortunate. 

Anth. Thou knowft that all my fortunes are at fea, 
Neither haue I money, nor commodity 
To raife a prefent fumme, therefore goe forth 
Try what my credit can in Venice doe , 
That (hall be rackt euen to the vttermoft, 
To furnifh thee to 'Belmont to faire Portia. 
Goe prefently enquire, and fo will I 
Where money is, and I no queftion make 
To haue it of my truft, or for my fake. Exeunt. 

Enter Portia ivith her -waiting woman Nerijfa. 

Portia. By my troth Nerrijfa, my little body is a wea- 
rie of this great world. 

Ner. You would be fweet Madam , if your miferies 
were in the fame abundance as your good fortunes are : 
and yet for ought I fee, they are as ficke that furfet with 
too much, as they that ftarue with nothing ; it is no fmal 
happineffe therefore to bee feated in the meane, fuper- 
fluitie comes fooner by white haires , but competence 
liues longer. 

Portia. Good fentences,and well pronoune'd. 

Ner. They would be better if well followed. 

Portia. If to doe were as eafie as to know what were 
good to doe, Chappels had beene Churches, and poore 
mens cottages Princes Pallaces: it is a good Diuine that 
followes his owne inftrudtions; I can eafier teach twen- 
tie what were good to be done, then be one of the twen- 
tie to follow mine owne teaching : the braine may de- 
uife lawes for the blood , but a hot temper leapes ore a 
colde decree, fuch a hare is madnefle the youth, to skip 
ore the mefties of good counfaile the cripple ; but this 
reafon is not in falhion to choofe me a husband : O mee, 
the word choofe, I may neither choofe whom I would, 
nor refufe whom I d'.flike, fo is the wil of a liuing daugh- 
ter curb'd by the will of a dead father: it is not hard Ner- 
rijfa, that I cannot choofe one, nor refufe none. 

Ner. Your father was euer vertuous, and holy men 
at their death haue good infpirations, therefore the lot- 
terie that hee hath deuifed in thefe three chefts of gold, 
filuer, and Ieade, whereof who choofes his meaning, 

choofes 

F6T~ 



The ^Merchant of Venice. 



163 



choofes you, wil no doubt neuer be chofen by any right- 
ly, but one who you fhall rightly loue : but what warmth 
is there in your affedtion towards any of thefe Princely 
futers that are already come ? 

Por. I pray thee ouer-name them, and as thou nameft 
them, I will defcribe them, and according to my defcrip- 
tien leuell at my affecYion. 

Ner. Firft there is the Neopolitane Prince. 

Por. I that's a colt indeede, for he doth nothing but 
talke of his horfe, and hee makes it a great appropria- 
tion to his owne good parts that he can moo him him- 
felfe : I am much afraid my Ladie his mother plaid falfe 
with a Smyth. 

Ner. Than is there the Countie Palentine. 

Por. He doth nothing but frowne fas who mould 
fay,and you will not haue me,choofe : he heares merne 
tales and fmiles not, I feare hee will proue the weeping 
Phylofopher when he growes old, being fo full of vn- 
mannerly fadnefTe in his youth. )I had rather to be marri- 
ed to a deaths head with a bone in his mouth, then to ei- 
ther of thefe : God defend me from thefe two. 

Ner. How fay you by the French Lord, Mounfier 
Le Boune ? 

Pro. God made him, and therefore let him paffe for a 
man, in truth I know it is a finne to be a mocker, but he, 
why he hath a horfe better then the Neopolitans, a bet- 
ter bad habite of frowning then the Count Palentine, he 
is euery man in no man, if a Traflell fing, he fals ftraight 
a capring, he will fence with his own fhadow. If I mould 
marry him, 1 mould marry twentie husbands : if hee 
would defpife me, I would forgiue him, for if he loue me 
to madnefTe,I mould neuer requite him. 

Ner. What fay you then to Fauconbr idge , the yong 
Baron of England} 

Por. You know I fay nothing to him, for hee vnder- 
ftands not me,nor I him ; he hath neither Latine, French, 
nor Italian, and you will come into the Court & fweare 
that I haue a poore pennie-worth in the Snglijb : hee is a 
proper mans picture, but alas who can conuerfe with a 
dumbe /how ? how odly he is fuited,I thinke he bought 
his doublet in Italie, his round hofe in France,hh bonnet 
in Germanie, and his behauiour euery where. 

Ner. What thinke you of the other Lord his neigh- 
bour ? 

Por. That he hath a neighbourly charitie in him, for 
he borrowed a boxe of the eare of the Etiglijhman, and 
fwore he would pay him againe when hee was able : I 
thinke the Frenchman became his furetie,and feald vnder 
for another. 

Ner. How like you the yong Germaine, the Duke of 
Saxonies Nephew ? 

Por. Very vildely in the morning when hee is fober, 
and moft vildely in the afternoone when hee is drunke : 
when he is beft, he is a little worfe then a man, and when 
he is worft, he is little better then a beaft : and the worft 
fall that euer fell, I hope 1 fliall make ftiift to goe with- 
out him. 

Ner.If he mould offer to choofe,and choofe the right 
Casket, you mould refufe to performe your Fathers will, 
if you mould refufe to accept him. 

Por. Therefore for feare of the worft, I pray thee fet 
a deepe glafle of Reinilh-wine on the contrary Casket, 
for if the diuell be within, and that temptation without, 
I know he will choofe it. I will doe any thing Nerriffa 
ere I will be married to a fpunge. 

Ner. You neede not feare Lady the hauing any of 



165 



thefe Lords, they haue acquainted me with their deter- 
minations, which is indeede to returne to their home, 
and to trouble you with no more fuite, vnlefle you may 
be won by fome other fort then your Fathers impofiti- 
on, depending on the Caskets. 

Por. If I liue to be as olde as Sibilla, I will dye as 
chafte as 'Diana: vnlefle I be obtained by the manner 
of my Fathers will : I am glad this parcell of wooers 
are fo reafonable , for there is not one among them but 
I doate on hjs verie abfence : and I wiih them a faire de- 
parture. 

Ner. Doe you not remember Ladie in your Fa- 
thers time, a Venecian, a Scholler and a Souldior that 
came hither in companie of the Marquefle of oMount- 
ferrate 

Por. Yes,yes,it was c Baffanio, as I thinke, fo was hee 
call'd. 

Ner. True Madam, hee of all the men that euer my 
foolifli eyes look'd vpon, was the beft deferuing a faire 
Lady. 

Por. I remember him well, and I remember him wor- 
thy of thy praife. 

Enter a Seruingman. 

Ser. The foure Strangers feeke you Madam to take 
their leaue : and there is a fore-runner come from a fift, 
the Prince of Moroco, who brings word the Prince his 
Maifter will be here to night. 

Por. If I could bid the fift welcome with fo good 
heart as I can bid the other foure farewell, I mould be 
glad of his approach : if he haue the condition of a Saint, 
and the complexion of a diuell, I had rather hee mould 
Ihriue me then wiue me. Come Nerriffa, hrrz go before; 
whiles wee fhut the gate vpon one wooer, another 
knocks at the doore. Exeunt. 

Enter Bajfanio with Shylocke the Iezu. 

Shy. Three thoufand ducates,well. 

^aff. I fir, for three months. 

Shy. For three months, well. 

Baff. For the which, as I told you, 
Anthonio (hall be bound. 

Shy. Anthonio mall become bound, well. 

'Baff. May you fted me? Will you pleafure me? 
Shall I know your anfwere. 

Shy. Three thoufand ducats for three months, 
and Anthonio bound. 

'Baff. Your anfwere to that. 

Shy. Anthonio is a good man. 

Baff. Haue you heard any imputation to the con- 
trary. 

Shy. Ho no, no, no, no : my meaning in faying he is a 
good man, is to haue you vnderftand me that he is fufri- 
ent, yet his meanes are in fuppofition : he hath an Argo- 
fie bound to Tripolis, another to the Indies, I vnder- 
ftand moreouer vpon the Ryalta, he hath a third at Mexi- 
co,a fourth for England, and other ventures hee hath 
fquandred abroad, but mips are but boords, Saylers but 
men, there be land rats, and water rats, water theeues, 
and land theeues, I meane Pyrats, and then there is the 
perrill of waters, windes,and rocks : the man is notwith- 
ftanding fu ffici en t, three thoufand ducats, I thinke I may 
take his bond. 

^BaJ. Be affured you may. 

letu. I 



i66 



The ^Merchant of Venice. 



lew. I will be affured I may : and that I may be affu- 
red, I will bethinke mee, may I fpeake with Antho- 
nio f 

Bajf. If it pleafe you to dine with vs. 

lew. Yes, to fmell porke, to eate of the habitation 
which your Prophet the Nazarite coniured the diuell 
into : I will buy with you, fell with you, talke with 
you, walke with you, and fo following : but I will 
not eate with you,drinke with you, nor pray with you. 
What newes on the Ryalta, who is he comes here ? 

Enter Anthonio. 

<Baff. This is fignior Anthonio. 

lew. How like a fawning publican he lookes. 
I hate him for he is a Chriftian : 
But more, for that in low fimplicitie 
He lends out money gratis, and brings downe 
The rate of vfance here with vs in Venice. 
If I can catch him once vpon the hip, 
I will feede fat the ancient grudge I beare him. 
He hates our facred Nation, and he railes 
Euen there where Merchants raoft doe congregate 
On me, my bargaines,and my well-worne thrift, 
Which he cals interreft : Curfed be my Trybe 
If I forgiue him. 

Bajf. Shylock, doe you heare. 

Shy. I am debating of my prefent ftore, 
And by the neere gefle of my memorie 
I cannot inftantly raife vp the groffe 
Of full three thoufand ducats : what of that? 
Tuball a wealthy Hebrew of my Tribe 
Will furnifli mejbut {oft, how many months 
Doe you defire ? Reft you faire good fignior, 
Your worfhip was the laft man in our mouthes. 

Ant. Shylocke, albeit I neither lend nor borrow 
By taking, nor by giuing of excefTe, 
Yet to fupply the ripe wants of my friend, 
He breake a cuftome : is he yet poffeft 
How much he would ? 

Shy. I, I, three thoufand ducats. 

Ant. And for three months. 

Shy. I had forgot, three months, you told me fo. 
Well then, your bond : and let me fee, but heare you, 
Me thoughts you faid,you neither lend nor borrow 
Vpon aduantage. 

Ant. I doe neuer vfe it. 

Shy. When Iacob graz'd his Vncle Laham iheepe, 
This Iacob from our holy Abram was 
(As his wife mother wrought in his behalfe) 
The third poffeffer ; I,he was the third. 

Ant. And what of him, did he take interreft ? 

Shy. No, not take intereft,not as you would fay 
Direftly intereft, marke what Iacob did, 
When Laban and himfelfe were compremyz'd 
That all the eanelings which were ftreakt and pied 
Should fall as Iacobs hier, the Ewes being rancke, 
In end of Autumne turned to the Rammes, 
And when the worke of generation was 
Betweene thefe woolly breeders in the aft, 
The skilfull ftiepheard pil'd me certaine wands, 
And in the dooing of the deede of kinde, 
He ftucke them vp before the fulfome Ewes, 
Who then conceauing, did in eaning time 
Fall party-colour'd lambs, and thofe were Iacobs. 
This was a way to thriue,and he was bleft : 



And thrift is bl effing if men fteale it not. 

Ant. This was a venture fir that Iacob feru'd for, 
A thing not in his power to bring to pafTe, 
But fway'd and fafhion'd by the hand of heauen. 
Was this inferted to make interreft good ? 
Or is your gold and filuer Ewes and Rams ? 

Shy. I cannot tell, I make it breede as faft, * 

But note me fignior. 

Ant. Marke you this Baffanio, 
The diuell can cite Scripture for his purpofe, 
An euill foule producing holy witneffe, 
Is like a villaine with a mailing cheeke, 
A goodly apple rotten at the heart. 

what a goodly outfide falfehood hath. 

Shy. Three thoufand ducats, 'tis a good round fum. 
Three months from twelue,then let me fee the rate. 

Ant. Well Shykcke,{hal\ we be beholding to you ? 

Shy. Signior Anthonio, many a time and oft 
In the Ryalto you haue rated me 
About my monies and my vfances : 
Still haue I borne it with a patient fhrug, 
(For fuffrance is the badge of all our Tribe.) 
You call me misbeleeuer, cut-throate dog, 
And fpet vpon my Iewim gaberdine, 
And all for vfe of that which is mine owne. 
Well then, it now appeares you neede my helpe : 
Goe to then, you come to me, and you fay, 
Shylocke, we would haue moneyes,you fay fo : 
You that did voide your rume vpon my beard, 
And foote me as you fpurne a ftranger curre 
Ouer your thremold,moneyes is your fuite. 
What fliould I fay to you ? Should I not fay, 
Hath a dog money ? Is it poffible 
A curre fhould lend three thoufand ducats? or 
Shall I bend low, and in a bond-mans key 
With bated breath, and whifpring humbleneffe, 
Say this : Faire fir, you fpet on me on Wednefday laft ; 
You fpurn'd me fuch a day; another time 
You cald me dog : and for thefe curtefies 
He lend you thus much moneyes. 

Ant. I am as like to call thee fo againe, 
To fpet on thee againe, to fpurne thee too. 
If thou wilt lend this money, lend it not 
As to thy friends, for when did friendfhip take 
A breede of barraine mettall of his friend? 
But lend it rather to thine enemie, 
Who if he breake, thou maift with better face 
Exaft the penalties. 

Shy. Why looke you how you ftorme, 

1 would be friends with you, and haue your loue, 
Forget the mames that you haue ftaind me with,. 
Supplie your prefent wants, and take no doite 

Of vfance for my.moneyes,and youle not heare me, 
This is kinde I offer. 

'Baff. This were kindneffe. 

Shy. This kindneffe will I fhowe, 
Goe with me to a Notarie,feale me there 
Your fingle bond, and in a merrie fport 
If you repaie me not on fuch a day, 
In fuch a place, fuch fum or fums as are 
Expreft in the condition, let the forfeite 
Be nominated for an equall pound 
Of your faire flefli,to be cut off and taken 
In what part of your bodie it pleafeth me. 

Ant. Content infaith,Ile feale to fuch a bond, 
And fay there is much kindneffe in the lew. 

•Ba/T. You 



The Merchant of Venice. 



167 



'Bajf. You (hall not feale to fuch a bond for me, 
He rather dwell in my neceffitie. 

Ant. Why feare not man, I will not forfaite it, 
Within thefe.two months, that's a month before 
This bond expires, I doe expect returne 
Of thrice three times the valew of this bond. 

Shy. O father Abram, what thefe Chriftians are, 
Whofe owne hard dealings teaches them fufpeft 
The thoughts of others : Praie you tell me this, 
If he mould breake his daie, what mould I gaine 
By the exaftion of the forfeiture ? 
A pound of mans flelh taken from a man, 
Is not fo eftimable, profitable neither 
As flelh of Muttons, Beefes, or Goates,I fay 
To buy his fauour,I extend this friendfhip, 
If he will take it,fo:if not adiew, 
And for my loue I praie you wrong me not. 
Ant. Yes Sbylocke, I will feale vnto this bond. 
Sby. Then meete me forthwith at the Notaries, 
Giue him direction for this merrie bond, 
And I will goe and purfe the ducats ftraite. 
See to my houfe left in the fearefull gard 
Of an vnthriftie knaue : and prefentlie 
He be with you. Exit. 

Ant. Hie thee gentle lew. This Hebrew will turne 
Chriftian,he growes kinde. 

'Bajf. I like not faire teames, and a villaines minde. 
eAnt. Come on, in this there can be no difmaie, 
My Shippes come home a month before the daie. 

Exennt. 



Aclus Secundus. 



Enter Morochui a tawnie Moore all in white, and three or 
foure followers accordingly, -with Portia, 
Nerriffa, and their traine. 
Flo. Cornets. 

Mor. Miflike me not for my complexion, 
The (hadowed liuerie of the burni/ht funne, 
To whom I am a neighbour, and neere bred. 
Bring me the faireft creature North-ward borne, 
Where Phoebus fire fcarce thawes the yficles, 
And let vs make incifion for your loue, 
To proue whofe blood is reddeft,his or mine. 
I tell thee Ladie this afpeft of mine 
Hath feard the valiant, fby my loue I fwearej 
The beft regarded Virgins of our Clyme 
Haue lou'd it to : I would not change this hue, 
Except to fteale your thoughts my gentle Queene. 

Por. In tearmes of choife I am not folie led 
By nice direction of a maidens eies : 
Befides, the lottrie of my deftenie 
Bars me the right of voluntarie choofing : 
But if my Father had not fcanted me, 
And hedg'd me by his wit to yeelde my felfe 
His wife, who wins me by that meanes I told you, 
Your felfe (renowned Prince) than flood as faire 
As any commer I haue look'd on yet 
For my affecYion. 

Mor. Euen for that I thanke you, 
Therefore I pray you leade me to the Caskets 
To trie my fortune : By this Symitare 



167 



That flew the Sophie, and a Perfian Prince 
That won three fields of Sultan Solyman, 
I would ore-ftare the fterneft eies that looke : 
Out-braue the heart moft daring on the earth : 
Plucke the yong fucking Cubs from the (he Beare, 
Yea,mocke the Lion when he rores for pray 
To win the Ladie. But alas, the while 
If Hercules and Lychas plaie at dice 
Which is the better man, the greater throw 
May turne by fortune from the weaker hand : 
So is Alcidts beaten by his rage, 
And fo may I,blinde fortune leading me 
MifTe that which one vnworthier may attaine, 
And die with grieuing. 

Port. You muft take your chance, 
And either not attempt to choofe at all, 
Or fweare before you choofe, if you choofe wrong 
Neuer to fpeake to Ladie afterward * 
In way of marriage, therefore be aduis'd. 

Mor. Nor will not, come bring me vnto my chance. 

Por. Firft forward to the temple, after dinner 
Your hazard (hall be made. 

Mor. Good fortune then, Cornets. 

To make me bleft or curfed'ft among men. Exeunt. 

Enter the Clowne alone. 

Qlo. Certainely, my confcience will ferue me to run 
from this lew my Maifter : the fiend is at mine elbow, 
and tempts me,faying to vat, Iobbe, Launcelet Iobbe, good 
Launcelet, or good Iobbe, or good Launcelet Iobbe, vfe 
your legs, take the ftart, run awaie : my confcience faies 
no ; take heede honeft Launcelet, take heed honeft Iobbe, 
or as afore-faid honeft Launcelet Iobbe, doe not runne, 
fcorne running with thy heeles ; well, the moft coragi- 
ous fiend bids me packe, fia faies the fiend, away faies 
the fiend, for the heauens roufe vp a braue minde faies 
the fiend, and run ; well, my confcience hanging about 
the necke of my heart, faies verie wifely to me ; my ho- 
neft friend Launcelet, being an honeft mans fonne, or ra- 
ther an honeft womans fonne, for indeede my Father did 
fomething fmack,fomething grow too; he had a kinde of 
tafte; wel,my confcience faies Lancelet bouge not, bouge 
faies the fiend, bouge not faies my confcience, confcience 
fay I you counfaile well, fiend fay I you counfaile well, 
to be rul'd by my confcience I mould (lay with the lew 
my Maifter,(who God bleffe the marke)is a kinde of di- 
uell ; and to run away from the lew I mould be ruled by 
the fiend, who fauing your reuerence is the diuell him- 
felfe : certainely the lew is the verie diuell incarnation, 
and in my confcience, my confcience is a kinde of hard 
confcience, to offer to counfaile me to (lay with the lew; 
the fiend giues the more friendly counfaile : I will runne 
fiend, my heeles are at your commandement, I will 



Enter old Gobbo -with a Bafket. 

Gob. Maifter yong-man, you I praie you, which is the 
waie to Maifter Iewes? 

Lan. O heauens,this is my true begotten Father, who 
being more then fand-blinde,high grauel blinde, knows 
me not, I will trie confufions with him. 

Gob. Maifter yong Gentleman, I praie you which is 
the waie to Maifter Iewes. 

Laun. Turne vpon your right hand at the next tur- 
ning 



The SVLer chant of Venice. 



ning, but at the next turning of all on your left; marrie 
at the verie next turning, turne of no hand, but turn down 
indirectlie to the hives houfe. 

Gob. Be Gods fonties 'twill be a hard waie to hit, can 
you tell me whether one Launcelet that dwels with him, 
dwell with him or no. 

Laun. Talke you of yong Mafter Launceht, marke 
me now, now will I raife the waters ; talke you of yong 
Maifter Launcelet? 

Gob. No Maifter fir, but a poore mans fonne, his Fa- 
ther though I fay't is an honeft exceeding poore man, 
and God be thanked well to Hue. 

Lan. Well, let his Father be what a will, wee talke of 
yong Maifter Launcelet. 

Gob. Your worships friend and Launcelet. 

iaas.But I praie you ergo old man, ergo I befeech you, 
talke you of yong Maifter Launcelet. 

Gob. Of Launcelet, ant pieafe your maifterfhip. 

Lan.Srgo Maifter Lance/et, talke not of maifter Lance- 
let Father,for the yong gentleman according to fates and 
deftinies, and fuch odde fayings, the fitters three, & fuch 
branches of learnings is indeede deceafed, or as you 
would fay in plaine tearmes, gone to heauen. 

Qob. Marrie God forbid, the boy was the verie ftaffe 
of my age, my verie prop. 

Lau. Do 1 look like a cudgell or a houell-poft, a ftaffe 
or a prop : doe you know me Father. 

Gob. Alacke the day, I know you not yong Gentle- 
man, but I praie you tell me, is my boy God reft his foule 
aliue or dead. 

Lan. Doe you not know me Father. 

Gob. Alacke fir I am fand blinde, I know you not. 

Lan. Nay, indeede if you had your eies you might 
faile of the knowing me: it is a wife Father that knowes 
his owne childe. Well, old man, I will tell you newes of 
your fon,giue me your bleffing, truth will come to light, 
murder cannot be hid long, a mans fonne may, but in the 
end truth will out. 

Gob. Praie you fir ftand vp, I am fure you are not 
Lancelet my boy. 

Lan. Praie you let's haue no more fooling about 
it, but giue mee your blefiing : I am Lancelet your 
boy that was, your fonne that is, your childe that 
mail be. 

Gob. I cannot thinke you are my fonne. 

Lan. I know not what I fhall thinke of that : but I am 
Lancelet the Iewes man, and I am fure Margerie your wife 
is my mother. 

Gob. Her name is Margerie indeede, He be fworne if 
thou be Lancelet, thou art mine owne flefh and blood : 
Lord worfhipt might he be, what a beard haft thou got; 
thou haft got more haire on thy chin, then Dobbin my 
philhorfe has on his taile. 

Lan. It fhould feeme then that Dobbins taile 
growes backeward. I am fure he had more haire of his 
taile then I haue of my face when I loft faw him. 

Gob. Lord how art thou chang'd : how dooft thou 
and thy Mafter agree, I haue brought him a prefentjhow 
gree you now f 

Lan. Well, well, but for mine owne part,as I haue fet 
vp my reft to run awaie, fo I will not reft till I haue run 
fome ground ; my Maifter's a verie lew, giue him a pre- 
fent, giue him a halter, I am famifht in his feruice. You 
may tell euerie finger I haue with my ribs : Father I am 
glad you are come, giue me your prefent to one Maifter 
Baffanio, who indeede giues rare new Liuories, if I ferue 



not him, I will run as far as God has anie ground. O rare 
fortune, here comes the man, to him Father, for I am a 
lew if I ferue the lew anie longer. 

Enter ^Baffanio with a follower or two. 

' Baff. You may doe fo, but let it be fo hafted that 
fupper be readie at the fartheft by fiue of the clocke : 
fee thefe Letters deliuered, put the Liueries to mak- 
ing, and defire Gratiano to come anone to my lodg- 
ing. 

Lan. To him Father. 

Gob. God bleffe your worfhip. 

'Baff. Gramercie, would'ft thou ought with me. 

Gob. Here's my fonne fir, a poore boy. 

Lan. Not a poore boy fir, but the rich Iewes man that 
would fir as my Father fhall fpecifie. 

Gob. He hath a great infeftion fir, as one would fay 
to ferue. 

Lan. Indeede the fhort and the long is, I ferue the 
lew, and haue a defire as my Father fhall fpecifie. 

Gob. His Maifter and he(fauing your worfhips reue— 
rence) are fcarce catercofins. 

Lan. To be briefe, the verie truth is, that the lew 
hauing done me wrong, doth caufe me as my Father be- 
ing I hope an old man fhall frutifie vnto you. 

Gob. I haue here a difh of Doues that I would beftow 
vpon your worfhip, and my fuite is. 

Lan. In verie briefe, the fuite is impertinent to my 
felfe,as your worfhip fhall know by this honeft old man, 
and though I fay it, though old man, yet poore man my 
Father. 

'Baff One fpeake for both, what would you ? 

Lan. Serue you fir. 

Gob. That is the verie defecT: of the matter fir. 

Baff. I know thee well, thou haft obtain'd thy fuite, 
Shylocke thy Maifter fpoke with me this daie, 
And hath prefer'd thee, if it be preferment 
To leaue a rich Iewes feruice, to become 
The follower of fo poore a Gentleman. 

Clo. The old prouerbe is verie well parted betweene 
my Maifter Sbylocke and you fir, you haue the grace of 
God fir, and he hath enough. 

Baff. Thou fpeak'ft it well ; go Father with thy Son, 
Take leaue of thy old Maifter, and enquire 
My lodging out, giue him a Liuerie 
More garded then his fellowes : fee it done. 

Clo. Father in, I cannot get a feruice, no, I haue nere 
a tongue in my head, well : if anie man in Iralie haue a 
fairer table which doth offer to fweare vpon a booke, I 
fhall haue good fortune; goe too, here's a fimple line 
of life, here's a fmall trifle of wiues, alas, fifteene wiues 
is nothing, a leuen widdowes and nine maides is a fim- 
ple comming in for one man, and then to fcape drow- 
ning thrice, and to be in perill of my life with the edge 
of a featherbed, here are fimple fcapes : well, if Fortune 
be a woman, fhe's a good wench for this gere : Father 
come, He take my leaue of the lew in the twinkling. 

Exit Clowne. 

Baff. I praie thee good Leonardo thinke on this, 
Thefe things being bought and orderly beftowed 
Returne in hafte, for I doe feaft to night 
My beft efteemd acquaintance, hie thee goe. 

Leon. My beft endeuors fhall be done herein. Exit.Le. 
Enter Gratiano. 

Gra. Where's your Maifter. 

Leon. Yonder 



The ^Merchant of Venice. 



169 



Leon. Yonder fir he walkes. 

Gra. Signior 'Baffanio. 

Baf. Gratiano. 

Gra. I haue a lute to you. 

Bajf. You haue obtain'd it. 

Gra. You muft not denie me, I muft goe with you to 
Belmont. 

^Baff. Why then you muft : but heare thee Gratiano, 
Thou art to vvilde,to rude, and bold of voyce, 
Parts that become thee happily enough, 
And in fuch eyes as ours appeare not faults; 
But where they are not knowne,why there they mow 
Something too liberall, pray thee take paine 
To allay with fome cold drops of modeftie 
Thy skipping fpirit,leaft through thy wilde behauiour 
I be mifconfterd in the place I goe to, 
And loofe my hopes. 

Gra. Signer Baffanio, heare me, 
If I doe not put on a fober habite, 
Talke with refpec~t,and fweare but now and than, 
Weare prayer bookes in my pocket,looke demurely, 
Nay more, while grace is faying hood mine eyes 
Thus with my hat, and figh and fay Amen : 
Vie all the obferuance of ciuillitie x 

Like one well ftudied in a fad oftent 
To pleafe his Grandam, neuer truft me more. 

Baf. Well, we mall fee your bearing. 

Gra. Nay but I barre to night, you lhall not gage me 
By what we doe to night. 

Baf. No that were pittie, 
I would intreate you rather to put on 
Your boldeft fuite of mirth, for we haue friends 
That purpofe merriment : but far you well, 
I haue fome bufineffe. 

Gra. And I muft to Lorenfo and the reft, 
But we will vifite you at fupper time. Exeunt. 

Enter Iejjica and the Qlowne. 

Ief. I am forry thou wilt leaue my Father fo, 
Our houfe is hell, and thou a merrie diuell 
Did'ft rob it of fome tafte of tedioufneffe ; 
But far thee well, there is a ducat for thee, 
And Lancelet, foone at fupper ihalt thou fee 
Lorenzo,who is thy new Maifters gueft, 
Giue him this Letter, doe it fecretly, 
And fo farwell : I would not haue my Father 
See me talke with thee. 

Clo. Adue, teares exhibit my tongue, moft beautifull 
Pagan, moft fweete lew, if a Chriftian doe not play the 
knaue and get thee, I am much deceiued; but adue, thefe 
foolifh drops doe fomewhat drowne my manly fpirit : 
adue. Exit. 

Ief. Farewell good Lancelet. 
Alacke,what hainous finne is it in me 
To be afhamed to be my Fathers childe, 
But though I am a daughter to his blood, 
I am not to his manners : O Lorenzo, 
If thou keepe promife I {hall end this ftrife, 
Become a Chriftian, and thy louing wife. Exit. 

Enter Gratiano, Lorenzo, Slarino, and Salanio. 
Lor. Nay, we will flinke away in fupper time, 
Difguife vs at my lodging, and returne all in an houre. 
Gra. We haue not made good preparation. 
Sal. We haue not fpoke vs yet of Torch-bearers. 



169 



Sol. 'Tis vile vnleffe it may be quaintly ordered, 
And better in my minde not vndertooke. 

Lor. 'Tis now but foure of clock, we haue two houres 
To furnifh vs ; friend Lancelet what's the newes. 
Enter Laucelet ivith a Lettdr. 

Lan. And it lhall pleafe you to break e vp this, fhall it 
feeme to fignifie. 

Lor. I know the hand,in faith 'tis a faire hand 
And whiter then the paper it writ on, 
I the faire hand that writ. 

Gra. Loue newes in faith. 

Lan. By your leaue fir. 

Lor. Whither goeft thou? 

Lan. Marry fir to bid my old Mafter the lew to fup 
to night with my new Mafter the Chriftian, 

Lor. Hold here, take this, tell gentle Icjfica 
I will not faile her,fpeake it priuately : 
Go Gentlemen, will you prepare you for this Maske to 

night, 
I am prouided of a Torch-bearer. Exit. Clowne. 

Sal. I marry, ile be gone about it ftrait. 

Sol. And fo will I. 

Lor. Meete me and Gratiano at Gratianos lodging 
Some houre hence. 

Sal. 'Tis good we do fo. Exit. 

Gra. Was not that Letter from faire Ieffica ? 

Lor. I muft needes tell thee all, me hath dire&ed 
How I lhall take her from her Fathers h oufe, 
What gold and iewels fhe is furnifht with, 
What Pages fuite flie hath in readineffe: 
If ere the lew her Father come to heauen, 
It will be for his gentle daughters fake ; 
And neuer dare misfortune croffe her foote, 
Vnlefle me doe it vnder this excufe, 
That flie is iffue to a faithleffe lew. 
Come goe with me,pervfe this as thou goeft, 
Faire Ieffica fhall be my Torch-bearer. Exit. 



Enter Ieiu , and his ; 



that ; 



the Cloivne. 



lew. Well, thou mail fee, thy eyes lhall be thy iudge, 
The difference of old Shylocke and Baffanio; 
What Ieffica, thou fhalt not gurmandize 
As thou haft done with me : what Ieffica} 
And fleepe,and fnore,and rend apparrell out. 
Why Ieffica I fay. 

Ch. Why Ieffica. 

Shy. Who bids thee call ? I do not bid thee call. 

Clo. Your worfhip was wont to tell me 
I could doe nothing without bidding. 
Enter Ieffica. 

Ief. Call you ? what is your will ? 

Shy. I am bid forth to fupper Ieffica, 
There are my Keyes : but wherefore mould I go? 
I am not bid for loue, they flatttr me, 
But yet He goe in hate, to feede vpon 
The prodigall Chriftian. Ieffica my girle, 
Looke to my houfe, I am right loath to goe, 
There is fome ill a bruing towards my reft, 
For I did dreame of money bags to night. 

Clo. I befeech you fir goe, my yong Mafter 
Doth expecT: your reproach. 

Shy. So doe I his. 

Clo. And they haue confpired together, I will not fay 

you lhall fee a Maske, but if you doe, then it was not for 

nothing that my nofe fell a bleeding on blacke monday 

P laft, 



170 



The Merchant of Venice. 



laft,at fix a clocke ith morning, falling out that yeere on 
aftiwenfday was foure yeere in th'afternoone. 

Shy. What are their maskes?heare you me Ieffica, 
Lock vp my doores,and when you heare the drum 
And the vile fquealing of the wry-neckt Fife, 
Clamber not you vp to the cafements then, 
Nor thruft your head into the publique ftreete 
To gaze on Chriftian fooles with varnifht faces : 
But flop my houfes eares, I meane my cafements, 
Let not the found of (hallow fopperie enter 
My fober houfe. By Iacobs ftaffe I fweare, 
I haue no minde of feafting forth to night : 
But I will goe : goe you before me firra, 
Say I will come. 

Clo. I will goe before fir. 
Miftris looke out at window for all this; 
There will come a Chriftian by, 
Will be worth a Iewes eye. 

Shy. What faies that foole of Hagars off-fpring ? 
ha. 

Ief. His words were farewell miftris, nothing elfe. 

Shy. The patch is kinde enough, but a huge feeder: 
Snaile-flow in profit, but he (leepes by day 
More then the wilde-cat : drones hiue not with me, 
Therefore I part with him, and part with him 
To one that I would haue him helpe to wafte 
His borrowed purfe. Well IeJJica goe in, 
Perhaps I will returne immediately ; 
Doe as I bid you, (hut dores after you, faft binde, faft 

finde, 
A prouerbe neuer ftale in thriftie minde. Exit. 

Ief. Farewell, and if my fortune be not croft, 
I haue a Father,you a daughter loft. Exit. 

Enter the Maskers , Gratiano and Salino. 

Gra. This is the penthoufe vnder which Lorenzo 
Defired vs to make a ftand. 

Sal. His houre is almoft paft. 

Gra. And it is meruaile he out-dwels his houre, 
For louers euer run before the clocke. 

Sal. O ten times fafter Venus Pidgions fiye 
To fteale loues bonds new made, then they are wont 
To keepe obliged faith vnforfaited. 

Gra. That euer holds, who rifeth from a feaft 
With that keene appetite that he fits downe ? 
Where is the horfe that doth vntread againe 
His tedious meafures with the vnbated fire, 
That he did pace them firft : all things that are, 
Are with more fpirit chafed then enioy'd. 
How like a yonger or a prodigall 
The skarfed barke puts from her natiue bay, 
Hudg'd and embraced by the (trumpet winde : 
How like a prodigall doth ftie returne 
With ouer-wither'd ribs and ragged failes, 
Leane, rent, and begger'd by the (trumpet winde? 

Enter Lorenzo. 

Salino. Heere comes Lorenzo, more of this here- 
after. 
Lor. Sweete friends, your patience for my long a- 
bode, 
Not I, but my affaires haue made you wait: 
When you (hall pleafe to play the theeues for wiues 
He watch as long for you then: approach 



Here dwels my father lew. Hoa, who's within ? 
Ieffica aboue. 

Iejf. Who are you?tell me for more certainty, 
Albeit He fweare that I do know your tongue. 

Lor. Lorenzo,zni thy Loue. 

Ief. Lorenzo certaine,and my loue indeed, 
For who loue I fo much? and now who knowes 
But you Lorenzo, whether I am yours? 

Lor. Heauen and thy thoughts are witnefs that thou 
art. 

Ief. Heere,catch this casket,it is worth the paines, 
I am glad 'tis night, you do not looke on me, 
For I am much afliam'd of my exchange : 
But loue is blinde, and louers cannot fee 
The pretty follies that themfelues commit, 
For if they could, Cupid himfelfe would blu(h 
To fee me thus transformed to a boy. 

Lor. Defcend, for you muft be my torch-bearer. 

Ief. What, muft I hold a Candle to my fhames? 
They in themfelues goodfooth are too too light. 
Why, 'tis an office of difcouery Loue, 
And I (hould be obfcur'd. 

Lor. So you are fweet, 
Euen in the louely garniih of a boy:but come at once, 
For the clofe night doth play the run-away, 
And we are (laid for at 'Baffanio's feaft. 

Ief. I will make faft the doores and guild my felfe 
With fome more ducats, and be with you ftraight. 

Gra. Now by my hood, a gentle, and no lew. 

Lor. Befhrew me but I loue her heartily. 
For (he is wife, if I can iudge of her, 
And faire (he is, if that mine eyes be true, 
And true (he is,as (he hath prou'd her felfe: 
And therefore like her felfe, wife, faire, and true, 
Shall (he be placed in my conftant foule. 

Enter Ieffica. 
What, art thou come ? on gentlemen, away, 
Our masking mates by this time for vs ftay. Exit. 

Enter Anthonio. 

Ant. Who's there? 

Gra. Signior Anthonio? 

*Ant. Fie, fie, Gratiano, where are all the reft ? 
'Tis nine a clocke, our friends all ftay for you, 
No maske to night, the winde is come about, 
Baffanio prefently will goe aboord, 
I haue fent twenty out to feeke for you. 

Gra. I am glad on't, I defire no more delight 
Then to be vnder faile,and gone to night. Exeunt. 

Enter Portia -with Morrocho,and both their traines. 

Por. Goe, draw afide the curtaines, and difcouer 
The feuerall Caskets to this noble Prince : 
Now make your choyfe. 

Mor. The firft of gold, who this infcription beares, 
Who choofeth me, (hall gaine what men defire. 
The fecond filuer, which this promife carries, 
Who choofeth me, (hall get as much as he deferues. 
This third, dull lead, with warning all as blunt, 
Who choofeth me, muft giue and hazard all he hath. 
How (hall I know if I doe choofe the right? 

Por. The 
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J 7 : 



How fhall I know if I doe choofe the right. 

Por. The one of them containes my picture Prince, 
If you choofe that, then I am yours withall. 

Mor. Some God direct my iudgement, let me fee, 
I will furuay the infcriptions,backe againe : 
What faies this leaden casket ? 

Who choofeth me, muft giue and hazard all he hath. 
Muft giue, for what? for lead, hazard for lead? 
This casket threatens men that hazard all 
Doe it in hope of faire aduantages : 
A golden minde ftoopes not to fhowes of drofle, 
He then nor giue nor hazard ought for lead. 
What faies the Siluer with her virgin hue.? 
Who choofeth me, mail get as much as he deferues. 
As much as he deferues ; paufe there Morocho, 
And weigh thy value with an euen hand, 
If thou beeft rated by thy eftimation 
Thou dooft deferue enough, and yet enough 
May not extend fo farre as to the Ladie : 
And yet to be afeard of my deferuing, 
Were but a weake difabling of my felfe. 
As much as I deferue, why that's the Lady. 
I doe in birth deferue her, and in fortunes, 
In graces, and in qualities of breeding: 
But more then thefe,in loue I doe deferue. 
What if I ffrai'd no farther, but chofe here ? 
Let's fee once more this faying grau'd in gold. 
Who choofeth me fhall gaine what many men defire: 
Why that's the Lady, all the world defires her : 
From the foure corners of the earth they come 
To kiffe this fhrine,this mortall breathing Saint. 
The Hircanion deferts, and the vafte wildes 
Of wide Arabia are as throughfares now 
For Princes to come view faire Portia. 
The waterie Kingdome, whofe ambitious head 
Spets in the face of heauen, is no barre 
To flop the forraine fpirits, but they come 
As ore a brooke to fee faire Portia. 
One of thefe three containes her heauenly picture. 
Is't like that Lead containes her?'twere damnation 
To thinke fo bafe a thought, it were too grofe 
To rib her fearecloath in the obfcure graue : 
Or mail I thinke in Siluer (he's immur'd 
Being ten times vndervalued to tride gold ; 
O (infull thought, neuer fo rich a Iem 
Was fet in worfe then gold / They haue in England 
A coyne that beares the figure of an Angell 
Stampt in gold, but that's infculpt vpon : 
But here an Angell in a golden bed 
Lies all within. Deliuer me the key : 
Here doe I choofe, and thriue I as I may. 

Por. There take it Prince, and if my forme lye there 
Then I am yours. 

Mor. O hell I what haue we here, a carrion death, 
Within whofe emptie eye there is a written fcroule ; 
He reade the writing. 

All that glifters is not gold, 
Often haue you heard that told; 
Many a man his life hath fold 
'But my out fide to behold; 
Guilded timber doe ivormes infold: 
Had you beene as -wife as bold, 
Tong in limbs , in iudgement old, 
Your anfwere had not beene infcrold, 
Fareyowwell,your fuite is cold, 



Mor. Cold indeede,and labour loft, 
Then farewell heate, and welcome froft : 
Portia adew, I haue too grieu'd a heart 
To take a tedious leaue : thus loofers part. Exit. 

Por. A gentle riddance : draw the curtaines,go : 
Let all of his complexion choofe me fo. Exeunt. 

Enter Salarino and Solanio. 
Flo . Cornets . 

Sal. Why man I faw'Baffanio vnder fayle, 
With him is Gratiano gone along ; 
And in their fhip I am fure Lorenzo is not. 

Sol. The villaine lew with outcries raifd the Duke. 
Who went with him to fearch Baffanios mip. 

Sal. He comes too late, the /hip was vnderfaile ; 
But there the Duke was giuen to vnderftand 
That in a Gondilo were feene together 
Lorenzo and his amorous IeJJlca. 
Befides, Anthonio certified the Duke 
They were not with Baffanio in his mip. 

Sol. I neuer heard a paffion fb confufd, 
So Arrange, outragious, and fo variable, 
As the dogge lew did vtter in the ftreets j 
My daughter, O my ducats, O my daughter, 
Fled with a Chriftian,0 my Chriftian ducats! 
Iuftice,the law,my ducats, and my daughter; 
A fealed bag, two fealed bags of ducats, 
Of double ducats, ftolne from me by my daughter, 
And iewels,two ftones,two rich and precious ftones, 
Stolne by my daughter : iuftice, finde the girle, 
She hath the ftones vpon her, and the ducats. 

Sal. Why all the boyes in Venice follow him, 
Crying his ftones, his daughter,and his ducats. 

Sol. Let good Anthonio looke he keepe his day 
Or he fhall pay for this. 

Sal. Marry well remembred, 
I reafon'd with a Frenchman yefterday, 
Who told me, in the narrow feas that part 
The French and Englifh, there mifcaried 
A veffell of our countrey richly fraught : 
I thought vpon Anthonio when he told me, 
And wifht in filence that it were not his. 

Sol. Yo were beft to tell Anthonio what you heare. 
Yet doe not fuddainely, for it may grieue him. 

Sal. A kinder Gentleman treads not the earth, 
I faw 'Baffanio and Anthonio part, 
'Baffanio told him he would make fome fpeede 
Of his returne : he anfwered,doe not fo, 
Slubber not bufineffe for my fake 'Baffanio; 
But ftay the very riping of the time, 
And for the leives bond which he hath of me, 
Let it not enter in your minde of loue : 
Be merry, and imploy your chiefeft thoughts 
To courtfhip, and fuch faire oftents of loue 
As fhall conueniently become you there ; 
And euen there his eye being big with teares, 
Turning his face, he put his hand behinde him, 
And with affection wondrous fencible 
He wrung Baffanios hand, and fo they parted. 

Sol. I thinke he onely loues the world for him, 
I pray thee let vs goe and finde him out 
And quicken his embraced heauineffe 
With fome delight or other. 

Sal. Doe we fo. Exeunt . 

Enter Nerriffa and a Seruiture. 
Ner. Quick, quick I pray thee, draw the curtain ftrait, 
P 2 The 



172 



The Merchant of Venice. 



The Prince of Arragon hath tane his oath, 
And comes to his election prefently. 

Enter Arragon,his traine, and Portia. 
Flor . Cornets. 

For. Behold, there ftand the caskets noble Prince, 
If you choofe that wherein I am contain'd, 
Straight fhall our nuptiall rights be folemniz'd : 
But if thou faile, without more fpeech my Lord, 
You muft be gone from hence immediately. 

Ar. I am enioynd by oath to obferue three things ; 
Firft, neuer to vnfold to any one 
Which casket 'twas I chofe ; next, if I faile 
Of the right casket,neuer in my life 
To wooe a maide in way of marriage : 
Laftly, if I doe faile in fortune of my choyfe, 
Immediately to leaue you, and be gone. 

Por. To thefe iniunttions euery one doth fweare 
That comes to hazard for my worthleffe felfe. 

Ar. And fo haue I addreft me, fortune now 
To my hearts hope : gold, filuer, and bafe lead. 
Who choofeth me muft giue and hazard all he hath. 
You fhall looke fairer ere I giue or hazard. 
What faies the golden cheft,ha, let me fee : 
Who choofeth me, fhall gaine what many men defire: 
What many men defire, that many may be meant 
By the foole multitude that choofe by fhow, 
Not learning more then the fond eye doth teach, 
Which pries not to th'interior,but like the Martlet 
Builds in the weather on the outward wall, 
Euen in the force and rode of cafualtie. 
I will not choofe what many men defire, 
Becaufe I will not iumpe with common fpirits, 
And ranke me with the barbarous multitudes. 
Why then to thee thou Siluar treafure houfe, 
Tell me once more, what title thou dooft beare ; 
Who choofeth me fhall get as much as he deferues : 
And well faid too ; for who fhall goe about 
To cofen Fortune,and be honourable 
Without the ftampe of merrit,let none prefume 
To weare an vndeferued dignitie : 

that eftates, degrees, and offices, 

Were not deriu'd corruptly, and that cleare honour 
Were purchaft by the merrit of the wearer ; 
How many then mould couer that ftand bare ? 
How many be commanded that command ? 
How much low pleafantry would then be gleaned 
From the true feede of honor? And how much honor 
Pickt from the chaffe and ruine of the times, 
To be new varnifht : Well, but to my choife. 
Who choofeth me fhall get as much as he deferues. 

1 will afTume defert ; giue me a key for this, 
And inftantly vnlocke my fortunes here. 

Por. Too long a paufe for that which you finde there. 

Ar. What's here, the portrait of a blinking idiot 
Prefenting me a fcedule, I will reade it : 
How much vnlike art thou to Portia} 
How much vnlike my hopes and my deferuings? 
Who choofeth me, fhall haue as much as he deferues. 
Did I deferue no more then a fooles head, 
Is that my prize, are my deferts no better ? 

Por. To offend and iudge are diftinct offices, 
And of oppofed natures. 

Ar. What is here ? 

Thefier Jeauen times tried this, 



Seauen times tried that iudement is, 
That did neuer choofe amis, 
Some there be that fhadotves kiffe, 
Such haue but a fhadotves bliffe : 
There be fooles aliue Itvis 
Siluer'd o're,andfo -was this : 
Take -what -wife you ivill to bed, 
I ivill euer be your head : 
So be gone, you are ffed. 

Ar. Still more foole I fhall appeare 
By the time I linger here, 
With one fooles head I came to woo, 
But I goe away with two. 
Sweet adue, He keepe my oath, 
Patiently to beare my wroath. 

Por. Thus hath the candle fing'd the moath : 
O thefe deliberate fooles when they doe choofe, 
They haue the wifdome by their wit to loofe. 

Ner. The ancient faying is no herefie, 
Hanging and wiuing goes by deftinie. 

Por. Come draw the curtaine Nerriffa. 

Enter eMeffenger. 

Mef. Where is my Lady ? 

Por. Here, what would my Lord? 

Mef. Madam, there is a-lighted at your gate 
A yong Venetian, one that comes before 
To fignifie th 'approaching of his Lord, 
From whom he bringeth fenfible regreets ; 
To wit (befides commends and curteous breath) 
Gifts of rich value ; yet I haue not feene 
So likely an EmbafTador of loue. 
A day in Aprill neuer came fo fweete 
To fhow how coftly Sommer was at hand, 
As this fore-fpurrer comes before his Lord. 

Por. No more I pray thee, I am halfe a-feard 
Thou wilt fay anone he is fome kin to thee, 
Thou fpend'ft fuch high-day wit in praifing him : 
Come,come Nerryffa,for I long to fee 
Quicke Cupids Poft, that comes fo mannerly. 

Ner. ^Baffanio Lord, loue if thy will it be. Exeunt. 



ASius Tertius. 



Enter Solaria and Salarino. 

Sol. Now, what newes on the Ryalto ? 

Sal. Why yet it liues there vncheckt, that Anthonio 
hath a fhip of rich lading wrackt on the narrow Seas; the 
Goodwins I thinke they call the place, a very dangerous 
flat, and fatall, where the carcafTes of many a tall fhip, lye 
buried, as they fay, if my goflips report be an honeft wo- 
man of her word. 

Sol. I would fhe were as lying a goffip in that, as euer 
knapt Ginger,or made her neighbours beleeue fhe wept 
for the death of a third husband : but it is true, without 
any flips of prolixity, or croffing the plaine high-way of 
talke,that the good Anthonio, the honeft Anthonio;o that 
I had a title good enough to keepe his name company! 

Sal. Come, the full ftop. 

Sol. Ha, what fayeft thou, why the end is, he hath loft 
a fhip. 

Sal. I 
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"The ^Merchant of Venice. 



J 73 



Sal. I would it might proue the end of his loffes. 

Sol. Let me fay Amen betimes, leaft the diuell crofle 
my praier,for here he comes in the iikenes of a Iew.How 
now Shylocke, what newes among the Merchants ? 
Enter Shylocke. 

Shy. You knew none fo well, none fo well as you, of 
my daughters flight. 

Sal. That's certaine, I for my part knew the Tailor 
that made the wings me flew withall. 

Sol. And Shylocke for his own part knew the bird was 
fledg'd,and then it is the complexion of them al to leaue 
the dam. 

Shy. She is damn'd for it. 

Sal. That's certaine, if the diuell may be her Iudge. 

Shy. My owne flefh and blood to rebell. 

Sol. Out vpon it old carrion, rebels it at thefe yeeres. 

Shy. I fay my daughter is my flefh and bloud. 

Sal. There is more difference betweene thy flem and 
hers, then betweene let and Iuorie,more betweene your 
bIoods,then there is betweene red wine and rennifh : but 
tell vs, doe you heare whether Anthonio haue had anie 
lofTe at fea or no ? 

Shy. There I haue another bad match, a bankrout, a 
prodigall, who dare fcarce mew his head on the Ryalto, 
a begger that was vfd to come fo fmug vpon the Mart : 
let him look to his bond, he was wont to call me Vfurer, 
let him looke to his bond, he was wont to lend money 
for a Chriftian curtfie,let him looke to his bond. 

Sal. Why I am fure if he forfaite, thou wilt not take 
his flefh, what's that good for ? 

Shy. To baite fiih withall, if it will feede nothing 
elfe,it will feede my reuenge ; he hath difgrac'd me, and 
hindred me halfe a million, laught at my loffes, mockt at 
my games, fcorned my Nation, thwarted my bargaines, 
cooled my friends, heated mine enemies, and what's the 
reafon ? I am a Ietue : Hath not a lew eyes ? hath not a 
lew hands, organs, dementions, fences, affedtions, paffi- 
ons, fed with the fame foode, hurt with the fame wea- 
pons, fubiecT: to the fame difeafes, healed by the fame 
meanes, warmed and cooled by the fame Winter and 
Sommmer as a Chriftian is : if you pricke vs doe we not 
bleede? if you tickle vs,doe we not laugh? if you poifon 
vs doe we not die? and if you wrong vs mall we not re- 
uenge?if we are like you in the reft, we will refemble you 
in that. If a lew wrong a Qhriftian, what is his humility, 
reuenge? If a Chriftian wrong a lew, what mould his fuf- 
ferance be by Chriftian example, why reuenge? The vil- 
lanie you teach me I will execute, and it mall goe hard 
but I will better the inftrudtion. 

Enter a man from Anthonio. 

Gentlemen, my maifter ^Anthonio is at his houfe, and 
defires to fpeake with you both. 

Sal. We haue beene vp and downe to feeke him. 
£»ter Tuball. 

Sol. Here comes another of the Tribe, a third cannot 
be matcht, vnlefle the diuell himfelfe turne lew. 

Exeunt Gentlemen. 

Shy. How now Tubal!, what newes from GenowathaA 
thou found my daughter ? 

Tnb. I often came where I did heare of fter, but can- 
not finde her. 

Shy. Why there, there, there, there, a diamond gone 
coft me two thoufand ducats in Franckford, the curfe ne- 
uer fell vpon our Nation till now, I neuer felt it till now, 
two thoufand ducats in that, and other precious, preci- 



ous iewels : I would my daughter were dead at my foot, 
and the iewels in her eare : would fhe were hearft at my 
foote, and the duckets in her coffin : no newes of them, 
why fo?and I know not how much is fpent in the fearch: 
why thou lofTe vpon lofTe , the theefe gone with fo 
much, and fo much to finde the theefe, and no fatisfa- 
clion,no reuenge, nor no ill luck ftirring but what lights 
a my flioulders, no fighes but a my breathing, no teares 
but a my ihedding. 

Tub. Yes, other men haue ill lucke too, Anthonio as I 
heard in Genowa ? 

Shy- What, what, what, ill lucke, ill lucke. 

Tub. Hath an Argofie caft away comming from Tri- 
polis. 

Shy. I thanke God, I thanke God, is it true, is it true ? 

Tub. I fpoke with fome of the Saylers that efcaped 
the wracke. 

Shy. I thanke thee good Tuball, good newes, good 
newes : ha, ha, here in Genowa. 

Tub. Your daughter fpent in Genowa, as I heard, one 
night fourefcore ducats. 

Shy. Thou ftick'ft a dagger in me, I fhall neuer fee my 
gold againe, fourefcore ducats at a fitting, fourefcore du- 
cats. 

Tnb. There came diuers of Anthonios creditors in my 
company to Venice, that fweare hee cannot choofe but 
breake. 

Shy, I am very glad of it, ile plague him, ile torture 
him, I am glad of it, 

Tub. One of them fhewed me a ring that hee had of 
your daughter for a Monkie. 

Shy. Out vpon her, thou tortureft me Tuball, it was 
my Turkies, I had it of Leah when I was a Batcheler : I 
would not haue giuen it for a wilderneffe of Monkies. 

Tub. But Anthonio is certainely vndone. 

Shy. Nay, that's true, that's very true, goe Tnball, fee 
me an Officer, befpeake him a fortnight before, I will 
haue the heart of him if he forfeit, for were he out of Ve- 
nice, I can make what merchandize I will : goe Tuball, 
and meete me at our Sinagogue, goe good Tuball, at our 
Sinagogue Tuball. Exeunt. 

Enter '\Baffanio, Portia, Gratiano, and all their traine. 

Por. I pray you tarrie, paufe a day or two 
Before you hazard, for in choofing wrong 
I loofe your companie ; therefore forbeare a while, 
There's fomething tels me (but it is not loue) 
I would not loofe you, and you know your felfe, 
Hate counfailes not in fuch a quallitie; 
But leaft you fhould not vnderftand me well, 
And yet a maiden hath no tongue, but thought, 
I would detaine you here fome month or two 
Before you venture for me. I could teach you 
How to choofe right, but then 1 am forfworne, 
So will I neuer be, fo may you miffe me, 
But if you doe,youle make me wifh a finne, 
That I had beene forfworne : Befhrow your eyes, 
They haue ore-lookt me and deuided me, 
One halfe of me is yours, the other halfe yours, 
Mine owne I would fay : but of mine then yours, 
And fo all yours ; O thefe naughtie times 
Puts bars betweene the owners and their rights. 
And fo though yours, not yours (proue it £o) 
Let Fortune goe to hell for it, not I. 
I fpeake too long, but 'tis to peize the time, 
To ich it, and to draw it out in length, 
To ftay you from election. 

P 3 <BaJf. Let 



174 



"The Merchant of Venice. 



'Baff. Let me choofe, 
For as I am, I liue vpon the racke. 

Por. Vpon the racke < Baffanio,then confefle 
What treafon there is mingled with your loue. 

Baff. None but that vglie treafon of miftruft. 
Which makes me feare the enioying of my loue : 
There may as well be amitie and life, 
'Tweene fnow and fire, as treafon and my loue: 

Por. I, but I feare you fpeake vpon the racke, 
Where men enforced doth fpeake any thing. 

Baff. Promife me life, and ile confefle the truth. 

Por. Well then, confefle and liue. 

Baff. Confefle and loue 
Had beene the verie fum of my confeflion : 

happie torment, when my torturer 
Doth teach me anfwers for deliuerance : 
But let me to my fortune and the caskets. 

Por. Away then, I am lockt in one of them, 
If you doe loue me, you will finde me out. 
Nerryffa and the reft, ftand all aloofe, 
Let muficke found while he doth make his choife, 
Then if he loofe he makes a Swan-like end, 
Fading in mufique. That the comparifon 
May ftand more proper, my eye (hall be the ftreame 
And watrie death-bed for him : he may win, 
And what is mufique than ? Than mufique is 
Euen as the flourifn, when true fubie&s bowe 
To a new crowned Monarch : Such it is, 
As are thofe dulcet founds in breake of day, 
That creepe into the dreaming bride-groomes eare, 
And fummon him to marriage. Now he goes 
With no lefle prefence, but with much more loue 
Then yong Abides, when he did redeeme 
The virgine tribute, paied by howling Troy 
To the Sea-monfter : I ftand for facrifke, 
The reft aloofe are the Dardanian wiues : 
With bleared vifages come forth to view 
The iflue of th'exploit : Goe Hercules, 
Liue thou, I liue with much more difmay 

1 view the fight, then thou that mak'ft the fray. 

Here Muficke. 

A Song the ivhilji Baflanio comments on the 
Caskets to bimfelfe. 

Tell me where is fancie bred, 

Or in the heart, or in the head: 

Hciv begot, homo nourijhed. Replie,replie. 

It is engendred in the eyes , 

With gazing fed, and Fancie dies, 

In the cradle where it lies : 

Let -us all ring Fancies knell. 

Ile begin it. 

Ding ,dong, bell. 

All. Ding, dong, bell. 

"Baff. So may the outward fiiowes be leaft themfelues 
The world is ftill deceiu'd with ornament. 
In Law, what Plea fo tanted and corrupt, 
But being feafon'd with a gracious voice, 
Obfcures the mow of euill ? In Religion, 
What damned error, but fome fober brow 
Will blefle it, and approue it with a text, 
Hiding the grofenefle with faire ornament : 
There is no voice fo fimple,but aflumes 
Some marke of vertue on his outward parts ; 



How manie cowards, whofe hearts are all as falfe 

As ftayers of fand, weare yet vpon their chins 

The beards of Hercules and frowning Mars, 

Who inward fearcht, haue lyuers white as milke, 

And thefe aflume but valors excrement, 

To render them redoubted. Looke on beautie, 

And you fliall fee 'tis purchaft by the weight, 

Which therein workes a miracle in nature, 

Making them lighteft that weare moft of it : 

So are thofe crifped fnakie golden locks 

Which makes fuch wanton gambols with the winde 

Vpon fuppofed fairenefle, often knowne 

To be the dowrie of a fecond head, 

The fcull that bred them in the Sepulcher. 

Thus ornament is but the guiled ftiore 

To a moft dangerous fea : the beautious fcarfe 

Vailing an Indian beautie ; In a word, 

The feeming truth which cunning times put on 

To intrap the wifeft. Therefore then thou gaudie gold, 

Hard food for Midas, I will none of thee, 

Nor none of thee thou pale and common drudge 

'Tweene man and man : but thou, thou meager lead 

Which rather threatneft then doft promife ought, 

Thy palenefle moues me more then eloquence, 

And here choofe I, ioy be the confequence. 

Por. How all the other paflions fleet to ayre, 
As doubtfull thoughts, and rafh imbrac'd defpaire : 
And fhuddring feare,and greene-eyed iealoufie. 

loue be moderate, allay thy extafie, 

In meafure raine thy ioy, fcant this excefle, 

1 feele too much thy blefiing,make it leflfe, 
For feare I furfeit. 

BaJ. What finde I here? 
Faire Portias counterfeit. What demie God 
Hath come fo neere creation ? moue thefe eies ? 
Or whether riding on the bals of mine 
Seeme they in motion ? Here are feuer'd lips 
Parted with fuger breath, fo fweet a barre 
Should funder fuch fweet friends : here in her haires 
The Painter plaies the Spider, and hath wouen 
A golden meftt t'intrap the hearts of men 
Fafter then gnats in cobwebs: but her eies, 
How could he fee to doe them ? hauing made one, 
Me thinkes it fhould haue power to fteale both his 
And leaue it felfe vnfurniftit : Yet looke how farre 
The fubftance of my praife doth wrong this Ihadow 
In vnderprifing it, fo farre this fliadow 
Doth limpe behinde the fubftance. Here's the fcroule, 
The continent, and fummarie of my fortune. 

You that choofe not by the -view 
Chance as faire, and choofe as true : 
Since this fortune fals to you, 
'Be content, and feeke no new). 
If you be well pleafd with this, 
And hold your fortune for your bliffe, 
Turne you inhere your Lady is, 
And claime her with a louing kiffe. 

'Baff. A gentle fcroule : Faire Lady, by your leaue, 
I come by note to giue, and to receiue, 
Like one of two contending in a prize 
That thinks he hath done well in peoples eies : 
Hearing applaufe and vniuerfall fhout, 
Giddie in fpirit, ftill gazing in a doubt 
Whether thofe peales of praife be his or no. 



The ^Merchant of Venice. 



75 



So thrice faire Lady ftand I euen fo, 

As doubtfull whether what I fee be true, 

Vntill confirm'd, fign'd, ratified by you. 

Por. You fee my Lord Baffiano where I ftand, 
Such as I am ; though for my felfe alone 
I would not be ambitious in my wifti, 
To wifti my felfe much better, yet for you, 
I would be trebled twenty times my felfe, 
A thoufand times more faire, ten thoufand times 
More rich, that onely to ftand high in your account, 
I might in vertues,beauties,liuings, friends, 
Exceed account : but the full fumme of me 
Is fum of nothing : which to terme in groffe , 
Is an vnleffbned girle, vnfchool'd, vnpradtiz'd, 
Happy in this, ftie is not yet fo old 
But ftie may iearne : happier then this, 
Shee is not bred fo dull but ftie can Iearne ; 
Happieft of all, is that her gentle fpirit 
Commits it felfe to yours to be directed , 
As from her Lord, her Gouernour,her King. 
My felfe, and what is mine, to you and yours 
Is now conuerted. But now I was the Lord 
Of this faire manfion,mafter of my feruants, 
Queene ore my felfe : and euen now, but now, 
This houfe,thefe feruants, and this fame my felfe 
Are yours, my Lord, I giue them with this ring, 
Which when you part from, loofe , or giue away, 
Let it prefage the ruine of your loue, 
And be my vantage to exclaime on you. 

'Bajf. Maddam,you haue bereft me of all words, 
Onely my bloud fpeakes to you in my vaines, 
And there is fuch confufion in my powers, 
As after fome oration fairely fpoke 
By a beloued Prince, there doth appeare 
Among the buzzing pleafed multitude, 
Where euery fomething being blent together, 
Turnes to a wilde of nothing, faue of ioy 
Expreft, and not expreft : but when this ring 
Parts from this finger, then parts life from hence, 

then be bold to fay *Bajfanio's dead. 

Ner. My Lord and Lady, it is now our time 
That haue flood by and feene our wifties profper, 
To cry good ioy, good ioy my Lord and Lady. 

Gra. My Lord BaJJanio,a.n& my gentle Lady, 

1 wifti you all the ioy that you can wifti : 
For I am fure you can wifti none from me : 
And when your Honours meane to folemnize 
The bargaine of your faith : I doe befeech you 
Euen at that time I may be married too. 

'Bajf. With all my heart, fo thou canft get a wife. 

Gra. I thanke your Lordfhip, you gaue got me one. 
My eyes my Lord can looke as fwift as yours : 
You iaw the miftres, I beheld the maid : 
You lou'd, 1 lou'd for intermifiion, 
No more pertaines to me my Lord then you ; 
Your fortune flood vpon the caskets there, 
And fo did mine too, as the matter falls : 
For wooing heere vntill I fwet againe, 
And fwearing till my very rough was dry 
With oathes of loue, at laft, if promife laft, 
I got a promife of this faire one heere 
To haue her loue : prouided that your fortune 
Atchieu'd her miftrefle. 

Por. Is this true Nerrijfa ? 

Ner. Madam it is fo, fo you ftand pleas'd withall. 

'Bajf. And doe you Cjratiano meane good faith ? 



'75 



Gra. Yes faith my Lord. 

'Bajf. Our feaft ftiall be much honored in your mar- 
riage. 

Gra. Weele play with them the firft boy for a thou- 
fand ducats. 

Ner. What and flake downe ? 

Gra. No, we fhal nere win at that fport, and flake 
downe. 

But who comes heere ? Lorenzo and his Infidell ? 
What and my old Venetian friend Salerio} 

Enter Lorenzo, Iejfica, and Salerio. 

"Baj. Lorenzo and Salerio, welcome hether, 
If that the youth of my new intereft heere 
Haue power to bid you welcome : by your leaue 
I bid my verie friends and Countrimen 
Sweet Portia welcome. 

Por. So do I my Lord, they are intirely welcome. 

Lor. I thanke your honor ; for my part my Lord, 
My purpofe was not to haue feene you heere, 
But meeting with Salerio by the way, 
He did intreate mee paft all faying nay 
To come with him along. 

Sal. I did my Lord, 
And I haue reafon for it, Signior Anthonio 
Commends him to you. 

Bajf. Ere I ope his Letter 
I pray you tell me how my good friend doth. 

Sal. Not ficke my Lord, vnlefle it be in minde, 
Nor wel, vnleffe in minde : his Letter there 
Wil ftiew you his eftate. 

Opens the Letter. 

Gra. Nerrijfa. cheere yond ftranger,bid her welcom. 
Your hand Salerio, what's the newes from Venice? 
How doth that royal Merchant good zAntbonio; 
I know he wil be glad of our fuccefle, 
We are the lafons, we haue won the fleece. 

Sal. I would you had won the fleece that hee hath 
loft. 

Por. There are fome ftirewd contents in yond fame 
Paper, 

That fteales the colour from 'BaJJianos cheeke, 
Some deere friend dead, elfe nothing in the world 
Could turne fo much the conftitution 
Of any conftant man. What, worfe and worfe? 
With leaue Bajfanio I am halfe your felfe, 
And I muft freely haue the halfe of any thing 
That this fame paper brings you. 

'Bajf. O fweet Portia, 
Heere are a few of the vnpleafant'ft words 
That euer blotted paper. Gentle Ladie 
When I did firft impart my loue to you, 
I freely told you all the wealth I had 
Ran in my vaines: I was a Gentleman, 
And then I told you true : and yet deere Ladie, 
Rating my felfe at nothing, you fhall fee 
How much I was a Braggart, when I told you 
My ftate was nothing, I ftiould then haue told you 
That I was worfe then nothing : for indeede 
I haue ingag'd my felfe to a deere friend, 
Ingag'd my friend to his meere enemie 
To feede my meanes. Heere is a Letter Ladie, 
The paper as the bodie of my friend, 
And euerie word in it a gaping wound 
Iffuing life blood. But is it true Salerio, 

Hath 



176 



The ^Merchant of Venice. 



Hath all his ventures faild, what not one hit, 
From Tripolis, from Mexico and England, 
From Lisbon, Barbary, and India, 
And not one veffell fcape the dreadfull touch 
Of Merchant-marring rocks? 

Sal. Not one my Lord. 
Befides, it ihould appeare, that if he had 
The prefent money to discharge the lew, 
He would not take it : neuer did I know 
A creature that did beare the ihape of man 
So keene and greedy to confound a man. 
He plyes the Duke at morning and at night, 
And doth impeach the freedome of the ftate 
If they deny him iuftice. Twenty Merchants, 
The Duke himfelfe,and the Magnificoes 
Of greateft port haue all perf waded with him, 
But none can driue him from the enuious plea 
Of forfeiture, of iuftice, and his bond. 

hjfi. When I was with him, I haue heard him fweare 
To Tuball and to Chin, his Countri-men, 
That he would rather haue Anthonws, fleih, 
Then twenty times the value of the fumme 
That he did owe him : and I know my Lord, 
If law, authoritie, and power denie not, 
It will goe hard with poore Anthonio. 

Por. Is it your deere friend that is thus in trouble? 

Waff. The deereft friend to me, the kindeft man, 
The beft condition'd, and vnwearied fpirit 
In doing curtefies : and one in whom' 
The ancient Romane honour more appeares 
Then any that drawes breath in Italic 

Por. What fumme owes he the lew ? 

Waff For me three thoufand ducats. 

Por. What, no more ? 
Pay him fixe thoufand, and deface the bond : 
Double fixe thoufand, and then treble that, 
Before a friend of this defcription 
Shall lofe a haire through Baffano's fault. 
Firft goe with me to Church, and call me wife, 
And then away to Venice to your friend : 
For neuer ihall you lie by Portias fide 
With an vnquiet foule. You ihall haue gold 
To pay the petty debt twenty times ouer. 
When it is payd, bring your true friend along, 
My maid Nerriffa, and my felfe meane time 
Will Hue as maids and widdowes ; come away, 
For you /hall hence vpon your wedding day : 
Bid your friends welcome, ihow a merry cheere, 
Since you are deere bought, I will loue you deere. 
But let me heare the letter of your friend. 

Sweet Baffanio, my Jbips haue all m'f carried, my Credi- 
tors grow cruell, my ejiate is •very low , my bond to the lew is 
forfeit, andfince in paying it, it is impoffible I fiould Hue , all 
debts are cleerd betweene you and I , if I might fee you at my 
death : notwithft andmg , vje your pleasure , if your loue doe not 
perfwade you to come, let not my letter. 

Por. O loue! difpach all bufines and be gone. 
Baff. Since I haue your good ieaue to goe away, 
I will make haft; but till I come againe , 
No bed ihall ere be guilty of my ftay, 
Nor reft be interpofer twixt vs twaine. Exeunt. 

Enter the lew, and Solanio, and tAnthonio, 
and the lay/or. 
lew. Iaylor, looke to him, tell not me of mercy, 



This is the foole that lends out money gratis. 
Iaylor, looke to him. 

Ant. Heare me yet good Shylok. 

lew. He haue my bond,fpeake not againft my bond, 
I haue fworne an oath that I will haue my bond : 
Thou call'dft me dog before thou hadft a caufe, 
But fince I am a dog,beware my phangs, 
The Duke ihall grant me iuftice, I do wonder 
Thou naughty Iaylor, that thou art fo fond 
To come abroad with him at his requeft. 

Ant. I pray thee heare me fpeake. 

lew. He haue my bond, I will not heare thee fpeake, 
lie haue my bond, and therefore fpeake no more. 
He not be made a foft and dull ey'd foole, 
To ihake the head, relent, and figh,and yeeld 
To Chriftian interceflbrs : follow not, 
He haue no fpeaking,I will haue my bond. Exit lew. 

Sol. It is the moft impenetrable curre 
That euer kept with men. 

Ant. Let him alone , 
He follow him no more with bootleffe prayers : 
He feekes my life, his reafon well I know ; 
I oft deliuer'd from his forfeitures 
Many that haue at times made mone to me, 
Therefore he hates me. 

Sol. I am fure the Duke will neuer grant 
this forfeiture to hold. 

An. The Duke cannot deny the courfe of law: 
For the commoditie that ftrangers haue 
With vs in Venice, if it be denied, 
Will much impeach the iuftice of the State, 
Since that the trade and profit of the citty 
Confifteth of all Nations. Therefore goe, 
Thefe greefes and loiTes haue fo bated mee, 
That I ihall hardly ipare a pound of fleih 
To morrow, to my bloudy Creditor. 
Well Iaylor, on, pray God Baffanio come 
To fee me pay his debt, and then I care not. Exeunt. 

Enter Portia, Nerriffa, Lorenzo, leffica, and a man of 
Portias. 

Lor. Madam, although I fpeake it in your prefence , 
You haue a noble and a true conceit 
Of god-like amity, which appeares moft ftrongly 
In bearing thus the abfence of your Lord. 
But if you knew to whom you ihew this honour, 
How true a Gentleman you fend releefe, 
How deere a louer of my Lord your husband, 
I know you would be prouder of the worke 
Then cuftomary bounty can enforce you. 

Por. I neuer did repent for doing good, 
Nor ihall not now : for in companions 
That do conuerfe and wafte the timetogether, 
Whofe foules doe beare an egal yoke of loue, 
There muft be needs a like proportion 
Of lyniaments, of manners,and of fpirit ; 
Which makes me thinke that this Anthonio 
Being the bofome louer of my Lord, 
Muft needs be like my Lord. If it be fo, 
How little is the coft I haue beftowed 
In purchafing the femblance of my foule; 
From out the ftate of helliih cruelty, 
This comes too neere the praifing of my felfe, 
Therefore no more of it : heere other things 
Lorenfo I commit into your hands, 



The ^Merchant of Venice. 



177 



The husbandry and mannage of my houfe, 

Vntill my Lords returne ; for mine owne part 

I haue toward heauen breath'd a fecretvow, 

To liue in prayer and contemplation, 

Onely attended by Nerrijfa heere, 

Vntill her husband and my Lords returne : 

There is a monaftery too miles off, 

And there we will abide. I doe delire you 

Not to denie this imposition, 

The which my loue and fome neceffity 

Now layes vpon you. 

Lorenf. Madame, with all my heart, 
I fhall obey you in all faire commands. 

Por. My people doe already know my minde, ' 
And will acknowledge you and Iejfica 
In place of Lord Baffanio and my felfe. 
So far you well till we fhall meete againe. 

Lor. Faire thoughts & happy houres attend on you. 

lejfi. I wifh your Ladifhip all hearts content. 

Por. I thanke you for your wifh, and am well pleas'd 
To wiih it backe on you: faryouwell Iejjica. Exeunt. 

Now llaltbafer, as I haue euer found thee honeft true, 
So let me finde thee ftill : take this fame letter, 
And vfe thou all the indeauor of a man, 
In fpeed to Mantua, fee thou render this 
Into my cofins hand, Doftor Belario, 
And looke what notes and garments he doth giue thee, 
Bring them I pray thee with imagin'd fpeed 
Vnto the Tranedt, to the common Ferrie 
Which trades to Venice ; wafte no time in words, 
But get thee gone, I fhall be there before thee. 

*Balth. Madam, I goe with all conuenient fpeed. 

Por. Come on Nerijja,l haue worke in hand 
That you yet know not of; wee'll fee our husbands 
Before they thinke of vs ? 

Nerrijfa. Shall they fee vs? 

Portia. They fhall Nerrijfa : but in fuch a habit, 
That they fhall thinke we are accomplifhed 
With that we lacke ; He hold thee any wager 
When we are both accoutered like yong men , 
He proue the prettier fellow of the two, 
And weare my dagger with the brauer grace, 
And fpeake betweene the change of man and boy, 
With a reede voyce, and turne two minfing fteps 
Into a manly ftride ; and fpeake of frayes 
Like a fine bragging youth : and tell quaint lyes 
How honourable Ladies fought my loue, 
Which I denying, they fell ficke and died. 
I could not doe withall : then lie repent, 
And wifh for all that, that I had not kil'd them; 
And twentie of thefepunie lies He tell, 
That men fhall fweare I haue difcontinued fchoole 
Aboue a twelue moneth : I haue within my minde 
A thoufand raw tricks of thefe bragging lacks, 
Which I will pratfife. 

Nerrif. Why, fhall wee turne to men ? 

Portia. Fie, what a queftions that? 
If thou wert nere a lewd interpreter : 
But come, He tell thee all my whole deuice 
When I am in my coach, which ftayes for vs 
At the Parke gate ; and therefore hafte away, 
For we muft meafure twentie miles to day. Exeunt. 

Enter Clowne and leffica. 

Clown. Yes truly ; for looke you, the finnes of the Fa- 



ther are to be laid vpon the children, therefore I promife 
you, I feare you, I was alwaies plaine with you, and fo 
now I fpeake my agitation of the matter : therfore be of 
good cheere, for truly I thinke you are damn'd, there is 
but one hope in it that can doe you anie good, and that is 
but a kinde of baftard hope neither. 

Iejjica. And what hope is that I pray thee ? 

Cloiv. Marrie you may partlie hope that your father 
got you not, that you are not the Iewes daughter. 

Ief. That were a kinde of baftard hope indeed, fo the 
fins of my mother fhould be vifited vpon me. 

Cloiv. Truly then I feare you are damned both by fa- 
ther and mother : thus when I fhun Scilla your father, I 
fall into Charibdii your mother; well, you are gone both 
waies. 

Ief. I fhall be fau'd by my husband, he hath made me 
a Chriftian. 

Clow. Truly the more to blame he, we were Chrifti- 
ans enow before, e'ne as many as could wel liue one by a- 
nother : this making of Chriftians will raife the price of 
Hogs, if wee grow all to be porke-eaters, wee fhall not 
fhortlie haue a rafher on the coales for money. 

Enter Lorenzo. 

Ief. He tell my husband Lancelet what you fay, heere 
he comes. 

Loren. I fhall grow iealous of you fhortly Lancelet , 
if you thus get my wife into corners? 

Ief. Nay, you need not feare vs Lorenzo, Launcelet 
and I are out, he tells me flatly there is no mercy for mee 
in heauen, becaufe I am a Iewes daughter : and hee faies 
you are no good member of the common wealth , for 
in conuerting Iewes to Chriftians, you raife the price 
of Porke. 

Loren. I fhall anfwere that better to the Common- 
wealth, than you can the getting vp of the Negroes bel- 
lie : the Moore is with childe by you Launcelet ? 

Clow. It is much that the Moore fhould be more then 
reafon : but if fhe be leffe then an honeft woman, fhee is 
indeed more then I tooke her for. 

Loren. How euerie foole can play vpon the word, I 
thinke the beft grace of witte will fhortly turne into fi- 
lence, and difcourfe grow commendable in none onely 
but Parrats : goe in firra, bid them prepare for dinner? 

Clow. That is done fir, they haue all ftomacks? 

Loren. Goodly Lord, what a witte- fnapper are you, 
then bid them prepare dinner. 

Clow. That is done to fir, onely couer is the word. 

Loren. Will you couer than fir ? 

Cloiv. Not fo fir neither, I know my dutie. 

Loren. Yet more quarreling with occafion,wilt thou 
fhew the whole wealth of thy wit in an inftant ; I pray 
thee vnderftand a plaine man in his plaine meaning: goe 
to thy fellowes, bid them couer the table, feme in the 
meat, and we will come in to dinner. 

Clow. For the table fir , it fhall be feru'd in , for the 
meat fir , it fhall bee couered , for your comming in to 
dinner fir, why let it be as humors and conceits fhall go- 
uerne. Exit Qlowne. 

Lor. O deare difcretion,how his words are futed, 
The foole hath planted in his memory 
An Armie of good words, and I doe know 
A many fooles that ftand in better place, 
Garnifht like him, that for a trickfie word 
Defie the matter:how cheer'ft thou Iejjica, 
And now good fweet fay thy opinion, 

How 



i 7 8 



The £Mer chant of Venice. 



How doft thou like the Lord 'BaJ/iano's wife ? 

IeJJi. Part all expreffing, it is very meete 
The Lord Baffanio liue an vpright life 
For hauing fuch a bleffing in his Lady, 
He findes the ioyes of heauen heere on earth, 
And if on earth he doe not meane it, it 
Is reafon he flionld neuer come to heauen ? 
Why,if two gods fliould play fome heauenly match, 
And on the wager lay two earthly women, 
And Portia one : there muft be fomething elfe 
Paund with the other, for the poore rude world 
Hath not her fellow. 

Loren. Euen fuch a husband 
Haft thou of me, as ihe is for a wife. 

Ief. Nay, but aske my opinion to of that ? 

Lor. I will anone, firft let vs goe to dinner? 

Ief. Nay, let me praife you while I haue a ftomacke ? 

Lor. No pray thee, let it ferue for table talke, 
Then how fom ere thou fpeakft 'mong other things, 
I mail digeft it ? 

Iejfi. Well, He fet you forth. Exeunt. 



aABus Quartus. 



Enter the T>uke, the cTWagnificoes, Anthonio, Baffanio, a; 
Gratiano. 

Duke. What, is Anthonio heere ? , 

Ant . Ready, fo pleafe your grace ? 

T>uke. I am forry for thee, thou art come to anfwere 
A ftonie aduerfary, an inhumane wretch, 
Vncapable of pitty,voyd, and empty 
From any dram of mercie. 

Ant. I haue heard 
Your Grace hath tane great paines to qualifie 
His rigorous courfe : but fince he ftands obdurate, 
And that no lawful meanes can carrie me 
Out of his enuies reach, I do oppofe 
My patience to his fury, and am arm'd 
To fuffer with a quietneffe of fpirit, 
The very tiranny and rage of his. 

Da. Go one and cal the lew into the Court. 

Sal. He is ready at the doore,he comes my Lord. 

Enter Shylocke. 
Da.Make roome,and let him ftand before our face. 
Shylocke the world thinkes, and I thinke fo to 
That thou but leaded: this fafhion of thy mallice 
To the laft houre of aft, and then 'tis thought 
Thou'lt fliew thy mercy and remorfe more ftrange, 
Than is thy ftrange apparant cruelty ; 
And where thou now exaft'ft the penalty, 
Which is a pound of this poore Merchants fle/h, 
Thou wilt not onely loofe the forfeiture, 
But touch'd with humane gentleneffe and loue : 
Forgiue a moytie of the principall , 
Glancing an eye of pitty on his loffes 
That haue of late fo hudled on his backe, 
Enow to preffe a royall Merchant downe ; 
And plucke commiferation of his ftate 
From braffie bofomes, and rough hearts of flints, 
From ftubborne Turkes and Tarters neuer traind 



To offices of tender curtefie, 

We all expeft a gentle anfwer lew ? 

lew. I haue poffeft your grace of what I purpofe, 
And by our holy Sabbath haue I fworne 
To haue the due and forfeit of my bond. 
If you denie it, let the danger light 
Vpon your Charter, and your Cities freedome. 
You'l aske me why I rather choofe to haue 
A weight of carrion flefh, then to receiue 
Three thoufand Ducats ? lie not anfwer that : 
But fay it is my humor ; Is it anfwercd ? 
What if my houfe be troubled with a Rat, 
And I be pleas'd to giue ten thoufand Ducates 
To haue'it bain'd ? What,are you anfwer'd yet? 
Some men there are loue not a gaping Pigge : 
Some that are mad, if they behold a Cat : 
And others, when the bag-pipe fings i'th nofe, 
Cannot containe their Vrine for affeftion. 
Mafters of paffion fwayes it to the moode 
Of what it likes or loaths, now for your anfwer : 
As there is no firme reafon to be rendred 
Why he cannot abide a gaping Pigge ? 
Why he a harmleffe neceffarie Cat? 
Why he a woollen bag-pipe : but of force 
Muft yeeld to fuch ineuitable mame, 
As to offend himfelfe being offended : 
So can I giue no reafon, nor I will not, 
More then a lodg'd hate, and a certaine loathing 
I beare Anthonio, that I follow thus 
A loofing fuite againft him? Are you anfwered ? 

^Bajf. This is no anfwer thou vnfeeling man, 
To excufe the currant of thy cruelty. 

lew. I am not bound to pleafe thee with my anfwer. 

c Baff'. Do all men kil the things they do not loue? 

lew. Hates any man the thing he would not kill? 

*Baff'. Euerie offence is not a hate at firft. 

lew. What wouldft thou haue a Serpent fting thee 
twice ? 

Ant. I pray you thinke you queftion with the lew : 
You may as well go ftand vpon the beach, 
And bid the maine flood baite his vfuall height, 
Or euen as well vfe queftion with the Wolfe, 
The Ewe bleate for the Lambe : 
You may as well forbid the Mountaine Pines 
To wagge their high tops, and to make no noife 
When they are fretted with the gufts of heauen: 
You may as well do any thing moft hard, 
As feeke to foften that, then which what harder ? 
His Iewiih heart. Therefore I do befeech you 
Make no more offers, vfe no farther meanes, 
But with all briefe and plaine conueniencie 
Let me haue iudgement, and the lew his will. 

Baf. For thy three thoufand Ducates heereisfix. 

lew. If euerie Ducat in fixe thoufand Ducates 
Were in fixe parts, and euery part a Ducate, 
I would not draw them, I would haue my bond ? 

Da. How ftialt thou hope for mercie, rendring none? 

/^w.What iudgement lhall I dread doing no wrong? 
You haue among you many a purchaft flaue, 
Which like your Affes,and your Dogs and Mules, 
You vfe in abieft and in flauifh parts, 
Becaufe you bought them. Shall I fay to you, 
Let them be free, marrie them to your heires ? 
Why fweate they vnder burthens? Let their beds 
Be made as foft as yours : and let their pallats 
Be feafon'd with fuch Viands : you will anfwer 

The 



The -^Merchant of Venice. 



179 



The flaues are ours. So do I anfwer you. 
The pound of flefh which I demand of him 
Is deerely bought, 'tis mine, and I will haue it. 
If you deny me ; fie vpon your Law, 
There is no force in the decrees of Venice; 
I ftand for iudgement, anfwer,Shall I haue it? 

Du. Vpon my power I may difmhTe this Court, 
Vnleffe "Bellario a learned Doctor, 
Whom I haue fent for to determine this, 
Come heere to day. 

Sal. My Lord, heere ftayes without 
A Meffenger with Letters from the Do&or, 
New come from Padua. 

T)u. Bring vs the Letters, Call the Mefiengers. 

Bafif. Good cheere Anthonio. What man, corage yet: 
The lew (hall haue my flefli, blood, bones,and all, 
Ere thou (halt loofe for me one drop 0/ blood. 

sAnt. I am a tainted Weather of the flocke, 
Meeteft for death, the weakeft kinde of fruite 
Drops earlieft to the ground, and fo let me ; 
You cannot better be employ'd Baffanio, 
Then to liue ftill,and write mine Epitaph. 

Enter Nerrijfa. 

Du. Came you from Padua from 'Bellario ? 

Ner. From both. 
My Lord 'Bellario greets your Grace. 

'Baf. Why doft thou whet thy knife fo earneftly ? 

Ieiu. To cut the forfeiture from that bankrout there. 

Gra. Not on thy foale : but on thy foule barm lew 
Thou mak'ft thy knife keene : but no mettall can, 
No, not the hangmans Axe beare halfe the keenneffe 
Of thy iharpe enuy. Can no prayers pierce thee? 

lew. No, none that thou haft wit enough to make. 

Gra. O be thou damn'd, inexecrable dogge, 
And for thy life let iuftice be accus'd: 
Thou almoft mak'ft me wauer in my faith ; 
To hold opinion with Pythagoras , 
That foules of Animals infule themfelues 
Into the trunkes of men. Thy currifh fpirit 
Gouern'd a Wolfe, who hang'd for humane flaughter, 
Euen from the gallowes did his fell foule fleet ; 
And whil'ft thou layeft in thy vnhallowed dam, 
Infus'd it felfe in thee : For thy defires 
Are Wolui/h, bloody, fteru'd,and rauenous. 

Ieiu. Till thou canft raile the feale from off my bond 
Thou but offend'ft thy Lungs to fpeake fo loud : 
Repaire thy wit good youth, or it will fall 
To endlefle ruine. I ftand heere for Law. 

Dn. This Letter from 'Bellario doth commend 
A yong and Learned Doftor in our Court : 
Where is he ? 

Ner. He attendeth heere hard by 
To know your anfwer, whether you'l admit him. 

Du. With all my heart. Some three or four of you 
Go giue him curteous conduct to this place, 
Meane time the Court ftiall he are "Bellarioes Letter. 

YOur Grace Jhall •vnderjiand, that at the receite of your 
Letter I am very Jicke : tut in the inftant that your mef- 
fenger came, in louing •vifitation, was with me a young Do- 
clor of Rome, his name is Balthafar : / acquained him -with 
the caufe in Qontrouerfie, betweene the Ieiu and Anthonio 
the Merchant : We turned ore many llookes together : hee is 
furnifhed ivith my opinion, ■which bettred with his owne lear- 
ning, the great neffe whereof I cannot enough commend,comes 



with him at my importunity, to fill -vp your Graces requeft in 
my fed. I befeech you, let his lacke of years be no impediment 
to let him lacke a reuerend efiimation : for I neuer knewe fo 
yong a body, with fo old a head. I leaue him to your gracious 
acceptance, whofe trial jhall better publijh his commendation. 

Enter Portia for 'Balthazar. 

'Duke. You heare the learn'd 'Bellario what he writes, 
And heerefl take it) is the Doctor come. 
Giue me your hand : Came you from old 'Bellario? 

Por. I did my Lord. 

Du. You are welcome : take your place ; 
Are you acquainted with the difference 
That holds this prefent queftion in the Court. 

Por. I am enformed throughly of the caufe. 
Which is the Merchant heere? and which the lew? 

T)u. Anthonio and old Shylocke, both ftand forth. 

Por. Is your name Shylocke ? 

lew. Shylocke is my name. 

Por. Of a ftrange nature is the fute you follow, 
Yet in fuch rule, that the Venetian Law 
Cannot impugne you as you do proceed. 
You ftand within his danger, do you not? 

Ant. I, fo he fayes. 

Por. Do you confeffe the bond? 

Ant. I do. 

Por. Then muft the lew be mercifull. 

Ieio. On what compulfion muft I? Tell me that. 

Por. The quality of mercy is not ftrain'd, 
It droppeth as the gentle raine from heauen 
Vpon the place beneath. It is twice bleft, 
It bleffeth him that giues, and him that takes, 
'Tis mightieft in the mightieft, it becomes 
The throned Monarch better then his Crowne. 
His Scepter ihewes the force of temporall power, 
The attribute to awe and Maieftie, 
Wherein doth fit the dread and feare of Kings : 
But mercy is aboue this fceptred fway, 
It is enthroned in the hearts of Kings, 
It is an attribute to God himfelfe ; 
And earthly power doth then (hew likeft Gods 
When mercie feafons Iuftice. Therefore lew, 
Though Iuftice be thy plea, confider this, , 

That in the courfe of Iuftice, none of vs 
Should fee faluation : we do pray for mercie, 
And that fame prayer, doth teach vs all to render 
The deeds of mercie. I haue fpoke thus much 
To mittigate the iuftice of thy plea : 
Which if thou follow, this ftrict courfe of Venice 
Muft needes giue fentence 'gainft the Merchant there. 

Shy. My deeds vpon my head, I craue the Law, 
The penaltie and forfeite of my bond. 

Por. Is he not able to difcharge the money? 

Baf. Yes, heere I tender it for him in the Court, 
Yea, twice the fumme, if that will not fuffice, 
I will be bound to pay it ten times ore, 
On forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart : 
If this will not fuffice, it muft appeare 
That malice beares downe truth. And I befeech you 
Wreft once the Law to your authority. 
To do a great right, do a little wrong, 
And curbe this cruell diuell of his will. 

Por. It muft not be, there is no power in Venice 
Can alter a decree eftablifhed : 
'Twill be recorded for a Prefident, 

And 



i8o 



The ^Merchant of Venice. 



And many an error by the fame example, 
Will rufh into the ftate : It cannot be. 

lew. A Daniel come to iudgement, yea a Daniel. 
O wife young Iudge, how do I honour thee. 

Por. I pray you let me looke vpon the bond. 

Ieiv. Heere 'tis moft reuerend Doctor, heere it is. 

Por. Shylocke, there's thrice thy monie offered thee. 

Shy. An oath, an oath, I haue an oath in heauen : 
Shall I lay periurie vpon my foule? 
No not for Venice. 

Por. Why this bond is forfeit, 
And lawfully by this the lew may claime 
A pound of flelh, to be by him cut off 
Neereft the Merchants heart ; be mercifull, 
Take thrice thy money, bid me teare the bond. 

lew. When it is*paid according to the tenure. 
It doth appeare you are a worthy Iudge : 
you know the Law, your expofition 
Hath beene moft found. I charge you by the Law, 
Whereof you are a well-deferuing pillar, 
Proceede to iudgement : By my foule I fweare, 
There is no power in the tongue of man 
To alter me : I ftay heere on my bond. 

An. Moft heartily I do befeech the Court 
To giue the iudgement. 

Por. Why then thus it is : 
you muft prepare your bofome for his knife. 

lew. O noble Iudge, O excellent yong man. 

Por. For the intent and purpofe of the Law 
Hath full relation to the penaltie, 
Which heere appeareth due vpon the bond. 

lew. 'Tis verie true : O wife and vpright Iudge, 
How much more elder art thou then thy lookes? 

Por. Therefore lay bare your bofome. 

lew. I, his breft, 
So fayes the bond, doth it not noble Iudge ? 
Neereft his heart, thofe are the very words. 

Por. It is fo : Are there ballance heere to weigh the 
flelh? 

lew. I haue them ready. 

Por. Haue by fome Surgeon Shylock on your charge 
To ftop his wounds, leaft he fhould bleede to death. 

lew. It is not nominated in the bond? 

Por. It is not fo expreft: but what of that? 
'Twere good you do fo much for charitie. 

lew. I cannot finde it, 'tis not in the bond. 

Por. Come Merchant, haue you any thing to fay? 

Ant. But little : I am arm'd and well prepar'd. 
Giue me your hand BaJJanio, fare you well. 
Greeue not that I am falne to this for you : 
For heerein fortune Ihewes her felfe more kinde 
Then is her cuftome. It is ftill her vfe 
To let the wretched man out-liue his wealth, 
To view with hollow eye, and wrinkled brow 
An age of pouerty. From which lingring penance 
Of fueh miferie, doth ihe cut me off: 
Commend me to your honourable Wife, 
Tell her the proceffe of Anthonid's end : 
Say how I lou'd you ; fpeake me faire in death : 
And when the tale is told, bid her be iudge, 
Whether Baffanio had not once a Loue : 
Repent not you that you mail loofe your friend, 
And he repents not that he payes your debt. . 
For if the lew do cut but deepe enough, 
He pay it inftantly, with all my heart. 

'Baf. Anthonio, I am married to a wife, 



Which is as deere to me as life it felfe, 
But life it felfe,my wife,and all the world, 
Are not with me efteem'd aboue thy life. 
I would loofe all, I facrifice them all 
Heere to this deuill, to deliuer you. 

Por. Your wife would giue you little thanks for that 
If ihe were by to heare you make the offer. 

Gra. I haue a wife whom I proteft I loue, 
I would fhe were in heauen, fo Ihe could 
Intreat fome power to change this currifh lew. 

Ner. 'Tis well you offer it behinde her backe, 
The wifh would make elfe an vnquiet houfe. (ter 

lew.TheCe be the Chriftian husbands: I haue a daugh- 
Would any of the ftocke of liarrabas 
Had beene her husband, rather then a Chriftian. 
We trifle time, I pray thee purfue fentence. 

Por. A pound of that fame marchants flelh is thine, 
The Court awards it,and the law doth giue it. 

lew. Moft rightfull Iudge. 

Por. And you muft cut this flelh from off hisbreaft, 
The Law allowes it, and the Court awards it. 

lew. Moft learned Iudge, a fentence, come prepare. 

Por. Tarry a little, there is fomething elfe, 
This bond doth giue thee heere no iot of bloud, 
The words exprefly are a pound of flelh : 
Then take thy bond, take thou thy pound of flelh, 
But in the cutting it, if thou doft fhed 
One drop of Chriftian bloud, thy lands and goods 
Are by the Lawes of Venice confifcate 
Vnto the ftate of Venice. 

Gra. O vpright Iudge, 
Marke lew, 6 learned Iudge. 

Shy. Is that the law? 

Por. Thy felfe {halt fee the Aft : 
For as thou vrgeft iuftice, be affur'd 
Thou /halt haue iuftice more then thou defireft. 

Gra. O learned Iudge, mark Iew,a learned Iudge. 

lew. I take this offer then, pay the bond thrice, 
And let the Chriftian goe. 

*BaJ/'. Heere is the money. 

Por. Soft, the lew fhall haue all iuftice, foft,no hafte. 
He fhall haue nothing but the penalty. 

Gra. O lew, an vpright Iudge, a learned Iudge. 

Por. Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flelh , 
Shed thou no bloud, nor cut thou leffe nor more 
But iuft a pound of flelh : if thou tak'ft more 
Or leffe then a iuft pound, be it fo much 
As makes it light or heauy in the fubftance, 
Or the deuifion of the twentieth part 
Of one poore fcruple, nay if the fcale doe turne 
But in the eftimation of a hayre , 
Thou dieft, and all thy goods are confifcate. 

Gra. A fecond Daniel, a Daniel lew, 
Now infidell I haue thee on the hip. 

Por. Why doth the lew paufe,take thy forfeiture. 

Sby. Giue me my principall,and let me goe. 

Bajf. I haue it ready for thee, heere it is. 

Por. He hath refus'd it in the open Court, 
He fhall haue meerly iuftice and his bond. 

Gra. A Daniel ftill fay I, a fecond Daniel, 
I thanke thee lew for teaching me that word. 

Shy. Shall I not haue barely my principall? 

Por. Thou /halt haue nothing but the forfeiture, 
To be taken fo at thy perill lew. 

Shy. Why then the Deuill giue him good of it: 
He ftay no longer queftion. 

Por. Tarry 



The Merchant of Venice' 



181 



Por. Tarry lew, 
The Law hath yet another hold on you. 
It is enacted in the Lawes of Venice, 
If it be proued againft an Alien, 
That by direct, or indirect attempts 
He feeke the life of any Citizen, 
The party gainft the which he doth contriue, 
Shall feaze one halfe his goods, the other halfe 
Comes to the priuie coffer of the State, 
And the offenders life lies in the mercy 
Of the Duke onely, gainft all other voice. 
In which predicament I fay thou ftandft : 
For it appeares by manifeft proceeding, 
That indirectly, and directly to, 
Thou haft contriu'd againft the very life 
Of the defendant : and thou haft incur'd 
The danger formerly by me rehearft. 
Downe therefore,and beg mercy of the Duke. 

Gra. Beg that thou maift haue leaue to hang thy felfe, 
And yet thy wealth being forfeit to the ftate, 
Thou haft not left the value of a cord, 
Therefore thou muft be hang'd at the ftates charge. 

T>uk. That thou fhalt fee the difference of our fpirit, 
I pardon thee thy life before thou aske it : 
For halfe thy wealth , it is Ant homo's, 
The other halfe comes to the generall ftate, 
Which humbleneffe may driue vnto a fine. 

For. I for the ftate, not for Anthonio. 

Shy. Nay, take my life and all, pardon not that, 
You take my houfe, when you do take the prop 
That doth fuftaine my houfe : you take my life 
When you doe take the meanes whereby I liue. 

Par. What mercy can you render him Anthonio? 

Gra. A halter gratis, nothing elfe for Gods fake. 

Ant. So pleafe my Lord the Duke, and all the Court 
To quit the fine for one halfe of his goods, 
I am content : fo he will let me haue 
The other halfe in vfe, to render it 
Vpon his death, vnto the Gentleman 
That lately ftole his daughter. 
Two things prouided more, that for this fauour 
He prefently become a Chriftian : 
The other, that he doe record a gift 
Heere in the Court of all he dies pofTeft 
Vnto his fonne Lorenzo, and his daughter. 

Duk. He fhall doe this, or elfe I doe recant 
The pardon that I late pronounced heere. 

For. Art thou contented lew? what doft thou fay? 

Shy. I am content. 

For. Clarke, draw a deed of gift. 

Shy. I pray you giue me leaue to goe from hence', 
I am not well, fend the deed after me, 
And I will figne it. 

Duke. Get thee gone, but doe it. 

Gra. In chriftning thou malt haue two godfathers, 
Had I been iudge,thou fhouldft haue had ten more, 
To bring thee to the gallowes, not to the font. Exit. 

T)u. Sir I intreat you with me home to dinner. 

For. I humbly doe defire your Grace of pardon, 
I muft away this night toward Padua, 
And it is meete I prefently fet forth. 

"Duk. I am forry that your leyfure ferues you not : 
Anthonio, gratifie this gentleman, 
For in my minde, you are much bound to him. 

Exit Duke and his traine. 

'Bajf. Moft worthy gentleman, I and my friend 



Haue by your wifedome beene this day acquitted 
Of greeuous penalties, in lieu whereof, 
Three thoufand Ducats due vnto the lew 
We freely cope your curteous paines withall. 

An. And ftand indebted ouer and aboue 
In loue and feruice to you euermore. 

For. He is well paid that is well fatisfied, 
And I deliuering you, am fatisfied, 
And therein doe account my felfe well paid, 
My minde was neuer yet more mercinarie. 
I pray you know me when we meete againe, 
I wife you well, and fo I take my leaue. 

Bajf. Deare fir, of force I muft attempt you further, 
Take fome remembrance of vs as a tribute, 
Not as fee : grant me two things, I pray you 
Not to denie me, and to pardon me. 

Par. You preffe mee farre, and therefore I will yeeld, 
Giue me your gloues,Ile weare them for your fake, 
And for your loue He take this ring from you, 
Doe not draw backe your hand, ile take no more, 
And you in loue fhall not deny me this ? 

'Bajf. This ring good fir, alas it is a trifle, 
I will not feame my felfe to giue you this. 

For. I wil haue nothing elfe but onely this, 
And now methinkes I haue a minde to it. 

Baj. There's more depends on this then on the valew, 
The deareft ring in Venice will I giue you, 
And finde it out by proclamation, 
Onely for this I pray you pardon me. 

For. I fee fir you are liberall in offers, 
You taught me firft to beg, and now me thinkes 
You teach me how a beggar fhould be anfwer'd. 

ISaf. Good fir, this ring was giuen me by my wife, 
And when fee put it on, fee made me vow 
That I fhould neither fell, nor giue, nor lofe it. 

For. That fcufe ferues many men to faue their gifts, 
And if your wife be not a mad woman, 
And know how well I haue deferu'd this ring, 
Shee would not hold out enemy for euer 
For giuing it to me : well, peace be with you. Exeunt. 

Ant. My L. <BaJanio, let him haue the ring, 
Let his deferuings and my loue withall 
Be valued againft your wiues commandement. 

Bajf. Goe Gratiano,run and ouer-take him , 
Giue him the ring,and bring him if thou canft 
Vnto Anthonios houfe, away, make hafte. Exit Grati. 

Come, you and I will thither prefently, 
And in the morning early will we both 
Flie toward Belmont, come Anthonio. Exeunt. 

Enter Portia and Nerrijfa. 
Por. Enquire the Iewes houfe out, giue him this deed, 
And let him figne it, wee'll away to night, 
And be a day before our husbands home : 
This deed will be well welcome to Lorenzo. 
Enter Qratiano. 
Gra. Faire fir, you are well ore-tane : 
My L.BaJfanio vpon more aduice, 
Hath fent you heere this ring, and doth intreat 
Your company at dinner. 
Por. That cannot be ; 
His ring I doe accept moft thankfully, 
And fo I pray you tell him : furthermore, 
I pray you feew my youth old Shylockes houfe. 
Gra. That will I doe. 
Ner. Sir, I would fpeake with you : 

Q_ He 



I«2 



The ^Merchant of Venice. 



He fee if I can get my husbands ring 

Which I did make him fweare to keepe for euer. 

Por. Thou maift I warrant, we fhal haue old fwearing 
That they did giue the rings away to men ; 
But weele out-face them, and out-fweare them to : 
Away, make hafte, thou know'ft where I will tarry. 
Ner. Come good fir, will you fhew me to this houfe. 

Exeunt. 



aABus Quintus. 



Enter Lorenzo and Ieffica. 
Lor. The moone (nines bright. In fuch a night as this, 
When the fweet winde did gently kiffe the trees, 
And they did make no nnyfe, in fuch a night 
Troylui me thinkes mounted the Troian walls, 
And figh'd his foule toward the Grecian tents 
Where CreJJid lay that night. 

Ief. In fuch a night 
Did Thisbie fearefully ore-trip the dewe, 
And faw the Lyons ftiadow ere hiuifelfe, 
And ranne difmayed away. 

Loren. In fuch a night 
Stood 'Dido with a Willow in her hand 
Vpon the wilde fea bankes,and waft her Loue 
To come againe to Carthage. 

Ief, In fuch a night 
Medea gathered the inchanted hearbs 
That did renew old EJon. 

Loren. In fuch a night 
Did Ieffica fteale from the wealthy Iewe, 
And with an Vnthrift Loue did runne from Venice, 
As farre as Belmont. 

Ief. In fuch a night 
Did young Lorenzo fweare he lou'd her well, 
Stealing her foule with many vowes of faith, 
And nere a true one. 

Loren. In fuch a night 
Did pretty Itffica flike a little fhrow) 
Slander her Loue, and he forgaue it her. 

IeJJi. I would out-night_you did no body come : 
But harke,I heare the footing of a man. 

Enter Meffenger. 

Lor. Who comes fo faft in filence of the night? 

Mef. A friend. (friend? 

Loren. A friend, what friend f your name I pray you 

Mef. Stephana is my name, and I bring word 
My MiftreiTe will before the breake of day 
Be heere at Belmont, fhe doth ftray about 
By holy croffes where fhe kneeles and prayes 
For happy wedlocke houres. 

Loren. Who comes with her ? 

Mef. None but a holy Hermit and her maid : 
I pray you it my Mafter yet rnturn'd ? 

Loren. He is not, nor we haue not heard from him, 
But goe we in I pray thee Ieffica, 
And ceremonioufly let vs vs prepare 
Some welcome for the Miftreffe of the houfe, 

Enter Cloivne. 

Clo. Sola,fola : wo ha ho,fola,fola. 



Loren. Who calls ? 

Clo. Sola, did you fee M. Lorenzo, & M. Lorenzo,£o\z, 

Lor. Leaue hollowing man, heere. (fola, 

Clo. Sola, where, where ? 

Lor. Heere ? 

Clo. Tel him ther's a Poft come from my Mafter, with 
his home full of good newes,my Mafter will be here ere 
morning fweet foule. 

Loren. Let's in, and there expect their comming. 
And yet no matter : why fhould we goe in? 
My friend Stephen, fignifie pray you 
Within the houfe, your MiftreiTe is at hand, 
And bring your mufique foorth into the ayre. 
How fweet the moone-light fleepes vpon this banke, 
Heere will we fit, and let the founds of muficke 
Creepe in our eares foft ftilnes, and the night 
Become the tutches of fweet harmonie : 
Sit Ieffica, looke how the floore of heauen 
Is thicke inlayed with pattens of bright gold , 
There's not the fmalleft orbe which thou beholdft 
But in his motion like an Angell fings , 
Still quiring to the young eyed Cherubins j 
Such harmonie is in immortall foules, 
But whilft this muddy vefture of decay 
Doth grofly clofe in it, we cannot heare it : 
Come hoe, and wake "Diana with a hymne , 
With fweeteft tutches pearce your Miftreffe eare, 
And draw her home with muficke. 

Ieffi. I am neuer merry when I heare fweet mufique. 
Play muficke. 

Lor. The reafon is, your fpirits are attentiue : 
For doe but note a wilde and wanton heard 
Or race of youthful and vnhandled colts, 
Fetching mad bounds, bellowing and neighing loud, 
Which is the hot condition of their bloud, 
If they but heare perchance a trumpet found, 
Or any ayre of muficke touch their eares, 
You fhall perceiue them make a mutuall ftand, 
Their fauage eyes turn'd to a modeft gaze, 
By the fweet power of muficke : therefore the Poet 
Did faine that Orpheus drew trees, ftones, and floods. 
Since naught fo ftockifh, hard, and full of rage, 
But muficke for time doth change his nature, 
The man that hath no muficke in himfelfe, 
Nor is not moued with concord of fweet founds, 
Is fit for treafons,ftratagems,and fpoyles, 
The motions of his fpirit are dull as night, 
And his affecTions darke as Erobus, 
Let no fuch man be trufted : marke the muficke. 

Enter Portia and Nerrijfa. 

Por. That light we fee is burning in my hall : 
How farre that little candell throwes his beames, 
So fhines a good deed in a naughty world. (die? 

Ner. When the moone fhone we did not lee the can 

Por. So doth the greater glory dim the leffe, 
A fubftitute fhines brightly as a King 
Vntill a King be by, and then his ftate 
Empties it lelfe, as doth an inland brooke 
Into the maine of waters : mufique, harke. Muficke. 

Ner. It is your muficke Madame of the houfe. 

Por. Nothing is good I fee without refpecT, 
Methinkes it founds much fweeter then by day ? 

Ner: Silence beftowes that vertue on it Madam. 

Por. The Crow doth fing as fweetly as the Larke 

When 
— — ]gz 



The ^Merchant of Venice. 



183 



When neither is attended : and I thinke 
The Nightingale if (he mould fing by day 
When euery Goofe is cackling, would be thought 
No better a Mufitian then the Wren ? 
How many things by feafon, feafon'd are 
To their right praife, and true perfection : 
Peace, how the Moone fleepes with Endimion, 
And would not be awak'd. 

(iMuJicke ceajes. 

Lor. That is the voice, 
Or I am much deceiu'd of Portia. 

Par. He knowes me as the blinde man knowes the 
Cuckow by the bad voice ? 

Lor. Deere Lady welcome home ? 

Por. We haue bene praying for our husbands welfare 
Which fpeed we hope the better for our words, 
Are they return'd ? 

Lor. Madam, they are not yet : 
But there is come a Meffenger before 
To fignifie their comming. 

Por. Go in Nerriffa, 
Giue order to my feruants, that they take 
No note at all of our being abfent hence, 
Nor you Lorenzo, IeJJica nor you. 
tA Tucket founds. 

Lor. Your husband is at hand, I heare his Trumpet, 
We are no tell-tales Madam, feare you not. 

Por. This night methinkes is but the daylight ficke, 
It lookes a little paler, 'tis a day, 
Such as the day is, when the Sun is hid. 

Enter 'Baffanio, Anthonio,Gratiano,and their 
Followers. 

Baf. We ihould hold day with the Antipodes, 
If you would walke in abfence of the funne. 

Por. Let me giue light, but let me not be light, 
For a light wife doth make a heauie husband, 
And neuer be "Baffanio fo for me, 
But God fort all: you are welcome home my Lord. 

Baff. I thanke you Madam, giue welcom to my friend 
This is the man, this is Anthonio, 
To whom I am fo infinitely bound. 

Por. You mould in all fence be much bound to him, 
For as I heare he was much bound for you. 

Anth. No more then I am wel acquitted of. 

Por. Sir, you are verie welcome to our houfe : 
It muft appeare in other waies then words, 
Therefore I fcant this breathing curtefie. 

Gra. By yonder Moone I fweare you do me wrong, 
Infaith I gaue it to the Iudges Clearke^ 
Would he were gelt that had it for my part, 
Since you do take it Loue fo much at hart. 

Por. A quarrel hoe alreadie, what's the matter? 

Gra. About a hoope of Gold, a paltry Ring 
That me did giue me, whofe Poefie was 
For all the world like Cutlers Poetry 
Vpon a knife ; Loue mee, and leaue mee not. 

Ner. What talke you of the Poefie or the valew: 
You fwore to me when I did giue it you, 
That you would weare it til the houre of death, 
And that it fhould lye with you in your graue, 
Though not for me, yet for your vehement oaths, 
You ihould haue beene refpeftiue and haue kept it. 
Gaue it a Iudges Clearke: but wel I know 
The Clearke wil nere weare haire on's face that had it. 



Gra. He wil, and if he liue to be a man. 

Nerriffa. I, if a Woman liue to be a man. 

Gra. Now by this hand I gaue it to a youth, 
A kinde of boy, a little fcrubbed boy, 
No higher then thy felfe, the Iudges Clearke, 
A prating boy that begg'd it as a Fee, 
I could not for my heart deny it him. 

Por. You were too blame, I muft be plaine with you, 
To part fo /lightly with your wiues firft gift, 
A thing ftucke on with oathes vpon your finger, 
And fo riueted with faith vnto your flefh. 
I gaue my Loue a Ring, and made him fweare 
Neuer to part with it, and heere he ftands : 
I dare be fworne for him, he would not leaue it, 
Nor plucke it from his finger, for the wealth 
That the world matters. Now in faith Gratiano, 
You giue your wife too vnkinde a caufe of greefe, 
And 'twere to me I mould be mad at it. 

"Baff. Why I were beft to cut my left hand off, 
And fweare I loft the Ring defending it. 

Gre. My Lord Baffanio gaue his Ring away 
Vnto the Iudge that beg'd it, and indeede 
Deferu'd it too : and then the Boy his Clearke 
That tooke fome paines in writing, he begg'd mine, 
And neyther man nor mafter would take ought 
But the two Rings. 

Por. What Ring gaue you my Lord ? 
Not that I hope which you receiu'd of me. 

'Baff. If I could adde a lie vnto a fault, 
I would deny it : but you fee my finger 
Hath not the Ring vpon it, it is gone. 

Por. Euen fo voide is your falfe heart of truth. 
By heauen I wil nere come in your bed 
Vntil I fee the Ring. 

Ner. Nor I in yours, til I againe fee mine. 

Baff. Sweet Portia, 
If you did know to whom I gaue the Ring, 
If you did know for whom I gaue the Ring, 
And would conceiue for what I gaue the Ring, 
And how vnwillingly I left the Ring, 
When nought would be accepted but the Ring, 
You would abate the ftrength of your difpleafure? 

Por. If you had knowne the vertue of the Ring, 
Or halfe her worthineffe that gaue the Ring, 
Or your owne honour to containe the Ring, 
You would not then haue parted with the Ring : 
What man is there fo much vnreafonable, 
If you had pleas'd to haue defended it 
With any termes of Zeale : wanted the modeftie 
To vrge the thing held as a ceremonie : 
Nerriffa teaches me what to beleeue, 
He die for't, but fome Woman had the Ring? 

'Baff'. No by mine honor Madam, by my foule 
No Woman had it, but a ciuill Dodtor, 
Which did refufe three thoufand Ducates of me, 
And beg'd the Ring; the which I did denie him, 
And fuffer'd him to go difpleas'd away 3 
Euen he that had held vp the verie life 
Of my deere friend. What mould I fay fweete Lady ? 
I was inforc'd to fend it after him, 
I was befet with fhame and curtefie, 
My honor would not let ingratitude 
So much befmeare it. Pardon me good Lady, 
And by thefe bleffed Candles of the night, 
Had you bene there, I thinke you would haue beg'd 
The Ring of me, to giue the worthie Doftor ? 

Qji Por. 



The Merchant of Venice' 



Por. Let not that Doctor ere come neere my houfe, 
Since he hath got the iewell that I loued, 
And that which you did fweare to keepe for me, 
I will become as liberall as you, 
He not deny him any thing I haue, 
No, not my body, nor my husbands bed : 
Know him I fhall, I am well lure of it. 
Lie not a night from home. Watch me like Argos, 
If you doe not, if I be left alone, 
Now by mine honour which is yet mine owne, 
He haue the Doctor for my bedfellow. 

Nerrijfa. And I his Clarke: therefore be well aduis'd 
How you doe leaue me to mine owne protection. 

Gra. Well,doe you fo : let not me take him then, 
For if I doe, ile mar the yong Clarks pen. 

Ant. I am th'vnhappy fubiect of thefe quarrels. 

Por. Sir, grieue not you, 
You are welcome notwithstanding. 

Baf. Portia, forgiue me this enforced wrong, 
And in the hearing of thefe manie friends 
I fweare to thee, euen by thine owne faire eyes 
Wherein I fee my felfe. 

Por. Marke you but that? 
In both my eyes he doubly fees himfelfe : 
In each eye one, fweare by your double felfe, 
And there's an oath of credit. 

Baf. Nay, but heare me. 
Pardon this fault, and by my foule I fweare 
I neuer more will breake an oath with thee. 

Anth. I once did lend my bodie for thy wealth, 
Which but for him that had your husbands ring 
Had quite mifcarried. I dare be bound againe, 
My foule vpon the forfeit, that your Lord 
Will neuer more breake faith aduifedlie. 

Por. Then you fhall be his furetie : giue him this, 
And bid him keepe it better then the other. 

Ant. Heere Lord BaJfanio,fwea.r to keep this ring. 

Bajf. By heauen it is the fame I gaue the Doctor. 

Por. I had it of him : pardon 'Baffanio, 
For by this ring the Doctor lay with me. 

Ner. And pardon me my gentle Gratiano, 
For that fame fcrubbed boy the Doctors Clarke 
In liew of this, laft night did lye with me. 

Gra. Why this is like the mending of high waies 
In Sommer, where the waies are faire enough : 
What, are we Cuckolds ere we haue deferu'd it. 



Por. Speake not fo groffely,you are all amaz'd ; 
Heere is a letter, reade it at your leyfure, 
It comes from Padua from 'Be/lario, 
There you fhall finde that Portia was the Doctor, 
Nerrijfa there her Clarke. Lorenzo heere 
Shall witneffe I fet forth as foone as you, 
And but eu'n now return'd: I haue not yet 
Entred my houfe. Antbonio you are welcome , 
And I haue better newes in ftore for you 
Then you expect : vnfeale this letter foone, 
There you mail finde three of your Argofies 
Are richly come to harbour fodainlie. 
You fhall not know by what ftrange accident 
I chanced on this letter. 

Antho. I am dumbe. 

'Bajf. Were you the Doctor, and I knew you not? 

Gra. Were you the Clark that is to make me cuckold. 

Ner. I, but the Clark that neuer meanes to doe it, 
VnlefTe he Hue vntill he be a man. 

<BaJf. (Sweet Doctor)you fhall be my bedfellow , 
When I am abfent, then lie with my wife. 

An. ('Sweet Ladie)you haue giuen me life & liuing; 
For heere I reade for certaine that my mips 
Are fafelie come to Rode. 

Por. How now Lorenzo ? 
My Clarke hath fome good comforts to for you. 

Ner. I, and Ile giue them him without a fee. 
There doe I giue to you and Ieffica 
From the rich Iewe, a fpeciall deed of gift 
After his death, of all he dies poiTefTd of. 

Loren. Faire Ladies you drop Manna in the way 
Of ftarued people. 

Por. It is almoft morning, 
And yet I am fure you are not fatisfied 
Of thefe euents at full. Let vs goe in, 
And charge vs there vpon intergatories, 
And we will anfwer all things faithfully. 

Gra. Let it be fo, the firft intergatory 
That my NerriJJ'a fhall be fworne on, is, 
Whether till the next night fhe had rather ftay, 
Or goe to bed, now being two homes to day, 
But were the day come, I fhould wifh it darke , 
Till I were couching with the Doctors Clarke. 
Well, while I hue, Ile feare no other thing 
So fore, as keeping fafe Nerriffas ring. 

Exeunt. 



FINIS. 




nAffius primus. Sccena Prima. 



Enter Orlando and Adam. 

Orlando. 

S I remember Adam, it was vpon this fafhion 
&ij\VV£ bequeathed me by will, but poore a thoufand 
** Crownes, and as thou iaift, charged my bro- 
ther on his bleifing to breed mee well : and 
there begins my fadnefle : My brother Taaues he keepes 
at fchoole , and report fpeakes goldenly of his profit : 
for my part,he keepes me ruftically at home, or(to fpeak 
more properly) ftaies me heere at home vnkept : for call 
you that keeping for a gentleman of my birth, that dif- 
fers not from the flailing of an Oxe ? his horfes are bred 
better, for befides that they are faire with their feeding, 
they are taught their mannage, and to that end Riders 
deerely hir'd : but I (his brother) gaine nothing vnder 
him but growth , for the which his Animals on his 
dunghils are as much bound to him as I : befides this no- 
thing that he fo plentifully giues me, the fomething that 
nature gaue mee, his countenance feemes to take from 
me : hee lets mee feede with his Hindes, barres mee the 
place of a brother, and as much as in him lies, mines my 
gentility with my education. This is it *Adam that 
grieues me, and the fpirit of my Father, which I thinke 
is within mee, begins to mutinie againft this feruitude. 
I will no longer endure it, though yet I know no wife 
remedy how to auoid it. 

Enter Oliuer. 

Adam. Yonder comes my Mafter,your brother. 

Orlan. Goe a-part Adam, and thou {halt heare how 
he will fhake me vp. 

Oli. Now Sir, what make you heere ? 

Or/. Nothing : I am not taught to make any thing. 

Oli. What mar you then fir ? 

Orl. Marry fir, I am helping you to mar that which 
God made , a poore vnworthy brother of yours with 
idleneffe. 

Oliuer. Marry fir be better employed, and be naught 
a while. 

Orlan. Shall I keepe your hogs, and eat huskes with 
them? what prodigall portion haue I fpent, that I fhould 
come to fuch penury ? 

Oli. Know you where you are fir ? 

Orl. O fir, very well : heere in your Orchard. 

Oli. Know you before whom fir ? 

Orl. I, better then him I am before knowes mee : I 
know you are my eldeft brother, and in the gentle con- 
dition of bloud you mould fo know me: the courtefie of 
nations allowes you my better , in that you are the firft 
borne, but the fame tradition takes not away my bloud, 
were there twenty brothers betwixt vs : I haue as much 



of my father in mee, as you, albeit I confefie your com- 
ming before me is neerer to his reuerence. 

OH. What Boy. fthis. 

Orl. Come, come elder brother, you are too yong in 

Oli. Wilt thou lay hands on me villaine ? 

Orl. I am no villaine : I am the yongeft fonne of Sir 
Rcivlandde 'Boys, he was my father, and he is thrice a vil- 
laine that faies fuch a father begot villaines : wert thou 
not my brother , I would not take this hand from thy 
throat, till this other had puld out thy tongue for faying 
fo,thou haft raild on thy felfe. 

Adam. Sweet Mafters bee patient , for your Fathers 
remembrance, be at accord. 

Oli. Let me goe I fay. 

Orl. I will not till I pleafe : you ftiall heare mee : my 
father charg'd you in his will to giue me good educati- 
on : you haue train'd me like a pezant, obfcuring and 
hiding from me all gentleman-like qualities : the fpirit 
of my father growes ftrong in mee, and I will no longer 
endure it : therefore allow me fuch exercifes as may be- 
come a gentleman , or giue mee the poore allottery my 
father left me by teftament, with that I will goe buy my 
fortunes. 

Oli. And what wilt thou do ? beg when that is fpent? 
Well fir , get you in . - I will not long be troubled with 
you : you {hall haue fome part of your will , I pray you 
leaue me. 

Orl. I will no further offend you, then becomes mee 
for my good. 

Oli. Get you with him, you olde dogge. 

Adam. Is old dogge my reward : moft true, I haue 
loft my teeth in your feruice : God be with my olde ma- 
fter,he would not haue fpoke fuch a word. ' Ex. Orl. Ad. 

Oli. Is it euen fo, begin you to grow vpon me? I will 
phyficke your ranckenelfe , and yet giue no thoufand | 
crownes neyther : holla "Dennis. 
Enter Dennis. 

Den. Calls your worfhip ? 

Oli. Was not Charles the Dukes Wraftler heere to 
fpeake with me ? 

Den. So pleafe you, he is heere at the doore, and im- 
portunes accefle to you. 

Oli. Call him in : 'twill be a good way: and to mor- 
row the wraftling is. 

Enter Charles. 

Cha. Good morrow to your worflvip. 

Oli. Good Mounfier Charles : what's the new newes 
at the new Court ? 

Charles. There's no newes at the Court Sir, but the 

olde newes: that is, the old Duke is banifhed by his yon- 

ger brother the new Duke, and three or foure louing 

Q__3 Lords 



i86 



As you like. it. 



Lords haue put themfelues into voluntary exile with 
him, whofe lands and reuenues enrich the new Duke, 
therefore he giues them good leaue to wander. 

Oli. Can you tell if Rofalittd the Dukes daughter bee 
banifhed with her Father? 

Cha. O no ; for the Dukes daughter her Cofen fo 
loues her, being euer from their Cradles bred together, 
that hee would haue followed her exile, or haue died to 
ftay behind her; fhe is at the Court, and no leffe beloued 
of her Vncle, then his owne daughter,and neuer two La- 
dies loued as they doe. 

OH. Where will the old Duke liue ? 

Cha. They fay hee is already in the Forreft of <Jhrden, 
and a many merry men with him ; and there they liue 
like the old Robin Hood of England: they fay many yong 
Gentlemen flocke to him euery day , and fleet the time 
carelefly as they did in the golden world. 

OH. What , you wraftle to morrow before the new 
Duke. 

Qha. Marry doe I fir : and I came to acquaint you 
with a matter : I am giuen fir fecretly to vnderfland, that 
your yonger brother Orlando hath a difpofition to come 
in difguis'd againft mee to try a fall : to morrow fir I 
wraftle for my credit , and hee that efcapes me without 
fome broken limbe, fhall acquit him well : your brother 
is but young and tender, and for your loue I would bee 
loth to foyle him, as I muft for my owne honour if hee 
come in : therefore out of my loue to you, I came hither 
to acquaint you withall, that either you might ftay him 
from his intendment, or brooke fuch difgrace well as he 
/hall runne into , in that it is a thing of his owne fearch , 
and altogether againft my will. 

OH. Charles, I thanke thee for thy loue to me, which 
thou flialt finde I will mod kindly requite : I had my 
felfe notice of my Brothers purpofe heerein,and haue by 
vnder-hand meanes laboured to diffwade him from it ; 
but he is refolute. He tell thee Qbarles,\t is the ftubbor- 
neft yong fellow of France, full of ambition, an enuious 
emulator of euery mans good parts, a fecret & villanous 
contriuer againft mee his naturall brother : therefore vfe 
thy difcretion, I had as liefe thou didft breake his necke 
as his finger. And thou wert beft looke to't ; for if thou 
doft him any flight difgrnce, or if hee doe not mightilie 
grace himfelfe on thee, hee will praclife againft thee by 
poyfon, entrap thee by fome treacherous deuife, and ne- 
uer leaue thee till he hath tane thy life by fome indiredT: 
meanes or other : for I a flu re thee , ( and almoft with 
teares I fpeake it) there is not one fo young, and fo vil- 
lanous this day liuing. I fpeake but brotherly of him , 
but fhould I anathomize him to thee, as hee is, I muft 
blufh , and weepe, and thou muft looke pale and 
wonder. 

Cha. I am heartily glad I came hither to you : if hee 
come to morrow, lie giue him his payment : if euer hee 
goe alone againe, He neuer wraftle for prize more : and 
fo God keepe your worfhip. Exit. 

Farewell good Charles. Now will I ftirre this Game- 
fter : I hope I fhall fee an end of him ; for my foule (yet 
I know not whyj hates nothing more then he : yet hee's 
gentle, neuer fchool'd, and yet learned , full of noble 
deuife, of all forts enchantingly beloued, and indeed 
fo much in the heart of the world, and especially of my 
owne people, who beft know him, that I am altogether 
mifprifed : but it fhall not be fo long, this wraftler fhall 
cleare all : nothing remaines, but that I kindle the boy 
thither, which now He goe about. Exit. 



Sccena Secunda. 



Enter Rofalind, and Cellia. 

Cel. I pray thee Rofalind, fweet my Coz,be merry. 

Rof. Deere Cellia; I fhow more mirth then I am mi- 
ftrefle of, and would you yet were merrier : vnlefle you 
could teach me to forget a banifhed father, you muft not 
learne mee how to remember any extraordinary plea- 
fure. 

Cel. Heerein I fee thou lou'ft mee not with the full 
waight that I loue thee ; if my Vncle thy banifhed father 
had banifhed thy Vncle the Duke my Father, fo thou 
hadft beene ftill with mee, I could haue taught my loue 
to take thy father for mine ; fo wouldft thou, if the truth 
of thy loue to me were fo righteoufly temper'd, as mine 
is to thee. 

Rof. Well, I will forget the condition of my eftate , 
to reioyce in yours. 

Cel. You know my Father hath no childe, but I, nor 
none is like to haue ; and truely when he dies, thou fhalt 
be his heire ; for what hee hath taken away from thy fa- 
ther perforce , I will render thee againe in affe&ion : by 
mine honor I will, and when I breake that oath, let mee 
turne monftentherefore my fweet Rofe , my deare Rofe, 
be merry. 

Rof. From henceforth I will Coz, and deuife fports: 
let me fee, what thinke you of falling in Loue? 

Cel. Marry I prethee doe, to make fport withall: but 
loue no man in good eameft,nor no further in fport ney- 
ther, then with fafety of a pure blufh, thou maift in ho- 
nor come off againe. 

Rof. What fhall be our fport then ? 

Cel. Let vs fit and mocke the good houfwife For- 
tune from her wheele, that her gifts may henceforth bee 
bellowed equally. 

Rof. I would wee could doe fo : for her benefits are 
mightily mifplaced , and the bountifull blinde woman 
doth moft miftake in her gifts to women. 

Cel. 'Tis true, for thofe that fhe makes faire,ihe fcarce 
makes honeft, & thofe that fhe makes honeft, fhe makes 
very illfauouredly. 

Rof. Nay now thou goeft from Fortunes office to Na- 
tures : Fortune reignes in gifts of the world, not in the 
lineaments of Nature. 

Enter Cloiune. 

Cel. No ; when Nature hath made a faire creature , 
may fhe not by Fortune fall into the fire ? though nature 
hath giuen vs wit to flout at Fortune, hath not Fortune 
fent in this foole to cut oft' the argument ? 

Rof. Indeed there is fortune too hard for nature, when 
fortune makes natures naturall, the cutter off of natures 
witte. 

Cel. Peraduenture this is not Fortunes work neither, 
but Natures, who perceiueth our naturall wits too dull 
to reafon of fuch goddeffes , hath fent this Naturall for 
our whetftone. for alwaies the dulnefle of the foole, is 
the whetftone of the wits. How now Witte, whether 
wander you f 

Clciv. MiftrefTe, you muft come away to your farher. 

Cel. Were you made the meflenger ? 

C/o.No by mine honor, but I was bid to come for you 

Rof. 



<iAs you like it. 



i*7 



Rof. Where learned you that oath foole ? 

Clo. Of a certaine Knight, that fwore by his Honour 
they were good Pan-cakes, and fwore by his Honor the 
Muftard was naught : Now He ftand to it, the Pancakes 
were naught, and the Muftard was good, and yet was 
not the Knight forfworne. 

Cel. How proue you that in the great heape of your 
knowledge ? 

Rof. I marry, now vnmuzzle your wifedome. 

Clo. Stand you both forth now: ftroke your chinnes, 
and fweare by your beards that I am a knaue. 

Qel. By our beards(if we had them)thou art. 

Clo. By my knauerie (if I had it) then I were : bur. if 
you fweare by that that is not, you are not forfworn : no 
more was this knight fwearing by his Honor, for he ne- 
uer had anie ; or if he had, he had fworne it away, before 
euer he faw thofe Pancakes, or that Muftard. 

Cel. Prethee, who is't that thou means't? 

Clo. One that old Fredericke your Father loues. 

Rof.My Fathers loue is enough to honor him enough; 
fpeake no more of him, you'l be whipt for taxation one 
of thefe daies. 

Clo. The more pittie that fooles may not fpeak wife- 
ly, what Wifemen do foolifhly. 

Cel. By my troth thou faieft true : For,fince the little 
wit that fooles haue was filenced, the little foolerie that 
wife men haue makes a great ihew ; Heere comes Mon- 
fieur the lieu. 

Enter le Beau. 

Rof. With his mouth full of newes. 

Cel. Which he will put on 'vs, as Pigeons feed their 
young. 

Rof. Then Aral we be newes-cram'd. 

Cel- All the better : we flialbe the more Marketable. 
'Boon-tour Monfieur le 'Beu, what's the newes ? 

Le 'Beu. Faire Princeffe, 
you haue loft much good fport. 

Cel. Sport : of what colour ? 

Le'Beu. What colour Madame? How fliall I aun- 
fwer you ? 

Rof. As wit and fortune will. 

Clo. Or as the deftinies decrees. 

Cel. Well faid, that was laid on with a trowell. 

Clo. Nay, if I keepe not my ranke. 

Rof. Thou loofeft thy old fmell. 

Le Beu. You amaze me Ladies : I would haue told 
you of good wraftling, which you haue loft the fight of. 

Rof. Yet tell vs the manner of the Wraftling. 

Le 'Beu. I wil tell you the beginning : and if it pleafe 
your Ladiihips, you may fee the end, for the beft is yet 
to doe, and heere where you are, they are comming to 
perform e it. 

Cel. Well, the beginning that is dead and buried. 

Le 'Beu. There comes an old man, and his three fons. 

Cel. I could match this beginning with an old tale. 

Le 'Beu. Three proper yong men, of excellent growth 
and prefence. 

Rof. With bils on their neckes : Be it knowne vnto 
all men by thefe prefents. 

Le 'Beu. The eldeft of the three, wraftled with Charles 
the Dukes Wraftler, which Charles in a moment threw 
him, and broke three of his ribbes, that there is little 
hope of life in him : So he feru'd the fecond, and fo the 
third : yonder they lie, the poore old man their Father, 
making fuch pittiful dole ouer them, that all the behol- 



187 



ders take his part with weeping. 

Rof. Alas. 

Clo. But what is the fport Monfieur, that the Ladies 
haue loft? 

Le Beu. Why this that I fpeake of. 

Clo. Thus men may grow wifer euery day. It is the 
firft time that euer I heard breaking of ribbes was fport 
for Ladies. 

Cel. Or I, I promife thee. 

Rof. But is there any elfe longs to fee this broken 
Muficke in his fides ? Is there yet another doates vpon 
rib-breaking ? Shall we fee this wraftling Cofin? 

Le 'Beu. You mill if you ftay heere, for heere is the 
place appointed for the wraftling, and they are ready to 
performe it. 

Cel. Yonder fure they are comming. Let vs now ftay 
and fee it. 

Flourifh. Enter Duke, Lords, Orlando, Charles, 
and Attendants. 

Duke.Come on, fince the youth will not be intreated 
His owne perill on his forwardneffe. 

Rof. Is yonder the man ? 

Le Beu. Euen he, Madam. 

Cel. Alas, he is too yong : yet he looks fucceffefully 

Du. How now daughter, and Coufin: 
Are you crept hither to fee the wraftling? 

Rof. I my Liege, fo pleafe you giue vs leaue. 

Du. You wil take little delight in it, I can tell you 
there is fuch oddes in the man : In pitie of the challen- 
gers youth, I would faine diffwade him, but he will not 
bee entreated. Speake to him Ladies , fee if you can 
mooue him. 

Cel. Call him hether good Monfieuer Le 'Beu. 

Duke. Do fo : He not be by. 

Le 'Beu. Monfieur the Challenger, the Princeffe cals 
for you. 

Orl. I attend them with all refpecl: and dutie. 

Rof. Young man, haue you challeng'd Charles the 
Wraftler? 

CW.No faire Princeffe : he is the generall challenger, 
I come but in as others do, to try with him the ftrength 
of my youth. 

Cel. Yong Gentleman, your fpirits are too bold for 
your yeares : you haue feene cruell proofe of this mans 
ftrength, if you faw your felfe with your eies, or knew 
your felfe with your iudgment, the feare of your aduen- 
ture would counfel you to a more equall enterprife. We 
pray you for your owne fake to embrace your own fafe- 
tie,and giue ouer this attempt. 

Rof. Do yong Sir,your reputation fliall not therefore 
be mifprifed : we wil make it our fuite to the Duke, that 
the wraftling might not go forward. 

Orl. I befeech you, punifh mee not with your harde 
thoughts, wherein 1 confeffe me much guiltie to denie 
fo faire and excellent Ladies anie thing. But let your 
faire eies, and gentle wiihes go with mee to my triall ; 
wherein if I bee foil'd, there is but one fham'd that was 
neuer gracious : if kil'd, but one dead that is willing to 
be fo : I fliall do my friends no wrong, for I haue none to 
lament me:the world no iniurie,for in it I haue nothing: 
onely in the world I fil vp a place, which may bee better 
fupplied, when I haue made it emptie. 

Rof. The little ftrength that I haue, I would it were 
with you. 

Cel. 



As you like it. 



Cel. And mine to eeke out hers. 

Rof. Fare you welhpraie heauen I be deceiu'd in you. 

Cel. Your hearts defires be with you. 

Char. Come, where is this yong gallant, that is fo 
defirous to lie with his mother earth ? 

Orl. Readie Sir, but his will hath in it a more modeft 
working. 

T)uk. You mall trie but one fall. 

Cha. No, I warrant your Grace you fhall not entreat 
him to a fecond, that haue fo mightilie perfwaded him 
from a rirft. 

Orl. You meane to mocke me after : you mould not 
haue mockt me before : but come your waies. 

Rof. Now Hercules, be thy fpeede yong man. 

Cel. I would I were inuifible,to catch the ftrong fel- 
low by the legge. Wraftle. 

Rof. Oh excellent yong man. 

Qel. If I had a thunderbolt in mine eie,I can tell who 
mould downe. Shout. 

Duk. No more, no more. 

Orl. Yes I befeech your Grace, I am not yet well 
breath'd. 

Duk. How do'ft thou Charles} 

Le Beu. He cannot fpeake my Lord. 

Duk. Beare him awaie : 
What is thy name yong man ? 

Orl. Orlando my Liege, the yongeft fonne of Sir Ro- 
land de Boys. 

Duk. I would thou hadft beene fon to fome man elfe, 
The world efteem'd thy father honourable, 
But I did finde him Mill mine enemie : 
Thou ihould'ft haue better pleas'd me with this deede, 
Hadft thou defcended from another houfe : 
But fare thee well, thou art a gallant youth, 
I would thou had'ft told me of another Father. 

Exit Duke. 

Cel. Were I my Father (Coze) would I do this? 

Orl. I am more proud to be Sir Rolands fonne, 
His yongeft fonne, and would not change that calling 
To be adopted heire to Fredricke. 

Rof. My Father lou'd Sir Roland as his foule, 
And all the world was of my Fathers minde, 
Had I before knowne this yong man his fonne, 
I mould haue giuen him teares vnto entreaties, 
Ere he ihould thus haue ventur'd. 

Cel. Gentle Cofen, 
Let vs goe thanke him, and encourage him : 
My Fathers rough and enuious difpofition 
Sticks me at heart : Sir, you haue well deferu'd, 
If you doe keepe your promifes in loue; 
But iuftly as you haue exceeded all promife, 
Your Miftris mall be happie. 

Rof. Gentleman, 
Weare this for me : one out of fuites with fortune 
That could giue more, but that her hand lacks meanes. 
Shall we goe Coze ? 

Cel. I : fare you well faire Gentleman. 

Orl. Can I not fay, I thanke you? My better parts 
Are all throwne downe, and that which here ftands vp 
Is but a quintine, a meere liueleffe blocke. 

Rof. He ca!s vs back: my pride fell with my fortunes, 
He aske him what he would : Did you call Sir? 
Sir, you haue wraftled well, and ouerthrowne 
More then your enemies. 

Cel. Will you goe Coze ? 

Rof. Haue with you : fare you well. Exit. 



OrA What paffion hangs thefe waights vpo my toong? 
I cannot fpeake to her, yet me vrg'd conference. 

Snter Le Beu. 

poore Orlando\ thou art ouerthrowne 

Or Charles,or lomething weaker mafters thee. 

Le Beu.Good Sir, I do in friendship counfaile you 
Te leaue this place ; Albeit you haue deferu'd 
High commendation, true appl.iufe,and loue ; 
Yet fuch is now the Dukes condition, 
That he mifconfters all that you haue done : 
The Duke is humorous, what he is indeede 
More fuites you to conceiue,then I to fpeake of. 

Orl. I thanke you Sir ; and pray you tell me this, 
Which of the two was daughter of the Duke, 
That here was at the Wraftling? 

Le Beu. Neither his daughter,if we iudge by manners, 
But yet indeede the taller is his daughter, 
The other is daughter to the banifh'd Duke, 
And here detain'd by her vfurping Vncle 
To keepe his daughter companie, whofe loues 
Are deerer then the naturall bond of Sifters : 
But I can tell you, that of late this Duke 
Hath tane difpleafure'gainft his gentle Neece, 
Grounded vpon no other argument, 
But that the people praife her for her vertues, 
And pittie her, for her good Fathers fake; 
And on my life his malice 'gainft the Lady 
Will fodainly breake forth : Sir, fare you well, 
Hereafter in a better world then this, 

1 fhall defire more loue and knowledge of you. 

Orl. I reft much bounden to you : fare you well. 
Thus muft I from the fmoake into the fmother, 
From tyrant Duke, vnto a tyrant Brother. 
But heauenly Rofaline. Exit 



Scena Tertius. 



Enter Qelia and Rofaline. 

Cel. Why Cofen, why Rofaline : Cupid haue mercie, 
Not a word ? 

Rof. Not one to throw at a dog. 

Cel. No, thy words are too precious to be caft away 
vpon curs, throw fome of them at me; come lame mee 
with reafons. 

Rof. Then there were two Cofens laid vp, when the 
one mould be lam'd with reafons , and the other mad 
without any. 

Cel. But is all this for your Father ? 

Rof. No, fome of it is for my childes Father : Oh 
how full of briers is this working day world. 

Cel. They are but burs, Cofen, throwne vpon thee 
in holiday foolerie, if we walke not in the trodden paths 
our very petty-coates will catch them. 

Rof. I could make them off my coate, thefe burs are 
in my heart. 

Cel. Hem them away. 

Rof. I would try if I could cry hem, and haue him. 

Qel. Come, come, wraftle with thy affections. 

Rof. O they take the part of a better wraftler then 
my felfe. 

Qel. O, a good wim vpon you : you will trie in time 



<tAs you like it. 



187 



in difpight of a fall: but turning thefe iefts out of feruice, 
let vs talke in good earneft : Is it poffible on fuch a fo- 
daine,you fhould fall into fo ftrong a liking with old Sir 
Roulands yongeft fonne? 

Roj". The Duke my Father lou'd his Father deerelie. 

Cel. Doth it therefore enfue that you fhould loue his 
Sonne deerelie ? By this ,kinde of chafe, I fhould hate 
him, for my father hated his father deerely; yet I hate 
not Orlando. 

Rof. No faith, hate him not for my fake. 

Cel. Why mould I not f doth he not deferue well ? 

Enter Duke with Lords. 

Rof. Let me loue him for that, and do you loue him 
Becaufe I doe. Looke, here comes the Duke. 

Cel. With his eies full of anger. 

Duk. Miftris,difpatch you with your fafeft hafte, 
And get you from our Court. 

Rof. Me Vncle. 

Duk. You Cofen, 
Within thefe ten daies if that thou beeft found 
So neere our publike Court as twentie miles, 
Thou dieft for it. 

Rof. I doe befeech your Grace 
Let me the knowledge of my fault beare with me : 
If with my felfe I hold intelligence, 



Or haue acquaintance with 



defires, 



If that I doe not dreame, or be not franticke, 
(As I doe truft I am not) then deere Vncle, 
Neuer fo much as in a thought vnborne, 
Did I offend your highneffe. 

Duk. Thus doe all Traitors, 
If their purgation did confift in words, 
They are as innocent as grace it felfe ; 
Let it fuffice thee that I truft thee not. 

Rof. Yet your miftruft cannot make me a Traitor ; 
Tell me whereon the likelihoods depends? 

Duk. Thou art thy Fathers daughter, there's enough. 

Rof. So was I when your highnes took his Dukdome, 
So was I when your highneffe banifht him ; 
Treafon is not inherited my Lord, 
Or if we did deriue it from our friends, 
What's that to me, my Father was no Traitor, 
Then good my Leige, miftake me not fo much, 
To thinke my pouertie is treacherous. 

Cel. Deere Soueraigne heare me fpeake. 

Duk. I Celia, we ftaid her for your fake, 
Elfe had fhe with her Father rang'd along. 

Cel. I did not then intreat to haue her flay, 
It was your pleafure. and your owne remorfe, 
I was too yong that time to value her, 
But now I know her : if fhe be a Traitor, 
Why fo am I : we ftill haue flept together, 
Rofe at an inftant, learn 'd, piaid,eate together, 
And wherefoere we went, like lunos Swans, 
Still we went coupled and infeperable. 

Duk. She is too fubtile for thee, and her fmoothnes; 
Her verie filence, and per patience, 
Speake to the people, and they pittie her : 
Thou art a foole, fhe robs thee of thy name, 
And thou wilt fhow more bright, & feem more vertuous 
When fhe is gone : then open not thy lips 
Firme, and irreuocable is my doombe, 
Which I haue paft vpon her, fhe is banifh'd. 

Cel. Pronounce that fentence then on me my Leige, 
I cannot Hue out of her companie. 



Duk. You are a foole : you Neice prouide your felfe, 
If you out-ftay the time, vpon mine honor, 
And in the greatneffe of my word you die. 

Exit Duke,&c. 

Qel. O my poore Rofaline, whether wilt thou goe? 
Wilt thou change Fathers ? I will giue thee mine : 
I charge thee be not thou more grieu'd then I am. 

Rof. I haue more caufe. 

Cel. Thou haft not Cofen, 
Prethee be cheerefull ; know'ft thou not the Duke 
Hath banifh'd me his daughter? 

Rof. That he hath not. 

Cel. No, hath not? Rofaline lacks then the loue 
Which teacheth thee that thou and I am one, 
Shall we be fundred ? fhall we part fweete girle ? 
No, let my Father feeke another heire : 
Therefore deuife with me how we may flie 
Whether to goe, and what to beare with vs, 
And doe not feeke to take your change vpon you, 
To beare your griefes your felfe, and leaue me out : 
For by this heauen, now at our forrowes pale ; 
Say what thou canft, He goe along with thee. 

Rof. Why, whether fhall we goe f 

Cel. To feeke my Vncle in the Forreft of Arden. 

Rof. Alas, what danger will it be to vs, 
(Maides as we are) to trauell forth fo farre ? 
Beautie prouoketh theeues fooner then gold. 

Cel. lie put my felfe in poore and meane attire, 
And with a kinde of vmber fmirch my face, 
The like doe you,fo fhall we paffe along, 
And neuer ftir affailants. 

Rof. Were it not better, 
Becaufe that I am more then common tall, 
That I did fuite me all points like a man, 
A gallant curtelax vpon my thigh, 
A bore-fpeare in my hand, and in my heart 
Lye there what hidden womans feare there will, 
Weele haue a fwafhing and a marfhall outfide, 
As manie other mannifh cowards haue, 
That doe outface it with their femblances. 

Cel. What fhall 1 call thee when thou art a man ? 

Rof He haue no worfe a name then hues owne Page, 
And therefore looke you call me Ganimed. 
But what will you by call'd? 

Qel. Something that hath a reference to my ftate : 
No longer Celia, but Aliena. 

Rof. But Cofen, what if we affaid to fteale 
The clownifh Foole out of your Fathers Court : 
Would he not be a comfort to our trauaile ? 

Cel. Heele goe along ore the wide world with me, 
Leaue me alone to woe him ; Let's away 
And get our Iewels and our wealth together, 
Deuife the fitteft time, and fafeft way 
To hide vs from purfuite that will be made 
After my flight : now goe in we content 
To libertie,and not to banifhment. Exeunt. 



A5ius Secundus. Sccena Prima. 



Enter Duke Senior : Amy ens , and two or three Lords 
like Forreflers. 
Tluk.Seti.Now my Coe-mates,and brothers in exile : 
Hath not old cuftome made this life more fweete 

The 



190 



As you like it. 



Then that of painted pompe ? Are not thefe woods 

More free from perill then the enuious Court ? 

Heere feele we not the penaltie of Adam, 

The feafons difference, as the Icie phange 

And churliih chiding of the winters winde, 

Which when it bites and blowes vpon my body 

Euen till I fhrinke with cold, I fmile, and fay 

This is no flattery : thefe are counfellors 

That feelingly perfwade me what I am : 

Sweet are the vfes of aduerfi tie 

Which like the toad, ougly and venemous, 

Weares yet a precious Iewell in his head-. 

And this our life exempt from publike haunt, 

Findes tongues in trees, bookes in the running brookes, 

Sermons in ftones,and good in euery thing. 

Amien. I would not change it, happy is your Grace 
That can tranflate the ftubbornnefle of fortune 
Into fo quiet and fo fweet a ftile. 

Tlu.Sen. Come, mall we goe and kill vs venifon ? 
And yet it irkes me the poore dapled fooles 
Being natiue Burgers of this defert City, 
Should intheir owne confines with forked heads 
Haue their round hanches goard. 

1. Lord. Indeed my Lord 
The melancholy Iaques grieues at that, 
And in that kinde fweares you doe more vfurpe 
Then doth your brother that hath banifh'd you : 
To day my Lord of Amiens, and my felfe, 
Did fteale behinde him as he lay along 
Vnder an oake, whofe anticke roote peepes out 
Vpon the brooke that brawles along this wood, 
To the which place a poore fequeftred Stag 
That from the Hunters aime had tane a hurt, 
Did come to languiih; and indeed my Lord 
The wretched annimall heau'd forth fuch groanes 
That their difcharge did ftretch his leatherne coat 
Almoft to burfting, and the big round teares 
Cours'd one another downe his innocent nofe 
In pitteous chafe : and thus the hairie foole, 
Much marked of the melancholie Iaques , 
Stood on th'extremeft verge of the fwift brooke, 
Augmenting it with teares. 

Du.Sen. But what faid Iaques ? 
Did he not moralize this fpeftacle? 

1 .Lord. O yes,into a thoufand fimilies. 
Firftjfor his weeping into the needleffe ftreame ; 
Poore Deere quoth he, thou mak'ft a teftament 
As worldlings doe, giuing thy fum of more 
To that which had too muft : then being there alone, 
Left and abandoned of his veluet friend ; 
'Tis right quoth he, thus miferie doth part 
The Fluxe of companie : anon a carelefle Heard 
Full of the pafture,iumps along by him 
And neuer fbies to greet him : I quoth Iaques, 
Sweepe on you fat and greazie Citizens, 
'Tis iuft the fa/hion ; wherefore doe you looke 
Vpon that poore and broken bankrupt there ? 
Thus moft inuectiuely he pierceth through 
The body of Countrie, Citie, Court, 
Yea, and of this our life, fwearing that we 
Are meere vfurpers, tyrants, and whats worfe 
To fright the Annimals, and to kill them vp 
In their aflign'd and natiue dwelling place. 

D.Sen. And did you leaue him in this contemplation i 

2. Lord. We did my Lord, weeping and commenting 
Vpon the fobbing Deere. 



Du. Sen. Show me the place, 
I loue to cope him in thefe fullen fits, 
For then he's full of matter. 

l.Lor. He biing you to him ftrait. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Ttuie, -with Lords. 

Duk. Can it be poffible that no man faw them ? 
It cannot be,fome villaines of my Court 
Are of confent and fufferance in this. 

1.L0. I cannot heare of any that did fee her, 
The Ladies her attendants of her chamber 
Saw her a bed, and in the morning early, 
They found the bed vntreafur'd of their Miftris. 

l.Lor. My Lord, the roynifli Clown, at whom fo oft, 
Your Grace was wont to laugh is alfo miffing, 
Hijperia the Princeffe Centlewoman 
Confeffes that fhe fecretly ore-heard 
Your daughter and her Cofen much commend 
The parts and graces of the Wraftler 
That did but lately foile the fynowie Charles, 
And flie beleeues where euer they are gone 
That youth is furely in their companie. 

Duk. Send to his brother, fetch that gallant hither, 
If he be abfent, bring his Brother to me, 
He make him finde him : do this fodainlyj 
And let not fearch and inquifition quaile, 
To bring againe thefe foolim runawaies. Exunt. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Orlando and Adam. 

Orl. Who's there I 

Ad. What my yong Matter, oh my gentle mafter, 
Oh my fweet mafter, O you memorie 
Of old Sir Rowland; why, what make you here ? 
Why are you vertuous? Why do people loue you ? 
And wherefore are you gentle, ftrong, and valiant? 
Why would you be fo fond to ouercome 
The bonnie prifer of the humorous Duke i 
Your praife is come too fwiftly home before you. 
Know you not Mafter, to fceme kinde of men, 
Their graces ferue them but as enemies, 
No more doe yours : your vertues gentle Mafter 
Are fandtified and holy traitors to you : 
Oh what a world is this, when what is comely 
Enuenoms him that beares it? 
Why, what's the matter ? 

Ad. O vnhappie youth, 
Come not within thefe doores : within this roofe 
The enemie of all your graces Hues 
Your brother, no, no brother, yet the fonne 
(Yet not the fon,I will not call him fon) 
Of him I was about to call his Father, 
Hath heard your praifes,and this night he 1 
To burne the lodging where you vie to lye, 
And you within it : if he faile of that 



As you like it. 



9 1 



He will haue other meanes to cut you off; 
I ouerheard him: and his practifes : 
This is no place, this houfe is but a butcherie ; 
Abhorre it,feare it, doe not enter it. 

Ad. Why whether Adam would 'ft thou haue me go? 

Ad. No matter whether, fo you come not here. 

Orl. What,would'ft thou haue me go& beg my food, 
Or with a bafe and boiftrous Sword enforce 
A theeuifli liuing on the common rode? 
This I muft do, or know not what to do : 
Yet this I will not do, do how I can. 
I rather will fubiecT: me to the malice 
Of a diuerted blood, and bloudie brother. 

Ad. But do not fo : I haue fiue hundred Crownes, 
The thriftie hire I faued vnder your Father, 
Which I did ftore to be my fofter Nurfe, 
When feruice ihould in my old limbs lie lame, 
And vnregarded age in corners throwne, 
Take that, and he that doth the Rauens feede, 
Yea prouidently caters for the Sparrow, 
Be comfort to my age : here is the gold, 
All this I giue you, let me be your feruant, 
Though I looke old, yet I am ftrong and luftie ; 
For in my youth I neuer did apply 
Hot, and rebellious liquors in my bloud, 
Nor did not with vnbaftifull forehead woe, 
The meanes of weakneffe and debilitie, 
Therefore my age is as a luftie winter, 
Froftie,but kindely ; let me goe with you, 
lie doe the feruice of a yonger man 
In all your bufineffe and neceffities. 

Orl. Oh good old man, how well in thee appeares 
The conftant feruice of the antique world, 
When feruice fweate for dutie, not for meede: 
Thou art not for the famion of thefe times, 
Where none will fweate, but for promotion, 
And hauing that do choake their feruice vp, 
Euen with the hauing, it is not fo with thee : 
But poore old man, thou prun'ft a rotten tree, 
That cannot fo much as a bloffome yeelde, 
In lieu of all thy paines and husbandrie, 
But come thy waies, weele goe along together, 
And ere we haue thy youthfull wages fpent, 
Weele light vpon fome fetled low content. 

Ad. Mafter goe on, and I will follow thee 
To the laft gafpe with truth and loyaltie, 
From feauentie yeeres, till now almoft fourefcore 
Here liued I, but now liue here no more 
At feauenteene yeeres, many their fortunes feeke 
But at fourefcore, it is too late a weeke, 
Yet fortune cannot recompence me better 
Then to die well, and not my Matters debter. Exeunt. 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter Rof aline for Gammed, Cellafor Aliena,and 
Cloivne, alias Touch/tone. 

Rof. O Iupiter, how merry are my fpirits? 

Clo. I care not for my fpirits, if my legges were not 
wearie. 

Rof. I could finde in my heart to difgrace my mans 
apparell, and to cry like a woman : but I muft comfort 



the weaker veffell, as doublet and hofe ought to fhow it 
felfe coragious to petty-coate; therefore courage, good 
Aliena. 

Cel. I pray you beare with me, I cannot goe no fur- 
ther. 

Clo. For my part, I had rather beare with you, then 
beare you : yet I ftiould beare no croffe if I did beare 
you, for I thinke you haue no money in your purfe. 

Rof. Well, this is the Forreft of Arden. 

Clo. I, now am I in Arden, the more foole I, when I 
was at home I was in a better place, but Trauellers muft 
be content. 

Enter Corin and Siluius. 

Rof. I, be fo good Toucbftone: Look you, who comes 
here, a yong man and an old in folemne talke. 

Cor. That is the way to make her fcorne you {till. 

Sil. Oh Corin, that thou knew'ft how I do loue her. 

Cor. I partly gueffe: for I haue lou'd ere now. 

Sil. No Corin, being old, thou canft not gueffe, 
Though in thy youth thou waft as true a louer 
As euer figh'd vpon a midnight pillow : 
But if thy loue were euer like to mine, 
As fure I thinke did neuer man loue fo : 
How many aftions moft ridiculous, 
Haft thou beene drawne to by thy fantafie ? 

Cor. Into a thoufand that I haue forgotten. 

Sil. Oh thou didft then neuer loue fo hardly, 
If thou remembreft not the flighted folly, 
That euer loue did make thee run into, 
Thou haft not lou'd. 
Or if thou haft not fat as I doe now, 
Wearing thy hearer in thy Miftris praife, 
Thou haft not lou'd. 

Or if thou haft not broke from companie, 
Abruptly as my paffion now makes me, 
Thou haft not lou'd. 

Pbebe, Phebe, Phebe. Exit. 
Rof Alas poore Shepheard fearching of they would, 

1 haue by hard aduenture found mine owne. 

Clo. And I mine : I remember when I was in loue, I 
broke my fword vpon a ftone, and bid him take that for 
comming a night to lane Smile, and I remember the kif- 
fing of her batler, and the Cowes dugs that her prettie 
chopt hands had milk'd ; and I remember the wooing 
of a peafcod inftead of her , from whom I tooke two 
cods, and giuing her them againe , faid with weeping 
teares, weare thefe for my fake: wee that are true Lo- 
uers, runne into ftrange capers ; but as all is mortall in 
nature, fo is all nature in loue, mortall in folly. 

Rof. Thou fpeak'ft wifer then thou art ware of. 

Clo. Nay, I mail nere be ware of mine owne wit, till 
I breake my ftiins againft it. 

Rof. hue, loue, this Shepherds paffion, 
Is much vpon my faftuon. 

Clo. And mine, but it growes fomething ftale with 
mee. 

Cel. I pray you, one of you queftion yon'd man, 
If he for gold will giue vs any foode, 
I faint almoft to death. 

Clo. Holla ; you Clowne. 

Rof. Peace foole, he's not thy kinfman. 

Cor. Who cals ? 

Clo. Your betters Sir. 

Cor. Elfe are they very wretched. 

Rof. Peace 



192 



oAs you likg it. 



Rof. Peace I fay; good euen to your friend. 

Qor. And to you gentle Sir,and to you all. 

Rof. I prethee Shepheard, if that loue or gold 
Can in this defert place buy entertainment, 
Bring vs where we may reft our felues,and feed : 
Here's a yong maid with trauaile much opprefled, 
And faints for fuccour. 

Cor. Faire Sir, I pittie her, 
And wi(h for her fake more then for mine owne, 
My fortunes were more able to releeue her : 
But I am fhepheard to another man, 
And do not iheere the Fleeces that I graze : 
My mafter is of churlifti difpofition, 
And little wreakes to finde the way to heauen 
By doing deeds of hofpitalitie. 
Befides his Coate,his Flockes,and bounds of feede 
Are now on fale, and at our fheep-coat now 
By reafon of his abfence there is nothing 
That you will feed on : but what is, come fee, 
And in my voice moft welcome fhall you be. 

Rof. What is he that mall buy his flocke and pafture? 

Cor. That yong Swaine that you faw heere but ere- 
while, 
That little cares for buying any thing. 

Rof. I pray thee, if it ftand with honeftie, 
Buy thou the Cottage, pafture, and the flocke, 
And thou (halt haue to pay for it of vs. 

Cel. And we will mend thy wages : 
I like this place, and willingly could 
Wafte my time in it. 

Cor. Afluredly the thing is to be fold : 
Go with me, if you like vpon report, 
The foile, the profit, and this kinde of life, 
I will your very faithfull Feeder be, 
And buy it with your Gold right fodainly. Exeunt. 



Scena Quinta. 



Enter, Amy ens, Iaques, & others. 
Song. 
Vnder the greene wood tree, 

■who hues to lye -with mee, 
And tnrne his merrie Note, 

■vnto thefiveet 'Birds throte : 
Come hither, come hither, come hither : 

Heere pall he fee no enemie, 
'But Winter and rough Weather. 

Iaq. More, more, I pre'thee more. 

Amy. It will make you melancholly Monfieur Iaques 

Iaq. I thanke it : More, I prethee more, 
I can fucke melancholly out of a fong, 
As a Weazel fuckes egges : More, I pre'thee more. 

Amy. My voice is ragged, I know I cannot pleafe 
you. 

Iaq. I do not defire you to pleafe me, 
I do defire you to fing : 
Come, more, another ftanzo : Cal you'em ftanzo's ? 

Amy. What you wil Monfieur Iaques. 

Iaq. Nay, I care not for their names, they owe mee 
nothing. Wil you fing? 

Amy. More at your requeft,then to pleafe my felfe. 

Iaq. Well then, if euer I thanke any man, He thanke 



you : but that they cal complement is like th'encounter 
of two dog-Apes. And when a man thankes me hardly, 
me thinkes I haue giuen him a penie, and he renders me 
the beggerly thankes. Come fing ; and you that wil not 
hold your tongues. 

Amy. Wei, He end the fong. Sirs, couer the while, 
the Duke wil drinke vnder this tree; he hath bin all this 
day to looke you. 

Iaq. And I haue bin all this day to auoid him : 
He is too difputeable for my companie : 
I thinke of as many matters as he, but I giue 
Heauen thankes, and make no boaft of them. 
Come, warble, come. 

Song. ^Altogether heere. 

Who doth ambition punne , 

and hues to Hue Tth Sunne: 
Seeking the food he eates, 

and pleased -with -what he gets : 
Come hither, come hither, come hither, 

Heere pall hefee.&c. 

Iaq. He giue you a verfe to this note, 
That I made yefterday in defpight of my Inuention. 
Amy. And He fing it. 
Amy. Thus it goes. 

If it do come to paffc, that any man turne Affe : 
Leaning his 'wealth and eafe, 
A fiubborne •will to pleafe , 
Ducdame , ducdame , ducdame : 
Heere pall he fee, groffefooles a6 be, 
And if he -will come to me. 
Amy. What's that Ducdame ? 

Iaq. 'Tis a Greeke inuocation, to call fools into a cir- 
cle. He go fleepe if I can : if 1 cannot,He raile againft all 
the firft borne of Egypt. 

Amy. And lie go feeke the Duke, 
His banket is prepar'd. Exeunt 



Scena Sexta. 



Enter Orlando, & tAdam. 

Adam. Deere Mafter, I can go no further : 

I die for food. Heere lie I downe, 

And meafure out my graue. Farwel kinde mafter. 

CV/.Why how now Adam> No greater heart in thee 
Liue a little, comfort a little, cheere thy felfe a little. 
If this vncouth Forreft yeeld any thing fauage, 

1 wil either be food for it, or bring it for foode to thee : 
Thy conceite is neerer death, then thy powers. 

For my fake be comfortable, hold death a while 

At the armes end : I wil heere be with thee prefently, 

And if I bring thee not fomething to eate, 

I wil giue thee leaue to die : but if thou dieft 

Before I come, thou art a mocker of my labor. 

Wei faid, thou look'ft cheerely, 

And He be with thee quickly : yet thou lieft 

In the bleake aire. Come, I wil beare thee 

To fome lhelter,and thou lhalt not die 

For lacke of a dinner, 

If there liue any thing in this Defert. 

Cheerely good Adam. 



Exeunt 
Scena 



191 



As you like it. 



l 93 



Scena Septima. 



Enter Duke Sen. & Lord, like Out-laives. 

Du.Sen. I thinke he be transform'd into a beaft, 
For I can no where finde him, like a man. 

J. Lord. My Lord, he is but euen now gone hence, 
Heere was he merry, hearing of a Song. 

Du.Sen. If he compact of iarres,grow Muficall, 
We mall haue fliortly difcord in the Spheares : 
Go feeke him, tell him I would fpeake with him. 

Enter Iaques. 
I. Lord. He faues my labor by his owne approach. 
Du.Sen. Why how now Monfieur, what a life is this 
That your poore friends muft woe your companie, 
What, you looke merrily. 

Iaq. A Foole, a foole : I met a foole i'th Forreft, 
A motley Foole (a miferable world :) 
As I do liue by foode, I met a foole, 
Who laid him downe, and bask'd him in the Sun, 
And rail'd on Lady Fortune in good termes, 
In good fet termes, and yet a motley foole. 
Good morrow foole (quoth I:) no Sir, quoth he, 
Call me not foole, till heauen hath fent me fortune, 
And then he drew a diall from his poake, 
And looking on it, with lacke-luftre eye, 
Sayes, very wifely, it is ten a clocke : 
Thus we may fee (quoth he) how the world wagges : 
'Tis but an houre agoe, fince it was nine, 
And after one houre more, 'twill be eleuen, 
And fo from houre to houre, we ripe,and ripe, 
And then from houre to houre, we rot,and rot, 
And thereby hangs a tale. When I did heare 
The motley Foole, thus morall on the time, 
My Lungs began to crow like Chanticleere, 
That Fooles mould be fo deepe contemplatiue : 
And I did laugh, fans intermiflion 
An houre by his diall. Oh noble foole, 
A worthy foole : Motley's the onely weare. 
'Du.Sen. What foole is this ? 

Iaq. O worthie Foole : One that hath bin a Courtier 
And fayes, if Ladies be but yong, and faire, 
They haue the gift to know it : and in his braiue, 
Which is as drie as the remainder bisket 
After a voyage : He hath ftrange places cram'd 
With obferuation, the which he vents 
In mangled formes. O that I were a foole, 
I am ambitious for a motley coat. 
Du.Sen. Thou ihalt haue one. 
Iaq. It is my onely fuite, 
Prouided that you weed your better iudgements 
Of all opinion that growes ranke in them, 
That I am wife. I muft haue liberty 
Wiithall, as large a Charter as the winde, 
To blow on whom I pleafe, for fo fooles haue : 
And they that are moft gauled with my folly, 
They moft muft laugh : And why fir muft they fo ? 
The why is plaine, as way to Parifh Church : 
Hee, that a Foole doth very wifely hit, 
Doth very foolifhly, although he fmart 
Seeme fenfelefle of the bob. If not, 
The Wife-mans folly is anathomiz'd 
Euen by the fquandring glances of the foole. 



Inueft me in my motley : Giue me leaue 

To fpeake my minde, and I will through and through 

Cleanfe the foule bodie of th'infecled world, 

If they will patiently receiue my medicine. 

Du.Sen. Fie on thee. I can tell what thou wouldft do. 

Iaq. What, for a Counter, would I do, but good i 

Du.Sen. Moft mifcheeuous foule fin, in chiding fin : 
For thou thy felfe haft bene a Libertine, 
As fenfuall as the brutifti fting it felfe, 
And all th'imbofled fores, and headed euils, 
That thou with licenfe of free foot haft caught, 
Would'ft thou difgorge into the generall world. 

Iaq. Why who cries out on pride, 
That can therein taxe any priuate party : 
Doth it not flow as hugely as the Sea, 
Till that the wearie verie meanes do ebbe. 
What woman in the Citie do I name, 
When that I fay the City woman beares 
The coft of Princes on vnworthy moulders ? 
Who can come in, and fay that I meane her, 
When fuch a one as fhee, fuch is her neighbor ? 
Or what is he of bafeft function, 
That fayes his brauerie is not on my coft, 
Thinking that I meane him, but therein fuites 
His folly to the mettle of my fpeech, 
There then, how then, what then, let me fee wherein 
My tongue hath wrong'd him : if it do him right, 
Then he hath wrong'd himfelfe : if he be free, 
why then my taxing like a wild-goofe flies 
Vnclaim'd of any man. But who come here? 

Enter Orlando. 

Orl. Forbeare, and eate no more. 

Iaq. Why I haue eate none yet. 

Orl. Nor ihalt not, till neceflity be feru'd. 

Iaq. Of what kinde mould this Cocke come of? 

■25k. &». Art thou thus bolden'd man by thy diftres? 
Or elfe a rude defpifer of good manners, 
That in ciuility thou feem'ft fo emptie ? 

Orl. You touch'd my veine at firft, the thorny point 
Of bare diftrefle, hath tane from me the fhew 
Of fmooth ciuility : yet am I in-land bred, 
And know fome nourture : But forbeare, I fay, 
He dies that touches any of this fruite, 
Till I, and my affaires are anfwered. 

Iaq. And you will not be anfwer'd with reafon, 
I muft dye. 

Du. Sen. What would you haue? 
Your gentlenefle fhall force, more then your force 
Moue vs to gentlenefle. 

Orl. I almoft die for food, and let me haue it. 

T>u. Sen. Sit downe and feed,& welcom to our table 

Orl. Speake you fo gently ? Pardon me I pray you, 
I thought that all things had bin fauage heere, 
And therefore put I on the countenance 
Of fterne command'ment. But what ere you are 
That in this defert inacceflible, 
Vnder the fhade of melancholly boughes, 
Loofe, and neglect the creeping houres of time : 
If euer you haue look'd on better dayes : 
If euer bcene where bels haue knoll'd to Church : 
If euer fate at any good mans feaft : 
If euer from your eye-lids wip'd a teare, 
And know what 'tis to pittie, and be pittied : 
Let gentlenefle my ftrong enforcement be, 
In the which hope, I blufh, and hide my Sword. 

R Duke 



94 



As you like it. 



Du. Sen. True is it, that we haue feene better dayes, 
And haue with holy bell bin knowld to Church, 
And fat at good mens feafts, and wip'd our eies 
Of drops, that facred pity hath engendred : 
And therefore fit you downe in gentleneffe, 
And take vpon command, what helpe we haue 
That to your wanting may be miniftred. 

Orl. Then but forbeare your food a little while : 
Whiles (like a Doe) I go to finde my Fawne, 
And giue it food. There is an old poore man, 
Who after me, hath many a weary fteppe 
Limpt in pure loue : till he be firft fuffic'd, 
Oppreft with two weake euils, age,and hunger, 
I will not touch a bit. 

Duke Sen. Go finde him out. 
And we will nothing wafte till you returne. 

Orl. I thanke ye, and be bleft for your good comfort. 

Du Sen. Thou feeft, we are not all alone vnhappie: 
This wide and vniuerfall Theater 
Prefents more wofull Pageants then the Sceane 
Wherein we play in. 

la. All the world's a ftage, 
And all the men and women, meerely Players; 
They haue their Exits and their Entrances, 
And one man in his time playes many parts, 
His Acfs being feuen ages. At firft the Infant, 
Mewling, and puking in the Nurfes armes : 
Then, the whining Schoole-boy with his Satchell 
And mining morning face, creeping like fnaile 
Vnwillingly to fchoole. And then the Louer, 
Sighing like Furnace, with a wofull ballad 
Made to his Miftrefie eye-brow. Then, a Soldier, 
Full of ftrange oaths, and bearded like the Pard, 
Ielous in honor, fodaine, and quicke in quarrell, 
Seeking the bubble Reputation 
Euen in the Canons mouth : And then, the Iuftice 
In faire round belly, with good Capon lin'd, 
With eyes feuere, and beard of formall cut, 
Full of wife fawes, and moderne inftances, 
And fo he playes his part. The fixt age mifts 
Into the leane and llipper'd Pantaloone, 
With fpe£tacles on nofe, and pouch on fide, 
His youthfull hofe well fau'd, a world too wide, 
For his ihrunke fhanke, and his bigge manly voice, 
Turning againe toward childifh trebble pipes, 
And whiftles in his found. Laft Scene of all, 
That ends this ftrange euentfull hiftorie, 
Is fecond childiihnefle, and meere obliuion, 
Sans teeth, fans eyes, fans tafte, fans euery thing. 

Enter Orlando -with Adam. 

Du Sen. Welcome : fet downe your venerable bur- 
then, and let him feede. 

Orl. I thanke you moft for him. 

Ad. So had you neede, 
I fcarce can fpeake to thanke you for my felfe. 

T>u. Sen. Welcome, fall too : I wil not trouble you, 
As yet to queftion you about your fortunes : 
Giue vs fome Muficke, and good Cozen, ling. 

Song. 

TSlo-w, blow, thou -winter tvinde, 
Thou art not Jo -vnkinde, as mans ingratitude 
Thy tooth a not Jo keene, becauje thou art notjeene, 

although thy breath be rude. 



Heigh ho,Jing heigh ho, -vnto the greene holly , 
zTlfofl frendjhip , is fayning; mojl Louing, meere folly : 

The heigh ho , the holly , 

This Life is moji iolly. 

Freize, freize , thou bitter skie that dojl not bight Jo nigh 

as beneftts forgot : 
Though thou the -waters -warpe, thy fling is not Jo Jharpe , 

as freind remembred not. 
Heigh ho,fing,&c. 

Duke Sen. If that you were the good Sir Ro-wlands fon, 
As you haue whifper'd faithfully you were, 
And as mine eye doth his effigies witneffe, 
Moft truly limn'd, and liuing in your face, 
Be truly welcome hither : I am the Duke 
That lou'd your Father, the refidue of your fortune, 
Go to my Caue, and tell mee. Good old man, 
Thou art right welcome, as thy mafters is : 
Support him by the arme : giue me your hand, 
And let me all your fortunes vnderftand. Exeunt. 



iABus Tertius . Scena 'Prima. 



Enter "Duke, Lords, & Oliuer. 

T>u. Not fee him fince ? Sir, fir, that cannot be : 
But were I not the better part made mercie, 
I mould not feeke an abfent argument 
Of my reuenge, thou prefent : but looke to it, 
Finde out thy brother wherefoere he is, 
Seeke him with Candle : bring him dead, or liuing 
Within this tweluemonth, or turne thou no more 
To feeke a liuing in our Territorie. 
Thy Lands and all things that thou doft call thine, 
Worth feizure, do we feize into our hands, 
Till thou canft quit thee by thy brothers mouth, 
Of what we thinke againft thee. 

01. Oh that your HighnefTe knew my heart in this: 
I neuer lou'd my brother in my life. 

Duke.More villaine thou. Well pufh him out of dores 
And let my officers of fuch a nature 
Make an extent vpon his houfe and Lands: 
Do this expediently, and turne him going. Exeunt 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Orlando. 
Orl, Hang there my verfe, in witneffe of my loue, 
And thou thrice crowned Queene of night furuey 
With thy chafte eye, from thy pale fpheare aboue 
Thy Huntreffe name, that my full life doth fway. 
O Rojalind, thefe Trees fhall be my Bookes, 
And in their barkes my thoughts He charradter, 
That euerie eye, which in this Forreft lookes, 
Shall fee thy vertue witneft euery where. 
Run, run Orlando,carue on euery Tree, 
The faire, the chafte,and vnexpreffiue mee. Exit 

Enter Corin & Clo-wne. 
Qo. And how like you this fhepherds life M r Toucbflone? 

Clo. 



As you li\e it. 



'95 



Clow. Truely Shepheard, in refpeft of it felfe, it is a 
good life ; but in refpecT: that it is a fhepheards life, it is 
naught. In refpett that it is folitary, I like it verie well : 
but in refpecT: that it is priuate, it is a very vild life. Now 
in refpecT: it is in the fields, it pleafeth mee well : but in 
refpedt it is not in the Court, it is tedious. As it is a fpare 
life(looke you) it fits my humor well : but as there is no 
more plentie in it, it goes much againft my ftomacke. 
Has't any Philofophie in thee mepheard f 

Cor. No more, but that I know the more one fickens, 
the worfe at eafe he is : and that hee that wants money, 
. meanes, and content, is without three good frends .That 
the propertie of raine is to wet, and fire to burne : That 
pood pafture makes fat Iheepe : and that a great caufe of 
the night, is lacke of the Sunne : That hee that hath lear- 
ned no wit by Nature, nor Art, may complaine of good 
breeding, or comes of a very dull kindred. 

Clo. Such a one is a naturall Philofopher : 
Was't euer in Court, Shepheard ? 

Cor. No truly. 

Clo. Then thou art damn'd. 

Cor. Nay, I hope. 

Clo. Truly thou art damn'd, like an ill roafted Egge, 
all on one fide. 

Cor. For not being at Court? your reafon. 

Clo. Why, if thou neuer was't at Court, thou neuer 
faw'ft good manners : if thou neuer faw'ft good maners, 
then thy manners muft be wicked, and wickednes is fin, 
and finne is damnation: Thou art in a parlous ftate fliep- 
heard. 

Cor. Not a whit Touchftone, thofe that are good ma- 
ners at the Court, are as ridiculous in the Countrey, as 
the behauiour of the Countrie is raoft mockeable at the 
Court. You told me, you falute not at the Court, but 
you kiffe your hands; that courtefie would be vncleanlie 
if Courtiers were lhepheards. 

Clo. Inftance, briefly : come, inftance. 

Cor. Why we are ftill handling our Ewes, and their 
Fels you know are greafie. 

Clo. Why do not your Courtiers hands fweate? and 
is not the greafe of a Mutton, as wholefome as the fweat 
of a man ? Shallow, ihallow : A better inftance I fay : 
Come. 

Cor. Befides, our hands are hard. 

Clo. Your lips wil feele them the fooner. Shallow a- 
gen : a more founder inftance, come. 

Cor. And they are often tarr'd ouer,with the furgery 
of our fheepe : and would you haue vs kiffe Tarre ? The 
Courtiers hands are perfum'd with Ciuet. 

Clo. Moft Ihallow man : Thou wormes meate in re- 
fpecT: of a good peece of flelh indeed : learne of the wife 
and perpend : Ciuet is of a bafer birth then Tarre, the 
verie vncleanly fluxe of a Cat. Mend the inftance Shep- 
heard. 

Cor. You haue too Courtly a wit, for me, He reft. 

Clo. Wilt thou reft damn'd? God helpe thee Ihallow 
man : God make incifion in thee, thou art raw. 

Cor. Sir, I am a true Labourer, I earne that I eate:get 
that I weare ; owe no man hate, enuie no mans happi- 
neffe : glad of other mens good content with my harme: 
and the greateft of my pride, is to fee my Ewes graze, & 
my Lambes fucke. 

Clo. That is another fimple finne in you, to bring the 
Ewes and the Rammes together, and to offer to get your 
liuing, by the copulation of Cattle, to be bawd to a Bel- 
weather, and to betray a fhee-Lambe of a tweluemonth 



195 



to a crooked-pated olde Ouckoldly Ramme, out of all 
reafonable match. If thou b.-e'ft not damn'd for this, the 
diuell himfelfe will haue no lhepherds, I cannot fee elfe 
how thou fhouldft fcape. 

Cor. Heere comes yong M r Ganimed, my new Miftrif- 
fes Brother. 

Enter Rofalind. 
Rof. From the eaft to ivefierne Inde, 
no ieiuel is like Rofalinde, 
Hir -worth being mounted on the tuinde , 

through all the "world beares Rofalinde. 
cAll the piBures faireft Linde , 

are but blacke to Rofalinde : 
Let no face bee kept in mind, 

but the f aire of Rofalinde. 

Clo. He rime you fo, eight yeares together ; dinners, 
and fuppers, and fleeping hours excepted : it is the right 
Butter-womens ranke to Market. 
Rof OutFoole. 
Clo. For a tafte. 

If a Hart doe lacke a Hinde, 

Let himfeeke out Rofalinde : 
If the Cat will after kinde, 

fo be fare -will Rofalinde: 
Wintred garments muft be linde, 

fo muft fender Rofalinde : 
They that reap muft fheafe and binde, 
then to cart -with Rofalinde. 

, hathfowreft rinde, 
fuch a nut is Rofalinde. 
He that fweeteft rofe will finde, 

muffnde Loues pricke, & Rofalinde. 

This is the verie falfe gallop of Verfes, why doe you in- 
fecT your felfe with them? 

Rof. Peace you dull foole, I found them on a tree. 
Clo. Truely the tree yeelds bad fruite. 
Rof. He graffe it with you, and then I mall graffe it 
with a Medler : then it will be the earlieft fruit i'th coun- 
try : for you'l be rotten ere you bee halfe ripe, and that's 
the right vertue of the Medler. 

Clo. You haue faid : but whether wifely or no, let the 
Forreft iudge. 

Enter Celia with a writing. 
Rof. Peace, here comes my fifter reading, ftand afide. 
Cel. Why fhould this e Defert bee, 
for it is -unpeopled} Noe : 
Tonges He hang on euerie tree, 

that frail ciuillfayingsfroe. 
Some, how brief e the Life of man 
runs his erring pilgrimage , 
That the ftr etching of a f pan, 

buckles in his fumme of age. 
Some of -violated -vowes , 

t-wixt the joules of friend, and friend: 
'But -upon the faireft bo-wes, 

or at euerie fentence end; 
Will I Rofalinda write, 

teaching all that reade, to know 
The quinteffence of euerie Jprite, 

heauen -would in little fho-w. 
Therefore heauen Nature charged, 

that one bodie fhould befiWd 
With all Graces -wide enlarged, 
nature prefently diftiird 

R 2 Helens 



196 



As you like it. 



Helens cbeeke,but not his heart, 

Cleopatra's Maiejiie : 
Attalanta's better part, 

fad Lucrecia's Modeftie. 
Thus Rofalinde of manie parts , 

by Heauenly Synode was deuitd, 
Of manie faces , eyes, and hearts, 

to haue the touches deereji prised. 
Heauen -would that pee thefe gifts fhould haue, 

and I to Hue and die her flaue. 

Rof. O molt gentle Iupiter, what tedious homilie of 
Loue haue you wearied your pariihioners withall, and 
neuer cri'de, haue patience good people. 

Cel. How now backe friends : Shepheard,go off a lit- 
tle : go with him firrah. 

Clo. Come Shepheard, let vs make an honorable re- 
treit, though not with bagge and baggage, yet with 
fcrip and fcrippage. Sxit. 

Cel. Didft thou heare thefe verfes? 

Rof, O yes, I heard them all, and more too, for fome 
of tbem had in them more feete then the Verfes would 
beare. 

Cel. That's no matter : the feet might beare y verfes. 

Rof. I, but the feet were lame, and could not beare 
themfelues without the verfe,and therefore flood lame- 
ly in the verfe. 

Cel. But didft thou heare without wondering, how 
thy name mould be hang'd and carued vpon thefe trees? 

Rof. I was feuen of the nine daies out of the wonder, 
before you came : for looke heere what I found on a 
Palme tree; I was neuer fo berimd fince Pythagoras time 
that I was an Irifh Rat, which I can hardly remember. 

Cel. Tro you, who hath done this ? 

Rof. Is it a man ? 

Cel. And a chaine that you once wore about his neck: 
change you colour ? 

Rof. I pre'thee who ? 

Cel. O Lord, Lord, it is a hard matter for friends to 
meete ; but Mountaines may bee remoou'd with Earth- 
quakes, and fo encounter. 

Rof. Nay, but who is it? 

Cel. Is it pofiible? 

Rof. Nay, I pre'thee now, with moft petitionary ve- 
hemence, ttll me who it is. 

Qel. O wonderfull, wonderfull, and moft wonderfull 
wonderfull, and yet againe wonderful, and after that out 
of all hooping. 

Rof. Good my completion, doft thou think though 
I am caparifon'd like a man, I haue a doublet and hofe in 
my difpofition ? One inch of delay more, is a South-fea 
of difcouerie. I pre'thee tell me, who is it quickely, and 
fpeake apace : I would thou couldft Hammer, that thou 
might'ft powre this conceal'd man out of thy mouth, as 
Wine comes out of a narrow-mouth'd bottle:either too 
much at once, or none at all. 1 pre'thee take the Corke 
out of thy mouth, that I may drinke thy tydings. 

Cel. So you may put a man in your belly. 

Rof. Is he of Gods making ? What manner of man ? 
Is his head worth a hat? Or his chin worth a beard? 

Cel. Nay, he hath but a little beard. 

Rof. Why God will fend more, if the man will bee 
thankful : let me ftay the growth of his beard, if thou 
delay me not the knowled ge of his chin. 

Qel. It is yong Orlando, that tript vp the Wraftlers 
heeles, and your heart, both in an inftant. 



Rof. Nay, but the diuell take mocking : fpeake fadde 
brow, and true maid. 

Cel. I'faith(Coz) tis he. 

Rof. Orlando? 

Cel. Orlando. 

Rof. Alas the day, what fhall I do with my doublet & 
hbfe ? What did he when thou faw'ft him ? What fayde 
he? How look'd he? Wherein went he? What makes hee 
heere? Did he aske for me ? Where remaines he ? How 
parted he with thee f And when ihalt thou fee him a- 
gaine? Anfwer me in one word. 

Cel. You muft borrow me Gargantuas mouth firft : 
'tis a Word too great for any mouth of this Ages fize, to 
fay I and no, to thefe particulars, is more then to anfwer 
in a Catechifme. 

Rof, But doth he know that I am in this Forreft, and 
in mans apparrell ? Looks he as frelhly,as he did the day 
he Wraftled ? 

Cel. It is as eafie to count Atomies as to refolue the 
propofitions of a Louer : but take a tafte of my finding 
him, and relliih it with good obferuance. I found him 
vnder a tree like a drop'd Acorne. 

Rof. It may vvel be cal'd Ioues tree, when it droppes 
forth fruite. 

Cel. Giue me audience, good Madam. 

Rof. Proceed. 

Cel. There lay hee ftretch'd along like a Wounded 
knight. 

Rof. Though it be pittie to fee fuch a fight, it well 
becomes the ground. 

Cel. Cry holla, to the tongue, I prethee : it curuettes 
vnfeafonably. He was furnifiVd like a Hunter. 

Rof. O ominous, he comes to kill my Hart. 

Cel. I would fing my fong without a burthen, thou 
bring'ft me out of tune. 

Rof. Do you not know I am a woman, when I thinke, 
I muft fpeake : lweet,fay on. 

Enter Orlando Sf Iaques. 

Cel. You bring me out. .Soft, comes he not heere ? 

Rof. 'Tis he, flinke by, and note him. 

Iaq I thanke you for your company, but good faith 
I had as liefe haue beene my felfe alone. 

Orl. And fo had I : but yet for falhion fake 
I thanke you too, for your focietie. 

Iaq. God buy you, let's meet as little as we can. 

Orl. I do defire we may be better ftrangers. 

Iaq. I pray you marre no more trees with Writing 
Loue-fongs in their barkes. 

Orl. I pray you marre no moe of my verfes with rea- 
ding them ill-f'auouredly. 

Iaq. Rofalinde is your loues name? Orl. Yes, Iuft. 

Iaq. I do not like her name. 

Orl. There was no thought of pleafing you when ihe 
was chriften'd. 

Iaq. What ftature is file of? 

Orl. Iuft as high as my heart. 

Iaq. You are ful of prety anfwers:haue you not bin ac- 
quainted with goldfmiths wiues,& cond the out of rings 

Orl. Not fo : but I anfwer you right painted cloath, 
from whence you haue ftudied your queftions. 

Iaq. You haue a nimble wit ; I thinke 'twas made of 
Attalantas heeles. Will you fitte downe with me, and 
wee two, will raile againft our Miftris the world, and all 
our miferie. 

Orl J. wil chide no breather in the world but my felfe 
againft 



Asyoa like it. 



197 



againft whom I know mofl faults. 

Iaq. The worft fault you haue, is to be in loue. 

Orl. 'Tis a fault I will not change, for your beft ver- 
tue : I am wearie of you. 

Iaq. By my troth, I was feeking for a Foole, when I 
found you. 

Orl. He is drown'd in the brooke, looke but in, and 
you mall fee him. 

Iaq. There I fhal fee mine owne figure. 

Orl. Which I take to be either a foole, or a Cipher. 

Iaq. lie tarrie no longer with you, farewell good fig- 
nior Loue. 

Orl. I am glad of your departure : Adieu good Mon- 
fieur Melancholly. 

Rof. I wil fpeake to him like a fawcie Lacky. and vn- 
der that habit play the knaue with him,do you hear For- 

Orl. Verie wel, what would you ? (refter. 

Rof. I pray you, what i'ft a clocke ? 

Oil. You mould aske me what time o'day: there's no 
clocke in the Forreft. 

Rof. Then there is no true Louer in the Forreft, elfe 
fighing euerie minute, and groaning euerie houre wold 
detect the lazie foot of time, as wel as a clocke. 

Orl. And why not the fwift foote of time ? Had not 
that bin as proper? 

Rof. By no meanes fir; Time trauels in diuers paces, 
with diuers perfons : He tel you who Time ambles with- 
all, who Time trots withal, who Time gallops withal, 
and who he ftands ftil withall. 

Orl. I prethee,who doth he trot withal? 

Rof. Marry he trots "hard with a yong maid, between 
the contract of her marriage, and the day it is folemnizd: 
if the interim be but a fennight, Times pace is fo hard, 
that it feemes the length of feuen yeare. 

Orl. Who ambles Time withal ? 

Rof. With a Prieft that lacks Latine, and a rich man 
that hath not the Gowt : for the one fleepes eafily be- 
caufe he cannot ftudy, and the other liues merrily, be- 
caufe he feeles no paine : the one lacking the burthen of 
leane and wafteful Learning; the other knowing no bur- 
then of heauie tedious penurie . Thefe Time ambles 
withal. 

Orl. Who doth he gallop withal ? 

Rof. With a theefe to the gallowes : for though hee 
go as foftly as foot can fall, he thinkes himfelfe too foon 
there. 

Orl. Who ftaies it ftil withal? 

Rof. With Lawiers in the vacation : for they fleepe 
betweene Terme and Terme,and then they perceiue not 
how time moues. 

Orl. Where dwel you prettie youth ? 

Rof. With this ShepheardefTe my fifter : heere in the 
skirts of the Forreft, like fringe vpon a petticoat. 

Orl. Are you natiue of this place? 

Rof. As the Conie that you fee dwell where ftiee is 
kindled. 

Orl. Your accent is fomething finer, then you could 
purchafe in fo remoued a dwelling. 

Rof. I haue bin told fo of many : but indeed, an olde 
religious Vnckle of mine taught me to fpeake, who was 
in his youth an inland man, one that knew Courtfliip too 
well : for there he fel in loue. I haue heard him read ma- 
ny Lectors againft it,and I thanke God, I am not a Wo- 
man to be touch'd with fo many giddie offences as hee 
hath generally tax'd their whole lex withal. 

Orl. Can you remember any of the principall euils, 



that he laid to the charge of women? 

Rof. There were none principal, they were all like 
one another, as halfe pence are, euerie one fault feeming 
monftrous,til his fellow-fault came to match it. 

Orl. I prethee recount fome of them. 

Rof. No: I wil not caft away my phyfick,but on thofe 
that are ficke. There is a man haunts the Forreft, that a- 
bufes our yong plants with caruing Rofalinde on their 
barkes; hangs Oades vpon Hauthornes, and Elegies on 
brambles ; all (forfooth) defying the name of Rofalinde. 
If I could meet that Fancie-monger, I would giue him 
fome good counfel, for he feemes to haue the Quotidian 
of Loue vpon him. 

Orl. I am he that is fo Loue-fhak'd, I pray you tel 
me your remedie. 

Rof. There is none of my Vnckles markes vpon you: 
he taught me how to know a man in loue : in which cage 
of rufhes, I am fure you art not prifoner. 

Orl. What were his markes? 

Rof. A leane cheeke, which you haue not : a blew eie 
and funken, which you haue not : an vnqueftionable fpi- 
rit, which you haue not : a beard neglected, which you 
haue not: fbut I pardon you for that, for limply your ha- 
uing in beard, is a yonger brothers reuennew) then your 
hofe mould be vngarter'd, your bonnet vnbanded, your 
fleeue vnbutton'd, your fhoo vnti'de, and euerie thing 
about you, demonftrating a careleffe defolation : but you 
are no fuch man; you are rather point deuice in yourac- 
couftrements, as louing your felfe, then feeming the Lo- 
uer of any other. (I Loue. 

Orl. Faire youth, I would I could make thee beleeue 

Rof. Me beleeue it? You may affoone make her that 
you Loue beleeue it, which I warrant fhe is apter to do, 
then to confeffe (he do's: that is one of the points, in the 
which women ftil giue the lie to their consciences. But 
in good footh, are you he that hangs the verfes on the 
Trees, wherein Rofalind is fo admired ? 

Orl. I fweare to thee youth, by the white hand of 
Rofalind, I am that he, that vnfortunate he. 

Ros. But are you fo much in loue,as your rimes fpeak? 

Orl. Neither rime nor reafon can expreffe how much. 

Rof: Loue is meerely a madnefle, and I tel you , de- 
fences as wel a darke houfe, and a whip, as madmen do : 
and the reafon why they are not fo punifh'd and cured, is 
that the Lunacie is fo ordinarie, that the whippers are in 
loue too : yet I profefTe curing it by counfel. 

Orl. Did you euer cure any fo ? 

Rof. Yes one, and in this manner . Hee was to ima- 
gine me his Loue, his Miftris : and I fet him euerie day 
to woe me. At which time would I, being but a moonilh 
youth, greeue, be effeminate, changeable, longing, and 
liking, proud, fantaftical, apifh, fhallow, inconftant, ful 
of teares, full offmiles; for euerie paffion fomething,and 
for no paffion truly any thing, as boyes and women are 
for the moft part, cattle of this colour : would now like 
him, now loath him : then entertaine him, then forfwear 
him : now weepe for him, then fpit at him ; that I draue 
my Sutor from his mad humor of loue, to a liuing humor 
of madnes,w was to forfweare the ful ftream of y world, 
and to hue in a nooke meerly Monaftick : and thus I cur'd 
him, and this way wil I take vpon mee to wafh your Li- 
uer as cleane as a found fheepes heart, that there fhal not 
be one fpot of Loue in't. 

Orl. I would not be cured, youth. 

Rof. I would cure you, if you would but call me Rofa- 
lind, and come euerie day to my Coat, and woe me. . 

R 3 Orl. 



As you like it. 



Orlan. Now by the faith of my loue, I will ; Tel me 
where it is. 

Rof. Go with me to it, and He fhew it you : and by 
the way, you fhal tell me, where in the Forreft you hue : 
Wil you go ? 

Oil. With all my heart, good youth. 

Rof. Nay, you mult call mee Rofalind : Come fifter, 
will you go ? Exeunt. 



Sccena T'ertia. 



Enter Cloivne, Audrey, & laques ." 

Clo. Come apace good Audrey, I wil fetch vp your 
Goates, Audrey : and how Audrey am I the man yet? 
Doth my fimple feature content you ? 

Aud. Your features, Lord warrant vs : what features ? 

Clo. I am heere with thee, and thy Goats, as the moft 
capricious Poet honeft Ouid was among the Gothes. 

Iaq. O knowledge ill inhabited, worfe then loue in 
a thatch'd houfe. 

Clo. When a mans verfes cannot be vnderftood, nor 
a mans good wit feconded with the forward childe, vn- 
derftanding: it ftrikes a man more dead then a great rec- 
koning in a little roome : truly, I would the Gods hadde 
made thee poeticall. 

Aud. I do not know what Poetical is : is it honeft in 
deed and word: is it a true thing? 

Qlo. No trulie : for the trueft poetrie is the moft fai- 
ning, and Louers are giuen to Poetrie : and what they 
fweare in Poetrie, may be faid as Louers, they do feigne. 

Aud. Do you wifh then that the Gods had made me 
Poeticall f 

Clotv. I do truly : for thou fwear'ft to me thou art ho- 
neft : Now if thou wert a Poet, I might haue fome hope 
thou didft feigne. 

Aud. Would you not haue me honeft ? 

Clo. No truly, vnlefTe thou wert hard fauour'd : for 
honeftie coupled to beautie, is to haue Honie a fawce to 
Sugar. 

Iaq. A materiall foole. 

Aud. Well, I am not faire,and therefore I pray the 
Gods make me honeft. 

Clo. Truly, and to caft away honeftie vppon a foule 
flut, were to put good meate into an vncleane difh. 

Aud. I am not a flut, though I thanke the Goddes I 
am foule. 

Clo. Well.praifed be the Gods, for thy foulnefiejflut- 
tiihnefle may come heereafter. But be it, as it may bee, 
I wil marrie thee : and to that end, I haue bin with Sir 
Oliuer Mar-text, the Vicar of the next village, who hath 
promis'd to meete me in this place of the Forreft, and to 
couple vs. 

Iaq. I would faine fee this meeting. 
' Aud.Wel, the Gods giue vs ioy. 

Clo. Amen. A man may if he were of a fearful heart, 
ftagger in this attempt : for heere wee haue no Temple 
but the wood, no aflembly but horne-beafts. But what 
though? Courage. As homes are odious, they are necef- 
farie.lt is faid, many a man knowes no end of his goods; 
right : Many a man has good Hornes,and knows no end 
of them. Well, that is the dowrie of his wife, 'tis none 
of his owne getting ; homes, euen fo poore men alone : 



No, no, the nobleft Deere hath them as huge as the Raf- 
call : Is the fingle man therefore blefled ? No, as a wall'd 
Towne is more worthier then a village, fo is the fore- 
head of a married man, more honourable then the bare 
brow of a Batcheller : and by how much defence is bet- 
ter then no skill, by fo much is a home more precious 
then to want. 

Enter Sir Oliuer Mar-text. 
Heere comes Sir Oliuer : Sir Oliuer zMar-text you are 
wel met. Will you difpatch vs heere vnder this tree, or 
fhal we go with you to your Chappell? 

01. Is there none heere to giue the woman? 

Clo. I wil not take her on guift of any man. 

01. Truly ihe muft be giuen, or the marriage is not 
lawfull. 

Iaq. Proceed, proceede : He giue her. 

Clo. Good euen good M r what ye cal't : how do you 
Sir, you are verie well met : goddild you for your laft 
companie, I am verie glad to fee you, euen a toy in hand 
heere Sir : Nay, pray be couer'd. 

Iaq. Wil you be married, Motley ? 

Clo. As the Oxe hath his bow fir, the horfe his curb, 
and the Falcon her bels, fo man hath his defires, and as 
Pigeons bill, fo wedlocke would be nibling. 

Iaq. And wil you (being a man of your breeding)be 
married vnder a bufh like a begger ? Get you to church, 
and haue a good Prieft that can tel you what marriage is, 
this fellow wil but ioyne you together , as they ioyne 
Wainfcot, then one of you wil proue a fhrunke pannell, 
and like greene timber, warpe, warpe. 

Clo. I am not in the minde, but I were better to bee 
married of him then of another, for he is not like to mar- 
rie me wel : and not being wel married, it wil be a good 
excufe for me heereafter, to leaue my wife. 

Iaq. Goe thou with mee, 
And let me counfel thee. 

01. Come fweete ^Audrey, 
We muft be married, or we muft liue in baudrey : 
Farewel good M r Oliuer : Not O fweet Oliuer, O braue 
Oliuer leaue me not behind thee : But winde away, bee 
gone I fay, I wil not to wedding with thee. 

01. 'Tis no matter ; Ne're a fantaftical knaue of them 
all fhal flout me out of my calling. Exeunt 



Sccena Quarta. 



Enter Rojalind & Celia. 

Rof. Neuer talke to me, I wil weepe. 

Cel. Do I prethee, but yet haue the grace to confider, 
that teares do not become a man. 

Rof. But haue I not caufe to weepe ? 

Cel. As good caufe as one would defire, 
Therefore weepe. 

Rof. His very haire 
Is of the diflembling colour. 

Cel. Something browner then IudafTes : 
Marrie his kifles are IudafTes owne children. 

Rof Ffaith his haire is of a good colour. 

Cel. An excellent colour : 
Your ChefTenut was euer the onely colour : 

Rof. And his killing is as ful of fan&itie, 
As the touch of holy bread. 

Cel. 
198 



As you like it. 



199 



Cel. Hee hath bought a paire of caft lips of Diana : a 
Nun of winters fifterhood kiffes not more religiouflie , 
the very yce of chaftity is in them. 

Roja. But why did hee fweare hee would come this 
morning, and comes not f 

Cel. Nay certainly there is no truth in him. 

Rof. Doe you thinke fo ? 

Cel. Yes, I thinke he is not a picke purfe,nor a horfe- 
ftealer, but for his verity in loue , I doe thinke him as 
concaue as a couered goblet, or a Worme-eaten nut. 

Rof. Not true in loue ? 

Qel. Yes, when he is in, but I thinke he is not in. 

Rof. You haue heard him fweare downright he was. 

Cel. Was, is not is: befides, the oath of Louer is no 
ftronger then the word of a Tapfter , they are both the 
confirmer of falfe reckonings, he attends here in the for- 
reft on the Duke your father. 

Rof. I met the Duke yefterday, and had much que- 
ftion with him : he askt me of what parentage I was; I 
told him of as good as he, fo he laugh'd and let mee goe. 
But what talke wee of Fathers, when there is fuch a man 
as Orlando ? 

Cel. O that's a braue man , hee writes braue verfes , 
fpeakes braue words, fweares braue oathes, and breakes 
them brauely, quite trauers athwart the heart of his lo- 
uer, as a puifny Tilter , y fpurs his horfe but on one fide, 
breakes his ftaffe like a noble goofe ; but all's braue that 
youth mounts, and folly guides : who comes heere ? 

Enter Cor in. 

Corin. Miftreffe and Mafter , you haue oft enquired 
After the Shepheard that complain'd of loue, 
Who you faw fitting by me on the Turph, 
Praifing the proud difdainfull Shepherdeffe 
That was his Miftreffe. 

Cel. Well : and what of him ? 

Cor. If you will fee a pageant truely plaid •• 
Betweene the pale complexion of true Loue, 
And the red glowe of fcorne and prowd difdaine, 
Goe hence a little, and I fhall condudT: you 
If you will marke it. 

Rof. O come, let vs remoue, 
The fight of Louers feedeth thofe in loue : 
Bring vs to this fight, and you lhall fay 
lie proue a bufie aftor in their play. Exeunt. 



Scena Quinta. 



Enter Siluita and Phebe. 

Sil. Sweet Phebe doe not fcorne me, do not Phebe 
Say that you loue me not, but fay not fo 
In bitterneffe ; the common executioner 
Whofe heart th'accuftom'd fight of death makes hard 
Falls not the axe vpon the humbled neck, 
But firft begs pardon : will you fterner be 
Then he that dies and liues by bloody drops ? 

Enter Rofalind, Qelia, and Corin. 
Phe. I would not be thy executioner, 
I flye thee, for I would not iniure thee : 
Thou tellft me there is murder in mine eye, 
'Tis pretty fure,and very probable, 



That eyes that are the frailft, and fofteft things, 

Who (hut their coward gates on atomyes, 

Should be called tyrants, butchers, murtherers. 

Now I doe frowne, on thee with all my heart, 

And if mine eyes can wound, now let them kill thee: 

Now counterfeit to fwound, why now fall downe, 

Or if thou canft not, oh for lhame, for fhame, 

Lye not, to fay mine eyes are murtherers: 

Now mew the wound mine eye hath made in thee, 

Scratch thee but with a pin, and there remaines 

Some fcarre of it : Leane vpon a rufh 

The Cicatrice and capable impreffure 

Thy palme fome moment keepes : but now mine eyes 

Which I haue darted at thee, hurt thee not, 

Nor I am fure there is no force in eyes 

That can doe hurt. 

Sil. O deere Phebe, 
If euer (as that euer may be neere) 
You meet in fome frefh cheeke the power of fancie, 
Then /hall you know the wouuds inuifible 
That Loues keene arrows make. 

Phe. But till that time 
Come not thou neere me : and when that time comes , 
Afflift me with thy mockes, pitty me not, 
As till that time I lhall not pitty thee. 

Rof. And why I pray you?who might be your mother 
That you infult, exult, and all at once 
Ouer the wretched ? what though you hau no beauty 
As by my faithj I fee no more in you 
Then without Candle may goe darketo bed : 
Muft you be therefore prowd and pittileffe ? 
Why what meanes this ? why do you looke on me ? 
I fee no more in you then in the ordinary 
Of Natures fale-worke? 'ods my little life, 
I thinke ihe meanes to tangle my eies too : 
No faith proud Miftreffe, hope not after it, 
'Tis not your inkie browes, your blacke filke haire, 
Your bugle eye-balls, nor your cheeke of creame 
That can entame my fpirits to your worihip : 
You fooliih Shepheard, wherefore do you follow her 
Like foggy South, puffing with winde and raine, 
You are a thoufand times a properer man 
Then flie a woman. 'Tis fuch fooles as you 
That makes the world full of ill-fauourd children : 
'Tis not her glaffe,but you that flatters her, 
And out of you ihe fees her felfe more proper 
Then any of" her lineaments can mow her :. 
But Miftris, know your felfe, downe on your knees 
And thanke heauen, faffing, for a good mans loue ; 
For I muft tell you friendly in your eare, 
Sell when you can, you are not for all markets : 
Cry the man mercy, loue him, take his offer, 
Foule is moft foule, being foule to be a fcoffer.. 
So take her to thee Shepheard, fareyouwell. 

Phe. Sweet youth, I pray you chide a yere together, 
I had rather here you chide, then this man wooe. 

Ros. Hees falne in loue with your foulneffe, & fhee'll 
Fall in loue with my anger. If it be fo, as faft 
As fhe anfweres thee with frowning lookes, ile fauce 
Her with bitter words : why looke you fo vpon me? 

Phe. For no ill will I beare you. 

Rof, I pray you do not fall in loue with mee, 
For I am falfer then vowes made in wine : 
Befides, I like you not : if you will know my houfe, 
'Tis at the tufft of Oliues, here hard by : 
Will you goe Sifter ? Shepheard ply her hard : 

Come 



200 



aA's you like it. 



Come Sifter : Shepheardeffe, looke on him better 

And be not proud, though all the world could fee, 

None could be fo abus'd in light as hee. 

Come, to our flocke, Exit. 

Phe. Dead Shepheard,now I find thy faw of might, 
Who euer lov'd, that lou'd not at firft fight ? 

Sil. Sweet Phebe. 

Phe. Hah: what faift thou Siluius ? 

Sil. Sweet Phebe pitty me. 

Phe. Why I am forry for thee gentle Siluius. 

Sil. Where euer forrow is, reliefe would be : 
If you doe forrow at my griefe in loue , 
By giuing loue your forrow, and my griefe 
Were both extermin'd - 

Phe. Thou haft my loue, is not that neighbourly ? 

Sil. I would haue you. 

Phe. Why that were couetoufneffe : 
Siluius; the time was, that I hated thee ; 
And yet it is not, that I beare thee loue, 
But fince that thou canft talke of loue fo well, 
Thy company, which erft was irkefome to me 
I will endure ; and He employ thee too : 
But doe not looke for further recompence 
Then thine owne gladneffe, that thou art employd. 

Sil. So holy, and fo perfect is my loue, 
And I in fuch a pouerry of grace, 
That I (hall thinke it a moft plenteous crop 
To gleane the broken eares after the man 
That the maine harueft reapes:loofe now and then 
A fcattred fmile,and that He Hue vpon. (while? 

Phe. Knowft thou the youth that fpoke to mee yere- 

Sil. Not very well, but I haue met him oft, 
And he hath bought the Cottage and the bounds 
That the old Carlot once was Mafter of. 

Phe. Thinke not I loue him, though I ask for him, 
'Tis but a peeuifh boy, yet he talkes well, 
But what care I for words ? yet words do well 
When he that fpeakes them pleafes thofe that heare: 
It is a pretty youth, not very prettie , 
But fure hee's proud, and yet his pride becomes him ; 
Hee'll make a proper man: the beft thing in him 
Is his complexion : and fafter then his tongue 
Did make offence, his eye did heale it vp : 
He is not very tall, yet for his yeeres hee's tall : 
His leg is but fo fo,and yet 'tis well : 
There was a pretty rednelfe in his lip, 
A little riper, and more luftie red 

Then that mixt in his cheeke: 'twas iuft the difference 
Betwixt the conftant red, and mingled Damaske. 
There be fome women Siluius, had they markt him 
In parcells as I did, would haue gone neere 
To fall in loue with him : but for my part 
t loue him not, nor hate him not : and yet 
Haue more caufe to hate him then to loue him, 
For what had he to doe to chide at me ? 
He faid mine eyes were black, and my haire blacke , 
And now I am remembred, fcorn'd at me : 
I maruell why I anfwer'd not againe, 
But that's all one ; omittance is no quittance : 
He write to him a very tanting Letter, 
And thou fhalt beare it, wilt thou Siluius} 

Sil. Phebe, with all my heart. 

Phe. He write it ftrait : 
The matter's in my head, and in my heart, 
I will be bitter with him, and pairing fhort ; 
Goe with me Siluius. Exeunt. 



<iA5ius Quartus. Scena ^rima. 



Enter Rofalind, and Celia, and Iaques. 

Iaq. I prethee, pretty youth, let me better acquainted 
with thee. 

Rof They fay you are a melancholly fellow. 

Iaq. I am fo : I doe loue it better then laughing. 

Rof. Thofe that are in extremity of either, are abho- 
minable fellowes, and betray themfelues to euery mo- 
derne cenfure, worfe then drunkards. 

Iaq. Why,'tis good to be fad and fay nothing. 

Rof. Why then 'tis good to be a pofte. 

Iaq. I haue neither the Schollers melancholy, which 
is emulation: nor the Mufitians, which is fantafticall ; 
nor the Courtiers, which is proud: nor the Souldiers, 
which is ambitious : nor the Lawiers, which is politick : 
nor the Ladies, which is nice : nor the Louers, which 
is all thefe : but it is a melancholy of mine owne, com- 
pounded of many fimples, extra&ed from many obiefts, 
and indeed the fundrie contemplation of my trauells, in 
which by often rumination, wraps me in a moft humo- 
rous fadneffe. 

Rof. A Traueller : by my faith you haue great rea- 
fon to be fad : I feare you haue fold your owne Lands, 
to fee other mens ; then to haue feene much , and to haue 
nothing, is to haue rich eyes and poore hands. 

Iaq. Yes, I haue gain'd my experience. 
Enter Orlando. 

Rof. And your experience makes you fad : I had ra- 
ther haue a foole to make me merrie, then experience to 
make me fad, and to trauaile for it too. 

Orl. Good day, and happineffe,deere Rofalind. 

Iaq. Nay then God buy you, and you talke in blanke 
verfe. 

Rof. Farewell Mounfieur Trauellor : looke you 
lifpe,and weare ftrange fuites ; difable all the benefits 
of your owne Countrie : be out of loue with your 
natiuitie , and almoft chide God for making you that 
countenance you are ; or I will fcarce thinke you haue 
fwam in a Gundello. Why how now Orlando, where 
haue you bin all this while ? you a louer ? and you 
ferue me fuch another tricke , neuer come in my fight 
more. 

Orl. My faire Rofalind,! come within an houre of my 
promife. 

Rof. Breake an houres promife in loue? hee that 
will diuide a minute into a thoufand parts, and breake 
but a part of the thoufand part of a minute in the affairs 
of loue, it may be faid of him that Cupid hath clapt 
him oth' fhoulder, but He warrant him heart hole. 

Orl. Pardon me deere Rofalind. 

Rof. Nay, and you be fo tardie, come no more in my 
fight,I had as liefe be woo'd of a Snaile. 

Orl. Of a Snaile ? 

Rof. I, of a Snaile: for though he comes flowly, hee 
carries his houfe on his head ; a better ioynfture I thinke 
then you make a woman : befides,he brings his deftinie 
with him. 

Orl. What's that ? 

Rof. Why homes: w fuch as youare faine to be be- 
holding to your wiues for : but he comes armed in his 
fortune.and preuents the flander of his wife. 

Orl. Vertue 



As you like it. 



201 



Orl. Vertue is no home-maker : and my RoJaUnd is 
vertuous. 

Rof. And I am your Rojalind. 

Cel. It pleafes him to call you fo : but he hath a Roja- 
lind of a better leere then you. 

Rof. Come, wooe me,wooe mee : for now I am in a 
holy-day humor , and like enough to confent : What 
would you fay to me now, and I were your verie, verie 
Rojalind ? 

Orl. I would kiffe before I fpoke. 

Rof. Nay, you were better fpeake firft,and when you 
were grauel'd, for lacke of matter, you might take oc- 
casion to kifTe: verie good Orators when they are out, 
they will fpit, and for louers, lacking (God warne vs) 
matter, the cleanlieft ftift is to kiffe. 

Orl. How if the kiffe be denide ? 

Rof. Then /he puts you to entreatie,and there begins 
new matter. 

Orl. Who could be out, being before his beloued 
Miftris? 

Rof. Marrie that ftould you if I were your Miftris, 
or I fhould thinke my honeftie ranker then my wit. 

Orl. What, of my fuite ? 

Rof. Not out of your apparrell, and yet out of your 
fuite : 
Am not I your Rofalind f 

Orl. I take fome ioy to fay you are, becaufe I would 
be talking of her. 

Rof. Well, in her perfon, I fay I will not haue you. 

Orl. Then in mine owne perfon, I die. 

Rof. No faith, die by Attorney : the poore world is 
almoft fix thoufand yeeres old, and in all this time there 
was not anie man died in his owne perfon [-videlicet) in 
a loue caufe : Troilom had his braines daft'd out with a 
Grecian club, yet he did what hee could to die before, 
and he is one of the patternes of loue. Leander, he would 
haue liu'd manie a faire yeere though Hero had turn'd 
Nun ; if it had not bin for a hot Midfomer-night, for 
fgood youth)he went but forth to waft him in the Hel- 
lefpont, and being taken with the crampe, was droun'd, 
and the foolift Chronoclers of that age, found it was 
Hero of Ceftos. But tbefe are all lies, men haue died 
from time to time, and wormes haue eaten them, but not 
for loue. 

. Orl. I would not haue my right Rofalind of this mind, 
for I proteft her frowne might kill me. 

Rof. By this hand, it will not kill a file : but come, 
now I will be your Rofalind in a more comming-on dif- 
pofition : and aske me what you will, I will grant it. 

Orl. Then loue me Rofalind. 

Rof. Yes faith will I,fridaies and faterdaies,and all. 

Orl. And wilt thou haue me? 

Rof. I, and twentie fuch. 

Orl. What faieft thou ? 

Rof. Are you not good ? 

Orl. I hope fo. 

Rofalind. Why then , can one defire too much of a 
good thing : Come filler, you ftall be the Prieft, and 
marrie vs : giue me your hand Orlando : What doe you 
fay fitter? 

Orl. Pray thee marrie vs. 

Cel. I cannot fay the words. 
Rof. You muft begin, will you Orlando. 

Cel. Goe too .- wil you Orlando, haue to wife this Ro- 
falind? 

Orl. I will. 



Rof. I, but when ■? 

Orl. Why now, as faft as fte can marrie vs. 

Rof. Then you muft fay , I take thee Rofalind for 
wife. 

Orl. I take thee Rofalind for wife. 

Rof. I might aske you for your Commiffion, 
But I doe take thee Orlando for my husband : there's a 
girle goes before the Prieft, and certainely a Womans 
thought runs before her actions. 

Orl. So do all thoughts, they are wing'd. 

Rof. Now tell me how long you would haue her, af- 
ter you haue poffeft her ? 

Orl. For euer, and a day. 

Rof. Say a day, without the euer: no, no Orlando, men 
are Aprill when they woe , December when they wed : 
Maides are May when they are maides,but the sky chan- 
ges when they are wiues : I will bee more iealous of 
thee, then a Barbary cocke-pidgeon ouer his hen, more 
clamorous then a Parrat againft raine, more new-fang- 
led then an ape, more giddy in my defires , then a mon- 
key : I will weepe for nothing, like Diana in the Foun- 
taine,& I wil do that when you are difpos'd to be merry: 
I will laugh like a Hyen,and that when thou art inclin'd 
to fleepe. 

Orl. But will my Rofalind doe fo ? 

Rof. By my life, fte will doe as I doe. 

Orl. O but fte is wife. 

Ros. Or elfe ftee could not haue the wit to doe this : 
the wifer, the waywarder : make the doores vpon a wo- 
mans wit,and it will out at the cafement : ftut that, and 
'twill out at the key-hole : ftop that, 'twill flie with the 
fmoake out at the chimney. 

Orl. A man that had a wife with fuch a wit, he might 
fay, wit whether wil't? 

Rof Nay, you might keepe that checke for it, till you 
met your wiues wit going to your neighbours bed. 

Orl. And what wit could wit haue, to excufe that? 

Rofa. Marry to fay, fte came to feeke you there : you 
ftall neuer take her without her anfwer, vnleffe you take 
her without her tongue : o that woman that cannot 
make her fault her hufbands occafion,let her neuer nurfe 
her childe her felfe, for fte will breed it like a foole. 

Orl. For thefe two houres Rofalinde,! wil leaue thee. 

Rof. Alas, deere loue, I cannot lacke thee two houres. 

Orl. I muft attend the Duke at dinner, by two a clock 
I will be with thee againe. 

Rof. I, goe your waies, goe your waies : I knew what 
you would proue, my friends told mee as much , and I 
thought no leffe : that flattering tongue of yours wonne 
me : 'tis but one caft away, and fo come death : two o' 
clocke is your howre. 

Orl. I, fweet Rofalind. 

Rof. By my troth, and in good earneft, and fo God 
mend mee, and by all pretty oathes that are not dange- 
rous, if you breake one iot of your promife,or come one 
minute behinde your houre, I will thinke you the moft 
patheticall breake-promife, and the moft hollow louer, 
and the moft vnworthy of her you call Rofalinde, that 
may bee chofen out of" the groffe band of the vnfaith- 
full : therefore beware my cenfure, and keep your pro- 
mife. 

Orl. With no leffe religion, then if thou wert indeed 
my Rofalind : fo adieu. 

Rof. Well, Time is the olde Iuftice that examines all 
fuch offenders, and let time try : adieu. Exit. 

Cel. You haue fimply mifus'd our fexe in your loue- 
prate : 



aAs you h\e it. 



prate : we muft haue your doublet and hofe pluckt ouer 
your head, and fhew the world what the bird hath done 
to her owne neaft. 

RoJ. O coz,coz,coz : my pretty little coz, that thou 
didft know how many fathome deepe I am in loue : but 
it cannot bee founded : my affection hath an vnknowne 
bottome,like the Bay of Portugall. 

Cel. Or rather bottomleffe , that as fall as you poure 
affection in, in runs out. 

RoJ. No, that fame wicked Baftard of Venus, that was 
begot of thought, conceiu'd of fpleene , and borne of 
madnefTe, that blinde rafcally boy, that abufes euery 
ones eyes,becaufe his owne are out, let him bee iudge, 
how deepe I am in loue : ile tell thee Aliena,\ cannot be 
out of the fight of Orlando : Ile goe finde a fhadow, and 
figh till he come. 

Cel. And Ile fleepe. Exeunt. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Iaques and Lords, Forrefters. 

Iaq. Which is he that killed the Deare ? 

Lord. Sir, it was I. 

Iaq. Let's prefent him to the Duke like a Romane 
Conquerour , and it would doe well to fet the Deares 
horns vpon his head, for a branch of victory ; haue you 
no fong Forrefler for this purpofe ? 

Lord. Yes Sir. 

Iaq. Sing it : 'tis no matter how it bee in tune , fo it 
make noyfe enough. 

Muficke, Song. 
What pall he haue that kild the Deare ? 
His Leather skin, and homes to iveare : 
Then ft ng him home, the reft pall beare this burthen ; 
Take thou no Jcorne to iveare the borne, 
It ivas a creft ere thou waft borne , 
Thy fathers father wore it, 
And thy father bore it, 
The home, the home, the lufty home, 
Is not a thing to laugh to jcorne. Exeunt. 



Sccena Tertia. 



Enter Rofalind and Celia. 

RoJ. How fay you now, is it not paft two a clock? 
And heere much-Orlando. 

Cel. I warrant you, with pure loue, & troubled brain, 
Enter Siluius. 
He hath t'ane his bow and arrowes,and is gone forth 
To fleepe : looke who comes heere. 

Sil. My errand is to you,faire youth, 
My gentle Phebe,d\d bid me giue you this : 
I know not the contents, but as I gueflTe 
By the fterne brow, and wafpifh action 
Which fhe did vfe,as fhe was writing of it, 
It beares an angry tenure ; pardon me, 
I am but as a guiltleffe meffenger. 

Rof. Patience her felfe would ftartle at this letter, 



And play the fwaggerer, beare this, beare all: 
Shee faies I am not faire,that I lacke manners, 
She calls me proud, and that /he could not loue me 
Were man as rare as Phenix : 'od's my will, 
Her loue is not the Hare that I doe hunt, 
Why writes {he fo to me ? well Shepheard, well, 
This is a Letter of your owne deuice. 

Sil. No, I proteft,I know not the contents, 
Phebe did write it. 

RoJ. Come, come,you are a foole, 
And turn'd into the extremity of loue. 
I faw her hand, lhe has a leatherne hand, 
A freeftone coloured hand : I verily did thinke 
That her old gloues were on, but twas her hands: 
She has a hufwiues hand, but that's no matter : 
I fay lhe neuer did inuent this letter, 
This is a mans inuention,and his hand. 

Sil. Sure it is hers. 

RoJ. Why,tis a boyfterous and a cruell ftile, 
A ftile for challengers : why, lhe defies me, 
Like Turke to Chriftian : vvomens gentle braine 
Could not drop forth fuch giant rude inuention, 
Such Ethiop words, blacker in their effect 
Then in their countenance : will you heare the letter ? 

5/7. So pleafe you, for I neuer heard it yet : 
Yet heard too much of Phebes crueltie. 

RoJ. She Phebes me : marke how the tyrant writes. 

Read. Art thou god, to Shepherd turnd ? 
That a maidens heart hath burnd. 
Can a woman raile thus ? 

5/7. Call you this railing? 

RoJ. Read. Why, thy godhead laid a fart, 
War ft thou -with a ivcmans heart ? 
Did you euer heare fuch railing? 
Whiles the eye of man did wooe me, 
That could do no -vengeance to me. 
Meaning me a beaft. 
If thefcorne of your bright eine 
Haue power to raijejuch loue in mine, 
Alacke, in me, -what ft range effeil 
Would they ivorke in milde ajpeil ? 
Whiles you chid me, I did loue, 
Hoiv then might your praiers moue'i 
He that brings this loue to thee , 
Little knoives this Loue in me : 
And by him Jeale <op thy minde , 
Whether that thy youth and kinde 
Will the faithful! offer take 
Of me, and all that I can make, 
Or elje by him my loue denie , 
And then Ile ftudie how to die. 

Sil. Call you this chiding ? 

Qel- Alas poore Shepheard. 

RoJ. Doe you piety him? No, he deferues no pitty: 
wilt thou loue fuch a woman ? what to make thee an in- 
ftrument,and play falfe ftraines vpon thee? not to be en- 
dur'd. Well,goe your way to her; (for I fee Loue hath 
made thee a tame fnake) and fay this to her; That if fhe 
loue me, I charge her to loue thee : if fhe will not, I will 
neuer haue her, vnlefTe thou intreat for her : if you bee a 
true louer hence, and not a word ; for here comes more 
company. Exit. Sil. 

Enter Oliuer. know) 

Oliu. Good morrow, faire ones : pray you, (if you 
Where in the Purlews of this Forreft, ftands 

A 



As you like it. 



203 



A fheep-coat, fenc'd about with Oliue-trees. 

Cel. Weft of this place, down in the neighbor bottom 
The ranke of Oziers, by the murmuring ftreame 
Left on your right hand, brings you to the place: 
But at this howre,the houfe doth keepe it felfe, 
There's none within. 

OH. If that an eye may profit by a tongue, 
Then Ihould I know you by defcription, 
Such garments, and fuch yeeres : the boy is faire, 
Of femall fauour, and beftowes himfelfe 
Like a ripe lifter : the woman low 
And browner then her brother : are not you 
The owner of the houfe I did enquire for ? 

Cel. It is no boaft, being ask'd, to fay we are. 

OU. Orlando doth commend him to you both, 
And to that youth hee calls his Rofalind, 
He fends this bloudy napkin ; are you he ? 

Rof. I am : what muft we vnderftand by this ? 

Oli. Some of my (hame,if you will know of me 
What man I am, and how, and why, and where 
This handkercher was ftain'd. 

Cel. I pray you tell it. 

Oli. When laft the yong Orlando parted from you, 
He left a promife to returne againe 
Within an houre,and pacing through the Forreft, 
Chewing the food of fweet and bitter fancie, 
Loe what befell : he threw his eye afide, 
And marke what obiedT: did prefent it felfe 
Vnder an old Oake, whofe bows were mofs'd with age 
And high top, bald with drie antiquitie : 
A wretched ragged man,ore-growne with haire 
Lay fleeping on his back ; about his necke 
A greene and guilded fnake had wreath'd it felfe, 
Who with her head, nimble in threats approach'd 
The opening of his mouth : but fodainly 
Seeing Orlando, it vnlink'd it felfe, 
And with indented glides, did flip away 
Into' a bum, vnder which buihes fhade 
A LyonnefTe, with vdders all drawne drie, 
Lay cowching head on ground, with catlike watch 
When that the fleeping man mould ftirre ; for 'tis 
The royall difpofition of that beaft 
To prey on nothing, that doth feeme as dead : 
This feene, Orlando did approach the man, 
And found it was his brother, his elder brother. 

Cel. O I haue heard him fpeake of that fame brother, 
And he did render him the moft vnnaturall 
That liu'd amongft men. 

Oli. And well he might fo doe, 
For well I know he was vnnaturall. 

Rof. But to Orlando : did he leaue him there 
Food to the fuck'd and hungry LyonnefTe ? 

Oli. Twice did he turne his backe , and purpos'd fo : 
But kindneffe, nobler euer then reuenge, 
And Nature ftronger then his iuft occafion , 
Made him giue battell to the LyonnefTe : 
Who quickly fell before him, in which hurtling 
From miferable (lumber I awaked. 

Cel. Are you his brother ? 

Rof. Was't you he refcu'd ? 

Cel, Was't you that did fo oft contriue to kill him ? 

Oli. 'Twas I : but 'tis not I : I doe not fhame 
To tell you what I was, fince my conuerfion 
So fweeetly taftes,being the thing I am. 

Rof. But for the bloody napkin ? 

Oli. By and by : 



When from the firft to laft betwixt vs two, 

Teares our recountments had moft kindely bath'd, 

As how I came into that Defert place. 

I briefe, he led me to the gentle Duke, 

Who gaue me frefli aray,and entertainment, 

Committing me vnto my brothers loue , 

Who led me inftantly vnto his Caue , 

There ftript himfelfe, and heere vpon his arme 

The LyonnefTe had torne fome flefli away , 

Which all this while had bled ; and now he fainted , 

And cride in fainting vpon Rofalinde. 

Briefe, I recouer'd him, bound vp his wound, 

And after fome fmall fpace, being ftrong at heart, 

He fent me hither, ftranger as I am 

To tell this ftory, that you might excufe 

His broken promife,and to giue this napkin 

Died in this bloud, vnto the Shepheard youth, 

That he in fport doth call his Rofalind. 

Qel. Why how now Ganimed, fweet Ganimed. 

Oli. Many will fwoon when they do look on bloud. 

Cel. There is more in it ; Cofen Ganimed. 

OH. Looke, he recouers. 

Rof. I would I were at home. 

Cel. Wee'll lead you thither : 
I pray you will you take him by the arme. 

Oli. Be of good cheere youth : you a man? 
You lacke a mans heart. 

Rof. I doe fo, I confefle it : 
Ah,firra, a body would thinke this was well counterfei- 
ted, I pray you tell your brother how well I counterfei- 
ted : heigh-ho. 

Oli. This was not counterfeit, there is too great te- 
ftimony in your complexion, that it was a paflion of ear- 
neft. 

Rof. Counterfeit, I afTure you. 

Oli. Well then, take a good heart, and counterfeit to 
be a man. 

Rof. So I doe : but yfaith, I fhould haue beene a wo- 
man by right. 

Cel. Come, you looke paler and paler : pray you draw 
homewards : good fir, goe with vs. 

Oli. That will I : for I muft beare anfwere backe 
How you excufe my brother, Rofalind. 

Rof. I (hall deuife fomething : but I pray you com- 
mend my counterfeiting to him : will you goe ? 

Exeunt. 



<iA5ius Quintus. Scena ^rima. 



Enter Qlowne and Awdrie. 

Cloiu. We fhall finde a time Awdrie , patience gen- 
tle Awdrie. 

Awd. Faith the Prieft was good enough, for all the 
olde gentlemans faying. 

Clow. A moft wicked Sir Oliuer, Awdrie, a moft vile 
oMar-text. But Awdrie, there is a youth heere in the 
Forreft laves claime to you. 

Awd. I, I know who 'tis : he hath no intereft in mee 
in the world : here comes the man you meane. 

Enter William. 
Qlo. It is meat and drinke to me to fee a Clowne, by 



204 



As you like it. 



my troth, we that haue good wits, haue much to anfwer 
for : we (hall be flouting : we cannot hold. 

Will. Good eu'n Audrey. 

Aud. God ye good eu'n William. 

Will. And good eu'n to you Sir. 

Clo. Good eu'n gentle friend. Couer thy head, couer 
thy head : Nay prethee bee eouer'd. How olde are you 
Friend ? 

Will. Fiue and twentie Sir. 

Qlo. A ripe age : Is thy name William ? 

Will. William, fir. 

Clo. A faire name. Was't borne i'th Forreft heere ? 

Will. I fir, I thankeGod. 

Clo. Thanke God : A good anfwer : 
Art rich ? 

Will. 'Faith fir,fo,fo. 

Qle. So, fo, is good, very good, very excellent good: 
and yet it is not, it is but fo, fo: 
Art thou wife ? 

Will. I fir, I haue a prettie wit. 

Clo. Why, thou faift well. I do now remember a fay- 
ing : The Foole doth thinke he is wife, but the wifeman 
knowes himfelfe to be a Foole. The Heathen Philoio- 
pher, when he had a defire to eate a Grape, would open 
his lips when he put it into his mouth, meaning there- 
by, that Grapes were made to eate, and lippes to open. 
You do loue this maid ? 

Will. I do fit. 

Clo. Giue me your hand : Art thou Learned ? 

Will. No fir. 

Clo. Then learne this of me, To haue, is to haue. For 
it is a figure in Rhetoricke, that drink being powr'd out 
of a cup into a glafie, by filling the one, doth empty the 
other. For all your Writers do confent, that ipfe is hee : 
now you are not ipfe, for I am he. 

Will. Which he fir? 

Clo. He fir, that muft marrie this woman: Therefore 
you Clowne, abandon : which is in the vulgar,leaue the 
focietie : which in the boorifh, is companie, of this fe- 
male : which in the common, is woman : which toge- 
ther, is, abandon the fociety of this Female, or Clowne 
thou periftieft: or to thy better vnderftanding, dyeft ; or 
(to wit) I kill thee, make thee away, translate thy life in- 
to death, thy libertie into bondage : I will deale in poy- 
fon with thee, or in baftinado, or in fteele : I will bandy 
with thee in faftion, I will ore-run thee with police : I 
will kill thee a hundred and fifty wayes, therefore trem- 
ble and depart. 

Aud. Do good William. 

Will. God reft you merry fir. Exit 



Cor. Our Mafter and MiftreiTe feekes you : come a- 
way,away. 

Clo. Trip Audry, trip Audry, I attend, 
I attend. Exeunt 



Sccena Secwida. 



Enter Orlando & Oliuer. 
Oil. Is't poffible, that on fo little acquaintance you 
(hould like her ? that, but feeing, you (hould loue her ? 



And louing woo? and wooing, (he (hould graunt ? And 
will you perfeuer to enioy her ? 

01. Neither call the giddinefle of it in queftion ; the 
pouertie of her, the fmall acquaintance, my fodaine wo- 
ing, nor fodaine confenting : but fay with mee, I loue 
Aiiena : fay with her, that fhe loues mee ; confent with 
both, that we may enioy each other : it (hall be to your 
good : for my fathers houfe, and all the reuennew, that 
was old Sir Rowlands will I eftate vpon you, and heere 
liue and die a Shepherd. 

Enter Rofalind. 

Orl. You haue my confent. 
Let your Wedding be to morrow : thither will I 
Inuite the Duke, and all's contented followers: 
Go you, and prepare Aiiena; for looke you, 
Heere comes my Rojalinde. 

Rof. God faue you brother. 

01. And you faire fifter. 

Rof. Oh my deere Orlando, how it greeues me to fee 
thee weare thy heart in a fcarfe. 

Orl. It is my arme. 

Rof. I thought thy heart had beene wounded with 
the clawes of a Lion. 

Orl. Wounded it is, but with the eyes of a Lady. 

Rof. Did your brother tell you how I counterfeyted 
to found, when he (hew'd me your handkercher ? 

Orl. I, and greater wonders then that. 

Rof. O , I know where you are : nay, tis true : there 
was neuer any thing fo fodaine, but the fight of two 
Rammes,and Cefars Thrafonicall bragge of I came, faw, 
and ouercome. For your brother, and my fifter, no foo- 
ner met, but they look'd : no fooner look'd, but they 
lou'd ; no fooner lou'd,but they figh'd : no fooner figh'd 
but they ask'd one another the reafon : no fooner knew 
the reafon, but they fought the remedie : and in thefe 
degrees, haue they made a paire of ftaires to marriage, 
which they will climbe incontinent, or elfe bee inconti- 
nent before marriage ; they are in the verie wrath of 
loue, and they will together . Clubbes cannot part 
them. 

Orl. They (hall be married to morrow : and I will 
bid the Duke to the Nuptiall. But O, how bitter a thing 
it is, to looke into happines through another mans eies: 
by fo much the more /hall I to morrow be at the height 
of heart heauinefie. by how much I ftial thinke my bro- 
ther happie,in hauing what he wifhes for. 

Rof. Why then to morrow, I cannot ferue your turne 
for Rofalind? 

Orl. I can liue no longer by thinking. 

Rof. I will wearie you then no longer with idle tal- 
king. Know of me then (for now I fpeake to fome pur- 
pofe ) that I know you are a Gentleman of good conceit: 
I fpeake not this, that you ftiould beare a good opinion 
of my knowledge : infomuch(I fay) I know you arcmei- 
ther do I labor for a greater efteeme then may in fome 
little meafure draw a beleefe from you, to do your felfe 
good, and not to grace me. Beleeue then, if you pleafe, 
that I can do ftrange things : I haue fince I was three 
yeare olde conuerft with a Magitian, moft profound in 
his Art, and yet not damnable. If you do loue Rofalinde 
fo neere the hart, as your gefture cries it out : when your 
brother marries Aiiena, fhall you marrie her. I know in- 
to what ftraights of Fortune (he is driuen, and it is not 
impoflible to me, if it appeare not inconuenient to you, 



As you like it. 



205 



to fet her before your eyes to morrow, humane as ihe is, 
and without any danger. 

Orl. Speak'ft thou in fober meanings ? 

Rof. By my life I do, which I tender deerly, though 
I fay lam a Magitian : Therefore put you in your beft a- 
ray, bid your friends : for if you will be married to mor- 
row, you mail : and to Rojalind if you will. 

Enter Siluius & Phebe. 
Looke,here comes a Louer of mine, and a louer of hers. 

Phe. Youth, you haue done me much vngentleneffe, 
To fhew the letter that I writ to you. 

Rof. I care not if I haue : it is my ftudie 
To feeme defpightfull and vngentle to you : 
you are there followed by a faithful ftiepheard, 
Looke vpon him, loue him : he worfhips you. 

Phe.GooA ihepheard,tell this youth what 'tis to loue 

Sil. It is to be all made of fighes and teares, 
And fo am I for Phebe. 

Phe. And I for Gammed. 

Orl. And I for Rojalind. 

Rof And I for no woman. 

Sil. It is to be all made of faith and feruice, 
And fo am I for Phebe. 

Phe. And I for Ganimed. 

Orl. And I for Rojalind. 

Rof. And I for no woman. 

Sil. It is to be all made of fantafie, 
All made of paffion, and all made of wilhes, 
All adoration, dutie, and obferuance, 
All humbleneffe, all patience, and impatience, 
All puritie, all triall, all obferuance: 
And fo am I for Phebe. 

Phe. And fo am I for Gammed, 

Orl. And fo am I for Rojalind. 

Roj. And fo am I for no woman. 

Phe. If this be fo, why blame you me to loue you ? 

Sil. If this be fo, why blame you me to loue you ? 

Orl. If this be fo, why blame you me to loue you ? 

Rof. Why do you fpeake too, Why blame you mee 
to loue you. 

Orl. To her, that is not heere, nor doth not heare. 

Rof. Pray you no more of this, 'tis like the howling 
of Iriih Wolues againft the Moone : I will helpe you 
if I can : I would loue you if I could : To morrow meet 
me altogether : I wil marrie you, if euer I marrie Wo- 
man, and lie be married to morrow : I will fatisfie you, 
if euer I fatisfi'd man, and you fhall bee married to mor- 
row. I wil content you, if what pleafes you contents 
you, and you fhal be married to morrow : As you loue 
Rcfalind meet, as you loue Phebe meet, and as 1 loue no 
woman, He meet : fo fare you wel : I haue left you com- 
mands. 

Sil. He not faile, if I liue. 

Phe. Nor I. 

Orl. Nor I. Exeunt. 



Sccena Tertia. 



Enter Clowne and Audrey. 

Cl°- To morrow is the ioyfull day Audrey, to morrow 
will we be married. 

Aud. I do defire it with all my heart: and I hope it is 
no difhoneft defire, to defire to be a woman of y world? 



105 



Heere come two of the banifti'd Dukes Pages. 
Enter two Pages. 
i.Pa. Wel met honeft Gentleman. 
Clo. By my troth well met : come, fit, fit, and a fong. 
2. Pa. We are for you, fit i'th middle. 
i.Pa. Shal we clap into't roundly, without hauking, 
or fpitting, or faying we are hoarfe, which are the onely 
prologues to a bad voice. 

2. Pa. I faith, y'faith, and both in a tune like two 
gipfies on a horfe. 

Song. 
It was a Louer, and his lajje , 

With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino, 
That o're the greene come feild didpaffe, 

In the fpring time, the onely pretty rang time. 
When 'Birds dojing, hey ding a ding, ding. 
Sweet Louer s loue the firing, 
And therefore take the prefent time, 
With a hey,& a ho, and a hey nonino, 
For loue is crowned with the prime. 
In firing time, £f c. 



the acres of the Rie, 
With a hey, and a ho,& a hey nonino : 
Thefe prettie Country folks would lie. 
In firing time, Sic. 

This Qarroll they began that houre, 
With a hey and a ho,& a hey nonino : 
How that a life ivas but a Flower, 
In firing time, Sec. 

Clo. Truly yong Gentlemen, though there was no 
great matter in the dittie, yet y note was very vntunable 

i.Pa. you are deceiu'd Sir, we kept time, we loft not 
our time. 

Clo. By my troth yes : I count it but time loft to heare 
fuch a fooliih fong. God buy you, and God mend your 
voices. Come Audrie. Exeunt. 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter Duke Senior, Amyens , laaues, Orlan- 
do, Oliuer, Celia. 

T)u.Sen. Doft thou beleeue Orlando, that' the boy 
Can do all this that he hath promifed ? 

Orl. I fometimes do beleeue, and fomtimes do not, 
As thofe that feare they hope, and know they feare. 
Enter Rofalinde, Siluius, & Phebe. 

Rof. Patience once more, whiles our copact is vrg'd: 
You fay, if I bring in your Rofalinde, 
You wil beftow her on Orlando heere? 

Z>K.&.That would I, had I kingdoms to giue with hir. 

Rof.And you fay you wil haue her, when I bring hir? 

Orl. That would I, were I of all kingdomes King. 

Roj. You fay,you'l marrie me, if I be willing. 

Phe. That will I, fhould I die the houre after. 

Roj. But if you do refufe to marrie me, 
You'l giue your felfe to this moft faithfull Shepheard. 

Phe. So is the bargaine. 

Roj. You fay that you'l haue Phebe if fhe will. 

Sil. Though to haue her and death, were both one 
thing. 

S Rof 



2o6 



As you like it. 



Rof. I haue promis'd to make all this matter euen : 
Keepe you your word, O Duke, to giue your daughter, 
You yours Orlando, to receiue his daughter : 
Keepe you your word Phebe, that you'l marrie me, 
Or elfe refilling me to wed this fhepheard : 
Keepe your word Siluius, that you'l marrie her 
If fhe refufe me, and from hence I go 
To make thefe doubts all euen. Exit Rof. and Celia. 

Du.Sen. I do remember in this fhepheard boy, 
Some liuely touches of my daughters fauour. 

Orl. My Lord, the firft time that I euer faw him, 
Me thought he was a brother to your daughrer : 
But my good Lord, this Boy is Forreft borne, 
And hath bin tutor'd in the rudiments 
Of many defperate ftudies, by his vnckle, 
Whom he reports to be a great Magitian. 

Enter Cloivne and Audrey. 
Obfcured in the circle of this Forreft. 

Iaq. There is fure another flood toward, and thefe 
couples are comming to the Arke. Here comes a payre 
of verie ftrange beafts, which in all tongues, are call'd 
Fooles. 

Qlo. Salutation and greeting to you all. 

Iaq. Good my Lord, bid him welcome : This is the 
Motley-minded Gentleman, that I haue fo often met in 
the Forreft: he hath bin a Courtier he fweares. 

Clo. If any man doubt that, let him put mee to my 
purgation, I haue trod a meafure, I haue flattred a Lady, 
I haue bin politicke with my friend, fmooth with mine 
enemie, I haue vndone three Tailors, I haue had foure 
quarrels, and like to haue fought one. 

Iaq. And how was that tane vp ? 

Clo. 'Faith we met, and found the quarrel was vpon 
the feuenth caufe. 

Iaq. How feuenth caufe? Good my Lord, like this 
fellow. 

Du.Se. I like him very well. 

Clo. God'ild you fir, I defire you of the like : I prefTe 
in heere fir, amongft the reft of the Country copulatiues 
to fweare, and to forfweare, according as mariage binds 
and blood breakes : a poore virgin fir, an il-fauor'd thing 
fir, but mine owne, a poore humour of mine fir, to take 
that that no man elfe will : rich honeftie dwels like a mi- 
fer fir, in a poore houfe, as your Pearle in your foule oy- 
fter. 

Du.Se. By my faith, he is very fwift,and fententious 

Clo. According to the fooles bolt fir, and fuch dulcet 
difeafes. 

Iaq. But for the feuenth caufe. How did you finde 
the quarrell on the feuenth caufe ? 

Clo. Vpon a lye, feuen times remoued : (beare your 
bodie more feeming Audry) as thus fir : I did diflike the 
cut of a certaine Courtiers beard : he fent me word, if I 
faid his beard was not cut well, hee was in the minde it 
was : this is call'd the retort courteous. If I fent him 
word againe, it was not well cut, he wold fend me word 
he cut it to pleafe himfelfe: this is call'd the quip modeft. 
If againe, it was not well cut, he difabled my iudgment : 
this is called, the reply churlifh. If againe it was not well 
cut, he would anfwer I fpake not true : this is call'd the 
reproofe valiant. If againe, it was not well cut, he wold 
fay, I lie : this is call'd the counter-checke quarrelfome : 
and fo ro lye circumftantiall,and the lye direft. 

Iaq. And how oft did you fay his beard was not well 
cut ? 

Clo. I durft go no further then the lye circumftantial: 



nor he durft not giue me the lye direct : and fo wee mea- 
fur'd fwords, and parted. 

Iaq. Can you nominate in order now, the degrees of 
the lye. 

Qlo. O fir, we quarrel in print, by the booke : as you 
haue bookes for good manners : I will name you the de- 
grees. The firft, the Retort courteous : the fecond, the 
Quip-modeft : the third, the reply Churlifh: the fourth, 
the Reproofe valiant : the fift, the Counterchecke quar- 
relfome : the fixt, the Lye with circumftance : the fea- 
uenth, the Lye direct : all thefe you may auoyd, but the 
Lye direct. : and you may auoide that too, with an If. I 
knew when feuen luftices could not take vp a Quarrell, 
but when the parties were met themfelues, one of them 
thought but of an If; as if you faide fo, then I faide fo : 
and they fhooke hands, and fwore brothers. Your If, is 
the onely peace-maker: much vertue in if. 

Iaq. Is not this a rare fellow my Lord ? He's as good 
at any thing, and yet a foole. 

Du.Se.He vfes his folly like a ftalking-horfe, and vn- 
der the prefentation of that he fhoots his wit. 

Enter Hymen, Rofalind, and Celia. 
Still Muficke. 
Hymen. Then is there mirth in heauen, 
When earthly things made eauen 

attone together. 
Good T>uke receiue thy daughter, 
Hymen from Heauen brought her, 
Tea brought her hether. 



That thou mightfl ioyne his hand ivith bis , 
JVhoje heart within his bofome is. 
Rof. To you I giue my felfe, for I am yours. 
To you I giue my felfe, for I am yours. 

Du.Se. If there be truth in fight, you are my daughter. 
Orl. If there be truth in fight, you are my Rofalind. 
Pie. If fight & fhape be true, why then my loue adieu 
Rof. He haue no Father,if you be not he : 
He haue no Husband, if you be not he : 
Nor ne're wed woman, if you be not fhee. 

Hy. Peace hoa : I barre confufion, 
'Tis I muft make conclufion 
Of thefe moft ftrange euents : 
Here's eight that muft take hands, 
To ioyne in Hymens bands, 
If truth holds true contents. 
You and you, no croffe fhall part ; 
You and you, are hart in hart : 
You, to his loue muft accord, 
Or haue a Woman to your Lord. 
You and you, are fure together, 
As the Winter to fowle Weather : 
Whiles a Wedlocke Hymne we fing, 
Feede your felues with queftioning : 
That reafon, wonder may diminifh 
How thus we met, and thefe things finifh. 
Song. 
Wedding is great Iunos crmvne, 

bleffed bond of boor d and bed : 
, Tis Hymen peoples euerie toiune, 
High wedlock then be honored : 

Honor, high honor and renoivne 
To Hymen, God of euerie Towne. 

T>u.Se. O my deere Neece, welcome thou art to me, 
Euen daughter welcome, in no leffe degree. 

Phe. 



As you like it. 



207 



Phe. I wil not eate my word, now thou art mine, 
Thy faith, my fancie to thee doth combine. 

Enter Second Brother. 

z.'Bro. Let me haue audience for a word or two: 
I am the fecond fonne of old Sir Row/and, 
That bring thefe tidings to this faire aflembly. 
'Duke Frederick hearing how that euerie day 
Men of great worth reforted to this forreft, 
Addreft a mightie power, which were on foote 
In his owne conduft, purpofely to take 
His brother heere, and put him to the fword : 
And to the skirts of this wilde Wood he came ; 
Where, meeting with an old Religious man, 
After fome queftion with him, was conuerted 
Both from his enterprize, and from the world : 
His crowne bequeathing to his banifh'd Brother, 
And all their Lands reftor'd to him againe 
That were with him exil'd. This to be true, 
I do engage my life. 

Tlu.Se. Welcome yong man : 
Thou offer'ft fairely to thy brothers wedding : 
To one his lands with-held, and to the other 
A land it felfe at large, a potent Dukedome. 
Firft, in this Forreft, let vs do thofe ends 
That heere vvete well begun, and wel begot : 
And after, euery of this happie number 
That haue endur'd fhrew'd daies, and nights with vs, 
Shal ftiarc the good of our returned fortune, 
According to the meafure of their ftates. 
Meane time, forget this new-falne dignitie, 
And fall into our Rufticke Reuelrie : 
Play Muficke, and you Brides and Bride-groomes all, 
With meafure heap'd in ioy, to'th Meafures fall. 

Iaq. Sir, by your patience : if I heard you rightly, 
The Duke hath put on a Religious life, 
And throwne into neglect the pompous Court. 



2.<Bro. He hath. 

Iaq. To him will I : out of thefe conuertites, 
There is much matter to be heard, and learn'd : 
you to your former Honor, I bequeath 
your patience, and your vertue, well deferues it. 
you to a loue, that your true faith doth merit : 
you to your land, and loue, and great allies : 
you to a long, and well-deferued bed : 
And you to wrangling, for thy louing voyage 
Is but for two moneths viftuall'd : So to your pleafures, 
I am for other, then for dancing meazures. 

Du.Se. Stay, laques, ftay. 

Iaq. To fee no paftime, I : what you would haue, 
He ftay to know, at your abandon'd caue. Exit. 

Du.Se. Proceed, proceed : wee'l begin thefe rights, 
As we do truft, they'l end in true delights. Sxit 

Rof. It is not the faihion to fee the Ladie the Epi- 
logue : but it is no more vnhandfome, then to fee the 
Lord the Prologue. If it be true, that good wine needs 
no buih, 'tis true, that a good play needes no Epilogue. 
Yet to good wine they do vfe good bufhes : and good 
playes proue the better by the helpe of good Epilogues: 
What a cafe am I in then, that am neither a good Epi- 
logue, nor cannot infinuate with you in the behalfe of a 
good play? I am not furnifh'd like a Begger, therefore 
to begge will not become mee. My way is to coniure 
you, and He begin with the Women. I charge you (O 
women) for the loue you beare to men, to like as much 
of this Play, as pleafe you : And I charge you (O men) 
for the loue you beare to women (as I perceiue by your 
fimpring,none of you hates them) that betweene you, 
and the women, the play may pleafe. If I were a Wo- 
man, I would kiffe as many of you as had beards that 
pleas'd me, complexions that lik'd me, and breaths that 
I defi'de not : And I am fure, as many as haue good 
beards, or good faces, or fweet breaths, will for my kind 
offer, when I make curt'fie,bid me farewell. Exit. 



FINIS. 




208 




THE 

Taming of the Shrew, 



oAStus primus.' Sccena 'Prima. 




Enter Begger and Hofies, Chrijl ophero Sly. 



Le pheeze you infaith. 

Hofi. A paire of ftockes you rogue. 

Y'are a baggage, the Sites are no 
Rogues. Looke in the Chronicles, we came 
in with Richard Conqueror : therefore Pau- 
caf pallabris, let the world Hide : Sefla. 
Hofi. You will not pay for the glaffes you haue burft? 
Beg. No, not a deniere : go by S.Ieronimie, goe to thy 
cold bed, and warme thee. 

Hofi. I know my remedie, I muft go fetch the Head- 
borough. 

*Beg. Third, or fourth, or fift Borough, He anfwere 
him by Law. He not budge an inch boy : Let him come, 
and kindly. Falles ajleepe. 

Winde homes. Enter a Lord from hunting,nvith his traine. 

Lo. Huntfman I charge thee, tender wel my hounds, 
Brach Meriman, the poore Curre is imboft, 
And couple Cloivder with the deepe-mouth'd brach, 
Saw'ft thou not boy how Siluer made it good 
At the hedge corner, in the couldeft fault, 
I would not loofe the dogge for twentie pound. 

Hunt/. Why Belman is as good as he my Lord, 
He cried vpon it at the meereft loffe, 
And twice to day pick'd out the dulleft fent, 
Truft me, I take him for the better dogge. 

Lord. Thou art a Foole, if Eccho were as fleete, 
I would efteeme him worth a dozen fuch: 
But fup them well, and looke vnto them all, 
To morrow I intend to hunt againe. 

HuntJ. I will my Lord. 

Lord. What's heere? One dead, or drunke ? See doth 
he breath ? 

z.Hun. He breath's my Lord. Were he not warm'd 
with Ale, this were a bed but cold to fleep fo foundly. 

Lord. Oh monftrous beaft,how like a fwine he lyes. 
Grim death, how foule and loathfome is thine image : 
Sirs, I will pra&ife on this drunken man. 
What thinke you, if he were conuey'd to bed, 
Wrap'd in fweet cloathes: Rings put vpon his fingers : 
A moft delicious banquet by his bed, 
And braue attendants neere him when he wakes, 
Would not the begger then forget himfelfe ? 

j. Hun. Beleeue me Lord, I thinke he cannot choofe. 

z.H.lt would feem ftrange vnto him when he wak'd 

Lord. Euen as a flatt'ring dreame,or worthies fancie. 



Then take him vp, and manage well the ieft : 

Carrie him gently to my faireft Chamber, 

And hang it round with all my wanton piftures: 

Balme his foule head in warme diftilled waters, 

And burne fweet Wood to make the Lodging fweete: 

Procure me Muficke readie when he wakes, 

To make a dulcet and a heauenly found : 

And if he chance to fpeake, be readie ftraight 

(And with a lowe fubmiffiue reuerencej 

Say, what is it your Honor vvil command : 

Let one attend him with a filuer Bafon 

Full of Rofe-water, and beftrew'd with Flowers, 

Another beare the Ewer : the third a Diaper, 

And fay wilt pleafe your Lordlhip coole your hands. 

Some one be readie with a coftly fuite^ 

And aske him what apparrel he will weare : 

Another tell him of his Hounds and Horfe, 

And that his Ladie mournes at his difeafe, 

Perfwade him that he hath bin Lunaticke, 

And when he fayes he is, fay that he dreames, 

For he is nothing but a mightie Lord : 

This do, and do it kindly, gentle firs, 

It wil be paftime paffing excellent, 

If it be husbanded with modeftie. 

r.Huntf.My Lord I warrant you we wil play our part 
As he mail thinke by our true diligence 
He is no lefTe then what we fay he is. 

Lord. Take him vp gently, and to bed with him, 
And each one to his office when he wakes. 

Sound trumpets. 
Sirrah, go fee what Trumpet 'tis that founds, 
Belike fome Noble Gentleman that meanes 
(Trauelling fome iourney) to repofe him heere. 

Enter Seruingman. 
How now? who is it ? 

Ser. An't pleafe your Honor, Players 
That offer feruice to your Lordlhip. 

Enter Players. 

Lord. Bid them come neere: 
Now fellowes, you are welcome. 

Players. We thanke your Honor. 

Lord. Do you intend to ftay with me to night? 

2. Player. So pleafe your Lordfhippe to accept 01 
dutie. 

Lord. With all my heart. This fellow I remember, 
Since once he plaide a Farmers eldeft fonne, 
'Twas where you woo'd the Gentlewoman fo well: 
I haue forgot your name : but fure that part 



The 'Taming of the Shre°tt>. 



209 



Was aptly fitted, and naturally perform'd. 

Sincklo. I thinke 'twas Soto that your honor meanes. 

Lord. "Tis verie true, thou didft it excellent : 
Well you are come to me in happie time, 
The rather for I haue fbme fport in hand, 
Wherein your cunning can affift me much. 
There is a Lord will heare you play to night; 
But I am doubtfull of your modefties, 
Leaft (ouer-eying of his odde behauiour, 
For yet his honor neuer heard a play) 
You breake into fome merrie paffion, 
And fo offend him : for I tell you firs, 
If you fhould fmile, he growes impatient. 

Plai. Feare not my Lord, we can contain our felues, 
Were he the verieft anticke in the world. 

Lord. Go firra, take them to the Butterie, 
And giue them friendly welcome euerie one, 
Let them want nothing that my houfe affoords. 

Exit one ivith the Players. 
Sirra go you to Bartholmew my Page, 
And fee him dreft in all fuites like a Ladie : 
That done, conduct him to the drunkards chamber, 
And call him Madam, do him obeifance : 
Tell him from me (as he will win my loue) 
He beare himfelfe with honourable action, 
Such as he hath obferu'd in noble Ladies 
Vnto their Lords, by them accomplifhed, 
Such dutie to the drunkard let him do : 
With foft lowe tongue, and lowly curtefie, 
And fay : What is't your Honor will command, 
Wherein your Ladie, and your humble wife, 
May fhew her dutie, and make knowne her loue. 
And then with kinde embracements, tempting kifies, 
And with declining head into his bofome 
Bid him fhed teares,as being ouer-ioyed 
To fee her noble Lord reftor'd to health, 
Who for this feuen yeares hath efteemed him 
No better then a poore and loathfome begger : 
And if the boy haue not a womans guift 
To raine a fhower of commanded teares, 
An Onion wil do well for fuch a fhift, 
Which in a Napkin (being clofe conuei'd) 
Shall in defpight enforce a waterie eie : 
See this difpatch'd with all the haft thou canft, 
Anon lie giue thee more inftructions. 

Exit a feruingman. 
I know the boy will wel vfurpe the grace, 
Voice, gate, and action of a Gentlewoman : 
I long to heare him call the drunkard husband, 
And how my men will ftay themfelues from laughter, 
When they do homage to this fimple peafant, 
He in to counfell them : haply my prefence 
May well abate the ouer-merrie fpleene, 
Which othervvife would grow into extreames. 

Enter aloft the drunkard tuith attendants , fane ivith apparel, 

^Bajon and E<wer,& other appurtenances^ Lord. 

■Bfg. For Gods fake a pot of fmall Ale. 

i.Ser. Wilt pleafe your Lord drink a cup of facke ? 

z.Ser. Wilt pleafe your Honor tafte of thefe Con- 
ferues ? 

"S-Ser. What raiment wil your honor weare to day. 

Beg. I am Chrijiophero Sly, call not mee Honour nor 
Lordfhip: I ne're drank facke in my life: and if you giue 
me any Conferues,giue me conferues of Beefe: nere ask 
me what raiment lie weare, for I haue no more doub- 



lets then backes : no more ftockings then legges : nor 
no more mooes then feet, nay fometime more feete then 
fhooes, or fuch mooes as my toes looke through the o- 
uer-leather. 

Lord. Heauen ceafe this idle humor in your Honor. 
Oh that a mightie man of fuch difcent, 
Of fuch poffefTions,and fo high efteeme 
Should be infufed with fo foule a fpirit. 

■B^g-. What would you make me mad? Am not I Chri- 
ftopher Slie, old Sies fonne of Burton-heath, by byrth a 
Pedler, by education a Cardmaker, by tranfmutation a 
Beare-heard, and now by prefent profeflion a Tinker. 
Aske Marrian Hacket the fat Alewife of Wincot,if fhee 
know me not : if fhe fay I am not xiiii.d. on the fcore for 
fheere Ale, fcore me vp for the lyingft knaue in Chriften 
dome. What I am not beftraught : here's 

3. Man. Oh this it is that makes your Ladie mourne. 

2 Man.Oh. this is it that makes your feruants droop. 

Lord. Hence comes it, that your kindred fhuns your 
As beaten hence by your ftrange Lunacie. (houfe 

Oh Noble Lord, bethinke thee of thy birth, 
Call home thy ancient thoughts from banimment, 
And banifh hence thefe abiect lowlie dreames : 
Looke how thy feruants do attend on thee, 
Each in his office readie at thy becke. 
Wilt thou haue Muficke? Harke Apollo plaies, Mufick 
And twentie caged Nightingales do fing. 
Or wilt thou fleepe? Wee'l haue thee to a Couch, 
Softer and fweeter then the luftfull bed 
On purpofe trim'd vp for Semiramis. 
Say thou wilt walke : we wil beftrow the ground. 
Or wilt thou ride? Thy horfes fhal be trap'd, 
Their harneffe ftudded all with Gold and Pearle. 
Doft thou loue hawking ? Thou haft hawkes will foare 
Aboue the morning Larke. Or wilt thou hunt, 
Thy hounds (hall make the Welkin anfwer them 
And fetch fhrill ecchoes from the hollow earth. 

1 Man. Say thou wilt courfe, thy gray-hounds are as 
As breathed Stags: I fleeter then the Roe. (fwift 

2 Af.Doft thou loue pictures? we wil fetch thee (trait 
Adonis painted by a running brooke, 

And Citherea all in fedges hid, 

Which feeme to moue and wanton with her breath, 

Euen as the wauing fedges play with winde. 

Lord. Wee'l fhew thee 7b, as fhe was a Maid, 
And how fhe was beguiled and furpriz'd, 
As liuelie painted, as the deede was done. . 

3. Man. Or Daphne roming through a thornie wood, 
Scratching her legs, that one fhal fweare fhe bleeds, 
And at that fight fhal fad Apollo weepe, 
So workmanlie the blood and teares are drawne. 

Lord. Thou art a Lord, and nothing but a Lord: 
Thou haft a Ladie farre more Beautifull, 
Then any woman in this waining age. 

1 Man. And til the teares that fhe hath fhed for thee, 
Like enuious flouds ore-run her louely face, 
She was the faireft creature in the world, 
And yet fhee is inferiour to none. 

Beg. Am I a Lord, and haue I fuch a Ladie? 
Or do I dreame? Or haue I dream'd till now? 
I do not fleepe : I fee, I heare, I fpeake: 
I fmel fweet fauours, and I feele foft things : 
Vpon my life I am a Lord indeede, 
And not a Tinker, nor Chriftopher Slie. 
Well, bring our Ladie hither to our fight, 
And once againe a pot o'th fmalleit Ale. 

S 3 2. Man 



2IO 



The Taming of the ShreVo. 



Z.Man. Wilt pleafe your mightineffe to walh your 
hands : 
Oh how we ioy to fee your wit reftor'd, 
Oh that once more you knew but what you are : 
Thefe fifteene yeeres you haue bin in a dreame, 
Or when you wak'd, fo wak'd as if you flept. 

'Beg. Thefe fifteene yeeres, by ray fay, a goodly nap, 
But did I neuer fpeake of all that time. 

l.Man. Oh yes my Lord, but verie idle words, 
For though you lay heere in this goodlie chamber, 
Yet would you fay, ye were beaten out of doove, 
And raile vpon the Hofteffe of the houfe, 
And fay you would prefent her at the Leete, 
Becaufe (he brought ftone-Iugs,and no feal'd quarts: 
Sometimes you would call out for Cicely Hacket. 

Beg. I, the womans maide of the houfe. 

3. man. Why fir you know no houfe, nor no fuch maid 
Nor no fuch men as you haue reckon'd vp, 
As Stephen Slie, and old Iobn Naps of Greece, 
And Peter Turph, and Henry Pimpernel!, 
And twentie more fuch names and men as thefe, 
Which neuer were, nor no man euer faw. 

'Beg. Now Lord be thanked for my good amends. 

All. Amen. 

Enter Lady ivlth Attendants, 

'Beg. I thanke thee, thou lhalt not loofe by it. 

Lady. How fares my noble Lord ? 

'Beg. Marrie I fare well, for heere is cheere enough. 
Where is my wife ? 

La. Heere noble Lord, what is thy will with her ? 

Beg. Are you my wife, and will not cal me husband? 
My men fhould call me Lord, I am your good-man. 

La.My husband and my Lord, my Lord and husband 
I am your wife in all obedience. 

'Beg. I know it well, what muft I call her ? 

Lord. Madam. 

'Beg. Alee Madam, or lone Madam ? 

Lord. Madam, and nothing elfe, fo Lords cal Ladies 

'Beg. Madame wife, they fay that I haue dream'd, 
And flept aboue fome fifteene yeare or more. 

Lady. I, and the time feeme's thirty vnto me, 
Being all this time abandon'd from your bed. 

'Beg. "Lis much, feruants leaue me and her alone : 
Madam vndreffe you, and come now to bed. 

La. Thrice noble Lord, let me intreat of you 
To pardon me yet for a night or two : 
Or if not fo, vntill the Sun be fet. 
For your Phyfitians haue exprefTely charg'd, 
In perill to incurre your former malady, 
That I mould yet abfent me from your bed : 
I hope this reafon ftands for my excufe. 

Beg. I, it ftands fo that I may hardly tarry fo long : 
But I would be loth to fall into my dreames againe : I 
wil therefore tarrie in defpight of the flefli & the blood 

Enter a Mejfcnger. 

Mef.Your Honors Players hearing your amendment, 
Are come to play a pleafant Comedie, 
For fo your doctors hold it very mcete, 
Seeing too much fadneiTe hath congeal'd your blood, 
And melancholly is the Nurfe of frenzie, 
Therefore they thought it good you heare a play, 
And frame your minde to mirth and merriment, 
Which barres a thoufand harmes,and lengthens life. 

•Beg. Marrie I will let them play, it is not a Comon- 



tie, a Chriftmas gambold, or a tumbling tricke? 

Lady. No my good Lord, it is morepleafing ftuffe. 

■Beg. What, houlhold ftuffe. 

Lady. It is a a kinde of hiftory. 

Beg. Well,we'lfee't: 
Come Madam wife fit by my fide, 
And let the world flip, we ihall nere be yonger. 

Flourijh. Enter Lucentio, and his man Triano. 

Luc. Tranio, fince for the great defire I had 
To fee faire Padua, nurferie of Arts, 
I am arriu'd for fruitfull Lumbardie, 
The pleafant garden of great Italy, 
And by my fathers loue and leaue am arm'd 
With his good will, and thy good companie. 
My truftie feruant well approu'd in all, 
Heere let vs breath, and haply inftitute 
A courfe of Learning, and ingenious ftudies. 
Pifa renowned for graue Citizens 
Gaue me my being, and my father firft 
A Merchant of great Trafficke through the world : 
Vincentios come of the TSentiuolij, 
Vincentio's fonne, brough vp in Florence, 
It ihall become to ferue all hopes conceiu'd 
To decke his fortune with his vertuous deedes: 
And therefore Tramo, for the time I ftudie, 
Vertue and that part of Philofophie 
Will I applie, that treats of happineffe, 
By vertue fpecially to be atchieu'd. 
Tell me thy minde, for I haue Pifa left, 
And am to Padua come, as he that leaues 
A /hallow plafh, to plunge him in the deepe, 
And with facietie feekes to quench his thirft. 

Tra. zMe Pardonato, gentle mafter mine: 
I am in all affected as yourfelfe, 
Glad that you thus continue your refolue, 
To fucke the fweets of fweete Philofophie. 
Onely (good mafter) while we do admire 
This vertue, and this morall difcipline, 
Let's be no Stoickes, nor no ftockes I pray, 
Or fo deuote to Arifiotles checkes 
As Ouid; be an out-caft quite abiur'd : 
Balke Lodgicke with acquaintaince that you haue, 
And pracYife Rhetoricke in your common talke, 
Muficke and Poefie vfe, to quicken you , 
The Mathematickes, and the Metaphyfickes 
Fall to them as you finde your ftomacke ferues you: 
No profit growes, where is no pleafure tane : 
In briefe fir, ftudie what you moft affeft. 

Luc. Gramercies Tranio, well doft thou aduife, 
IfBiondello thou wert come aihore, 
We could at once put vs in readineffe, 
And take a Lodging fit to entertaine 
Such friends (as time) in Padua (hall beget. 
But ftay a while, what companie is this ? 

Tra. Mafter fome fhew to welcome vs to Towne. 

Enter Baptifta with his tivo daughters, Katerina & Bianca, 
Gremio a Panteloivne, Hortentio fifter to "Bianca. 
Lucen.Tranio,fiand by. 

"Bap. Gentlemen, importune me no farther, 
For how I firmly am refolud you know: 
That is, not to beftow my yongeft daughter, 
Before I haue a husband for the elder: 
If either of you both loue Katherina, 



The Taming of the Shre'Vo. 



211 



Becaufe I know you well, and loue you well, 
Leaue fhall you haue to court her at your pleafure. 

Gre. To cart her rather. She's to rough for mee, 
There, there Hortenjio, will you any Wife? 

Kate. I pray you fir, is it your will 
To make a ftale of me amongft thefe mates i 

Hor. Mates maid, how Vneane you that? 
No mates for you, 
Vnleffe you were of gentler milder mould. 

Kate. I'faith fir,you fhall neuer neede to feare, 
I-wis it is not halfe way to her heart : 
But if it were, doubt not, her care fhould be, 
To combe your noddle with a three-legg'd ftoole, 
And paint your face, and vfe you like a foole. 

Hor. From all fuch diuels, good Lord delifler vs. 

Gre. And me too, good Lord. 

7Va.Hufht mafter,heres fome good paftime toward; 
That wench is ftarke mad, or wonderfull froward. 

Lucen. But in the others filence do I fee, 
Maids milde behauiour and fobrietie. 
Peace Tranio. 

Tra. Well faid M r , mum, and gaze your fill. 

'Bap. Gentlemen, that I may foone make good 
What I haue faid, Bianca get you in, 
And let it not difpleafe thee good Bianca, 
For I will loue thee nere the leffe my girle. 

Kate. A pretty peate, it is beft put finger in the eye, 
and fhe knew why. 

c Bian. Sifter content you, in my difcontent. 
Sir, to your pleafure humbly I fubfcribe : 
My bookes and inftruments fhall be my companie, 
On them to looke, and practife by my felfe. 

Luc. Harke Tranio , thou maift heare Minerua fpeak. 

Hor. Signior Baftijia, will you be fo ftrange, 
Sorrie am I that our good will effects 
'Bianca' s greefe. 

Gre. Why will you mew her vp 
(Signior Baptijla) for this fiend of hell, 
And make her beare the pennance of her tongue. 

'Bap. Gentlemen content ye : I am refould : 
Go in Bianca. 

And for I know fhe taketh moft delight 
In Muficke, Inftruments, and Poetry, 
Schoolemafters will I keepe within my houfe, 
Fit to inftruct her youth. If you Hortenfio, 
Or fignior Gremio you know any fuch, 
Preferre them hither : for to cunning men, 
I will be very kinde and liberall, 
To mine owne children, in good bringing vp, 
And fo farewell : Katherina you may ftay, 
For I haue more to commune with 'Bianca. Exit. 

Kate. Why, and I truft I may go too, may I not ? 
What fhall I be appointed houres, as though 
(Belike) I knew not what to take, 
And what to leaue? Ha. Exit 

Gre. You may go to the diuels dam : your guifts are 
fo good heere's none will holde you: Their loue is not 
fo great Hortenfio, but we may blow our nails together, 
and faft it fairely out. Our cakes dough on both fides. 
Farewell : yet for the loue I beare my fweet 'Bianca, if 
I can by any meanes light on a fit man to teach her that 
wherein fhe delights, I will wifti him to her father. 

Hor. So will I figniour Gremio : but a word I pray : 
Though the nature of our quarrell yet neuer brook'd 
parle, know now vpon aduice, it toucheth vs both: that 
we may yet againe haue acceffe to our faire Miftris, and 



be happie riuals in 'Bianca 's loue, to labour and effect 
one thing fpecially. 

Gre. What's that I pray? 

Hor. Marrie fir to get a husband for her Sifter. 

Gre. A husband : a diuell. 

Hor. I fay a husband. 

Gre. I fay, a diuell : Think'ft thou Hortenjio, though 
her father be verie rich, any man is fo verie a foole to be 
married to hell ? 

Hor. Tufh Gremio : though it paffe your patience & 
mine to endure her lowd alarums, why man there bee 
good fellowes in the world , and a man could light on 
them, would take her with all faults, and mony enough. 

Gre. I cannot tell : but I had as lief take her dowrie 
with this condition; To be whipt at the hie croffe euerie 
morning. 

Hor. Faith (as you fay) there's fmall choife in rotten 
apples : but come, fince this bar in law makes vs friends, 
it fhall be fo farre forth friendly maintain'd, till by hel- 
ping Baptiflas eldeft daughter to a husband, wee fet his 
yongeft free for a husband, and then haue too t afrefh : 
Sweet Bianca, happy man be his dole : hee that runnes 
fafteft, gets the Ring : Kow fay you fignior Gremio} 

Grem. I am agreed, and would I had giuen him the 
beft horfe in Padua to begin his woing that would tho- 
roughly woe her, wed her, and bed her, and ridde the 
houfe of her. Come on. 

Exeunt ambo. Manet Tranio and Lucentio 

Tra. I pray fir tel me, is it poflible 
That loue fhould of a fodaine take fuch hold. 

Luc. Oh Tranio, till I found it to be true, 
I neuer thought it poflible or likely. 
But fee, while idely I flood looking on, 
1 found the effect of Loue in idleneffe, 
And now in plainneffe do confeffe to thee 
That art to me as fecret and as deere 
As Anna to the Queene of Carthage was : 
Tranio I burne, I pine, I perifh Tranio, 
If I atchieue not this yong modeft gyrle : 
Counfaile me Tranio, for I know thou canft: 
Affift me Tranio, for I know thou wilt. 

Tra. Mafter, it is no time to chide you now, 
Affection is not rated from the heart : 
If loue haue touch'd you, naught remaines but fo, 
Redime te captam quam queas minimo. 

Luc Gramercies Lad : Go forward, this contents, 
The reft wil comfort, for thy counfels found. 

Tra. Mafter, you look'd fo longly on the maide, 
Perhaps you mark'd not what's the pith of all. 

Luc. Oh yes, I faw fweet beautie in her face, 
Such as the daughter of Agenor had, 
That made great hue to humble him to her hand, 
When with his knees he kift the Cretan ftrond. 

Tra. Saw you no more? Mark'd you not how hir fifter 
Began to fcold, and raife vp fuch a ftorme, 
That mortal eares might hardly indure the din. 

Luc. Tranio, I faw her corrall lips to moue, 
And with her breath fhe did perfume the ayre, 
Sacred and fweet was all I faw in her. 

Tra. Nay, then 'tis time to ftirre him fro his trance : 
I pray awake fir : if you loue the Maide, 
Bend thoughts and wits to atcheeue her. Thus it ftands: 
Her elder fifter is fo curft and fhrew'd, 
That til the Father rid his hands of her, 
Mafter, your Loue mud liue a maide at home, 
And therefore has he clofely meu'd her vp, 

Becaufe 



212 



The Taming of the ShreVp. 



Becaufe fhe will not be annoy'd with filters. 

Luc. Ah Tranio, what a cruell Fathers he : 
But art thou not aduis'd,he tooke fome care 
To get her cunning Schoolemafters to inftrudt her. 

Tra. I marry am I fir, and now 'tis plotted. 

Luc. I haue it Tranio. 

Tra. Mailer, for my hand, 
Both our inuentions meet and iumpe in one. 

Luc. Tell me thine firft. 

Tra. You will be fchoole-mafter, 
And vndertake the teaching of the maid : 
That's your deuice. 

Luc. It is : May it be done ? 

Tra. Not poflible : for who fhall beare your part, 
And be in Padua heere Vincentio's fonne, 
Keepe houfe, and ply his booke, welcome his friends, 
Vifit his Countrimen, and banquet them ? 

Luc. Bajla, content thee : for I haue it full. 
We haue not yet bin feene in any houfe, 
Nor can we be diftinguifh'd by our faces, 
For man or mafter: then it followes thus ; 
Thou fhalt be mafter, Tranio in my fled : 
Keepe houfe, and port, and feruants,as I fhould, 
I will fome other be, fome Florentine, 
Some Neapolitan, or meaner man of Pifa. 
'Tis hatch'd, and fhall be fo : Tranio at once 
Vncafe thee : take my Conlord hat and cloake, 
When Biondello comes, he waites on thee, 
But I will charme him firft to keepe his tongue. 

Tra. So had you neede : 
In breefe Sir, fith it your pleafure is, 
And I am tyed to be obedient, 
For fo your father charg'd me at our parting i 
Be feruiceable to my fonne ( quoth he) 
Although I thinke 'twas in another fence, 
I am content to bee Lucentio, 
Becaufe fo well I loue Lucentio. 

Luc. Tranio be fo, becaufe Lucentio loues, 
And let me be a flaue, t'atchieue that maide, 
Whofe fodaine fight hath thral'd my wounded eye. 

Enter 'Biondello. 
Heere comes the rogue. Sirra, where haue you bin? 

Bion. Where haue I beene ? Nay how now, where 
are you ? Maifter, ha's my fellow Tranio ftolne your 
cloatbes, or you ftolne his, or both ? Pray what's the 
newes? 

Luc. Sirra come hither, 'tis no time to ieft, 
And therefore frame your manners to the time 
Your fellow Tranio heere to faue my life, 
Puts my apparrell,and my count'nance on, 
And I for my efcape haue put on his : 
For in a quarrell fince I came a more, 
I kil'd a man, and feare I was defcried : 
Waite you on him, I charge you, as becomes : 
While I make way from hence to faue my life : 
You vnderftand me f 

Bion. I fir, ne're a whit. 

Luc. And not a iot of Tranio in your mouth, 
Tranio is chang'd into Lucentio. 

'Bion. The better for him, would I were fo too. 

Tra. So could I 'faith boy, to haue the next wifh af- 
ter, that Lucentio indeede had Baftiflas yongeft daugh- 
ter. But firra, not for my fake, but your mafters, I ad- 
uife you vfe your manners difcreetly in all kind of com- 
panies : When i am alone, why then I am Tranio: but in 



all places elfe, you mafter Lucentio. 

Luc. Tranio let's go : 
One thing more refts, that thy felfe execute, 
To make one among thefe wooers : if thou ask me why, 
Sufficeth my reafons are both good and waighty. 
Exeunt. ThePrejentersabouejpeak.es. 

I. Man. My Lord you nod, you do not minde the 
play. 

'Beg. Yes by Saint Anne do I, a good matter furely: 
Comes there any more of it ? 

Lady. My Lord, 'tis but begun. 

'Beg. 'Tis a verie excellent peece of worke, Madame 
Ladie : would 'twere done. They Jit and marke. 

Enter Petruchio, and hh man Grumio. 

Petr. Verona, for a while I take my leaue, 
To fee my friends in Padua; but of all 
My beft beloued and approued friend 
Hortenjio : & I trow this is his houfe: 
Heere firra Grumio, knocke I fay. 

Gru. Knocke fir ? whom fhould I knocke ? Is there 
any man ha's rebus'd your worfhip? 

Petr. Villaine 1 fay, knocke me heere foundry. 

Gru. Knocke you heere fir ? Why fir, what am I fir, 
that I fhould knocke you heere fir. 

Petr. Villaine I fay, knocke me at this gate, 
And rap me well, or lie knocke your knaues pate. 

Gru. My M r is growne quarrelfome : 
I fhould knocke you firft, 
And then I know after who comes by the worft. 

Petr. Will it not be ? 
'Faith lirrah, and you'l not knocke, He ring it, 
He trie how you can Sol, Fa, and fing it. 

He rings him by the eares 

Gru. Helpe miftris helpe, my mafter is mad. 

Petr. Now knocke when I bid you : firrah villaine. 
Enter Hortenjio. 

Hor. How now, what's the matter ? My olde friend 
Grumio, and my good friend Petruchio} How do you all 
at Verona ? 

Petr. Signior Hortenjio, come you to part the fray? 
Qjmutti le core bene trobatto, may I fay. 

Hor. Alia noflra caja bene -venuto multo honorata Jigni- 
or mio Petruchio. 
Rife Grumio rife, we will compound this quarrell. 

Gru. Nay 'tis no matter fir, what he leges in Latine. 
If this be not a lawfull caufe for me to leaue his feruice, 
looke you fir : He bid me knocke him, & rap him found- 
ry fir. Well, was it fit for a feruant to vfe his mafter fo, 
being perhaps (for ought I fee) two and thirty, a peepe 
out ? Whom would to God I had well knockt at firft, 
then had not Grumio come by the worft. 

Petr. A fencelefTe villaine : good Hortenjio, 
I bad the rafcall knocke vpon your gate, 
And could not get him for my heart to do it. 

Gru. Knocke at the gate? O heauens : fpake you not 
thefe words plaine ? Sirra, Knocke me heere : rappe me 
heere : knocke me well, and knocke me foundly ? And 
come you now with knocking at the gate ? 

Petr. Sirra be gone, or talke not I aduife you. 

Hor. Petruchio patience, I am Grumio s pledge : 
Why this a heauie chance twixr him and you, 
Your- ancient truftie pleafant feruant Grumio: 
And tell me now (fweet friend) what happie gale 
Blowes you to Padua heere, from old Verona ? 

Petr.Such wind as fcatters yongmen throgh y world, 

To 



The Taming of the ShreW. 



213 



To feeke their fortunes farther then at home, 
Where fmall experience growes but in a few. 
Signior HortenJio,thus it (lands with me, 
Antonio my father is deceaft, 
And I haue thruft my felfe into this maze, 
Happily to wiue and thriue, as beft I may : 
Crownes in my purfe I haue, and goods at home, 
And fo am come abroad to fee the world. 

Hor. Petruchio, mall I then come roundly to thee, 
And wifh thee to a fhrew'd ill-fauour'd wife ? 
Thou'dft thanke me but a little for my counfell : 
And yet He promife thee me mall be rich, 
And verie rich : but th'art too much my friend, 
And He not wifh thee to her. 

Petr. Signior Hortenfw, 'twixt fuch friends as wee, 
Few words fuffice : and therefore, if thou know 
One rich enough to be Petruchio' s wife : 
(As wealth is burthen of my woing dance) 
Be me as foule as was Florentiui Loue, 
As old as Sibell, and as curft and fhrow'd 
As Socrates Zentippe, or a worfe: 
She moues me not, or not remoues at leaft 
AffedYions edge in me. Were me is as rough 
As are the fwelling Adriaticke feas. 
I come to wiue it wealthily in Padua : 
If wealthily, then happily in Padua. 

Gru. Nay looke you fir, hee tels you flatly what his 
minde is : why giue him Gold enough, and marrie him 
to a Puppet or an Aglet babie, or an old trot with ne're a 
tooth in her head, though me haue as manie difeafes as 
two and fiftie horfes. Why nothing comes amifle, fo 
monie comes withall. 

Hor. Petruchio, fjnce we are ftept thus farre in, 
I will continue that I broach'd in ieft, 
I can Petruchio helpe thee to a wife 
With wealth enough, and yong and beautious, 
Brought vp as beft becomes a Gentlewoman. 
Her onely fault, and that is faults enough, 
Is, that fhe is intollerable curft, 
And fhrow'd, and froward, fo beyond all meafure, 
That were my ftate farre worfer then it is, 
I would not wed her for a mine of Gold. 

Petr. Hortenjio peace : thou knowft not golds effect, 
Tell me her fathers name, and 'tis enough: 
For I will boord her, though me chide as loud 
As thunder, when the clouds in Autumne cracke. 

Hor. Her father is ^aptifia c^fino/a, 
An affable and courteous Gentleman, 
Her name is Katherina Minola, 
Renown'd in Padua for her fcolding tongue. 

Petr. I know her father, though I know, not her, 
And he knew my deceafed father well: 
I wil not fleepe Hortenjio til I fee her, 
And therefore let me be thus bold with you, 
To giue you ouer at this firft encounter, 
VnlefTe you wil accompanie me thither. 

Gru. I pray you Sir let him go while the humor lafts. 
A my word, and fhe knew him as wel as I do, fhe would 
thinke fcolding would doe little good vpon him. Shee 
may perhaps call him halfe a fcore Knaues, or fo : Why 
that's nothing ; and he begin once, hee'l raile in his rope 
trickes. He tell you what fir, and fhe ftand him but a Ti- 
tle, he wil throw a figure in her face, and fo disfigure hir 
with it, that fhee fhal haue no more eies to fee withall 
then a Cat : you know him not fir. 

Hor. Tarrie Petruchio, I muft go with thee, 



For in Baptijtas keepe my treafure is : 
He hath the Iewel of my life in hold, 
His yongeft daughter, beautiful Bianca, 
And her with-holds from me. Other more 
Suters to her, and riuals in my Loue : 
Suppofing it a thing impoflible, 
For thofe defects I haue before rehearft, 
That euer Katherina wil be woo'd : 
Therefore this order hath 'Baptifla tane, 
That none fhal haue acceffe vnto Bianca, 
Til Katherine the Curft, haue got a husband. 

Gru. Katherine the curft, 
A title for a maide, of all titles the worft. » 

Hor. Now ihal my friend Petruchio do me grace, 
And offer me difguis'd in fober robes, 
To old 'Baptifla as a fchoole-mafter 
Well feene in Muficke, to inftrucl Bianca, 
That fo I may by this deuice at leaft 
Haue leaue and leifure to make loue to her, 
And vnfufpected court her by her felfe. 

Enter Gremio and Lucentio difgujed. 

Gru. Heere's no knauerie. See, to beguile the olde- 
folkes, how the young folkes lay their heads together. 
Matter, matter, looke about you : Who goes there ? ha. 

Hor. Peace Qrumio, it is the riuall of my Loue. 
Petruchio ftand by a while. 

Qrumio. A proper ftripling,and an amorous. 

Gremio. O very well, I haue perus'd the note: 
Hearke you fir, He haue them verie fairely bound, 
AH bookes of Loue, fee that at any hand, 
And fee you reade no other Lectures to her: 
You vnderftand me. Ouer and befide 
Signior BaptiiJad liberalitie, 

He mend it with a Largeffe. Take your paper too, 
And let me haue them verie wel perfum'd ; 
For fhe is fweeter then perfume it felfe 
To whom they go to : what wil you reade to her. 

Luc. What ere I reade to her, He pleade for you , 
As for my patron, ftand you fo affur'd, 
As firmely as your felfe were ftill in place, 
Yea and perhaps with more fucceffefull words 
Then you ; vnleffe you were a fcholler fir. 

Gre. Oh this learning, what a thing it is. 

Qru. Oh this Woodcocke, what an Afle it is. 

Petru. Peace firra. 

Hor. Grutnio mum : God faue you fignior Gremio. 

Gre. And you are wel met, Signior Hortenjio. 
Trow you whither I am going? To Baptifla Minola, 
I promift to enquire carefully 
About a fchoolemafter for the faire Bianca, 
And by good fortune I haue lighted well 
On this yong man : For learning and behauiour 
Fit for her turne, well read in Poetrie 
And other bookes, good ones, I warrant ye. 

Hor. 'Tis well : and I haue met a Gentleman 
Hath promift me to helpe one to another, 
A fine Mufitian to inftruct our Miftris, 
So fhal I no whit be behinde in dutie 
To faire "Bianca,- fo beloued of me. 

Gre. Beloued of me,and that my deeds fhal proue. 

Gru. And that his bags fhal proue. 

Hor. Gremio, 'tis now no time to vent our loue, 
Liften to me, and if you fpeake me faire, 
lie tel you newes indifferent good for either. 
Heere is a Gentleman whom by chance I met 

Vpon 



214 



The Taming of the Shrew. 



Vpon agreement from vs to his liking, 
Will vndertake to woo curft Katherine, 
Yea, and to marrie her, if her dowrie pleafe. 

Gre. So faid, fo done, is well : 
Hortenfio,haue you told him all her faults? 

Petr. I know fhe is an irkefome brawling fcold : 
If that be all Mafters, I heare no harme. 

Gre. No, fayft me fo, friend? What Countreymanc 1 

Petr. Borne in Verona, old 'Butonios fonne : 
My father dead, my fortune hues for me, 
And I do hope, good dayes and long, to fee. 

Gre. Oh fir,fuch a life with fuch a wife, were ftrange: 
But if you haue a ftomacke, too't a Gods name, 
You Ihal haue me affifting you in all. 
But will you woo this Wilde-cat f 

Petr. Will I liue ? 

Gru. Wil he woo her? I : or He hang her. 

Petr. Why came I hither, but to that intent? 
Thinke you, a little dinne can daunt mine eares? 
Haue I not in my time heard Lions rore ? 
Haue I not heard the fea, puft vp with windes, 
Rage like an angry Boare, chafed with fweat ? 
Haue I not heard great Ordnance in the field? 
And heauens Artillerie thunder in the skies? 
Haue I not in a pitched battell heard 
Loud larums, neighing fteeds,& trumpets clangue ? 
And do you tell me of a womans tongue? 
That giues not halfe fo great a blow to heare, 
As wil a Cheffe-nut in a Farmers fire. 
Tuih,tuih, feare boyes with bugs. 

Gru. For he feares none. 

Grem. Hortenfio hearke : 
This Gentleman is happily arriu'd, 
My minde prefumes for his owne good, and yours. 

Hor. I promift we would be Contributors, 
And beare his charge of wooing whatfoere. 

Gremio. And fo we wil, prouided that he win her. 

Gru. I would I were as fure of a good dinner. 

Enter Tranio braue, and'Biondello. 

Tra. Gentlemen God faue you. if I may be bold 
Tell me I befeech you, which is the readieft way 
To the houfe of Signior Baptifia Minola ? 

c Bion. He that ha's the two faire daughters: ift he you 
meane ? 

Tra. Euen he Biondello. 

Gre. Hearke you fir, yau meane not her to 

Tra. Perhaps him and her fir, what haue you to do ? 

Petr. Not her that chides fir,at any hand I pray. 

Tranio. I loue no chiders fir : c Biondello,\zi's away. 

Luc Well begun Tranio. 

Hor. Sir, a word ere you go: 
Are you a futor to the Maid you talke of, yea or no ? 

Tra. And if I be fir, is it any offence ? 

Gremio. No : if without more words you will get you 
hence. 

Tra. Why fir, I pray are not the ftreers as free 
For me, as for you ? 

Gre. But fo is not me. 

Tra. For what reafon I befeech you. 

Gre. For this reafon if you'l kno, 
That fhe's the choife loue of Signior Gremio. 

Hor. That (he's the chofen of fignior Hortenfio. 

Tra. Softly my Mafters : If you be Gentlemen 
Do me this right : heare me with patience. 
Bjptijia is a noble Gentleman, 



To whom my Father is not all vnknowne, 
And were his daughter fairer then flie is, 
She may more futors haue, and me for one. 
Faire Lcedaes daughter had a thoufand wooers, 
Then well one more may faire Ttianca haue ; 
And fo Ihe fhall : Lucentio fhal make one, 
Though Paris came, in hope to fpeed alone. 

Gre. What, this Gentleman will out-talke vs all. 

Luc. Sir giue him head, I know hee'l proue a lade. 

Petr. Hortenfio, to what end are all thefe words ? 

Hor. Sir, let me be fo bold as aske you, 
Did you yet euer fee c Baptiftas daughter f 

Tra. No fir, but heare 1 do that he hath two : 
The one, as famous for a fcolding tongue, 
As is the other, for beauteous modeftie. 

Petr. Sir, fir, the firft's for me, let her go by. 

Gre. Yea, leaue that labour to great Hercules, 
And let it be more then ^Abides twelue. 

Petr. Sir vnderftand you this of me (infooth) 
The yongeft daughter whom you hearken for, 
Her father keepes from all acceffe of futors, 
And will not promife her to any man, 
Vntill the elder filter firft be wed. 
The yonger then is free, and not before. 

Tranio. If it be fo fir, that you are the man 
Muft fteed vs all, and me amongft the reft: 
And if you breake the ice, and do this feeke, 
Atchieue the elder : fet the yonger free, 
For our accede, whofe hap fhall be to haue her, 
Wil not fo gracelefie be, to be ingrate. 

Hor. Sir you fay wel, and wel you do conceiue, 
And fince you do profefle to be a futor, 
You muft as we do, gratifie this Gentleman, 
To whom we all reft generally beholding. 

Tranio. Sir, I Ihal not be (lacke,in figne whereof, 
Pleafe ye we may contriue this afternoone, 
And quaffe carowfes to our MiftrefTe health, 
And do as aduerfaries do in law, 
Striue mightily, but eate and drinke as friends. 

Gru. 'Bion. Oh excellent motion: fellowes let's be gon. 

Hor. The motions good indeed, and be it fo, 
Petruchio,\ Ihal be your "Been -venuto. Exeunt, 

Enter Katherina and 'Bianca. 

'Bian. Good filter wrong me not, nor wrong your felf, 
To make a bondmaide and a ilaue of mee, 
That I difdaine : but for thefe other goods, 
Vnbinde my hands, He pull them oft' my felfe, 
Yea all my raiment, to my petticoate, 
Or what you will command me, wil I do, 
So well I know my dutie to my elders. 

Kate. Of all thy futors heere I charge tel 
Whom thou lou'ft beft : fee thou diflemble not. 

'Bianca. Beleeue me filler, of all the men aliue, 
I neuer yet beheld that fpeciall face, 
Which I could fancie, more then any other. 

Kate. Minion thou lyeft : Is't not Hortenfio} 

Bian. If you affect him filter, heere I fweare 
He pleade for you my felfe, but you Ihal haue him. 

Kate. Oh then belike you fancie riches more, 
You wil haue Gremio to keepe you faire. 

TSian. Is it for him you do enuie me fo ? 
Nay then you left, and now I wel perceiue . 
You haue but iefted with me all this while: 
I prethee filter Kate,vntie my hands. 

Ka. If that be ieft, then all the reft was fo. Strikes her 

Enter 



The Taming of the ShreW. 



215 



Enter "Baptifta. 

'Bap. Why how now Dame, whence growes this in- 
folence ? 
"Bianco ftand afide, poore gyrle file weepes : 
Go ply thy Needle, meddle not with her. 
For ftiame thou Hilding of a diuellifh fpirit, 
Why doft thou wrong her, that did nere wrong thee ? 
When did me croffe thee with a bitter word ? 

Kate. Her filence flouts me, and He be reueng'd. 

Flies after 'Bianca 

"Bap. What in my fight > ^Bianca get thee in. Exit. 

Kate. What will you not fuffer me : Nay now I fee 
She is your treafure, /he muft haue a husband, 
I muft dance bare-foot on her wedding day, 
And for your loue to her, leade Apes in hell. 
Talke not to me, I will go fit and weepe, 
Till I can finde occafion of reuenge. 

c Bap. Was euer Gentleman thus greeu'd as I f 
But who comes heere. 

Enter Gremio, Lucent io, in the habit of a meane man, 

Petruchio nvith Tranio , -with his boy 

bearing a Lute and 'Bookes. 

Gre. Good morrow neighbour Baptifta. 

Bap. Good morrow neighbour Gremio : God faue 
you Gentlemen. 

Pet.^ And you good fir : pray haue you not a daugh- 
ter, cal'd Katerina, foire and vertuous. 

Bap. I haue a daughter fir, cal'd Katerina. 

Gre. You are too blunt, go to it orderly. 

Pet. You wrong me fignior Gremio, giue me leaue. 
I am a Gentleman of Verona fir, 
That hearing of her beautie,and her wit, 
Her affability and balhfull modeftie : 
Her wondrous qualities, and milde behauiour, 
Am bold to fhew my felfe a forward gueft 
Within your houfe, to make mine eye the witneffe 
Of that report, which I fo oft haue heard, 
And for an entrance to my entertainment, 
I do prefent you with a man of mine 
Cunning in Muficke,and the Mathematickes, 
To inftruc~b her fully in thofe fciences, 
Whereof I know flie is not ignorant, 
Accept of him, or elfe you do me wrong, 
His name is Litio, borne in Mantua. 

'Bap. Y'are welcome fir, and he for your good fake. 
But for my daughter Katerine, this I know, 
She is not for your turne, the more my greefe. 

Pet. I fee you do not meane to part with her, 
Or elfe you like not of my companie. 

*Bap. Miftake me not, I fpeake but as I finde, 
Whence are you fir ? What may I call your name. 

Pet. Petruchio is my name, ^Antonio's fonne, 
A man well knowne throughout all Italy. 

'Bap. I know him well: you are welcome for his fake. 

Gre. Sauing your tale Petruchio, I pray let vs that are 
poore petitioners fpeake too? c Bacare, you are meruay- 
lous forward. 

Pet. Oh, Pardon me fignior Gremio, I would fain? be 
doing. 

Gre. I doubt it not fir. But you will curfe 
Your wooing neighbors : this is a guift 
Very gratefull, I am fure of it, to expreffe 
The like kindneffe my felfe, that haue beene 
More kindely beholding to you then any : 



Freely giue vnto this yong Scholler, that hath 
Beene long ftudying at Rhemes, as cunning 
In Greeke, Latine, and other Languages, 
As the other in Muficke and Mathematickes : 
His name is Cambio : pray accept his feruice. 

"Bap. A thoufand thankes fignior Gremio : 
Welcome good Cambio. But gentle fir, 
Me thinkes you walke like a ftranger, 
May I be fo bold, to know the caufe of your comming i 

Tra. Pardon me fir, the boldneffe is mine owne, 
That being a ftranger in this Cittie heere, 
Do make my felfe af utor to your daughter, 
Vnto Bianca, faire and vertuous : 
Nor is your firme refolue vnknowne to me, 
In the preferment of the eldeft filter. 
This liberty is all that I requeft, 
That vpon knowledge of my Parentage, 
I may haue welcome 'mongft the reft that woo, 
And free accefie and fauour as the reft. 
And toward the education of your daughters : 
I heere beftow a fimple inftrument, 
And this fmall packet of Greeke and Latine bookes: 
If you accept them, then their worth is great : 

Bap. Lucentio is your name, of whence I pray. 

Tra. Of Pifa fir, fonne to Vincentio. 

Bap. A mightie man of Pifa by report, 
I know him well : you are verie welcome fir: 
Take you the Lute, and you the fet of bookes, 
You (hall go fee your Pupils prefently. 
Holla, within. 

Enter a Seruant. 
Sirrah, leade thefe Gentlemen 
To my daughters, and tell them both 
Thefe are their Tutors, bid them vfe them well, 
We will go walke a little in the Orchard, 
And then to dinner : you are paffing welcome, 
And fo I pray you all to thinke your felues. 

Pet. Signior 'Baptifta, my bufineffe asketh hafte, 
And euerie day I cannot come to woo, 
You knew my father well, and in him me, 
Left folie heire to all his Lands and goods, 
Which I haue bettered rather then decreaft, 
Then tell me, if I get your daughters loue, 
What dowrie ftiall I haue with her to wife. 

Bap. After my death, the one halfe of my Lands, 
And in poffefsion twentie thoufand Crownes. 

Pet And for that dowrie, He affure her of 
Her widdow-hood, be it that Ihe furuiue me 
In all my Lands and Leafes whatfoeuer, 
Let fpecialties be therefore drawne betweene vs, 
That couenants may be kept on either hand. 

"Bap. I, when the fpeciall thing is well obtain'd, 
That is her loue : for that is all in all. 

Pet. Why that is nothing : for I tell you father, 
I am as peremptorie as file proud minded : 
And where two raging fires meete together, 
They do confume the thing that feedes their furie. 
Though little fire growes great with little winde, 
yet extreme gufts will blow out fire and all : 
So I to her, and fo lhe yeelds to me, 
For I am rough, and woo not like a babe. 

'Bap. Well maift thou woo, and happy be thy fpeed: 
But be thou arm'd for fome vnhappie words. 

Pet. I to the proofe, as Mountaines are for windes, 
That fhakes not, though they blow perpetually. 
Enter Hortenfio -with his head broke. 



2l6 



The Taming of the Shre'Vp. 



Bap. How now my friend, why doft thou looke fo 
pale ? 

Hor. For feare I promife you, if I looke pale. 

'Bap. What, will my daughter proue a good Mufiti- 
an? 

Hor. I thinke fhe'l fooner proue a fouldier, 
Iron may hold with her, but neuer Lutes. 

Bap. Why then thou canft not break her to the Lute? 

Hor. Why no, for me hath broke the Lute to me : 
I did but tell her me miftooke her frets, 
And bow'd her hand to teach her fingering, 
When (with a moft impatient diuelliih fpirit) 
Frets call you thefe? (quoth me) He fume with them : 
And with that word me ftroke me on the head, 
And through the inftrument my pate made way, 
And there I flood amazed for a while, 
As on a Pillorie, looking through the Lute, 
While me did call me Rafcall, Fidler, 
And twangling Iacke, with twentie fuch vilde tearrnes, 
As had me ftudied to mifvfe me fo. 

Pet. Now by the world, it is a luftie Wench, 
I loue her ten times more then ere I did, 
Oh how I long to haue fome chat with her. 

'Bap. Wei go with me, and be not fo difcomfited. 
Proceed in pra<SHfe with my yonger daughter, 
She's apt to learne, and thankefull for good turnes : 
Signior Petrucbio, will you go with vs, 
Or fhall I fend my daughter Kate to you. 

Exit. Manet Petruehio. 

Pet. I pray you do. He attend her heere, 
And woo her with fome fpirit when me comes, 
Say that me raile, why then He tell her plaine, 
She fings as fweetly as a Nightinghale : 
Say that fhe frowne, He fay me lookes as cleere 
As morning Rofes newly waflit with dew : 
Say fhe be mute, and will not fpeake a word, 
Then He commend her volubility, 
And fay ihe vttereth piercing eloquence : 
If fhe do bid me packe, lie giue her thankes, 
As though (he bid me flay by her a weeke : 
If me denie to wed, He craue the day 
When I mail aske the banes, and when be married. 
But heere fhe comes, and now Petruehio fpeake. 

Enter Katerina. 
Good morrow Kate, for thats your name I heare. 

Kate. Well haue you heard, but fomething hard of 
hearing : 
They call me Katerine, that do talke of me. 

Pet. You lye infaith, for you are call'd plaine Kate, 
And bony Kate, and fometimes Kate the curft : 
But Kate, the prettieft Kate in Chriftendome, 
Kate of Kate-hzll, my fuper-daintie Kate, 
For dainties are all Kates, and therefore Kate 
Take this of me, Kate of my confolation, 
Hearing thy mildneffe prais'd in euery Towne, 
Thy vertues fpoke of, and thy beautie founded, 
Yet not fo deepely as to thee belongs, 
My felr'e am moou'd to woo thee for my wife. 

Kate. Mou'd, in good time, let him that mou'd you 
hether 

Remoue you hence : I knew you at the firft 
You were a mouable. 

Pet. Why, what's a mouable ? 

Kat. A ioyn'd ftoole. 

Pet. Thou haft hit it : come fit on me. 

Kate. AfTes are made to beare, and fo are ycu. 



Pet. Women are made to beare, and fo are you. 

Kate. No fuch lade as you, if me you meane. 

Pet. Alas good Kate,l will not burthen thee, 
For knowing thee to be but yong and light. 

Kate. Too light for fuch a fwaine as you to catch, 
.And yet as heauie as my waight fhould be. 

Pet. Shold be, mould : buzze. 

Kate. Well tane, and like a buzzard. 

Pet. Oh flow-wing'd Turtle, fhal a buzard take thee? 

Kat. I for a Turtle, as he takes a buzard. 

Pet. Come, come you Wafpe, y'faith you are too 
angrie. 

Kate. If I be wafpim,beft beware my fling. 

Pet. My remedy is then to plucke it out. 

Kate. I, if the foole could finde it where it lies. 

Pet. Who knowes not where a Wafpe does weare 
his fling ? In his taile. 

Kate. In his tongue? 

Pet. Whofe tongue. 

Kate. Yours if you talke of tales, and fo farewell. 

Pet. What with my tongue in your taile. 
Nay, come againe, good Kate, I am a Gentleman, 

Kate. That He trie. Jhe Jirikes him 

Pet. I fweare He cuffe you, if you ftrike againe. 

Kate. So may you loofe your armes, 
If you ftrike me, you are no Gentleman, 
And if no Gentleman, why then no armes. 

Pet. A Herald Kate} Oh put me in thy bookes. 

Kate. What is your Creft, a Coxcombe? 

Pet. A combleffe Cocke, fo Kate will be my Hen. 

Kate. No Cocke of mine, you crow too like a crauen 

Pet. Nay come Kate, come : you muft not looke fo 
iowre. 

Kate. It is my fafhion when I fee a Crab. 

Pet. Why heere's no crab, and therefore looke not 
fowre. 

Kate. There is, there is. 

Pet. Then mew it me. 
' Kate. Had I a glaffe, I would. 

Pet. What, you meane my face. 

Kate. Well aym'd of fuch a yong one. 

Pet. Now by S. George I am too yong for you. 

Kate. Yet you are wither'd. 

Pet. 'Tis with cares. 

Kate. I care not. 

Pet. Nay heare you Kate. Infooth you fcape not fo. 

Kate. I chafe you if I tarrie. Let me go. 

Pet. No, not a whit, I finde you paffing gentle : 
'Twas told me you were rough, and coy, and fullen, 
And now I finde report a very liar : 
For thou art pleafant, gamefome, paffing courteous, 
But (low in fpeech : yet fweet as fpring-time flowers. 
Thou canft not frowne, thou canft not looke a fconce, 
Nor bite the lip, as angry wenches will, 
Nor haft thou pleafure to be crofle in talke : 
But thou with mildneffe entertain'ft thy wooers, 
With gentle conference, foft, and affable. 
Why does the world report that Kate doth limpe ? 
Oh fland'rous world : Kate like the hazle twig 
Is ftraight, and flender, and as browne in hue 
As hazle nuts, and fweeter rhen the kernels : 
Oh let me fee thee walke : thou doft not halt. 

Kate. Go foole, and whom thou keep'ft command. 

Pet, Did euer T)ian fo become a Groue 
As Kate this chamber with her princely gate : 
O be thou s D;'a«,and let her be Kate, 

And 



The Taming of the Shrew. 



21' 



And then let Kate be chafte,and Dian fportfull. 

Kate. Where did you ftudy all this goodly fpeech? 

Petr. It is extempore, from my mother wit. 

Kate. A witty mother, witleffe elfe her fonne. 

Pet. Am I not wife? 

Kat. Yes, keepe you warme. 

Pet. Marry fo I meane fweet Katherine in thy bed : 
And therefore letting all this chat afide, 
Thus in plaine termes : your father hath confented 
That you fhall be my wife ; your dowry 'greed on, 
And will you, nill you, I will marry you. 
Now Kate, I am a husband for your turne , 
For by this light, whereby I fee thy beauty, 
Thy beauty that doth make me like thee well , 
Thou muft be married to no man but me, 

Enter 'Baptifta ,Gremio ,Trayno. 

For I am he am borne to tame you Kate, 

And bring you from a wilde Kate to a Kate 

Conformable as other houfhold Kates : 

Heere comes your father, neuer make deniall , 

I muft, and will haue Katherine to my wife. (daughter? 

Bap. Now Signior Petrucbio,how fpeed you with my 

Pet. How but well fir.?how but well? 
It were impoffible I fhould fpeed amiffe. (dumps? 

Bap. Why how now daughter Katherine , in your 

Kat. Call you me daughter? now I promife you 
You haue fhewd a tender fatherly regard, 
To wifli me wed to one halfe Lunaticke, 
A mad-cap ruffian, and a fwearing Iacke, 
That thinkes with oathes to face the matter out. 

Pet. Father,'tis thus, your felfe and all the world 
That talk'd of her, haue talk'd amifie of her : 
If me be curft, it is for pollicie , 
For lhee's not froward,but modeft as the Doue, 
Shee is not hot, but temperate as the morne , 
For patience fhee will proue a fecond Grijfell, 
And Romane Lucrece for her chaftitie : 
And to conclude, we haue 'greed fo well together, 
That vpon fonday is the wedding day. 

Kate. He fee thee hang'd on fonday firft. (firft. 

Gre. Hark Petruchio, me faies Ihee'll fee thee hang'd 

Tra.h this your fpeeding?nay the godnight our part. 

Pet. Be patient gentlemen, I choofe her for my felfe, 
If fhe and I be pleas'd, what's that to you? 
'Tis bargain'd'twixt vs twaine being alone, 
That me /hall ftill be cuvft in company. 
I tell you 'tis incredible to beleeue 
How much me loues me : oh the kindeft Kate, 
Shee hung about my necke, and kiffe on kiffe 
Shee vi'd fo faft, protefting oath on oath, 
That in a twinke fhe won me to her loue. 
Oh you are nouices, 'tis a world to fee 
How tame when men and women are alone, 
A meacocke wretch can make the curfteft fhrew : 
Giue me thy hand Kate, I will vnto Venice 
To buy appareJl 'gainft the wedding day ; 
Prouide the feaft father, and bid the guefts, 
I will be fuve my Katherine mall be fine. 

'Bap. I know not what to fay,but giue me your hads, 
God fend you ioy, Petruchio, 'tis a match. 

Gre.Tra. Amen fay we, we will be witneffes. 

Pet. Father, and wife, and gentlemen adieu, 
I will to Venice, fonday comes apace, 
We will haue rings,and things,and fine array, 



And kiffe me Kate,we will be married a fonday. 

Exit Petruchio and Katherine. 

Gre. Was euer match clapt vp fo fodainly ? 

Bap: Faith Gentlemen now I play a marchants part, 
And venture madly on a defperate Mart. 

Tra. Twas a commodity lay fretting by you, 
'Twill bring you gaine,or perifh on the feas. 

'Bap. The gaine I feeke,is quiet me the match. 

Gre. No doubt but he hath got a quiet catch: 
But now 'Baptijla, to your yonger daughter, 
Now is the day we long haue looked for, 
I am your neighbour, and was futer firft. 

Tra. And I am one that loue 'Bianca more 
Then words can witnefTe, or your thoughts can guefTe. 

Gre. Yongling thou canft not loue fo deare as I. 

Tra. Gray-beard thy loue doth freeze. 

Gre. But thine doth trie, 
Skipper ftand backe, 'tis age that nourifhetb. 

Tra. But youth in Ladies eyes that florifheth. 

'Bap. Content you gentlemen, I wil copound this ftrife 
'Tis deeds muft win the prize, and he of both 
That can affure my daughter greateft dower, 
Shall haue my Biancas loue. 
Say fignior Gremio, what can you affure her? 

Gre. Firft, as you know, my houfe within the City 
Is richly furnifhed with plate and gold , 
Bafons and ewers to laue her dainty hands : 
My hangings all of tirian tapeftry: 
In Iuory cofers I haue ftuft my crownes : 
In Cypres chefts my arras counterpoints, 
Coftly apparell, tents, and Canopies, 
Fine Linnen, Turky cufhions boft with pearle, 
Vallens of Venice gold, in needle worke : 
Pewter and braffe,and all things that belongs 
To houfe or houfe-keeping : then at my farme 
I haue a hundred milch-kine to the pale, 
Sixe-fcore fat Oxen ftanding in my ftalls, 
And all things anfwerable to this portion. 
My felfe am ftrooke in yeeres I muft confefle , 
And if I die to morrow this is hers, 
If whil'ft I liue me will be onely mine. 

Tra. That only came well in : fir, lift to me, 
I am my fathers heyre and onely fonne, 
If I may haue your daughter to my wife, 
He leaue her houfes three or foure as good 
Within rich Pifa walls, as any one 
Old .Sign i or Gremio has in Padua, 
Befides, two thoufand Duckets by the yeere ■ 
Of fruitfull land, all which fhall be her ioynter. 
What, haue I pincht you Signior Gremio? 

Gre. Two thoufand Duckets by the yeere of land, 
My Land amounts not to fo much in all : 
That fhe (hall haue, befides an Argofie 
That now is lying in Marcellus roade : 
What,haue I choakt you with an Argofie? 

Tra. Gremio, 'tis knowne my father hath no lefle 
Then three great Argofies, befides two Galliafles 
And twelue cite Gallies, thefe I will affure her, 
And twice as much what ere thou offreft next. 
Gre. Nay, I haue offred all, I haue no more, 
And fhe can haue no more then all I haue , 
If you like me, fhe fhall haue me and mine. 

Tra. Why then the maid is mine from all the world 
By your firme promife, Gremio is out-vied. 

Bap. I muft confefle your offer is the beft, 
And let your father make her the affurance, 

T Shee 



21 



The Taming of the ShreVp. 



Shee is your owne, elfe you muft pardon me : 
If you fhould die before him, where's her dower? 

Tra. That's but a cauill : he is olde, I young. 

Gre. And may not yong men die as well as old ? 

^Bap. Well gentlemen, I am thus refolu'd, 
On fonday next, you know 
My daughter Katherine is to be married : 
Now on the fonday following, mall manea 
Be Bride to you, if you make this affurance: 
If not, to Signior Gremio : 
And fo I take my leaue, and thanke you both. Exit. 

Gre. Adieu good neighbour : now I feare thee not : 
Sirra, yong gamefter, your father were a foole 
To giue thee all, and in his wayning age 
Set foot vnder thy table : tut, a toy, 
An olde Italian foxe is not fo kinde my boy. Exit. 

Tra. A vengeance on your crafty withered hide, 
Yet I haue fac'd it with a card often : 
'Tis in my head to doe my mailer good : 
I fee no reafon but fuppos'd Lucentio 
Muft get a father, call'd fuppos'd Vincentio, 
And that's a wonder : fathers commonly 
Doe get their children : but in this cafe of woing, 
A childe lhall get a fire,if I faile not of my cunning. Exit. 



AStus Tertia. 



Enter Lucentio, Hortentio, and 'Bianca. 

Luc. Fidler forbeare, yon grow too forward Sir, 
Haue you fo foone forgot the entertainment 
Her lifter Katherine welcom'd you withall. 

Hort. But wrangling pedant, this is 
The patroneffe of heauenly harmony : 
Then giue me leaue to haue prerogatiue, 
And when in Muficke we haue fpent an houre, 
Your Lecture /hall haue leifure for as much. 

Luc. Prepofterous Affe that neuer read fo farre, 
To know the caufe why muficke was ordain'd : 
Was it not to refrefh the minde of man 
After his ftudies,or his vfuall paine ? 
Then giue me leaue to read Philofophy , 
And while I paufe, ferue in your harmony. 

Hort. Sirra, I will not beare thefe braues of thine. 

mane. Why gentlemen, you doe me double wrong, 
To ftriue for that which refteth in my choice : 
I am no breeching fcholler in the fchooles, 
He not be tied to howres, nor pointed times, 
But learne my Leffons as I pleafe my felfe, 
And to cut off all ftrife : heere fit we downe, 
Take you your inftrument, play you the whiles, 
His Lecture will be done ere you haue tun'd. 

Hort. You'll leaue his Lecture when I am in tune? 

Luc. That will be neuer, tune your inftrument. 

mian. Where left we laft? 

Luc. Heere Madam : Hie Ibat Simois, hie eft Jigeria 
tellui, hie fteterat Priami regia Celfafenu. 

^ian. Confter them. 

Luc. Hie Ibat, as I told you before, Simois, I am Lu- 
centio, hie eft, fonne vnto Vincentio of Pifa, Sigeria tel- 
lus. difguifed thus to get your loue, hie fteterat, and that 
Lucentio that comes a wooing, priami-, is my man Tra- 
nio, regia, bearing my port, celja fenis that we might be- 
guile the old Pantalowne. 



Hort. Madam, my Inftrument's in tune. 

Bian. Let's heare,oh fie, the treble iarres. 

Luc. Spit in the hole man, and tune againe. 
man. Now let mee fee if I can confter it. Hie ibat Ji- 
mois, I know you not, hie eft Jigeria tellui,\ truft you not, 
hie ftaterat priami, take heede he heare vs not, regia pre- 
fume not,Celfafenif, defpaire not. 

Hort. Madam, tis now in tune. 

Luc. All but the bafe. 

Hort. The bafe is right, 'tis the bafe knaue that iars. 

Luc. How fiery and forward our Pedant is, 
Now for my life the knaue doth court my loue, 
Pedafcule, He watch you better yet : 
In time I may beleeue, yet I miftruft. 

man. Miftruft it not, for fure vEacides 
Was Aiax cald fo from his grandfather. 

Hort. I muft beleeue my mafter,elfe I promife you, 
I mould be arguing ftill vpon that doubt , 
But let it reft, now Litio to you : 
Good mafter take it not vnkindly pray 
That I haue beene thus pleafant with you both. 

Hort. You may go walk, and giue me leaue a while, 
My Leffons make no muficke in three parts. 

Luc. Are you fo formall fir, well I muft waite 
And watch withall, for but I be deceiu'd, 
Our fine Mufitian groweth amorous. 

Hor. Madam, before you touch the inftrument, 
To learne the order of my fingering, 
I muft begin with rudiments of Art, 
To teach you gamoth in a briefer fort , 
More pleafant, pithy, and effectuall , 
Then hath beene taught by any of my trade, 
And there it is in writing fairely drawne. 

Bian. Why, I am paft my gamouth long agoe. 

Hor. Yet read the gamouth of Hortentio. 

man. Gamouth I am, the ground of all accord : 
Are, lo plead Hortenjio's paffion : 
c Beeme, Bianca take him for thy Lord 
Cfa-vt, that loues with all affection : 
T)folre, one Cliffe,two notes haue I , 
Elami, mow pitry or I die. 
Call you this gamouth ? tut I like it not, 
Old falhions pleafe me belt, I am not fo nice 
To charge true rules for old inuentions. 
Enter a Mejfenger. 

Nicke. Miftreffe , your father prayes you leaue your 
And helpe to dreffe your fitters chamber vp , (books, 

You know to morrow is the wedding day. 

Bian. Farewell fweet mafters both, I muft be gone. 

Luc. Faith Miftreffe then I haue no caufe to ftay. 

Hor. But I haue caufe to pry into this pedant, 
Methinkes he lookes as though he were in loue : 
Yet if thy thoughts manca be fo humble 
To caft thy wandring eyes on euery ftale : 
Seize thee that Lift, if once I finde thee ranging, 
Hortenfto will be quit with thee by changing. Exit. 

Enter Baptifta, Gremio, Tranio, Katherine, Bianca, and o- 

thers attendants. 

Tiap. Signior Lucentio, this is the pointed day 
That Katherine and Petruchio mould be married, 
And yet we heare not of our fonne in Law : 
What will be faid,what mockery will it be? 
To want the Bride-groome when the Prieft attends 
To fpeake the ceremoniall rites of marriage ? 
What faies Lucentio to this ftiame of ours? 



The Taming of the ShreW. 



219 



Kate. No fhame but mine, I muft forfooth be forft 
To giue my hand oppos'd againft my heart 
Vnto a mad-braine rudesby, full of fpleene, 
Who woo'd in hafte, and meanes to wed at leyfure : 
I told you I, he was a franticke foole, 
Hiding his bitter iefts in blunt behauiour , 
And to be noted for a merry man ; 
Hee'll wooe a thoufand, point the day of marriage, 
Make friends, inuite, and proclaime the banes , 
Yet neuer meanes to wed where he hath woo'd : 
Now muft the world point at poore Katherine, 
And fay, loe, there is mad Petrucbio's wife 
If it would pleafe him come and marry her. 

Tra. Patience good Katherine and Baptijia too, 
Vpon my life Petruchio meanes but well, 
Whateuer fortune ftayes him from his word, 
Though he be blunt, I know him pafling wife , 
Though he be merry, yet withall he's honeft. 

Kate. Would Katherine had neuer feen him though. 

Exit -weeping. 

Bap. Goe girle, I cannot blame thee now to weepe, 
For fuch an iniurie would vexe a very faint, 
Much more a fhrew of impatient humour. 
Enter 'Biondello. 

Bion. Mafter, mafter, newes, and fuch newes as you 
neuer heard of, 

Bap. Is it new and olde too ? how may that be ? 

'Bion. Why, is it not newes to heard of Petruchws 

Bap. Is he come ? (comming? 

Bion. Why no fir. 

Bap. What then ? 

'Bion. He is comming. 

'Bap. When will he be heere ? 

Bion. When be ftands where I am, and fees you there. 

Tra. But fay, what to thine olde newes? 

'Bion. Why Petruchio is comming, in a new hat and 
an old ierkin , a paire of olde breeches thrice turn'd ; a 
paire of bootes that haue beene candle-cafes, one buck- 
led, another lae'd : an olde rufty fword tane out of the 
Towne Armory, with a broken hilt, and chapeleffe : with 
two broken points : his horfe hip'd with an olde mo- 
thy faddle , and ftirrops of no kindred : befides pofleft 
with the glanders, and like to mofe in the chine , trou- 
bled with the Lampafie, infected with the fafhions, full 
of Windegalls, fped with Spauins, raied with the Yel- 
lowes , paft cure of the Fiues , ftarke fpoyl'd with the 
Staggers, begnawne with the Bots, Waid in the backe, 
and fhoulder-ihotten , neere leg'd before, and with a 
halfe-chekt Bitre, & a headftall of fheepes leather, which 
being reftrain'd to keepe him from ftumbling,hath been 
often burft, and now repaired with knots : one girth fixe 
times peee'd, and a womans Crupper of velure , which 
hath two letters for her name, fairely fet down in ftuds, 
and heere and there peee'd with packthred. 

'Bap. Who comes with him ? 

Bion. Oh fir , his Lackey, for all the world Capari- 
fon'd like the horfe : with a linnen ftock on one leg, and 
a kerfey boot-hofe on the other , gartred with a red and 
blew liftjan old hat,& the humor of forty fancies prickt 
in't for a feather : a monfter, a very monfter in apparell , 
& not like a Chriftian foot-boy, or a gentlemans Lacky. 

Tra. 'Tis fome od humor pricks him to this fafhion, 
Yet oftentimes he goes but meane apparel'd. 

Bap. I am glad he's come, howfoere he comes. 

'Bion. Why fir, he comes not. 

'Bap. Didft thou not fay hee comes? 



Bion. Who, that Petruchio came ? 

Bap. I, that Petruchio came. (backe. 

Bion. No fir, I fay his horfe comes with him on his 
'Bap. Why that's all one. 

Bion. Nay by S.Iamy, I hold you a penny, a horfe and 
a man is more then one, and yet not many. 

Snter Petruchio and Grumio. 

Pet. Come, where be thefe gallants? who's at home? 

'Bap. You are welcome fir. 

Petr. And yet I come not well. 

Bap. And yet you halt not. 

Tra. Not fo well apparell'd as I wilh you were. 

Petr. Were it better I fhould ruih in thus : 
But where is Kate} where is my iouely Bride? 
How does my father?gentles methinkes you frowne , 
And wherefore gaze this goodly company, 
As if they faw fome wondrous monument, 
Some Commet, or vnufuall prodigie ? 

Bap. Why fir, you know this is your wedding day : 
Firft were we fad, fearing you would not come, 
Now fadder that you come fo vnprouided : 
Fie, doff this habit, ftiame to your eftate, 
An eye-fore to our folemne feftiuall. 

Tra. And tell vs what occafion of import 
Hath all fo long detain'd you from your wife , 
And fent you hither fo vnlike your felfe ? 

Petr. Tedious it were to tell, and harfh to heare, 
Sufnceth I am come to keepe my word , 
Though in fome part inforced to digrefle , 
Which at more leyfure I will fo excufe , 
As you mail well be fatisfied with all. 
But where is Kate} I ftay too long from her, 
The morning weares, 'tis time we were at Church. 

Tra. See not your Bride in thefe vnreuerent robes, 
Goe to my chamber, put on clothes of mine. 

Pet. Not I, beleeue me, thus He vifit her. 

Bap. But thus I truft you will not marry her. (words, 

Pet. Good footh euen thus : therefore ha done with 
To me fhe's married, not vnto my cloathes : 
Could I repaire what (he will weare in me, 
As I can change thefe poore accoutrements, 
'Twere well for Kate, and better for my felfe. 
But what a foole am I to chat with you, 
When I fhould bid good morrow to my Bride? 
And feale the title with a Iouely kiffe. Exit. 

Tra. He hath fome meaning in his mad attire, 
We will perfwade him be it poffible, 
To put on better ere he goe to Church. 

Bap. He after him, and fee the euent of this. Exit. 

Tra. But fir, Loue concerneth vs to adde 
Her fathers liking, which to bring to pafTe 
As before imparted to your worihip , 
I am to get a man what ere he be , 
It skills not much, weele fit him to our turne, 
And he mall beVincentio of Pi/a, 
And make afiurance heere in Padua 
Of greater fummes then I haue promifed, 
So ihall you quietly enioy your hope, 
And marry fweet Bianca with confent. 

Luc. Were it not that my fellow fchoolemafter 
Doth watch Bianca 's fteps fo narrowly : 
'Twere good me-thinkes to fteale our marriage, 
Which once perform'd,let all the world fay no, 
He keepe mine owne defpite of all the world. 

Tra. That by degrees we meane to looke into, 

T 2 And 



The Taming of the ShreVp. 



And watch our vantage in this bufmeffe, 
Wee'll ouer-reach the grey-beard Gremio, 
The narrow prying father Minola, 
The quaint Mufician, amorous Litio, 
All for my Mafters fake Lucentio. 

Enter Gremio. 

Signior Gremio, came you from the Church ? 

Qre. As willingly as ere I came from fchoole. 

Tra. And is the Bride & Bridegroom coming home? 

Gre. A bridegroome fay you? 'tis a groome indeed, 
A grumlling groome, and that the girle fhall finde. 

Tra. Curfter then fhe, why 'tis impoffible. 

Gre. Why hee's a deuill,a deuill,a very fiend. 

Tra. Why fhe's a deuill,a deui!l,the deuils damme. 

Gre. Tut, fhe's a Lambe,a Doue,a foole to him: 
He tell you fir Lucentio ; when the Prieft 
Should aske if Katherine mould be his wife, 
I, by goggs woones quoth he, and fvvore fo loud, 
That all arnaz'd the Prieft let fall the booke, 
And as he ftoop'd againe to take it vp, 
This mad-brain'd bridegroome tooke him fuch a cuffe, 
That downe fell Prieft and booke, and booke and Prieft, 
Now take them vp quoth he, if any lift. 

Tra. What faid the wench when he rofe againe ? 

Qre. Trembled and fhooke : for why, he ftamp'd and 
fwore,as if the Vicar meant to cozen him : but after ma- 
ny ceremonies done, hee calls for wine, a health quoth 
he, as if he had beene aboord carowfing to his Mates af- 
ter a ftorme, quaft off the Mufcadell,and threw the fops 
all in the Sextons face : hauing no other reafon,but that 
his beard grew thinne and hungerly,and feem'd to aske 
him fops as hee was drinking : This done, hee tooke the 
Bride about the necke, and kift her lips with fuch a cla- 
morous fmacke , that at the parting all the Church did 
eccho: and I feeing this, came thence for very fhame,and 
after mee I know the rout is comming, fuch a mad mar- 
ryage neuer was before : harke, harke, I heare the min- 
ftrels play. Muficke playes. 

Enter Petruchio, Kate, Viatica, Hortenfio^aptijla. 

Pefr.Gentlemen & friends, I thank you for your pains, 
I know you thinke to dine with me to day, 
And haue prepar'd great ftore of wedding cheere, 
But fo it is, my hafte doth call me hence, 
And therefore heere I meane to take my leaue. 

Bap. Is't pofiible you will away to night? 

Pet. I muft away to day before night come, 
Make it no wonder : if you knew my bufmeffe, 
You would in treat me rather goe then ftay : 
And honeft company,! thanke you all, 
That haue beheld me giue away my felfe 
To this moft patient, fweet,and vertuous wife, 
Dine with my father, drinke a health to me, 
For I muft hence,and farewell to you all. 

Tra. Let vs intreat you ftay till after dinner. 

Pet. It may not be. 

Gra. Let me intreat you. 

Pet. It cannot be. 

Kat. Let me intreat. you. 

Pet, I am content. 

Kat. Are you content to ftay ? 

Pet. I am content you fhall entreat me ftay, 
But yet not ftay, entreat me how you can. 



Kat. Now if you loue me ftay. 

Pet. Grumio, my horfe. 

Gru. I fir, they be ready , the Oates haue eaten the 
horfes. 

Kate. Nay then, 
Doe what thou canft, I will not goe to day, 
No, nor to morrow, not till I pleafe my felfe, 
The dore is open fir, there lies your way, 
You may be iogging whiles your bootes are greene : 
For me, He not be gone till I pleafe my felfe, 
'Tis like you'll proue a iolly furly groome, 
That take it on you at the firft fo roundly. 

Pet. O Kate content thee,prethee be not angry. 

Kat . I will be angry, what haft thou to doe ? 
Father, be quiet, he fhall ftay my leifure. 

Gre. I marry fir, now it begins to worke. 

Kat. Gentlemen, forward to the bridall dinner, 
I fee a woman may be made a foole 
If me had not a fpirit to refift. 

Pet. They fhall goe forward Kate at thy command, 
Obey the Bride you that attend on her. 
Goe to the feaft, reuell and domineere , 
Carowfe full meafure to her maiden-head, 
Be madde and merry, or goe hang your felues: 
But for my bonny Kate, fhe muft with me : 
Nay, looke not big, nor ftampe, nor ftare, nor fret, 
I will be mafter of what is mine owne, 
Shee is my goods, my chattels, fhe is my houfe, 
My houfhold-ftuffe,my field, my barne , 
My horfe, my oxe,my afTe, my any thing, 
And heere fhe ftands, touch her who euer dare, 
He bring mine adHon on the proudeft he 
That flops my way in Padua : Grutnio 
Draw forth thy weapon, we are befet with theeues, 
Refcue thy Miftreffe if thou be a man : 
Feare not fweet wench, they fhall not touch thee Kate, 
He buckler thee againft a Million. Exeunt. P. Ka. 

'Bap. Nay, let them goe, a couple of quiet ones. (ing. 

Gre. Went they not quickly, I fhould die with laugh- 

Tra. Of all mad matches neuer was the like. 

Luc. Miftreffe, what's your opinion of your fifter? , 

Bian.'VhSit being mad her felfe, fhe's madly mated. 

Gre. I warrant him Petruchio is Kated. 

Bap. Neighbours and friends, though Bride & Bride- 
For to fupply the places at the table, (groom wants 

You know there wants no iunkets at the feaft : 
Lucentio, you fhall fupply the Bridegroomes place, 
And let Bianca take her fitters roome. 

Tra. Shall fweet TSianca praftife how to bride it? 

Bap. She fhall Lucentio: come gentlemen lets goe. 

Enter Grumio. Exeunt. 

Gru.: Fie.fie on all tired lades, on all mad Mafters,& 
all foule waies : was euer man fo beaten ? was euer man 
fo raide ? was euer man fo weary ? I am fent before to 
make a fire, and they are comming after to warme them: 
now were not I a little pot,& foone hot ; my very lippes 
might freeze to my teeth, my tongue to the roofe of my 
mouth, my heart in my belly, ere I fhould come by a fire 
to thaw me, but I with blowing the fire fhall warme my 
felfe : for confidering the weather , a taller man then I 
will take cold : Holla, hoa Qurtis. 

Enter Curtis. 
Curt. Who is that calls fo coldly ? 

Gru. A piece of Ice : if thou doubt it, thou maift 
Hide from my fhoulder to my heele , with no 

greater 



The Taming of the ShreW. 



221 



greater a run but my head and my necke. A fire good 
Curtis. 

Cur. Is my mafter and his wife comming Grumio? 

Gru. Oh I Curtis I, and therefore fire, fire, caft on no 
water. 

Cur. Is me fo hot a fhrew as {he's reported. 

Gru. She was good Curtis before this froft: but thou 
know'ft winter tames man, woman, and beaft : for it 
hath tam'd my old mafter, and my new miftris, and my 
felfe fellow Curtis. 

Gru. Away you three inch foole, I am no beaft. 

Gru. Am I but three inches? Why thy home is a foot 
and fo long am I at the leaft. But wilt thou make a fire, 
or mall I complaine on thee to our miftris, whofe hand 
(ihe being now at hand) thou malt foone feele, to thy 
cold comfort, for being flow in thy hot office. 

Cur. I prethee good Grumio, tell me, how goes the 
world ? 

Gru. A cold world Curtis in euery office but thine, & 
therefore fire : do thy duty, and haue thy dutie, for my 
Mafter and miftris are almoft frozen to death. 

Cur. There's fire readie, and therefore good Grumio 
the newes. 

Gru. Why lacke boy, ho boy, and as much newes as 
wilt thou. 

Cur. Come, you are fo full of conicatching. 

Gru. Why therefore fire, for I haue caught extreme 
cold. Where's the Cooke, is fupper ready, the houfe 
trim'd, rufhes ftrew'd, cobwebs fwept, the feruingmen 
in their new fuftian, the white ftockings, and euery offi- 
cer his wedding garment on ? Be the Iackes faire with- 
in, the Gils faire without, the Carpets laide, and euerie 
thing in order ? 

Cur. All readie : and therefore I pray thee newes. 

Gru. Firft know my horfe is tired, my mafter & mi- 
ftris falne out. Cur. How ? 

Gru. Out of their faddles into the durt, and thereby 
hangs a tale. 

Cur. Let's ha't good Grumio. 

Gru. Lend thine eare. 

Cur. Heere. 

Gru. There. 

Cur. This 'tis to feele a tale, not to heare a tale. 

Gru. And therefore 'tis cal'd a fenfible tale : and this 
Cuffe was but to knocke at your eare, and befeech lift- 
ning : now I begin, Inprimis wee came downe a fowle 
hill, my Mafter riding behinde my Miftris. 

Cur. Both of one horfe? 

Gru. What's that to thee ? 

Cur. Why a horfe. 

Gru. Tell thou the tale : but hadft thou not croft me, 
thou mouldft haue heard how her horfe fel, and ihe vn- 
der her horfe : thou ftiouldft haue heard in how miery a 
place, how me was bemoil'd, how hee left her with the 
horfe vpon her, how he beat me becaufe her horfe {tum- 
bled, how me waded through the durt to plucke him off 
me : how he fwore, how Ihe prai'd, that neuer prai'd be- 
fore : how I cried, how the horfes ranne away, how her 
bridle was burft : how I loft my crupper, with manie 
things of worthy memorie, which now lhall die in obli- 
uion, and thou returne vnexperienc'd to thy graue. 

Cur. By this reckning he is more fhrew than me. 

Gru. I, and that thou and the proudeft of you all lhall 
finde when he comes home. But what talke I of this? 
Call forth Nathaniel, Iofeph, Nicholas, Phillip, Walter, Su- 
gerfop and the reft : let their heads bee flickely comb'd, 



their blew coats brulh'd, and their garters of an indiffe- 
rent knit, let them curtfie with their left legges, and not 
prefume to touch a haire of my Mailers horfe-taile, till 
they kiffe their hands. Are they all readie ? 

Cur. They are. 

Gru. Call them forth. • 

Cur. Do you heare ho? you muft meete my maifter 
to countenance my miftris. 

Gru. Why Ihe hath a face of her owne. 

Cur. Who knowes not that ? 

Gru. Thou it feemes, that cals for company to coun- 
tenance her. 

Cur. I call them forth to credit her. 
Enter four e or fiue feruingmen . 

Gru. Why fhe comes to borrow nothing of them. 

Nat. Welcome home Grumio. 

Phil. How now Grumio. 

Iof. What Grumio. 

Nick. Fellow Grumio. 

Nat. How now old lad. 

Gru. Welcome you : how now you : what you : fel- 
low you : and thus much for greeting. Now my fpruce 
companions, is all readie, and all things neate? 

Nat. All things is readie, how neere is our mafter ? 

Gre. E'ne at hand, alighted by this: and therefore be 
not Cockes paffion,filence, 1 heare my mafter. 

Enter Petruchio and Kate. 

Pet. Where be thefe knaues? What no man at doore 
To hold my ftirrop, nor to take my horfe ? 
Where is Nathaniel, Gregory, Phillip. 

Alljer. Heere, heere fir, heere fir. 

Pet. Heere fir, heere fir, heere fir, heere fir. 
You logger-headed and vnpollifht groomes : 
What? no attendance? no regard? no dutie? 
Where is the foolilh knaue I fent before ? 

Gru. Heere fir, as foolhh as I was before. 

Pet. You pezant, fwain, you horfon malt-horfe drudg 
Did I not bid thee meete me in the Parke, 
And bring along thefe rafcal knaues with thee? 

Grumio. Nathaniels coate fir was not fully made, * 
And Qabreh pumpes were all vnpinkt i'th heele : 
There was no Linke to colour Peters hat, 
And Walters dagger was not come from iheathing : 
There were none fine, but Adam, Rafe, and Gregory, 
The reft were ragged, old, and beggerly, 
Yet as they are, heere are they come to meete you. 

Pet. Go rafcals, go, and fetch my fupper in. Ex.Ser. 
Where is the life that late I led? 
Where are thofe ? Sit downe Kate, 
And welcome. Soud,foud, foud, foud. 
Enter Jeruants -with fupper. 
Why when I fay? Nay good fweete Kate be merne. 
Off with my boots, you rogues : you villaines, when ? 
It <was the Friar of Orders gray, 
As he forth ivalked on his ivay. 
Out you rogue, you plucke my foote awrie, 
Take that, and mend the plucking of the other. 
Be merrie Kate : Some water heere : what hoa. 

Enter one ivith luater. 
Where's my Spaniel Troilus? Sirra, get you hence, 
And bid my cozen Ferdinand come hither : 
One Kate that you muft kiffe, and be acquaint e d with. 
Where are my Slippers? Shall I haue fome w a ter ? 
Come Kate and waih,& welcome heartily : 
you horfon villaine, will you let it fall ? 

T 3 Kate 



22 2 



The Taming of the Shre^p. 



Kate. Patience I pray you, 'twas a fault vnwilling. 

Pet. A horfon beetle- headed flap-ear'd knaue : 
Come Kate fit downe, I know you haue a ftomacke, 
Will you giue thankes, fweete Kate, or elfe fhall I ? 
What's this, Mutton ? 

l.Ser. I. 

Pet. Who brought it? 

Peter. I. 

Pet. 'Tis burnt, and fo is all the meate : 
What dogges are thefe ? Where is the rafcall Cooke ? 
How durft you villaines bring it from the dreffer 
And ferue it thus to me that loue it not ? 
There, take it to you, trenchers, cups,and all : 
You heedleffe iolt-heads, and vnmanner'd fiaues. 
What, do you grumble? lie be with you ftraight. 

Kate. I pray you husband be not fo difquiet, 
The meate was well, if you were fo contented. 

Pet. I tell thee Kate, 'twas burnt and dried away, 
And I exprefiely am forbid to touch it : 
For it engenders choller, planteth anger, 
And better 'twere that both of vs did faft, 
Since of our felues, our felues are chollericke, 
Then feede it with fuch ouer-rofted flefli: 
Be patient, to morrow't fhalbe mended, 
And for this night we'l faft for companie. 
Come I wil bring thee to thy Bridall chamber. Exeunt. 
Enter Seruants f euer ally. 

Nath. Peter didft euer fee the like. 

Peter. He kils her in her owne humor. 

Qrumio. Where is he? 

Enter Curtis a Seruant. 

Cur. In her chamber, making a fermon of continen- 
cie to her, and railes, and fweares, and rates, that ihee 
(poore foule) knowes not which way to ftand,to looke, 
to fpeake, and fits as one new rifen from a dreame. A- 
way, away, for he is comming hither. 
Enter Petruchio. 

Pet. Thus haue I politickely begun my reigne, 
And 'tis my hope to end fucceffefully : 
My Faulcon now is (harpe, and paifing emptie, 
Ami til fhe ftoope, fhe muft not be full gorg'd, 
For then lhe neuer lookes vpon her lure. 
Another way I haue to man my Haggard, 
To make her come, and know her Keepers call : 
That is, to watch her, as we watch thefe Kites, 
That baite, and beate, and will not be obedient : 
She eate no meate to day, nor none fhall eate. 
Laft night fhe flept not, nor to night fhe (hall not : 
As with the meate, fome vndeferued fault 
lie finde about the making of the bed, 
And heere lie fling the pillow, there the boulfter, 
This way the Couerlet, another way the fheets : 
I, and amid this hurlie I intend, 
That all is done in reuerend care of her, 
And in conclufion, lhe fhal watch all night, 
And if fhe chance to nod, He raile and brawle, 
And with the clamor keepe her ftil awake : 
This is a way to kil a Wife with kindneffe, 
And thus He curbe her mad and headftrong humor : 
He that knowes better how to tame a fhrew, 
Now let him fpeake, 'tis charity to fhew. Exit 

Enter Tranio and Hortcnfo: 

Tra. Is't pofsible friend Lifio, that miftris "Bianca 
Doth fancie any other but Lucentio, 
I tel you fir, fhe beares me faire in hand. 

Luc. Sir, to fatisfie you in what I haue fai^ 



Stand by, and marke the manner of his teaching. 
Enter 'Bianca. 

Hor. Now Miftris, profit you in what you reade? 

Bian. What Mafter reade you firft, refolue me that ? 

Hor. I reade, that I profelfe the Art to loue. 

'Bian And may you proue fir Mafter of your Art. 

Luc. While you fweet deere ptoue Miftreffe of my 
heart. 

Hor. Quicke proceeders marry, now tel me I pray, 
you that durft fweare that your miftris 'Bianco 
Lou'd me in the World fo wel as Lucentio. 

Tra. Oh defpightful Loue, vnconftant womankind, 
I tel thee Lifio this is wonderfull. 

Hor. Miftake no more, I am not Lifio, 
Nor a Mufitian as I feeme to bee, 
But one that fcorne to liue in this difguife, 
For fuch a one as leaues a Gentleman, 
And makes a God of fuch a Cullion ; 
Know fir, that I am cal'd Hortenjio. 

'Tra. Signior Hortenfw, I haue often heard 
Of your entire affection to "Bianco, 
And fince mine eyes are witneffe of her lightneffe, 
I wil with you, if you be fo contented, 
Forfweare Bianca, and her loue for euer. 

Hor. See how they kiffe and court: Signior Lucentio, 
Heere is my hand, and heere I firmly vow 
Neuer ro woo her more, but do forfweare her 
As one vnworthie all the former fauours 
That I haue fondly flatter'd them withall. 

Tra. And heere I take the like vnfained oath, 
Neuer to marrie with her, though fhe would intreate, 
Fie on her, fee how beaftly fhe doth court him. 

Hor. Would all the world but he had quite forfworn 
For me, that I may furely keepe mine oath. 
I wil be married to a wealthy Widdow, 
Ere three dayes pafle, which hath as long lou'd me, 
As I haue lou'd this proud difdainful Haggard, 
And fo farewel fignior Lucentio, 
Kindneffe in women, not their beauteous lookes 
Sbal win my loue, and fo 1 take my leaue, 
In refolution, as I fwore before. 

Tra. Miftris Bianca, blefie you with fuch grace, 
As longeth to a Louers bleffed cafe : 
Nay, I haue tane you napping gentle Loue, 
And haue forfworne you with Hortenfo. 

Bian. Tranio you ieft, but haue you both forfworne 
mee ? 

Tra. Miftris we haue. 

Luc. Then we are rid of Lifio. 

Tra. I'faith hee'l haue a luftie Widdow now, 
That fhalbe woo'd, and wedded in a day. 

'Bian. God giue him ioy. 

Tra. I, and hee'l tame her. 

'Bianca. He fayes fo Tranio. 

Tra. Faith he is gone vnto the taming fchoole. 

'Bian. The taming fchoole: what is there fuch a place? 

Tra. I miftris, and Petruchio is the mafter, 
That teacheth trickes eleuen and twentie long, 
To tame a fhrew, and charme her chattering tongue. 
Enter 'Biondello. 

Bion. Oh Mafter, mafter I haue watcht fo long, 
That I am dogge-wearie, but at laft I fpied 
An ancient Angel comming downe the hill, 
Wil ferue the turne. 

Tra. What is he 'Biondello ? 

•Bio. Mafter, a Marcantant,or a pedant, 



The Taming of the Shre'Vo. 



223 



I know not what, but formall in apparrell, 
In gate and eountenance furely like a Father. 

Luc. And what of him Tranio ? 

Tra. If he be credulous, and truft my tale, 
lie make him glad to feeme Vmcentio, 
And giue affu ranee to Tiaptijia Minola. 
As if he were the right Vincentio. 

Par. Take me your loue, and then let me alone. 
Enter a Pedant. 

Ped. God faue you fir. 

Tra. And you fir, you are welcome, 
Trauaile you farre on, or are you at the fartheft? 

Ped. Sir at the fartheft for a weeke or two, 
But then vp farther, and as farre as Rome, 
And fo to Tripolie, if God lend me life. 

Tra. What Countreyman I pray? 

Ped. Of Mantua. 

Tra. Of Mantua Sir, marrie God forbid, 
And come to Padua careleffe of your life. 

Ped. My life fir? how 1 pray? for that goes hard. 

Tra. 'Tis death for any one in Mantua 
To come to Padua, know you not the caufe ? 
Your /hips are ftaid at Venice, and the Duke 
For priuate quarrel 'twixt your Duke and him, 
Hath publifh'd and proclaim'd it openly : 
'Tis meruaile, but that you are but newly come, 
you might haue heard it elfe proclaim'd about. 

Ped. Alas fir, it is worfe for me then fo, 
For I haue bils for monie by exchange 
From Florence, and muft heere deliuer them. 

Tra. Wei fir, to do you courtefie, 
This wil I do, and this I wil aduife you, 
Firft tell me, haue you euer beene at Pifa? 

Ped. I fir, in Pifa haue I often bin, 
Pifa renowned for graue Citizens. 

Tra. Among them know you one Vi 



Ped. I know him not, but I haue heard of him : 
A Merchant of incomparable wealth. 

Tra. He is my father fir, and footh to fay, 
In count'nance fomewhat doth refemble you. 

TSion. As much as an apple doth an oyfter,& all one. 

Tra. To faue your life in this extremitie, 
This fauor wil I do you for his fake, 
And thinke it not the worft of all your fortunes, 
That you are like to Sir Vincentio. 
His name and credite fhal you vndertake, 
And in my houfe you fhal be friendly lodg'd, 
Looke that you take vpon you as you fhould, 
you vnderftand me fir : fo fhal you fray 
Til you haue done your bufinefle in the Citie : 
It this be court'fie fir,. accept of it. 

Ped. Oh fir I do, and wil repute you euer 
The patron of my life and libertie. 

Tra. Then go with me, to make the matter good, 
This by the way I let you vnderftand, 
My father is heere look'd for euerie day, 
To pafle aflurance of a dowre in marriage 
'Twixt me, and one Baptifias daughter heere: 
In all thefe circumfrances He inftrucT: you, 
Go with me to cloath you as becomes you. Exeunt. 



tABus Quart us. Scena ''Prima. 



Enter Katherina and Qr 



Gru. No, no forfooth I dare not for my life. 

Ka. The more my wrong, the more his fpite appears. 
What, did he marrie me to farnifh me? 
Beggers that come vnto my fathers doore, 
Vpon intreatie haue a prefent almes, 
If not, elfewhere they meete with charitie : 
But I, who neuer knew how to intreat, 
Nor neuer needed that I fhould intreate, 
Am ftaru'd for meate, giddie for lacke of fleepe : 
With oathes kept waking, and with brawling fed, 
And that which fpights me more then all thefe wants, 
He does it vnder name of perfect loue : 
As who fhould fay. if I fhould fleepe or eate 
'Twere deadly fickneffe, or elfe prefent death. 
I prethee go, aud get me fome repaft, 
I care not what, fo it be holfome foode. 

Gru. What fay you to a Neats foote ? 

Kate. 'Tis pafsing good, I prethee let me haue it. 

Gru. 1 feare it is too chollericke a meate. 
How fay you to a fat Tripe finely broyl'd f 

Kate. I like it well, good Grumio fetch it me. 

Gru. I cannot tell, I feare 'tis chollericke. 
What fay you to a peece of Beefe and Muftard? 

Kate. A difh that I do loue to feede vpon. 

Gru. J, but the Muftard is too hot a little. 

Kate. Why then the Beefe, and let the Muftard reft. 

Gru. Nay then I wil not, you fhal haue the Muftard 
Or elfe you get no beefe of Grumio. 

Kate. Then both or one, or any thing thou wilt. 

Gru. Why then the Muftard without the beefe. 

Kate. Go get thee gone, thou falfe deluding flaue, 

Beats him. 
That feed'ft me with the verie name of meate. 
Sorrow on thee, and. all the packe of you 
That triumph thus vpon my mifery : 
Go get thee gone, I fay. 

Enter Petruchio,and Hortenjio ■with meate. 

Petr. How fares my Kate, what fweeting all a-mort ? 

Hor. Miftris,what cheere? 

Kate. Faith as cold as can be. 

Pet. Plucke vp thy fpirits, looke cheerfully vpon me. 
Heere Loue, thou feeft how diligent I am, 
To drefle thy meate my felfe, and bring it thee. 
I am fure fweet Kate, this kindneffe merites thankes. 
What, not a word? Nay then, thou lou'ft it not : 
And all my paines is forted to no proofe. 
Heere take away this difh. 

Kate. I pray you let it ftand. 

Pet. The pooreft feruice is repaide with thankes, 
And fo fhall mine before you touch the meate. 

Kate. I thanke you fir. 

Hor. Signior Petrucbio, fie you are too blame.: 
Come Miftris Kate, lie beare you companie. 

Petr. Eate it vp all Hortenjio, if thou loueft mee : 
Much good do it vnto thy gentle heart : 
Kate eate apace ; and now my honie Loue, 
Will we returne vnto thy Fathers houfe, 
And reuell it as brauely as the heft, 
With filken coats and caps, and golden Rings, 
With Ruffes and Cuffes, and Fardingales, and things: 
With Scarfes, and Fannes, & double change of brau'ry, 
With Amber Bracelets, Beades, and all this knau'ry. 
What haft thou din'd ? The Tailor ftaies thy leafure, 
To decke thy bodie with his ruffling treafure. 

Enter Tailor. , 

Come 



224 



The Taming of the ShreTo. 



Come Tailor, let vs fee thefe i 

Enter Haberdajher . 
Lay forth the gowne. What newes with you fir? 

Fel. Heere is the cap your Worfhip did befpeake. 

Pet. Why this was moulded on a porrenger, 
A Veluet difh : Fie, fie, 'tis lewd and filthy, 
Why 'tis a cockle or a walnut- fhell, 
A knacke, a toy, a tricke, a babies cap : 
Away with it, come let me haue a bigger. 

Kate. He haue no bigger, this doth fit the time, 
And Gentlewomen weare fuch caps as thefe. 

Pet. When you are gentle, you ihall haue one too, 
And not till then. 

Hor. That will not be in haft. 
Kate. Why fir I truft I may haue leaue to fpeake, 
And fpeake I will. I am no childe, no babe, 
Your betters haue indur'd me fay my minde, 
And If you cannot, beft you flop your eares, 
My tongue will tell the anger of my heart, 
Or els my heart concealing it wil breake, 
And rather then it lhall, I will be free, 
Euen to the vttermoft as I pleafe in words. 

Pet. Why thou faift true, it is paltrie cap, 
A cuftard coffen, a bauble, a filken pie, 
I loue thee well in that thou lik'ft it not. 

Kate. Loue me, or loue me not, I like the cap, 
And it I will haue, or I will haue none. 

Pet. Thy gowne, why I : come Tailor let vs fee't. 
Oh mercie God, what masking ftuffe is heere ? 
Whats this? a fleeue ? 'tis like demi cannon, 
What, vp and downe caru'd like an apple Tart? 
Heers fnip, and nip, and cut, and flifh and flaih, 
Like to a Cenfor in a barbers fhoppe : 
Why what a deuils name Tailor cal'ft thou this ? 

Hor. I fee fhees like to haue neither cap nor gowne. 

Tai. You bid me make it orderlie and well, 
According to the fafhion, and the time. 

Pet. Marrie and did : but if you be remembred, 
I did not bid you marre it to the time. 
Go hop me ouer euery kennell home, 
For you /hall hop without my cuftome fir: 
He none of it ; hence, make your beft of it. 

Kate. I neuer faw a better fafhion'd gowne, 
More queint, more pleafing, nor more commendable : 
Belike you meane to make a puppet of me. 

Pet. Why true, he meanes to make a puppet of thee. 

Tail. She faies your Worfhip meanes to make a 
puppet of her. 

Pet. Oh monftrous arrogance : 
Thou lyeft, thou thred, thou thimble, 
Thou yard three quarters, half'e yard, quarter, naile, 
Thou Flea, thou Nit, thou winter cricket thou : 
Brau'd in mine owne houfe with a skeine of thred : 
Away thou Ragge, thou quantitie,thou remnant, 
Or I fhall fo be-mete thee with thy yard, 
As thou ihalt thinke on prating whil'ft thou liu'ft : 
I tell thee I, that thou haft marr'd her gowne. 

Tail. Your worlhip is deceiu'd, the gowne is made 
Iuft as my mafter had direction : 
Grumio gaue order how it fhould be done. 

Gru. I gaue him no order, I gaue him the ftuffe. 

Tail. But how did you defire it fhould be made ? 

Gru. Marrie fir with needle and thred. 

Tail. But did you not requeft to haue it cut ? 

Gru. Thou haft fac'd many things. 

Tail. I haue. 



Gru. Face not mee : thou haft brau'd manie mem 
braue not me ; I will neither bee fac'd nor brau'd. I fay 
vnto thee, 1 bid thy Mafter cut out the gowne, but I did 
not bid him cut it to peeces.Ergo thou lieft. 

Tail. Why heere is the note of the fafhion to teftify. 

Pet. Reade it. 

Gru. The note lies in's throate if he fay I faid fo. 

Tail. Inprimis,a loofe bodied gowne. 

Gru. Mafter, if euer I faid loofe-bodied gowne, fow 
me in the skirts of it, and beate me to death with a bot- 
tome of browne thred : I faid a gowne. 

Pet. Proceede. 

Tai. With a fmall compaft cape. 

Gru. I confeffe the cape. 

Tai. With a trunke fleeue. 

Gru. I confeffe two fleeues. 

Tai: The fleeues curioufly cut. 

Pet. I there's the villanie. 

Gru. Error i'th bill fir, error i'th bill? I commanded 
the fleeues fhould be cut out, and fow'd vp againe, and 
that He proue vpon thee, though thy little finger be ar- 
med in a thimble. 

Tail. This is true that I fay, and I had thee in place 
where thou fhouldft know it. 

Gru. I am for thee ftraight : take thou the bill, giue 
me thy meat-yard, and fpare not me. 

Hor. God-a-mercie Grumio, then hee fhall haue no 
oddes. 

Pet. Well fir in breefe the gowne is not for me. 

Gru. You are i'th right fir, 'tis for my miftris. 

Pet. Go take it vp vnto thy mafters vfe. 

Gru. Villaine, not for thy life : Take vp my Miftreffe 
gowne for thy mafters vfe. 

Pet. Why fir, what's your conceit in that? 

Gru. Oh fir, the conceit is deeper then you think for: 
Take vp my Miftris gowne to his mafters vfe. 
Oh fie, fie, fie. 

Pet. Horterjio, fay thou wilt fee the Tailor paide: 
Go take it hence, be gone, and fay no more. 

Hor. Tailor, lie pay thee for thy gowne to morrow, 
Take no vnkindneffe of his haftie words : 
Away I fay, commend me to thy mafter. Exit Tail. 

Pet. Well, come my Kate, we will vnto your fathers, 
Euen in thefe honeft meane habiliments ; 
Our purfes fhall be proud, our garments poore : 
For 'tis the minde that makes the bodie rich. 
And as the Sunne breakes through the darkeft clouds, 
So honor peereth in the meaneft habit. 
What is the lay more precious then the Larke ? 
Becaufe his feathers are more beautifull. 
Or is the Adder better then the Eele, 
Becaufe his painted skin contents the eye. 
Oh no good Kate: neither art thou the worfe 
For this poore furniture, and meane array. 
If thou accountedft it fhame, lay it on me, 
And therefore frolicke, we will hence forthwith, 
To feaft and fport vs at thy fathers houfe, 
Go call my men, and let vs ftraight to him, 
And bring our horfes vnto Long-lane end, 
There wil we mount, and thither walke on foote, 
Let's fee, I thinke 'tis now fome feuen a clocke, 
Aud well we may come there by dinner time. 

Kate. I dare affure you fir,'tis almoft two, 
And 'twill be fupper time ere you come there. 

Pet. It fhall be feuen ere I go to horfe : 
Looke what I fpeake, or do, or thinke to doe, 

You 



The Taming of the SbreVp. 



22 5 



You are ftill croffing it, firs let't alone, 
I will not goe to day, and ere I doe, 
It fhall be what a clock I fay it is. 

Hor. Why fo this gallant will command the funne. 

Enter Trunk, and the Pedant dreji like Vmcehtio. 

Tra. Sirs, this is the houfe, pleafe it you that I call. 

Ped. I what elfe, and but I be deceiued, 
Signior Baptijia may remember me 
Neere twentie yeares a goe in Genoa. 

Tra. Where we were lodgers, at the Pegajus , 
Tis well, and hold your owne in any cafe 
With fuch aufteritie as longeth to a father. 

Enter 'Biondello. 

Ped. I warrant you : but fir here comes your boy, 
,Twere good he were fchool'd. 

Tra. Feare you not him : firra Biondello, 
Now doe your dutie throughlie I aduife you : 
Imagine 'twere the right Vincentio. 

c Bion. Tut, feare not me. 

Tra. But haft thou done thy errand to 'Baptijia. 

'Bion. I told him that your father was at Venice, 
And that you look't for him this day in Padua. 

Tra. Th'art a tall fellow, hold thee that to drinke, 
Here comes Baptijia : fet your countenance fir. 

Enter Baptijia and Lucentio : Pedant booted 
and bare headed. 

Tra. Signior Baptijia you are happilie met .- 
Sir, this is the gentleman I told you of, 
I pray you ftand good father to me now, 
Giue me 'Bianca for my patrimony. 

Ped. Soft fon: fir by your leaue, hauing com to Padua 
To gather in fome debts, my fon Lucentio 
Made me acquainted with a waighty caufe 
Of loue betweene your daughter and himfelfe : 
And for the good report I heare of you, 
And for the loue he beareth to your daughter, 
And fhe to him : to ftay him not too long, 
I am content in a good fathers care 
To haue him matcht, and if you pleafe to like 
No worfe then I, vpon fome agreement 
Me fhall you finde readie and willing 
With one confent to haue her fo bellowed : 
For curious I cannot be with you 
Signior 'Baptijia, of whom I heare fo well. 

Bap. Sir, pardon me in what I haue to fay, 
Your plainneffe and your fhortneffe pleafe me well : 
Right true it is your fonne Lucentio here 
Doth loue my daughter,and Ihe loueth him, 
Or both diffemble deepely their afteftions : 
And therefore if you fay no more then this, 
That like a Father you will deale with him, 
And pavTe my daughter a fufficient dower, 
The match is made, and all is done, 
Your fonne fhall haue my daughter with confent. 

Tra. I thanke you fir, where then doe you know beft 
We be affied and fuch aflurance tane, 
As fhall with either parts agreement ftand. 

'Bap. Not in my houfe Lucentio, for you know 
Pitchers haue eares, and 1 haue manie feruants, 
Befides old Gremio is harkning ftill, 
And happilie we might be interrupted. 

Tra. Then at my lodging, and it like you, 
There doth my father lie : and there this night 



Weele pafTe the bufineffe priuately and well : 
Send for your daughter by your feruant here, 
My Boy mall fetch the Scriuener prefentlie, 
The worft is this that at fo ilender warning, 
You are like to haue a thin and Ilender pittance. 

'Bap. It likes me well : 
Catnbio hie you home, and bid 'Bianca make her readie 

ftraight : 
And if you will tell what hath hapned, 
Lucentios Father is arriued in Padua, 
And how {lie's like to be Lucentios wife. 

'Biond. I praie the gods fhe may withall my heart. 

Exit. 

Tran. Dallie not with the gods, but get thee gone. 
Enter Peter. 
Signior 'Baptijia, fhall I leade the way, 
Welcome, one meffe is like to be your cheere, 
Come fir, we will better it in Pija. 

'Bap. I follow you. Exeunt. 

Enter Lucentio and Biondello. 

Bion. Cambio. 

Luc. What faift thou Biondello. 

Biond. You faw my Matter winke and laugh vpon 
you? 

Luc. Biondello, what of that? 

Biond. Faith nothing : but has left mee here behinde 
to expound the meaning or morrall of his fignes and to- 
kens. 

Luc. I pray thee moralize them. 

'Biond. Then thus : 'Baptijia is fafe talking with the 
decerning Father of a deceitfull fonne. 

Luc. And what of him? 

Biond. His daughter is to be brought by you to the 
fupper. 

Luc. And then. 

'Bio. The old Prieft at Saint Lukes Church is at your 
command at all houres. 

Luc. And what of all this. 

'Bion. I cannot tell, expeft they are bufied about a 
counterfeit affurance : take you aflurance of her, Cum 
preuilegio ad Imprtmendum Jolem, to th' Church take the 
Prieft, Clarke, and fome fuffkient honeft witneffes : 
If this be not that you looke fot, I haue no more to fay, 
But bid "Bianca farewell for euer and a day. 

Luc. Hear'ft thou 'Biondello. 

Biond. I cannot tarry : I knew a wench maried in an 
afternoone as fhee went to the Garden for Parfeley to 
ftuffe a Rabit , and fo may you fir : and fo adew fir, my 
Mafter hath appointed me to goe to Saint Lukes to bid 
the Prieft be readie to come againft you come with your 
appendix. Exit. 

Luc. I may and will, if /he be fo contented : 
She will be pleas'd, then wherefore fhould I doubt : 
Hap what hap may, He roundly goe about her : 
It fhall goe hard if Cambio goe without her. Exit. 

Enter Petruchio, Kate, Hor tenth 
Petr. Come on a Gods name, once more toward our 
fathers : 
Good Lord how bright and goodly fhines the Moone. 
Kate. The Moone, the Sunne : it is not Moonelight 

now. 
Pet. I fay it is the Moone that fhines fo bright. 
Kate. I know it is the Sunne that fhines fo bright. 
Pet. Now by my mothers fonne, and that's my felfe, 

It 



22b 



The Taming of the ShreVp. 



h ftiall be moone,or ftarre, or what I lift, 
Or ere I iourney to your Fathers houfe : 
Goe on, and fetch our horfes backe againe, 
Euermore croft and croft, nothing but croft. 

Hort. Say as he faies, or we ftiall neuer goe. 

Kate. Forward I pray, fince we haue come fo farre, 
And be it moone, or funne, or what you pleafe : 
And if you pleafe to call it a rufti Candle, 
Henceforth I vowe it fhall be fo for me. 

Petr. I fay it is the Moone. 

Kate. I know it is the Moone. 

Petr. Nay theu you lye : it is the blefied Sunne. 

Kate. Then God be bleft, it in the blefTed fun, 
But funne it is not, when you fay it is not, 
And the Moone changes euen as your minde : 
What you will haue it nam'd, euen that it is, 
And fo it fhall be fo for Katherine. 

Hort. Petruchio, goe thy waies, the field is won. 

Petr. Well, forward, forward , thus the bowle /hould 
And not vnluckily againft the Bias : ( run > 

But foft, Company is comming here - 

Enter Vincentio. 
Good morrow gentle Miftris, where away : 
Tell me fweete Kate, and tell me truely too, 
Haft thou beheld a freftier Gentlewoman : 
Such warre of white and red within her cheekes : 
What ftars do fpangle heauen with fuch beautie, 
As thofe two eyes become that heauenly face ? 
Faire louely Maide,once more good day to thee: 
Sweete Kate embrace her for her beauties fake. 

Hort. A will make the man mad to make the woman 
of him. 

Kate. Yong budding Virgin, faire, and frefh,& fweet, 
Whether a way, or whether is thy aboade? 
Happy the Parents of fo faire a childe ; 
Happier the man whom fauourable ftars 
A lots thee for his louely bedfellow. 

Petr. Why how now Kate, I hope thou art not mad, 
This is a man old, wrinckled, faded, withered, 
And not a Maiden, as thou faift he is. 

Kate. Pardon old father my miftaking eies, 
That haue bin fo bedazled with the funne, 
That euery thing I looke on feemeth greene : 
Now I perceiue thou art a reuerent Father : 
Pardon I pray thee for my mad miftaking. 

Petr. Do good old grandfire, & withall make known 
Which way thou trauelleft, if along with vs, 
W e fhall be ioyfull of thy companie. 

Vin. Faire Sir, and you my merry Miftris, 
That with your ftrange encounter much amafde me : 
My name is calPd Vincentio, my dwelling Pija, 
And bound I am to Padua, there to vifite 
A fonne of mine, which long 1 haue not feene. 

Petr. What is his name ? 

Vine. Lucentio gentle fir. 

Petr. Happily met, the happier for thy fonne: 
And now by Law, as well as reuerent age, 
I may intitle thee my louing Father, 
The fifter to my wife, this Gentlewoman, 
Thy Sonne by this hath married : wonder not, 
Nor be not gricued, fhe is of good efteeme, 
Her dowrie wealthie,and of worthie birth ; 
Befide,fo qualified, as may befeeme 
The Spoufe of any noble Gentleman : 
Let me im brace with old Vincentio, 



And wander we to fee thy honeft fonne, 
Who will of thy arriuall be full ioyous. 

Vine. But is this true, or is it elfe your pleafure, 
Like pleafant trauailors to breake a left 
Vpon the companie you ouertake? 

Hort. I doe affure thee father fo it is. 

Petr. Come goe along and fee the truth hereof, 
For our firft merriment hath made thee iealous. Exeunt. 

Hor. Well Petruchio, this has put me in heart; 
Haue to my Widdow, and if fhe froward, 
Then haft thou taught Hortentio to be vntoward. Sxit. 

Enter c Biondello, Lucentio and 'Bianea, Gremio 
is out before. 
Biond. Softly and fwiftly fir, for the Prieft is ready. 
Luc. I flie 'Biondello ; but they may chance to neede 
thee at home, therefore leaue vs. Exit. 

Biond. Nay faith, He fee the Church a your backe, 
and then come backe to my miftris as foone as I can. 
Gre. I maruaile Cambio comes not all this while. 

Enter Petruchio, Kate, Vincentio , Grumio 
■with Attendants. 

Petr. Sir heres the doore, this is Lucenrios houfe, 
My Fathers beares more toward the Market-place, 
Thither muft I, and here I leaue you fir. 

Vin. You fhall not choofe but drinke before you go, 
I thinke I ftiall command your welcome here ; 
And by all likelihood fome cheere is toward. Knock. 

Grem. They're bufie within, you were beft knocke 
lowder. 

Pedant lookes out of the window. 

Ped. What's he that knockes as he would beat downe 
the gate? 

Vin. Is Signior Lucentio within fir? 

Ped. He's within fir, but not to be fpoken withall. 

Vine. What if a man bring him a hundred pound or 
two to make meirie withall. 

Ped. Keepe your hundred pounds to your felfe, hee 
fhall neede none fo long as I liue. 

Petr. Nay, I told you your fonne was well beloued in 
Padua: doe you heare fir, to leaue friuolous circumftan- 
ces, I pray you tell fignior Lucentio that his Father is 
come from Pija, and is here at the doore to fpeake with 
him. 

Ped. Thou lieft his Father is come from Padua, and 
here looking out at the window. 

Vin. Art thou his father? 

Ped. I fir,fo his. mother faies, if I may beleeue her. 

Petr. Why how now gentleman: why this is flat kna- 
uerie to take vpon you another mans name. 

Peda. Lay hands on the villaine, I beleeue a meanes 
to cofen fome bodie in this Citie vnder my countenance. 
Enter Biondello. 

Bio. I haue feene them in the Church together, God 
fend'em good /hipping: but who is here? mine old Ma- 
iler 'Vincentio : now wee are vndone and brough to no- 
thing. 

Vin. Come hither crackhempe. 

Bion. I hope I may choofe Sir. 

Vin. Come hither you rogue, what haue you forgot 
mce ? 

Biond. Forgot you, no fir: I could not forget you, for 
I neuer faw you before in all my life. 

Vine. What, vou notorious villaine, didft thou neuer 
fee thy Miftris father, Vincentio ? 

Bion. What 



The Taming of the ShreVo. 



227 



Bion. What my old worfliipfull old matter? yes 
marie fir fee where he lookes out of the window. 

Vin. Ift fo indeede. He beates Biotidello. 

Bion. Helpe,helpe, helpe, here's a mad man will mur- 
der me. 

Pedan. Helpe, fonne, helpe fignior 'Baptijia. 

Petr. Pree the Kate let's ftand afide and fee the end of 
this controuerfie. 

Enter Pedant -with jeruants^aptijia^ranio. 

Tra. Sir, what are you that offer to beate my fer- 
uant? 

Vine. What am I fir:nay what are you fir : oh immor- 
tall Goddes : oh fine villaine, a filken doubtlet, a vel- 
uet hofe, a fcarlet cloake, and a copataine hat : oh I am 
vndone, I am vndone : while I plaie the good husband 
at home, my fonne and my feruant fpend all at the vni- 
uerfitie. 

Tra. How now, what's the matter ? 

'Bapt. What is the man lunaticke ? 

Tra. Sir, you feeme a fober ancient Gentleman by 
your habit : but your words fhew you a mad man : why 
fir, what cernes it you, if I weare Pearle and gold:I thank 
my good Father, I am able to maintaine it. 

Vin. Thy father : oh villaine, he is a Saile-maker in 
Bergamo. 

Bap. You miftake fir, you miftake fir, praie what do 
you thinke is his name ? 

Vin. His name, as if I knew not his name : I haue 
brought him vp euer fince he was three yeeres old, and 
his name is Tronio. 

Ped. Awaie,awaie mad affe, his name is Lueentio, and 
he is mine onelie fonne and heire to the Lands of me fig- 
nior Vincentio. 

Ven. Lueentio : oh he hath murdred his Matter 5 laie 
hold on him I charge you in the Dukes name : oh my 
fonne, my fonne : tell me thou villaine, where is my fon 
Lueentio ? 

Tra. Call forth an officer : Carrie this mad knaue to 
the Iaile : father Baptijia, I charge you fee that hee be 
forth comming. 

Vine. Carrie me to the Iaile? 

Qre. Staie officer, he fliall not go to prifon. 

Bap. Talke not fignior Qrernio: I faie he fhall goe to 
prifon. 

Gre. Take heede fignior Baptijia, ieaft you be coni- 
catcht in this bufineffe : I dare fweare this is the right 
Vincentio. 

Ped. Sweare if thou dar'ft. 

Gre. Naie, I dare not fweare it. 

Iran. Then thou wert beft faie that I am not Lu- 

Gre. Yes, I know thee to be fignior Lueentio. 

Bap. Awaie with the dotard, to the Iaile with him. 
Enter 'Biondello, Lueentio and Bianeu. 

Vin. Thus ftrangers may be haild and abufd : oh mon- 
ftrous villaine. 

'Bion. Oh we are fpoil'd,and yonder he is, denie him, 
forfweare him, or elfe we are all vndone. 

Exit 'Biondello, Tranio and Pedant ai faji as may be. 

Luc. Pardon fweete father. Kneele. 

Vin. Liues my fweete fonne ? 

Bian. Pardon deere father. 

Bap. How haft thou offended, where is Lueentio} 

Luc: Here's Lueentio, right fonne to the right Vin- 
centio, 



That haue by marriage made thy daughter mine, 
While counterfeit fuppofes bleer'd thine eine. 

Gre. Here's packing with a witneffe to deceiue vs all. 

Vin. Where is that damned villaine Tranio, 
That fae'd and braued me in this matter fo? 

Bop. Why,tell me is not this my Cambio} 

Bian. Cambio is chang'd into Lueentio. 

Luc. Loue wrought thefe miracles. Biancai loue 
Made me exchange my ftate with Tranio, 
While he did beare my countenance in the towne, 
And happilie I haue arriued at the laft 
Vnto the wiflied hauen of my bliffe : 
What Tranio did, my felfe enforft him to; 
Then pardon him fweete Father for my fake. 

Vin. He flit the villaines nofe that would haue fent 
me to the Iaile. 

'Bap. But doe you heare fir, haue you married my 
daughter without asking my good will? 

Vm. Feare not Baptijia,we will content you, goe to: 
but I will in to be reueng'd for this villanie. Sxit. 

'Bap. And I to found the depth of this knauerie. Exit. 

Luc. Looke not pale Bianea,thy father will not frown. 
Exeunt. 

Gre. My cake is doug,hbut He in among the reft, 
Out of hope of all, but my fliare of the feaft. 

ATare.Husband let's follow,to fee the end of this adoe. 

Petr. Firft kiffe me Kate, and we will. 

Kate. What in the midft of the ftreete? 

Petr. What art thou aiham'd of me ? 

Kate. Mo fir, God forbid, but afliam'd to kiffe. 

Petr. Why then let's home againe : Come Sirra let's 
awaie. 

Kate. Nay, I will giue thee a kiffe, now praie thee 
Loue ftaie. 

Petr. Is not this well? come my fweete Kate. 
Better once then ueuer, for neuer to late. Exeunt. 



Aclus Quintus. 



Enter Baptijia, Vincentio, Qrernio, the Pedant , Lueentio, and 
Bianca. Tranio , 'Biondello Grumio , and fViddo-zv : 
The Seruingmen ivith Tranio bringing 
in a 'Banquet. 
Luc. At laft, though long, our iarring notes agree, 
And time it is when raging warre is come, 
To fmile at fcapes and perils ouerblowne : 
My faire Bianca bid my father welcome, 
While I with felfefame kindneffe welcome thine: 
Brother Petruchio,fiAer Katerina, 
And thou Hortentio with thy XomngWiddow. 
Feaft with the beft, and welcome to my houfe, 
My Banket is to clofe our ftomakes vp 
^fter our great good cheere : praie you fit downe, 
p r now we fit to chat as well as eate. 

Petr. Nothing but fit and fit, and eate and eate. 
Bap. Padua affords this kindneffe, fonne Petruchio. 
Petr. Padua affords nothing but what is kinde. 
Hor.Tcor both our fakes I would that word were true. 
Pet. Now for my life Hortentio feares his Widow. 
Wid. Then neuer truft me if 1 beaffeard. 
Petr. You are verie fencible, and yet you miffe my 
fence : 
I meane Hortentio is afeard of you. 

Wid. H= 



22i 



The Taming of the Sbre°ft>. 



JVid. He that is giddie thinks the world turns round. 

Petr. Roundlie replied. 

Kat. Miftris, how meane you that? 

JVid. Thus I conceiue by him. 

Petr. Conceiues by me, how likes Hortentio that? 

Hor. My Widdow faies,thus (he conceiues her tale. 

Petr. Verie well mended : khTe him for that good 
Widdow. 

Kat.He that is giddie thinkes the world turnes round, 
I praie you tell me what you meant by that. 

JVid. Your housband being troubled with a fhrew, 
Meafures my husbands forrow by his woe : 
And now you know my meaning. 

Kate. A verie meane meaning. 

JVid. Right, I meane you. 

Kat. And I am meane indeede, refpedYmg you. 

Petr. To her Kate. 

Hor. To her Widdow. 

Petr. A hundred marks, my Kate does put her down. 

Hor. That's my office. 

Petr. Spoke like an Officer : ha to the lad . 
"Drinkes to Hortentio. 

Bap. How likes Gremio thefe quicke witted folkes? 

Gre. Beleeue me fir, they But together well. 

Bian. Head, and but an haftie witted bodie, 
Would fay your Head and But were head and home. 

Vin. I Miftris Bride, hath that awakened you? 

Bian. I, but not frighted me, therefore He fleepe a- 
gaine. 

Petr. Nay that you (hall not fince you haue begun : 
Haue at you for a better ieft or too. 

Bian. Am I your Bird, I meane to (hift my bufti, 
And then purfue me as you draw your Bow. 
You are welcome all. Exit Bianca. 

Petr. She hath preuented me, here fignior Tranio, 
This bird you aim'd although you hit her not, 
Therefore a health to all that mot and mift. 

Tri. Oh fir, Lucentio Dipt me like his Gray-hound, 
Which runs himfelfe,and catches for his Matter. 

Petr. A good fwift fimile, but fomething currifti. 

Tra. 'Tis well fir that you hunted for your felfe : 
'Tis thought your Deere does hold you at a baie. 

Bap. Oh, oh Petruchio, Tranio hits you now. 

Luc. I thanke thee for that gird good Tranio. 

Hor. Confeffe,confe(Te, hath he not hit you here? 

Petr. A has a little gald me I confefle : 
And as the left did glaunce awaie from me, 
'Tis ten to one it maim'd you too out right. 

'Bap. Now in good fadneffe fonne Petruchio, 
I thinke thou haft the verieft ftirew of all. 

Petr. Well, I fay no : and therefore fir affurance, 
Let's each one fend vnto his wife, 
And he whofe wife is moft obedient, 
To come at firft when he doth fend for her, 
Shall win the wager which we will propofe. 

Hort. Content, what's the wager? 

Luc. Twentie crownes. 

Petr. Twentie crownes, 
He venture fo much of my Hawke or Hound, 
But twentie times fo much vpon my Wife. 

Luc. A hundred then. 

Hor. Content. 

Petr. A match, 'tis done, 

Hor. Who mail begin ? 

Luc. That will I. 
Goe Biondello, bid your Miftris come to me. 



Bio. Igoe. Exit. 

Bap. Sonne, He be your halfe, 'Bianca comes. 

Luc. He haue no halues : He beare it all my felfe. 
Enter Biondello. 
How now, what newes? 

Bio. Sir, my Miftris fends you word 
That ftie is bufie,and (he cannot come. 

Petr. How? me's bufie, and ftie cannot come : is that 
an anfwere ? 

Gre. I, and a kinde one too : 
Praie God fir your wife fend you not a worfe. 

Petr. I hope better. 

Hor. Sirra 'Biondello, goe and intreate my wife to 
come to me forthwith. Exit. 'Bion. 

Pet. Oh ho, intreate her, nay then fliee muft needes 

Hor. I am affraid fir, doe what you can 
Enter Biondello. 
Yours will not be entreated : Now,where's my wife ? 

Bion. She faies you haue fome goodly left in hand, 
She will not come : ftie bids you come to her. 

Petr. Worfe and worfe, ftie will not come : 
Oh vilde, intollerable,not to be indur'd : 
Sirra Grumio,goe to your Miftris, 
Say I command her come to me. Exit. 

Hor. I know her anfwere. 

Pet. What? 

Hor. She will not. 

Petr. The fouler fortune mine,and there an end. 

Enter Katerina. 

'Bap. Now by my hollidam here comes Katerina. 

Kat. What is your will fir, that you fend for me? 

Petr. Where is your fifter,and Hortenjios wife? 

Kate. They fit conferring by the Parler fire. 

Petr. Goe fetch them hither, if they denie to come, 
Swinge me them foundly forth vnto their husbands: 
Away I fay,and bring them hither ftraight. 

Luc. Here is a wonder, if you talke of a wonder. 

Hor. And fo it is : I wonder what it boads. 

Petr. Marrie peace it boads, and loue,and quiet life, 
An awfull rule, and right fupremicie : 
And to be ftiort, what not, that's fweete and happie. 

'Bap. Now faire befall thee good Petruchio; 
The wager thou haft won, and I will adde 
Vnto their loffes twentie thoufand crownes, 
Another dowrie to another daughter, 
For (he is chang'd as (he had neuer bin. 

Petr. Nay, I will win my wager better yet, 
And (how more figne of her obedience, 
Her new built vertue and obedience. 

Enter Kate, Bianca, andJViddoiv. 
See where (he comes, and brings your fro ward Wiues 
As prifoners to her womanlie perfwafion : 
Katerine, that Cap of yours becomes you not, 
Off with that bable, throw it vnderfoote. 

JVid. Lord let me neuer haue a caufe to figh, 
Till I be brought to fuch a fiilie pafle. 

'Bian. Fie what a foolifti dutie call you this? 

Luc. I would your dutie were as foolifti too : 
The wifdome of your dutie faire 'Bianca, 
Hath coft me fiue hundred crownes fince fupper time. 

Bian. The more foole you for laying on my dutie. 

Pet. Katherine I charge thee tell thefe head-ftrong 
women, what dutie they doe owe their Lords and huf- 
bands. 

JVid. Come, 



The Taming of the ShreVp. 



229 



Wid. Come, come, your mocking 1 we will haue no 
telling. 

Pet. Come on I fay, and firft begin with her. 

Wid. She mall not. 

Pet. I fay me mall, and firft begin with her. 

Kate. Fie, fie, vnknit that thretaning vnkinde brow, 
And dart not fcornefull glances from thofe eies, 
To wound thy Lord, thy King, thy Gouernour. 
It blots thy beautie, as frofts doe bite the Meads, 
Confounds thy fame, as whirlewinds lhake faire budds, 
And in no fence is meete or amiable . 
A woman mou'd, is like a fountaine troubled, 
Muddie, ill feeming, thicke, bereft of beautie, 
And while it is fo, none fo dry or thirftie 
Will daigne to fip, or touch one drop of it. 
Thy husband is thy Lord, thy life, thy keeper, 
Thy head, thy foueraigne : One that cares for thee, 
And for thy maintenance. Commits his body 
To painfull labour, both by fea and land : 
To watch the night in ftormes, the day in cold, 
Whirft thou ly'ft warme at home, fecure and fafe, 
And craues no other tribute at thy hands, 
But loue, faire lookes, and true obedience; 
Too little payment for fo great a debt. 
Such dutie as the fubiecl: owes the Prince, 
Euen fuch a woman oweth to her husband : 
And when me is froward, peeuim, fullen, fowre, 
And not obedient to his honeft will, 
What is (he but a foule contending Rebell, 
And graceleffe Traitor to her louing Lord ? 
I am afham'd that women are fo fimpfe, 



To offer warre, where they mould kneele for peace : 

Or feeke for rule, fupremacie, and fway, 

When they are bound to ferue, loue, and obay. 

Why are our bodies foft, and weake, and fmooth, 

Vnapt to toyle and trouble in the world, 

But that our foft conditions, and our harts, 

Should well agree with our externall parts f 

Come, come, you froward and vnable wormes, 

My minde hath bin as bigge as one of yours, 

My heart as great, my reafon haplie more, 

To bandie word for word, and frowne for frowne ; 

But now I fee our Launces are but ftrawes : 

Our ftrength as weake, our weakenefTe paft compare, 

That feeming to be moft, which we indeed leaft are. 

Then vale your ftomackes, for it is no boote, 

And place your hands below your husbands foote : 

In token of which dutie, if he pleafe, 

My hand is readie, may it do him eafe. 

Pet. Why there's a wench : Come on, and kiffe mee 
Kate. 

Luc. Well go thy waies olde Lad for thou malt ha't. 

Vin. Tis a good hearing, when children are toward. 

Luc. But a harm hearing, when women are froward, 

Pet. Come Kate, weee'le to bed, 
We three are married, but you two are fped. 
'Twas I wonne the wager, though you hit the white, 
And being a winner, God giue you good night. 

Exit Petruchio 

Horien. Now goe thy wayes, thou haft tam'd a curft 
Shrow. 

Luc.Th a wonder, by your leaue, ihe wil be tam'd fo. 



FINIS. 



V v 




2 3 




ALLS 

Well,thatEnds Well. 



iABus primus. Sccena ^Prima. 



Sneer yong Bertram Count of Rojfillion, hit cMotber, and 
Helena, Lord Lafeiv, all in blade. 

^Mother. 
N deliuering my fonne from me, I burie a fe- 
husband. 
Rof. And I in going Madam, weep ore my 
fathers death anewjbut I muft attend his maie- 
fties command, to whom I am now in Ward, euermore 
in fubiecYion. 

Laf. You fhall find of the King a husband Madame, 
you fir a father. He that fo generally is at all times good, 
muft of neceflitie hold his vertue to you, whofe worthi- 
nefle would ftirre it vp where it wanted rather then lack 
it where there is fuch abundance. 

Mo.What hope is there of his Maiefties amendment? 

Laf. He hath abandon'd his Phifitions Madam, vn- 
der whofe praftifes he hath perfecuted time with hope, 
and finds no other aduantage in the proceflfe , but onely 
the loofing of hope by time. 

Mo. This yong Gentlewoman had a father, O that 
had, how fad a paflage tis , whofe skill was almoft as 
great as his honeftie, had it ftretch'd fo far, would haue 
made nature immortall,and death mould haue play for 
lacke of worke. Would for the Kings fake hee were li- 
uing, I thinke it would be the death of the Kings difeafe. 

Laf. Howcall'd you the man you fpeake of Madam ? 

Mo. He was famous fir in his profeffion, and it was 
his great right to be fo : Gerard de Narbon. 

Laf. He was excellent indeed Madam, the King very 
latelie fpoke of him admiringly , and mourningly : hee 
was skilfull enough to haue liu'd ftil, if knowledge could 
be fet vp againft mortallitie. 

Rof. What is it (my good Lord) the King languishes 
of? 

Laf. A Fiftula my Lord. 

Rof. I heard not of it before. 

Laf. I would it were not notorious. Was this Gen- 
tlewoman the Daughter of Gerard de Narbon ? 

Mo. His fole childe my Lord, and bequeathed to my 
ouer looking. I haue thofe hopes of her good, that her 
education promifes her difpofitions fliee inherits, which 
makes faire gifts fairer: for where an vncleane mind car- 
ries vertuous qualities, there commendations go with 
pitty, they arc vertues and traitors too: in her they are 
the better for their fimpleneffe; flie deriues her honeftie, 



and atcheeues her goodnefle. 

Lafeiu. Your commendations Madam get from her 
teares. 

.Mo.'Tis the beft brine a Maiden can feafon her praife 
in. The remembrance of her father neuer approches her 
heart, but the tirrany of her forrowes takes all liuelihood 
from her cheeke. No more of this Helena, go too, no 
more leaft it be rather thought you afFeft a forrow,then 
to haue ■ 

Hell. I doe affect a forrow indeed, but I haue it too. 

Laf Moderate lamentation is the right of the dead, 
exceffiue greefe the enemie to the liuing. 

Mo. If the liuing be enemie to the greefe, the exceffe 
makes it foone mortall. 

Rof. Maddam I defire your holie wilhes. 

Laf. How vnderftand we that? 

Mo. Be thou bleft Bertrame, and fucceed thy father 
In manners as in ftiape : thy blood and vertue 
Contend for Empire in thee, and thy goodnefle 
Share with thy birth-right. Loue all, truft a few, 
Doe wrong to none : be able for thine enemie 
Rather in power then vfe : and keepe thy friend 
Vnder thy ovvne lifes key. Be checkt for filence, 
But neuer tax'd for fpeech. What heauen more wil , 
That thee may furnifti, and my prayers plucke downe, 
Fall on thy head. Farwell my Lord, 
'Tis an vnfeafon'd Courtier, good my Lord 
Aduife him. 

Laf. He cannot want the beft 
That mall attend his loue. 

Mo. Heauen bleffe him : Farwell ^Bertram. 

Ro. The beft wifhes that can be forg'd in your thoghts 
be feruants to you : be comfortable to my mother, your 
Miftris, and make much of her. 

Laf. Farewell prettie Lady, you muft hold the cre- 
dit of your father. 

Hell. O were that all, I thinke not on my father, 
And thefe great teares grace his remembrance more 
Then thofe I lhed for him. What was he like ? 
I haue forgott him. My imagination 
Carries no fauour in't but "Bertrams. 
I am vndone, there is no liuing, none, 
If Bertram be away. 'Twere all one, 
That I fhould loue a bright particuler ftarre, 
And think to wed it, he is fo aboue me 
In his bright radience and colaterall light, 



sAII's We lit bat Ends Well. 



231 



Muft I be comforted, not in his fphere ; 

Th'ambition in my loue thus plagues it felfe : 

The hind that would be mated by the Lion 

Muft die for loue. 'Twas prettie, though a plague 

To fee him euerie houre to fit and draw 

His arched browes, his hawking eie, his curies 

In our hearts table : heart too capeable 

Of euerie line and tricke of his fweet fauour. 

But now he's gone, and my idolatrous fancie 

Muft fan&ifie his Reliques. Who comes heere? 

Enter Parrolles. 

One that goes with him : I loue him for his fake, 

And yet I know him a notorious Liar, 

Thinke him a great way foole, folie a coward, 

Yet thefe fixt euils fit fo fit in him, 

That they take place, when Vertues fteely bones 

Lookes bleake i'th cold wind : withall,full ofte we fee 

Cold wifedome waighting on fuperfluous follie. 

Par. Saue you faire Queene. 

Hel. And you Monarch. 

Par. No. 

Hel. And no. 

Par. Are you meditating on virginitie i 

Hel. I: you haue fome ftaine of fouldier in you : Let 
mee aske you a queftion. Man is enemie to virginitie, 
how may we barracado it againft him ? 

Par. Keepe him out. 

Hel. But he affailes, and our virginitie though vali- 
ant, in the defence yet is weak : vnfold to vs fome war- 
like refiftance. 

Par. There is none : Man fetting downe before you, 
will vndermine you, and blow you vp. 

Hel. Bleffe our poore Virginity from vnderminers 
and blowers vp. Is there no Military policy how Vir- 
gins might blow vp men ? 

Par. Virginity beeing blowne downe , Man will 
quicklier be blowne vp : marry in blowing him downe 
againe, with the breach your felues made,you lofe your 
Citty. It is not politicke, in the Common-wealth of 
Nature, to preferue virginity. Loffe of Virginitie, is 
rationall encreafe, and there was neuer Virgin goe, till 
virginitie was firft loft. That you were made of, is met- 
tall to make Virgins. Virginitie, by beeing once loft, 
may be ten times found : by being euer kept, it is euer 
loft: 'tis too cold a companion: Away with't. 

Hel. I will ftand for't a little, though therefore I die 
a Virgin. 

Par. There's little can bee faide in't, 'tis againft the 
rule of Nature. To fpeake on the part of virginitie, is 
to accufe your Mothers; which is moft infallible difo- 
bedience. He that hangs himfelfe is a Virgin : Virgini- 
tie murthers it felfe,and mould be buried in highwayes 
out of all fan&ified limit, as a defperate Offendreffe a- 
gainft Nature. Virginitie breedes mites, much like a 
Cheefe, confumes it felfe to the very payring, and fo 
dies with feeding his owne ftomacke. Befides, Virgini- 
tie is peeuifh, proud, ydle, made of felfe-loue, which 
is the moft inhibited finne in the Cannon. Keepe it not, 
you cannot choofe but loofe by't. Out with't : within 
ten yeare it will make it felfe two, which is a goodly in- 
creafe, and the principall it felfe not much the worfe . 
Away with't. 

Hel. How might one do fir, to loofe it to her owne 
liking ? 



Par. Let mee fee . Marry ill, to like him that ne're 
it likes. 'Tis a commodity wil lofe the gloffe with lying: 
The longer kept, the leffe worth: Off with't while 'tis 
vendible. Anfwer the time of requeft, Virginitie like 
an olde Courtier, weares her cap out of fafhion, richly 
futed, but vnfuteable, iuft like the brooch & the tooth- 
pick, which were not now : your Date is better in your 
Pye and your Porredge, then in your cheeke : and your 
virginity, your old virginity, is like one of our French 
wither'd peares, it lookes ill, it eates drily, marry 'tis a 
wither'd peare : it was formerly better, marry yet 'tis a 
wither'd peare : Will you any thing with it? 

Hel. Not my virginity yet : 
There fhall your Mafter haue a thoufand loues, 
A Mother, and a Miftreffe, and a friend, 
A Phenix, Captaine, and an enemy, 
A guide, a Goddeffe, and a Soueraigne, 
A Counfellor,a Traitoreffe, and a Deare : 
His humble ambition, proud humility : 
His iarring, concord : and his difcord, dulcet: 
His faith, his fweet difafter : with a world 
Of pretty fond adoptious chriftendomes 
That blinking Cupid goffips. Now fhall he: 
I know not what he fhall, God fend him well, 
The Courts a learning place, and he is one. 

Par. What one ifaith ? 

Hel. That I wifh well, 'tis pitty. 

Par. What's pitty? 

Hel. That wiihing well had not a body in't, 
Which might be felt, that we the poorer borne, 
Whofe baler ftarres do fhut vs vp in wilhes, 
Might with effects of them follow our friends, 
And fhew what we alone muft thinke, which neuer 
Returnes vs thankes. 

Enter Page. 

Pag. Monfieur Parrolles, 
My Lord cals for you. 

Par. Little Hellen farewell, if I can remember thee, I 
will thinke of thee at Court. 

Hel. Monfieur Parolles, you were borne vnder a 
charitable ftarre. 

Par. Vnder Mars I. 

Hel. I efpecially thinke, vnder Mars. 

Par. Why vnder Mars i 

Hel. The warres hath fo kept you vnder, that you 
muft needes be borne vnder Mars. 

Par. When he was predominant. 

Hel. When he was retrograde I thinke rather. 

Par. Why thinke you fo ? 

Hel. You go fo much backward when you fight. 

Par. That's for aduantage. 

Hel. So is running away, 
When feare propofes the fafetie : 

But the compofition that your valour and feare makes 
in you , is a vertue of a good wing , and I like the 
weare well. 

Paroll. I am fo full of bufineffes, I cannot anfwere 
thee acutely : I will returne perfect Courtier, in the 
which my inftrucYion fhall ferue to naturalize thee, fo 
thou wilt be capeable of a Courtiers councell, and vn- 
derftand what aduice fhall thruft vppon thee, elfe thou 
dieft in thine vnthankfulnes, and thine ignorance makes 
thee away, farewell : When thou haft leyfure , fay thy 
praiers : when thou haft none, remember thy Friends : 
V 2. Get 



2 3 2 



All's Well that ends Well 



Get thee a good husband , and vfe him as he vfes thee : 
So farewell. 

Hel. Our remedies oft in our felues do lye, 
Which we afcribe to heauen : the fated skye 
Giues vs free fcope, onely doth backward pull 
Our flow defignes, when we our felues are dull. 
What power is it, which mounts my loue fo hye, 
That makes me fee, and cannot feede mine eye? 
The mightieft fpace in fortune, Nature brings 
To ioyne like, likes ; and kifle like natiue things. 
Impoffible be ftrange attempts to thofe 
That weigh their paines in fence, and do fuppofe 
What hath beene, cannot be. Who euer ftroue 
To fhew her merit, that did miffe her loue? 
(The Kings difeafe) my proiecl may deceiue me, 
But my intents are fixt, and will not leaue me. Exit 

Flourijh Cornets. 

Enter the King of France with Letters , and 

diuers Attendants. 

King. The Florentines and Senoys are by th'eares, 
Haue fought with equall fortune, and continue 
A brauing warre. 

l.Lo.G. So tis reported fir. 

King. Nay tis moft credible, we heere receiue it, 
A certaintie vouch'd from our Cofin Auftria, 
With caution, that the Florentine will moue vs 
For fpeedie ayde: wherein our deereft friend 
Preiudicates the bufineffe, and would feeme 
To haue vs make deniall. 

l.Lo.G. His loue and wifedome 
Approu'd fo to your Maiefty, may pleade 
For ampleft credence. 

King. He hath arm'd our anfwer, 
And Florence is deni'de before he comes : 
Yet for our Gentlemen that meane to fee 
The Tufcan feruice, freely haue they leaue 
To ftand on either part. 

i.Lo.E. It well may ferue 
A nurflerie to our Gentrie, who are ficke 
For breathing, and exploit. 

King. What's he comes heere. 

Enter Bertram, Lafcw,and Parolles. 

l.Lor.G. It is the Count Rofignoll my good Lord, 
Yong Bertram. 

King. Youth, thou bear'ft thy Fathers face, 
Franke Nature rather curious then in haft 
Hath well compos' d thee : Thy Fathers morall parts 
Maift thou inherit too : Welcome to Para. 

Ber. My thankes and dutie are your Maiefties. 

Kin. I would I had that corporall foundneffe now, 
As when thy father, and my felfe, in friendfhip 
Firft tride our fouldierihip : he did looke farre 
Into the feruice of the time, and was 
Difcipled of the braueft. He lafted long, 
But on vs both did haggifh Age fteale on, 
And wore vs out of acl : It much repaires me 
To talke of your good father ; in his youth 
He had the wit, which I can well obferue 
To day in our yong Lords : but they may ieft 
Till their owne fcorne returne to them vnnoted 
Ere they can hide their leuitie in honour : 
So like a Courtier, contempt nor bitterneffe 



Were in his pride, or lharpneffe ; if they were, 

His equall had awak'd them, and his honour 

Clocke to it felfe, knew the true minute when 

Exception bid him fpeake : and at this time 

His tongue obey'd his hand. Who were below him, 

He vs'd as creatures of another place, 

AuJ bow'd his eminent top to their low rankes, 

Making them proud of his humilitie, 

In their poore praife he humbled : Such a man 

Might be a copie to thefe yonger times ; 

Which followed well, would demonftrate them now 

But goers backward - 

Ber. His good remembrance fir 
Lies richer in your thoughts, then on his tombe: 
So in approofe Hues not his Epitaph, 
As in your royall fpeech. 

King. Would I were with him he would alwaies fay, 
(Me thinkes I heare him now) his plaufiue words 
He fcatter'd not in eares, but grafted them 
To grow there and to beare : Let me not liue, 
This his good melancholly oft began 
On the Cataftrophe and heele of paftime 
When it was out : Let me not liue (quoth hee) 
After my flame lackes oyle, to be the fnufte 
Of yonger fpirits, whofe apprehenfiue fenfes 
All but new things difdaine ; whofe judgements are 
Meere fathers of their garments : whofe conftancies 
Expire before their falhions : this he wifh'd. 
I after him, do after him wiih too : 
Since I nor wax nor honie can bring home, 
I quickly were diffolued from my hiue 
To giue fome Labourers roome. 

L.2.8. You'r loued Sir, 
They that leaft lend it you, fhall lacke you firft. 

Kin. I fill a place I know't : how long ift Count 
Since the Phyfitian at your fathers died? 
He was much fam'd. 

'Ber. Some fix moneths fince my Lord. 

Kin. If he were liuing, I would try him yet. 
Lend me an arme : the reft haue worne me out 
With feuerall applications : Nature and ficknefle 
Debate it at their leifure. Welcome Count, 
My fonne's no deerer. 

Ber. Thanke your Maiefty. Exit 

Flourijh. 
Enter Counteffe , Steward, and Clowne. 

Coun. I will now heare, what fay you of this gentle- 
woman. 

Ste. Maddam the care I haue had to euen your con- 
tent, I wiih might be found in the Kalender of my paft 
endeuours, for then we wound our Modeftie, and make 
foule the' clearnefle of our deferuings,whenof our felues 
we publiih them. 

Qouti. What doe's this knaue heere ? Get you gone 
firra: the complaints I haue heard of you I do not all be- 
leeue, 'tis my flowneffe that I doe not : For I know you 
lacke not folly to commit them, & haue abilitie enough 
to make fuch knaueries yours. 

Clo. 'Tis not vnknown to you Madam, I am a poore 
fellow. 

Coun. Well fir. 

Clo. No maddam, 
'Tis not fo well that I am poore, though manie 

of 



All's Well that ends Well. 



233 



of the rich are damn'd,but if I may haue your Ladifhips 
good will to goe to the world, Isbell the woman and w 
will doe as we may. 

Court. Wilt thou needes be a begger? 

Clo. I doe beg your good will in this cafe. 

Con. In what cafe ? 

Clo. In Lbeh cafe and mine owne : feruice is no heri- 
tage,and I thinke I {hall neuer haue the bleffing of God, 
till I haue iffue a my bodie : for they fay barnes are blef- 
fings. 

Cou. Tell me thy reafon why thou wilt marrie ? 

Clo. My poore bodie Madam requires it, I am driuen 
onby the flefh, and hee muft needes goe that the diuell 
driues. 

Qou. Is this all your worships reafon ? 

Clo. Faith Madam I haue other holie reafons, fuch as 
they are. 

Con. May the world know them ? 

Clo. I haue beene Madam a wicked creature, as you 
and all flefh and blood are, and indeede I doe marrie that 
I may repent. 

Cou. Thy marriage fooner then thy wickedneffe. 

Clo. I am out a friends Madam , and I hope to haue 
friends for my wiues fake. 

Cou. Such friends are thine enemies knaue. 

Clo. Y'are fhallow Madam in great friends , for the 
knaues come to doe that for me which I am a wearie of: 
he that eres my Land, fpares my teame, and giues mee 
leaue to Inne the crop : if I be his cuckold hee's my 
drudge ; he that comforts my wife, is the cberifher of 
my flefh and blood ; hee that cherifhes my flefh and 
blood, loues my flefh and blood; he that loues my flefh 
and blood is my friend:«'go, he that kiffes my wife is my 
friend : if men could be contented to be what they are, 
there were no feare in marriage , for yong Charbon the 
Puritan, and old Poyjam the Papift, how fomere their 
hearts are feuer'd in Religion, their heads are both one, 
they may ioule horns together like any Deare i'th Herd. 

Cou. Wilt thou euer be a foule mouth'd and calum- 
nious knaue? 

Clo. A Prophet I Madam, and I fpeake the truth the 
next waie, for I the Ballad will repeate, which men full 
true ihall finde, your marriage comes by deftinie, your 
Cuckow fings by kinde. 

Cou. Get you gone fir, He talke with you more anon. 

Stew. May it pleafe you Madam, that hee bid Hellen 
come to you, of her I am to fpeake. 

Cou. Sirra tell my gentlewoman I would fpeake with 
her, Hellen I meane. 

Clo. Was this faire face the caufe, quoth fhe, 
Why the Grecians facked Troy, 
Fond done, done, fond was this King Priams ioy, 
With that fhe fighed as fhe flood, bis 

And gaue this fentence then, among nine bad if one be 
good, among nine bad if one be good, there's yet one 
good in ten. 

Cou. What, one good in tenne? you corrupt the fong 
firra. 

Clo. One good woman in ten Madam, which is a pu- 
rifying ath'fong : would God would ferue the world fo 
all the yeere, weed finde no fault with the tithe woman 
if I were the Parfon,one in ten quoth a? and wee might 
haue a good woman borne but ore euerie blazing ftarre, 
or at an earthquake, 'twould mend the Lotteriewell, a 
man may draw his heart out ere a plucke one. 

Cou. Youle begone fir knaue, and doe as I command 
you? 



Clo. That man fhould be at womans command, and 
yet no hurt done, though honeftie be no Puritan, yet 
it will doe no hurt, it will weare the Surplis of humilitie 
ouer the blacke-Gowne of a bigge heart : I am go- 
ing forfooth, the bufinefTe is for Helen to come hither. 

Exit. 

Cou. Well now. 

Stew. I know Madam you loue your Gentlewoman 
intirely. 

Cou. FaithT doe : her Father bequeath'd her to mee, 
and fhe her felfe without other aduantage, may lawful- 
lie make title to as much loue as fhee Andes, there is 
more owing her then is paid , and more fhall be paid 
her then fheele demand. 

Stew. Madam, I was verie late more neere her then 
I thinke fhee wifht mee , alone fhee was , and did 
communicate to her felfe her owne words to her 
owne eares , fhee thought, I dare vowe for her, they 
toucht not anie ftranger fence, her matter was, fhee 
loued your Sonne ; Fortune fhee faid was no god- 
deffe, that had put fuch difference betwixt their two 
eftates : Loue no god, that would not extend his might 
onelie , where qualities were leuell, Queene of Vir- 
gins, that would fuffer her poore Knight furpris'd 
without refcue in the firft affault or ranfome after- 
ward : This fhee deliuer'd in the mofc bitter touch of 
forrow that ere I heard Virgin exclaime in, which I held 
my dutie fpeedily to acquaint you withall, fithence in 
the loffe that may happen, it concernes you fomething 
to know it. 

Cou. You haue difcharg'd this honeftlie, keepe it 
to your felfe, manie likelihoods inform'd mee of this 
before, which hung fo tottring in the ballance, that 
I could neither beleeue nor mifdoubt : praie you 
leaue mee, ftall this in your bofome , and I thanke 
you for your honeft care : I will fpeake with you fur- 
ther anon. Sxit Steward. 



Enter Hellen. 

Old.Cou. Euen fo it was with me when I was yong: 
If euer we are natures, thefe are ours, this thorne 
Doth to our Rofe of youth righlie belong 
Our bloud to vs, this to our blood is borne, 
It is the fhow, and feale of natures truth, 
Where loues ftrong paflion is impreft in youth, 
By our remembrances of daies forgon, 
Such were our faults, or then we thought them none, 
Her eie is ficke on't, I obferue her now. 

Hell. What is your pleafure Madam ? 

01. Cou. You know Hellen I am a mother to you. 

Hell. Mine honorable Miftris. 

01. Qou. Nay a mother, why not a mother? when I 
fed a mother 
Me thought you faw a ferpent, what's in mother, 
That you ftart at it? 1 fay I am your mother, 
And put you in the Catalogue of thofe 
That were enwombed mine, 'tis often feene 
Adoption ftriues with nature, and choife breedes 
A natiue flip to vs from forraine feedes : 
You nere oppreft me with a mothers groane, 
Yet I exprefle to you a mothers care, 
(Gods mercie maiden) dos it curd thy blood 
To fay I am thy mother? what's the matter, 
That this diftempered meffenger of wet ? 

V 3 ™ e 



■34 



All 's Well that ends Well 



The manie colour'd Iris rounds thine eye? 

Why, that you are my daughter? 

Hell. That I am not. 

Old.Cou. I fay I am your Mother. 

Hell. Pardon Madam. 
The Count Rofilion cannot be my brother : 
I am from humble, he from honored name: 
No note vpon my Parents, his all noble, 
My Mafter,my deere Lord he is, and I 
His feruant Hue, and will his vaffall die : 
He muft not be my brother. 

Ol.Qou. Nor I your Mother. 

Hell. You are my mother Madam, would you were 
So that my Lord your fonne were not my brother, 
Indeede my mother, or were you both our mothers, 
I care no more for, then I doe for heauen, 
So I were not his lifter, cant no other, 
But I your daughter, he muft be my brother. 

Old.Cou. Yes Hellen, you might be my daughter in law, 
God fhield you meane it not, daughter and mother 
So ftriue vpon your pulfe ; what pale agen ? 
My feare hath catcht your fondneffe J now I fee 
The miftrie of your louelineffe,and finde 
Yoar fait teares head, now to all fence 'tis groffe : 
You loue my fonne, inuention is afham'd 
Againft the proclamation of thy paffion 
To fay thou dooft not : therefore tell me true, 
But tell me then 'tis fo, for looke, thy cheekes 
Confeffe it 'ton tooth to th'other,and thine eies 
See it fo grofely fhowne in thy behauiours, 
That in their kinde they fpeake it, onely finne 
And hellifh obftinacie tye thy tongue 
That truth mould be fufpedted, fpeake, ift fo? 
If it be fo,you haue wound a goodly clewe : 
If it be not, forfweare't how ere I charge thee, 
As heauen ftnll worke in me for thine auaiie 
To tell me truelie. 

Hell. Good Madam pardon me. 

Cou. Do you loue my Sonne? 

Hell. Your pardon noble Miftris. 

Cou. Loue you my Sonne ? 

Hell. Doe not you loue him Madam? 

Cou. Goe not about;my loue hath in't a bond 
Whereof the world takes note : Come, come,difclofe : 
The ftate of your affection, for your paffions 
Haue to the full appeach'd. 

Hell. Then I confeffe 
Here on my knee, before high heauen and you, 
That before you, and next vnto high heauen,! loue your 

Sonne : 
My friends were poore but honeft, fo's my loue : 
Be not offended, for it hurts not him 
| That he is lou'd of me ; I follow him not 
By any token of prefumptunus fuite, 
Nor would I haue him, till I doe deferue him, 
Yet neuer know how that defert mould be : 
I know I loue in vaine, ftriue againft hope : 
Yet in this captious, and intemible Siue. 
I ftill poure in the waters of my loue 
And lacke not to loofe ftill; thus Indian like 
Religious in mine error, I adore 
The Sunne that lookes vpon his worihipper, 
But knowes of him no more. My deereft Madam, 
Let not your hate incounter with my loue, 
For louing where you doe ; but if your felfe, 
Whofe aged honor cites a vertuous youth, 



Did euer, in fo true a flame of liking, 
Wi(h chaftly,and loue dearely, that your Dian 
Was both her felfe and loue, O then giue pittie 
To her whofe ftate is fuch,that cannot choofe 
But lend and giue where lhe is fure to loofe ; 
That feekes not to finde that, her fearch implies, 
But riddle like, Hues fweetely where (he dies. 

Cou. Had you not lately an intent,fpeake truely, 
To goe to Paris* 

Hell. Madam I had. 

Cou. Wherefore?tell true. 

Hell. I will tell truth, by grace it felfe Ifweare: 
You know my Father left me fome prefcriptions 
Of rare and prou'd effecls, fuch as his reading 
And manifeft experience, had collected 
For generall foueraigntie : and that he wil'd me 
In heedefull'ft referuation to beftow them, 
As notes, whofe faculties inclufiue were, 
More then they were in note: Amongft the reft, 
There is a remedie,approu'd,fet downe, 
To cure the defperate languiihings whereof 
The King is render'd loft. 

Cou. This was your motiue for Paris, was it, fpeake? 

Hell. My Lord, your fonne,made me to think of this; 
Elfe Para,and the medicine,and the King, 
Had from the conuerfation of my thoughts, 
Happily beene abfent then. 

Cou. But thinke you Hellen, 
If you fhould tender your fuppofed aide, 
He would receiue it? He and his Phifitions 
Are of a minde, he, that they cannot helpe him : 
They, that they cannot helpe, how lhall they credit 
A poore vnlearned Virgin, when the Schooles 
Embowel'd of their do&rine, haue left off 
The danger to it felfe. 

Hell. There's fomething in't 
More then my Fathers skill, which was the great'ft 
Of his profelhon, that his good receipt, 
Shall for my legacie be fanftified 
Byth'luckieft ftars in heauen, and would your honor 
But giue me leaue to trie fuccefle, I'de venture 
The well loft life of mine, on his Graces cure, 
By fuch a day, an houre. 

Cou. Doo'ft thou beleeue't ? 

Hell. I Madam knowingly. 

Cou. Why Hellen thou malt haue my leaue and loue, 
Meanes and attendants,and my louing greetings 
To thofe of mine in Court, He ftaie at home 
And praie Gods bleffing into thy attempt: 
Begon to morrow, and be fure of this, 
What I can helpe thee to, thou malt not miffe. Exeunt. 



ABus Secundus 



Enter the King ivitb diuers yong Lords , taking leaue for 
the Florentine tuarre : Qount , Rojfe , and 
Parrolles. Florifa Cornets. 
King. Farewell yong Lords, thefe warlike principles 
Doe not throw from you, and you my Lords farewell : 
Share the aduice betwixt you, if both gaine, all 
The guift doth ftretch it felfe as 'tis receiu'd, 
And is cnoughfor both. 
Lord.G. 'Tis our hope fir, 

After 



zAWs Well, that Ends Well. 



235 



After well entred fouldiers, to returne 
And finde your grace in health. 

King. No,no, it cannot be ; and yet my heart 
Will not conf'effe he owes the mallady 
That doth my life befiege : farwell yong Lords, 
Whether I Hue or die, be you the fonnes 
Of worthy French men : let higher Italy 
(Thofe bated that inherit but the fall 
Of the laft Monarchy) fee that you come 
Not to wooe^ honour, but to wed it, when 
The braueft queftant lhrinkes : finde what you feeke, 
That fame may cry you loud : I fay farewell. 

L.G. Health at your bidding ferue your Maiefty. 

King. Thofe girles of Italy, take heed of them, 
They fay our French, lacke language to deny 
If they demand : beware of being Captiues 
Before you ferue. 

*Bo. Our hearts receiue your warnings. 

King. Fare well, come hether to me. 

1 .Lo.G. Oh my fweet Lord y you wil ftay behind vs. 

Parr. 'Tis not his fault the fpark. 

z.Lo.E. Oh 'tis braue warres. 

Parr. Moft admirable, I haue feene thofe warres. 

Rojfxll. I am commanded here, and kept a coyle with, 
Too young, and the next yeere, and 'tis too early. 

Parr. And thy minde ftand too't boy, 
Steale away brauely. 

RoJJill. I fhal ftay here the for-horfe to a fmocke, 
Creeking my Ihooes on the plaine Mafonry, 
Till honour be bought vp, and no fword worne 
But one to dance with : by heauen,Ile fteale away. 

1 .Lo.G. There's honour in the theft. 

Parr. Commit it Count. 

■2..L0.E. I am your acceffary, and fo farewell. 

Rof. I grow to you,& our parting is a tortur'd body. 

l. Lo.G. Farewll Captaine. 

2.L0.E. Sweet Mounfier Parolles. 

Parr. Noble Heroes ; my fword and yours are kinne, 
good fparkes and luftrous, a word good mettals. You 
ftiall finde in the Regiment of the Spinij , one Captaine 
Spurio his ficatrice, with an Embleme of warre heere on 
his finifter cheeke ; it was this very fword entrench'd it : 
lay to him I Hue, and obferue his reports for me. 

Lo.G. We fhall noble Captaine. 

Parr. Mars doate on you for his nouices, what will 
ye doe ? 

Roff. Stay the King. 

Parr. Vfe a more fpacious ceremonie to the Noble 
Lords, you haue reftrain'd your felfe within the Lift of 
too cold an adieu : be more exprefiiue to them ; for they 
weare themfelues in the cap of the time, there do 'mufter 
true gate ; eat, fpeake, and moue vnder the influence of 
the moft receiu'd ftarre, and though the deuill leade the 
meafure, fuch are to be followed: after them, and take a 
more dilated farewell.' 

Roff. And 1 will doe fo. 

Parr. Worthy fellowes, and like to prooue moft fi- 
newie fword-men. Exeunt. 

Enter Laferw. 

L.Laf. Pardon my Lord for mee and for my tidings. 

King. He fee thee to ftand vp. (pardon, 

L Laf. Then heres a man ftands that has brought his 
I would you had kneel'd my Lord to aske me mercy, 
And that at my bidding you could fo ftand vp. 

King. I would I had, fo I had broke thy pate 



And askt thee mercy for't. 

Laf. Goodfaith a-crofi"e,but my good Lord 'tis thus, 
Will you be cur'd of your infirmitie? 

King. No. 

Laf. O will you eat no grapes my royall foxe ? 
Yes but you will, my noble grapes, and if 
My royall foxe could reach them:I haue feen a medicine 
That's able to breath life into a ftone, 
Quicken a rocke,and make you dance Canari 
With fprightly fire and motion, whofe fimple touch 
Is powerfull to arayfe King Pippen, nay 
To giue great Qharlemaine a pen in's hand 
And write to her a loue-line. 

King. What her is this ? 

Laf. Why doctor Ihe : my Lord, there's one arriu'd, 
If you will fee her : now by my faith and honour, 
If ferioufly I may conuay my thoughts 
In this my light deliuerance, I haue fpoke 
With one, that in her fexe, her yeeres, profeffion, 
Wifedome and conftancy, hath amaz'd mee more 
Then I dare blame my weakenefTe : will you fee her? 
For that is her demand, and know her bufinefie? 
That done, laugh well at me. 

King. Now good Lafeiu, 
Bring in the admiration, that we with thee 
May fpend our wonder too, or take oft" thine 
By wondring how thou tookft it. 

Laf. Nay, He fit you, 
And not be all day neither. 

King. Thus he his fpeciall nothing euer prologues. 

Laf. Nay, come your waies. 

Enter Hel'en. 

King. This hafte hath wings indeed. 

Laf. Nay, come your waies, 
This is his Maieftie, fay your minde to him, 
A Traitor you doe looke like, but fuch traitors 
His Maiefty feldome feares , I am Creffeds Vncle, 
That dare leaue two together, far you well. Exit. 

King. Now faire one, do's your bufines follow vs ? 

Hel. I my good Lord, 
Gerard de Narbon was my father, 
In whit he did profefie, well found. 

King. I knew him. 

Hel. The rather will I fpare my praifes towards him, 
Knowing him is enough : on's bed of death, 
Many receits he gaue me, chiefiieone, 
Which as the deareft iffue of his practice 
And of his olde experience,th'onlie darling,' 
He bad me ftore vp, as a triple eye, 
Safer then mine owne two : more deare I haue fo, 
And hearing your high Maieftie is toucht 
With that malignant caufe, wherein the honour 
Of my deare fathers gift, ftands cheefe in power, 
I come to tender it, and my appliance, 
With all bound humbleneffe. 

King. We thanke you maiden, 
But may not be fo credulous of cure, 
When our moft learned Doctors leaue vs, and 
The congregated Colledge haue concluded, 
That labouring Art can neuer ranfome nature 
From her inaydible eftate : I fay we mult not 
So ftaine our judgement, or corrupt our hope, 
To proftitute our paft-cure malladie 
To empericks, or to diffeuer fo 
Our great felfe and our credit, to efteeme 
A fencelefle helpe, when helpe paft fence we deeme. 

Hel. My 



23 6 



AW s Well that ends Well. 



Hell. My dutie then (hall pay me for my paines : 
I will no more enforce mine office on you , 
Humbly intreating from your royall thoughts, 
A modeft one to beare me backe againe. 

King. I cannot giue thee lefle to be cal'd gratefull : 
Thou thoughtft to helpe me, and fuch thankes I giue, 
As one neere death to thofe that wilh him liue: 
But what at full I know, thou knowft no part, 
I knowing all my perill,thou no Art. 

Hell. What I can doe, can doe no hurt to try, 
Since you fet vp your reft'gainft remedie : 
He that of greateft workes is finilher, 
Oft does them by the weakeft minifter : 
So holy Writ, in babes hath iudgement (howne, 
When Iudges haue bin babes; great flouds haue flowne 
From fimple fources : and great Seas haue dried 
When Miracles haue by the great'ft beene denied. 
Oft expectation failes, and molt oft there 
Where moft it promifes : and oft it hits, 
Where hope is coldeft, and defpaire moft (hifts. 

King. I muft not heare thee,fare thee wel kind maide, 
Thy paines not vs'd, muft by thy felfe be paid, 
Proffers not tooke, reape thanks for their reward. 

Hel. Infpired Merit fo by breath is bard, 
It is not fo with him that all things knowes 
As 'tis with vs, that fquare our guefle by ffiowes: 
But moft it is prefumption in vs, when 
The help of heauen we count the aft of men. 
Deare fir, to my endeauors giue confent, 
Of heauen, not me, make an experiment. 
I am not an Impoftrue, that proclaime 
My felfe againft the leuill of mine aime , 
But know I thinke,and thinke I know moft fure, 
My Art is not paft power, nor you paft cure. 

King. Art thou fo confident? Within what fpace 
Hop'ft thou my cure ? 

Hel. The greateft grace lending grace, 
Ere twice the horfes of the funne fhall bring 
Their fiery torcher his diurnall ring, 
Ere twice in murke and occidentall dampe 
Moift Hejperus hath quench'd her fleepy Lampe: 
Or foure and twenty times the Pylots glafie 
Hath told the theeuilh minutes, how they pafTe : 
What is infirme,from your found parts (hall flie, 
Health (hall liue free, and fickeneffe freely dye. 

King. Vpon thy certainty and confidence, 
What dar'ft thou venter ? 

Hell. Taxe of impudence, 
A (trumpets boldnefTe, a divulged (hame 
Traduc'd by odious ballads : my maidens name 
Seard otherwife, ne worfe of word extended 
With vildeft torture, let my life be ended. 

Kin. Methinks in thee fome Hefted fpirit doth fpeak 
His powerfull found, within an organ weake : 
And what impoffibility would (lay 
In common fence, fence faues another way : 
Thy life is deere, for all that life can rate 
Worth name of life, in thee hath eftimate : 
Youth, beauty, wifedome, courage, all 
That happines and prime, can happy call : 
Thou this to hazard, needs muft intimate 
Skill infinite,or monftrous defperate, 
Sweet praftifer, thy Phyficke I will try, 
That minifters thine owne death if I die. 

Hel. If I breake time, or flinch in property 
Of what 1 fpoke, vnpittied let me die, 



And well deferu'd: not helping, death's my fee, 
But if I helpe, what doe you promife me.. 

Kin. Make thy demand. 

Hel. But will you make it euen ? 

Kin. I by my Scepter,and my hopes of helpe. 

Hel. Then (halt thou giue me with thy kingly hand 
What husband in thy power I will command : 
Exempted be from me the arrogance 
To choofe from forth the royall bloud of France, 
My low and humble name to propagate 
With any branch or image of thy ftate : 
But fuch a one thy vaflall,whom I know 
Is free for me to aske, thee to beftow. 

Kin. Heere is my hand, the premifes obferu'd, 
Thy will by my performance (hall be feru'd: 
So make the choice of thy owne time, for I 
Thy refolv'd Patient, on thee (till relye : 
More mould I queftion thee, and more I muft, 
Though more to know, could not be more to truft: 
From whence thou cam'ft,how tended on, but reft 
Vnqueftion'd welcome, and vndoubted bleft. 
Giue me fome helpe heere hoa, if thou proceed, 
As high as word, my deed (hall match thy deed. 

Florijb. Exit. 

Enter Countejfe and Clcnvne. 

Lady. Come on fir, I (hall now put you to the height 
of your breeding. 

Clown. I will (hew my felfe highly fed , and lowly 
taught, I know my bufineffe is but to the Court. 

Lady. To the Court, why what place make you fpe- 
ciall, when you put off that with fuch contempt, but to 
the Court? 

Clo. Truly Madam, if God haue lent a man any man- 
ners, hee may eafilie put it off at Court : hee that cannot 
make a legge,put off's cap, kifie his hand, and fay no- 
thing, has neither legge, hands, lippe, nor cap ; and in- 
deed fuch a fellow, to fay precisely, were not for the 
Court, but for me, I haue an anfwere will ferue all men. 

Lady. Marry that's a bountifull anfwere that fits all 
queftions. 

Clo. It is like a Barbers chaire that fits all buttockes, 
the pin buttocke, the quatch-buttocke, the brawn but- 
tocke, or any buttocke. 

Lady. Will your anfwere ferue fit to all queftions ? 

Clo. As fit as ten groats is for the hand of an Attur- 
ney, as your French Crowne for your taffety punke, as 
Tibs rum for Toms fore-finger, as a pancake for Shroue- 
tuefday, a Morris for May-day, as the naile to his hole, 
the Cuckold to his home, as a fcolding queane to a 
wrangling knaue, as the Nuns lip to the Friers mouth, 
nay as the pudding to his skin. 

Lady. Haue you, I fay, an anfwere of fuch fitnefife for 
all queftions? 

Clo. From below your Duke, to beneath your Con- 
ftable, it will fit any queftion. 

Lady. It muft be an anfwere of moft monftrous fize , 
that muft fit all demands. 

Clo. But a triflle neither in good faith, if the learned 
(hould fpeake truth of it : heere it is,and all that belongs 
to't. Aske mee if I am a Courtier, it (hall doe you no 
harme to learne. 

Lady. To be young againe if we could : I will bee a 
foole in queftion , hoping to bee the wifer by your an- 
fwer. 

Lady. 

^6~~ 



All's Well that ends Well. 



2 37 



La. I pray you fir, are you a Courtier? 

Clo. O Lord fir theres a fimple putting off : more, 
more, a hundred of them. 

La. Sir I am a poore freind of yours, that loues you. 

Clo. O Lord fir, thicke, thicke, fpare not me. 

La. I thinke fir, you can eate none of this homely 
meate. 

Clo. O Lord fir; nay put me too't, I warrant you. 

La. You were lately whipt fir as I thinke. 

Clo. O Lord fir, fpare not me. 

La. Doe you crie O Lord fir at your whipping, and 
fpare not me ? Indeed your O Lord fir, is very fequent 
to your whipping : you would anfwere very well to a 
whipping if you were but bound too't. 

Clo. I nere had worfe lucke in my life in my O Lord 
fir : I fee things may ferue long, but not ferue euer. 

La. I play the noble hufwife with the time, to enter- 
taine it fo merrily with a foole. 

Clo. O Lord fir, why there't ferues well agen. 

La. And end fir to your bufinefie: giue Hellen this, 
And vrge her to a prefent anfwer backe, 
Commend me to my kinfmen, and my fonne, 
This is not much . 

Clo. Not much commendation to them. 

La. Not much imployement for you, you vnder- 
ftand me. 

Qlo Moll fruitfully, lam there, before my legegs. 

La. Haft you agen. Exeunt 

Enter Count, Lafew,and Parolles. 

Ol.Laf They fay miracles are paft, and we haue our 
Philofophicall perfons, to make moderne and familiar 
things fupernaturall and caufeleffe. Hence is it, that we 
make trifles of terrours, enfconcing our felues into fee- 
ming knowledge, when we mould fubmit our felues to 
an vnknowne feare. 

Par. Why 'tis the rareft argument of wonder, that 
hath {hot out in our latter times. 

Rof. And fo 'tis. 

Ol.Laf. To be relinquifht of the Artifts. 

Par. So I fay both of Galen and Paraceljtu. 

Ol.Laf. Of all the learned and authenticke fellowes. 

Par. Right fo I fay. 

Ol.Laf. That gaue him out incureable. 

Par. Why there 'tis, fo fay I too. 

Ol.Laf. Not to be help'd. 

Par. Right, as 'twere a man aflur'd of a 

Ol.Laf. Vncertaine life, and fure death. 

Par. Iuft, you fay well : fo would 1 haue faid. 

Ol.Laf. I may truly fay, it is a noueltie to the world. 

Par. It is indeede if you will haue it in {hewing, you 
{hall reade it in what do ye call there. 

Ol.Laf. A {hewing of a heauenly effecl: in an earth- 
ly Aftor. 

Par. That's it, I would haue faid, the verie fame. 

Ol.Laf. Why your Dolphin is not luftier : fore mee 
I fpeake in refpecl 

Par. Nay 'tis ftrange, 'tis very ftraunge, that is the 
breefe_ and the tedious of it, and he's of a moft facineri- 
ous fpirit, that will not acknowledge it to be the 

Ol.Laf. Very hand of heauen. 

Par. I,foIfay. 

Ol.Laf. In a moft weake 

Par. And debile minifter great power, grear tran- 
cendence, which mould indeede giue vs a further vfe to 



j be made, then alone the recou'ry of the king, as to bee 
OldLaf. Generally thankfull. 

Enter King, Hellen, and attendants. 
Par. I would haue faid it, you fay well : heere comes 
! the King. 

Ol.Laf. Luftique, as the Dutchman faies : He like a 
maide the Better whil'ft I haue a tooth in my head: why 
| he's able to leade her a Carranto. 

Par. Mor du vinager,h not this Helen? 
Ol.Laf. Fore God I thinke fo. 
King. Goe call before mee all the Lords in Court, 
J Sit my preleruer by thy patients fide, 

And with this healthfull hand whofe banifht fence 
i Thou haft repeal'd, a fecond time receyue 
i The confirmation of my promis'd guift, 
Which but attends thy naming. 

Enter 3 or 4 Lords. 
Faire Maide fend forth thine eye, this youthfull parcell 
Of Noble Batchellors, ftand at my bellowing, 
Ore whom both Soueraigne power, and fathers voice 
I haue to vfe;thy franke election make, 
Thou haft power to choofe, and they none to forfake. 

Hel. To each of you, one faire and vertuous Miftris; 
Fall when loue pleafe , marry to each but one. 

OldLaf. I'de giue bay curtail, and his furniture 
My mouth no more were broken then thefe boyes, 
And writ as little beard. 

King. Perufe them well : 
Not one of thofe, but had a Noble father. 

She addreffes her to a Lord. 

Hel. Gentlemen, heauen hath through me , reftor'd 
the king to health. 

All. We vnderftand it, and thanke heauen for you. 

Hel. I am a fimple Maide, and therein wealthieft 
That I proteft, I (imply am a Maide : 
Pleafe it your Maieftie, I haue done already: 
The bluflies in my cheekes thus whifper mee, 
We blufh that thou (houldft choofe, but be refufed ; 
Let the white death fit on thy cheeke for euer, 
Wee'l nere come there againe. 

King. Make choife and fee, 
Who {huns thy loue, fliuns all his loue in mee. 

Hel. Now Tlian from thy Altar do I fly, 
And to imperiall loue, that God moft high 
Do my fighes ftreame : Sir,wil you heare my.fuite? 

i.Xo.And grant it. 

Hel. Thankes fir, all the reft is mute. 

Ol.Laf. I had rather be in this choife, then throw 
Amef-ace for my life. 

Hel. The honor fir that flames in your faire eyes, 
Before I fpeake too threatningly replies: 
Loue make your fortunes twentie times aboue 
Her that fo vviflies, and her humble loue. 

z.Lo. No better if you pleafe. 

Hel. My wifti receiue, 
Which great loue grant, and fo I take my leaue. 

Ol.Laf. Do all they denie her? And they were fons 
of mine, I'de haue them whip'd, or I would fend them 
to'th Turke to make Eunuches of. 

Hel. Be not afraid that I your hand {hould take, 
He neuer do you wrong for your owne fake : 
Blefling vpon your vowes, and in your bed 
Finde fairer fortune, if you euer wed. 

OldLaf. Thefe boyes are boyes of Ice, they'le none 

haue 



2 3 8 



All's Well that ends Well. 



haue heere : fure they are baftards to the Englifh, the 
French nere got em. 

La. You are too young, too happie, and too good 
To make your felfe a fonne out of my blood. 

^.Lord. Faire one, I thinke not fo. 

01. Lord There's one grape yet, I am fure thy father 
drunke wine. But if thou be'ft not an afle, I am a youth 
of fourteene : I haue knowne thee already. 

Hel. I dare not fay I take you, but I giue 
Me and my feruice, euer whilft I liue 
Into your guiding power ; This is the man. 

King. Why then young 'Bertram take her mee's thy 
wife. 

'Set: My wife my Leige? I -fhal befeech your highnes 
In fuch a bufines, giue me leaue to vfe 
The helpe of mine owne eies. 

King. Know'ft thou not Bertram what mee ha's 
done for mee ? 

Ber. Yes my good Lord, but neuer hope to know 
why I fhould marrie her. 

King. Thou know'ft fhee ha's rais'd me from my fick- 
ly bed. 

'Ber. But followes it my Lord, to bring me downe 
Muft anfwer for your railing? I knowe her well : 
Shee had her breeding at my fathers charge: 
A poore Phyfitians daughter my wife? Difdaine 
Rather corrupt me euer. 

King. Tis onely title thou difdainft in her, the which 
I can build vp : ftrange is it that our bloods 
Of colour, waight, and heat, pour'd all together, 
Would quite confound diftincYion: yet ftands off 
In differences fo mightie. If fhe bee 
All that is vertuous ( faue what thou diflik'ft) 
A poore Phifitians daughter, thou dillik'ft 
Of vertue for the name : but doe not fo : 
From lowed place, whence vertuous things proceed, 
The place is dignified by th' doers deede. 
Where great additions {well's, and vertue none, 
It is a dropfied honour. Good a lone, 
Is good without a name? Vileneffe is fo : 
The propertie by what is is, fhould go, 
Not by the title. Shee is young, wife, faire, 
In thefe, to Nature fhee's immediate heire : 
And thefe breed honour : that is honours fcorne, 
Which challenges it felfe as honours borne, 
And is not like the fire : Honours thriue, 
When rather from our adts we them deriue 
Then our fore-goers : the meere words, a Haue 
Debofh'd on euerie tombe, on euerie graue : 
A lying Trophee, and as oft is dumbe, 
Where duft, and damn'd obliuion is the Tombe. 
Of honour'd bones indeed, what lhould be faide? 
If thou canft like this creature, as a maide, 
I can create the reft : Vertue, and fhee 
Is her owne dower : Honour and wealth, from mee. 

'Ber. I cannot loue her, nor will ftriue to doo't. 

King. Thou wrong'ft thy felfe, if thou ftiold'ft ftriue 
to choofe. 

Hel. That you are well reftor'd my Lord,I'me glad: 
Let the reft go. 

King. My Honor's at the ftake, which to defeate 
I muft produce my power. Heere, take her hand, 
Proud fcornfull boy, vnworthie this good gift, 
That doft in vile mifprifion ftnckle vp 
My loue, and her defert : that canft not dreame, 
We poizing vs in her defedtiue fcale, 



Shall weigh thee to the beame : That wilt not know, 

It is in Vs to plant thine Honour, where 

We pleafe to haue it grow. Checke thy contempt : 

Obey Our will, which trauailesin thy good : 

Beleeue not thy difdaine, but prefentlie 

Do thine owne fortunes that obedient right 

Which both thy dutie owes, and Our power claimes, 



Or I will throw thee fr< 



my 



for, 



Into the ftaggers, and the carelefie lapfe 
Of youth and ignorance : both my reuenge and hate 
Loofing vpon thee, in the name of iuftice, 
Without all termes of pittie. Speake, thine anfwer. 

'Ber. Pardon my gracious Lord : for I fubmit 
My fancie to your eies, when I confider 
What great creation, and what dole of honour 
Flies where you bid it : I finde that fhe which late 
Was in my Nobler thoughts, moft bafe : is now 
The praifed of the King, who fo ennobled, 
Is as 'twere borne fo. 

King. Take her by the hand, 
And tell her fhe is thine: to whom I promife 
A counterpoize : If not to thy eftate, 
A ballance more repleat. 

Ber. I take her hand. 

Kin. Good fortune, and the fauour of the King 
Smile vpon this Contract : whole Ceremonie 
Shall feeme expedient on the now borne briefe, 
And be perform'd to night : the folemne Feaft 
Shall more attend vpon the coming fpace, 
Expecting abfent friends. As thou lou'ft her, 
Thy loue's to me Religious : elfe, do's erre. Exeunt 

Parallel and Lafeiv ft ay behind, commen- 
ting of this -wedding. 

Laf. Do you heare Monfieur? A word with you. 

Par. Your pleafure fir. 

Laf. Your Lord and Mafter did well to make his re- 
cantation. 

Par. Recantation? My Lord? my Mafter ? 

Laf. I : Is it not a Language I fpeake i 

Par. A moft harm one, and not to bee vnderftoode 
without bloudie fucceeding My Mafter? 

Laf. Are you Companion to the Count Rojillion? 

Par. To any Count, to all Counts : to what is man. 

Laf. To what is Counts man : Counts maifter is of 
another ftile. 

Par. You are too old fir : Let it fatisfie you, you are 
too old. 

Laf. I muft tell thee firrah, I write Man : to which 
title age cannot bring thee. 

Par. What I dare too well do, I dare not do. 

Laf. I did thinke thee for two ordinaries : to bee a 
prettie wife fellow, thou didft make tollerable vent of 
thy trauell, it might paffe : yet the fcarffes and the ban- 
nerets about thee, did manifoldlie diffwade me from be- 
leeuing thee a veffell of too great a burthen. I haue now 
found thee, when I loofe thee againe, I care not: yet art 
thou good for nothing but taking vp, and that th' ourt 
fcarce worth. 

Par. Hadft thou not the priuiledge of Antiquity vp- 
on thee. 

Laf. Do not plundge thy felfe to farre in anger, leaft 
thou haften thy triall : which if, Lord haue mercie on 
thee for a hen, fo my good window of Lettice fare thee 
well, thy cafement I neede not open, for I look through 
thee. Giue me thy hand. 

Par. My Lord, you giue me moft egregious indignity. 

Laf 

«8 



sAWs Well, that Ends Well. 



2 39 



Laf. I with all my heart, and thou art worthy of it. 

Par. I haue not my Lord deferu'd it. 

Laf. Yes good faith, eu'ry dramme of it, and I will 
not bate thee a fcruple. 

Par. Well, I fhall be wifer. 

LafEu'n as foone as thou can'ft, for thou haft to pull 
at a fmacke a'th contrarie. If euer thou bee'ft bound 
in thy skarfe and beaten, thou ihall finde what it is to be 
proud of thy bondage , I haue a defire to holde my ac- 
quaintance with thee, or rather my knowledge, that I 
may fay in the default, he is a man I know. 

Par. My Lord you do me moft infupportable vexati- 
on. 

Laf. I would it were hell paines for thy fake, and my 
poore doing eternall : for doing I am paft, as I will by 
thee, in what motion age will gioe me leaue. Exit. 

Par. Well, thou haft a fonne fhall take this difgrace 
off me; fcuruy, old, filthy, fcuruy Lord : Well, I muft 
be patient, there is no fettering of authority, lie beate 
him (by my life) if I can meete him with any conueni- 
ence, and he were double and double a Lord. He haue 

no more pittie of his age then I would haue of He 

beate him, and if I could but meet him agen. 

Enter Lafew. 

Laf. Sirra, your Lord and matters married, there's 
newes for you : you haue a new Miftris. 
. Par. I moft vnfainedly befeech your Lordfhippe to 
make fome referuation of your wrongs. He is my good 
Lord , whom I feme aboue is my mafter. 

Laf. Who? God. 

Par. I fir. 

Laf. The deuill it is, that's thy mafter. Why dooeft 
thou garter vp thy armes a this fa(hion?Doft make hofe 
of thy fleeues ? Do other feruants fo ? Thou wert beft fet 
thy lower part where thy nofe ftands. By mine Honor, 
if I were but two houres yonger,I'de beate thee: mee- 
think'ft thou art a generall offence, and euery man fhold 
beate thee : I thinke thou waft created for men to breath 
themfelues vpon thee. 

Par. This is hard and vndeferued meafure my Lord. 

Laf. Go too fir, you were beaten in Italy for picking 
a kernell out of a Pomgranat, you are a vagabond, and 
no true traueller : you are more fawcie with Lordes and 
honourable perfonages, then the Commifsion of your 
birth and vertue giues you Heraldry. You are not worth 
another word, elfe I'de call you knaue. I leaue you. 

Exit 
Enter Count Roffillion. 

Par. Good, very good, it is fo then: good, very 
good, let it be conceal'd awhile. 
I Rof. Vndone, and forfeited to cares for euer. 
j Par. What's the matter fweet-heart ? 

Rofsi/L Although before the folemne Prieft I haue 
fworne, I will not bed her. 

Par. What? what fweet heart? 

Rof. O my Panolles, they haue married me: 
He to the Tufcan warres,and neuer bed her. 

Par. France is a dog-hole, and it no more merits, 
The tread of a mans foot : too'th warres. 

Rof. There's letters from my mother : What th'im- 
port is, I know not yet. 

Par. I that would be knowne : too'th warrs my boy, 
too'th warres : 



He weares his honor in a boxe vnfeene, 
That hugges his kickie wickie heare at home, 
Spending his manlie marrow in her armes 
Which mould fuftaine the bound and high curuet 
Of Marfes fierie fteed : to other Regions, 
France is a ftable, wee that dwell in't lades, 
Therefore too'th warre. 

Rof. It fhall be fo, He fend her to my houfe, 
Acquaint my mother with my hate to her, 
And wherefore I am fled : Write to the King 
That which I durft not fpeake. His prefent gift 
Shall furniih me to thofe Italian fields 
Where noble fellowes ftrike : Warres is no ftrife 
To the darke houfe,and the detected wife. 

Par. Will this Caprichio hold in thee, art fure? 

Rof. Go with me to my chamber, and aduice me. 
He fend her ftraight away : To morrow, 
He to the warres, (he to her fingle forrow. 

Par. Why thefe bals bound, ther's noife in it. Tis hard 
A yong man maried,is a man that's mard : 
Therefore away, and leaue her brauely : go, 
The King ha's done you wrong : but hufh 'tis fo. Sxit 

Snter Helena and Cloivne. 

Hel. My mother greets me kindly, is (he well? 

Qlo. She is not well, but yet (he has her health, /he's 
very merrie, but yet (he is not well : but thankes be gi- 
uen (he's very well, and wants nothing i'th world : but 
yet (he is not well. 

Hel. If (he be verie wel, what do's (he ayle, that (he's 
not verie well? 

Clo. Truly (he's very well indeed, but for two things 

Hel. What two things ? 

Clo. One, that (he's not in heauen, whether God fend 
her quickly : the other, that (he's in earth, from whence 
God fend her quickly. 

Enter Parolles. 

Par. Bleffe you my fortunate Ladie. 

Hel. I hope fir I haue your good will to haue mine 
owne good fortune. 

Par. You had my prayers to leade them on, and to 
keepe them on, haue them ftill. O my knaue, how do's 
my old Ladie ? 

Clo. So that you had her wrinkles, and I her money, 
I would (he did as you fay. 

Par. Why I fay nothing. 

Clo. Marry you are the wifer man : for many a mans 
tongue (hakes out his mafters vndoing : to fay nothing, 
to do nothing, to know nothing, and to haue nothing, 
is to be a great part of your title, which is within a verie 
little of nothing. 

Par. Away,th'art a knaue. 

Clo. You (hould haue faid fir before a knaue, th'art a 
knaue, that's before me th'art a knaue : this had beene 
truth fir. 

Par. Go too, thou art a wittie foole, I haue found 
thee. 

Clo. Did you finde me in your felfe fir, or were you 
taught to finde me? 

Clo. The fearch fir was profitable, and much Foole 
may you find in yon,euen to the worlds pleafure, and the 
encreafe of laughter. 

Par. A good knaue ifaith,and well fed. 
Madam, my Lord will go awaie to night, 

A 



240 



All's Well that ends Well. 



A v erie ferrious bufineffe call's on him : 

Th e great prerogatiue and rite of loue, 

Which as your due time claimes, he do's acknowledge, 

But puts it off to a compell'd reftraint : 

Whofe want, and whofe delay, is ftrew'd with fweets 

Which they diftill now in the curbed time, 

To make the comming houre oreflow with ioy, 

And pleafure drowne the brim. 

Hel, What's his will elfe? 

Par. That you will take your inftant leaue a'th king, 
And make this haft as your owne good proceeding, 
Strengthned with what Apologie you thinke 
May make it probable neede. 

Hel. What more commands hee ? 

Par. That hauing this obtain'd, you prefentlie 
Attend his further pleafure. 

Hel. In euery thing I waite vpon his will. 

Par. I fliall report it fo. Exit Par. 

Hell. I pray you come firrah. Exit 

Enter Lafenu and Bertram. 

Laf. But I hope your Lordfliippe thinkes not him a 
fouldier. 

'Ber. Yes my Lord and of verie valiant approofe. 

Laf. You haue it from his owne deliuerance. 

Ber. And by other warranted teftimonie. 

Laf. Then my Diall goes not true, I tooke this Larke 
for a bunting. 

c Ber.\ do allure you my Lord he is very great in know- 
ledge, and accordinglie valiant. 

Laf. I haue then finn'd againft his experience , and 
tranfgreft againft his valour, and my ftate that way is 
dangerous, fince I cannot yet find in my heart to repent: 
Heere he comes, I pray you make vs freinds, I will pur- 
fue the amitie. 

Enter Parolles. 

Par. Thefe things fliall be done fir. 

Laf. Pray you fir whofe his Tailor ? 

Par. Sir? 

Laf. O I know him well, I fir, hee firs a good worke- 
man, a verie good Tailor. 

'Ber. Is fliee gone to the king ? 

Par. Shee is. 

•Ber. Will fliee away to night? 

Par. As you'le haue her. 

"Ber. I haue writ my letters, casketted my treafure, 
Giuen order for our horfes, and to night, 
When I fliould take poffeffion of the Bride, 
And ere I doe begin. 

Laf. A good Trauailer is fomething at the latter end 
of a dinner, but on that lies three thirds , and vfes a 
known truth to paffe a thoufand nothings with, fliould 
bee once hard, and thrice beaten. God faue you Cap- 
taine. 

"Ber. Is there any vnkindnes betweene my Lord and 
you Monfieur? 

Par. I know not how I haue deferued to run into my 
Lords difpleafure. 

Laf. You haue made fliift to run into't, bootes and 
fpurres and all : like him that leapt into the Cuftard, and 
out of it you'le runne againe, rather then fuffer queftion 
for your refidence. 

'Ber. It may bee you haue miftaken him my Lord. 

Laf. And fliall doe fo euer, though I tooke him at's 
prayers. Fare you well my Lord, and beleeue this of 



me, there can be no kernell in this light Nut : the foule 
of this man is his cloathes : Truft him not in matter of 
heauie confequence : I haue kept of them tame, & know 
their natures. Farewell Monfieur, I haue fpoken better 
of you, then you haue or will to deferue at my hand, but 
we muft do good againft euill. 

Par. An idle Lord, I fweare. 

Ber. I thinke fo. 

Par. Why do you not know him ? 

'Ber. Yes, I do know him well, and common fpeech 
Giues him a worthy pafle. Heere comes my clog. 

Enter Helena. 

Hel. I haue fir as I was commanded from you 
Spoke with the King, and haue procur'd his leaue 
For prefent parting, onely he defires 
Some priuate fpeech with you. 

Ber. I fliall obey his will. 
You muft not meruaile Helen at my courfe, 
Which holds not colour with the time, nor does 
The miniftration, and required office 
On my particular. Prepar'd I was not 
For fuch a bufineffe, therefore am I found 
So much vnfetled : This driues me to intreate you, 
That prefently you take your way for home, 
And rather mufe then aske why I intreate you, 
For my refpefts are better then they feeme, 
And my appointments haue in them a neede 
Greater then fliewes it felfe at the firft view, 
To you that know them not. This to my mother, 
'Twill be two daies ere I fliall fee you, fo 
I leaue you to your wifedome. 

Hel. Sir, I can nothing fay, 
But that I am your moft obedient feruant. 

Ber. Come, come, no more of that. 

Hel. And euer fliall 
With true obferuance feeke to eeke out that 
Wherein toward me my homely ftarres haue faild 
To equall my great fortune. 

Ber. Let that goe : my haft is verie great. Farwell : 
Hie home. 

Hel. Pray fir your pardon. 

Ber. Well, what would you fay ? 

Hel. I am not worthie of the wealth I owe, 
Nor dare I fay 'tis mine : and yet it is, 
But like a timorous theefe, moft faine would fteale 
What law does vouch mine owne. 

Ber. What would you haue ? 

i&/.Something, and fcarfe fo much : nothing indeed, 
I would not tell you what I would my Lord : Faith yes, 
Strangers and foes do funder, and not kiffe. 

'Ber. I pray you ftay not, but in haft to horfe. 

Hel. I fliall not breake your bidding, good my Lord: 
Where are my other men? Monfieur, farwell. Exit 

Ber. Go thou toward home, where I wil neuer come, 
Whilft I can fliake my fword, or heare the drumme : 
Away, and for our flight. 

Par. Brauely, Coragio. 



aA5lus Tertius. 



Flourip. Enter the T>uke of Floreuce, the two Frenchmen, 
•with a troope of Souldiers. 
Duke.So that from point to point, now haue you heard 

The 



sAWs WelLthat Ends Well. 



241 



The fundamentall reafons of this warre, 
Whofe great decifion hath much blood let forth 
And more thirds after: 

l.Lord. Holy feemes the quarrell 
Vpon your Graces part : blacke and fearefull 
On the oppofer. 

Duke. Therefore we meruaile much our Cofin France 
Would in fo iuft a bufineffe, fhut his bofome 
Againft our borrowing prayers. # 

French E. Good my Lord, 
The reafons of our ftate I cannot yeelde, 
But like a common and an outward man, 
That the great figure of a Counfaile frames, 
By felfe vnable motion, therefore dare not 
Say what I thinke of it, iince I haue found 
My felfe in my incertaine grounds to faile 
As often as I gueft. 

Duke. Be it his pleafure. 

Fren.G. But I am fine the yonger of our nature, 
That furfet on their eafe, will day by day 
Come heere for Phyficke. 

'Duke. Welcome mall they bee : 
And all the honors that can flye from vs, 
Shall on them fettle : you know your places well, 
When better fall, for your auailes they fell, 
To morrow to'th the field. Flourijb. 

Enter Counteffe and Cloivne. 

Count.lt hath happen'd all, as I would haue had it, faue 
that he comes not along with her. 

Clo. By my troth I take my young Lord to be a ve- 
rie melancholly man. 

Count. By what obferuance I pray you. 

Clo. Why he will looke vppon his boote, and fing : 
mend the Ruffe and ling, aske queftions and fing, picke 
his teeth, and fing : I know a man that had this tricke of 
melancholy hold a goodly Mannor for a fong. 

Lad. Let me fee what he writes, and when he meanes 
to come. 

Cloiu. I haue no minde to Isbell fince I was at Court. 
Our old Lings, and our Isbels a'th Country, are nothing 
like your old Ling and your Isbeh a'th Court:the brains 
of my Cupid's knock'd out, and I beginne to loue, as an 
old man loues money, with no ftomacke. 

Lad. What haue we heere ? 

Clo. In that you haue there. exit 

A Letter. 
I haue fent you a daughter-in-Law, Jhee hath recouered the 

King, and -undone me : I haue wedded her, not bedded her , 

and jwcrne to make the not eternall. You Jball heare lam 

runne away, know it before the report come. If there bee 

bredth enough in the world, I will hold a long diftance. My 

duty to you. Your 'unfortunate Jonne, 

Bertram. 
This is not well ram and vnbridled boy, 
To flye the fauours of fo good a King, 
To plucke his indignation on thy head, 
By the mifprifing of a Maide too vertuous 
For the contempt of Empire. 

Enter Cloiune. 

Clow. O Madam, yonder is heauie newes within be- 
tweene two fouldiers, and my yong Ladie. 

La. What is the matter. 

Clo. Nay there is fome comfort in the newes, fome 
comfort, your fonne will not be kild fo foone as I thoght 
he would. 



La. Why mould he be kill'd ? 

Qlo. So fay I Madame, if he runne away, as I heare he 
does, the danger is in ftanding too't, that's the lofle of 
men, though it be the getting of children. Heere they 
come will tell you more. For my part I onely heare your 
fonne was run away. 



Enter Hellen and i 



Gentler, 



French E. Saue you good Madam. 

Hel. Madam, my Lord is gone, for euer gone. 

French G. Do not fay fo. 

La. Thinke vpon patience, pray you Gentlemen, 
I haue felt fo many quirkes of ioy and greefe, 
That the firft face of neither on the ftart 
Can woman me vntoo't. Where is my fonne I pray you? 

Fren.G. Madam he's gone to ferue the Duke of Flo- 
rence, 
We met him thitherward, for thence we came : 
And after fome difpatch in hand at Court, 
Thither we bend againe. 

Hel. Looke on his Letter Madam, here's my Pafport. 

When thou canft get the Ring -upon my finger, which neuer 
pall come off, and pew mee a childe begotten of thy bodie, 
that I am father too, then call me husband: but in fuch a{tken) 
I write a Neuer. 
This is a dreadfull fentence. 

La. Brought you this Letter Gentlemen? 

l.G. I Madam, and for the Contents fake are forrie 
for our paines. 

Old La. I prethee Ladie haue a better cheere, 
If thou engrofleft, all the greefes are thine, 
Thou robft me of a moity: He was my fonne, 
But I do wafh his name out of my blood, 
And thou art all my childe. Towards Florence is he ? 

Fren.G.l Madam. 

La. And to be a fouldier. 

Fren.G. Such is his noble purpofe, and beleeu't 
The Duke will lay vpon him all the honor 
That good conuenience claimes. 

La. Returne you thither. 

Fren.E. I Madam, with the fwifteft wing of fpeed. 

Hel. Till I haue no -wife, I haue nothing in France, 
'Tis bitter. 

La. Finde you that there ? 

Hel. I Madame. 

Fren.E.'Tis but the boldneffe of his hand haply, which 
his heart was not confenting too. 

Lad. Nothing in France, vntill he haue no wife : 
There's nothing heere that is too good for him 
But onely fhe, and flie deferues a Lord 
That twenty fuch rude boyes might tend vpon, 
And call her hourely Miftris. Who was with him ? 

Fren.E. A feruant onely, and a Gentleman : which I 
haue fometime knowne. 

La. Parolles was it not? 

Fren.E. I my good Ladie, hee. 

La. A verie tainted fellow, and full of wickednefle, 
My fonne corrupts a well deriued nature 
With his inducement. 

Fren.E. Indeed good Ladie the fellow has a deale of 
that, too much, which holds him much to haue. 

La. Y'are welcome Gentlemen, I will intreate you 

when you fee my fonne, to tell him that his fword can 

neuer winne the honor that he loofes : more He intreate 

X you 



242 



All's Well that ends Well. 



you written to bearealong. 

Fren.G. We ferue you Madam in that and all your 
worthieft affaires. 

La. Not fo, but as we change our courtefies, 
Will you draw neere? Exit. 

Hel. Till I haue no -wife I haue nothing in France. 
Nothing in France vntill he has no wife : 
Thou fhalt haue none RoJJillion, none in France, 
Then haft thou all againe : poore Lord, is't I 
That chafe thee from thy Countrie, and expofe 
Thofe tender limbes of thine, to the euent 
Of the none-fparing warre ? And is it I, 
That driue thee from the fportiue Court, where thou 
Was't fhot at with faire eyes, to be the marke 
Of fmoakie Muskets ? O you leaden meffengers, 
That ride vpon the violent fpeede of fire, 
Fly with falfe ayme, moue the ftill-peering aire 
That fings with piercing, do not touch my Lord: 
Who euer moots at him, I fet him there. 
Who euer charges on his forward breft 
I am the CaitifTe that do hold him too't, 
And though I kill him not, I am the caufe 
His death was fo effected : Better 'twere 
I met the rauine Lyon when he roar'd 
With fharpe conftraint of hunger : better 'twere, 
That all the miferies which nature owes 
Were mine at once. No come thou home Rojfi'lion, 
Whence honor but of danger winnes a fcarre, 
As oft it loofes all. I will be gone : 
My being heere it is, that holds thee hence, 
Shall I ftay heere to doo't? No, no, although 
The ayre of Paradife did fan the houfe, 
And Angles offic'd all : I will be gone, 
That pittifull rumour may report my flight 
To confolate thine eare. Come night, end day, 
For with the darke (poore theefe) lie fteale away. Exit. 

Flourijh. Enter the Duke of Florence, Roffillion, 
drum and trumpets ,joldiers , Parrolles. 

'Duke. The Generall of our horfe thou art, and we 
Great in our hope, lay our beft loue and credence 
Vpon thy promifing fortune, 

<Ber. Sir it is 
A charge too heauy for my ftrength, but yet 
Wee'l ftriue to beare it for your worthy fake, 
To th'extreme edge of hazard. 

Duke. Then go thou forth, 
And fortune play vpon thy profperous helme 
As thy aufpicious miftris. 

Ber. This very day 
Great Mars I put my felfe into thy file, 
Make me but like my thoughts, and I (hall proue 
A louer of thy drumme, hater of loue. Exeunt omnes 

Enter Counteffe £f Steward. 

La. Alas! and would you take the letter of her: 
Might you not know /he would do, as fhe has done, 
By fending me a Letter. Readeitagen. 

Letter. 
I am S. laques Pilgrim, thither gone : 
Ambitiow loue hath jo in me offended, 
That bare-foot plod I the cold ground 'upon 
With fainted -vow my faults to bane amended. 



Write, write, that from the Hoodie courfe of ' warre, 
My deerejl <vW 'after your deare Jonne , may hie, 
"Bleffe him at home in peace. WhilB Ifromfarre, 
His name ivith zealous feruour jancTifie : 
His taken labours bid him me forgiue : 
I his dejpightfull Iuno fent him forth, 
From Courtly friends, with Camping foes to Hue, 
Where death and danger dogges the heeles of worth. 
He is too good and faire for death, and mee, 
Whom I my fclfe embrace, to jet him free. 

Ah what fharpe flings are in her mildeft words? 
Rynaldo, you did neuer lacke aduice fo much, 
As letting her paffe fo : had I fpoke with her, 
I could haue well diuerted her intents, 
Which thus fhe hath preuented. 

Ste. Pardon me Madam, 
If I had giuen you this at ouer-night, 
She might haue beene ore-tane : and yet fhe writes 
Purfuite would be but vaine. 

La. What Angell fhall 
BlefTe this vnwovthy husband, he cannot thriue, 
Vnlefle her prayers, whom heauen delights to heare 
And loues to grant, repreeue him from the wrath 
Of greateft Iuftice. Write, write Rynaldo, 
To this vnworthy husband of his wife, 
Let euerie word waigh heauie of her worrh, 
That he does waigh too light : my greateft greefe, 
Though little he do feele it, fet downe fharpely. 
Difpatch the moft conuenient meffenger, 
When haply he fhall heare that fhe is gone, 
He will returne, and hope I may that fhee 
Hearing fo much, will fpeede her foote againe, 
Led hither by pure loue : which of them both 
Is deereft to me, I haue no skill in fence 
To make diftindlion : prouide this Meffenger : 
My heart is heauie, and mine age is weake, 
Greefe would haue teares, and forrow bids me fpeake. 

Exeunt 

A Tucket afarre off. 

Enter old Widdow of Florence, her daughter , Violent a 

and <&fariana, ivith other 

Citizens. 

Widdow. Nay come, 
For if they do approach the Citty, 
We fhall loofe all the fight. 

Diana. They fay, the French Count has done 
Moft honourable feruice. 

Wid. It is reported, 
That he has taken their great'ft Commander, 
And that with his owne hand he flew 
The Dukes brother : we haue loft our labour, 
They are gone a contrarie way: harke, 
you may know by their Trumpets. 

zTlfaria. Come lets returne againe, 
And fuffice our felues with the report of it. 
Well "Diana, take heed of this French Earle, 
The honor of a Maide is her name, 
And no Legacie is fo rich 
As honeftie. 

Widdow. I haue told my neighbour 
How you haue beene folkited by a Gentleman 
His Companion. 



All's Well that ends Well. 



243 



zMaria. I know that knaue, hang him, one Parolles, 
2l filthy Officer he is in thofe fuggeftions for the young 
Earle, beware of them Diana j their promifes, entife- 
ments, oathes, tokens, and all thefe engines of luft, are 
not the things they go vnder : many a maide hath beene 
feduced by them, and the miferie is example, that fo 
terrible fliewes in the wracke of maiden-hood, cannot 
for all that diffwade fucceflion, but that they are limed 
with the twigges that threatens them. I hope I neede 
not to aduife you further, but I hope your owne grace 
will keepe you where you are , though there were no 
further danger knowne, but the modeftie which is fo 
loft. 

Dia. You ihall not neede to feare me. 
Enter Hellen. 

Wid. I hope fo : looke here comes a pilgrim, I know 
fhe will lye at my houfe, thither they fend one another, 
He queftion her. God faue you pilgrim, whether are 
bound ? 

Hel. To S. Iaques la grand. 
Where do the Palmers lodge, I do befeech you? 

Wid. At the ^.Francis heere befide the Port. 

Hel. Is this the way? A march afarre. 

Wid. I marrie ift. Harke you, they come this way : 
If you will tarrie holy Pilgrime 
But till the troopes come by, 
I will conduct you where you mall be lodg'd, 
The rather for I thinke I know your hofteffe 
As ample as my felfe. 

Hel. Is it your felfe ? 

Wid. If you fball pleafe fo Pilgrime. 

Hel. I thanke you, and will flay vpon your leifure. 

Wid. you came I thinke from France* 
Hel. I did fo. 

Wid. Heere you fhall fee a Countriman of yours 
That has done worthy feruice. 

Hel. His name I pray you? 

Dia. The Count Rojillion : know you fuch a one? 

Hel. But by the eare that heares moft nobly of him : 
His face I know not. 

T>ia. What fomere he is 
He's brauely taken heere. He ftole from France 
As 'tis reported : for the King had married him 
Againft his liking. Thinke you it is fo ? 

Hel. I furely meere the truth, I know his Lady. 

Dia. There is a Gentleman that ferues the Count, 
Reports but courfely of her. 

Hel. What's his name? 

Dia. Monfieur Parrolles. 

Hel. Oh Ibeleeue with him, 
In argument of praife, or to the worth 
Of the great Count himfelfe, (he is too meane 
To haue her name repeated, all her deferuing 
Is a referued honeftie, a«id that 
I haue not heard examin'd. 

Dian. Alas poore Ladie, 
'Tis a hard bondage to become the wife 
Of a detefting Lord. 

Wid. I write good creature, wherefoere fhe is, 
Her hart waighes fadly : this yong maid might do her 
A fhrewd turne if fhe pleas'd. 

Hel. How do you meane ? 
May be the amorous Count folicites her 
In the vnlawfull purpofe. 

Wid. He does indeede, 
And brokes with all that can in fuch a fuite 



Corrupt the tender honour of a Maide: 

But fhe is arm'd for him, and keepes her guard 

In honefteft defence. 

Drumme and Colours. 
Enter Qount Rojfdlion, F 'ar relies , and the ■whole Armie. 

<&£ar. The goddes forbid elfe. 

Wid. So, now they come: 
That is Anthonio the Dukes eldeft fonne, 
That Ejcalus. 

Hel. Which is the Frenchman ? 

Dia. Hee, 
That with the plume, 'tis a moft gallant fellow, 
I would he lou'd his wife : if he were honefter 
He were much goodlier. Is't not a handfom Gentleman 

Hel. I like him well. 

Di.'Tis pitty he is not honeft:yonds that fame knaue 
That leades him to thefe places : were I his Ladie, 
I would poifon that vile Rafcall. 

Hel. Which is he ? 

'Dia. That Iacke an-apes with fcarfes. Why is hee 
melancholly ? 

Hel. Perchance he s hurt i'th battaile. 

Par. Loofe our drum ? Well. 

Mar. He's ftirewdly vext at fomething. Looke he 
has fpyed vs. 

Wid. Marrie hang you. 

Mar. And your curtefie, for a ring-carrier. Exit. 

Wid. The troope is paft : Come pilgrim, I wil bring 
you, Where you fhall hoft : Of inioyn'd penitents 
There's foure or fiue, to great S. Iaques bound, 
Alreadie at my houfe. 

Hel. I humbly thanke you : 
Pleafe it this Matron, and this gentle Maide 
To eate with vs to night, the charge and thanking 
Shall be for me. and to requite you further, 
I will beftow fome precepts of this Virgin, 
Worthy the note. 

'Both. Wee'l take your offer kindly. Exeunt . 

Enter Count Rojjillion and the Frenchmen, 
as atfirft. 

Cap.E. Nay good my Lord put him too't : let him 
haue his way. 

Cap.G. If your Lordfhippe finde him not a Hilding, 
hold me no more in your refpect. 

Cap.E. On my life my Lord, a bubble. 

'Ber. Do you thinke I am fo farre 
Deceiued in him. 

Cap.E. Beleeue it my Lord, in mine owne direct 
knowledge, without any malice, but to fpeake of him 
as my kinfman, hee's a moft notable Coward, an infi- 
nite and endleffe Lyar, an hourely promife-breaker,the 
owner of no one good qualitie, worthy your Lordfhips 
entertainment. 

Cap.G. It were fit you knew him, leaft repofing too 
farre in his vertue which lie hath not, he might at fome 
great and truftie bufineffe , in a maine daunger, fayle 
you. 

Ber. I would I knew in what particular action to try 
him. 

Cap. Q. None better then to let him fetch off his 
drumme, which you heare him fo confidently vnder- 
take to do. 

C.E. I with a troop of Florentines wil fodainly fur- 
X 2 prize 



244 



All's Well that ends Well. 



prize him j fuch I will haue whom I am fure he knowes 
not from the enemie : wee will binde and hoodwinke 
him fo, that he (hall fuppofe no other but that he is car- 
ried into the Leager of the aduerfaries, when we bring 
him to our owne tents : be but your Lordihip prefcnt 
at his examination, if he do not for the promife of his 
life, and in the higheft compulfion of bafe feare, offer to 
betray you, and deliuer all the intelligence in his power 
againft you, and that with the diuine forfeite of his 
foule vpon oath, neuer truft my iudgement in anie 
thing. 

Cap.G. O for the loue of laughter, let him fetch his 
drumrne, he fayes he has a ftratagem for't : when your 
Lordihip fees the bottome of this fucceffe in't, and to 
what mettle this counterfeyt lump of ours will be mel- 
ted if you giue him not Iohn drummes entertainement, 
your inclining cannot be remoued. Heere he comes. 

Enter Parrolles. 

Cap.E. O for the loue of laughter hinder not the ho- 
nor of his defigne, let him fetch off his drumme in any 
hand. 

Ber. How now Monfieur?This drumme flicks fore- 
ly in your difpofition. 

Cap.G. A pox on't, let it go, 'tis but a drumme. 

Par. But a drumme : Ift but a drumme ? A drum fo 
loft. There was excellent command, to charge in with 
our horfe vpon our owne wings, and to rend our owne 
fouldiers. 

Cap.G. That was not to be blam'd in the command 
of the feruice : it was a difafter of warre that Cajar him 
felfe could not haue preuented, if he had beene there to 
command. 

Ber. Well, wee cannot greatly condemne our fuc- 
ceffe : fome difhonor wee had in the loffe of that drum, 
but it is not to be recouered. 

Par, It might haue beene recouered. 

Ber. It might, but it is not now. 

Par. It is to be recouered, but that the merit of fer- 
uice is fildome attributed to the true and exadt perfor- 
mer, I would haue that drumme or another, or hie ia- 
eet. 

Ber. Why if you haue a ftomacke, too't Monfieur : if 
you thinke your myfterie in ftratagem, can bring this 
inftrument of honour againe into his natiue quarter, be 
magnanimious in theenterprize and go on, I wil grace 
the attempt for a worthy exploit : if you fpeede well in 
it, the Duke mill both fpeake of it, and extend to you 
what further becomes his greatneffe, euen to the vtmoft 
fyllable of your worthineffe. 

Par. By the hand of a fouldier I will vndertake it. 

Ber. But you muft not now (lumber in it. 

Par. He about it this euening, and I will prefently 
pen downe my dilemma's, encourage my felfe in my 
certaintie, put my felfe into my mortall preparation : 
and by midnight looke to heare further from me. 

"Ber. May I bee bold to acquaint his grace you are 
gone about it. 

Par. I know not what the fucceffe wil be my Lord, 
but the attempt I vow. 

Ber. I know th'art valiant, 
And to the pofsibility of thy fouldierihip, 
Will fubferibe for thee : Farewell. 

Par. I loue not many words. Exit 

Cap.S. No more then a fifh loues water. Is not this 



a ftra'nge fellow my Lord, that fo confidently feemes to 
vndertake this bufineffe, which he knowes is not to be 
done, damnes himfelfe to do, & dares better be damnd 
then to doo't. 

Cap.G. You do not know him my Lord as we doe, 
certaine it is that he will fteale himfelfe into a mans fa- 
uour, and for a weeke efcape a great deale of difcoue- 
ries, but when you finde him out, you haue him euer af- 
ter. 

'Ber. Why do you thinke he will make no deede at 
all of this that fo feriouflie hee dooes addreffe himfelfe 
vnto? 

Cap.E. None in the world, but returne with an in- 
uention, and clap vpon you two or three probable lies : 
but we haue almoft imboft him, you (hall fee his fall to 
night; for indeede he is not for your Lordfhippes re- 
fpedt. 

Cap.G. Weele make you fome fport with the Foxe 
ere we cafe him. He was firft fmoak'd by the old Lord 
Lafeiv, when his difguife and he is parted, tell me what 
a iprat you (hall finde him, which you (hall fee this ve- 
rie night. 

Cap.S. I muft go looke my twigges, 
He (hall be caught. 

Ber. Your brother he (hall go along with me. 

Qap.G. As't pleafe your Lordihip, He leaue you. 

Ber. Now wil I lead you to the houfe,and (hew you 
The Laffe I fpoke of. 

Cap.S. But you fay (he's honeft. 

'Ber. That's all the fault : I fpoke with hir but once, 
And found her wondrous cold, but I fent to her 
By this fame Coxcombe that we haue i'th winde 
Tokens and Letters, which (he did refend, 
And this is all I haue done : She's a faire creature, 
Will you go fee her ? 

Cap.E. With all my heart my Lord. Exeunt 

Enter Hellen ,and Widdoiv. 

Hel. If you mifdoubt me that I am not (hee, 
I know not how I (hail affure you further, 
But I (hall loofe the grounds I worke vpon. 

JVid. Though my eftate be falne,I was well borne, 
Nothing acquainted with thefe bufineffes, 
And would not put my reputation now 
In any ftaining aft. 

Hel. Nor would I wi(h you. 
Firft giue me truft, the Count he is my husband, 
And what to your fworne counfaile I haue fpoken, 
Is fo from word to word : and then you cannot 
By the good ayde that I of you fhall borrow, 
Erre in beftowing it. 

Wid. I mould beleeue you, 
For you haue (hew'd me that which well approues 
Y'are great in fortune. 

Hel. Take this purfe of Gold, 
And let me buy your friendly helpe thus farre, 
Which I will ouer-pay, and pay againe 
When 1 haue found it. The Count he woes your 

daughter, 
Layes downe his wanton fiedge before her beautie, 
Refolue to carrie her : let her in fine confent 
As wee'l direcT: her how 'tis belt to beare it: 
Now his important blood will naught denie, 
That fhee'l demand : a ring the Countie weares, 
That downward hath fucceeded in his houfe 



v£Ws Well, that Ends Well. 



245 



From fonne to fonne, fome foure or fiue difcents, 
Since the firft father wore it. This Ring he holds 
In moft rich choice : yet in his idle fire, 
To buy his will, it would not feeme too deere, 
How ere repented after. 

Wid. Now I fee the bottome of your purpofe. 

He I. You fee it lawfull then, it is no more, 
But that your daughter ere fhe feemes as wonne, 
Delires this Ring ; appoints him an encounter; 
In fine, deliuers me to fill the time, 
Her felfe moft chaftly abfent: after 
To marry her, lie adde three thouiand Crownes 
To what is paft already. 

Wid. I haue yeelded : 
Inftruft my daughter how me mall perfeuer, 
That time and place with this deceite fo lawfull 
May proue coherent. Euery night he eomes 
With Mufickes of all forts, and fnngs compos'd 
To her vnworthinefTe : It nothing fteeds vs 
To chide him from our eeues, for he periifts 
As if his life lay on't. 

Htl. Why then to night 
Let vs aflay our plot, which if it fpeed, 
Is wicked meaning in a lawfull deede ; 
And lawfull meaning in a lawfull aft, 
Where both not finne, and yet a finfull fadt. 
But let's about it. 



tASlus Quartus. 



Enter one of the Frenchmen, tuith fiu 
fouldiers in ambujh. 



-fixe other 



I. Lord E.He can come no other way but by this hedge 
corner : when you fallie vpon him, fpeake what terrible 
Language you will : though you vnderftand it not your 
felues, no matter : for we muft not feeme to vnderftand 
him, vnlefle fome one among vs, whom wee muft pro- 
duce for an Interpreter. 

I.Sol. Good Captaiue, let me be th'Interpreter. 

Lor.E. Art not acquainted with him? knowes he not 
thy voice ? 

I.Sol. No fir I warrant you. 

Lo.E. But what linfie wolfy haft thou to fpeake to vs 
againe. 

J.Sol. E'n fuch as you fpeake to me. 

Lo.E. He muft thinke vs fome band of ftrangers, i'th 
aduerfaries entertainment. Now he hath a fmacke of all 
neighbouring Languages ; therefore we muft euery one 
be a man of his owne fancie, not to know what we fpeak 
one to another: fo we feeme to know, is to know ftraight 
our purpofe : Choughs language, gabble enough, and 
good enough. As for you interpreter, you muft feeme 
very politicke. But couch hoa, heere hee comes, to be- 
guile two houres in a fleepe,and then to returne & fwear 
the lies he forges . 

Enter Parrolles. 
Par. Ten a clocke : Within thefe three houres 'twill 
be time enough to goe home. What fhall I fay I haue 
done ? It muft bee a very plaufiue inuention that carries 
it. They beginne to fmoake mee, and difgraces haue of 
late, knock'd too often at my doore : I finde my tongue 
is too foole-hardie, but my heart hath the feare of Mars 



before it, and of his creatures, not daring the reports of 
my tongue. 

Lo.E. This is the firft truth that ere thine own tongue 
was guiltie of. 

Par. What the diuell fhould moue mee to rndertake 
the recouerie of this drumme, being not ignorant of the 
impoffibility, and knowing I had no fuch purpofe? I 
muft giue my felfe fome hurts, and fay I got them in ex- 
ploit : yet flight ones will not carrie it. They will fay, 
came you off with fo litcle ? And great ones I dare not 
giue, wherefore what's the inftance. Tongue, I muft put 
you into a Butter-womans mouth, and buy my felfe ano- 
ther of 'Baiazeths Mule, if you prattle mee into thefe 
perilles. 

Lo.E. Is it pofiible he fhould know what hee is, and 
be that he is. 

Par. I would the cutting of my garments wold ferue 
the turne, or the breaking of my Spanifh fword. 

Lo.E. We cannot affbord you fo. 

Par. Or the baring of my beard, and to fay it was in 
ftratagem. 

Lo.E. 'T would not do. 

Par. Or to drowne my cloathes, and fay I was ftript. 

Lo.E. Hardly ferue. 

Par. Though I fwore I leapt from the window of the 
Citadeil. 

Lo.E. How deepef 

Par. Thirty fadome. 

Lo.E. Three great oathes would fcarfe make that be 
beleeued. 

Par. I would I had any drumme of the enemies, I 
would fweare I recouer'd it. 

Lo.E. You fhall heare one anon. 

Par. A drumme now of the enemies. 

Alarum ivithin. 

Lo E. Throca movoufus, cargo, cargo, cargo. 

All. Cargo, cargo, cargo, •villianda par corbo, cargo. 

Par. O ranfome, ranfome, 
Do not hide mine eyes. 

Inter. Boskos thromuldo bosios. 

Par. I know you are the Muskos Regiment, 
And I fhall loofe my life for want of language. 
If there be heere German or Dane, Low Dutch, 
Italian, or French, let him fpeake to me, 
He difcouer that, which fhal vndo the Florentine, 

Int. Boskos vawvado, I vnderftand thee, .& can fpeake 
thy tongue : Kerelybonto fir, betake thee to thy faith, for 
feuenteene ponyards are at thy bofome. 

Par. Oh. 

Inter. Oh pray, pray, pray, 
cjllanka reuania dulche. 

Lo.E. Ofcorbidulchos ■voliuorco. 

Int. The Generall is content to fpare thee yet, 
And hoodwinkt as thou art, will leade thee on 
To gather from thee. Haply thou mayft informe 
Something to faue thy life. 

Par. O let me liue, 
And all the fecrets of our campe He fhew, 
Their force, their purpofes : Nay, lie fpeake that, 
Which you will wonder at. 

Inter. But wilt thou faithfully? 

Par. If I do not, damne me. 

Inter. Acordo linta. 
Come on, thou are granted fpace. Exit 

zAjhort Alarum ivitbin. 

X 3 Lo. E. 



246 



All's Well that ends Well. 



L.E. Go tell the Count RoJJillion and my brother, 
We haue caught the woodcocke, and will keepe him 
Till we do heare from them. (mufled 

Sol. Captaine I will. 

L.E. A will betray vs all vnto our felues, 
Informe on that. 

Sol. So I will fir. 

L.E. Till then lie keepe him darke and fafely lockt. 

Exit 
Enter Bertram, and the Maide called 
Diana. 

Ber. They told me that your name was Fontybell. 

Dia. No my good Lord, Diana. 

Ber. Titled Goddeffe, 
And worth it with addition : but faire foule, 
In your fine frame hath loue no qualitie? 
If the quicke fire of youth light not your minde, 
You are no Maiden but a monument 
When you are dead you ihould be fuch a one 
As you are now : for you are cold and fterne, 
And now you ihould be as your mother was 
When your fweet felfe was got. 

Dia. She then was honeft. 

Ber. So fhould you be. 

Via. No : 
My mother did but dutie, fuch(my Lord) 
As you owe to your wife, 

Ber. No more a'that : 
I prethee do not ftriue againft my vowes : 
I was compell'd to her, but I loue thee 
By loues owne fweet conftraint, and will for euer 
Do thee all rights of feruice. 

1>ia. I fo you ferue vs 
Till we ferue you : But when you haue 
You barely leaue our thornes to pricke 
And mocke vs with our bareneffe. 

Ber. How haue I fworne. 

Dia. Tis not the many oathes that m; 
But the plaine fingle vow, that is vow'd 
What is not holie, that we fweare not by, 
But take the high'ft to witneffe : then pray you tell me. 
If I ihould fweare by loues great attributes, 
I lou'd you deerely, would you beleeue my oathes, 
When I did loue you ill ? This ha's no holding 
To fweare by him whom I proteft to loue 
That I will worke againft him. Therefore your oathes 
Are words and poore conditions, but vnfeal'd 
At left in my opinion. 

'Ber. Change it, change it : 
Be not fo holy cruell : Loue is holie, 
And my integritie ne're knew the crafts 
That you do charge men with : Stand no more off", 
But giue thy felfe vnto my ficke defires, 
Who then recouers. Say thou art mine, and euer 
My loue as itbeginnes, ftiall fo perfeuer. 

Dia.l fee that men make rope's in fuch a fcarre, 
That wee'l forfake our felues. Giue me that Ring. 

'Ber. He lend it thee my deere; but haue no power 
To giue it from me. 

Dia. Will you not my Lord f 

Ber. It is an honour longing to our houfe, 
Bequeathed downe from manie Anceftors, 
Which were the greateft obloquie i'th world, 
In me to loofe. 

Dian. Mine Honors fuch a Ring, 
My chaftities the Iewell of our houfe, 



r Rofes, 
felues, 



ikes the truth, 



Bequeathed downe from many Anceftors, 
Which were the greateft obloquie i'th world, 
In mee to loofe. Thus your owne proper wifedome 
Brings in the Champion honor on my part, 
Againft your vaine affault. 

Ber. Heere, take my Ring, 
My houfe, mine honor, yea my life be thine, 
And He be bid by thee. 

Dia. When midnight comes, knocke at my cham- 
ber window : 
He order take, my mother ihall not heare. 
Now will I charge you in the band of truth, 
When you haue conquer'd my yet maiden-bed, 
Remaine there but an houre, nor fpeake to mee : 
My reafons are moft ftrong, and you ihall know them, 
When backe againe this Ring ihall be deliuer'd : 
And on your finger in the night, He put 
Another Ring, that what in time proceeds, 
May token to the future, our paft deeds. 
Adieu till then, then faile not : you haue wonne 
A wife of me, though there my hope be done. 

'Ber. Pi. heauen on earth I haue won by wooing thee. 

T>i.¥oT which, liue long to thank both heauen & me, 
You may lo in the end. 
My mother told me iuft how he would woo, 
As if ihe fate in's heart. She fayes, all men 
Haue the like oathes : He had fworne to marrie me 
When his wife's dead : therfore He lye with him 
When I am buried. Since Frenchmen are fo braide, 
Marry that will, I liue and die a Maid : 
Onely in this difguife, I think't no finne, 
To cofen him that would vniuftly winne. Exit 

Enter the two French Captaines, andfome tivo or three 
Souldiours. 

Cap.G,. You haue not giuen him his mothers letter. 

CapS. I haue deliu'red it an houre fince, there is fom 
thing in't that flings his nature : for on the reading it, 
he chang'd almoft into another man. 

Cap.G. He has much worthy blame laid vpon him, 
for (haking off fo good a wife, and fo fweet a Lady. 

Cap.E. Efpecially, hee hath incurred the euerlafting 
difpleafure of the King, who had euen tun'd his bounty 
to fing happineffe to him. I will tell you a thing, but 
you fhall let it dwell darkly with you. 

Cap.G. When you haue fpoken it 'tis dead, and I am 
the graue of it. 

Cap.B. Hee hath peruerted a young Gentlewoman 
heere in Florence, of a moft chafte renown, & this night 
he flelhes his will in the fpoyle of her honour: hee hath 
giuen her his monumentall Ring, and thinkes himfelfe 
made in the vnchafte compofition. 

Cap.G. Now God delay our rebellion as we are our 
felues, what things are we. 

Cap.E. Meerely our owne traitours . And as in the 
common courfe of all treafons, we ftill fee them reueale 
themfelues, till they attaine to their abhorr'd ends : fo 
he that in this a&ion contriues againft his owne Nobi- 
lity in his proper ftreame, ore-flow^s himfelfe. 

Cap.G. Is it not meant damnable in vs, to be Trum- 
peters of our vnlawfull intentsPWe mail not then haue 
his company to night? 

Cap.E. Not till after midnight : for hee is dieted to 
his houre. 

Cap.G.That approaches apace : I would gladly hau e 
him fee his company anathomiz'd, that hee might take 






All's Well that ends Well 



247 



a meafurc of his owne iudgements, wherein fo curioufly 
he had fet this counterfeit. 

Cap.E. We will not meddle with him till he come ; 
for his prefence muft be the whip of the other. 

Cap.G. In the meane time, what heare you of thefe 
Warres ? 

Caf.E. I heare there is an ouerture of peace. 

Cap.G. Nay,l aflure you a peace concluded. 

Cap.E. What will Count Roffillion do then ? Will he 
trauaile higher, or returne againe into France? 

Cap.G. I perceiue by this demand, you are not alto- 
gether of his councell. 

Cap.E. Let it be forbid fir, fo fhould I bee a great 
deale of his ad:. 

Cap.G. Sir, his wife fome two months fince fledde 
from his houfe, her pretence is a pilgrimage to Saint Ia- 
ques le grand; which holy vndertaking, with moft au- 
ftere fanclimonie fhe accomplifht : and there refiding, 
the tenderneffe of her Nature, became as a prey to her 
greefe : in fine, made a groane of her laft breath, & now 
ihe lings in heauen. 

Cap.E. How is this iuftified ? 

Cap.G. The ftronger part of it by her owne Letters, 
which makes her ftorie true, euen to the poynt of her 
death : her death it felfe, which could not be her office 
to fay, is come : was faithfully confirm'd by the Rector 
of the place. 

Cap.E. Hath the Count all this intelligence ? 

Cap.G. I, and the particular confirmations, point 
from point, to the full arming of the veritie. 

Cap.E. I am heartily forrie that hee'l bee gladde of 
this. 

Cap.G. How mightily fometimes, we make vs com- 
forts of our loffes. 

Cap.E. And how mightily fome other times, wee 
drowne our gaine in teares, the great dignitie that his 
valour hath here acquir'd for him, fhall at home be en- 
countred with a fhame as ample. 

Cap.G. The webbe of our life, is of a mingled yarne, 
good and ill together : our vertues would bee proud, if 
our faults whipt them not, and our crimes would dif- 
paire if they were not cherifh'd by our vertues. 

Enter a Mcjfenger. 
How now? Where's your mafter ? 

Ser. He met the Duke in the ftreet fir, of whom hee 
hath taken a folemne leaue : his Lordfhippe will next 
morning for France . The Duke hath offered him Let- 
ters of commendations to the King. 

Cap.E. They mall bee no more then needfull .there , 
if they were more then they can commend. 

Snter Count Rofliltion. 

'Ber. They cannot be too fweete for the Kings tart- 
neffe, heere's his Lordfhip now. How now my Lord, 
i'ft not after midnight? 

Ber. I haue to night difpatch'd fixteene bufineffes, a 
moneths length a peece, by an abftracT: of fucceffe : I 
haue congied with the Duke, done my adieu with his 
neereft; buried a wife, mourn'd for her, writ to my La- 
die mother, I am returning, entertain'd my Conuoy, & 
betweene thefe maine parcels of difpatch, affected ma- 
ny nicer needs : the laft was the greateft,but that I haue 
not ended yet. 

Cap.E. If the bufineffe bee of any difficulty, and this 
morning your departure hence, it requires haft of your 



Lord/hip. 

Ber. I meane the bufineffe is not ended, as fearing 
to heare of it hereafter : but fhall we haue this dialogue 
betweene the Foole and the Soldiour. Come, bring 
forth this counterfet module, has deceiu'd mee, like a 
double-meaning Prophefier. 

Cap.E. Bring him forth, ha's fate i'th ftockes all night 
poore gallant knaue. 

Ber. No matter, his heeles haue deferu'd it, in vfuf- 
ping his fpurres fo long. How does he carry himfelfe ? 

Cap.E. I haue told your Lordfhip alreadie : The 
ftockes carrie him. But to anfwer you as you would be 
vnderftood, hee weepes like a wench that had fhed her 
milke, he hath confeft himfelfe to Morgan, whom hee 
fuppofes to be a Friar, fro the time of his remembrance 
to this very inftant difafter of his fetting i'th ftockes : 
and what thinke you he hath confeft ? 

'Ber. Nothing of me, ha's a? 

Cap.E. His confeffion is taken, and it fhall bee read 
to his face, if your Lordfhippe be in't, as I beleeue you 
are, you muft haue the patience to heare it. 

Enter Parolles ivith his Interpreter. 

'Ber. A plague vpon him,muffeld;he can fay nothing 
of me : hufh,hufh. 

Cap.G. Hoodman comes : PortotartaroJJd. 

Inter. He calles for the tortures, what will you fay 
without em. 

Bar. I will confeffe what I know without conftraint, 
If ye pinch me like a Pafty, I can fay no more. 

Int. Bosko Cbimurcho. 

Cap. Boblibindo chicurmurco. 

Int. You are a mercifull Generall : Our Generall 
bids you anfwer to what I fhall aske you out of a Note. 

Par. And truly, as I hope to liue. 

Tnf.Firft demand of him, how many horfe the Duke 
is ftrong. What fay you to that ? 

Par. Fiue or fixe thoufand, but very weake and vn- 
feruiceable : the troopes are all fcattered,and the Com- 
manders verie poore rogues, vpon my reputation and 
credit, and as I hope to liue. 

Int. Shall I fet downe your anfwer fo ? 

Par. Do, He take the Sacrament on't,how & which 
way you will : all's one to him. 

•Ber. What a paft-fauing fiaue is this ? 

Cap.G. Y'are deceiu'd my Lord, this is Mounfieur 
ParroHes the gallant militariit, that was his owne phrafe 
that had the whole theoricke of warre in the knot of his 
fcarfe, and the praclife in the chape of his dagger. 

Cap.E. I will neuer truft a man againe, for keeping 
his fword cleane, nor beleeue he can haue euerie thing 
in him, by wearing his apparrell neatly. 

Int. Well, that's fet downe. 

Par. Fiue or fix thoufand horfe I fed, I will fay true, 
or thereabouts fet downe, for He fpeake truth. 

Cap.G. He's very neere the truth in this. 

Ber. But I con him no thankes for't in the nature he 
deliuers it. 

Par. Poore rogues, I pray you fay. 

Int. Well, that's fet downe. 

Par. I humbly thanke you fir, a truth's a truth, the 
Rogues are maruailous poore. 

Interp. Demaund of him of what ftrength they are a 
foot. What fay you to that ? 

Par. By my troth fir, if I were to liue this prefent 
houre, I will tell true. Let me fee, Spuria a hundred & 

fiftie, 



2 4 8 



All's Well that ends Well. 



fiftie, Sebafilan fo many, Corambui fo many, Iaques fo 
many : Guiltian, Qofmo, Lodoiuicke, and Gratij, two hun- 
dred fiftie each : Mine owne Company, Cbitopher, Vau- 
mond, 'Bentij, two hundred fiftie each : fo that the muter 
file, rotten and found, vppon my life amounts not to fif- 
teene thoufand pole, halfe of the which, dare not fhake 
the fnow from off their CafTockes, leaft they fhake them- 
felues to peeces. 

'Ber. What fhall be done to him ? 

Cap.G. Nothing, but let him haue thankes. Demand 
of him my condition : and what credite I haue with the 
Duke. 

Int. Well that's fet downe : you fhall demaund of 
him, whether one Captaine Dumaine bee i'th Campe, a 
Frenchman : what his reputation is with the Duke, what 
his valour, honeftie, and expertneffe in warres : or whe- 
ther he thinkes it were not poflible with well-waighing 
fummes of gold to corrupt him to a reuolt.What fay you 
to this? What do you know of it ? 

Par. I befeech you let me anfwer to the particular of 
the intergatories. Demand them fingly. 

Int. Do you know this Captaine 'Dumaine ? 

Par. I know him, a was a Botchers Prentize in Paris, 
from whence he was whipt for getting the Shrieues fool 
with childe, a dumbe innocent that could not fay him 
nay. 

"Ber. Nay, by your leaue hold your hands, though I 
know his braines are forfeite to the next tile that fals. 

Int. Well, is this Captaine in the Duke of Florences 
campe ? 

Par. Vpon my knowledge he is, and lowfie. 

Cay.G. Nay looke not fo vpon me : we fhall heare of 
your Lord anon. 

Int. What is his reputation with the Duke ? 

Par. The Duke knowes him for no other, but a poore 
Officer of mine, and writ to mee this other day, to turne 
him out a'th band. I thinke I haue his Letter in my poc- 
ket. 

Int. Marry we'll fearch. 

Par.In good fadneffe I do not know, either it is there, 
or it is vpon a file with the Dukes other Letters, in my 
Tent. 

Int. Heere 'tis, heere's a paper, fhall I reade it to you? 

Par. I do not know if it be it or no. 

Ber. Our Interpreter do's it well. 

Cap.G. Excellently. 

Int. Dian,the Counts a foole,and full of gold. 

Par. That is not the Dukes letter fir : that is an ad- 
uertifement to a proper maide in Florence, one Diana, to 
take heede of the allurement of one Count Roffillion , a 
foolifh idle boy : but for all that very ruttifh. i pray you 
fir put it vp againe. 

Int. Nay, He reade it firft by your fauour. 

Par. My meaning in't I proteft was very honeft in the 
behalfe of the maid : for I knew the young Count to be a 
dangerous and lafciuious boy, who is a whale to Virgi- 
nity, and deuours vp all the fry it finds. 

'Ber. Damnable both-fides rogue. 

Int. Let. When he fweares oathes,bid him drop gold, and 
take it : 
After he f cores, he neuer payes the f core : 
Halfe ivon is match ivell made, match and tuell make it, 
He nere payes after-debts, take it before, 
And fay a fouldier (Dian) told thee this : 
Men are to mell -with, boyes are not to kis . 



For count of this, the Counts a Foole I know it, 
Who payes before, but not -when he does owe it. 

Thine as he vow'd to thee in thine eare, 
Parolles. 

'Ber. He fhall be whipt through the Armie with this 
rime in's forehead. 

Cap.E. This is your deuoted friend fir, the manifold 
Linguift, and the army-potent fouldier. 

Ber. I could endure any thing before but a Cat, and 
now he's a Cat to me. 

Int. I perceiue fir by your Generals lookes, wee fhall 
be faine to hang you. 

Par. My life fir in any cafe : Not that I am afraide to 
dye, but that my offences beeing many, I would repent 
out the remainder of Nature. Let me Hue fir in a dunge- 
on, i'th ftockes, or any where, fo I may liue. 

Int. Wee'le fee what may bee done , fo you confefTe 
freely : therefore once more to this Captaine Dumaine : 
you haue anfwer'd to his reputation with the Duke, and 
to his valour. What is his honeftie ? 

Par. He will fteale fir an Egge out of a Cloifter : for 
rapes and rauifhments he paralels Neffus. Hee profeffes 
not keeping of oaths, in breaking em he is ftronger then 
Hercules. He will lye fir, with fuch volubilitie, that you 
would thinke truth were a foole : drunkenneffe is his beft 
vertue, for he will be fwine-drunke, and in his fleepe he 
does little harme , faue to his bed-cloathes about him : 
but they know his conditions, and lay him in ftraw. I 
haue but little more to fay fir of his honefty, he ha's eue- 
rie thing that an honeft man fhould not haue; what an 
honeft man fhould haue, he has nothing. 

Cap.G. I begin to loue him for this. 

Ber. For this defcription of thine honeftie ? A pox 
vpon him for me, he's more and more a Cat. 

Int. What fay you to his expertneffe in warre ? 

Par. Faith fir, ha's led the drumme before the Eng- 
lifh Tragedians : to belye him I will not, and more of his 
fouldierfhip I know not, except in that Country, he had 
the honour to be the Officer at a place there called Mile- 
end, to inftruftfor the doubling of files. I would doe the 
man what honour I can, but of this I am not certaine. . 

Cap.G. He hath out-villain'd villanie fo farre,that the 
raritie redeemes him. 

'Ber. A pox on him, he's a Cat (till. 

Int. His qualities being at this poore price, I neede 
not to aske you, if Gold will corrupt him to reuolt. 

Par. Sir, for a Cardceue he will fell the fee-fimple of 
his faluation, the inheritance of it, and cut th'intaile from 
all remainders, and a perpetuall fuccefsion for it perpe- 
tually. 

Int. What's his Brother, the other Captain 'Dumain ? 

CapS. Why do's he aske him of me ? 

Int. What's he ? 

Par. E'ne a Crow a'th fame neft : not altogether fo 
great as the firft in goodnefie, but greater a great deale in 
euill. He excels his Brother for a coward, yet his Brother 
is reputed one of the beft that is. In a retreate hee out- 
runnes any Lackey; marrie in comming on, hee ha's the 
Crampe. 

Int. If your life be faued,will you vndertake to betray 
the Florentine. 

Par. I, and the Captaine of his horfe, Count Roffillion.^ 

Int. He whifper with the Generall, and knowe his 
pleafure. 

Par. He no more drumming, a plague of all drummes, 
onely to feeme to deferue well, and to beguile the fuppo- 

fition 

248 



bill's Welhthat Ends Well. 



25 1 



fition of that lafciuious yong boy the Count, haue I run 
into this danger : yet who would haue fufpedted an am- 
bufh where I was taken ? 

Int. There is no remedy fir, but you muft dye : the 
Generall fayes, you that haue fo traitoroufly diicouerd 
the fecrets of your army, and made fuch peftifferous re- 
ports of men very nobly held, can ferue the world for 
no honeft vfe : therefore you muft dye. Come headef- 
man, off with his head. 

Par. O Lord fir let me liue, or let me fee my death. 

Int. That mall you, and take your leaue of all your 
friends : 
So, looke about you, know you any heere ? 

Count. Good morrow noble Captaine. 

Lo.E. God blefle you Captaine Parolles. 

Cap.G. God faue you noble Captaine. 

Lo.E. Captain, what greeting will you to my Lord 
Lafew? I am for France. 

Cap.G. Good Captaine will you giue me a Copy of 
the fonnet you writ to Diana in behalfe of the Count 
RoJJillion, and I were not a verie Coward, I'de compell 
it of you, but far you well. Exeunt. 

Int. You are vndone Captaine all but your fcarfe, 
that has a knot on't yet. 

Par. Who cannot be crufh'd with a plot ? 

Inter. If you could finde out a Countrie where but 
women were that had receiued fo much (lame , you 
might begin an impudent Nation. Fare yee well fir, I 
am for France too, we fhall fpeake of you there. Exit 

Par. Yet am I thankfull : if my heart were great 
'T would burft at this : Captaine lie be no more, 
But I will eate, and drinke, and ileepe as foft 
As Captaine mail. Simply the thing I am 
Shall make me liue : who knowes himfelfe a braggart 
Let him feare this ; for it will come to paffe, 
That euery braggart mail be found an Affe. 
Ruft fword, coole blufhes, and Parrolks liue 
Safeft in dame : being fool'd, by fool'rie thriue; 
There's place and meanes for euery man aliue. 
He after them. Sxit. 

Enter Hellen, Widdoiu,and Diana. 

Hel. That you may well perceiue I haue not 
wrong'd you, 
One of the greateft in the Chriftian world 
Shall be my furetie : for whofe throne 'tis needfull 
Ere I can perfect mine intents, to kneele. 
Time was, I did him a defired office 
Deere almoft as his life, which gratitude 
Through flintie Tartars bofome would peepe forth, 
And anfwer thankes. I duly am inform'd, 
His grace is at Marcdltz, to which place 
We haue conuenient conuoy : you muft know 
I am fuppofed dead, the Army breaking, 
My husband hies him home, where heauen ayding, 
And by the leaue of my good Lord the King, 
Wee'l be before our welcome. 

Wid. Gentle Madam, 
You neuer had a feruant to whofe truft 
Your bufines was more welcome. 

Hel. Nor your Miftris 
Euer a friend, whofe thoughts more truly labour 
To recompence your loue : Doubt not but heauen 
Hath brought me vp to be your daughters dower, 
As it hath fated her to be my motiue 



And helper to a husband. But O ftrange men, 
That can fuch fweet vfe make of what they hate, 
When fawcie trufting of the cofin'd thoughts 
Defiles the pitchy night, fo luft doth play 
With what it loathes, for that which is away, 
But more of this heereafter : you 'Diana, 
Vnder my poore inftru&ions yet muft fuffer 
Something in my behalfe. 

Dia. Let death and honeftie 
Go with your impofitions, I am yours 
Vpon your will to fuffer. 

Hel. Yet I pray you : 
But with the word the time will bring on fummer, 
When Briars fhall haue leaues as well as thornes, 
And be as fweet as fharpe : we muft away, 
Our Wagon is prepar'd, and time reuiues vs, 
All's well that ends well, ftill the fines the Crowne ; 
What ere the courfe, the end is the renowne. Exeunt 

Enter Cloivne, old Lady, and La jew. 

Laf. No, no, no, your fonne was milled with a fnipt 
taffata fellow there, whofe villanous faffron wold haue 
made all the vnbak'd and dowy youth of a nation in his 
colour : your daughter-in-law had beene aliue at this 
houre, and your fonne heere at home, more aduanc d 
by the King, then by that red-tail'd humble Bee I fpeak 
of. 

La. I would I had not knowne him, it was the death 
of the moft vertuous gentlewoman , that euer Nature 
had praife for creating. If Ihe had pertaken of my flefh 
and coft mee the deereft groanes of a mother, I could 
not haue owed her a more rooted loue. 

Laf. Twas a good Lady, 'twas a good Lady. Wee 
may picke a thoufand fallets ere wee light on fuch ano- 
ther hearbe. 

Clo. Indeed fir ihe was the fweete Margerom of the 
fallet, or rather the hearbe of grace. 

Laf. They are not hearbes you knaue,they are nofe- 
hearbes. 

Clowne. I am no great Nabucbadnezar fir, I haue not 
much skill in grace. 

Laf. Whether doeft thou profeffe thy felfe, a knaue 
or a foole? 

Clo. A foole fir at a womans feruice, and a knaue at a 
mans. 

Laf. Your diftindtion. 

Clo. I would coufen the man of his wife, and do his 
feruice. 

Laf. So you were a knaue at his feruice indeed. 

Clo. And I would giue his wife my bauble fir to doe 
her feruice. 

Laf. I will fubfcribe for thee, thou art both knaue 
and foole. 

Clo. At your feruice. 

Laf. No, no, no. 

Clo. Why fir, if I cannot ferue you, I can ferue as 
great a prince as you are. 

Laf. Whofe that, a Frenchman? 

Clo. Faith fir a has an Englifh maine, but his fifno- 
mie is more hotter in France then there. 

Laf. What prince is that? 

Clo. The blacke prince fir, alias the prince of darke- 
neffe, alias the diuell. 

Z.a/.Hold thee there's my purfe, I giue thee not this 
to fuggeft thee from thy matter thou talk'ft off, ferue 
him ftill. 

CI oiv 



2 5 2 



AW sWellthat ends Well. 



Clo. I am a woodland fellow fir, that alwaies loued 
a great fire, and the mafter I fpeak of euer keeps a good 
fire, but fure he is the Prince of the world, let his No- 
bilitie remaine in's Court. I am for the houfe with the 
narrow gate, which I take to be too little for pompe to 
enter : fome that humble themfelues may, but the ma- 
nie will be too chill and tender, and theyle bee for the 
flowrie way that leads to the broad gate, and the great 
fire. 

Laf. Go thy waies, I begin to bee a wearie of thee, 
and I tell thee fo before, becaufe I would not fall out 
with thee. Go thy wayes, let my horfes be wel iook'd 
too, without any trickes. 

Clo. If I put any trickes vpon em fir, they fhall bee 
lades trickes, which are their owne right by the law of 
Nature. exit 

Laf. A fhrewd knaue and an vnhappie. 
Lady. So a is. My Lord that's gone made himfelfe 
much fport out of him, by his authoritie hee remaines 
heere, which he thinkes is a pattent for his fawcineffe, 
and indeede he has no pace, but runnes where he will. 

Laf. I like him well, 'tis not amiffe:and I was about 
to tell you, fince I heard of the good Ladies death, and 
that my Lord your fonne was vpon his returne home. I 
moued the King my mafter to fpeake in the behalfe of 
my daughter, which in the minoritie of them both, his 
Maieftie out of a felfe-gracious remembrance did firft 
propol'e, his HighnefTe hath promis'd me to doe it, and 
to ftoppe vp the difpleafure he hath concerned againft 
your fonne, there is no fitter matter. How do's your 
Ladyfhip like it? 

La. With verie much content my Lord, and I wifh 
it happily effe&ed. 

Laf. His Highneffe comes poft from Mareellus,of as 
able bodie as when he number'd thirty, a will be heere 
to morrow, or I am deceiu'di by him that in fuch intel- 
ligence hath feldome fail'd. 

La. Ir reioyces me, that I hope I fhall fee him ere I 
die. I haue letters that my fonne will be heere to night: 
I fhall befeech your Lordfhip to remaine with mee, till 
they meete together. 

Laf. Madam, I was thinking with what manners I 
might fafely be admitted. 

Lad. You neede but pleade your honourable priui- 
ledge. 

Laf. Ladie, of that I haue made a bold charter, but 
I thanke my God, it holds yet. 

Enter Cloivne. 

Clo. O Madam, yonders my Lord your fonne with 
a patch of veluet on's face, whether there bee a fear vn- 
der't or no, the Veluet knowes, but 'tis a goodly patch 
of Veluet, his left cheeke is a cheeke of two pile and a 
halfe, but his right cheeke is worne bare. 

Laf. A fcarre nobly got, 
Or a noble fcarre, is a good liu'rie of honor, 
So belike is that. 

Clo. But it is your carbinado'd face. 

Laf. Let vs go fee 
your fonne I pray you, I long to talke 
With the yong noble fouldier. 

Cloivne. 'Faith there's a dozen of em, with delicate 
fine hats, and moft courteous feathers, which bow the 
head, and nod at euerie man. 

Exeunt 



oAffus Quintus. 



Enter Hellen, Widdo-w, and Diana, with 
tivo Attendants. 
Hel. But this exceeding pofting day and night, 
Muft wear your fpirits low, we cannot helpe it : 
But fince you haue made the daies and nights as one, 
To weare your gentle limbes in my affayres, 
Be bold you do fo grow in my requitall, 
As nothing can vnroote you. In happie time, 

Enter a gentle Af ringer. 
This man may helpe me to his Maiefties eare, 
If he would fpend his power. God faue you fir. 

Gent. And you. 

Hel. Sir, I haue feene you in the Court of France. 

Gent. I haue beene fometimes there. 

Hel. I do prefume fir, that you are not falne 
From the report that goes vpon your goodnefle, 
And therefore goaded with moft fharpe occafions, 
Which lay nice manners by, I put you to 
The vfe of your owne vertues, for the which 
I fhall continue thankefull. 

Gent. What's your will? 

Hel. That it will pleafe you 
To giue this poore petition to the King, 
And ayde me with that ftore of power you haue 
To come into his prefence. 

Gen. The Kings not heere. 

Hel. Not heere fir? 

Gen. Not indeed, 
He hence remou'd laft night, and with more haft 
Then is his vfe. 

Wid. Lord how we loofe our paines. 

Hel. All's well that ends well yet, 
Though time feeme fo aduerfe, and meanes vnfit: 
I do befeech you, whither is he gone? 

Gent. Marrie as I take it to Rojfillion, 
Whither I am going. 

Hel. I do befeech you fir, 
Since you are like to fee the King before me, 
Commend the paper to his gracious hand, 
Which I prefume fhall render you no blame, 
But rather make you thanke your paines for it, 
I will come after you with what good fpeede 
Our meanes will make vs meanes. 

Gent. This He do for you. 

Hel. And you fhall finde your felfe to be well thankt 
what e're falles more. We muft to horfe againe, Go, go, 
prouide. 

Enter Qlotune and Parrolles. 

Par. Good M r Lauatch giue my Lord Lafew this let- 
ter, I haue ere now fir beene better knowne to you, when 
I haue held familiaritie with frefher cloathes : but I am 
now fir muddied in fortunes mood, and fmell fomewhat 
ftrong of her ftrong difpleafure. 

Clo, Truely, Fortunes difpleafure is but fluttifh if it 
fmell fo ftrongly as thou fpeak'ft of : I will hencefoorth 
eate no Fifh of Fortunes butt'ring. Pre thee alow the 
winde. 

Par. Nay you neede not to ftop your nofe fir : I fpake 
but by a Metaphor. 

Clo. Indeed fir, if your Metaphor ftinke, I will ftop 
my nofe, or againft any mans Metaphor.Prethe get thee 
further. Par. 

ijo 



All's Well that ends Well. 



251 



Par. Pray you fir deliuer me this paper. 

Clo. Foh, prethee ftand away : a paper from fortunes 
clofe-ftoole, to giue to a Nobleman . Looke heere he 
comes himfelfe. 

Enter Lafe-zv. 

Clo. Heere is a purre of Fortunes fir, or of Fortunes 
Cat, but not a Mufcat, that ha's falne into the vncleane 
fiih-pond of her difpleafure, and as he fayes is muddied 
withall. Pray you fir, vfe the Carpe as you may , for he 
lookes like a poore decayed, ingenious, foolifl], rafcally 
knaue. I doe pittie his diftrefle in my fmiles of comfort, 
and leaue him to your Lordfhip. 

Par. My Lord I am a man whom fortune hath cruel- 
ly fcratch'd. 

Laf. And what would you haue me to doe ? 'Tis too 
late to paire her nailes now. Wherein haue you played 
the knaue with fortune that fhe fhould fcratch you, who 
of her felfe is a good Lady, and would not haue knaues 
thriue long vnder ? There's a Cardecue for you : Let the 
Iuftkes make you and fortune friends 5 I am for other 
bufinefTe. 

Par. I befeech your honour to heare mee one fingle 
word, 

Laf. you begge a fingle peny more : Come you fhall 
ha't, faue your word. 

Par. My name my good Lord is Parrolles. 

Laf. You begge more then word then. Cox my paf- 
fion, giue me your hand : How does your drumme? 

Par. O my good Lord, you were the firft that found 
mee. 

Laf. Was I infooth?And I was the firft that loft thee. 

Par. It lies in you my Lord to bring me in fome grace 
for you did bring me out. 

Laf. Out vpon thee knaue, doeft thou put vpon mee 
at once both the offiee of God and the diuel: one brings 
thee in grace, and the other brings thee out. The Kings 
comming I know by his Trumpets. Sirrah, inquire fur- 
ther after me, I had talke of you laft night, though you 
are a foole and a knaue, you fhall eate, go too, follow. 

Par. I praife God for you. 

Flourijh. Snter King, old Lady, Lafeiv, the two French 
Lords, with attendants. 

Kin, We loft a Iewell of her, and our efteeme 
Was made much poorer by it : but your fonne, 
As mad in folly, lack'd the fence to know 
Her eftimation home. 

Old La. 'Tis paft my Liege, 
And I befeech your Maieftie to make it 
Naturall rebellion, done i'th blade of youth, 
When oyle and fire, too ftrong for reafons force, 
Ore-beares it, and burnes on. 

Kin. My honour'd Lady, 
I haue forgiuen and forgotten all, 
Though my reuenges were high bent vpon him, 
And watch'd the time to fhoote. 

Laf. This I muft fay, 
But firft I begge my pardon : the yong Lord 
Did to his Maiefty, his Mother, and his Ladie, 
Offence of mighty note; but to himfelfe 
The greateft wrong of all. He loft a wife, 
Whofe beauty did aftonifh the furuey 
Of richefteies : whofe words all eares tooke captiue, 
Whofe deere perfection, hearts that fcorn'd to ferue, 



251 



Humbly call'd Miftris. 

Kin. Praifing what is loft, 
Makes the remembrance deere. Well, call him hither, 
We are reconcil'd, and the firft view fhall kill 
All repetition : Let him not aske our pardon, 
The nature of his great offence is dead, 
And deeper then obliuion, we do burie 
Th'incenfing reliques of it. Let him approach 
A ftranger, no offender ; and informe him 
So 'tis our will he fhould. 

Gent. I fhall my Liege. 

Kin. What fayes he to your daughter, 
Haue you fpoke ? 

Laf. All that he is, hath reference to your Highnes. 

Kin. Then fhall we haue a match. I haue letters fent 
me, that fets him high in fame. 

Snter Qount Bertram. 

Laf. He lookes well on't. 

Kin. I am not a day of feafon, 
For thou maift fee a fun-fhine, and a haile 
In me at once : But to the brighteft beames 
Diftradled clouds giue way, fo ftand thou forth, 
The time is faire againe. 

'Ber. My high repented blames 
Deere Soueraigne pardon to me. 

Kin. All is whole, 
Not one word more of the confumed time, 
Let's take the inftant by the forward top : 
For we are old, and on our quick'ft decrees 
Th'inaudible, and noifelefTe foot of time 
Steales, ere we can effecT: them. You remember 
The daughter of this Lord ? 

'Ber. Admiringly my Liege, at firft 
I ftucke my choice vpon her, ere my heart 
Durft make too bold a herauld of my tongue : 
Where the impreffion of mine eye enfixing, 
Contempt his fcornfull Perfpeftiue did lend me, 
Which warpt the line, of euerie other fauour, 
Scorn'd a faire colour, or expreft it ftolne, 
Extended or contracted all proportions 
To a moft hideous obiec~L Thence it came, 
That lhe whom all men prais'd, and whom my felfe, 
Since I haue loft, haue lou'd; was in mine eye 
The duft that did offend it. 

Kin. Well excus'd : 
That thou didft loue her, ftrikes fome fcores away 
From the great compt : but loue that comes too late, 
Like a remorfefull pardon flowly carried 
To the great fender, turnes a fowre offence, 
Crying, that's good that's gone : Our rafh faults, 
Make triuiall price of ferious things we haue, 
Not knowing them, vntill we know their graue. 
Oft our difpleafures to our felues vniuft, 
Deftroy our friends, and after weepe their duft: 
Our owne loue waking, cries to fee what's don,e 
While fhamefull hate fleepes out the afternoone. 
Be this fweet Helens knell, and now forget her . 
Send forth your amorous token for faire Maudlin, 
The maine confentsare had, and heere wee'l ftay 
To fee our widdowers fecond marriage day : 
Which better then the firft, O deere heauen bleffe, 
Or, ere they meete in me, O Nature ceffe. 

Laf. Come on my fonne, in whom my houfes name 
Muft be digefted : giue a fauour from you 
To fparkle in the fpirits of my daughter, 



2 5 2 



All's Well that ends Well 



That fhe may quickly come. By my old beard, 
And eu'rie haire that's on't, Helen that's dead 
Was a fweet creature : fuch a ring as this, 
The laft that ere I tooke her leaue at Court, 
I faw vpon her finger. 

'Ber. Hers it was not. 

King. Now pray you let me fee it. For mine eye, 
While I was fpeaking, oft was faften'd too't : 
This Ring was mine, and when I gaue it Hellen, 
I bad her if her fortunes euer ftoode 
Necefiitied to helpe, that by this token 
I would releeue her. Had you that craft to reaue her 
Of what fhould ftead her moft ? 

Ber. My gracious Soueraigne, 
How ere it pleafes you to take it fo, 
The ring was neuer hers. 

Old La. Sonne, on my life 
I haue feene her weare it, and fhe reckon'd it 
At her Hues rate. 

Laf. I am fure I faw her weare it. 

'Ber. You are deceiu'd my Lord, fhe neuer faw it : 
In Florence was it from a cafement throwne mee, 
Wrap'd in a paper, which contain'd the name 
Of her that threw it : Noble me was, and thought 
I flood ingag'd . but when I had fubfcrib'd 
To mine owne fortune, and inform'd her fully, 
I could not anfwer in that courfe of Honour 
As fhe had made the ouerture, me ceaft 
In heauie fatisfaclion, and would neuer 
Receiue the Ring againe. 

Kin. Platiu himfelfe, 
That knowes the tindl and multiplying med'cine, 
Hath not in natures myfterie more fcience, 
Then I haue in this Ring. 'Twas mine, 'twas Helens, 
Who euer gaue it you : then if you know 
That you are well acquainted with your felfe, 
Confeffe 'twas hers, and by what rough enforcement 
You got it from her. She call'd the Saints to furetie, 
That fhe would neuer put it from her finger, 
VnlefTe fhe gaue it to your felfe in bed, 
Where you haue neuer come : or fent it vs 
Vpon her great difafter. 

Ber. She neuer faw it. 

Kin. Thou fpeak'ft it falfely : as I loue mine Honor, 
And mak'ft connefturall feares to come into me, 
Which I would faine fhut out, if it fhould proue 
That rhou art fo inhumane, 'twill not proue fo : 
And yet I know not, thou didft hate her deadly, 
And fhe is dead, which nothing but to clofe 
Her eyes my felfe, could win me to beleeue, 
More then to fee this Ring. Take him away, 
My fore-paft proofes, how ere the matter fall 
Shall taze my feares of little vanitie, 
Hauing vainly fear'd too little. Away with him, 
Wee'l lift this matter further. 

Ber. If you (hall proue 
This Ring was euer hers, you /hall as eafie 
Proue that I husbanded her bed in Florence, 
Where yet fhe neuer was. 

Enter a Gentleman. 

King. I am wrap d in difmall thinkings. 

Gen. Gracious Soueraigne. 
Whether I haue beene too blame or no, I know not, 
Here's a petition from a Florentine, 
Who hath for foure or fiue remoues come mort, 
To tender it her felfe. I vndertooke it, 



Vanquifh'd thereto by the faire grace and fpeech 

Of the poore fuppliant, who by this I know 

Is heere attending : her bufineffe lookes in her 

With an importing vifage, and fhe told me 

In a fweet verbal! breefe, it did concerne 

Your Highneffe with her felfe. 
A Letter. 

"Upon his many proteftations to marrie mee -when his wife •was 
dead, I blujh to fay it , he ivonne me.Now is the Count Rof- 
Jillion a Widdoiver, his -vcwes are forfeited to mee, and my 
honors fayed to him. Hee ftole from Florence, taking no 
leaue, and I folloiv him to his Count rey for Iuftice : Grant 
it me, King, in you it heft lies, other-wife a feducer flou- 
rijhes, and a poore Maid is -undone. 

Diana Capilet. 
Laf. I will buy me a fonne in Law in a faire, and toule 

for this. He none of him. 

Kin. The heauens haue thought well on thee Lafe-w, 

To bring forth this difcou'rie, feeke thefe futors : 

Go fpeedily, and bring againe the Count. 
Enter 'Bertram. 

I am a-feard the life of Hellen (Ladie) 

Was fowly fnatcht. 

Old La. Now iuftice on the doers. 

King. I wonder fir, fir, wiues are monfters to you, 

And that you flye them as you fvveare them Lordfhip, 

Yet you defire to marry. What woman's that? 

Enter Widdo-WjDiana, andParrolles. 

Dia. I am my Lord a wretched Florentine, 
Deriued from the ancient Capilet, 
My fuite as I do vnderftand you know, 
And therefore know how farre I may be pittied. 

Wid. I am her Mother fir, whofe age and honour 
Both fuffer vnder this complaint we bring, 
And both fhall ceafe, without your remedie. 

King. Come hether Count, do you know thefe Wo- 
men ? 

Ber. My Lord, I neither can nor will denie, 
But that I know them, do they charge me further ? 

Dia. Why do you looke fo ftrange vpon your wife ? 

Ber. She's none of mine my Lord. 

Dia. If you fhall marrie 
You giue away this hand, and that is mine, 
You giue away heauens vowes, and thofe are mine: 
You giue away my felfe, which is knowne mine : 
For I by vow am fo embodied yours, 
That fhe which marries you, muft marrie me, 
Either both or none. 

Laf. your reputation comes too fhort for my daugh- 
ter, you are no husband for her. 

'Ber. My Lord, this is a fond and defp'rate creature, 
Whom fometime I haue laugh'd with: Let your highnes 
Lay a more noble thought vpon mine honour, 
Then for to thinke that I would finke it heere. 

Kin. Sir for my thoughts, you haue them il to friend, 
Till your deeds gaine them fairer : proue your honor, 
Then in my thought it lies. 

Dian. Good my Lord, 
Aske him vpon his oath, if hee do's thinke 
He had not my virginity. 

Kin. What faift thou to her? 

Ber. She's impudent my Lord, 
And was a common gamefter to the Campe. 

'Dia. He do's me wrong my Lord : It I were fo, 
He might haue bought me at a common price. 

Do 



sAlls WelLthat Ends Well 



253 



Do not beleeue him. O behold this Ring, 
Whofe high refpeft and rich validitie 
Did lacke a Paralell : yet for all that 
He gaue it to a Commoner a'th Campe 
If I be one. 

Court. He blufhes, and 'tis hit : 
Of fixe preceding Anceftors, that Iemme 
Confer'd by teftament to'th fequent hTue 
Hath it beene owed and worne. This is his wife, 
That Ring's a thoufand proofes. 

King. Me thought you faide 
You faw one heere in Court could witneffe it. 

Dia. I did my Lord, but loath am to produce 
So bad an inftrument, his names Parrclles. 

Laf. I faw the man to day, if man he bee. 

Kin. Finde him, and bring him hether. 

RoJ. What of him: 
He's quoted for a moft pe fidious flaue 
With all the fpots a'th world, taxt and debofh'd, 
Whofe nature fickens : but to fpeake a truth, 
Am I, or that or this for what he'l vtter, 
That will fpeake any thing. 

Km. She hath that Ring of yours. 

RoJ. I thinke ihe has; certaine it is I lyk'd her, 
And boorded her i'th wanton way of youth : 
She knew her diftance, and did angle for mee, 
Madding my eagerneffe with her reftraint, 
As all impediments in fancies courfe 
Are motiues of more fancie, and in fine, 
Her infuite comming with her moderne grace, 
Subdu'd me to her rate, ihe got the Ring, 
And I had that which any inferiour might 
At Market price haue bought. 

Dia. I muft be patient : 
You that haue turn'd off a firft fo noble wife, 
May iuftly dyet me. I pray you yet, 
(Since you lacke vertue, I will loofe a husband) 
Send for your Ring, I will returne it home, 
And giue me mine againe. 

RoJ. I haue it not. 

Kin. What Ring was yours I pray you ? 

Dian. Sir much like the fame vpon your finger. 

Kin. Know you this Ring, this Ring was his of late. 

Dia. And this was it I gaue him being a bed. 

Kin. The ftory then goes falfe,you threw it him 
Out of a Cafement. 

Dia. I haue fpoke the truth. Enter Parolhs. 

Rof. My Lord, I do confeffe the ring was hers. 

Km. You boggle fhrewdly, euery feather ftarts you : 
Is this the man you fpeake of? 

Dia. I, my Lord. 

Kin. Tell me firrah, but tell me true I charge you, 
Not fearing the difpleafure of your matter : 
Which on your iuft proceeding, He keepe off, 
By him and by this woman heere, what know you? 

Par. So pleafe your Maiefty, my mafter hath bin an 
honourable Gentleman . Trickes hee hath had in him, 
which Gentlemen haue. 

Kin. Come, come, to'th'purpofe : Did hee loue this 
woman ? 

Par. Faith fir he did loue her, but how. 

Kin. How I pray you ? 

Par. He did loue her fir, as a Gent, loues a Woman. 

Kin. How is that ? 

Par. He lou'd her fir, and lou'd her not. 

Kin. As thou art a knaue and no knaue, what an equi- 



uocall Companion is this ? 

Par. I am a poore man, and at your Maiefties com- 
mand. 

Laf. Hee's a good drumme my Lord, but a naughtie 
Orator. 

Dian. Do you know he promift me marriage? 

Par. Faith I know more then He fpeake. 

Kin. But wilt thou not fpeake all thou know'ft ? 

Par. Yes fo pleafe your Maiefty : I did goe betweene 
them as I faid, but more then that he loued her, for in- 
deede he was madde for her, and talkt of Sathan, and of 
Limbo, and of Furies, and I know not what : yet I was in 
that credit with them at that time, that I knewe of their 
going to bed, and of other motions, as promifing her 
marriage, and things which would deriue mee ill will to 
fpeake of, therefore I will not fpeake what I know. 

Kin. Thou haft fpoken all alreadie, vnleffe thou canft 
fay they are maried, but thou art too fine in thy euidence, 
therefore ftand afide. This Ring you fay was yours. 

Dia. I my good Lord. 

Kin. Where did you buy it ? Or who gaue it you ? 

Dia. It was not giuen me, nor I did not buy it. 

Kin. Who lent it you ? 

Dia. It was not lent me neither. 

Kin. Where did you finde it then ? 

Dia. I found it not. 

Kin. If it were yours by none of all thefe wayes, 
How could you giue it him ? 

Dia. I neuer gaue it him. 

Laf. This womans an eafie gloue my Lord, fhe goes 
off" and on at pleafure. 

Kin. This Ring was mine, I gaue it his firft wife. 

Dia. It might be yours or hers for ought I know. 

Kin. Take her away, I do not like her now, 
To prifon with her : and away with him, 
Vnleffe thou telft me where thou hadft this Ring, 
Thou dieft within this houre. 

Dia. He neuer tell you. 

Kin. Take her away. 

Dia. lie put in baile my liedge. 

Kin. I thinke thee now fome common Cuftomer. 

Dia. By loue if euer I knew man 'twas you. 

King. Wherefore haft thou accufde him al this while. 

Dia. Becaufe he's guiltie, and he is not guilty : 
He knowes I am no Maid, and hee'l fweare too't : 
He fweare I am a Maid, and he knowes not. 
Great King I am no ftrumpet, by my life, . 
I am either Maid, or elfe this old mans wife. 

Kin. She does abufe our eares, to prifon with her. 

Dia. Good mother fetch my bayle. Stay Royall fir, 
The Ieweller that owes the Ring is fent for, 
And he mail furety me. But for this Lord, 
Who hath abus'd me as he knowes himfelfe, - 
Though yet he neuer harm'd me, heere I quit him. 
He knowes himfelfe my bed he hath defil'd, 
And at that time he got his wife with childe : 
Dead though fhe be, fhe feeles her yong one kicke: 
So there's my riddle, one that's dead is quicke, 
And now behold the meaning. 

Enter Hellen and Widdoiv. 

Kin. Is there no exorcift 
Beguiles the truer Office of mine eyes ? 
Is't reall that I fee ? 

Hel. No my good Lord, 
Y 



254 



*AUs Well, that Ends Well. 



'Tis but the ihadow of a wife you fee, 
The name, and not the thing. 

Rof. Both, both, O pardon. 

Hel. Oh my good Lord, when I was like this Maid, 
I found you wondrous kinde, there is your Ring, 
And looke you, heeres your letter : this it fayes, 
When from my finger you can get this Ring, 
And is by me with childe, &c. This is done, 
Will you be mine now you are doubly wonne? 

Rof. If fhe my Liege can make me know this clearly, 
He loue her dearely, euer, euer dearly. 

Hel. If it appeare not plaine, and proue vntrue, 
Deadly diuorce ftep betweene me and you. 
O my deere mother do I fee you liuing ? 

Laf. Mine eyes fmell Onions, I mail weepe anon : 
Good Tom Drumme lend me a handkercher. 
So I thanke thee,waite on me home, lie make fport wit 
thee : Let thy curtfies alone, they are fcuruy ones. 



King Let vs from point to point this ftorie know, 
To make the euen truth in pleafure flow : 
If thou beeft yet a fre/h vncropped flower, 
Choofe thou thy husband, and He pay thy dower. 
For I can guefle, that by thy honeft ayde, 
Thou keptft a wife her felfe, thy felfe a Maide. 
Of that and all the progrefie more and leffe, 
Refolduedly more leafure fliail exprefie : 
All yet feemes well, and if it end fo meete, 
The bitter paft, more welcome is the fweet. 
Flouriflj. 

THe Kings a Megger, now the Play is done, 
All is well ended, if 'this Juke be wonne, 
"That you expreffe Content : which we will fay, 
With Jlrift to pleafe you, day exceeding day : 
Ours be your patience then, and yours our parts, 
Your gentle hands lend vs, and take our hearts. Exeunt omn. 



FINIS. 




*5S 




TwelfeNight, Or what you will 



ASlus Primus , Sccena ^Prima, 



Enter Orjino Duke of Illyria, Curio,and other 
Lords. 

Duke. 

F Muficke be the food of Loue, play on, 
Giue me exceffe of it : that furfetting, 
The appetite may ficken, and fo dye. 
That ftraine agen, it had a dying fall : 
O, it came ore my eare, like the fweet found 
That breathes vpon a banke of Violets; 
Stealing, and giuing Odour. .Enough, no more, 
'Tis not fo fweet now, as it was before. 
O fpirit of Loue, how quicke and frefh art thou, 
That notwithftanding thy capacitie, 
Receiueth as the Sea. Nought enters there, 
Of what validity, and pitch fo ere, 
But falles into abatement, and low price 
Euen in a minute ; fo full of lhapes is fancie, 
That it alone, is high fantafticall. 

Cu. Will you go hunt my Lord ? 

"Da. What Cnrio? 

Cu. The Hart. 

Du. Why fo I do, the Nobleft that I haue : 
O when mine eyes did fee Oliuia firft, 
Me thought fhe purg'd the ayre of peftilence ; 
That inftant was I turn'd into a Hart, 
And my defires like fell and cruell hounds, 
Ere fince purfue me. How now what newes from her ? 

Enter Valentine. 

Val. So pleafe my Lord, I might not be admitted, 
But from her handmaid do returne this anfwer: 
The Element it felfe, till feuen yeares heate, 
Shall not behold her face at ample view : 
But like a CIoyftrefTe fhe will vailed walke, 
And water once a day her Chamber round 
With eye-offending brine : all this to feafon 
A brothers dead loue, which lhe would keepe frefh 
And lafting, in her fad remembrance. 

'Du. O lhe that hath a heart of that fine frame 
To pay this debt of loue but to a brother, 
How will lhe loue, when the rich golden ihaft 
Hath kill'd the flocke of all affections elfe 
That liue in her. When Liuer, Braine, and Heart, 
Thefe foueraigne thrones, are all fupply'd and fill'd 
Her fweete perfections with one felfe king : 
Away before me, to fweet beds of Flowres, 
Loue-thoughts lye rich, when canopy' d with bowres. 

Exeunt 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Viola, a Captaine,and Saylors. 

Vio. What Country (Friends) is this ? 

Cap. This is Illyria Ladie. 

Vio. And what fhould I do in Illyria? 
My brother he is in Elizium, 
Perchance he is not drown'd : What thinke you faylors ? 

Cap. It is perchance that you your felfe were faued. 

Vio.O my poore brother, and fo perchance may he be. 

Cap. True Madam, and to comfort you with chance, 
Allure your felfe, after our Ihip did fplit, 
When you, and thofe poore number faued with you, 
Hung on our driuing boate : I faw your brother 
Mod prouident in perill, binde himfelfe, 
(Courage and hope both teaching him the practife) 
To a fttong Mafte, that liu'd vpon the fea : 
Where like Orion on the Dolphines backe, 
I faw him hold acquaintance with the waues, 
So long as I could fee. 

"Vio. For faying fo, there's Gold : 
Mine owne efcape vnfoldeth to my hope, 
Whereto thy fpeech femes for authoritie 
The like of him. Know'ft thou this Countrey? 

Cap. I Madam well, for I was bred and borne 
Not three houres trauaile from this very place: 

Vio. Who gouernes heere? 

Cap. A noble Duke in nature, as in name. 

Vio. What is his name? 

Cap. Orfmo. 

Vio, Orfmo : I haue heard my father name him. 
He was a Batchellor then. 

Cap. And fo is now, or was fo very late : . 
For but a month ago I went from hence, 
And then 'twas frefh in murmure (as you know 
What great ones do, the lefTe will prattle of,) 
That he did feeke the loue of faire Oliuia. 

Vio. What's fhee ? 

Cap. A vertuous maid, the daughter of a Count 
That dide fome tweluemonth fince, then leauing her 
In the protection of his fonne, her brother, 
Who fhortly alfo dide : for whofe deere loue 
('They fay) fhe hath abiur'd the fight 
And company of men. 

Vio. O that I feru'd that Lady, 
And might not be deliuered to the world 

Y 2 Till 



256 



Twee If e D^Jght.or^Whatyou^ill. 



Till I had made mine owne occafion mellow 
What my eftate is. 

Cap. That were hard to compaffe, 
Becaufe fhe will admit no kinde of fuite, 
No, not the Dukes. 

Vio. There is a faire behauiour in thee Captaine, 
And though that nature, with a beauteous wall 
Doth oft clofe in pollution : yet of thee 
I will beleeue thou haft a minde that fuites 
With this thy faire and outward charra&er. 
I prethee (and He pay thee bounteoufly) 
Conceale me what I am, and be my ayde, 
For fuch difguife as haply mall become 
The forme of my intent. He feme this Duke, 
Thou fhalt prefent me as an Eunuch to him, 
It may be worth thy paines : for I can fing, 
And fpeake to him in many forts of Muficke, 
That will allow me very worth his feruice. 
What elfe may hap, to time I will commit, 
Onely ftiape thou thy filence to my wit. 

Cap. Be you his Eunuch, and your Mute He bee, 
When my tongue blabs, then let mine eyes not fee. 

Vio. I thanke thee : Lead me on. Exeunt 



Sccena Tertia. 



Snter Sir Toby, and Maria. 

Sir To. What a plague meanes my Neece to take the 
death of her brother thus ? I am fure care's an enemie to 
life. 

Mar. By my troth fir Toby, you muft come in earlyer 
a nights : your Cofin, my Lady, takes great exceptions 
to your ill houres. 

To. Why let her except, before excepted. 

Ma. I, but you muft confine your felfe within the 
modeft limits of order. 

To. Confine? He confine my felfe no finer then I am : 
thefe cloathes are good enough to drinke in, and fo bee 
thefe boots too : and they be not, let them hang them- 
felues in their owne ftraps. 

Ma. That quaffing and drinking will vndoe you : I 
heard my Lady talke of it yefterday : and of a foolilh 
knight that you brought in one night here, to be hir woer 

To. Who, Sir Andrew Ague-cheeke ? 

Ma. I he. 

To. He's as tall a man as any's in Illyria. 

Ma. What's that to th'purpofe ? 

To. Why he ha's three thoufand ducates a yeare. 

Ma. I, but hee'l haue but a yeare in all thefe ducates : 
He's a very foole, and a prodigall. 

To. Fie, that you'l fay fo : he playes o'th Viol-de-gam- 
boys, and fpeaks three or four languages word for word 
without booke,& hath all the good gifts of nature. 

Ma. He hath indeed, almoft naturall ; for befides that 
he's a foole, he's a great quarreller : and but that hee hath 
the gift of a Coward, to allay the guft he hath in quarrel- 
ling, 'tis thought among the prudent, he would quickely 
haue the gift of a graue. 

Tob. By this hand they are fcoundrels and fubftra- 
clors that fay fo of him. Who are they ? 

Ma. They that adde moreour, hee's drunke nightly 
in your company. 

To. With drinking healths to my Neece : He drinke 



to her as long as there is a paffage in my throat, & drinke 
in Illyria : he's a Coward and a Coyftrill that will not 
drinke to my Neece. till his braines turne o'th toe, like a 
parifti top. What wench? Cafiiliano vulgoSox here corns 
Sir Andrew Agueface. 

Enter Sir Andrew. 
■ And. Sir Toby 'Belch. How now fir Toby 'Belch} 

To. Sweet fir Andrew. 

And. Blefle you faire Shrew. 

Mar. And you too fir. 

Tob. Accoft Sir Andrew, accoft. 

And. What's that? 

To. My Neeces Chamber-maid. 

A&.Good Miftris accoft, I defire better acquaintance 

Ma. My name is Mary fir. 

And. Good miftris Mary, accoft. 

To, You miftake knight : Accoft, is front her, boord 
her, woe her,afiayle her. 

And. By my troth I would not vndertake her in this 
company. Is that the meaning of Accoft? 

Ma. Far you well Gentlemen. 

To. And thou let part fo Sir Andrew, would thou 
mightft neuer draw fword agen. 

And. And you part fo miftris, I would I might neuer 
draw fword agen : Faire Lady, doe you thinke you haue 
fooles in hand ? 

<zMa. Sir, I haue not you by'th hand. 

An. Marry but you fhall haue, and heeres my hand. 

Ma. Now fir, thought is free : I pray you bring your 
hand to'th Buttry barre, and let it drinke. 

An. Wherefore (fweet-heart?) What's your Meta- 
phor? 

oTlTa. It's dry fir. 

*And. Why I thinke fo : I am not fuch an affe, but I 
can keepe my hand dry. But what's your ieft ? 

Ma. A dry ieft Sir. 

And. Are you full of them ? 

Ma\ Sir, I haue them at my fingers ends: marry now 
I let go your hand, I am barren. Exit Maria 

To. O knight, thou lack'ft a cup of Canarie.-when did 
/fee thee fo put downe? 

cAn. Neuer in your life I thinke, vnlefie you fee Ca- 
narie put me downe : mee thinkes fometimes I haue no 
more wit then a Chriftian, or an ordinary man ha's : but I 
am a great eater of beefe, and I beleeue that does harme 
to my wit. 

To. No queftion. 

An. And I thought that, I'de forfweare it. He ride 
home to morrow fir Toby. 

To. Pur-auoy my deere knight? 

An. What is purquoytDo, or not do ? I would I had 
beftowed that time in the tongues, that I haue in fencing 
dancing, and beare-bayting : O had I but followed the 
Arts. 

To. Then hadft thou had an excellent head of haire. 

An. Why, would that haue mended my haire i 

To. Paft queftion, for thou feeft it will not coole my 

An.But it becoms we wel enough, doft not? (nature 

To. Excellent,it hangs like flax on a diftaffe: & I hope 
to fee a hufwife take thee between her legs,& fpin it off. 

zAn. Faith lie home to morrow fir Toby, your niece wil 
not be feene,or if fire be it's four to one, fhe'l none of me : 
the Connt himfelfe here hard by, wooes her. 

To. Shee'l none o'th Count, fhe'l not match aboue hir 
degree, neither in eftate, yeares, nor wit : I haue heard her 
fwear t. Tut there's life in't man. 

And 



Twelfe ZKjght ,or, What you m/L 



2 57 



And. He ftay a moneth longer. I am a fellow o'th 
ftrangeft minde i'th world : I delight in Maskes and Re- 
uels fometimes altogether. 

To. Art thou good at thefe kicke-chawfes Knight? 

And. As any man in lllyria, whatfoeuer he be, vnder 
the degree of my betters, & yet I will not compare with 
an old man. 

To. What is thy excellence in a galliard, knight? 

And. Faith, I can cut a caper. 

To. And I can cut the Mutton too't. 

And. And I thinke I haue the backe-tricke, fimply as 
ftrong as any man in lllyria. 

To. Wherefore are thefe things hid ? Wherefore haue 
thefe gifts a Curtaine before 'em ? Are they like to take 
duft, like miftris Mais pifture ? Why doft thou not goe 
to Church in a Galliard, and come home in a Carranto? 
My verie walke mould be a Iigge : I would not fo much 
as make water but in a Sinke-a-pace : What dooeft thou 
meane ? Is it a world to hide vertues in ? I did thinke by 
the excellent conftitution of thy legge, it was form'd vn- 
der the ftarre of a Galliard. 

And, I, 'tis ftrong, and it does indifferent well in a 
dam'd colour'd ftocke. Shall we fit about fome Reuels ? 

To. What lhall we do elfe : were we not borne vnder 
Taurus ? 

And. Taurus? That fides and heart. 

To. No fir, it is leggs and thighes : let me fee thee ca- 
per. Ha, higher : ha, ha, excellent. Exeunt 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter Valentine,and Viola in mans attire. 

Vol. If the Duke continue thefe fauours towards you 
Cefario, you are like to be much aduanc'd,he hath known 
you but three dayes, and already you are no ftranger. 

Vio. You either feare his humour, or my negligence, 
that you call in queftion the continuance of his loue. Is 
he inconftant fir, in his fauours. 1)al. No beleeue me. 
Enter T)uke, Curio, and ^Attendants. 

Vio. I thanke you : heere comes the Count. 

Duke. Who faw Cefario hoa ? 

Vio. On your attendance my Lord heere. 

Du. Stand you a-while aloofe. Cefario, 
Thou knowft no lefle, but all : I haue vnclafp'd 
To thee rhe booke euen of my fecret foule. 
Therefore good youth, addreffe thy gate vnto her, . 
Be not deni'de acceffe, ftand at her doores, 
And tell them, there thy fixed foot ihall grow 
Till thou haue audience. 

1)io. Sure my Noble Lord, 
If Ihe be fo abandon'd to her forrow 
As it is fpoke, ihe neuer will admit me. 

T>u, Be clamorous, and leape all ciuill bounds, 
Rather then make vnprofited returne, 

Vio. Say I do fpeake with her (my Lord)what then ? 

Du. O then, vnfold the pafsion of my loue, 



rpnze 



■ith difcourfe of my deere faith ; 



It Ihall become thee well to aft my woes : 
She will attend it better in thy youth, 
Then in a Nuntio's of more graue afpect. 

Vio. I thinke not fo, my Lord. 

Du. Deere Lad, beleeue it : 



For they mall yet belye thy happy yeeres, 

That fay thou art a man : Dianas lip 

Is not more fmooth, and rubious : thy fmall pipe 

Is as the maidens organ, Ihrill, and found, 

And all is femblatiue a womans part. 

I know thy conftellation is right apt 

For this affayre : fome foure or fiue attend him, 

All if you will : for I my felfe am beft 

When leaft in companie : profper well in this, 

And thou lhalt liue as freely as thy Lord, 

To call his fortunes thine. 

Vio. He do my beft 
To woe your Lady : yet a barrefull ftrife, 
Who ere I woe, my felfe would be his wife. Exeunt. 



Scena Quinta. 



Enter Maria,and Clotune. 

Ma. Nay, either tell me where thou haft bin, or I will 
not open my lippes fo wide as a brifsle may enter, in way 
of thy excufe : my Lady will hang thee for thy abfence. 

Qlo. Let her hang me : hee that is well hang'de in this 
world, needs to feare no colours. 

Ma. Make that good. 

Clo. He lhall fee none to feare. 

Ma. A good lenton anfwer : I can tell thee where y 
faying was borne, of I feare no colours. 

Clo. Where good miftris Mary ? 

Ma. In the warrs, & that may you be bolde to fay in 
your foolerie. 

Clo. Well, God giue them wifedome that haue it : & 
thofe that are fooles, let them vfe their talents. 

Ma. Yet you will be hang'd for being fo long abfent, 
or to be turn'd away : is not that as good as a hanging to 
you ? 

Clo. Many a good hanging, preuents a bad marriage : 
and for turning away, let fummer beare it out. 

Ma. You are refolute then ? 

Clo. Not fo neyther, but I am refolu'd on two points 

Ma. That if one breake,the other will hold: or if both 
breake,your gaskins fall. 

Clo. Apt in good faith, very apt: well go thy way, if 
fir Toby would leaue drinking, thou wert as witty a piece 
of Sues flefh,as any in lllyria. 

Ma. Peace you rogue, no more o' that: here comes my 
Lady : make your excufe wifely, you were beft. 
Enter Lady Oliuia, •with Maluolio. 

Clo. Wit,and't be thy will, put me into good fooling : 
thofe wits that thinke they haue thee, doe very oft proue 
fooles : and I that am fure I lacke thee, may pafle for a 
wife man. For what faies SZuinafalus, Better a witty foole, 
then a foolifh wit. God blefie thee Lady. 

01. Take the foole away. 

Clo. Do you not heare fellowes,take away the Ladie. 

01. Go too,y'are a dry foole : He no more of you:be- 
fides you grow dif-honeft. 

Clo. Two faults Madona, that drinke & good counfell 
wil amend : for giue the dry foole drink, then is the foole 
not dry : bid the dilhoneft man mend himfelf,if he mend, 
he is no longer difttoneft; if hee cannot, let the Botcher 
mend him : any thing that's mended, is but patch'd : vertu 
that trarifgreffes, is but patcht with finne, and fin that a- 
mends, is but patcht with vertue. If that this fimple 
Sillogifme will ferue, fo : if it will not, what remedy ? 
Y 3 As 



2 5 8 



T^elfe Slight, or, What yoWVpill. 



As there is no true Cuckold but calamity, fo beauties a 
flower 5 The Lady bad take away the foole, therefore I 
fay againe,take her away. 

01. Sir, I bad them take away you. 

Clo. Mifprifion in the higheft degree. Lady, Cucullm 
nonjacit monachum : that's as much to fay, as I weare not 
motley in my braine : good Madona, giue mee leaue to 
proue you a foole. 

01. Can you do it? 

Clo. Dexterioufly, good Madona. 

01. Make your proofe. 

Clo. I muft catechize you for it Madona, Good my 
Moufe of vertue anfwer mee. 

01. Well fir, for want of other idlenefie, He bide your 
proofe. 

Clo. Good Madona, why mournft thou ? 

01. Good foole, for my brothers death. 

Clo. I thinke his foule is in hell, Madona. 

01. I know his foule is in heauen, foole. 

Clo. The more foole (Madona; to mourne for your 
Brothers foule, being in heauen. Take away the Foole, 
Gentlemen. 

01. What thinke you of this foole Maluolio, doth he 
not mend ? 

Mai. Yes, and mall do, till the pangs of death fhake 
him : Infirmity that decaies the wife, doth euer make the 
better foole. 

Cloiv. God fend you fir, a fpeedie Infirmity, for the 
better increafing your folly : Sir Toby will be fworn that 
I am no Fox, but he wil not paffe his word for two pence 
that you are no Foole. 

01. How fay you to that Maluolio ? 

Mai. I maruell your Ladyfhip takes delight in fuch 
a barren rafcall : I faw him put down the other day, with 
an ordinary foole, that has no more braine then a ftone. 
Looke you now, he's out of his gard already : vnles you 
laugh and minifter occafion to him, he is gag'd. I proteft 
I take thefe Wifemen, that crow fo at thefe fet kinde of 
fooles, no better then the fooles Zanies. 

01. O you are ficke of felfe-loue Maluolio, and tafte 
with a diftemper'd appetite. To be generous, guitleffe, 
and of free difpofifion, is to take thofe things for Bird- 
bolts, that you deeme Cannon bullets : There is no Dan- 
der in an allow'd foole, though he do nothing but rayle ; 
nor no rayling, in a knowne difcreet man, though hee do 
nothing but reproue. 

Clo. Now Mercury indue thee with leafing, for thou 
fpeak'ft well of fooles. 

Enter Maria. 

eMar. Madam, there is at the gate, a young Gentle- 
man, much defires to fpeake with you. 

01. From the Count Orfino, is it? 

Ma I know not (Madam) 'tis a faire young man, and 
well attended. 

01. Who of my people hold him in delay ? 

Ma. Sir Toby Madam, your kinfman. 

01. Fetch him off I pray you, he fpeakes nothing but 
madman : Fie on him. Go you Maluolio ; If it be a fuit 
from the Count, I am ficke, or not at home. What you 
will, to difmiffe it. Exit Maluo. 

Now you fee fir, how your fooling growes old, & peo- 
ple difiike it. 

Clo. Thou haft fpoke for vs (Madona) as if thy eldeft 
fonne /hould be a foole : whofe fcull, Ioue cramme with 
braines, for heere he comes. Enter Sir Toby. 

One of thy kin has a moft weake Pia-mater. 



01. By mine honor halfe drunke. What is he at the 
gate Cofin ? 

To. A Gentleman. 

01. A Gentleman ? What Gentleman? 

To, 'Tis a Gentleman heere. A plague o'thefe pickle 
herring : How now Sot. 
' Clo. Good Sir Toby. 

01. Cofin, Cofin, how haue you come fo earely by 
this Lethargie? 

To. Letcherie, I defie Letchery : there's one at the 
gate. 

01 . I marry, what is he ? 

To. Let him be the diuell and he will, I care not: giue 
me faith fay I. Well, it's all one. Exit 

01. What's a drunken man like, foole ? 

Clo. Like a drown'd man, a foole, and a madde man : 
One draught aboue heate, makes him a foole, the fecond 
maddes him, and a third drownes him. 

01. Go thou and feeke the Crowner, and let him fitte 
o'my Coz : for he's in the third degree of drinke : hee's 
drown'd : go looke after him. 

Clo. He is but mad yet Madona, and the foole fhall 
looke to the madman. 

Enter Maluolio. 

Mai. Madam, yond young fellow fweares hee will 
fpeake with you. I told him you were ficke, he takes on 
him to vnderftand fo much, and therefore comes to fpeak 
with you. I told him you were afleepe, he feems to haue 
a fore knowledge of that too, and therefore comes to 
fpeake with you. What is to be faid to him Ladie, hee's 
fortified againft any deniall. 

01. Tell him, he lhall not fpeake with me. 

Mai. Ha's beene told fo : and hee fayes hee'l ftand at 
your doore like a Sheriffes poft, and be the fupporter to 
a bench, but hee'l fpeake with you. 

01. What kinde o'man is he ? 

Mai. Why of mankinde. 

01. What manner of man? 

Mai. Ofverie ill manner: hee'l fpeake with you, will 
you, or no. 

01. Of what perfonage, and yeeres is he? 

Ma/.Notyet old enough for a man, nor yong enough 
for a boy : as a fquafh is before tis a pefcod,or a Codling 
when tis almoft an Apple : Tis with him in (landing wa- 
ter, betweene boy and man. He is verie well-fauour'd, 
and he fpeakes verie (hrewifhly : One would thinke his 
mothers milke were fcarfe out of him. 

01. Let him approach : Call in my Gentlewoman. 

Mai. Gentlewoman, my Lady calles. Exit. 

Enter Maria. 

01. Giue me my vaile : come throw it ore my face, 
Wee'l once more heare Orfinos Embaffie. 
Enter Violenta. 

Vio. The honorable Ladie of the houfe, which is me ? 

01. Speake to me, I fhall anfwer for her : your will. 

Vio. Moft radiant, exquifite,and vnmatchable beau- 
tie. I pray you tell me if this bee the Lady of the houfe, 
for I neuer faw her. I would bee loath to caft away my 
fpeech : for befides that it is excellently well pend,I haue 
taken great paines to con it. Good Beauties, let mee fu- 
ftaine no fcorne ; I am very comptible, euen to the leaft 
finifter vfage. 

01. Whence came you fir? 

Vio. I can fay little more then I haue ftudied, & that 
queftion's out of my part. Good gentle one, giue mee 
modeft affurance, if you be the Ladie of the houfe, that 



T'Voelfe ZNjght, or, What you mil. 



2 59 



may proceede in my fpeech. 
01. Are you a Comedian ? 

Vio. No my profound heart : and yet (by the verie 
phangs of maiice, I fweare) I am not that I play. Are you 
the Ladie of the houfe i 

01. If I do not vfurpe my felfe, I am. 

Vio. Moft certaine, if you are me, you do vfurp your 
felfe : for what is yours to beftowe, is, not yours to re- 
ferue. But this is from my Commiffion : I will on with 
my fpeech in your praife, and then fhew you the heart of 
my meffage. 

01. Come to what is important in't : I forgiue you 
the praife. 

Vio. Alas, I tooke great paines to ftudie it, and 'tis 
Poeticall. 

01. It is the more like to be feigned, I pray you keep 
it in. I heard you were fawcy at my gates, & allowd your 
approach rather to wonder at you, then to heare you. If 
you be not mad, be gone : if you haue reafon, be breefe : 
'tis not that time of Moone with me , to make one in fo 
skipping a dialogue. 

eMa. Will you hoyft fayle fir, here lies your way. 

Vio. No good fwabber, I am to hull here a little lon- 
ger. Some mollification for your Giant, fweete Ladie j 
tell me your minde, I am a mefienger. 

01. Sure you haue fome hiddeous matter to deliuer, 
when the curtefie of it is fo fearefull. Speake your office. 

Vio. It alone concernes your eare : I bring no ouer- 
ture of warre, no taxation of homage ; I hold the Olyffe 
in my hand : my words are as full of peace, as matter. 

01. Yet you began rudely. What are you ? 
What would you? 

Vio. The rudenefTe that hath appear'd in mee, haue I 
learn'd from my entertainment. What I am, and what I 
would, are as fecret as maiden-head : to your eares, Di- 
uinity; to any others, prophanation. 

01. Giue vs the place alone, 
We will heare this diuinitie. Now fir, what is your text? 

Vio. Moft fweet Ladie. 

01. A comfortable doftrine, and much may bee faide 
of it. Where lies your Text? 

Vio. In Orjimes bofome. 

Ol. In his bofome? In what chapter of his bofome ? 

Vio. To anfwer by the method, in the firft of his hart. 

01. O, I haue read it: it is herefie.Haue you no more 
to fay ? 

Vio. Good Madam, let me fee your face. 

01. Haue you any Commifsion from your Lord, to 
negotiate with my face : you are now out of your Text : 
but we will draw the Curtain, and fhew you the pi&ure. 
Looke you fir, fuch a one I was this prefent : Ift not well 
done? 

Vio. Excellently done, if God did all. 

01. 'Tis in graine fir, 'twill endure winde and wea- 
ther. 

Vio. Tis beauty truly blent, whofe red and white, 
Natures owne fweet, and cunning hand laid on : 
Lady, you are the cruell'ft fhee aliue, 
If you will leade thefe graces to the graue, 
And leaue the world no copie. 

01. O fir, I will not be fo hard-hearted : I will giue 
out diuers fcedules of my beautie. It fhalbe Inuentoried 
and euery particle and vtenfile labell'd to my will : As, 
Item two lippes indifferent redde, Item two grey eyes, 
with lids to them; Item, one necke, one chin, & fo forth. 
Were you fent hither to praife me? 



-59 



Vio. I fee you what you are, you are too proud : 
But if you were the diuell, you are faire : 
My Lord, and mafter loues you : O fuch loue 
Could be but recompenc'd, though you were crown'd 
The non-pareil of beautie. 
01. How does he loue me ? 
Vio, With adorations, fertill teares, 
With groanes that thunder loue, with fighes of fire. 

O/.Your Lord does know my mind, I cannot loue him 
Yet I fuppofe him vertuous, know him noble, 
Of great eftate, of frefh and ftainleffe youth ; 
In voyces well divulg'd, free, learn'd, and valiant, 
And in dimenfion, and the ihape of nature, 
A gracious perfon ; But yet I cannot loue him : 
He might haue tooke his anfwer long ago. 

Vio. If I did loue you in my matters flame, 
With fuch a fuffring, fuch a deadly life : 
In your deniall, I would finde no fence, 
I would not vnderftand it. 
01. Why, what would you ? 
Vio. Make me a willow Cabine at your gate, 
And call vpon my foule within the houfe, 
Write loyall Cantons of contemned loue, 
And fing them lowd euen in the dead of night: 
Hallow your name to the reuerberate hilles, 
And make the babling Gofsip of the aire, 
Cry out Oliuia : O you fhould not reft 
Betweene the elements of ayre, and earth, 
But you mould pittie me. 

01. You might do much : 
What is your Parentage? 

Vio. Aboue my fortunes, yet my ftate is well : 
I am a Gentleman. 

Ol. Get you to your Lord : 
I cannot loue him : let him fend no more, 
Vnleffe( perchance) you come to me againe, 
To tell me how he takes it: Fare you well: 
I thanke you for your paines: fpend this for mee. 

Vio. I am no feede poaft, Lady; keepe your purfe, 
My Mafter, not my felfe, lackes recompence. 
Loue make his heart of flint, that you fhal loue, 
And let your feruour like my mafters be, 
Plac'd in contempt : Farwell fayre crueltie. Exit 

01. What is your Parentage ? 
Aboue my fortunes, yet my ftate is well ; 
I am a Gentleman. He be fworne thou art, 
Thy tongue, thy face, thy limbes, actions, and fpirit, 
Do giue thee fiue-fold blazon : not too faft : foft, foft, 
Vnleffe the Mafter were the man. How now? 
Euen fo quickly may one catch the plague ? 
Me thinkes I feele this youths perfections 
With an inuifible, and fubtle ftealth 
To creepe in at mine eyes. Well, let it be. 
What hoa, Maluolio. 

Enter cMaluolio. 
Mai. Heere Madam, at your feruice. 
01. Run after that fame peeuifh MefTenger 
The Countes man : he left this Ring behinde him 
Would I, or not : tell him, He none of it. 
Defire him not to flatter with his Lord, 
Nor hold him vp with hopes, I am not for him : 
If that the youth will come this way to morrow, 
He giue him reafons for't : hie thee Maluolio. 

Mai. Madam, I will. Exit. 

01. I do I know not what, and feare to finde 
Mine eye too great a flatterer for my minde : 

Fate 



260 



Twlfe ZNjgbt, or, What yoWftill. 



Fate, lhew thy force, our felues we do not owe, 
What is decreed, muft be : and be this fo. 

Finis , Ailu6 primus. 



<zABus Secundus, Scana prima. 



Enter Antonio & Sebafiian. 

Ant. Will you ftay no longer : nor will you not that 
I go with you. 

Seb. By your patience, no : my ftarres fhine darkely 
ouer me ; the malignancie of my fate, might perhaps di- 
ftemper yours ; therefore I (hall craue of you your leaue, 
that I may beare my euils alone. It were a bad recom- 
pence for your loue, to lay any of them on you. 

An.Lct me yet know of you, whither you are bound. 

Set. No footh fir : my determinate voyage is meere 
extrauagancie.But I perceiue in you fo excellent a touch 
of modeftie, that you will not extort from me, what I am 
willing to keepe in : therefore it charges me in manners, 
the rather to expreffe my felfe : you muft know of mee 
then Antonio, my name is Sebafiian (which I call'd Rodo- 
rigo) my father was that Sebafiian of oMefialine, whom I 
know you haue heard of. He left behinde him, my felfe, 
and a lifter, both borne in an houre : if the Heanens had 
beene pleas'd, would we had fo ended. But you fir, al- 
ter'd that, for fome houre before you tooke me from the 
breach of the fea, was my filler drown'd. 

Ant. Alas the day. 

Seb. A Lady fir, though it was faid Ihee much refem- 
bled me, was yet of many accounted beautifuhbut thogh 
I could not with fuch eftimable wonder ouer-farre be- 
leeue that, yet thus farre I will boldly publifh her, (hee 
bore a minde that enuy could not but call faire : Shee is 
drown'd already fir with fait water, though I feeme to 
drowne her remembrance againe with more. 

Ant. Pardon me fir, your bad entertainment. 

Seb. O good Antonio, forgiue me your trouble. 

Ant . If you will not murther me for my loue, let nv.e 
be your feruant. 

Seb. If you will not vndo what you haue done, that is 
kill him, whom you haue recouer'd, defire it not. Fare 
ye well at once, my bofome is full of kindnefle, and I 
am yet fo neere the manners of my mother, that vpon the 
leaft occafion more, mine eyes will tell tales of me: I am 
bound to the Count Orfino's Court, fa re well. Exit 

Ant. The gentlenefTe of all the gods go with thee: 
I haue many enemies in Orfino's Court, 
Elfe would I very Ihortly fee thee there : 
But come what may, I do adore thee fo, 
That danger fhall feeme fport, and I will go. Exit. 



Scan a Secunda. 



Enter Viola and <JV[aluolio, at jeuerall doores, 
Mal.Were not you eu'n now, with the CountefTe 0- 

Vio. Euen now fir, on a moderate pace, I haue fince a- 
riu'd but hither. 

Mai She returnes this Ring to you (fir) you might 
haue faued mee my paines, to haue taken it away your 
felfe. She adds moreouer,that you fhould put your Lord 



into a defperate aflurance, (he will none of him.And one 
thing more, that you be neuer fo hardie to come againe 
in his affaires, vnlefTe it bee to report your Lords taking 
of this : receiue it fo. 

Vio. She tooke the Ring of me, He none of it. 

Mai. Come fir, you peeuiftily threw it to her : and 
her will is, it ihould be fo rcturn'd : If it bee worth ftoo- 
ping for, there it lies, in your eye : if not, bee it his that 
findes it. Exit. 

Vio. I left no Ring with her : what meanes this Lady? 
Fortune forbid my out-fide haue not charm'd her: 
She made good view of me, indeed fo much, 
That me thought her eyes had loft her tongue, 
For (he did fpeake in ftarts diftraftedly. 
She loues me fure, the cunning of her pafsion 
Inuites me in this churlifh meffenger : 
None of my Lords Ring ? Why he fent her none j 
I am the man, if it be fo, as tis, 
Poore Lady, (he were better loue a dreame: 
Difguife, I fee thou art a wickedneffe, 
Wherein the pregnant enemie does much. 
How eafie is it, for the proper falfe 
In womens waxen hearts to fet their formes : 
Alas, O frailtie is the caufe, not wee, 
For fuch as we are made, if fuch we bee : 
How will this fadge? My mailer loues her deerely, 
And I (poore monfter) fond afmuch on him : 
And Ihe (miftaken) feemes to dote on me : 
What will become of this ? As I am man, 
My ftate is defperate for my maifters loue: 
As I am woman (now alas the day) 
What thriftleffe fighes (hall poore Oliuia breath ? 
O time, thou muft vntangle this, not I, 
It is too hard a knot for me t'vnty. 



Sccena Tertia. 



Enter Sir Toby, and Sir Andrew. 

To. Approach Sir ^Andrew : not to bee a bedde after 
midnight, is to be vp betimes, and Deliculo Jurgere, thou 
know'ft. 

And. Nay by my troth I know not : but I know, to 
be vp late, is to be vp late. 

To. A falfe conclufion : I hate it as an vnfill'd Canne. 
To be vp after midnight, and to go to bed then is early: 
fo that to go to bed after midnight, is to goe to bed be- 
times. Does not our Hues confift of the foure Ele- 
ments ? 

And. Faith fo they fay, but I thinke it rather confifts 
of eating and drinking. 

To. Th'art a fcholler ; let vs therefore eate and drinke. 
Marian I fay, a ftoope of wine. 

Enter Clowne. 

And. Heere comes the foole yfaith. 

Clo. How now my harts : Did you neuer fee the Pic- 
ture of we three? 

To. Welcome affe, now let's haue a catch. 

And. By my troth the foole has an excellent breaft. I 
had rather then forty fhillings I had fuch a legge, and fo 
fweet a breath to fing,as the foole has. Infooth thou waft 
in very gracious fooling laft night, when thou fpok'ft of 
Pigrogromitus, of the Vafians parsing the Equinoftial of 
glueubus: 'twas very good yfaith: I lent thee fixe pence 



for 
260 



Twe/fe ZNjght, or, What you will. 



26 



for thy Lemon, hadft it? 

Clo. I did impeticos thy gratillity : for Maluolios nofe 
is no Whip-ftocke My Lady has a white hand, and the 
Mermidons are no bottle-ale houfes. 

An. Excellent : Why this is the beft fooling, when 
all is done. Now a fong. 

To. Come on, there is fixe pence for you. Let's haue 
a fong. 

An. There's a teftrill of me too : if one knight giue a 
Clo. Would you haue a loue-fong, or a fong of good 
life? 

To. A loue fong, a loue fong. 
An. I, I. I care not for good life. 

Clownefmgs. 
Mi/Iris mine -where are you roming ? 
flay and heare, your true hues coming, 
That canjing both high and low. 
Trip no further prettie /-meeting : 
Iourneys end in louers meeting, 
Suery -wife mans fonne doth know. 
An. Excellent good, ifaith. 
To. Good, good. 
Clo. What is loue, tis not heereafter, 

Prejent mirth, hath prefent laughter : 
What's to come, is fiill -unfure. 
In delay there lies no plentie, 
Then come kijje me fweet and tiventie: 
Touths a ftuffe -will not endure. 
An. A mellifluous voyce, as I am true knight. 
To. A contagious breath. 
An. Very fweet, and contagious ifaith. 
To. To heare by the nofe, it is dulcet in contagion. 
But fiiall we make the Welkin dance indeed ? Shall wee 
rowze the night- Owle in a Catch, that will drawe three 
foules out of one Weauer? Shall we do that? 

And. And you loue me, let's doo't : I am dogge at a 
Catch. 

Clo. Byrlady fir, and fome dogs will catch well. 
cAn. Moft certaine : Let our Catch be, Thou Knaue. 
Clo. Hold thy peace, thou Knaue knight. I fliall be con- 
ftrain'd in't, to call thee knaue, Knight. 

An. 'Tis not the firft time I haue conftrained one to 
call me knaue. Begin foole : it begins, Hold thy peace. 
Clo. I mall neuer begin if I hold my peace. 
An. Good ifaith : Come begin. Catch Jung 

Enter zMaria. 
Mar. What a catterwalling doe you keepe heere ? If 
my Ladie haue not call'd vp her Steward Maluolio, and 
bid him turne you out of doores, neuer truft me. 

To, My Lady's a Catayan, we are politicians, Maluolios 
a Peg-a-ramfie, and Three merry men be -wee. Am not I 
confanguinious? Am I not of her blood : tilly vally. La- 
die, There dwelt a man in ^Babylon, Lady, Lady. 

Clo. Befluew me, the knights in admirable fooling. 
An. I, he do's well enough if he be difpos'd, and fo 
do I too : he does it with a better grace, but I do it more 
naturall. 

To. the t-welfe day of December. 
Mar. For the loue o'God peace. 

Enter Maluolio. 
<Lfy[al. My matters are you mad ? Or what are you ? 
Haue you no wit, manners, nor honeftie, but to gabble 
like Tinkers at this time of night ? Do yee make an Ale- 
houfe of my Ladies houfe, that ye fqueak out your Cozi- 
ers Catches without any mitigation or remorfe of voice? 
Is there no refpedl: of place, perfons, nor time in you ? 



To. We did keepe time fir in our Catches. Snecke vp. 

Mai. Sir Toby, I muft be round with you. My Lady 
bad me tell you, that though flie harbors you as her kinf- 
man, file's nothing ally'd to your diforders. If you can 
feparate your felfe and your mifdemeanors, you are wel- 
come to the houfe : if not, and it would pleafe you to take 
leaue of her, flie is very willing to bid you farewell. 

To. Farewell deere heart, fince I muft needs be gone. 

Mar. Nay good Sir Toby. 

Clo. His eyes do fiiew his dayes are almoft done. 

Mai. Is't euen fo ? 

To. But I will neuer dye. 

Clo. Sir Toby there you lye. 

Mai. This is much credit to you. 

To. Shall I bid him go. 

Clo. What and if you do} 

To. Shall I bid him go, and fpare not? 

Clo. no, no, no, no, you dare not. 

To. Out o'tune fir, ye lye : Art any more then a Stew- 
ard ? Doft thou thinke becaufe thou art vertuous, there 
fiiall be no more Cakes and Ale ? 

Clo. Yes by S.Anne, and Ginger fliall bee hotte y'th 
mouth too. 

To. Th'art i'th right. Goe fir, rub your Chaine with 
crums. A ftope of Wine Maria. 

<zMal. Miftris Mary, if you priz'd my Ladies fauour 
at any thing more then contempt, you would not giue 
meanes for this vnciuill rule ; flie fiiall know of it by this 
hand. Exit 

Mar. Go fliake your eares. 

An. 'Twere as good a deede as to drink when a mans 
a hungrie, to challenge him the field, and then to breake 
promife with him, and make a foole of him. 

To. Doo't knight, He write thee a Challenge : or He 
deliuer thy indignation to him by word of mouth. 

Mar. Sweet Sir Toby be patient for to night : Since 
the youth of the Counts was to day with my Lady, fhe is 
much out of quiet. For Monfieur Maluolio, let me alone 
with him : If I do not gull him into an ay word, and make 
him a common recreation, do not thinke I haue witte e- 
nough to lye ftraight in my bed : I know I can do it. 

To. Poflefle vs, poflefle vs, tell vs fomething of him. 

Mar. Marrie fir, fometimes he is a kinde of Puritane. 

An. O, if I thought that, Ide beate him like a dogge. 

To. What for being a Puritan, thy exquifite reafon, 
deere knight. 

An. I haue no exquifite reafon for't,but I haue reafon 
good enough. 

Mar. The diu'll a Puritane that hee is, or any thing 
conftantly but a time-pleafer, an affe&ion'd Afle , that 
cons State without booke,and vtters it by great fwarths. 
The beft perfwaded of himfelfe : fo cram'd(as he thinkes) 
with excellencies, that it is his grounds of faith, that all 
that looke on him, loue him : and on that vice in him, will 
my reuenge finde notable caufe to worke. 

To. What wilt thou do ? 

Mar. I will drop in his way fome obfcure Epiftles of 
loue, wherein by the colour of his beard, the fliape of his 
legge, the manner of his gate, the exprefiure of his eye, 
forehead, and comple&ion, he fiiall finde himfelfe moft 
feelingly perfonated. I can write very like my Ladie 
your Neece, on a forgotten matter wee can hardly make 
diftinftion of our hands. 

To. Excellent, I fmell a deuice. 

An. I hau't in my nofe too. 

To. He fliall thinke by the Letters that thou wilt drop 

that 



262 



Tvpelfe Slight, or, What you mil. 



that they come from my Neece, and that ihee's in loue 
with him. 

zMar. My purpofe is indeed a horfe of that colour. 

An. And your horfe now would make him an Affe. 

<&£ar. Afle, I doubt not. 

An. O twill be admirable. 

Mar. Sport royall I warrant you : I know my Phy- 
ficke will worke with him, I will plant you two, and let 
the Foole make a third, where he /hall finde the Letter : 
obferue his construction of it : For this night to bed, and 
dreame on the euent : Farewell. Exit 

To. Good night Penthijilea. 

An. Before me file's a good wench. 

To. She's a beagle true bred, and one that adores me : 
what o'that? 

An. I was ador'd once too. 

To. Let's to bed knight : Thou hadft neede fend for 
more money. 

An. If I cannot recouer your Neece, I am a foule way 
out. 

To. Send for money knight, if thou haft her not i'th 
end, call me Cut. 

An. If I do not, neuer truft me, take it how you will. 

To. Come, come, He go burne fome Sacke, tis too late 
to go to bed now : Come knight, come knight. Exeunt 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter Duke, Viola, Qurio, and others. 

Z>a.Giue me fome MufickjNow good morow frends. 
Now good Cejario, but that peece of fong, 
That old and Anticke fong we heard laft night; 
Me thought it did releeue my paflion much, 
More then light ayres, and recollected termes 
Of thefe molt briske and giddy-paced times. 
Come, but on e verfe. 

Cur. He is not heere (fo pleafe your Lordftiippe) that 
fiiould fing it ? 

Du. Who was it ? 

Cur.FeJle the Iefter my Lord, a foole that the Ladie 
Oliuiaes Father tooke much delight in . He is about the 
houfe. 

T>u. Seeke him out, and play the tune the while. 

Muficke playes. 
Come hither Boy, if euer thou malt loue 
In the fweet pangs of it, remember me: 
For fuch as I am, all true Louers are, 
Vnftaid and skittifii in all motions elfe, 
Saue in the conftant image of the creature 
That is belou'd. How doft thou like this tune? 

Via, It giues a verie eccho to the feate 
Where loue is thron'd. 

Du. Thou doft fpeake mafterly, 
My life vpon't, yong though thou art, thine eye 
Hath ftaid vpon fome fauour that it loues : 
Hath it not boy ? 

Vio. A little, by your fauour. 

Du. What kinde of woman ift i 

"Vio. Of your completion. 

Du. She is not worth thee then. What yeares ifaith? 

Vio. About your yeeres my Lord. 

Du. Too old by heauen : Let ftill the woman take 



An elder then her felfe, fo weares me to him; 
So fwayes me leuell in her husbands heart : 
For boy, howeuer we do praife our felues, 
Our fancies are more giddie and vnfirme, 
More longing, wauering, fooner loft and worne, 
Then womens are. 

Vio. I thinke it well my Lord. 
T>u. Then let thy Loue be yonger then thy felfe, 
Or thy affection cannot hold the bent : 
For women are as Rofes, whofe faire flowre 
Being once difplaid, doth fall that verie howre. 
Vio. And fo they are : alas, that they are fo : 
To die, euen when they to perfection grow. 
Enter Curio & Clowne. 
Du. O fellow come, the fong we had laft night : 
Marke it Cefario, it is old and plaine ; 
The Spinfters and the Knitters in the Sun, 
And the free maides that weaue their thred with bones, 
Do vfe to chaunt it : it is filly footh, 
And dallies with the innocence of loue, 
Like the old age. 

Clo. Are you ready Sir? 

Duke. I prethee fing. Muficke. 

The Song. 
Come aivay, come aivay death, 
And in fad cypreffe let me be laide . 
Fye away, fe aivay breath, 
I am Jlaine by a faire cruel! maide : 

My fhrowdofwhite,ftuck all with Ew, prepare it. 
e^My part of death no one Jo true did Jhareit, 

Not a flower, not a flower fweete 

On my blacke cojfin, let there be flrewne : 

Not a friend, not a friend greet 

My poore cor pa, where my bones Jball be throwne : 
A thoufand thoujand flghes to faue,lay me where 
Sad true louer neuer find my graue,to weepe there. 

Du. There's for thy paines. 

Clo. No paines fir, I take pleafure in finging fir. 

Du, He pay thy pleafure then. 

Clo. Truely fir, and pleafure will be paide one time, or 
another. 

Du. Giue me now leaue, to leaue thee. 

Clo. Now the melancholly God protect thee, and the 
Tailor make thy doublet of changeable Taffata, for thy 
minde is a very Opall.I would haue men of fuch conftan- 
cie put to Sea, that their bufinefie might be euery thing, 
and their intent euerie where, for that's it, that alwayes 
makes a good voyage of nothing. Farewell. Exit 

Du. Let all the reft giue place : Once more Cejario, 
Get thee to yond fame foueraigne crueltie : 
Tell her my loue, more noble then the world 
Prizes not quantitie of dirtie lands, 
The parts that fortune hath beftow'd vpon her : 
Tell her I hold as giddily as Fortune : 
But 'tis that miracle, and Queene of Iems 
That nature prankes her in, attracts my foule. 

Vio. But if file cannot loue you fir. 

Du. It cannot be fo anfwer'd. 

Vio. Sooth but you muft. 
Say that fome Lady, as perhappes there is, 
Hath for your loue as great a pang of heart 
As you haue for Oliuia : you cannot loue her: 
You tel her fo : Muft flie not then be anfwer'd ? 

Du. There is no womans fides 

Can 



<? ZNjght, or, What you 'Will. 



26' 



Can bide the beating of fo ftrong a paffion, 
As loue doth giue my heart : no womans heart 
So bigge, to hold fo much, they lacke retention. 
Alas, their loue may be call'd appetite, 
No motion of the Liuer, but the Pallatj 
That fuffer furfet, cloyment, and reuolt, 
But mine is all as hungry as the Sea, 
And can digeft as much, make no compare 
Betweene that loue a woman can beare me, 
And that I owe Oliuia. 

Vio. I but I know. 

Du. What doft thou knowe ? 

Vio. Too well what loue women to men may owe : 
In faith they are as true of heart, as we. 
My Father had a daughter lou'd a man 
As it might be perhaps, were I a woman 
I mould your Lordfhip. 

Du. And what's her hiftoryf 

Vio. A blanke my Lord : fhe neuer told her loue, 
But let concealment like a worme i'th budde 
Feede on her damaske cheeke : fhe pin'd in thought, 
And with a greene and yellow melancholly, 
She fate like Patience on a Monument, 
Smiling at greefe. Was not this loue indeede ? 
We men may fay more, fweare more, but indeed 
Our mewes are more then will : for ftill we proue 
Much in our vowes, but little in our loue. 

Du. But di'de thy filter of her loue my Boy ? 

Vio. I am all the daughters of my Fathers houfe, 
And all the brothers too: and yet I know not. 
Sir, fhall I to this Lady? 

Du. I that's the Theame, 
To her in hafte : giue her this Iewell : fay, 
My loue can giue no place, bide no denay. exeunt 



Scena Quinta. 



Enter Sir Toby, Sir cAndreiu, and Fabian. 

To. Come thy wayes Signior Fabian. 

Fab. Nay He come : if I loofe a fcruple of this fport, 
let me be boyl'd to death with Melancholly. 

To. Wouldft thou not be glad to haue the niggard- 
ly Rafcally iheepe-biter, come by fome notable ihame? 

Fa. I would exult man : you know he brought me out 
o'fauour with my Lady, about a Beare-baiting heere. 

To. To anger him wee'l haue the Beare againe, and 
we will foole him blacke and blew, fhall we not fir An- 
drew ? 

An. And we do not, it is pittie of our Hues. 
Enter Maria. 

To. Heere comes the little villaine : How now my 
Mettle of India? 

Mar. Get ye all three into the box tree : Maluolio's 
comming downe this walke, he has beene yonder i'the 
Sunne pra&ifing behauiour to his own fhadow this halfe 
houre : obferue him for the loue of Mockerie : for I know 
this Letter wil make a contemplatiue Ideot of him.Clofe 
in the name of ieafting, lye thou there : for heere comes 
the Trowt, that muft be caught with tickling. Exit 

Enter Maluolio. 

Mai. 'Tis but Fortune, all is fortune. Maria once 
told me fhe did affeft me, and I haue heard her felf come 
thus neere, that mould fhee fancie, it mould bee one of 
my compleclion. Befides fhe vfes .me with a more ex- 



alted refpeft, then any one elfe that followes her. What 
fhould I thinke on't? 

To. Heere's an ouer-weening rogue. 

Fa. Oh peace : Contemplation makes a rare Turkey 
Cocke of him, how he iets vnder his aduanc'd plumes. 

And. Slight I could fo beate the Rogue. 

To. Peace I fay. 

Mai. To be Count Maluolio. 

To. Ah Rogue. 

An. Piftoll him, piftoll him. 

To. Peace, peace. 

Mai. There is example for't : The Lady of the Stra- 
cby, married the yeoman of the wardrobe. 

An. Fie on him Iezabel. 

Fa. O peace, now he's deepely in : looke how imagi- 
nation blowes him. 

Mai. Hauing beene three moneths married to her, 
fitting in my flate. 

To. O for a ftone-bow to hit him in the eye. 

cMal. Calling my Officers about me, in my branch'd 
Veluet gowne : hauing come from a day bedde, where I 
haue left Oliuia fleeping. 

To. Fire and Brimftone. 

Fa. O peace, peace. 

Mai. And then to haue the humor of flate : and after 
a demure trauaile of regard : telling them I knowe my 
place, as I would they fhould doe theirs : to aske for my 
kinfman Toby. 

To. Boltes and fhackles. 

Fa. Oh peace, peace, peace, now, now. 

<tMal. Seauen of my people with an obedient ftart, 
make out for him : I frowne the while, and perchance 
winde vp my watch, or play with my fome rich Iewell : 
Toby approaches; curtfies there to me. 

To. Shall this fellow liue ? 

Fa. Though our filence be drawne from vs with cars, 
yet peace. 

Mai. I extend my hand to him thus : quenching my 
familiar fmile with an auftere regard of controll. 

To. And do's not Toby take you a blow o'the lippes, 
then? 

Mai. Saying, Cofine Toby, my Fortunes hauing caft 
me on your Neece, giue me this prerogatiue of fpeech. 

To. What, what ? 

Mai. You muft amend your drunkenneffe. 

To. Outfcab. 

Fab. Nay patience, or we breake the finewes of our 
plot!' 

Mai. Befides you wafte the treafure of your time, 
with a foolifh knight. 

And. That's mee I warrant you. 

Mai. One fir Andrew. 

And. I knew 'twas I, for many do call mee foole. 

Mai. What employment haue we heere ? 

Fa. Now is the Woodcocke neere the gin. 

To. Oh peace, and the fpirit of humors intimate rea- 
ding aloud to him. 

Mai. By my life this is my Ladies hand: thefe bee her 
very Qs, her Vs, and her T's, and thus makes fhee het 
great P's.It is in contempt of queftion her hand. 

An. Her Cs, her Vs, and her Ts: why that ? 

Mai. To the -vnknoivne beloud, this, and my good Wipes : 
Her very Phrafes : By your leaue wax. Soft, and the im- 
preffure her Lucrece, with which fhe vfes to feale : tis my 
Lady : To whom fhould this be ? 

Fab. This winnes him, Liuer and all. 

Mai. 



*6 3 



264 



Ttoelfe Slight, or, What you will. 



Mai. hue knoives I loue, but -who, Lips do not mooue, no 
man muji know. No man muft know. What followes ? 
The numbers alter d : No man muft know, 
If this ftiould be thee Maluolioi 

To. Marrie hang thee brocke. 

Mai. I may command ivhere I adore, butfilence like a Lu- 

With bloodlejfe ftroke my heart doth gore, sM. 0. A. I. doth 
fway my life. 

Fa. A fuftian riddle. 

To. Excellent Wench, fay I. 

Mai. oM.O.A.I. doth fway my life. Nay but firft 
let me fee, let me fee, let me fee. 

Fab. What difti a poyfon has (he dreft him ? 

To. And with what wing the ftallion checkes at it ? 

Mai. I may command,ivhere I adore : Why fhee may 
command me : I ferue her, ftie is my Ladie. Why this is 
euident to any formall capacitie. There is no obftruftion 
in this, and the end : What ihould that Alphabeticall po- 
fition portend , if I could make that refemble fomething 
in me ? Softly, M. O.A.I. 

To. O I, make vp that, he is now at a cold fent. 

Fab. Sowter will cry vpon't for all this, though it bee 
as ranke as a Fox. 

Mai. M. Maluolio, M. why that begins my name. 

Fab. Did not I fay he would worke it out, the Curre 
is excellent at faults. 

Mai. M.But then there is no confonancy in the fequell 
that fuffers vnder probation : A. mould follow, but 0, 
does. 

Fa. And mall end, I hope. 

To. I, or He cudgell him, and make him cry 0. 

Mai. And then i". comes behind. 

Fa. I, and you had any eye behinde you, you might 
fee more detraction at your heeles, then Fortunes before 
you. 

Mai. M,0,A,I.This fimulation is not as the former: 
and yet to cruih this a little, it would bow to mee, for e- 
uery one of thefe Letters are in my name. Soft, here fol- 
lowes profe : If this fall into thy hand, reuolue. In my ftars 
I am aboue thee, but be not aftraid of greatnefTe : Some 
are become great, fome atcheeues greatnefTe, and fome 
haue greatnefTe thruft vppon em. Thy fates open theyr 
hands, let thy blood and fpirit embrace them, and to in- 
vre thy felfe to what thou art like to be : caft thy humble 
flough, and appeare frefh. Be oppofite with a kinfman, 
furly with feruants : Let thy tongue tang arguments of 
ftatej put thy felfe into the tricke of fingularitie. Shee 
thus aduifes thee, that fighes for thee. Remember who 
commended thy yellow ftockings, and wifh'd to fee thee 
euer crofTe garter'd : I fay remember, goe too, thou art 
made if thou defir'ft to be fo : If not, let me fee thee a fte- 
ward ftill, the fellow of feruants, and not woorthie to 
touch Fortunes fingers Farewell, Shee that would alter 
feruices with thee, tht fortunate vnhappy daylight and 
cbampian difcouers not more : This is open, I will bee 
proud, I will reade pollticke Authours, 1 will baffle Sir 
Toby, I will wafti off grofle acquaintance, I will be point 
deuife, the very man. I do not now foole my felfe, to let 
imagination iade mee ; for euery reafon excites to this, 
that my Lady loues me. She did commend my yellow 
ftockings of late, mee did praife my legge being crofle- 
garter'd, and in this ftie manifefts her felfe to my loue, & 
with a kinde of iniun&ion driues mee to thefe habites of 
her liking. I thanke my ftarres, I am happy : I will bee 
ftrange, ftout, in yellow ftockings, and crofie Garter'd, 



euen with the fwiftnefie of putting on. loue, and my 
ftarres be praifed. Heere is yet a poftfeript. Thou canft 
not chooje but know who I am. If thou entenainft my loue, let 
it appeare in thy jmiling , thy /miles become thee well . There- 
fore in my prefence ftill fmile, deero myfweete, I prethee. loue 
I thanke thee, I will fmile, I wil do euery thing that thou 
wilt haue me. Exit 

Fab. I will not giue my part of this fport for a penfi- 
on of thoufands to be paid from the Sophy. 

To. I could marry this wench for this deuice. 

cAn. So could I too. 

To. And aske no other dowry with her, but fuch ano- 
ther ieft. 

Enter Maria. 

An. Nor I neither. 

Fab. Heere comes my noble gull catcher. 

To. Wilt thou fet thy foote o'my necke. 

An. Or o'mine either ? 

To. Shall I play my freedome at tray-trip, and becom 
thy bondflaue ? 

An. Ifaith,or I either? 

Tob. Why, thou haft put him in fuch a dreame, that 
when the image of it leaues him, he muft run mad. 

Ma. Nay but fay true, do's it worke vpon him ? 

To. Like Aqua vite with a Midwife. 

Mar. If you will then fee the fruites of the fport, mark 
his firft approach before my Lady : hee will come to her 
in yellow ftockings, and 'tis a colour ftie abhorres, and 
crofle garter'd, a fafhion mee detefts : and hee will fmile 
vpon her, which will now be fo vnfuteable to her difpo- 
fition, being addifted to a melancholly, as fhee is, that it 
cannot but turn him into a notable contempt: if you wil 
fee it follow me. 

To. To the gates of Tartar, thou moll excellent diuell 
of wit. 

And. He make one too. Exeunt. 

Finis ABusfecnndus 



t/LBus Tertius, Sccena prima. 



Enter Viola and Clowne. 

Vio. Saue thee Friend and thy Mufick : doft thou liue 
by thy Tabor? 

Clo. No fir, I liue by the Church. 

Vio. Art thou a Churchman ? 

Qlo. No fuch matter fir, I do liue by the Church : For, 
I do liue at my houfe, and my houfe dooth ftand by the 
Church. 

Via. So thou maift fay the Kings lyes by a begger, if a 
begger dwell neer him : or the Church ftands by thy Ta- 
bor, if thy Tabor ftand by the Church. 

Clo. You haue faid fir : To fee this age : A fentence is 
but a cheu'rill gloue to a good witte, how quickely the 
wrong fide may be turn'd outward. 

Vio. Nay that's certaine : they that dally nicely with 
words,may quickely make them wanton. 

Clo. I would therefore my filter had had no name Sir. 

Vio. Why man ? 

Clo. Why fir, her names a word, and to dallie with 
that word, might make my fifter wanton : But indeede, 
words are very Rafcals, fince bonds difgrae'd them. 

Vio. Thy reafon man ? 

Clo. 

264 



Tvoelfe Slight, or, What you mil. 



2 73 



Qlo. Troth fir, I can yeeld you none without wordes, 
and wordes are growne fo falfe, I am loath to proue rea- 
fon with them. 

Via. I warrant thou art a merry fellow, and car'ft for 
nothing. 

C/o.Not fo fir, I do care for fomething:but in my con- 
ference fir, I do not care for you : if that be to care for no- 
thing fir, I would it would make you inuifible. 

Vio. Art not thou the Lady Oliuia s foole? 

Clo. No indeed fir, the Lady Oliuia has no folly, fhee 
will keepe no foole fir, till fhe be married, and fooles are 
as like husbands, as Pilchers are to Herrings, the Huf- 
bands the bigger, I am indeede not her foole, but hir cor- 
rupter of words. 

Vio. I faw thee late at the Count Orjino's. 

Clo. Foolery fir, does walke about the Orbe like the 
Sun, it fliines euery where. I would be forry fir, but the 
Foole fhould be as oft with your Mafter, as with my Mi- 
ftris : I thinke I faw your wifedome there. 

Vio. Nay, and thou paffe vpon me, He no more with 
thee* Hold there's expences for tbee. 

Clo. Now Ioue in his next commodity of hayre, fend 
thee a beard. 

Vio. By my troth He tell thee , I am almoft ficke for 
one, though I would not haue it grow on my chinne. Is 
thy Lady within ? 

Clo Would not a paire of thefe haue bred fir ? 

Vio. Yes being kept together, and put to vfe. 

Clo.l would play Lord Pandarus of Pbrygia fir, to bring 
a Creffida to this Troylus. 

Vio. I vnderftand you fir, tis well begg'd. 

Clo. The matter I hope is not great fir; begging, but a 
begger : Creffida was a begger. My Lady is within fir. I 
will confter to them whence you come, who you are, and 
what you would are out of my welkin, I might fay Ele- 
ment, but the word is ouer-worne. exit 

Vio. This fellow is wife enough to play the foole, 
And to do that well, craues a kinde of wit : 
He muft obferue their mood on whom he iefts, 
The quality of perfons, and the time : 
And like the Haggard, checke at euery Feather 
That comes before his eye. This isa practice, 
As full of labour as a Wife-mans Art: 
For folly that he wifely fhewes, is fit ; 
But wifemens folly falne, quite taint their wit. 
Enter Sir Toby and Andrew, 

To. Saue you Gentleman. 

Vio. And you fir. 

And. Dieu i/ou guard Monjieur. 

Vio. Et vouz oujie -vofire Jeruiture. 

cAn. I hope fir, you are, and I am yours. 

To. Will you incounter the houfe, my Neece is defi- 
rous you fhould enter, if your trade be to her. 

Vio. I am bound to your Neece fir, I meane fhe is the 
lift of my voyage. 

To. Tafte your legges fir, put them to motion. 

Vio. My legges do better vnderftand me fir, then I vn- 
derftand what you meane by bidding me tafte my legs. 

To. I meane to go fir, to enter. 

Vio. I will anfwer you with gate and entrance, but we 
are preuented. 

Enter Oliuia, and Gentlewoman. 
Moft excellent accomplifh'd Lady, the heauens raine O- 
dours on you. 

And. That youth's a rare Courtier, raine odours, wel. 
Vio. My matter hath no voice Lady, but to your owne 



-65 



moft pregnant and vouchfafed eare. 

And. Odours, pregnant, and vouchfafed ; He get 'em 
all three already. 

01. Let the Garden doore be fhut, and leaue mee to 
my hearing. Giue me your hand fir. 

Vio. My dutie Madam, and moft humble feruice 

01. What is your name ? 

Vio. Cefario is your feruants name, faire PrincefTe. 

01. My feruant firf'Twas neuer merry world, 
Since lowly feigning was call'd complement : 
y'are feruant to the Count Orfino youth. 

Vio. And he is yours, and his muft needs be yours : 
your feruants feruant, is your feruant Madam. 

01. For him, I thinke not on him : for his thoughts, 
Would they were blankes, rather then fill'd with me. 

Vio. Madam, I come to whet your gentle thoughts 
On his behalfe. 

01. O by your leaue I pray you. 
I bad you neuer fpeake againe of him ; 
But would you vndertake another fuite 
I had rather heare you, to folicit that, 
Then Muficke from the fpheares. 

Vio. Deere Lady. 

01. Giue me leaue, befeech you : I did fend, 
After the laft enchantment you did heare, 
A Ring in chace of you. So did I abufe 
My felfe, my feruant, and I feare me you : 
Vnder your hard conftruction muft I fit, 
To force that on you in a fhamefull cunning 
Which you knew none of yours. What might you think? 
Haue you not fet mine Honor at the ftake, 
And baited it with all th'vnmuzled thoughts 
That tyrannous heart can thinkFTo one of your receiuing 
Enough is fhewne, a CiprefTe, not a bofome, 
Hides my heart : fo let me heare you fpeake. 

Vio. I pittie you. 

01. That's a degree to loue. 

Vio. No not a grize : for tis a vulgar proofe 
That verie oft we pitty enemies. 

01. Why then me thinkes 'tis time to fmile agen: 

world, how apt the poore are to be proud ? 
If one fhould be a prey, how much the better 
To fall before the Lion, then the Wolfe ? 

Cloche jlrikes. 
The clocke vpbraides me with the wafte of time: 
Be not afFraid good youth, I will not haue you, 
And yet when wit and youth is come to harueft, 
your wife is like to reape a proper man : 
There lies your way, due Weft. 

Vio. Then Weftward hoe : 
Grace and good difpofition attend your Ladyfhip : 
you'l nothing Madam to my Lord, by me : 

01. Stay : I prethee tell me what thou thinkft of me ? 

Vio. That you do thinke you are not what you are. 
01. If I thinke fo, I thinke the fame of you. 

Vio. Then thinke you right : I am not what I am. 

01. I would you were, as I would haue you be. 

Vio. Would it be better Madam, then I am f 

1 wifh it might, for now I am your foole. 

01. O what a deale of fcorne, lookes beautifull ? 
In the contempt and anger of his lip, 
A murdrous guilt fhewes not it felfe more foone, 
Then loue that would feeme hid : Loues night, is noone. 
Cefario, by the Rofes of the Spring, 
By maid-hood, honor, truth, and euery thing, 
I loue thee fo, that maugre all thy pride, 

Z Nor 



266 



Twelfe ZKjght, or, What you will. 



"or wit, nor reafon, can my paffion hide : 

^o not extort thy reafons from this claufe, 

For that I woo, thou therefore haft no caufe : 

But rather reafon thus, with reafon fetter ; 

Loue fought, is good : but giuen vnfought, is better. 

IJio. By innocence I fweare, and by my youth, 
I haue one heart, one bofome, and one truth, 
And that no woman has, nor neuer none 
Shall miftris be of it, faue I alone. 
And fo adieu good Madam, neuer more, 
Will I my Matters teares to you deplore. 

01. Yet come againe : for thou perhaps mayft moue 
That heart which now abhorres, to like his loue. Exeunt 



Sccena Secunda. 



Enter Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and Fabian. 

And. No faith, He not ftay a iot longer : 

To. Thy reafon deere venom, giue thy reafon. 

Fab. You muft needes yeelde your reafon, Sir An- 
drew i 

And. Marry I faw your Neece do more fauours to the 
Counts Seruing-man, then euer ihe beftow'd vpon mee : 
I faw't i'th Orchard. 

To. Did ihe fee the while, old boy, tell me that. 

And. As plaine as I fee you now. 

Fab. This was a great argument of loue in her toward 
you. 

And. S'light ; will you make an AfTe o'me. 

Fab. I will proue it legitimate fir, vpon the Oathes of 
iudgement, and reafon. 

To. And they haue beene grand Iurie men,fince before 
Noah was a Saylor. 

Fab. Shee did /hew fauour to the youth in your fight, 
onely to exafperate you, to awake your dormoufe valour, 
to put fire in your Heart, and brimftone in your Liuer : 
you ftiould then haue accofted her, and with fome excel- 
lent iefts, fire-new from the mint, you mould haue bangd 
the youth into dumbenefle : this was look'd for at your 
hand, and this was baulkt : the double gilt of this oppor- 
tunitie you let time waft off, and you are now fayld into 
the North of my Ladies opinion, where you will hang 
like an yfickle on a Dutchmans beard, vnlefTe you do re- 
deeme it, by fome laudable attempt, either of valour or 
policie. 

tAnd. And't be any way, it muft be with Valour, for 
policie I hate : I had as liefe be a Brownift, as a Politi- 
cian. 

To. Why then build me thy fortunes vpon the bafis of 
valour. Challenge me the Counts youth to fight with him 
hurt him in eleuen places, my Neece mall take note of it, 
and allure thy felfe, there is no loue-Broker in the world, 
can more preuaile in mans commendation with woman, 
then report of valour. 

Fab. There is no way but this fir Andrew. 

An. Will either of you beare me a challenge to him? 

To. Go, write it in a martial hand, be curft and briefe: 
it is no matter how wittie, fo it bee eloquent, and full of 
inuention : taunt him with the licenfe of Inke : if thou 
thou'ft him fome thrice, it mall not be amifTe, and as ma- 
ny Lyes, as will lye in thy fheete of paper, although the 
meete were bigge enough for the bedde of Ware in Eng- 



land, fet 'em downe, go about it. Let there bee gaulle e- 
nough in thy inke, though thou write with a Goofe-pen, 
no matter : about it. 

And, Where mail I finde you ? 

To. Wee'l call thee at the Cubiculo : Go. 

Exit Sir Andrew. 

Fa. This is a deere Manakin to you Sir Toby. 

To. I haue beene deere to him lad, fome two thoufand 
ftrong, or fo. 

Fa. We lhall haue a rare Letter from him; but you'Ie 
not deliuer't. 

To. Neuer truft me then : and by all meanes ftirre on 
the youth to an anfwer. I thinke Oxen and waine-ropes 
cannot hale them together. For Andre-w,\( he were open'd 
and you finde fo much blood in his Liuer, as will clog the 
foote of a flea, He eate the reft of th'anatomy. 

Fab. And his oppofit the youth beares in his vifage no 
great prefage of cruelty. 

Enter Maria. 

To. Looke where the youngeft Wren of mine comes. 

Mar, If you defire the fpleene, and will laughe your 
felues into flitches, follow me ; yond gull Maluolio is tur- 
ned Heathen, a verie Renegatho ; for there is no chriftian 
that meanes to be faued by beleeuing rightly, can euer 
beleeue fuch impoflible pafiages of grofienefie. Hee's in 
yellow ftockings. 

To. And crofle garter'd ? 

Mar. Moft villanoufly : like a Pedant that keepes a 
Schoole i'th Church : I haue dogg'd him like his murthe- 
rer. He does obey euery point of the Letter that I dropt, 
to oetray him : He does fmile his face into more lynes, 
then is in the new Mappe, with the augmentation of the 
Indies : you haue not feene fuch a thing as tis: I can hard- 
ly forbeare hurling things at him, I know my Ladie will 
ftrike him : if fliee doe, hee'l fmile, and take't for a great 
fauour. 

To. Come bring vs, bring vs where he is. 

Exeunt Omnes. 



Sccena Tertia. 



Enter Sebaflian and Anthomo, 

Seb. I would not by my will have troubled you, 
But fince you make your pleafure of your paines, 
I will no further chide you. 

Ant. I could not ftay behinde you : my defire 
(More fliarpe then filed fteele) did fpurre me forth, 
And not all loue to fee you (though fo much 
As might haue drawne one to a longer voyage) 
But iealoufie, what might befall your rrauell, 
Being skillefle in thefe parts : which to a ftranger, 
Vnguided, and vnfriended, often proue 
Rough, and vnhofpitable. My willing loue, 
The rather by thefe arguments of feare 
Set forth in your purfuite. 

Seb. My kinde Anthonio, 
I can no other anfwer make, but thankes, 
And thankes : and euer oft good turnes, 
Are/huffel'd off with fuch vncurrant pay : 
But were my worth, as is my confeience firme, 



Tw>elfe Slight t or, What you mil. 



267 



You fhould finde better dealing : what's to do ? 
Shall we go fee the reliques of this Towne ? 

Ant. Tomorrow fir, beft firft go fee your Lodging? 

Seb. I am not weary, and 'tis long to night 
I pray you let vs fatisfie our eyes 
With the memorials, and the things of fame 
That do renowne this City. 

Ant. Would youl'd pardon me : 
I do not without danger walke thefe ftreetes. 
Once in a fea-fight 'gainft the Count his gallies, 
I did fome feruice, of fuch note indeede, 
That were I tane heere, it would fcarfe be anfwer'd. 

Seb, Belike you (lew great number of his people. 

Ant. Th offence is not of fuch a bloody nature, 
Albeit the quality of the time, and quarrell 
Might well haue giuen vs bloody argument : 
It might haue fince bene anfwer'd in repaying 
What we tooke from them, which for Traffiques fake 
Moft of our City did. Onely my felfe flood out, 
For which if I be lapfed in this place 
I fhall pay deere. 

Seb. Do not then walke too open. 

Ant. It doth not fit me : hold fir, here's my purfe, 
In the South Suburbes at the Elephant 
Is beft to lodge : I will befpeake our dyet, 
Whiles you beguile the time, and feed your knowledge 
With viewing of the Towne, there fhall you haue me. 

Seb. Why I your purfe ? 

Ant. Haply your eye fhall light vpon fome toy 
You haue defire to purchafe : and your ftore 
I thinke is not for idle Markets, fir. 

Seb. He be your purfe-bearer, and leaue you 
For an houre. 

Ant. To th'EIephant. 

Seb. I do remember. Exeunt. 



Sccena Quarta. 



Enter Ottilia and Maria. 

01. I haue fent after him, he fayes hee'l come : 
How fhall I feaft him? What beftow of him f 
For youth is bought more oft, then begg'd, or borrow'd. 
I fpeake too loud : Where's Maluolio, he is fad, and ciuill, 
And fuites well for a feruant with my fortunes, 
Where is Maluolio ? 

Mar. He's comming Madame : 
But in very ftrange manner. He is fure pofTeft Madam. 

01. Why what's the matter,does he raue? 

Mar. No Madam, he does nothing but fmile:your La- 
dyfhip were beft to haue fome guard about you, if hee 
come, for fure the man is tainted in's wits. 

01. Go call him hither. 

Enter Maluolio. 
I am as madde as hee, 
If fad and merry madneffe equall bee. 
How now Maluolio ? 

Mai. Sweet Lady, ho, ho. 

01. Smil'ft thou ? I fent for thee vpon a fad occafion. 

Mai. Sad Lady, I could be fad : 
This does make fome obftruftion in the blood : 
This croffe-gartering, but what of that? 



20 7 



If it pleafe the eye of one, it is with me as the very true 
Sonnet is : Pleafe one, and pleafe all. 

Mai. Why how doeft thou man ? 
What is the matter with thee? 

Mai. Not blacke in my minde , though yellow in my 
legges : It did come to his hands, and Commaunds fhall 
be executed. I thinke we doe know the fweet Romane 
hand. 

01. Wilt thou go to bed Maluolio ? 

Mai. To bed ? I fweet heart, and He come to thee. 

01. God comfort thee : Why doft thou fmile fo, and 
kiffe thy hand fo oft ? 

Mar. How do you Maluolio ? 

Maluo. At your requeft : 
Yes Nightingales anfwere Dawes. 

Mar. Why appeare you with this ridiculous bold- 
neffe before my Lady. 

Mai. Be not afraid of greatneffe : 'twas well writ. 

01. What meanft thou by that cMaluolio ? 

Mai. Some are borne great. 

01. Ha? 

Mai. Some atcheeue greatneffe. 

01. What fayft thou ? 

Mai. And fome haue greatneffe thruft vpon them. 

01. Heauen reftore thee. 

Mai. Remember who commended thy yellow ftock- 
ings. 

01. Thy yellow ftockings i 

Mai. And wifh'd to fee thee croffe garter'd. 

01. Croffe garter'd ? 

<JV[al. Go too, thou art made, if thou defir'ft to be fo. 

01. Am I made? 

Mai. If not, ler me fee thee a feruant ftill. 

01. Why this is verie Midfommer madneffe. 

Enter Seruant. 

Ser. Madame, the young Gentleman of the Count 
Orjino's is return'd, I could hardly entreate him backe : he 
attends your Ladyfhips pleafure. 

01. He come to him. 
Good Maria, let this fellow be look d too. Where's my 
Cofine Toby, let fome of my people haue a fpeciall care 
of him, I would not haue him mifcarrie for the halfe of 
my Dowry. exit 

Mai. Oh ho, do you come neere me now : no worfe 
man then fir Toby to looke to me. This concurres direct- 
ly with the Letter, fhe fends him on purpofe, that I may 
appeare ftubborne to him : for fhe incites me to that in 
the Letter. Caft thy humble flough fayes fhe : be oppo- 
fite with a Kinfman, furly with feruants, let thy tongue 
langer with arguments of ftate, put thy felfe into the 
tricke of Angularity : and confequently fetts tlowne the 
manner how : as a fad face, a reuerend carriage, a flow 
tongue, in the habite of fome Sir of note, and fo foorth . 
I haue lymde her,but it is Ioues doing,and Ioue make me 
thankefull. And when fhe went away now, let this Fel- 
low be look'd too : Fellow ? not eflfaluotto, nor after my 
degree, but Fellow. Why euery thing adheres togither, 
that no dramme of a scruple, no fcruple of a fcruple, no 
obftacle, no incredulous or vnfafe circumftance : What 
can be faide ? Nothing that can be, can come betweene 
me, and the full profpecr. of my hopes. Well Ioue, not I, 
is the doer of this, and he is to be thanked. 

Enter Toby, Fabian, and Maria. 

Z 2 To. 



268 



Tveelfe Slight, or, What you will. 



To. Which way is hee in the name of fanclity. If all 
the diuels of hell be drawne in little, and Legion himfelfe 
poffeft him, yet He fpeake to him. 

Fab. Heere he is, heere he is : how ift with you fir ? 
How ift with you man ? 

Mai. Go off, I difcard you : let me enioy my priuate: 
go off. 

Mar. Lo, how hollow the fiend fpeakes within him ; 
did not I tell you ? Sir Toby, my Lady prayes you to haue 
a care of him. 

Mai. Ah ha, does me fo ? 

To. Go too, go too : peace, peace, wee muft deale 
gently with him : Let me alone. How do you Maluolio? 
How ift with you f What man,defie the diuell : confider, 
he's an enemy to mankinde. 

Mai. Do you know what you fay ? 

oMar. La you, and you fpeake ill of the diuell, how 
he takes it at heart Pray God he be not bewitch'd. 

Fab. Carry his water to th'wife woman. 

Mar. Marry and it ihall be done to morrow morning 
if I liue. My Lady would not loofe him for more then ile 
fay. 

Mai. How now miftris ? 

Mar. Oh Lord. 

To. Prethee hold thy peace, this is not the way : Doe 
you not fee you moue him? Let me alone with him. 

Fa. No way but gentleneffe, gently, gently : the Fiend 
is rough, and will not be roughly vs'd. 

To. Why how now my bawcock?how doft y chuck ? 

Mai. Sir. 

To. I biddy, come with me. What man, tis not for 
grauity to play at cherrie-pit with fathan. Hang him foul 
Colliar. 

Mar. Get him to fay his prayers, good fir Toby gette 
him to pray. 

Mai. My prayers Minx. 

Mar. No I warrant you, he will not heare of godly- 
neffe. 

Mai. Go hang your felues all : you are ydle fhallowe 
things, I am not of your element, you ihall knowe more 
heereafter. Exit 

To. Ift pofsible ? 

Fa. If this were plaid vpon a ftage now, I could con- 
demne it as an improbable fiftion. 

To His very genius hath taken the infe&ion of the 
deuice man. 

Mar. Nay purfue him now,leaft the deuice take ayre, 
and taint. 

Fa. Why we Ihall make him mad indeede. 

Mar. The houfe will be the quieter. 

To. Come, wee'l haue him in a darke room & bound. 
My Neece is already in the beleefe that he's mad: we may 
carry it thus for our pleafure, and his pennance,til our ve- 
ry paftime tyred out of breath, prompt vs to haue mercy 
on him : at which time, we wil bring the deuice to the bar 
and crowne thee for a finder of madmen : but fee, but fee. 
Enter Sir Andrew. 

Fa. More matter for a May morning. 

An. Heere's the Challenge, reade it: I warrant there's 
vinegar and pepper in't. 

Fab. Ift fo fawcy ? 

And. I, ift? I warrant him : do but read. 

To. Giue me. 
Youth,ivhatfoeuer thou art, thou art but a fcuruy fellow . 

Fa. Good, and valiant. 

To. Wonder not,nor admire not in thy minde -why I doe call 



thee fo, for I willfiew thee no reajonfort. (Law 

Fa. A good note, that keepes you from the blow of y 

To. Thou comft to the Lady Oliuia,and in my fight fie -vjes 
thee kindly : but thou lyejl in thy throat, that U not the matter 
I challenge thee for. 

Fa. Very breefe, and to exceeding good fence-leffe. 

To.Iiuill way-lay thee going home, where if it be thy chance 
to kill me. 

Fa. Good. 

To. Thou kilji me like a rogue and a •villaine. 

Fa. Still you keepe o'th windie fide of the Law:good. 

Tob. Fartheewell, and God haue mercie vpon one of our 
foules. He may haue mercie -vpon mine, but my hope is better, 
andfo looke to thyfelfe. Thy friend as thou vjeft him,& thy 
fworne enemie, Andrew Ague-cheeke. 

To. If this Letter moue him not, his legges cannot : 
Ile giu't him. 

Mar, Yon may haue verie fit occafion fot't : he is now 
in fome commerce with my Ladie , and will by and by 
depart. 

To. Go fir tAndrew : fcout mee for him at the corner 
of the Orchard like a bum-Baylie : fo foone as euer thou 
feeft him, draw, and as thou draw'ft, fweare horrible ; for 
t comes to paffe oft, that a terrible oath, with a fwagge- 
ring accent fharpely twang'd off, giues manhoode more 
approbation, then euer proofe it felfe would haue eam'd 
him. Away. 

And. Nay let me alone for fwearing. Exit 

To. Now will not I deliuer his Letter : for the behaui- 
ourofthe yong Gentleman, giues him out to be of good 
capacity, and breeding : his employment betweene his 
Lord and my Neece, confirmes no leffe. Therefore, this 
Letter being fo excellently ignorant, will breed no terror 
in the youth : he will finde it comes from a Clodde-pole. 
But fir, I will deliuer his Challenge by word of mouth ; 
fet vpon Ague-cheeke a notable report of valor, and driue 
the Gentleman (as I know his youth will aptly receiue it) 
into a moft hideous opinion of his rage, skill, furie, and 
impetuofitie.This will fo fright them both, that they wil 
kill one another by the looke, like Cockatrices. 

Enter O/iuia andXJiola. 

Fab.Heere he comes with your Neece, giue them way 
till he take leaue, and prefently after him. 

To. I wil meditate the while vpon fome horrid meffage 
for a Challenge. 

01. I haue faid too much vnto a hart of ftone, 
And laid mine honour too vnchary on't : 
There's fomething in me that reproues my fault : 
But fuch a head-ftrong potent fault it is, 
That it but mockes reproofe. 

Vio. With the fame hauiour that your paffion beares, 
Goes on my Matters greefes. 

01. Heere, weare this Iewell for me, tis my picture : 
Refufe it not, it hath no tongue, to vex you : 
And 1 befeech you come againe to morrow. 
What Avail you aske of me that Ile deny, 
That honour (fau'd) may vpon asking giue. 

Vio. Nothing but this, your true loue for my mafter. 

01. How with mine honor may I giue him that, 
Which I haue giuen to you. 

Vio. I will acquit you. 

01. Well, come againe to morrow: far-thee-well, 
A Fiend like thee might bear'e my foule to hell. 
Enter Toby and Fabian. 

To. Gentleman, God iaue thee. 

Vio. 



Tvpelfe ZNjght, or, What you mil. 



269 



Vio. And you fir. 

To. That defence thou haft, betake the too't : of what 
nature the wrongs are thou haft done him, I knowe not : 
but thy intercepter full of defpight, bloody as the Hun- 
ter, attends thee at the Orchard end : difmount thy tucke, 
be yare in thy preparation, for thy affaylant is quick, skil- 
full, and deadly. 

Vio. You miftake fir I am fure, no man hath any quar- 
rell to me : my remembrance is very free and cleere from 
any image of offence done to any man. 

To. You'l finde it otherwife I afTure you : therefore, if 
you hold your life at any price, betake you to your gard : 
for your oppofite hath in him what youth, ftrength, skill, 
and wrath, can furnifh man withall. 

Vio. I pray you fir what is he ? 

To. He is knight dubb'd with vnhatch'd Rapier, and 
on carpet confideration, but he is a diuell in priuate brail, 
foules and bodies hath he diuorc'd three, and his incenfe- 
ment at this moment is fo implacable, that fatisfaftion 
can be none, but by pangs of death and fepulcher : Hob, 
nob, is his word : giu't or take't. 

Vio. I will returne againe into the houfe, and defire 
fome conduft of the Lady. I am no fighter, I haue heard 
of fome kinde of men, that put quarrells purpofely on 0- 
thers, to tafte their valour : belike this is a man of that 
quirke. 

To. Sir, no : his indignation deriues it felfe out of a ve- 
ry computent iniurie, therefore get you on, and giue him 
his defire. Backe you fhall not to the houfe, vnleffe you 
vndertake that with me, which with as much fafetie you 
might anfwer him : therefore on, or ftrippe your fword 
ftarke naked : for meddle you muft that's certain, or for- 
fweare to weare iron about you. 

Vio. This is as vnciuill as Arrange. I befeech you doe 
me this courteous office, as to know of the Knight what 
my offence to him is : it is fomething of my negligence, 
nothing of my purpofe. 

To. I will doe fo. Signiour Fabian, ftay you by this 
Gentleman, till my returne. Exit Toby. 

Vio. Pray you fir, do you know of this matter? 

Fab. I know the knight is incenft againft you, euen to 
a mortall arbitrement, but nothing of the circumftance 
more. 

Vio. I befeech you what manner of man is he ? 

Fab. Nothing of that wonderfull promife to read him 
by his forme, as you are like to finde him in the proofs of 
his valour. He is indeede fir, the moft skilfull, bloudy,& 
fatall oppofite that you could pofsibly haue found in anie 
part of Illyria : will you walke towards him, I will make 
your peace with him, if I can. 

Vio. I fhall bee much bound to you for't : I am one, 
that had rather go with fir Prieft, then fir knight : I care 
not who knowes fo much of my mettle. Exeunt. 

Enter Toby and Andrew. 

To. Why man hees a verie diuell, I haue not feen fuch 
a firago : I had a pafTe with him, rapier, fcabberd,and all : 
and he giues me the ftucke in with fuch a mortall motion 
that it is ineuitable : and on the anfwer, he payes you as 
furely, as your feete hits the ground they ftep on. They 
fay, he has bin Fencer to the Sophy. 

And. Pox on't, He not meddle with him. 

To. I but he will not now be pacified, 
Fabian can fcarfe hold him yonder. 

An. Plague on't, and I thought he had beene valiant, 
and fo cunning in Fence, I'de haue feene him damn'd ere 
I'de haue challeng'd him. Let him let the matter flip, and 



269 



He giue him my horfe, gray Capilet. 

To. He make the motion : ftand heere, make a good 
fhew on't, this fhall end without the perdition of foules, 
marry He ride your horfe as well as I ride you. 

Enter Fabian and Viola. 
I haue his horfe to take vp the quarrell, I haue perfwaded 
him the youths a diuell. 

Fa. He is as horribly conceited of him : and pants, & 
lookes pale, as if a Beare were at his heeles. 

To, There's no remedie fir, he will fight with you for's 
oath fake : marrie hee hath better bethought him of his 
quarrell, and hee findes that now fcarfe to bee worth tal- 
king of: therefore draw for the fupportance of his vowe, 
he protefts he will not hurt you. 

Vio. Pray God defend me : a little thing would make 
me tell them how much I lacke of a man. 

Fab. Giue ground if you fee him furious. 

To. Come fir Andrew, there's no remedie, the Gen- 
tleman will for his honors fake haue one bowt with you: 
he cannot by the Duello auoide it : but hee has promifed 
me, as he is a Gentleman and a Soldiour, he will not hurt 
you. Come on, too't. 

And. Pray God he keepe his oath. 
Enter Antonio. 

Vio. I do afTure you tis againft my will. 

Ant. Put vp your fword : if this yong Gentleman 
Haue done offence, I take the fault on me : 
If you offend him, I for him defie you. 

To. You fir ? Why, what are you ? 

Ant. One fir, that for his loue dares yet do more 
Then you haue heard him brag to you he will. 

To. Nay,if you be an vndertaker, I am for you. 
EnterOfficers. 

Fab. O good fir Toby hold: heere come the Officers. 

To. He be with you anon. 

Vio. Pray fir, put your fword vp if you pleafe. 

And. Marry will I fir : and for that I promis'd you lie 
be as good as my word. Hee will beare you eafily , and 
raines well. 

1. Off. This is the man, do thy Office. 

2 Off. Antbonio, I arreft thee at the fuitof Count Orjino 
' An. You do miftake me fir. 

i.Off. No fir, no iot : I know your fauour well : 
Though now you haue no fea-cap on your head : 
Take him away, he knowes I know him well. 

Ant. I muft obey. This comes with feeking you : 
But there's no remedie, I fhall anfwer it : 
What will you do : now my neceffitie 
Makes me to aske you for my purfe. It greeues mee 
Much more, for what I cannot do for you, 
Then what befals my felfe : you ftand amaz'd, 
But be of comfort. 

2 Off. Come fir away. 

Ant. I muft entreat of you fome of that money. 

Vio. What money fir? 
For the fayre kindneffe you haue fhew'd me heere, 
And part being prompted by your prefent trouble, 
Out of my leane and low ability 
lie lend you fomething : my hauing is not much, 
He make diuifion of my prefent with you : 
Hold, there's halfe my Coffer. 

Ant. Will you deny me now, 
Ift poffible that my deferts to you 
Can Lzcke perfwafion. Do not tempt my mifery, 
Leaft that it make me fo vnfound a man 
As to vpbraid you with thofe kindnefTes 

Z 3 That 



2 7 



Ttoelfe frQigbt, or, What you mil. 



That I haue done for you. 
Via. I know of none, 

Nor know I you by voyce, or any feature : 
I hate ingratitude more in a man, 
Then lying, vainneffe, babling drunkenneffe, 
Or any taint of vice, whofe ftrong corruption 
Inhabites our fraile blood. 

cAnt. Oh heauens themfelues. 

2. Off. Come fir, I pray you go. 

Ant. Let me fpeake a little. This youth that you fee 
I fnatch'd one halfe out of the iawes of death, (heere, 
Releeu'd him with fuch fandtitie of loue; 
And to his image, which me thought did promife 
Moft venerable worth, did I deuotion. 

l. Off. What's that to vs, the time goes by : Away. 

Ant. But oh, how vilde an idoll proues this God : 
Thou haft Sebaftian done good feature, fhame. 
In Nature, there's no blemifh but the minde : 
None can be call'd deform'd, but the vnkinde. 
Vertue is beauty, but the beauteous euill 
Are empty trunkes, ore-flourifh'd by the deuill. 

I . Off. The man growes mad, away with him : 
Come, come fir. 

Ant. Leade me on. Exit 

Vio. Me thinkes his words do from fuch pafsion flye 
That he beleeues himfelfe, fo do not I : 
Proue true imagination, oh proue ttue, 
That I deere brother, be now tane for you. 

To. Come hither Knight, come hithef Fabian : Weel 
whifper ore a couplet or two of moft fage fawes. 

Vic. He nam'd Sebaftian : I my brother know 
Yet liuing in my glafle : euen fuch, and fo 
In fauour was my Brother, and he went 
Still in this fafhion, colour, ornament, 
For him I imitate : Oh if it proue, 
Tempefts are kinde, and fait waues frem in loue. 

To. A very diftioneft paltry boy, and more a coward 
then a Hare, his difhonefty appeares, in leauing his frend 
heere in neceffity, and denying- him; and for his coward- 
fhip aske Fabian. 

Fab. A Coward, a moft deuout Coward, religious in 
it. 

And, Slid He after him againe, and beate him. 

To. Do,cuffe him foundly, but neuer draw thy fword 

And. And I do not. 

Fab. Come, let's fee the euent. 

To. I dare lay any money, twill be nothing yet. Exit 



zABus Quart us, Sccena prima. 



Enter Sebaftian and Qlo<wne. 

Clo. Will you make me beleeue, that I am not fent for 
you? 

Seb. Go too, go too, thou art a fooliih fellow, 
Let me be cleere of thee. 

Clo. Well held out yfaith : No, I do not know you, 
nor I am not fent to you by my Lady, to bid you come 
fpeake with her : nor your name is not Mafter Cejario, 
nor this is not my nofe neyther : Nothing that is fo,is fo. 

Seb. I prethee vent thy folly fome-where elfe, thou 
know'ft not me. 

Clo. Vent my folly : He has heard that word of fome 
great man, and now applyes it to a foole. Vent my fol- 



ly : I am affraid this great lubber the World will proue a 
Cockney : I prethee now vngird thy ftrangenes, and tell 
me what I fhall vent to my Lady? Shall I vent to hir that 
thou art comming ? 

Seb. I prethee foolifh greeke depart from me, there's 
money for thee, if you tarry longer, I fhall giue worfe 
paiment. 

Clo. By my troth thou haft an open hand:thefe Wife- 
men that giue fooles money, get themfelues a good re- 
port, after foureteene yeares purchafe. 

Enter Andrew, Toby , and Fabian. 

And. Now fir, haue I met you again : ther's for you. 

Seb. Why there's for thee, and there, and there, 
Are all the people mad ? 

To Hold fir, or lie throw your dagger ore the houfe. 

Clo. This will I tell my Lady ftraight, I would not be 
in fome of your coats for two pence. 

To. Come on fir, hold. 

An. Nay let him alone, He go another way to worke 
with him: He haue an a&ion of Battery againft him, if 
there be any law in Illyria : though I ftroke him firft, yet 
it's no matter for that. 

Seb. Let go thy hand. 

To. Come fir, I will not let you go. Come my yong 
fouldier put vp your yron : you are well flefh'd : Come 
on. 

Seb. I will be free from thee. What wouldft y now ? 
If thou dar'ft tempt me further, draw thy fword. 

To. What, what ? Nay then I muft haue an Ounce or 
two of this malapert blood from you. 
Enter Oliuia. 

01. Hold Toby, on thy life I charge thee hold. 

To. Madam. 

01. Will it be euer thus i Vngracious wretch, 
Fit for the Mountaines, and the barbarous Caues, 
Where manners nere were preach'd : out of my fight. 
Be not offended, deere Cejario : 
Rudesbey be gone. I prethee gentle friend, 
Let thy fayre wifedome, not thy pafsion fway 
In this vnciuill, and vniuft extent 
Againft thy peace. Go with me to my houfe, 
And heare thou there how many fruitleffe prankes 
This Ruffian hath botch'd vp, that thou thereby 
Mayft fmile auhis : Thou (halt not choofe but goe : 
Do not denie, beihrew his foule for mee, 
He ftarted one poore heart of mine, in thee. 

Seb. What rellifli is in this? How runs the ftreame? 
Or I am mad, or elfe this is a dreame : 
Let fancie ftill my fenfe in Lethe fteepe, 
If it be thus to dreame, ftill let me fleepe. 

O/.Nay come I prethee, would thoud'ft be rul'd by me 

Seb. Madam, I will. 

01. O fay fo, and fo be. Exeunt 



Sccena Secunda. 



Enter Maria and Cloivne. 
Mar. Nay, I prethee put on this gown, & this beard, 
make him beleeue thou art fir Tofas the Curate , doe it 
quickly. He call fir Toby the whilft. 

Clo. Well, He put it on, and I will diffemble my felfe 
in't, and I would I were the firft that euer diffembled in 

fuch* 



Type If e Slight, or, What you will. 



271 



in fuch a gowne. I am not tall enough to become the 
function well, nor leane enough to bee thought a good 
Studient : but to be faid an honeft man and a good houf- 
keeper goes as fairely, as to fay, a carefull man, & a great 
fcholler. The Competitors enter. 
Enter Toby.' 

To. Ioue bleffe thee M. Parfon, 

Go. 'Bonos dies fir Toby: for as the old hermit of Prage 
that neuer faw pen and inke, very wittily fayd to a Neece 
of King Qorbodacke, that that is, is : fo I being M. Parfon, 
am M. Parfon; for what is that, but that? and is, but is? 

To. To him fir Topas. 

Cloiv. What hoa, I fay, Peace in this prifon. 

To. The knaue counterfets well : a good knaue. 

Maluolio within. 

Mai. Who cals there ? 

Clo. Sir Topas the Curate, who comes to vifit Maluo- 
lio the Lunaticke. 

Mai. Sir Topas, fir Topas, good fir Topas goe to my 
Ladie. 

Clo. Out hyperbolicall fiend, how vexeft thou this 
man ? Talkeft thou nothing but of Ladies? 

Tob. Well faid M. Parfon. 

Mai. Sir Topas, neuer was man thus wronged, good 
fir Topas do not thinke I am mad : they haue layde mee 
heere in hideous darkneffe. 

Clo. Fye, thou diihoneft fathan : I call thee by the 
moft modeft termes, for I am one of thofe gentle ones, 
that will vfe the diuell himfelfe with curtefie : fayft thou 
that houfe is darke ? 

tMal. As hell fir Topas. 

Clo. Why it hath bay Windowes tranfparant as bari- 
cadoes, and the cleere ftores toward the South north, are 
as luftrous as Ebony : and yet complaineft thou of ob- 
ftrucYion ? 

Mai. I am not mad fir Topas, I fay to you this houfe is 
darke. 

Clo. Madman thou erreft : I fay there is no darknefle 
but ignorance, in which thou art more puzel'd then the 
^Egyptians in their fogge. 

Mai. I fay this houfe is as darke as Ignorance, thogh 
Ignorance were as darke as hell; and I lay there was ne- 
uer man thus abus'd, I am no more madde then you are, 
make the triall of it in any conftant queftion. 

Clo. What is the opinion of Pythagoras concerning 
Wilde-fowle ? 

Mai. That the foule of our grandam, might happily 
inhabite a bird. 

Clo. What thinkft thou of his opinion f 

Mai. I thinke nobly of the foule,and no way aproue 
his opinion. 

Clo. Fare thee well : remaine thou ftill in darkenefTe, 
thou fhalt hold th'opinion of Pythagoras, ere I will allow 
of thy wits, and feare to kill a Woodcocke, left thou dif- 
poffefTe the foule of thy grandam. Fare thee well. 

<±Mal. Sir Topas, fir Topas. 

Tob. My moft exquifite fir Topas. 

Clo. Nay I am for all waters. 

Mar. Thou mightft haue done this without thy berd 
and gowne, he fees thee not. 

To. To him in thine owne voyce, and bring me word 
how thou findft him : I would we were well ridde of this 
knauery. If he may bee conueniently deliuer'd, I would 
he were, for I am now fo farre in offence with my Niece, 
that I cannot purfue with any fafety this fport the vppe- 
Jhot- Come by and by to my Chamber. Exit 



Clo. Hey Robin, iolly Robin, tell me how thy Lady 
does. 

Mai. Foole. 

Qlo. My Lady is vnkind, perdie. 

Mai. Foole. 

Clo. Alas why is fhe fo ? 

Mai. Foole, I fay. 

Clo. She loues another. Who calles, ha ? 

Mai. Good foole, as euer thou wilt deferue well at 
my hand, helpe me to a Candle, and pen, inke, and paper: 
as I am a Gentleman, I will liue to bee thankefull to thee 
for't. 

Clo. M. cMaluolio ? 

vMal. I good Foole. 

Qlo. Alas fir, how fell you befides your fiue witts ? 

Mall. Foole, there was neuer man fo notoriouflie a- 
bus'd : I am as well in my wits (foole) as thou art. 

Clo. But as well : then you are mad indeede,if you be 
no better in your wits then a foole. 

Mai. They haue heere propertied me : keepe mee in 
darkeneffe, fend Minifters to me, Affes, and doe all they 
can to face me out of my wits. 

Clo. Aduife you what you fay : the Minifter is heere. 
cMaluolio, Maluolio. thy wittes the heauens reftore : en- 
deauour thy felfe to fleepe, and leaue thy vaine bibble 
babble. 

Mai. Sir Topas. 

Clo. Maintaine no words with him good fellow. 
Who I fir, not I fir. God buy you good fir Topas : Mar- 
ry Amen. I will fir, I will. 

Mai. Foole, foole, foole I fay. 

Clo. Alas fir be patient. What fay you fir, I am fhent 
for fpeaking to you. 

Mai. Good foole, helpe me to fome light, and fome 
paper, I tell thee I am as well in my wittes, as any man in 
Ulyria. 

Clo. Well-a-day, that you were fir. 

Mai. By this hand I am : good foole, fome inke, pa- 
per, and light : and conuey what I will fet downe to my 
Lady : it fhall aduantage thee more, then euer the bea- 
ring of Letter did. 

Clo. I will help you too't. But tel me true, are you not 
mad indeed, or do you but counterfeit. 

Mai. Beleeue me I am not, I tell thee true. 

Clo. Nay, He nere beleeue a madman till I fee his brains 
I will fetch you light, and paper, and inke. 

Mai. Foole, He requite it in the higheft degree : 
I prethee be goue. 

Clo. I am gone fir, and anon fir, 
He be with you againe : 
In a trice, like to the old vice, 

your neede to fuftaine. 
Who with dagger of lath, in his rage and his wrath, 

cries ah ha, to the diuell : 
Like a mad lad, paire thy nayles dad, 

Adieu good man diuell. Exit 



Sccena Tertia. 



Enter Sebajlian. 
This is the ayre, that is the glorious Sunne, 
This pearle fhe gaue me, I do feel't, and fee't, 
And though tis wonder that enwraps me thus, 



272 



Tweife ZNjght, or, What you will. 



Yet 'tis not madneffe. Where's Anthonio then, 

I could not finde him at the Elephant, 

Yet there he was, and there I found this credite, 

That he did range the towne to feeke me out, 

His councell now might do me golden feruice, 

For though my foule difputes well with my fence, 

That this may be fome error, but no madneffe, 

Yet doth this accident and flood of Fortune, 

So farre exceed all inftance, all difcourfe, 

That I am readie to diftruft mine eyes, 

And wrangle with my reafon that perfwades me 

To any other truft, but that I am mad, 

Or elfe the Ladies mad; yet if 'twere fo, 

She could not fway her houfe, command her followers, 

Take, and giue backe affayres, and their difpatch, 

With fuch a fmooth, difcreet, and ftable bearing 

As I perceiue me do's : there's fomething in't 

That is deceiueable. But heere the Lady comes. 

Enter Oliuia, and Priefl. 

01. Blame not this hafte of mine : if you meane well 
Now go with me, and with this holy man 
Into the Chantry by : there before him, 
And vnderneath that confecrated roofe, 
Plight me the full affurance of your faith, 
That my moft iealious, and too doubtfull foule 
May liue at peace. He mall conceale it, 
Whiles you are willing it mail come to note, 
What time we will our celebration keepe 
According to my birth, what do you fay ? 

Seb. He follow this good man, and go with you, 
And hauing fworne truth, euer will be true. 

O/.Then lead the way good father,& heauens fo mine, 
That they may fairely note this acte of mine. Exeunt. 

Finis ABui Siuartus. 



aABus Quintus. Scena Trima. 



Enter Cloivne and Fabian. 
Fab. Now as thou lou'ft me, let me fee his Letter. 
Clo. Good M.Fabian, grant me another requeft. 
Fab. Any thing. 

Clo. Do not defire to fee this Letter. 
Fab. This is to giue a dogge,and in recompence defire 
my dogge againe. 

Enter Duke, Viola, Curio, and Lords. 

Duke. Belong you to the Lady Oliuia, friends? 

Clo. I fir, we are fome of her trappings. 

Duke. I know thee well : how doeft thou my good 
Fellow ? 

Clo. Truely fir, the better for my foes, and the worfe 
for my friends. 

Du. Iuft the contrary : the better for thy friends. 

Qlo. No fir, the worfe. 

Du. How can that be ? 

Clo. Marry fir, they praife me, and make an affe of me, 
now my foes tell me plainly, I am an Affe : fo that by my 
fees fir, I profit in the knowledge of my felfe, and by my 
friends I am abufed : fo that conclufions to be as kiffes, if 
your foure negatiues make your two affirmatiues , why 
then the worfe for my friends, and the better for my foes. 



Du. Why this is excellent. 

Clo. By my troth fir, no : though it pleafe you to be 
one of my friends. 

Du. Thou fhalt not be the worfe for me, there's gold. 

Clo. But that it would be double dealing fir, I would 
you could make it another. 

Du. O you giue me ill counfell. 

Clo. Put your grace in your pocket fir, for this once, 
and let your flelh and blood obey it. 

Du. Well, I will be fo much a finner to be a double 
dealer : there's another. 

Clo. Prima, fecundo, tertio, is a good play, and the olde 
faying is, the third payes for all : the triplex fir, is a good 
tripping meafure, or the belles of S. Rennet fir, may put 
you in minde, one, two, three. 

Du. You can foole no more money out of mee at this 
throw: if you will let your Lady know I am here to fpeak 
with her, and bring her along with you, it may awake my 
bounty further. 

Clo. Marry fir, lullaby to your bountie till I come a- 
gen. I go fir, but I would not haue you to thinke, that 
my defire of hauing is the finne of couetoufneffe : but as 
you fay fir, let your bounty take a nappe, I will awake it 
anon. Exit 

Enter Anthonio and Officers. 

Vio. Here comes the man fir, that did refcue mee. 

Du. That face of his I do remember well, 
yet when I faw it laft, it was befmear'd 
As blacke as Vulcan, in the fmoake of warre : 
A bawbling Veffell was he Captaine of, 
For (hallow draught and bulke vnprizable, 
With which fuch fcathfull grapple did he make, 
With the moft noble bottome of our Fleete, 
That very enuy, and the tongue of loffe 
Cride fame and honor on him: What's the matter? 

I Offi. Orfino, this is that Anthonio 
That tooke the Phoenix, and her fraught from Candy, 
And this is he that did the Tiger boord, 
When your yong Nephew Titus loft his legge ; 
Heere in the ftreets, defperate of ihame and ftate, 
In priuate brabble did we apprehend him. 

Vio. He did me kindneffe fir, drew on my fide, 
But in conclufion put ftrange fpeech vpon me, 
I know not what 'twas, but diftra&ion. 

Da. Notable Pyrate, thou falt-water Theefe, 
What fooliih boldneffe brought thee to their mercies, 
Whom thou in termes fo bloudie, and fo deere 
Haft made thine enemies ? 

Ant. Orfino : Noble fir, 
Be pleas'd that I fhake offthefe names you giue mee : 
Anthonio neueryet was Theefe, or Pyrate, 
Though I confeffe, on bafe and ground enough 
Orfino 's enemie. A witchcraft drew me hither : 
That moft ingratefull boy there by your fide, 
From the rude feas enrag'd and foamy mouth 
Did I redeeme : a wracke paft hope he was : 
His life I gaue him, and did thereto adde 
My loue without retention, or reftraint, 
All his in dedication. For his fake, 
Did I expofe my felfe (pure for his loue) 
Into the danger of this aduerfe Towne, 
Drew to defend him, when he was befet: 
Where being apprehended, his falfe cunning 
(Not meaning to partake with me in danger) 
Taught him to face me out of his acquaintance, 



Twelfe ZNjght, or, What you will. 



2 73 



And grew a twentie yeeres remoued thing 

While one would winke : denide me mine owne purfe, 

Which I had recommended to his vfe, 

Not halfe an houre before. 

Vio. How can this be ? 

Du. When came he to this Towne ? 

*Ant. To day my Lord : and for three months before, 
No intrim, not a minutes vacancie, 
Both day and night did we keepe companie. 
Enter Oliuia and attendants. 

Du. Heere comes the Counteffe, now heauen walkes 
on earth : 
But for thee fellow, fellow thy words are madnefTe, 
Three monthes this youth hath tended vpon mee, 
But more of that anon. Take him afide. 

01. What would my Lord, but that he may not haue, 
Wherein Oliuia may feeme feruiceable f 
Cefario, you do not keepe promife with me. 

Vio. Madam: 

Du. Gracious Oliuia. 

01. What do you fay Cefario ? Good my Lord. 

Vio. My Lord would fpeake,my dutie hufhes me. 

01. If it be ought to the old tune my Lord, 
" is as fat and fulfome to mine eare 
A s howling after Muficke. 

<Du. Still fo cruell ? 

01. Still fo conftant Lord. 

©». What to peruerfeneffe i you vnciuill Ladie 
To whofe ingrate, and vnaufpicious Altars 
My foule the faithfull'ft offrings haue breath'd out 
That ere deuotion tender'd. What (hall I do? 

01. Euen what it pleafe my Lord, that lhal becom him 

Du. Why fhould I not, (had I the heart to do it) 
Like to th'Egyptian theefe, at point of death 
Kill what I loue : (a fauage iealoufie, 
That fometime fauours nobly) but heare me this : 
Since you to non-regardance caft my faith, 
And that I partly know the inftrument 
That fcrewes me from my true place in your fauour : 
Liue you the Marble-brefted Tirant ftill. 
But this your Minion, whom I know you loue, 
And whom, by heauen I fweare, 1 tender deerely, 
Him will I teare out of that cruell eye, 
Where he fits crowned in his mafters fpight. 
Come boy with me, my thoughts are ripe in mifchlefe : 
lie facrifice the Lambe that 1 do loue, 
To fpight a Rauens heart within a Doue. 

X)io. And I moft iocund, apt, and willinglie, 
To do you reft, a thoufand deaths would dye. 

01. Where goes Qefarioi 

Vio. After him I loue, 
More then I loue thefe eyes, more then my life, 
More by all mores, then ere I lhall loue wife. 
If I do feigne, you witnefTes aboue 
Puniih my life, for tainting of rny loue. 

01. Aye me derefted, how am I beguil'd ? 

"Wo.Who does beguile you? who does do you wrong? 

01. Haft thou forgot thy felfe f Is it fo long? 
Call forth the holy Father. 

Du. Come, away. 

01, Whether my Lord ? Cefario, Husband, ftay. 

Da. Husband ? 

01. I Husband. Can he that deny? 

Dm. Her husband, firrah ? 

Vio. No my Lord, not I. 

01. Alas, it is the bafeneffe of thy feare, 



Z73 



That makes thee ftrangle thy propriety : 

Feare not Cefario, take thy fortunes vp, 

Be that thou know'ft thou art, and then thou art 

As great as that thou fear'ft. 

Enter Prieft. 

welcome Father : 

Father, I charge thee by thy reuerence 
Heere to vnfold, though lately we intended 
To keepe in darkenefle, what occafion now 
Reueales before 'tis ripe : what thou doft know 
Hath newly paft, betweene this youth, and me. 

Prieft. A Contract of eternall bond of loue, 
Confirm'd by mutuall ioynder of your hands, 
Attefted by the holy clofe of lippes, 
Strengthned by enterchangement of your rings, 
And all the Ceremonie of this compact 
Seal'd in my function, by my teftimony : 
Since when, my watch hath told me, toward my graue 

1 haue trauail'd but two houres. 

T>u. O thou difiembling Cub : what wilt thou be 
When time hath fow'd a grizzle on thy cafe ? 
Or will not elfe thy craft fo quickely grow, 
That thine owne trip lhall be thine ouerthrow : 
Farewell, and take her, but direct thy feete, 
Where thou, and I (henceforth) may neuer meet. 

Vio. My Lord, I do proteft. 

01. O do not fweare, 
Hold little faith, though thou haft too much feare. 

Enter Sir Andrew. 

And. For the loue of God a Surgeon, fend one pre- 
fently to fir Toby. 

01. What's the matter ? 

And. H'as broke my head a-crofTe, and has giuen Sir 
Toby a bloody Coxcombe too : for the loue of God your 
helpe, I had rather then forty pound I were at home. 

01. Who has done this fir Andrew ? 

And. The Counts Gentleman, one Cefario: we tooke 
him for a Coward, but hee's the verie diuell incardinatc. 

Du. My Gentleman Cefario ? 

And. Odd's lifelings heere he is : you broke my head 
for nothing, and that that I did, I was fet on to do't by fir 
Toby. 

Vio. Why do you fpeake to me, I neuer hurt you : 
you drew your fword vpon me without caufe, 
But I befpake you faire, and hurt you not. 

Enter Toby and Cloivne. 

And. If a bloody coxcombe be a hurt, you haue hurt 
me : I thinke you fet nothing by a bloody Coxecombe. 
Heere comes fir Toby halting, you lhall heare more: but if 
he had not beene in drinke, hee would haue tickel'd you 
other gates then he did. 

Du. How now Gentleman? how ift with you ? 

To. That's all one, has hurt me, and there's th'end on't: 
Sot, didft fee Dicke Surgeon, fot? 

Clo. O he's drunke fir Toby an houre agone : his eyes 
were fet at eight i'th morning. 

To. Then he's a Rogue, and a pafiy meafures panyn : I 
hate a drunken rogue. 

01. Away with him ? Who hath made this hauocke 
with them ? 

And. lie helpe you fir Toby, becaufe we'll be dreft to- 
gether. 

To. Will you helpe an Afle-head, and a coxcombe, & 
a knaue : a thin fae'd knaue, a gull ? 

01. 



274 



Twe/fe ZNjgbt, or, What you mil. 



01. Get him to bed, and let his hurt be look'd too. 
Enter Sebajiian. 

Seb. I am forry Madam I haue hurt your kinfman: 
But had it beene the brother of my blood, 
I muft haue done no leffe with wit and fafety. 
You throw a ftrange regard vpon me, and by that 
I do perceiue it hath offended you : 
Pardon me (fweet one) euen for the vowes 
We made each other, but fo late ago. 

Du. One face, one voice, one habit,and two perfons, 
A naturall Perfpe&iue, that is, and is not. 

Seb. Anthonio : O my deere Anthonio, 
How haue the houres rack'd, and tortur'd me, 
Since I haue loit thee ? 

Ant. Sebajiian are you ? 

Seb. Fear'ft thou that Anthonio} 

Ant. How haue you made diuifion of your felfe, 
An apple cleft in two, is not more twin 
Then thefe two creatures. Which is Sebajiian f 

01. Moft wonderfull. 

Seb. Do I ftand there ? I neuer had a brother : 
Nor can there be that Deity in my nature 
Of heere, and euery where. I had a filler, 
Whom the blinde waues and furges haue deuour'd : 
Of charity, what kinne are you to me ? 
What Countreyman? What name? What Parentage ? 

Via. Of Meffaline : Sebajiian was my Father, 
Such a Sebajiian was my brother too : 
So went he fuited to his watery tombe : 
If fpirits can affume both forme and fuite, 
You come to fright vs. 

Seb. A fpirit I am indeed, 
But am in that dimenfion grofTely clad, 
Which from the wombe I did participate. 
Were you a woman, as the reft goes euen, 
I fhould my teares let fall vpon your cheeke, 
And fay, thrice welcome drowned Viola. 

Vio. IVly father had a moale vpon his brow. 

Seb. And fo had mine. 

Vio. And dide that day when Viola from her birth 
Had numbred thirteene yeares. 

Seb. O that record is liuely in my foule, 
Hefinifhed indeed his mortail a£te 
That day that made my filter thirteene yeares. 

Vio. If nothing lets to make vs happie both, 
But this my mafculine vfurp'd attyre : 
Do not embrace me, till each circumftance, 
Of place, time, fortune, do co-here and iumpe 
That I am Viola, which to confirme, 
He bring you to a Captaine in this Towne, 
Where lye my maiden weeds : by whole gentle helpe, 
I was preferu'd to ferue this Noble Count : 
All the occurrence of my fortune fince 
Hath beene betweene this Lady, and this Lord. 

Seb. So comes it Lady, you haue beene miftooke: 
But Nature to her bias drew in that. 
You would haue bin contracted to a Maid, 
Nor are you therein (by my life) deceiu'd, 
You are betroth'd both to a maid and man. 

Du. Be not amaz'd, right noble is his blood : 
If this be fo, as yet the glade leemes true, 
I (hall haue lhare in this moft happy wracke, 
Boy, thou haft faide to me a thoufand times, 
Thou neuer Ihould'ft loue woman like to me. 

Vio. And all thofe fayings, will I ouer fweare, 
And all thofe fwearings keepe as true in foule, 



As doth that Orbed Continent, the fire, 
That feuers day ftom night. 

Du. Giue me thy hand, 
And let me fee thee in thy womans weedes. 

Vio. The Captaine that did bring me firft on fhore 
Hath my Maides garments : he vpon fome Aftion 
Is now in durance, at Maluolio 's fuite, 
A Gentleman, and follower of my Ladies. 

01. He Ihallinlarge him : fetch zMaluolio hither, 
And yet alas, now I remember me, 
They fay poore Gentleman, he's much diftraft. 
Enter Clcivne -with a Letter, and Fabian. 
A moft extracting frenfie of mine owne 
From my remembrance, clearly banifht his. 
How does he fi rah ? 

C/.Truely Madam, he holds llehebub at the ftaues end as 
well as a man in his cafe may do : has heere writ a letter to 
you, I fhould haue giuen't you to day morning. But as a 
madmans Epiftles are no Gofpels, fo it skilles not much 
when they are deliuer'd. 

01. Open't, and read it. 

Clo. Looke then to be well edified, when the Foole 
deliuers the Madman. 'By the Lord Madam. 

01. How now, art thou mad ? 

Clo. No Madam, I do but reade madnefle : and your 
Ladyfhip will haue it as it ought to bee, you muft allow 
Vox. 

01. Prethee reade i'thy right wits. 

Qlo. So I do Madona : but to reade his right wits, is to 
reade thus : therefore, perpend my Princefie, and giue 
eare. 

01. Read it you, firrah. 

Fab. Reads. By the Lord Madam, you wrong me, and 
the world lhall know it : Though you haue put mee into 
darkenefie, and giuen your drunken Cofine rule ouer me, 
yet haue I the benefit of my fenfes as well as your Ladie- 
fhip. I haue your owne letter, that induced mee to the 
femblance I put on ; with the which I doubt not, but to 
do my felfe much right, or you much fhame : thinke of 
me as you pleafe. I leaue my duty a little vnthought of, 
and fpeake out of my iniury. The madly ■vs'd Maluolio. 

01. Did he write this ? 

Clo. I Madame. 

Du. This fauours not much of diftra&ion. 

01. $ee him deliuer'd Fabian, bring him hither : 
My Lord, fo pleafe you, thefe things further thought on, 
To thinke me as well a filler, as a wife, 
One day lhall crowne th'alliance on't, fo pleafe you, 
Heere at my houfe, and at my proper coft. 

Du. Madam, I am moft apt t'embrace your offer : 
Your Mailer quits you : and for your feruice done him, 
So much againft the mettle of your fex, 
So farre beneath your foft and tender breeding, 
And fince you call'd me Mailer, for fo long : 
Heere is my hand, you fhall from this time bee 
your Mailers Miftris. 

01. A filler, you are fhe. 

Enter Maluolio. 

Du, Is this the Madman ? 

01. I my Lord, this fame : How now Maluolio ? 

cMal. Madam, you haue done me wrong, 
Notorious wrong. 

01. Haue I Maluolio? No. 

oMal. Lady you haue, pray you perufe that Letter. 
You muft not now denie it is your hand, 
Write from it if you can, in hand, or phrafe, 

Or 



Twelfe ZNjgbt,or, What you "frill. 



2 75 



Or fay, tis not your feale, not your inuention : 
You can fay none of this. Well, grant it then, 
And tell me in the modeftie of honor, 
Why you haue giuen me fuch cleare lights of fauour, 
Bad me come fmiling, and crofle-garter'd to you, 
To put on yellow ftockings, and to frowne 
Vpon fir Toby, and the lighter people : 
And acYing this in an obedient hope, 
Why haue you fuffer'd me to be imprifon'd, 
Kept in a darke houfe, vifited by the Prieft, 
And made the moft notorious gecke and gull, 
That ere inuention plaid on ? Tell me why ? 
01. Alas Maluolio, this is not my writing, 
Though I confefle much like the Cbarra&er : 
But out of queftion, tis <iMaria6 hand. 
And now I do bethinke me, it was fhee 
Firft told me thou waft mad ; then cam'ft in fmiling, 
And in fuch formes, which heere were prefuppos'd 
Vpon thee in the Letter :prethee be content, 
This practice hath moft flirewdly paft vpon thee : 
But when we know the grounds, and authors of it, 
Thou /halt be both the Plaintiffe and the Iudge 
Of thine owne caufe. 

Fab. Good Madam heare me fpeake, 
And let no quarrell, nor no braule to come, 
Taint the condition of this prefent houre, 
Which I haue wondred at. In hope it fhall not, 
Moft freely I confefle my felfe, and Toby 
Set this deuice againft Maluolio heere, 
Vpon fome ftubborne and vncourteous parts 
We had conceiu'd againft him. Maria writ 
The Letter, at fir Tobyes great importance, 
In recompence whereof, he hath married her : 
How with a fportfull malice it was follow'd, 
May rather plucke on laughter then reuenge, 
If that the iniuries be iuftly weigh'd, 
That haue on both fides paft. 

01. Alas poore Foole,how haue they bafFeFd thee i 
Clo. Why fome are borne great, fome atchieue great- 
nefle,and fome haue greatnefie throwne vpon them. I 
was one fir, in this Enterlude, one fir Topas fir, but that's 



all one : By the Lotd Foole, lam not mad : but do you re- 
member, Madam, why laugh you at fuch a barren rafcall, 
and you fmile not he's gag'd : and thus the whirlegigge 
of time, brings in his reuenges. 

Mai. lie be reueng'd on the whole packe of you? 

01. He hath bene moft notorioufly abus'd. 

Du. Purfue him, and entreate him to a peace : 
He hath not told vs of the Captaine yet, 
When that is knowne, and golden time conuents 
A folemne Combination fhall be made 
Of our deere foules. Meane time fweet fifter, 
We will not part from hence. Cefario come 
(For fo you fhall be while you are a man:) 
But when in other habites you are feene, 
Orjino's Miftris, and his fancies Queene. Exeunt 

Qlowne fngs. 
When that I ivas and a little tine boy, 

ivith hey, ho, the winde and the raine ; 
Afoolijh thing -was but a toy, 

for the raine it raineth euery day. 

But when I came to mam, ejlate, 

•with hey ho , &c. 
Gainjl Knaues and Theeues men Jhut their gate, 
for the raine,&c. 

Tint ivhen I came alas to wiue, 

with hey bo,&c. 
*By fwaggering could I neuer thriue, 
for the raine, &c. 

'But when I came -vnto my beds, 

•with hey ho,&c. 
With tojpottes Jlill had drunken heades, 
for the raine, &c. 

A great •while ago the •world begon , 

hey ho, &c. 
But that's all one, our Play is done, 

and wee'l ftriue to pleaje you euery day. 



FINIS. 




277 




The Winters Tale, 



<tdclus ^Primus. Sccena 'Prima. 



Arch. 



Enter Camillo and Archidamus. 



F you fliall chance(Cami7/o) to vifit 'Bohemia,on 
the like occafion whereon my feruices are now 
on-foot, you fliall fee(as I haue faid)great dif- 
ference betwixt our Bohemia, and your Sicilia. 

Cam. I thinke, this comming Summer, the King of 
Sicilia meanes to pay Bohemia the Vifitation, which hee 
iuftly owes him. 

Arch. Wherein our Entertainment fliall fliame vs:we 
will be iuftified in our Loues : for indeed — 

Cam. 'Befeech you— 

^4-cj&.Verely I fpeake it in the freedome of my know- 
ledge : we cannot with fuch magnificence — in fo rare — 
I know not what to fay-- Wee will giue you fleepie 
Drinkes, that your Sences (vn-intelligent of our infuffi- 
cience) may, though they cannot prayfe vs, as little ac- 
cufe vs. 

Cam. You pay a great deale to deare, for what's giuen 
freely. 

Arch. 'Beleeue me, I fpeake as my vnderftanding in- 
ftru&s me, and as mine honeftie puts it to vtterance. 

Cam. Sicilia cannot mew himfelfe ouer-kind to 'Bohe- 
mia : They were trayn'd together in their Child-hoods; 
and there rooted betwixt them then fuch an affeftion, 
which cannot chufe but braunch now. Since their more 
mature Dignities, and Royall Neceffities,made feperati- 
on of their Societie, their Encounters(though not Perfo- 
nall) hath been Royally attornyed with enter-change of 
Gifts, Letters, louing Embaffies,that they haue feem'd to 
be together, though abfent:mooke hands,as ouer a Vaft; 
and embracM as it were from the ends of oppofed Winds. 
The Heauens continue their Loues. 

Arch. I thinke there is not in the World, either Malice 
or Matter, to alter it. You haue an vnfpeakable comfort 
of your young Prince Mamillius: it is a Gentleman of the 
greateft Promife, that euer came into my Note. 

Cam. I very well agree with you, in the hopes of him : 
it is a gallant Child ; one, that (indeed)Phyficks the Sub- 
ieft, makes old hearts frefh : they that went on Crutches 
ere he was borne, defire yet their life, to fee him a Man. 
Arch. Would they elfe be content to die? 
Cam. Yesjif there were no other excufe,why they fliould 
defire to liue. 

Arch. If the King had no Sonne, they would defire to 
liue on Crutches till he had one. Exeunt. 



Sccena Secunda. 



Enter Leontes ,Hermione ,Mamilliui, Polixenes, Camillo. 
Pol. Nine Changes of the Watry-Starre hath been 



The Shepheards Note,fince we haue left our Throne 

Without a Burthen : Time as long againe 

Would be fill'd vp(my Brother) with our Thanks, 

And yet we fiiould,for perpetuitie, 

Goe hence in debt : And therefore, like a Cypher 

(Yet ftanding in rich place) I multiply 

With one we thanke you, many thoufands moe, 

That goe before it. 

Leo. Stay your Thanks a while, 
And pay them when you part. 

Pol. Sir, that's to morrow : 
I am queftion'd by my feares, of what may chance, 
Or breed vpon our abfence, that may blow 
No fneaping Winds at home, to make vs fay, 
This is put forth too truly : befides, I haue ftay'd 
To tyre your Royaltie, 

Leo. We are tougher (Brother) 
Then you can put vs to't. 

Pol. No longer ftay. 

Leo. One Seue'night longer. 

Pol. Very footh, to morrow. 

Leo. Wee'le part the time betweene's then:and in that 
He no gaine-faying. 

Pol. Prefie me not ('befeech you) fo : 
There is no Tongue that moues;none,none i'th'World 
So foone as yours, could win me: fo it fliould now, 
Were there neceffitie in your requeft, although 
'Twere needfull I deny'd it. My Affaires 
Doe euen drag me home-ward : which to hinder, 
Were (in your Loue) a Whip to me ; my ftay, 
To you a Charge, and Trouble : to faue both, 
Farewell (our Brother.) 

Leo. Tongue-ty'd our Queene ? fpeake you. 

Her. I had thought (Sir)to haue held my peace, vntill 
You had drawne Oathes from him, not to ftay: you(Sir) 
Charge him too coldly. Tell him. you are fure 
All in 'Bohemia's well : this fatisfaftion, 
The by-gone-day proclaym'd, fay this to him, 
He's beat from his beft ward. 

Leo. Well £a\&,Hermione. 

Her. To tell, he longs to fee his Sonne, were ftrong: 
But let him fay fo then,and let him goe ; 
But let him fweare fo, and he fhall not ftay, 
Wee'l thwack him hence with Diftaffes. 
Yet of your Royall prefence, He aduenture 
The borrow of a Weeke. When at 'Bohemia 
You take my Lord, He giue him my Commiffion, 
To let him there a Moneth, behind the Geft 
Prefix'd for's parting: yet(good-deed) Leontes, 
I loue thee not a Iarre o'th' Clock, behind 

A a What 



278 



The Winters Tale. 



What Lady fhe her Lord. You'le ftay i 

Pol. No, Madame. 

Her. Nay, but you will ? 

Pol. I may not verely. 

Her. Verely? 
You put me off with limber Vowes: but I, 
Though you would feek t'vnfphere the Stars with Oaths, 
Should yet fay, Sir,no going : Verely 
You fhall not goe ; a Ladyes Verely ' is 
As potent as a Lords. Will you goe yet? 
Force me to keepe you as a Prifoner, 
Not like a Gueft : fo you fhall pay your Fees 
When you depart, and faue your Thanks. How fay you? 
My Prifoner? or my Gueft? by your dread Verely, 
One of them you fhall be. 

Pol. Your Gueft then, Madame : 
To be your Prifoner, mould import offending ; 
Which is for me, leffe eafie to commit, 
Then you to punifh. 

Her. Not your Gaoler then, 
But your kind Hoftefie, Come, He queftion you 
Of my Lords Tricks, and yours, when you were Boyes : 
You were pretty Lordings then i 

Pol. We were (faire Queene) 
Two Lads, that thought there was no more behind, 
But fuch a day to morrow, as to day, 
And to be Boy eternall. 

Her. Was not my Lord 
The veryer Wag o'th' two ? 

Po/.We were as twyn'd Lambs,that did frisk i'th'Sun, 
And bleat the one at th'other: what we chang'd, 
Was Innocence, for Innocence : we knew not 
The Doctrine of ill-doing, nor dream'd 
That any did : Had we purfu'd that life, 
And our weake Spirits ne're been higher rear'd 
With ftronger blood, we mould haue anfwer'd Heauen 
Boldly, not guilty; the Impofition clear'd, 
Hereditarie ours. 

Her. By this we gather 
You haue tript fince. 

Pol. O my moft facred Lady, 
Temptations haue fince then been borne to's: for 
In thofe vnfledg'd dayes,was my Wife a Girle ; 
Your precious felfe had then not crofs'd the eyes 
Of my young Play-fellow. 

Her. Grace to boot : 
Of this make no conclufion,leaft you fay 
Your Queene and I are Deuils : yet goe on, 
Th'offences we haue made you doe,wee'le anfwere, 
If you firft finn'd with vs : and that with vs 
You did continue fault; and that you flipt not 
With any, but with vs. 

Leo. Is he woon yet ? 

Her. Hee'le ftay (my Lord.) 

Leo. At my requeft,he would not : 
Hermione (my deareft) thou neuer fpoak'ft 
To better purpofe. 

Her. Neuer? 

Leo. Neuer,but once. 

Her. What? haue I twice faid well? when was't before? 
I prethee tell me : cram's with prayfe,and make's 
As fat as tame things: One good deed, dying tongueleffe, 
Slaughters a thoufand, wayting vpon that. 
Our prayfes are our Wages. You may ride's 
With one foft Kifle a thoufand Furlongs, ere 
With Spur we heat an Acre. But to th' Goale : 



My laft good deed, was to entreat his ftay. 
What was my firfb? it ha's an elder Sifter, 
Or I miftake you: O, would her Name were Grace. 
But once before I fpoke to th' purpofe ? when? 
Nay, let me haue't : I long. 

Leo. Why, that was when 
Three crabbed Moneths had fowr'd themfelues to death, 
Ere I could make thee open thy white Hand: 
A clap thy felfe my Loue ; then didft thou vtter, 
I am yours for euer. 

Her. 'Tis Grace indeed. 
Why lo-you now;I haue fpoke to th' purpofe twice : 
The one, for euer earn'd a Royall Husband ; 
Th'other, for fome while a Friend. 

Leo. Too hot, too hot : 
To mingle friendship farre,is mingling bloods. 
I haue Tremor Cordis on me : my heart daunces, 
But not for ioy ; not ioy. This Entertainment 
May a free face put on : deriue a Libertie 
From Heartineffe,from Bountie, fertile Bofome, 
And well become the Agent: 't may; I graunt: 
But to be padling Palmes,and pinching Fingers, 
As now they are,and making praclis'd Smiles 
As in a Looking-Glaffe ; and then to figb,as 'twere 
The Mort o'th'Deere : oh, that is entertainment 
My Bofome likes not, nor my Browes. Mamillias, 
Art thou my Boy f 

Mam. I, my good Lord. 

Leo. I'fecks : 
Why that's my Bawcock:what?has't fmutch'd thy Nofe? 
They fay it is a Coppy out of mine. Come Captaine, 
We muft be neat; not neat, but cleanly, Captaine : 
And yet the Steere, the Heycfer, and the Calfe, 
Are all call'd Neat. Still Virginalling 
Vpon his Palme?How now (you wanton Calfe^ 
Art thou my Calfe f 
<Jitam. Yes, if you will (my Lord.J 
iec.Thou want'ft a rough pafh,& the moots that I haue 
To be full, like me : yet they fay we are 
Almoft as like as Egges ; Women fay fo, 
(That will fay any thing.) But were they falfe 
As o're-dy'd Blacks, as Wind, as Watersjfalfe 
As Dice are to be wifti'd,by one that fixes 
No borne 'twixt his and mine ; yet were it true, 
To fay this Boy were like me. Come(Sir Page) 
Looke on me with your Welkin eye : fweet Villaine, 
Moft dear' ft, my Collop: Can thy Dam,may't be 
Affeclion? thy Intention ftabs the Center. 
Thou do'ft make poffible things not fo held, 
Communicat'ft with Dreames(how can this be?) 
With what's vnreall: thou coacYiue art, 
And fellow'ft nothing. Then 'tis very credent, 
Thou may'ft co-ioyne with fomething,and thou do'ft, 
(And that beyond Commiftion) and I find it, 
(And that to the infection of my Braines, 
And hardning of my Browes.) 

Pol. Whatmeanes&V;7/a? 

Her. He fomething feemes vnfetled. 

Pol. How? my Lord ? 

Leo. What cheere? how is't with you,beft Brother? 
.Her. You look as if you held a Brow of much diftraftion: 
Are you mou'd (my Lord?,) 

Leo. No, in good earneft. 
How fometimes Nature will betray it's folly ? 
It's tenderneffe? and make it felfe a Paftime 
To harder bofomes ? Looking on the Lynes 

Of 

578 



The Winters Tale. 



279 



Of my Boyes face,me thoughts I did requoyle 
Twentie three yeeres, and faw my felfe vn-breech'd, 
In my greene Veluet Coat ; my Dagger muzzel'd, 
Lead it mould bite it's Mafter, and fo proue 
(As Ornaments oft do's) too dangerous : 
How like(me thought) I then was to this Kernel], 
This Squalh, this Gentleman. Mine honeft Friend, 
Will you take Egges for Money ? 

Mam. No (my Lord) He fight. 

Leo. You will: why happy man be's dole. My Brother 
Are you fo fond of your young Prince, as we 
Doe feeme to be of ours? 

Pol. If at home (Sir) 
He's all my Exercife,my Mirth, my Matter; 
Now my fworne Friend, and then mine Enemy; 
My Parafite, my Souldier: Statef-man;all: 
He makes a Iulyes day,fhort as December, 
And with his varying child-neffe, cures in me 
Thoughts, that would thick my blood. 

Leo. So ftands this Squire 
Offic'd with me : We two will walke(my Lord) 
And leaue you to your grauer fteps. Hermior.e, 
How thou lou'ft vs,lhew in our Brothers welcome; 
Let what is deare in Sicily, be cheape : 
Next to thy felfe, and my young Rouer,he's 
Apparant to my heart. 

Her. If you would feeke vs, 
We are yours i'th'Garden : /hall's attend you there? 

Leo. To your owne bents difpofe you:you'le be found, 
Be you beneath the Sky: I am angling now, 
(Though you perceiue me not how I giue Lyne) 
Goe too, goe too. 

How me holds vp the Neb? the Byll to him ? 
And armes her with the boldneffe of a Wife 
To her allowing Husband. Gone already, 
Ynch- thick, knee-deepe;ore head and eares a fork'd one. 
Goe play (Boy) play: thy Mother playes, and I 
Play too; but fo difgrac'd a part, whofe iffue 
Will hiffe me to my Graue: Contempt and Clamor 
Will be my Knell. Goe play (Boy) play, there haue been 
(Or I am much deceiu'd) Cuckolds ere now, 
And many a man there is(euen at this prefent, 
Now, while I fpeake this) holds his Wife by th'Arme, 
That little thinkes fhe ha's been fluyc'd in's abfence, 
And his Pond fifh'd by his next Neighbor (by 
Sir Smile,h\s Neighbor:) nay, there's comfort in't, 
Whiles other men haue Gates, and thofe Gates open'd 
(As mine)againft their will. Should all defpaire 
That haue reuolted Wiues,the tenth of Mankind 
Would hang themfelues. Phyfick for' t, there's none: 
It is a bawdy Planet, that will ftrike 
Where 'tis predominantjand 'tis powrefull: thinke it : 
From Eaft, Weft, North, and South, be it concluded, 
No Barricado for a Belly. Know't, 
It will let in and out the Enemy, 
With bag and baggage : many thoufand on's 
Haue the Difeafe,and feele't not. How now Boy i 

<&£am. I am like you fay. 

Leo. Why, that's fome comfort. 
What? Camilla there? 

Cam. I, my good Lord. 

Leo. Goe play (Mamilliui) thou'rt an honeft man: 
Camilla, this great Sir will yet ftay longer. 

Cam. You had much adoe to make his Anchor hold, 
When you caft out, it ftill came home. 

Leo. Didft note it? 



Qam. He would not ftay at your Petitions, made 
His Bufineffe more materiall. 

Lea. Didft perceiue it ? 
They're here with me already; whifp'ring,rounding : 
Sicilia is a fo-forth : 'tis farre gone, 
When I /hall guft it laft. How cam't {Camillo) 
That he did ftay ? 

Cam. At the good Queenes entreatie. 

Leo. At the Queenes be't : Good ftiould be pertinent, 
But fo it is, it is not. Was this taken 
By any vnderftanding Pate but thine? 
For thy Conceit is foaking, will draw in 
More then the common Blocks. Not noted, is' t, 
But of the finer Natures? by fome Seueralls 
Of Head-peece extraordinarie? Lower Meffes 
Perchance are to this Bufineffe purblind ? lay. 

Cam. Bufineffe, my Lord ? I thinke moft vnderftand 
Bohemia ftayes here longer. 

Lea. Ha* 

Cam. Stayes here longer. 

Leo. I, but why? 

Cam. To fatisfie your Highneffe,and the Entreaties 
Of our moft gracious Miftreffe. 

Leo. Satisfie ? 
Th'entreaties of your Miftreffe? Satisfie? 
Let that fuffice. I haue trufted thee (Camillo) 
With all the neereft things to my heart, as well 
My Chamber-Councels, wherein(Prieft-like)thou 
Haft cleans'd my Bofome: I, from thee departed 
Thy Penitent reform'd : but we haue been 
Deceiu'd in thy Integritie,deceiu'd 
In that which feemes fo. 

Cam. Be it forbid ( my Lord.) 

Leo. To bide vpon't : thou art not honeft: or 
If thou inclin'ft that way, thou art a Coward, 
Which hoxes honeftie behind, reftrayning 
From Courfe requir'd : or elfe thou muft be counted 
A Seruant, grafted in my ferious Truft, 
And therein negligent : or elfe a Foole, 
That feeft a Game play'd home, the rich Stake drawne, 
And tak'ft it all for ieaft. 

Cam. My gracious Lord, 
I may be negligent, foolifh, and fearefull, 
In euery one of thefe,no man is free, 
But that his negligence, his folly, feare, 
Among the infinite doings of the World, 
Sometime puts forth in your affaires (my Lord.) 
If euer I were wilfull-negligent, 
It was my folly : if induftrioufly 
I play'd the Foole, it was my negligence, 
Not weighing well the end : if euer fearefull 
To doe a thing, where I the iffue doubted, 
Whereof the execution did cry out 
Againft the non-performance, 'twas a feare 
Which oft infedls the wifeft : thefe(my Lord) 
Are fuch allow'd Infirmities,that honeftie 
Is neuer free of. But befeech your Grace 
Be plainer with me, let me know my Trefpas 
By it's owne vifage ; if I then deny it, 
"Tis none of mine. 

Leo. Ha' not you feene Camillo? 
(But that's paft doubt: you haue, or your eye-glaffe 
Is thicker then a Cuckolds Home) or heard? 
(For to a Vifion fo apparant, Rumor 
Cannot be mute) or thought? (for Cogitation 
Refides not in that man, that do's not thinke) 

A a a My 



280 



The Winters Tale. 



My Wife is flipperie ? If thou wilt confeffe, 

Or elfe be impudently negatiue, 

To haue nor Eyes, nor Eares,nor Thought, then fay 

My Wife's a Holy-Horfe, deferues a Name 

As ranke as any Flax- Wench, that puts to 

Before her troth-plight : fay't,and iuftify't. 

Cam. I would not be a ftander-by, to heare 
My Soueraigne Miftreffe clouded fo, without 
My prefent vengeance taken : 'ihrew my heart, 
You neuer fpoke what did become you leffe 
Then this ; which to reiterate, were fin 
As deepe as that, though true. 

Leo. Is whifpering nothing? 
Is leaning Cheeke to Cheeke? is meating Nofes? 
Kiffing with in-fide Lip? (topping the Cariere 
Of Laughter, with a ugh? (a Note infallible 
Of breaking Honeftie) horfing foot on foot? 
Skulking in corners ? wi/hing Clocks more fwift? 
Houres, Minutes? Noone, Mid-night f and all Eyes 
Blind with the Pin and Web, but theirs; theirs onely, 
That would vnfeene be wicked? Is this nothing? 
Why then the World, and all that's in't,is nothing, 
The couering Skie is i\oth\ng, c Bohemia nothing, 
My Wife is nothing, nor Nothing haue thefe Nothings, 
If this be nothing. 

Cam. Good my Lord, be cur'd 
Of this difeas'd Opinion, and betimes, 
For 'tis molt dangerous. 

Leo. Say it be, 'tis true. 

Cam. No, no, my Lord. 

Leo. It is: you lye, you lye : 
I fay thou lyeft Camillo, and I hate thee, 
Pronounce thee a groffe Lowt,a mindleffe Slaue, 
Or elfe a houering Temporizer, that 
Canft with thine eyes at once fee good and euill, 
Inclining to them both: were my Wiues Liuer 
Infefled (as her life) me would not liue 
The running of one Glaffe. 

Cam. Who do's infeft her >. 

Leo. Why he that weares her like her Medull, hanging 
About his neck ^Bohemia) who, if \ 
Had Seruants true about me, that bare eyes 
To fee alike mine Honor,as their Profits, 
(Their owne particular Thrifts) they would doe that 
Which fhould vndoe more doing : l,and thou 
His Cup-bearer, whom I from meaner forme 
Haue Bench'd,and rear'd to Worlhip, who may'ft fee 
Plainely,as Heauen fees Earth, and Earth fees Heauen, 
How I am gaU'd,might'ft be-fpice a Cup, 
To giue mine Enemy a lafting Winke : 
Which Draught to me, were cordiall. 

Cam. Sir (my Lord) 
I could doe this, and that with no rafh Potion, 
But with a lingring Dram, that fhould not worke 
Malicioufly,like Poyfon : But I cannot 
Beleeue this Crack to be in my dread Miftreffe 
(So foueraignely being Honorable.) 
I haue lou'd thee, 

Leo Make that thy queftion,and goe rot : 
Do'ft thinke I am fo muddy, fo vnfetled, 
To anooint my felfe in this vexation ? 
Sully ine puritie and whiteneffe of my Sheetes 
(Which to preferue,is Sleepe; which being fpotted, 
Is Goades, Thornes. Nettles, Tayles of Wafpes) 
Giue fcandall to the blood o'th' Prince, my Sonne, 
(Who I doe thinke is mine, and loue as mine) 



Without ripe mouing to't ? Would I doe this i 
Could man fo blench i 

Cam. I muft beleeue you(Sir) 
I doe, and will fetch off 'Bohemia for't : 
Prouided,that when hee's remou'd,your Highneffe 
Will take againe your Queene, as yours at firft, 
Euen for your Sonnes fake, and thereby for fealing 
The Iniurie of Tongues, in Courts and Kingdomes 
Knowne,and ally'd to yours. 

Leo. Thou do'ft aduife me, 
Euen fo as I mine owne courie haue fet downe : 
He giue no blemiih to her Honor,none. 

Cam. My Lord, 
Goe then ; and with a countenance as cleare 
As Friendship weares at Feafts,keepe with ^Bohemia, 
And with your Queene : I am his Cap-bearer, 
If from me he haue wholefome Beueridge, 
Account me not your Seruant. 

Leo. This is all : 
Do't,and thou haft the one halfe of my heart j 
Do't not, thou fplitt'ft thine owne. 

Cam. lie do't, my Lord. 

Leo. I wil feeme friendly,as thou haft aduis'd me. Exit 

Cam. O miferable Lady. But for me, 
What cafe ftand I in f I muft be the poyfoner 
Of good Pclixenes, and my ground to do't, 
Is the obedience to a Mafter ; one, 
Who in Rebellion with himfelfe, will haue 
All that are his, fo too. To doe this deed, 
Promotion followes : If I could find example 
Of thoufand's that had ftruck anoynted Kings, 
And flourifli'd after, Il'd not do't : But fince 
Nor Brafle, nor Stone, nor Parchment beares not one, 
Let Villanie it felfe forfwear't. I muft 
Forfake the Court : to do't, or no, is certaine 
To me a breake-neck. Happy Starre raigne now, 
Here comes Bohemia. Enter Polixenes. 

Pol. This is ftrange : Me thinkes 
My fauor here begins to warpe. Not fpeake? 
Good day Camillo. 

Cam. Hayle moft Royall Sir. 

Pol. What is the Newes i'th'Court ? 

Cam. None rare (my Lord.) 

Pol. The King hath on him fuch a countenance, 
As he had loft fome Prouince,and a Region 
Lou'd, as he loues himfelfe : euen now I met him 
With cuftomarie complement, when hee 
Wafting his eyes to th' contrary, and falling 
A Lippe of much contempt, fpeedes from me,and 
So leaues me, to confider what is breeding, 
That changes thus his Manners. 
Cam. I dare not know (my Lord.) 

Pol. How,dare not? doe not? doe you know, and dare not? 
Be intelligent to me, 'tis thereabouts: 
For to your felfe, what you doe know, you muft, 
And cannot fay,you dare not. Good Camillo, 
Your chang'd complexions are to me a Mirror, 
Which fhewes me mine chang'd too:for I muft be 
A partie in this alteration, finding 
My felfe thus alter'd with't. 

Cam. There is a fickneffe 
Which puts fome of vs in diftemper,but 
I cannot name the Difeafe,and it is caught 
Of you, that yet are well. 

Pol. How caught of me ? 
Make me not fighted like the Bafilifque. 

I hau e 
280 



'The Winters Tale. 



281 



I haue look'd on thoufands, who haue fped the better 

By my regard, but kit I'd none fo : Camillo, 

As you are certainely a Gentleman, thereto 

Clerke-like experienc'd, which no lefle adomes 

Our Gentry, then our Parents Noble Names, 

In whofe fucceffe we are gentle : I befeech you, 

If you know ought which do's behoue my knowledge, 

Thereof to be inform'd,imprifon't not 

In ignorant concealement. 

Cam. I may not anfwere. 

Pol. A SicknefTe caught ofme,and yet I well? 
I muft be anfwer'd. Do'ft thou heare Camillo, 
I coniure thee, by all the parts of man, 
Which Honor do's acknowledge, whereof the leaft 
Is not this Suit of mine, that thou declare 
What incidencie thou do'ft gheffe of harme 
Is creeping toward me ; how farre off, how neere, 
Which way to be preuented,if to be : 
If not, how beft to beare it. 

Cam. Sir,I will tell you, 
Since I am charg'd in Honor, and by him 
That I thinke Honorable: therefore marke my counfaile, 
Which muft be eu'n as fwiftly followed, as 
I meane to vtter it ; or both your felfe,and me, 
Cry loft, and fo good night. 

Pol. On, good Camillo. 

Cam. I am appointed him to murther you. 

Pol. By whom, Camillo ? 

Cam. By the King. 

Pol. For what? 

Cam. He thinkes, nay with all confidence he fweares, 
As he had feen't,or beene an Inftrument 
To vice you to't,that you haue toucht his Queene 
Forbiddenly. 

Pol. Oh then, my beft blood turne 
To an infefted Gelly,and my Name 
Be yoak'd with his, that did betray the Beft : 
Turne then my frefheft Reputation to 
A fauour,that may ftrike the dulleft Nofthrill 
Where I arriue,and my approch be ihun'd, 
Nay hated too,worfe then the great'ft Infection 
That ere was heard, or read. 

Cam. Sweare his thought ouer 
By each particular Starre in Heauen, and 
By all their Influences; you may as well 
Forbid the Sea for to obey the Moone, 
As (or by Oath) remoue,or(Counfaile)fhake 
The Fabrick of his Folly, whofe foundation 
Is pyl'd vpon his Faith, and will continue 
The ftanding of his Body. 

Pol. How ftiould this grow? 

Cam. I know not: but I am fure 'tis fafer to 
Auoid what's growne,then queftion how 'tis borne. 
If therefore you dare truft my honeftie, 
That lyes enclofed in this Trunke, which you 
Shall beare along impawnd,away to Night, 
Your Followers I will whifper to the Bufinefle, 
And will by twoes,and threes,at feuerall Pofternes, 
Cleare them o'th' Citie : For my felfe, lie put 
My fortunes to your feruice(which are here 
By this difcouerie loft.) Be not vncertaine, 
For by the honor of my Parents, I 
Haue vttred Truth: which if you feeke to proue, 
I dare not ftand by ; nor (hall you be fafer, 
Then one condemnd by the Kings owne mouth: 
Thereon his Execution fworne. 



Pol. I doe beleeue thee : 
I faw his heart in's face.Giue me thy hand, 
Be Pilot to me, and thy places fhall 
Still neighbour mine. My Ships arc ready, and 
My people did expecT: my hence departure 
Two dayes agoe. This Iealoufie 
Is for a precious Creature : as ftiee's rare, 
Muft it be great; and, as his Perfon's mightie, 
Muft it be violent : and, as he do's conceiue, 
He is difhonor'd by a man, which euer 
Profefs'd to him: why his Reuenges muft 
In that be made more bitter. Feare ore-ihades me: 
Good Expedition be my friend, and comfort 
The gracious Queene, part of his Theamejbut nothing 
Of his ill-ta'ne lufpition. Come Camillo, 
I will refpecl: thee as a Father, if 
Thou bear'ft my life off, hence : Let vs auoid. 

Cam. It is in mine authoritie to command 
The Keyes of all the Pofternes : Pleafe your Highneffe 
To take the vrgent houre. Come Sir, away. Exeunt. 



oASlus Secundus. Scena 'Prima. 



Enter Hermione , Mamillius , Ladies : Leontes, 
Antigonm, Lords. 

Her. Take the Boy to you: he fo troubles me, 
'Tis paft enduring. 

Lady. Come(my gracious Lord) 
Shall I be your play-fellow ? 

Mam. No, He none of you. 

Lady. Why(my fweet Lord?) 

Mam. You'le kifle me hard, and fpeake to me, as if 
I were a Baby ftill. I loue you better. 

2. Lady, And why fo(my Lord?) 

Mam. Not for becaufe 
Your Browes are blacker (yet black-browes they fay 
Become fome Women beft,fo that there be not 
Too much haire there, but in a Cemicircle, 
Or a halfe-Moone,made with a Pen.) 

2. Lady. Who taught 'this ? 

Mam. I learn'd it out of Womens faces: pray now, 
What colour are your eye-browesf 

Lady. Blew(my Lord.) 

Mam. Nay, that's a mock: I haue feene a Ladies Nofe 
That ha's beene blew, but not her eye-browes. 

Lady. Harke ye, 
The Queene(your Mother)rounds apace:we fhall 
Prefent our feruices to a fine new Prince 
One of thefe dayes, and then youl'd wanton with vs, 
If we would haue you. 

z.Lady. She is fpread of late 
Into a goodly Bulke(good time encounter her.) 

Her. What wifdome ftirs amongft you?Come Sir, now 
I am for you againe : 'Pray you fit by vs, 
And tell's a Tale. 

Mam. Merry,or fad, fhal't be? 

Her. As merry as you will. 

Mam. A fad Tale's beft for Winter : 
I haue one of Sprights,and Goblins. 

Her. Let's haue that (good Sir.) 
Come-on, fit downe, come-on, and doe your beft, 
To fright me with your Sprights:you're powrefull at it. 
A a 3 cMam. There 



2«2 



The Winters Tale. 



zflfam. There was a man. 

Her. Nay,come fit downe : then on. 

Mam. Dwelt by a Church-yard: I will tell it foftly, 
Yond Crickets (hall not heare it. 

Her. Come on then, and giu't me in mine eare. 

Lean. Was hee met there ? his Traine ? Camilla with 
him* 

Lord. Behind the tuft of Pines I met them,neuer 
Saw I men fcowre fo on their way : I eyed them 
Euen to their Ships. 

Leo. How bleft am I 
In my iuft Cenfure? in my true Opinion ? 
Alack, for leffer knowledge, how accurs'd, 
In being fo bleft? There may be in the Cup 
A Spider fteep'd,and one may drinke; depart, 
And yet partake no venome: (for his knowledge 
Is not infected) but if one prefent 
Th'abhor'd Ingredient to his eye, make knowne 
How he hath drunke, he cracks his gorge,his fides 
With violent Hefts: I haue drunke,and feene the Spider. 
Qamillo was his helpe in this, his Pandar: 
There is a Plot againft my Life, my Crowne ; 
All's true that is miftrufted: that falfe Villaine, 
Whom I employ'd, was pre-employ'd by him : 
He ha's difcouer'd my Defigne,and I 
Remaine a pinch'd Thing; yea, a very Trick 
For them to play at will : how came the Pofternes 
So eafily open i 

Lord. By his great authority, 
Which often hath no lefle preuail'd,then fo, 
On your command. 

Leo. I know't too well. 
Giue me the Boy, I am glad you did not nurfe him : 
Though he do's beare fome fignes of me, yet you 
Haue too much blood in him. 

Her. What is this? Sport? 

Leo.Beare the Boy hence, he fiiall not come about her, 
Away with him, and let her fport her felfe 
With that (hee's big- with, for 'tis Polixenes 
Ha's made thee fwell thus. 

Her. But Il'd fay he had not ; 
And He be fworne you would beleeue my faying, 
How e're you leane to th'Nay-ward. 

Leo. You (my Lords) 
Looke on her, marke her well : be but about 
To fay (he is a goodly Lady,and 
The iuftice of your hearts will thereto adde 
'Tis pitty (hee's not honeft : Honorable ; 
Prayie her but for this her without-dore-Forme, 
(Which on my faith deferues high fpeechj and ftraight 
The Shrug, the Hum, or Ha, (thefe Petty-brands 
That Calumnie doth vfe; Oh, I am out, 
That Mercy do's, for Calumnie will feare 
Vertue it felfe) thefe Shrugs, thefe Hum's,and Ha's, 
When you haue faid (hee's goodly, come betweene, 
Ere you can fay (hee's honeft : But be't knowne 
(From him that ha's moft caufe to grieue it (hould be) 
Shee's an Adultreffe. 

Her. Should a Villaine fay fo, 
(The moft replenifiYd Villaine in the World) 
He were as much more Villaine : you ( my Lord) 
Dee but miftake. 

Leo. You haue miftooke (my Lady) 
Polixenes for Leontes : O thou Thing, 
(Which He not call a Creature of thy place, 
Leaft Barbarifme (making me the precedent) 



Should a like Language vfe to all degrees, 

And mannerly diftinguiihment leaue out, 

Betwixt the Prince and Begger:) I haue faid 

Shee's an Adultreffe, I haue faid with whom : 

More; (hee's a Traytor,and Camillo is 

A Federarie with her, and one that knowes 

What me Ihould (hame to know her felfe, 

But with her moft vild Principall : that (hee's 

A Bed-fwaruer, euen as bad as thofe 

That Vulgars giue bold'ft Titles; I,and priuy 

To this their late efcape. 

Her. No (by my life) 
Priuy to none of this: how will this grieue you, 
When you fliall come to clearer knowledge, that 
You thus haue publifh'd me ? Gentle my Lord, 
You fcarce can right me throughly, then, to fay 
You did miftake. 

Leo. No : if I miftake 
In thofe Foundations which I build vpon, 
The Centre is not bigge enough to beare 
A Schoole-Boyes Top. Away with her,to Prifon : 
He who (hall fpeake for her,is a farre.off guiltie, 
But that he fpeakes. 

Her. There's fome ill Planet raignes : 
I muft be patient, till the Heauens looke 
With an afpecT: more fauorable. Good my Lords, 
I am not prone to weeping (as our Sex 
Commonly are) the want of which vaine dew 
Perchance (hall dry your pitties : but I haue 
That honorable Griefe lodg'd here, which burnes 
Worfe then Teares drowne:'befeech you all (my Lords) 
With thoughts fo qualified, as your Charities 
Shall beft inftruft you,meafure me; and fo 
The Kings will be perform'd. 

Leo. Shall I be heard ? 
Her. Who is't that goes with me?'befeech your Highnes 
My Women may be with me, for you fee 
My plight requires it. Doe not weepe(good Fooles,) 
There is no caufe: When you (hall know your Miftris 
Ha's deferu'd Prifon, then abound in Teares, 
As I come out ; this Aftion I now goe on, 
Is for my better grace. Adieu (my Lord^ 
I neuer wifli'd to fee you forry, now 
I truft I (hall : my Women come, you haue leaue. 

Leo. Goe, doe our bidding: hence. 

Lord. Befeech your Highneffe call the Queene againe. 

Antig. Be certaine what you do(Sir)leaft your Iuftice 
Proue violence, in the which three great ones fuffer, 
Your Selfe,your Queene,your Sonne. 

Lord. For her (my Lord) 
I dare my life lay downe, and will do't (Sir) 
Pleafe you t'accept it, that the Queene is fpotlefie 
I'th' eyes of Heauen, and to you (I meane 
In this, which you accufe her,^ 

Antig. If it proue 
Shee's otherwise, He keepe my Stables where 
I lodge my Wife, He goe in couples with her: 
Then when I feele,and fee her, no farther truft her: 
For euery ynch of Woman in the World, 
I,euery dram of Womans fle(h is falfe, 
If (he be. 

Leo. Hold your peaces. 

Lord. Good my Lord, 

Antig. It is for you we fpeake, not for our felues: 
You are abus'd,and by fome putter on, 
That will be damn'd for't: would I knew the Villaine, 

I would 



The Winters Tale. 



283 



I would Land-damne him : be ftie honor-flaw'd, 
I haue three daughters : the eldeft is eleuen; 
The fecond, and the third, nine : and fome hue : 
If this proue true, they'l pay for't. By mine Honor 
He gell'd em all : fourteene they ftiall not fee 
To bring falfe generations : they are co-heyres, 
And I had rather glib my felfe, then they 
Should not produce faire iffue. 

Leo. Ceafe, no more : 
You fmell this bufineffe with a fence as cold 
As is a dead-mans nofe : but I do fee't, and feel't, 
As you feele doing thus : and fee withall 
The Inftruments that feele. 

Antig. If it be fo, 
We neede no graue to burie honefty, 
There's not a graine of it, the face to fweeten 
Of the whole dungy-earth, 
Leo. What? lacke I credit ? 

Lord. I had rather you did lacke then I (my Lord) 
Vpon this ground : and more it would content me 
To haue her Honor true, then your fufpition 
Be blam'd for't how you might. 

Leo. Why what neede we 
Commune with you of this? but rather follow 
Our forcefull inftigation ? Our prerogatiue 
Cals not your Counfailes, but our naturall goodneffe 
Imparts this : which, if you, or ftupified, 
Or feeming fo, in skill, cannot, or will not 
Rellifli a truth, like vs : informe your felues, 
We neede no more of your aduice : the matter, 
The loffe, the gaine, the ord'ring on't, 
Is all properly ours" 

Antig. And I wifh ( my Liege) 
You had onely in your filent iudgement tride it, 
Without more ouerture. 

Leo, How could that be ? 
Either thou art moft ignorant by age, 
Or thou wer't borne a foole : Camilla's flight 
Added to their Familiarity 

(Which was as groffe, as euer touch'd coniefture, 
That lack'd fight onely, nought for approbation 
But onely feeing, all other circumftances 
Made vp to'th deed) doth pulh-on this proceeding. 
Yet, for a greater confirmation 
(For in an Afte of this importance, 'twere 
Moft pitteous to be wilde) I hane difpatch'd in poft, 
To facred Delpbos, to Aj>f olio's Temple, 
Cleomines and T)ion, whom you know 
Of fluff d-fufficiency : Now, from the Oracle 
They will bring all, whofe fpirituall counfaile had 
Shall flop, or fpurre me. Haue I done well ? 
Lord. Well done (my Lord.) 
Leo. Though I am fatisfide, and neede no more 
Then what I know, yet mail the Oracle 
Giue reft to th'mindes of others ; fuch as he 
Whofe ignorant credulitie, will not 
Come vp to th'truth. So haue we thought it good 
From our free perfon, flie (hould be confinde, 
Leaft that the treachery of the two, fled hence, 
Be left her to performe. Come follow vs, 
We are to fpeake in publique : for this bufineffe 
Will raife vs all. 

Antig. To laughter, as I take it, 
If the good truth, were knowne. Exe, 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Paulina, a Gentleman, Gaoler, Emilia. 

Paul. The Keeper of the prifon, call to him : 
Let him haue knowledge who I am. Good Lady, 
No Court in Europe is too good for thee, 
What doft thou then in prifon ? Now good Sir, 
You know me, do you not ? 

Gao. For a worthy Lady, 
And one, who much 1 honour. 

Pau. Pray you then, 
Conduit me to the Queene. 

Gao. I may not (Madam) 
To the contrary I haue expreffe commandment. 

Pau. Here's a-do, to locke vp honefty & honour from 
Th'acceffe of gentle vifitors. Is't lawfull pray you 
To fee her Women ? Any of them? Emilia? 

Gao. So pleafe you (Madam) 
To put a-part thele your attendants, I 
Shall bring Emilia forth. 

Pau. I pray now call her : 
With-draw your felues. 

Gao. And Madam, 
I muft be prefent at your Conference. 

Pau. Well : be't fo : prethee. 
Heere's fuch a- doe, to make no ftaine, a ftaine, 
As paffes colouring. Deare Gentlewoman, 
How fares our gtacious Lady? 

Smil. As well as one fo great, and fo forlorne 
May hold together : On her frights, and greefes 
(Which neuer tender Lady hath borne greater) 
She is, fomething before her time, deliuer'd. 

Pau. A boy ? 

Emil. A daughter, and a goodly babe, 
Lufty, and like to liue : the Queene receiues 
Much comfort in't : Sayes, my poore prifoner, 
lam innocent as you, 

Pau. I dare be fworne: 
Thefe dangerous, vnfafe Lunes i'th'King,belhrew them: 
He muft be told on't, and he fhall : the office 
Becomes a woman beft. He take't vpon me, 
If I proue hony-mouth'd, let my tongue blifter. 
And neuer to my red-look'd Anger bee 
The Trumpet any more : pray you [Emilia) 
Commend my beft obedience to the Queene, 
If (he dares truft me with her little babe, 
I'le fhew't the King, and vndertake to bee 
Her Aduocate to th'lowd'ft. We do not know 
How he may foften at the fight o'th'Childe : 
The filence often of pure innocence 
Perfwades, when fpeaking failes. 

Emil. Moft worthy Madam, 
your honor, and your goodneffe is fo euident, 
That your free vndertaking cannot miffe 
A thriuing yffue : there is no Lady liuing 
So meete for this great errand ; pleafe your Ladifhip 
To vifit the next roome, lie prefenrly 
Acquaint the Queene of your moft noble offer, 
Who, but to day hammered of this defigne, 
But durft not tempt a minifter of honour 
Leaft lhe fhould be deny'd. 

Pau 



284 



The Winters Tale. 



Paul. Tell her {Emilia) 
lie vfe that tongue I haue : If wit flow from't 
As boldnefTe from my bofome, le't not be doubted 
I fliall do good, 

Emil. Now be you bleft for it. 
He to the Queene : pleafe you come fomething neerer. 

Gao. Madam, if t pleafe the Queene to fend the babe, 
I know not what I fliall incurre, to pafle it, 
Hauing no warrant. 

Pau. You neede not feare it (fir) 
This Childe was prifoner to the wombe, and is 
By Law and procefle of great Nature, thence 
Free'd, and enfranchis'd, not a partie to 
The anger of the King, nor guilty of 
(If any be) the trefpaffe of the Queene. 

Gao. I do beleeue it. 

Paul. Do not you feare : vpon mine honor, I 
Will fland betwixt you, and danger. Exeunt 



Sccena Tertia. 



Enter Leontes, Seruants, Paulina, Antigonus, 
and Lords. 

Leo. Nor night, nor day, no reft : It is but weaknefle 
To beare the matter thus : meere weaknefle, if 
The caufe were not in being : part o'th caufe, 
She, th'Adultrefle : for the harlot-King 
Is quite beyond mine Arme, out of the blanke 
And leuell of my braine : plot-proofe : but fliee, 
I can hooke to me : fay that flie were gone, 
Giuen to the fire, a moity of my reft 
Might come to me againe. Whofe there ? 

Ser. My Lord. 

Leo. How do's the boy ? 

Ser. He tooke good reft to night : 'tis hop'd 
His ficknefie is difcharg'd. 

Leo. To fee his Noblenefle, 
Conceyuing the diflionour of his Mother. 
He ftraight declin'd, droop'd, tooke it deeply, 
Faften'd, and fix'd the fliame on't in himfelfe : 
Threw-ofFhis Spirit, his Appetite, his Sleepe, 
And down-right languifh'd. Leaue me folely : goe, 
See how he fares : Fie, fie, no thought of him, 
The very thought of my Reuenges that way 
Recoyle vpon me : in himfelfe too mightie, 
And in his parties, his Alliance ; Let him be, 
Vntill a time may ferue. For prefent vengeance 
Take it on her : Camillo, and Polixenes 
Laugh at me : make their paftime at my forrow: 
They fliould not laugh, if I could reach them, nor 
Shall /he, within my powre. 

Enter Paulina. 

Lord. You muft not enter. 

Paul. Nay rather (good my Lords) be fecond to me : 
Feare you his tyrannous pafsion more (alas) 
Then the Queenes life ? A gracious innocent foule, 
More free, then he is iealous. 

Antig. That's enough. 

Ser. Madam ; he hath not flept to night, commanded 
None fliould come at him. 

Pau. Not fo hot (good Sir) 
I come to bring him fleepe. 'Tis fuch as you 



That creepe like fliadowes by him, and do fighe 
At each his needlefle heauings : fuch as you 
Nourifli the caufe of his awaking. I 
Do come with words, as medicinall, as true ; 
(Honeft, as either;^ to purge him of that humor, 
That prefles him from fleepe. 

Leo. Who noyfe there, hoe ? 

Pau. No noyfe ( my Lord) but needfull conference, 
About fome Gofsips for your Highnefle. 

Leo. How ? 
Away with that audacious Lady. Antigonus, 
I charg'd thee that flie ihould not come about me, 
I knew flie would. 

Ant. I told her fo (my Lord) 
On your difpleafures perill, and on mine, 
She fliould not vifit you. 

Leo, What? canft not rule her ? 

Paul. From all diflioneftie he can : in this 
(Vnlefle he take the courfe that you haue done) 
Commit me, for committing honor, truft it, 
He fliall not rule me: 

Ant. La-you now, you heare, 
When flie will take the raine,I let her run, 
But fliee'l not ftumble. 

Paul. Good my Liege, I come : 
And I befeech you heare me, who profefles 
My felfe your loyall Seruant, your Phyfitian, 
Your moft obedient Counfailor : yet that dares 
Lefle appeare fo, in comforting your Euilles, 
Then fuch as moft feeme yours. I fay, I come 
From your good Queene. 

Leo. Good Queene ? 

Paul. Good Queene (my Lord )good Queene, 
I fay good Queene, 

And would by combate, make her good fo, were I 
A man, the worft about you. 

Leo. Force her hence. 

Pau. Let him that makes but trifles of his eyes 
Firft hand me : on mine owne accord, lie ofF, 
But firft, He do my errand. The good Queene 
(For flie is good) hath brought you forth a daughter, 
Heere 'tis •. Commends it to your blefsing. 

Leo. Out: 
A mankinde Witch ? Hence with her, out o'dore : 
A moft intelligencing bawd. 

Paul. Notfo: 
I am as ignorant in that, as you, 
In fo entit'ling me :and no lefle honeft 
Then you are mad : which is enough, He warrant 
(As this world goes) to pafle for honeft: 

Leo. Traitors ; 
Will you not pufli her out ? Giue her the Baftard, 
Thou dotard, thou art woman-tyr'd : vnroofted 
By thy dame Partlet heere. Take vp the Baftard, 
Take't vp, I fay : giue't to thy Croane. 

Paul. For euer 
Vnvenerable be thy hands, if thou 
Tak'ft vp the Princefle, by that forced bafenefle 
Which he ha's put vpon't. 

Leo. He dreads his Wife. 

Paul. So I would you did : then 'twere paft all doubt 
Youl'd call your children, yours. 

Leo. A neft of Traitors. 

Ant. I am none, by this good light. 

Pau. Nor I : nor any 
But one that's heere : and that's himfelfe : for he, 

The 

Z84 



The Winters Tale. 



The facred Honor of himfelfe,his Queenes, 

His hopef'ull Sonnes,his Babes, betrayes to Slander, 

Whofe firing is ftiarper then the Swords; and will not 

(For as the cafe now ftands, it is a Curfe 

He cannot be compell'd too't 1 ) once remoue 

The Root of his Opinion, which is rotten, 

As euer Oake,or Stone was found. 

Leo. A Callat 
Of boundleffe tongue, who late hath beat her Husband, 
And now bayts me : This Brat is none of mine, 
It is the Iffue of Polixenes. 
Hence with it, and together with the Dam, 
Commit them to the fire. 

Paul. It is yours : 
And might we lay th'old Prouerb to your charge, 
So like you, 'tis the worfe. Behold (my Lords) 
Although the Print be little, the whole Matter 
And Coppy of the Father: (Eye,Nofe,Lippe, 
The trick ofs Frowne, his Fore-head, nay, the Valley, 
The pretty dimples of his Chin, and Cheeke; his Smiles: 
The very Mold, and frame of Hand, Nayle, Finger.) 
And thou good Goddeffe Nature, which haft made it 
So like to him that got it, if thou haft 
The ordering of the Mind too,'mongft all Colours 
No Yellow in't, leaft ftie fufpecT:, as he do's, 
Her Children, not her Husbands. 

Leo. A grofTe Hagge : 
And Lozell, thou art worthy to be hang'd, 
That wilt not ftay her Tongue. 

Antig. Hang all the Husbands 
That cannot doe that Feat,you'le leaue your felfe 
Hardly one Subieft. 

Leo. Once more take her hence. 

Paul. A moft vnwortby,and vnnaturall Lord 
Can doe no more. 

Leo. He ha' thee burnt. 

Paul. I care not : 
It is an Heretique that makes the fire, 
Not £he which burnes in't. He not call you Tyrant : 
But this moft cruell vfage of your Queene 
(Not able to produce more accufation 
Then your owne weake-hindg'd Fancy) fomthing fauors 
Of Tyrannie,and will ignoble make you, 
Yea,fcandalous to the World. 

Leo. On your Allegeance, 
Out of the Chamber with her. Were I a Tyrant, 
Where were her life ? {he durft not call me fo, 
If me did know me one. Away with her. 

Paul. I pray you doe not pufh me, He be gone. 
Looke to your Babe(my Lord)'tis yours: hue fend her 
A better guiding Spirit. What needs thefe hands? 
You that are thus fo tender o're his Follyes, 
Will neuer doe him good, not one of vou. 
So, fo : Farewell, we are gone. Exit. 

Leo. Thou ( Tray tor)haft fet on thy Wife to this. 
My Child? away with't?euen thou, that haft 
A heart fo tender o're it, take it hence, 
And fee it inftantly confum'd with fire. 
Euen thou, and none but thou. Take it vp ftraight: 
Within this houre bring me word 'tis done, 
(And by good teftimonie) or He feize thy life, 
With what thou elfe call'ft thine : if thou refufe, 
And wilt encounter with my Wrath, fay fo ; 
The Baftard-braynes with thefe my proper hands 
Shall I dafti out. Goe, take it to the fire, 
For thou fett'ft on thy Wife. 



1S5 



Antig. I did not, Sir : 
Thefe Lords,my Noble Fellowes,if they pleafe, 
Can cleare me in't. 

Lords. We can : my Royall Liege, 
He is not guiltje of her comming hither. . 

Leo. You're lyers all. 

Lord. Befeech your Highneffe, giue vs better credit: 
We haue alwayes truly feru'd you, and befeech' 
So to efteeme of vs : and on our knees we begge, 
(As recompence of our deare feruices 
Paft,and to come) that you doe change this purpofe, 
Which being fo horrible, fo bloody,muft 
Lead on to fome foule Iffue. We all kneele. 

Leo. I am a Feather for each Wind that blows : 
Shall I liue on, to fee this Baftard kneele, 
And call me Father? better burne it now, 
Then curfe it then. But be it : let it liue. 
It mall not neyther. You Sir,come you hither : 
You that haue beene fo tenderly officious 
With Lady oMargerie,yoar Mid-wife there, 
To faue this Baftards life; for 'tis a Baftard, 
So fure as this Beard's gray. What will you aduenture, 
To faue this Brats life ? 

Antig. Any thing (my Lord,) 
That my abilitie may vndergoe, 
And Nobleneffe impofe : at leaft thus much ; 
He pawne the little blood which I haue left, 
To faue the Innocent : any thing poffible. 

Leo. It {hall be poffible : Sweare by this Sword 
Thou wilt performe my bidding. 

Antig. I will (my Lord.) 

Leo. Marke,and performe it : feeft thouffor the faile 
Of any point in't,ftiall not onely be 
Death to thy felfe, but to thy lewd-tongu'd Wife, 
(Whom for this time we pardon,) We enioyne thee, 
As thou art Liege-man to vs,that thou carry 
This female Baftard hence, and that thou beare it 



To fome remote and defart place, quite out 
Of our Dominions; and that there thou leaue it 
(Without more mercy) to it owne protection, 
And fauour of the Climate : as by ftrange fortune 
It came to vs,I doe in Iuftice charge thee, 
On thy Soules perill,and thy Bodyes torture, 
That thou commend it ftrangely to fome place, 
Where Chance may nurfe, or end it : take it vp. 

Antig. I fweare to doe this: though a prefent death 
Had beene more mercifull. Come on (poore Babe) 
Some powerfull Spirit inftruft the Kytes and Rauens 
To be thy Nurfes. Wolues and Beares,they fay, 
(Calling their fauageneffe afide)haue done 
Like offices of Pitty. Sir, be profperous 
In more then this deed do's require ; and Bleffing 
Againft this Crueltie, fight on thy fide 
(Poore Thing, condemn'd to loffe.) Exit. 

Leo. No : He not reare 
Anothers Iffue. Enter a Seruant. 

Seru. Pleafe 'your Highneffe, Pofts 
From thofe you fent to th'Oracle,are come 
An houre fince : Cleomines and Dion, 
Being well arriu'd from Delphos,are both landed, 
Halting to th' Court. 

Lord. So pleafe you (Sir) their fpeed 
Hath beene beyond accompt. 

Leo. Twentie three dayes 
They haue beene abfent : 'tis good fpeed : fore-tells 
The great Apollo fuddenly will haue 



286 



The Winters Tale. 



The truth of this appeare : Prepare you Lords, 

Summon a Seffion, that we may arraigne 

Our moft difloyall Lady : for as fhe hath 

Been publikely accus'd, fo fhall fhe haue 

A iuft and open Triall. While fhe Hues, 

My heart will be a burthen to me. Leaue me, 

And thinke vpon my bidding. Exeunt. 



aABus Tertius. ScenaT'rima. 



Enter Cleomines and T)ion. 

Cleo. The Clymat's delicate, the Ayre moft fweet, 
Fertile the Ifle, the Temple much furpaffing 
The common prayfe it beares. 

Dion, I fhall report, 
For moft it caught me, the Celeftiall Habits, 
(Me thinkes I fo fhould terme them) and the 
Of the graue Wearers. 0,the Sacrifice, 
How ceremonious, folemne, and vn-earthly 
It was i'th'Offring? 

Cleo. But of all, the burft 
And the eare-deaff' ning Voyce o'th'Oracle, 
Kin to io«fjThunder,fo furpriz'd my Sence, 
That I was nothing. 

Dio. If th'euent o'th'Iourney 
Proue as fncceflefull to the Queene(0 be't fo) 
As it hath beene to vs,rare,pleafant,fpeedie, 
The time is worth the vfe on't. 

Cleo. Great Apollo 
Turne all to th' belt : thefe Proclamations, 
So forcing faults vpon Hermione, 
I little like. 

Dio. The violent carriage of it 
Will cleare,or end the Bufineffe, when the Oracle 
(Thus by Apollo's great Diuine feal'd vp ) 
Shall the Contents difcouer : fomething rare 
Euen then will rufh to knowledge. Goe: frefh Horfes, 
And gracious be the iffue. Exeunt. 



Sccena Secunda. 



Enter Leon tes, Lords, 
Triall) Ladit 



: cers : Hermione (at to her 
Cleomines , Dion. 



Leo. This Seffions(to our great griefe we pronounce) 
Euen pufhes 'gainft our heart. The partie try'd, 
The Daughter of a King,our Wife, and one 
Of vs too much belou'd. Let vs be clear'd 
Of being tyrannous, fince we fo openly 
Proceed in Iuftice, which mail haue due courfe, 
Euen to the Guilt, or the Purgation : 
Produce the Prifoner. 

Officer. It is his HighnelTe pleafure, that the Queene 
Appeare in perfon,here in Court. Silence. 

Leo. Reade the Indictment. 

Officer. Hermione, S^ueene to the worthy Leontes, King 
of Sicilia, thou art here accufed and arraigned of High Trea- 
fon,in committing Adultery -with Polixenes King of Bohemia, 



and conjpiring with Camillo to take away the Life of our Soue- 
raigne Lord the King , thy Roy all Huiband: the pretence -whereof 
being by circumftances partly layd open, thou(Herm\one) con- 
trary to the Faith and Allegeance of a true SubieB .didjl coun- 
j'aile and ayde them, for their better fafetie, to flye away by 
Night. 

■ Her. Since what I am to fay,muft be but that 
Which contradicts my Accufation,and 
The teftimonie on my part, no other 
But what comes from my felfe,it fhall fcarce boot me 
To fay, Not guiltie : mine Integritie 
Being counted Falfehood, fhall (as I expreffe it) 
Be fo receiu'd. But thus,if Powres Diuine 
Behold our humane Actions (as they doe) 
I doubt not then, but Innocence fhall make 
Falfe Accufation blufh,and Tyrannie 
Tremble at Patience. You (my LordJ beft know 
(Whom leaft will feeme to doe fo)my paft life 
Hath beene as continent, as chafte,as true, 
As I am now vnhappy ; which is more 
Then Hiftorie can patterne, though deuis'd, 
And play'd,to take Spectators. For behold me, 
A Fellow of the Royall Bed, which owe 
A Moitie of the Throne : a great Kings Daughter, 
The Mother to a hopefull Prince, here ftanding 
To prate and talke for Life, and Honor, fore 
Who pleafe to come,and heare. For Life,I prize it 
As I weigh Griefe (which I would fpare:)For Honor, 
'Tis a deriuatiue from me to mine, 
And onely that I ftand for. I appeale 
To your owne Confcience (Sir ) before Polixenes 
Came to your Court, how I was in your grace, 
How merited to be fo : Since he came, 
With what encounter fo vncurrant, I 
Haue ftrayn'd t'appeare thus; if one iot beyond 
The bound of Honor,or in act,or will 
That way enclining, hardned be the hearts 
Of all that heare me, and my neer'ft of Kin 
Cry fie vpon my Graue. 

Leo. I ne're heard yet, 
That any of thefe bolder Vices wanted 
LefTe Impudence to gaine-fay what they did, 
Then to performe it firft. 

Her. That's true enough, 
Though 'tis a faying(Sir) not due to me. 

Leo. You will not owne it. 

Her. More then Miftreffe of, 
Which comes to me in name of Fault, I muft not 
At all acknowledge. For Polixenes 
(With whom 1 am accus'd) I doe confeffe 
I lou'd him, as in Honor he requir'd : 
With fuch a kind of Loue,as might become 
A Lady like me; with a Loue,euen fuch, 
So, and no other, as your felfe commanded : 
Which, not to haue done, I thinke had been in me 
Both Difobedience,and Ingratitude 

To you, and toward your Friend, whofe Loue had fpoke, 
Euen fince it could fpeake,from an Infant, freely, 
That it was yours. Now for Confpiracie, 
I know not how it taftes, though it be difh'd 
For me to try how : All I know of it, 
Is, that Camillo was an honeft man ; 
And why he left your Court,the Gods themfelues 
(Wotting no more then I ) are ignorant. 

Leo. You knew of his departure, as you know 
What you haue vnderta'ne to doe in's abfence. 

Her. Sir, 



The Winters Tale. 



287 



Her. Sir, 
You fpeake a Language that I vnderftand not : 
My Life ftands in the leuell of your Dreames, 
Which lie lay downe. 

Leo. Your Actions are my Dreames. 
You had a Baftard by Polixenes, 
And I but dream'd it : As you were paft all lhame, 
(Thofe of your Fact are fo) fo paft all truth; 
Which to deny,concernes more then auailes: for as 
Thy Brat hath been caft out, like to it felfe, 
No Father owning it(which is indeed 
More criminall in thee, then it ) fo thou 
Shalt feele our Iuftice; in whofe eafieft paffage, 
Looke for no lefTe then death. 

Her. Sir, fpare your Threats : 
The Bugge which you would fright me with, I feeke: 
To me can Life be no commoditie; 
The crowne and comfort of my Life(your Fauor) 
I doe giue loft, for I doe feele it gone, 
But know not how it went. My fecond Ioy, 
And firft Fruits of my body, from his prefence 
I am bar'd,like one infectious. My third comfort 
(Star'd moft vnluckily) is from my breaft 
(The innocent milke in it moft innocent mouth) 
Hal'd out to murther. My felfe on euery Poft 
Proclaym'd a Strumpet: With immodeft hatred 
The Child-bed priuiledge deny'd, which longs 
To Women of all falhion. Laftly, hurried 
Here, to this place,i'th' open ayre, before 
I haue got ftrength of limit. Now(my Liege) 
Tell me what bleffings I haue here aliue, 
That I ihould feare to die ? Therefore proceed : 
But yet heare this : miftake me not : no Life, 
(I prize it not a ftraw) but for mine Honor, 
Which I would free: if I mail be condemn'd 
Vpon furmizes (all proofes ileeping elfe, 
But what your Iealoufies awake) I tell you 
'Tis Rigor, and not Law. Your Honors all, 
I doe referre me to the Oracle : 
Apollo be my Iudge. 

Lord. This your requeft 
Is altogether iuft : therefore bring forth 
(And in Apollo's Name) his Oracle. 

Her. The Emperor of Ruflia was my Father. 
Oh that he were aliue, and here beholding 
His Daughters Tryall : that he did but fee 
The flatnefle of my miferie ; yet with eyes 
Of Pitty,not Reuenge. 

Officer. Y 'ou here fhal fweare vpon this Sword of Iuftice, 
That you ( Cleomines and Dion) haue 
Been both at Delphos, and from thence haue brought 
Thisfeal'd-vp Oracle, by the Hand deliuer'd 
Of great Apollo's Prieft ; and that fince then, 
You haue not dar'd to breake the holy Seale, 
Nor read the Secrets in't. 

Cleo Dio. All this we fweare. 

Leo. Breake vp the Seales, and read. 

Officer. Hermione is cbaft , Polixenes blameleffe, Camillo 
a true SubieB, Leontes a ieahui Tyrant, his innocent liabe 
truly begotten, and the Kingjhall Hue -without an Heire,ifthat 
•which is lojl , be not found. 

Lords. Now blefled be the great Apollo. 

Her. Prayfed. 

Leo. Haft thou read truth ? 

Offic. I (my Lord)euen fo as it is here fet downe. 

Leo. There is no truth at all i'th'Oracle: 



187 



The Seffions fhall proceed: this is meere falfehood. 

Ser. My Lord the King : the King i 

Leo. What is the bufineffe ? 

Ser. O Sir, I fhall be hated to report it. 
The Prince your Sonne, with meere conceit,and feare 
Of the Queenes fpeed,is gone. 

Leo. How? gone ? 

Ser. Is dead. 

Leo. Apollo's angry, and the Heauens themfelues 
Doe (hike at my Iniuftice. How now there ? 

PW.This newes is mortall to the Queene:Look downe 
And fee what Death is doing. 

Leo. Take her hence : 
Her heart is but o're-charg'd : me will recouer. 
I haue too much beleeu'd mine owne fufpition: 
'Befeech you tenderly apply to her 
Some remedies for life. Apollo pardon 
My great prophaneneffe 'gainft thine Oracle. 
He reconcile me to Polixenes, 
New woe my Queene, recall the good Camillo 
(Whom I proclaime a man of Truth, of Mercy:) 
For being tranfported by my Iealoufies 
To bloody thoughts, and to reuenge, I chofe 
Qamillo for the minifter, to poyfon 
My friend Polixenes : which had been done , 
But that the good mind of Camillo tardied 
My fwift command : though I with Death, and with 
Reward, did threaten and encourage him, 
Not doing it, and being done : he(moft humane, 
And fill'd with Honor) to my Kingly Gueft 
Vnclafp'd my practife,quit his fortunes here 
(Which you knew great) and to the hazard 
Of all Incertainties, himfelfe commended, 
No richer then his Honor: How he glifters 
Through my Ruft? and how his Pietie 
Do's my deeds make the blacker ? 

Paul. Woe the while: 
O cut my Lace,leaft my heart( cracking it) 
Breake too. 

Lord. What fit is this? good Lady? 

Paul. What ftudied torments( Tyrant )haft for me* 
What Wheeles?Racks? Fires? What flaying? boyling? 
In Leads, or Oyles? What old, or newer Torture 
Muft I receiue?whofe euery word deferues 
To tafte of thy moft worft. Thy Tyranny 
(Together working with thy Iealoufies, 
Fancies too weake for Boyes, too greene and idle 
For Girles of Nine) O thinke what they haue done, 
And then run mad indeed : ftarke-mad : for all 
Thy by-gone fooleries were but fpices of it. 
That thou betrayed'ft Polixenes,\was nothing, 
(That did but ftiew thee, of a Foole,inconftant, 
And damnable ingratefull:) Nor was't much, 
Thou would'ft haue poyfon'd good Qamillo's Honor, 
To haue him kill a King : poore TrefpafTes, 
More monftrous ftanding by : whereof I reckon 
The calling forth to Crowes, thy Baby-daughter, 
To be or none, or little ; though a Deuill 
Would haue Ihed water out of fire, ere don't : 
Nor is't directly layd to thee, the death 
Of the young Prince, whofe honorable thoughts 
(Thoughts high for one fo tender) cleft the heart 
That could conceiue a grofTe and fooliih Sire 
Blemiih'd his gracious Dam : this is not, no, 
Layd to thy anfwere: but the laft: O Lords, 
When I haue faid, cry woe: the Queene, the Queene, 

The 



The Winters Tale. 



The fweet'ft. deer'ft creature's dead:& vengeance for't 
Not drop'd downe yet. 

hard. The higher powres forbid. 

Pau. I fay ihe's dead : He fwear't. If word, nor oath 
Preuaile not, go and fee : if you can bring 
Tincture, or luftre in her lip, her eye 
Heate outwardly, or breath within, lie ferae you 
As I would do the Gods. But, O thou Tyrant, 
Do not repent thefe things, for they are heauier 
Then all thy woes can ftirre : therefore betake thee 
To nothing but difpaire. A thoufand knees, 
Ten thoufand yeares together, naked, fafting, 
Vpon a barren Mountaine, and ftill Winter 
In ftorme perpetuall, could not moue the Gods 
To looke that way thou wer't. 

Leo. Go on, go on : 
Thou canft not fpeake too much, I haue deferu'd 
All tongues to talke their bittreft. 

Lord. Say no more ; 
How ere the bufineffe goes, you haue made fault 
I'th boldneffe of your fpeech. 

Pau. I am forry for't j 
All faults I make, when I mail come to know them, 
I do repent : Alas, I haue fhew'd too much 
The raflineffe of a woman : he is toucht 
To th'Noble heart. What's gone, and what's paft helpe 
Should be paft greefe : Do not receiue affliction 
At my petition ; I befeech you, rather 
Let me be punifti'd, that haue minded you 
Of what you Ihould forget. Now (good my Liege) 
Sir, Royall Sir, forgiue a fooliih woman : 
The loue I bore your Queene (Lo, foole againe) 
He fpeake of her no more, nor of your Children : 
He not remember you of my owne Lord, 
(Who is loft too:) take your patience to you, 
And He fay nothing. 

Leo. Thou didft fpeake but well, 
When moft the truth : which I receyue much better, 
Then to be pittied of thee. Prethee bring me 
To the dead bodies of my Queene, and Sonne, 
One graue fhall be for both : Vpon them fhall 
The caufes of their death appeare(vnto 
Our ftiame perpetuall) once a day, He vifit 
The Chappell where they lye, and teares fhed there 
Shall be my recreation. So long as Nature 
Will beare vp with this exercife, fo long 
I dayly vow to vfe it. Come, and leade me 
To thefe forrowes. Exeunt 



Sccena Tertia. 



Enter Antigonus, a <£MarrinerfBabe, Sheepe- 
heard, and Cloivne. 

Ant.Thon art perfect then, our rtiip hath toucht vpon 
The Defarts of 'Bohemia. 

<JVEar. I (my Lord) and feare 
We haue Landed in ill time : the skies looke grimly, 
And threaten prefent blufters. In my confcience 
The heauens with that we haue in hand, are angry, 
And frovvne vpon's, 

Ant. Their facred wil's be done : go get a-boord, 
Looke to thy barke, He not be long before 



I call vpon thee. 

Mar. Make your beft hafte, and go not 
Too-farre i'th Land : 'tis like to be lowd weather, 
Befides this place is famous for the Creatures 
Of prey, that keepe vpon't. 

Antig. Go thou away, 
He follow inftantly. 

<zMar. I am glad at heart 
To be fo ridde o'th bufineffe. Exit 

Ant. Come, poore babe; 
I haue heard (but not beleeu'd)the Spirits o'th' dead 
May walke againe : if fuch thing be, thy Mother 
Appear'd to me laft night : for ne're was dreame 
So like a waking. To me comes a creature, 
Sometimes her head on one fide, fome another, 
I neuer law a veffell of like forrow 
So fill'd, and fo becomming : in pure white Robes 
Like very fandtity fhe did approach 
My Cabine where I lay : thrice bow'd before me, 
And(gafping to begin fome fpeech)her eyes 
Became two fpouts ; the furie fpent, anon 
Did this breake from her. Good Antigonus, 
Since Fate (againft thy better difpofition) 
Hath made thy perfon for the Thower-out 
Of my poore babe, according to thine oath, 
Places remote enough are in 'Bohemia, 
There weepe, and leaue it crying : and for the babe 
Is counted loft for euer, Perdita 
I prethee call't : For this vngentle bufineffe 
Put on thee, by my Lord, thou ne're fhalt fee 
Thy Wife Paulina more : and fo, with fhriekes 
She melted into Ayre. Affrighted much, 
I did in time collect my felfe, and thought 
This was fo, and no (lumber : Dreames, are toyes, 
Yet for this once, yea fuperftitioufly, 
I will be fquar'd by this. I do beleeue 
Hermione hath fuffer'd death, and that 
Apollo would ( this being indeede the iffue 
Of King Polixenes) it mould heere be laide 
(Either for life, or death) vpon the earth 
Of it's right Father. Bloffome, fpeed thee well, 
There lye, and there thy charracter : there thefe, 
Which may if Fortune pleafe, both breed thee (pretty) 
And ftill reft thine. The ftorme beginnes, poore wretch, 
That for thy mothers fault, art thus expos'd 
To loffe, and what may follow. Weepe I cannot, 
But my heart bleedes : and moft accurft am I 
To be by oath enioyn'd to this. Farewell, 
The day frownes more and more : thou'rt like to haue 
A lullabie too rough : I neuer faw 
The heauens fo dim, by day. A fauage clamor ? 
Well may I get a-boord : This is the Chace, 
I am gone for euer. Exit purjued by a lieare. 

Shep. I would there were no age betweene ten and 
three and twenty, or that youth would fleep out the reft : 
for there is nothing (in the betweene) but getting wen- 
ches with childe, wronging the Auncientry, ftealing, 
fighting, hearke you now : would any but thefe boylde- 
braines of nineteene, and two and twenty hunt this wea- 
ther ? They haue fcarr'd away two of my beft Sheepe, 
which I feare the Wolfe will fooner finde then the Mai- 
fter; if any where I haue them, 'tis by the fea-fide, brou- 
zingofluy. Good-lucke (and't be thy will) what haue 
we heere ? Mercy on's, a Barne ? A very pretty barne ; A 
boy, or a Childe I wonder ? (A pretty one, a verie prettie 
one) fure fome Scape ; Though I am not bookifh, yet I 



The Winters Tale. 



289 



can reade Waiting-Gentlewoman in the fcape : this has 
beene fome ftaire-worke, fome Trunke-worke,fome be- 
hinde-doore worke : they were warmer that got this, 
then the poore Thing is heere. He take it vp for pity, yet 
He tarry till my fonne come : he hallow'd but euen now. 
Whoa-ho-hoa. 

Enter Clcnvne. 

Clo. Hilloa, loa. 

Shep. What ? art fo neere ? If thou'lt fee a thing to 
talke on, when thou art dead and rotten , come hither : 
what ayl'ft thou, man? 

Qlo. I haue feene two fuch fights, by Sea & by Land: 
but I am not to fay it is a Sea, for it is now the skie, be- 
twixt the Firmament and it, you cannot thruft a bodkins 
point. 

Shep. Why boy, how is it ? 

Clo. I would you did but fee how it chafes, how it ra- 
ges, how it takes vp the ftiore, but that's not to the point: 
Oh, the moft pitteous cry of the poore foules,fometimes 
to fee 'em, and not to fee 'em : Now the Shippe boaring 
the Moone with her maine Maft , and anon fwallowed 
with yeft and froth, as you'ld thruft a Corke into a hogf- 
head. And then for the Land-feruice , to fee how the 
Beare tore out his ihoulder-bone, how he cride to mee 
for helpe, and faid his name was Antigonia,* Nobleman: 
But to make an end of the Ship, to fee how the Sea flap- 
dragon'd it : but firft, how the poore foules roared, and 
the fea mock'd themiand how the poore Gentleman roa- 
red, and the Beare mock'd him, both roaring lowder 
then the fea, or weather. 

Shep. Name of mercy, when was this boy? 

Clo. Now, now : I haue not wink'd fince I faw thefe 
fights : the men are not yet cold vnder water, nor the 
Beare halfe din'd on the Gentleman : he's at it now. 

Shep. Would I had bin by, to haue help'd the olde 
man. 

Clo. I would you had beene by the fhip fide, to haue 
help'd herjthere your charity would haue lack'd footing. 

Shep. Heauy matters, heauy matters : but looke thee 
heere boy. Now blefle thy felfe: thou met'ft with things 
dying, I with things new borne. Here's a fight for thee: 
Looke thee, a bearing-cloath for a Squires childe: looke 
thee heere, take vp, take vp (Boy:) open't : fo, let's fee, it 
was told me I lhould be rich by the Fairies. This is fome 
Changeling : open't : what's within, boy ? 

Clo. You're a mad olde man : If the finnes of your 
youth are forgiuen you, you're well to Hue. Golde, all 
Gold. 

Shep. This is Faiery Gold boy, and 'twill proue fo: vp 
with't, keepe it clofe : home, home, the next way. We 
are luckie (boy) and to bee fo ftill requires nothing but 
fecrecie. Let my fheepe go : Come (good boy)the next 
way home. 

Clo. Go you the next way with your Findings, He go 
fee if the Beare bee gone from the Gentleman, and how 
much he hath eaten : they are neuer curft but when they 
are hungry : if there be any of him left, He bury it. 

Shep. That's a good deed : if thou mayeft difcerne by 
that which is left of him, what he is, fetch me to th'fight 
of him. 

Cloivne. 'Marry will I: and you fhall helpe to put him 
i'th'ground. 

Shep. 'Tis a lucky day, boy, and wee'l do good deeds 
ont Exeunt 



aABus Quartus. Scena cPrima. 



Enter Time, the Chorus. 
Time. I that pleafe fome, try all : both ioy and terror 
Of good, and bad : that makes, and vnfolds error, 
Now take vpon me (in the name of Time) 
To vfe my wings : Impute it not a crime 
To me, or my fwift pafTage, that I Aide 
Ore fixteene yeeres,and leaue the growth vntride 
Of that wide gap, fince it is in my powre 
To orethrow Law, and in one felfe-borne howre 
To plant, and ore-whelme Cuftome. Let me pafTe 
The fame I am, ere ancient'ft Order was, 
Or what is now receiu'd. I witnefle to 
The times that brought them in, fo lhall I do 
To th'freiheft things now reigning, and make ftale 
The gliftering of this prefent, as my Tale 
Now feemes to it : your patience this allowing, 
I turne my glaffe, and giue my Scene fuch growing 
As you had flept betweene : Leontes leauing 
Th'effects of his fond iealoufies, fo greeuing 
That he fliuts vp himfelfe. Imagine me 
(Gentle Spe&ators) that I now may be 
In faire Bohemia, and remember well, 
I mentioned a fonne o'th'Kings, which Florizell 
I now name to you: and with fpeed fo pace 
To fpeake of Perdita, now growne in grace 
Equall with wond'ring. What of her infues 
I lift not prophefie : but let Times newes 
Be knowne when 'tis brought forth. A fhepherds daugh- 
And what to her adheres, which followes after, (ter 

Is th'argument of Time : of this allow, 
If euer you haue fpent time worfe, ere now : 
If neuer, yet that Time himfelfe doth fay, 
He wiflies earneftly, you neuer may. Exit. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Polixenes, and Camilla. 

Pol. I pray thee (good Camillo) be no more importu- 
nate : 'tis a ficknefie denying thee any thing : a death to 
grant this. 

Cam. It is fifteene yeeres fince I faw my Countrey : 
though I haue (for the moft part) bin ayred abroad,! de- 
fire to lay my bones there. Befides, the penitent King 
(my Mafter) hath fent for me, to whofe feeling forrowes 
I might be fome allay, or I oreweene to thinke fo)which 
is another fpurre to my departure. 

Pol. As thou lou'ft me (Qamillo) wipe not out the reft 
of thy feruices, by leauing me now : the neede I haue of 
thee, thine owne goodnefTe hath made : better not to 
haue had thee, then thus to want thee, thou hauing made 
me BufinefTes, (which none (without thee) can fuffici- 
ently manage) muft either ftay to execute them thy felfe, 
or take away with thee the very feruices thou haft done: 
which if I haue not enough confidered fas too much I 
cannot) to bee more thankefull to thee, mall bee my ftu- 
die, and my profite therein, the heaping friendfhippes. 
Of that fatall Countrey Sicillia, prethee fpeake no more, 
whofe very naming, punnifhes me with the remembrance 
B b of 



'.go 



The Winters Tale. 



of that penitent (as thou calft him) and reconciled King 
my brother, whofe loffe of his moft precious Queene & 
Children, are euen now to be a-frefh lamented. Say to 
me, when faw'ft thou the Prince Florizell my fon ? Kings 
are no leffe vnhappy, their iffue,not being gracious, then 
they are in loofing them, when they haue approued their 
Vertues. 

Cam. Sir, it is three dayes fince I faw the Prince:what 
his happier affayres may be, are to me vnknowne : but I 
haue (mifsingly) noted, he is of late much retyred from 
Court, and is leffe frequent to his Princely exercifes then 
formerly he hath appeared. 

Pol. I haue considered fo much (Qamillo) and with 
fome care, fo farre, that I haue eyes vnder my feruice, 
which looke vpon his remouedneffe : from whom I haue 
this Intelligence, that he is feldome from the houfe of a 
moft homely lhepheard : a man (they fay) that from very 
nothing, and beyond the imagination of his neighbors, 
is growne into an vnfpeakable eftate. 

Cam. I haue heard (fir) of fuch a man , who hath a 
daughter of moft rare note : the report of her is extended 
more, then can be thought to begin from fuch a cottage 

Pol. That's likewife part of my Intelligence : but(I 
feare) the Angle that pluckes our fonne thither. Thou 
malt accompany vs to the place, where we will (not ap- 
pearing what we are)haue fome queftion with the lhep- 
heard ; from whofe fimplicity, I thinke it not vneafie to 
get the caufe of my fonnes refort therher. 'Prethe be my 
prefent partner in this bufines,and lay afide the thoughts 
of Sicillia. 

Cam. I willingly obey your command. 

Pol. My beft Camillo, we muft difguife our felues. Exit 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Autolicus fmging . 
When Daffodils begin to peer e, 
With heigh the T>oxy ouer the dale, 
Why then comes in the fweet a 1 the yeere, 
For the red blood raigns in y -winters pale. 

The -white Jheete bleaching on the hedge, 
With hey the fweet birds, Oho-w theyjing: 
Doth Jet my pugging tooth an edge, 
For a quart of Ale is a difh for a King. 

The Ear ke, that tirra-Lyra chaunts, 

With heigh, the Thrufh and the lay : 

Are Summer fongs for me and my Aunts 

While -we lye tumbling in the hay. 
I haue feru'd Prince Florize/l, and in my time wore three 
pile, but now I am out of feruice. 

'^Butfball I go mourne for that [my deere) 

the pale Moone fhines by night : 
And when I wander here , and there 

I then do moft go right. 
If Tinkers may haue leaue to Hue , 

and beare the Sow-skin 'Bowget, 
Then my account I -well may giue , 
•and in the Stockes auouch-it. 
My Trafficke is fheetes : when the Kite builds, looke to 
leffer Linnen. My Father nam'd me tAutolicus, who be- 



ing (as I am) lytter'd vnder Mercurie , was likewife a 
fnapper-vp of vnconfidered trifles : With Dye and drab, 
I purchas'd this Caparifon, and my Reuennew is the filly 
Cheate. Gallowes, and Knocke, are too powerfull on 
the Highway. Beating and hanging are terrors to mee : 
For the life to come, I fleepe out the thought of it. A 
prize, a prize. 

Enter C/owne. 
Clo. Let me fee, euery Leauen-weather toddes, euery 
tod yeeldes pound and odde milling : fifteene hundred 
fhorne, what comes the wooll too ? 

Aut. If the fprindge hold, the Cocke's mine. 
Clo. I cannot do't without Compters. Let mee fee, 
what am I to buy for our Sheepe-fhearing-Feaft? Three 
pound of Sugar, flue pound of Currence, Rice: What 
will this fifter of mine do with Rice ? But my father hath 
made her Miftris of the Feaft, and flie layes it on . Shee 
hath made-me four and twenty Nofe-gayes for the (hea- 
rers (three-man fong-men, all, and very good ones) but 
they are moft of them Meanes and Bafes ; but one Puri- 
tan amongft them, and he fings Pfalmes to horne-pipes. 
I muft haue Saffron to colour the Warden Pies, Mace : 
Dates, none : that's out of my note : Nutmegges, feuen ; 
a Race or two of Ginger, but that I may begge : Foure 
pound of Prewyns, and as many of Reyfons o'th Sun. 
Aut. Oh, that euer I was borne. 
Clo m I'th'name of me. 

Aut. Oh helpe me, helpe mee : plucke but off thefe 
ragges : and then, death, death. 

Clo. Alacke poore foule, thou haft need of more rags 
to lay on thee, rather then haue thefe off. 

Aut. Oh fir, the loathfomneffe of them offend mee, 
more then the ftripes I haue receiued, which are mightie 
ones and millions. 

Clo. Alas poore man, a million of beating may come 
to a great matter. 

Aut. I am rob'd fir, and beaten : my money, and ap- 
parrell tane from me,and thefe dereftable things put vp- 
on me. 

Clo. What, by a horfe-man,or a foot-man? 
tAut. A footman (fweet fir) a footman. 
Clo. Indeed, he ihould be a footman, by the garments 
he has left with thee : If this bee a horfemans Coate , it 
hath feene very hot feruice. Lend me thy hand, He helpe 
thee. Come,lend me thy hand. 
Aut. Oh good fir, tenderly,oh. 
Clo. Alas poore foule. 

Aut. Oh good fir, foftly, good fir : I feare (fir) my 
moulder-blade is out. 

Clo. How now? Canft ftand ? 

Aut. Softly, deere fir : good fir, foftly: you ha done 
me a charitable office. 

Clo. Doeft lacke any mony ? I haue a little mony for 
thee. 

Aut. No,good fweet fir : no, I befeech you fir: I haue 
a Kinfman not paft three quarters of a mile hence , vnto 
whome I was going : I ihall there haue money, or anie 
thing I want : Offer me no money I pray you, that killes 
my heart. 

Clow. What manner of Fellow was hee that robb'd 
you ? 

Aut. A fellow (fir) that I haue knowne to goe about 
with Troll-my-dames : I knew him once a feruant of the 
Prince : I cannot tell good fir, for which of his Ver- 
tues it was, but hee was certainely Whipt out of the 
Court. 

Clo. 

190 



The Winters Tale. 



291 



C/o.His vices you would fay : there's no vertue whipt 
out of the Court : they cherifh it to make it ftay there ; 
and yet it will no more but abide. 

Aut. Vices I would fay (Sir.) I know this man well, 
he hath bene fince an Ape-bearer, then a ProcefTe-feruer 
(a Bayliffe) then hee compaft a Motion of the Prodigall 
fonne, and married a Tinkers wife, within a Mile where 
my Land and Liuinglyes; and(hauing flowne ouer ma- 
ny knauifh profeffions) he fetled onely in Rogue : fome 
call him Autolicui. 

Clo. Out vpon him : Prig, for my life Prig:he haunts 
Wakes, Faires, and Beare-baitings. 

Aut. Very true fir : he fir hee : that's the Rogue that 
put me into this apparrell. 

Qlo. Not a more cowardly Rogue in all Bohemia ; If 
you had but look'd bigge, and fpit at him, hee'ld haue 
runne. 

Aut. I muft confeffe to you (fir) I am no fighter : I am 
falfe of heart that way,& that be knew I warrant him. 

Clo. How do you now ? 

tAut. Sweet fir, much better then I was : I can ftand, 
and walke: I will euen take my leaue of you, & pace foft- 
ly towards my Kinfmans. 

Clo. Shall I bring thee on the way ? 

Aut. No, good fac'd fir, no fweet fir. 

Clo. Then fartheewell, I muft go buy Spices for our 
fheepe-fliearing. Exit. 

Aut. Profper you fweet fir. Your purfe is not hot e- 
nough to purchafe your Spice : He be with you at your 
ffieepe-fhearing too : If I make not this Cheat bring out 
another, and the fheerers proue ftieepe,let me be vnrold, 
and my name put in the booke of Vertue. 

Song. log-on, log-on, the foot -path -way, 
And merrily hent the Stile-a : 
A merry heart goes all the day, 
Tour fad tyres in a cMile-a. Exit, 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter Florizell, Perdita, Shepherd, Clowne, Polixenes, Ca- 
milla, Mopfa, T>orcas, Seruants, Autolicui. 

Flo. Thefe your vnvfuall weeds, to each part of you 
Do's giue a life : no Shepherdefle, but Flora 
Peering in Aprils front. This your iheepe-fliearing, 
Is as a meeting of the petty Gods, 
And you the Queene on't. 

Perd. Sir : my gracious Lord, 
To chide at your extreames, it not becomes me : 
(Oh pardon, that I name them:) your high felfe 
The gracious marke o'th'Land, you haue obfcur'd 
With a Swaines wearing : and me (poore lowly MaideJ 
Moft Goddefie-like prank'd vp : But that our Feafts 
In euery MefTe,haue folly; and the Feeders 
Digeft with a Cuftome, I fhould blufli 
To fee you fo attyr'd : fworne I thinke, 
To fliew my felfe a glaffe. 

Flo. I blefle the time 
When my good Falcon, made her flight a-crofle 
Thy Fathers ground. 

Perd. Now loue affoord you caufe : 
To me the difference forges dread (your Greatnefle 



Hath not beene vs'd to feare: ) euen now I tremble 
To thinke your Father, by fome accident 
Should paffe this way, as you did : Oh the Fates, 
How would he looke, to fee his worke, fo noble, 
Vildely bound vp ? What would he fay? Or how 
Should I (in thefe my borrowed Flaunts) behold 
The fternneffe of his prefence ? 

Flo. Apprehend 
Nothing but iollity : the Goddes themfelues 
(Humbling their Deities to loue) haue taken 
The fliapes of Beafts vpon them. Iupiter, 
Became a Bull, and bellow'd : the greene Neptune 
A Ram, and bleated : and the Fire-roab'd-God 
Golden Apollo, a poore humble Swaine, 
As I feeme now. Their transformations, 
Were neuer for a peece of beauty, rarer, 
Nor in a way fo chafte : fince my defires 
Run not before mine honor : nor my Lufts 
Burne hotter then my Faith, 

Perd. O but Sir, 
Your refolution cannot hold, when 'tis 
Oppos'd (as it muft be) by th'powre of the King: 
One of thefe two muft be necefsities, 

Which then will fpeake, that you muft change this pur- 
Or I my life. (p°f e > 

Flo. Thou deer'ft Perdita, 
With thefe forc'd thoughts, I prethee darken not 
The Mirth o'th'Feaft : Or He be thine (my Faire) 
Or not my Fathers. For I cannot be 
Mine owne, nor any thing to any, if 
I be not thine. To this 1 am moft conftant, 
Though deftiny fay no. Be merry (Gentle) 
Strangle fuch thoughts as thefe, with any thing 
That you behold the while. Your guefts are comming : 
Lift vp your countenance, as it were the day 
Of celebration of that nuptiall, which 
We two haue fworne fhall come. 

Perd. O Lady Fortune, 
Stand you aufpicious. 

Flo. See, your Guefts approach, 
AddrefTe your felfe to entertaine them fprightly, 
And let's be red with mirth. 

Shep. Fy (daughter) when my old wife liu'd : vpon 
This day, flie was both Pander, Butler, Cooke, 
Both Dame and Seruant : Welcom'd all : feru'd all, 
Would fing her fong, and dance her turne : now heere 
At vpper end o'th Table; now, i'th middle : 
On his fhoulder, and his : her face o'fire 
With labour, and the thing flie tooke to quench it 
She would to each one fip. You are retyred, 
As if you were a feafted one : and not 
The HoftefTe of the meeting : Pray you bid 
Thefe vnknowne friends to's welcome, for it is 
A way to make vs better Friends, more knowne. 
Come, quench your biufhes, and prefent your felfe 
That which you are, Miftris o'th'Feaft. Come on, 
And bid vs welcome to your fheepe-fliearing, 
As your good flocke fhall profper. , 

Perd. Sir, welcome : 
It is my Fathers will, I fhould take on mee 
The Hofteffefhip o'th'day : you're welcome fir. 
Giue me thofe Flowres there [Dorcas.) Reuerend Sirs, 
For you, there's Rofemary, and Rue, thefe keepe 
Seeming, and fauour all the Winter long : 
Grace, and Remembrance be to you both, 
And welcome to our Shearing. 

B b 2 Pol. 



292 



The Winter sT ale. 



Pol. Shepherdeffe, 
(A faire one are you:) well you fit our ages 
With flowres of Winter. 

Perd. Sir, the yeare growing ancient, 
Not yet on fummers death, nor on the birth 
Of trembling winter, the fayreft flowres o'thfeafon 
Are our Carnations, and ftreak'd Gilly-vors, 
(Which fome call Natures baftards ) of that kind 
Our rufticke Gardens barren, and I care not 
To get flips of them. 

Pol. Wherefore ( gentle Maiden J 
Do you negleft them. 

Perd. For I haue heard it faid, 
There is an Art, which in their pideneffe fliares 
With great creating-Nature. 

Pol. Say there be : 
Yet Nature is made better by no meane, 
But Nature makes that Meane : fo ouer that Art, 
(Which you fay addes to Nature^) is an Art 
That Nature makes : you fee (fweet Maid) we marry 
A gentler Sien, to the wildeft Stocke, 
And make conceyue a barke of bafer kinde 
By bud of Nobler race. This is an Art 
Which do's mend Nature : change it rather, but 
The Art it felfe, is Nature. 

Perd. So it is. 

Pol. Then make you Garden rich in Gilly'vors, 
And do not call them baftards. 

Perd. lie not put 
The Dible in earth, to fet one flip of them : 
No more then were I painted, I would wifli 
This youth fliould fay 'twer well : and onely therefore 
Defire to breed by me. Here's flowres for you : 
Hot Lauender, Mints, Sauory, Mariorum, 
The Mary-gold, that goes to bed with'Sun, 
And with him rifes, weeping : Thefe are flowres 
Of middle fummer, and I thinke they are giuen 
To men of middle age. Y'are very welcome. 

Cam. I fliould leaue grafing, were I of your flocke, 
And onely liue by gazing. 

Perd. Out alas: 
You'ld be fo leane, that blafts of Ianuary (Friend, 

Would blow you through and through. Now (my fairft 
I would I had fome Flowres o'th Spring, that might 
Become your time of day : and yours, and yours, 
That weare vpon your Virgin-branches yet 
Your Maiden-heads growing : O Projerpina, 
For the Flowres now, that (frighted) thou let'ft fall 
From Dyffes Waggon : Daffadils, 
That come before the Swallow dares, and take 
The windes of March with beauty : Violets (dim, 
But fweeter then the lids of Iuno's eyes, 
Or Cytherea's breath) pale Prime-rofes, 
That dye vnmarried, ere they can behold 
Bright Phcebus in his ftrength ( a Maladie 
Molt incident to Maids:) bold Oxlips, and 
The Crowne Imperiall : Lillies of all kinds, 
(The Flowre-de-Luce being one.) O, thefe I lacke, 
To make you Garlands of) and my fweet friend, 
To ftrew him o're, and ore. 

Flo. What? like a Coarfe? 

Perd. No, like a banke, for Loue to lye, and play on: 
Not like a Coarfe : or if : not to be buried, 
But quicke, and in mine armes. Come, take your flours, 
Me thinkes I play as I haue feene them do 
In Whitfon-Paftorals : Sure this Robe of mine 



Do's change my difpofition: 

Flo. What you do, 
Still betters what is done. When you fpeake (Sweet) 
Fid haue you do it euer : When you fing, 
Pld haue you buy, and fell fo : fo giue Almes, 
Pray fo : and for the ord'ring your Affayres, 
To fing them too. When you do dance, I wifli you 
A waue o'th Sea, that you might euer do 
Nothing but that : moue ftill, ftill fo : 
And owne no other Function. Each your doing, 
(So fingular, in each particular) 
Crownes what you are doing, in the prefent deeds, 
That all your Actes, are Queenes. 

Perd. O Doricles, 
Your praifes are too large : but that your youth 
And the true blood which peepes fairely through't, 
Do plainly giue you out an vnftain'd Sphepherd 
With wifedome, I might feare (my Doricles) 
You woo'd me the falfe way. 

Flo. I thinke you haue 
As little skill to feare, as I haue purpofe 
To put you to't. But come, our dance I pray, 
Your hand (my Perdita:) fo Turtles paire 
That neuer meane to part. 

Perd. He fweare for 'em. 

Po . This is the prettieft Low-borne Laffe, that euer 
Ran on the greene-ford : Nothing flie do's, or feemes 
But fmackes of fomething greater then her felfe, 
Too Noble for this place. 

Cam. He tels her fomething 
That makes her blood looke on't : Good footh flie is 
The Queene of Curds and Creame. 

Clo. Come on: ftrike vp. 

Dorcas. Mopfa muft be your Miftris : marry Garlick 
to mend her killing with. 

<&£op. Now in good time. 

Clo. Not a word, a word, we ftand vpon our manners, 
Come, ftrike vp. 

Heere a Daunce of Shepheards and 
Shepbearddejes. 

Pol. Pray good Shepheard, what faire Swaine is this, ' 
Which dances with your daughter ? 

Sbep. They call him 'Doricles, and boafls himfelfe 
To haue a worthy Feeding ; but I haue it 
Vpon his owne report, and I beleeue it : 
He lookes like footh : he fayes he loues my daughter, 
I thinke fo too ; for neuer gaz'd the Moone 
Vpon the water, as hee'l ftand and reade 
As 'twere my daughters eyes : and to be plaine, 
I thinke there is not halfe a kiffe to choofe 
Who loues another beft. 

Pol. She dances featly. 

Sbep. So flie do's any thing, though I report it 
That fliould be filent : If yong Doricles 
Do light vpon her, flie fhall bring him that 
Which he not dreames of. Enter Seruant. 

Ser. O Mafter : if you did but heare the Pedler at the 
doore, you would neuer dance againe after a Tabor and 
Pipe : no, the Bag-pipe could not moue you : hee finges 
feuerall Tunes, fafter then you'l tell money : hee vtters 
them as he had eaten ballads, and all mens eares grew to 
his Tunes. 

Clo. He could neuer come better : hee fhall come in : 
I loue a ballad but euen too well, if it be dolefull matter 
merrily fet downe : or a very pleafant thing indeede, and 
fung lamentably. 

Ser. 



The Winters Tale. 



193 



Ser. He hath fongs for man, or woman, of all fizes : 
No Milliner can fo fit his cnftomers with Gloues: he has 
the prettieft Loue-fongs for Maids, fo without bawdrie 
(which is ftrange,) with fuch delicate burthens of Dil- 
do's and Fadings : Iump-her, and thump-her; and where 
fome ftretch-mouth'd Rafcall, would (as it were) meane 
mifcheefe, and breake a fowle gap into the Matter, hee 
makes the maid to anfwere, Whoop, doe me no harme good 
man : put's him off, flights him, with Whoop, doe mee no 
harme good man. 

Pol. This is a braue fellow. 

Clo. Beleeee mee, thou talkeft of an admirable con- 
ceited fellow,has he any vnbraided Wares? 

Ser. Hee hath Ribbons of all the colours i'th Raine- 
bow; Points, more then all the Lawyers in ^Bohemia, can 
learnedly handle, though they come to him by th'groffe: 
Inckles, Caddyffes, Cambrickes, Lawnes : why he fings 
em ouer, as they were Gods, or GoddefTes : you would 
thinke a Smocke were a fhee-Angell, he fo chauntes to 
the fleeue-hand, and the worke about the fquare on't. 

Clo. Pre'thee bring him in, and let him approach fin- 
g'ng- 

Perd. Forewarne him, that he vfe no fcurrilous words 
in's tunes. 

Clow. You haue of thefe Pedlers, that haue more in 
them, then youl'd thinke (Sifter.) 

Perd. I, good brother, or go about to thinke. 

Enter Autolkiu Jinglng. 

Lawne as -white as driuen Snow, 

Cypreffe blacke as ere was Crow, 

Gloues asfweete as Damaske Rofes , 

Maskes for faces , and for nofes : 

''Bugle-bracelet, Necke-lace Amber, 

Perfume for a Ladies Chamber : 

Golden 2}uoifes,and Stomachers 

For my Lads, to giue their deers : m 

Pins, and poaking-ftickes offteele. 

What cMaids lacke from head to heele : 
Qome buy of me, come-.come buy , come buy, 
'Buy Lads, or elf e your Laffes cry : Come buy. 

Clo. If I were not in loue with cMopfa, thou mouldft 
take no money of me, but being enthrall'd as I am, it will 
alfo be the bondage of certaine Ribbons and Gloues. 

Mop. I was promis'd them againft the Feaft,but they 
come not too late now. 

Dor. He hath promis'd you more rhen that, or there 
be lyars. 

Mop. He hath paid you all he promis'd you: 'May be 
he has paid you more, which will fliame you to giue him 
againe. 

Clo. Is there no manners left among maids? Will they 
weare their plackets, where they mould bear their faces? 
Is there not milking-time ? When you are going to bed? 
Or kill-hole? To whiftle of thefe fecrets, but you muft 
be tittle-tatling before all our guefts ? 'Tis well they are 
whifpring: clamor your tongues,and not a word more. 

Mop. I haue done ; Come you ptomis'd me a tawdry- 
lace, and a paire of fweet Gloues. 

Clo. Haue I not told thee how I was cozen'd by the 
way,and loft all my money. 

Aut. And indeed Sir, there are Cozeners abroad, ther- 
fore it behooues men to be wary. 

Clo. Feare not thou man, thou malt lofe nothing here 

Aut, I hope fo fir, for I haue about me many parcels 



Clo. What haft heere ? Ballads ? 

Mop. Pray now buy fome : I loue a ballet in print, a 
life, for then we are fure they are true. 

Aut. Here's one, to a very dolefull tune, how a Vfu- 
rers wife was brought to bed of twenty money baggs at 
a burthen, and how me long'd to eate Adders heads, and 
Toads carbonado'd. 

Mop. Is it true, thinke you ? 
Aut. Very true, and but a moneth old. 
Dor. Bleffe me from marrying a Vfurer. 
Aut. Here's the Midwiues name to't : one Mift. Tale- 
Porter,and fiue or fix honeft Wiues, that were prefent. 
Why fhould I carry lyes abroad ? 
Mop' 'Pray you now buy it. 

Clo. Come-on, lay it by : and let's firft fee moe Bal- 
lads : Wee'l buy the other rhings anon. 

Aut. Here's another ballad of a Filh, that appeared 
vpon the coaft, on wenfday the fourefcore of April, fbrtie 
thoufand fadom aboue water, & fung this ballad againft 
the hard hearts of maids : it was thought flie was a Wo- 
man, and was turn'd into a cold filh, for Ihe wold not ex- 
change flelh with one that lou'd her : The Ballad is very 
pittifull, and as true. 

T)or. Is it true too, thinke you. 

Autol. Fiue Iuftices hands at it, and witneffes more 
then my packe will hold. 
Clo. Lay it by too ; another. 

Aut. This is a merry ballad, but a very pretty one. 
Mop. Let's haue fome merry ones. 

tAut. Why this is a paffing merry one, and goes to the 
tune of two maids wooing a man : there's fcarfe a Maide 
weftward but ihe fings it: 'tis in requeft,I can tell you. 

Mop. We can both fing it : if thou'lt beare a part, thou 
malt heare, 'tis in three parts. 

Dor. We had the tune on't,a month agoe. 
Aut. I can beare my part, you muft know 'tis my oc- 
cupation : Haue at it with you. 

Song Get you hence ,for I muft goe 

Aut. Where it fits not you to know. 

Dor. Whether ? 

Mop whether ? 

Dor. Whether ? 

Mop. It becomes thy oath full well, 

Thou to me thy fecrets tell. 
Dor: c?We too : Le° me go thether : 
Mop Or thou goeft to th' Grange, or Mill, 
Dor: If to either thou doft ill, 
Aut: Neither. 
Dor: What neither ? 
Aut: Neither : 

Dor: Thou haft fworne my Loue to be , 
Mop Thou hajl fworne it more to mee. 

Then whether goeft? Say whether f 
Clo. Wee'l haue this fong out anon by our felues : My 
Father, and the Gent, are in fad talke,& wee'll not trouble 
them : Come bring away thy pack after me, Wenches He 
buy for you both:Pedler let's haue the firft choicejfolow 
me girles. Aut: And you fhall pay well for 'em. 

Song. Will you buy any Tape, or Lace for your Crpef 
My dainty Ducke , my deere-a ? 
Any Silke, any Thred, any Toyes for your head 
Of the news V , and fins 't , fins 't weare-a. 
Qome to the Pedler, (M.onefs a medler, 
That doth -utter all mens ware-a. Exi t 

Seruant. Mayfter, there is three Carters, three Shep. 
herds, three Neat-herds, three Swine-herds y haue mad e 
B b 3 them. 



294 



The Winters Tale. 



themfelues all men of haire, they cal themfelues Saltiers, 
and they haue a Dance, which the Wenches fay is a gal- 
ly-maufrey of Gambols, becaufe they are not in't : but 
they themfelues are o'th'minde (if it bee not too rough 
for fome, that know little but bowling) it will pleafe 
plentifully. 

Sbep. Away : Wee'l none on't ; heere has beene too 
much homely foolery already. I know (Sir) wee wea- 
rie you. 

Pol. You wearie thofe that refrefh vs : pray let's fee 
thefe foure-threes of Heardfmen. 

Ser. One three of them, by their owne report (Sir,) 
hath danc'd before the King : and not the worft of the 
three, but iumpes twelue foote and a halfe by th'fquire. 

Sbep. Leaue your prating, fince thefe good men are 
pleaf'd, let them come in : but quickly now. 

Ser. Why, they ftay at doore Sir. 

Heere a Dance of tivelue Satyres. 

Pol. O Father, you'l know more of that heereafter: 
Is it not too farre gone ?'Tis time to part them, 
He's fimple, and tels much. How now(faire fhepheard) 
Your heart is full of fomething, that do's take 
Your minde from feafting. Sooth, when I was yong, 
And handed loue, as you do ; I was wont 
To load my Shee with knackes : I would haue ranfackt 
The Pedlers filken Treafury, and haue powr'd it 
To her acceptance : you haue let him go, 
And nothing marted with him. If your Laffe 
Interpretation fhould abufe, and call this 
Your lacke of loue, or bounty, you were ftraited 
For a reply at leaft, if you make a care 
Of happie holding her. 

Flo. Old Sir, I know 
She prizes not fuch trifles as thefe are : 
The gifts fhe lookes from me, are packt and lockt 
Vp in my heart, which I haue giuen already, 
But not deliuer'd. O heare me breath my life 
Before this ancient Sir, whom (it fhould feeme) 
Hath fometime lou'd : I take thy hand, this hand, 
As foft as Doues-downe, and as white as it, 
Or Ethyopians tooth, or the fan'd fnow, that's bolted 
By th'Northerne blafts, twice ore. 

Pol. What followes this ? 
How prettily th'yong Swaine feemes to warn 
The hand, was faire before? I haue put youout, 
But to your proteftation : Let me heare 
What you profeffe. 

Flo. Do, and be witneffe too't. 

Pol. And this my neighbour too? 

Flo. And he, and more 
Then he, and men : the earth, the heauens, and all ; 
That were I crown'd the moft Imperiall Monarch 
Thereof moil worthy : were I the fayreft youth 
That euer made eye fwerue, had force and knowledge 
More then was euer mans, I would not prize them 
Without her Loue ; for her, employ them all, 
Commend them, and condemne them to her feruice, 
Or to their owne perdition. 

Pol. Fairely offer'd. 

Cam. This lhewes a found affection. 

Shep. But my daughter, 
Say you the like to him. 

Per. I cannot fpeake 
So well, (nothing {o well) no, nor meane better 
By th'patterne of mine owne thoughts, I cut out 
The puritie of his. 



Sbep. Take hands, a bargaine ; 
And friends vnknowne, you fhall beare witneffe to't : 
I giue my daughter to him, and will make 
Her Portion, equall his. 

Flo. O, that muft bee 
I'th Vertue of your daughter : One being dead, 
I (hall haue more then you can dreame of yet, 
Enough then for your wonder : but come-on, 
Contract vs fore thefe Witneffes. 

Sbep. Come, your hand : 
And daughter, yours. 

Pol. Soft Swaine a-while, befeech you, 
Haue you a Father ? 

Flo. I haue : but what of him ? 

Pol. Knowes he of this? 

Flo. He neither do's, nor mail. 

Pol. Me-thinkes a Father, 
Is at the Nuptiall of his fonne, a gueft 
That beft becomes the Table : Pray you once more 
Is not your Father growne incapeable 
Of reaibnable afFayres ? Is he not ftupid 
With Age, and altring Rheumes?Can he fpeake ? heare ? 
Know man, from man ? Difpute his owne eftate ? 
Lies he not bed-rid ? And againe, do' s nothing 
But what he did, being childifh? 

Flo. No good Sir : 
He has his health, and ampler ftrength indeede 
Then moft haue of his age. 

Pol. By my white beard, 
You offer him (if this be fo) a wrong 
Something vnfilliall : Reafon my fonne 
Should choofe himfelfe a wife, but as good reafon 
The Father fall whofe ioy is nothing elfe 
But faire pofterity ) mould hold fome counfaile 
In fuch a bufineffe. 

Flo. I yeeld all this ; 
But for fome other reaibns(my graue Sir) 
Which 'tis not fit you know, I not acquaint 
My Father of this bufineffe. 

Pol. Let him know't. 

Flo. He mall not. 

Pol. Prethee let him. 

Flo No, he muft not. 

Shep. Let him (my fonne) he fhall not need to greeue 
At knowing of thy choice. 

Flo. Come, come, he muft not : 
Marke our Contract. 

Pol. Marke your diuorce (yong fir) 
Whom fonne I dare not call : Thou art too bafe 
To be acknowledge. Thou a Scepters heire, 
That thus affedts a fheepe-hooke ? Thou, old Traitor, 
I am forry, that by hanging thee, I can 
but fhorten thy life one weeke. And thou, frefli peece 
Of excellent Witchcraft, whom of force muft know 
The royall Foole thou coap'ft with. 

Shep. Oh my heart. 

Pol. He haue thy beauty fcratcht with briers & made 
More homely then thy ftate. For thee (fond boy) 
If I may euer know thou doft but figh, 
That thou no more malt neuer fee this knacke(as neuer 
I meane thou /halt) wee'l barre thee from fucceffion, 
Not hold thee of our blood, no not our Kin, 
Farre then 'Deucalion off: (marke thou my words) 
Follow vs to the Court. Thou Churle, for this time 
(Though full of our difpleafure) yet we free thee 
From the dead blow of it. And you Enchantment, 

Wor- 



The Winters Tale. 



2 9 $ 



Worthy enough a Heardfman : yea him too, 

That makes himfelfe (but for our Honor therein) 

Vn worthy thee. If euer henceforth, thou 

Thefe rurall Latches, to his entrance open, 

Or hope his body more, with thy embraces, 

I will deuife a death, as cruell for thee 

As thou art tender to't. Exit. 

Perd. Euen heere vndone : 
I was not much a-fear'd : for once, or twice 
I was about to fpeake, and tell him plainely, 
The felfe.fame Sun, that (nines vpon his Court, 
Hides not his vifage from our Cottage, but 
Lookes on alike. Wilt pleafe you (Sir) be gone ? 
I told you what would come of this : Befeech you 
Of your owne ftate take care : This dreame of mine 
Being now awake, He Queene it no inch farther, 
But milke my Ewes, and weepe. 

Cam. Why how now Father, 
Speake ere thou dyeft. 

Shep. I cannot fpeake, nor thinke, 
Nor dare to know, that which I know : O Sir, 
You haue vndone a man of fourefcore three, 
That thought to fill his graue in quiet : yea, 
To dye vpon the bed my father dy'de, 
To lye clofe by his honeft bones ; but now 
Some Hangman muft put on my Ihrowd, and lay me 
Where no Prieft fhouels-in duft. Oh curfed wretch, 
That knew'ft this was the Prince, and wouldft aduenture 
To mingle faith with him. Vndone, vndone : 
If I might dye within this houre, I haue liu'd 
To die when I defire. Exit. 

Flo. Why looke you fo vpon me ? 
I am but forry, not affear'd : delaid, 
But nothing altred : What I was, I am : 
More {training on, for plucking backe ; not following 
My leam vnwillingly. 

Cam. Gracious my Lord, 
You know my Fathers temper : at this time 
He will allow no fpeech : ( which I do gheffe 
You do not purpofe to him: ) and as hardly 
Will he endure your fight, as yet I feare ; 
Then till the fury of his Highnefie fettle 
Come not before him. 

Flo. I not purpofe it : 
I thinke Camilla. 

Cam. Euen he, my Lord. 

Per. How often haue I told you 'twould be thus ? 
How often faid my dignity would laft 
But till 'twer knowne ? 

Flo. It cannot faile, but by 
The violation of my faith, and then 
Let Nature crufh the fides o'th earth together, 
And marre the feeds within. Lift vp thy lookes : 
From my fucceffion wipe me (Father) I 
Am heyre to my affection. 

Cam. Be aduis'd. 

Flo. I am : and by my fancie, if my Reafon 
Will thereto be obedient : I haue reafon : 
If not, my fences better pleas'd with madnefle, 
Do bid it welcome. 

Cam. This is defperate ('fir.) 

Flo. So call it : but it do's fulfill my vow: 
I needs muft thinke it honefty. Camillo, 
Not for ^Bohemia, nor the pompe that may 
Be thereat gleaned : for all the Sun fees, or 
The clofe earth wombes, or the profound feas, hides 



In vnknowne fadomes, will I breake my oath 
To this my faire belou'd : Therefore, I pray you, 
As you haue euer bin my Fathers honour'd friend, 
When he lhall mifTe me, as fin faith I meane not 
To fee him any more) caft your good counfailes 
Vpon his pafsion : Let my felfe, and Fortune 
Tug for the time to come. This you may know, 
And fo deliuer, I am put to Sea 
With her, who heere I cannot hold on fhore: 
And molt opportune to her neede, I haue 
A VefTell rides faft by, but not prepar'd 
For this defigne. What courfe I meane to hold 
Shall nothing benefit your knowledge, nor 
Concerne me the reporting. 

Cam. O my Lord, 
I would your fpirit were eafier for aduice, 
Or ftronger for your neede. 

Fla. Hearke Perdita, 
He heare you by and by. 

Cam. Hee's irremoueable, 
Refolu'd for flight : Now were I happy if 
His going, I could frame to ferue my turne, 
Saue him from danger, do him loue and honor, 
Purchafe the fight againe of deere Sicillia, 
And that vnhappy King, my Mafter, whom 
I fo much thirft to fee. 

Flo. Now good Camillo, 
I am fo fraught with curious bufinefie, that 
I leaue out ceremony. 

Cam. Sir, I thinke 
You haue heard of my poore feruices, i'th loue 
That I haue borne your Father ? 

Flo. Very nobly 
Haue you deferu'd : It is my Fathers Muficke 
To fpeake your deeds : not little of his care 
To haue them recompenc'd, as thought on. 

Cam. Well f my Lord) 
If you may pleafe to thinke I loue the King, 
And through him, what's neereft to him, which is 
Your gracious felfe ; embrace but my direction, 
If your more ponderous and fetled proiect 
May fuffer alteration. On mine honor, 
He point you where you /hall haue fuch receiuing 
As fhall become your HighnefTe, where you may 
Enioy your Miftris ; from the whom, I fee 
There's no difiun&ion to be made, but by 
(As heauens forefend) your ruine : Marry her, 
And with my beft endeuours, in your abfence, 
Your difcontenting Father, ftriue to qualifie 
And bring him vp to liking. 

Flo- How Camillo 
May this (almoft a miracle) be done? 
That I may call thee fomething more then man, 
And after that truft to thee. 

Cam. Haue you thought on 
A place whereto you'l go ? 

Flo. Not any yet : 
But as th'vnthought-on accident is guiltie 
To what we wildely do, lo we profefle 
Our felues to be the flaues of chance, and flyes 
Of euery winde that blowes. 

Cam, Then lift to me : 
This followes, if you will not change your purpofe 
But vndergo this flight; make for Sicillia, 
And there prefent your felfe, and your fayre PrincefTe, 
(For fo I fee ftie muft be) 'fore Leontes ; 

Shee 



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The Winters Tale. 



She fhall be habited, as it becomes 

The partner of your Bed. Me thinkes I fee 

Leontes opening his free Armes,and weeping 

His Welcomes forth:asks thee there Sonne forgiueneffe, 

As 'twere i'th' Fathers perfon: kifles the hands 

Of your frefh Princefie; ore and ore diuides him, 

'Twixt his vnkindneffe,and his Kindneffe : th'one 

He chides to Hell, and bids the other grow 

Fafter then Thought, or Time. 

Flo. Worthy Camillo, 
What colour for my Vifitation, mall I 
Hold vp before him ? 

Cam. Sent by the King your Father 
To greet him, and to giue him comforts. Sir, 
The manner of your bearing towards him, with 
What you (as from your Father) fhall deliuer, 
Things knowne betwixt vs three, He write you downe, 
The which fhall point you forth at euery fitting 
What you muft fay: that he fhall not perceiue, 
But that you haue your Fathers Bofome there, 
And fpeake his very Heart. 
Flo. I am bound to you : 
There is fome fappe in this. 

Cam. A Courfe more promifing, 
Then a wild dedication of your felues 
To vnpath'd Waters, vndream'd Shores; moft certaine, 
To Miferies enough : no hope to helpe you, 
But as you fhake off one, to take another: 
Nothing fo certaine, as your Anchors, who 
Doe their belt office, if they can but ftay you, 
Where you'le be loth to be : befides you know, 
Profperitie's the very bond of Loue, 
Whofe frefh complexion, and whofe heart together, 
Affliction alters. 

Perd. One of thefe is true : 
I thinke Affliction may fubdue the Cheeke, 
But not take-in the Mind. 
Cam. Yea? fay you fo? 
There fhall not, at your Fathers Houfe, thefe feuen yeeres 
Be borne another fuch. 

Flo. My good Camillo, 
She's as forward, of her Breeding,as 
She is i'th' reare' our Birth. 

Cam. I cannot fay,'tis pitty 
She lacks Inftrudtions, for me feemes a Miftreffe 
To moft that teach. 

Perd. Your pardon Sir, for this, 
He blufh you Thanks. 

Flo. My prettied Perdita. 
But O, the Thornes we ftand vpon: ( Camillo) 
Preferuer of my Father, now of me, 
The Medicine of our Houfe: how fhall we doe? 
We are not furnifh'd like Bohemia 's Sonne, 
Nor fhall appeare in Sicilia. 

Cam. My Lord, 
Feare none of this : I thinke you know my fortunes 
Doe all lye there : it fhall be fo my care, 
To haue you royally appointed, as if 
The Scene you play, were mine. For inftance Sir, 
That you may know you fhall not want: one word. 
Enter Autolkui. 
Aut. Ha, ha, what a Foole Honeftie is? and Truft(his 
fworne brother) a very Ample Gentleman. I haue fold 
all my Tromperie: not a counterfeit Stone, not a Ribbon, 
Glaffe, Pomander, Browch, Table-booke, Ballad, Knife, 
Tape, Gloue, Shooe-fye, Bracelet, Horne-Ring, to keepe 



my Pack from falling : they throng who fhould buy firft, 
as if my Trinkets had beene hallowed, and brought a be- 
nediction to the buyer : by which meanes, I faw whofe 
Purfe was beft in Pifture ; and what I faw, to my good 
vfe, I remembred. My Clowne (who wants but fome- 
thing to be a reafonable man) grew fo in loue with the 
Wenches Song, that hee would not ftirre his Petty-toes, 
till he had both Tune and Words, which fo drew the reft 
of the Heard to me, that all their other Sences ftucke in 
Eares : you might haue pinch'd a Placket, it was fence- 
leffe ; 'twas nothing to gueld a Cod-peece of a Purfe : I 
would haue fill'd Keyes of that hung in Chaynes : no 
hearing, no feeling, but my Sirs Song, and admiring the 
Nothing of it. So that in this time of Lethargie, I pickd 
and cut moft of their Feftiuall Purfes : And had not the 
old-man come in with a Whoo-bub againft his Daugh- 
ter, and the Kings Sonne, and fcar'd my Chowghes from 
the Chaffe , I had not left a Purfe aliue in the whole 
Army. 

Cam. Nay, but my Letters by this meanes being there 
So foone as you arriue, fhall cleare that doubt. 

Flo. And thofe that you'le procure from King Leontes? 

Cam. Shall fatisfie your Father. 

Perd. Happy be you : 
All that you fpeake, fhewes faire. 

Cam. Who haue we here ? 
Wee'le make an Inftrument of this : omit 
Nothing may giue vs aide. 

Aut. If they haue ouer-heard me now:why hanging. 

Cam. How now (good Fellow) 
Why fhak'ft thou fo ? Feare not (man) 
Here's no harme intended to thee. 

Aut . I am a poore Fellow, Sir. 

Cam. Why, be fo ftill : here's no body will fteale that 
from thee : yet for the out-fide of thy pouertie, we muft 
make an exchange; therefore dif-cafe thee inftantly(thou 
muft thinke there's a neceffitie in't)and change Garments 
with this Gentleman : Though the penny-worth (on his 
fide) be the worft,yet hold thee, there's fome boot. 

zAut. I am a poore Fellow, Sir : (I know ye well 
enough.) 

Cam. Nay prethee difpatch : the Gentleman is halfe 
fled already. 

Aut. Are you in earneft,Sir? (I fmell the trick on't.) 

Flo. Difpatch, I prethee. 

Aut. Indeed I haue had Earned:, but I cannot with 
confcience take it. 

Cam. Vnbuckle,vnbuckle. 
Fortunate Miftreffe ( let my prophecie 
Come home to ye:) you muft retire your felfe 
Into fome Couert ; take your fweet-hearts Hat 
And pluck it ore your Browes, muffle your face, 
Dif-mantle you, and (as you can) difliken 
The truth of your owne feeming, that you may 
(For I doe feare eyes ouer) to Ship-boord 
Get vndefcry'd. 

Perd. I fee the Play fo lyes, 
That I muft beare a part. 

Cam. No remedie : 
Haue you done there ? 

Flo. Should I now meet my Father, 
He would not call me Sonne. 

Cam. Nay, you fhall haue no Hat: 
Come Lady, come : Farewell (my friend.) 

Aut. Adieu, Sir. 

Flo. O Perdita: what haue we twaine forgot? 

'Pray 

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The 'Winters Tale. 



297 



'Pray you a word. 

Cam. What I doe next, fhall be to tell the King 
Of this efcape,and whither they are bound ; 
Wherein, my hope is, I fhall fo preuaile, 
To force him after : in whofe company 
I fhall re-view Sicilia ; for whofe fight, 
I haue a Womans Longing. 

Flo. Fortune fpeed vs : 
Thus we fet on ( Camillo) to th'Sea-fide. 

Cam. The fwifter fpeed, the better. Exit. 

Aut. I vnderftand the bufineffe, I heare it : to haue an 
open eare,a quick eye, and a nimble hand, is necefiary for 
a Cut-purfe ; a good Nofe is requifite alfo, to fmell out 
worke for th other Sences. I fee this is the time that the 
vniuft man doth thriue.What an exchange had this been, 
without boot i What a boot is here, with this exchange ? 
Sure the Gods doe this yeere conniue at vs, and we may 
doe any thing extempore. The Prince himfelfe is about 
a peece of Iniquitie (ftealing away from his Father, with 
his Clog at his heeles:) if I thought it were a peece of ho- 
neftie to acquaint the King withall, I would not do't : I 
hold it the more knauerie to conceale it ; and therein am 
I conftant to my Profeffion. 

Enter Cloixine and Shepheard. 
Afide, afide, here is more matter for a hot braine : Euery 
Lanes end, euery Shop, Church, Seffion, Hanging, yeelds 
a carefull man worke. 

Cloiune. See, fee : what a man you are now ? there is no 
other way, but to tell the King flip's a Changeling, and 
none of your flefh and blood. 

Shep. Nay, but heare me. 

Clow. Nay 5 but heare me. 

Shep. Gbe too then. 

Clotv. She being none of your flefh and blood, your 
flefh and blood ha's not offended the King, and fo your 
flelh and blood is not to be punifiVd by him. Shew thofe 
things you found about her (thofe fecret things, all but 
what ihe ha's with her:)This being done, let the Law goe 
whiftle: I warrant you. 

Shep. I will tell the King all, euery word, yea, and his 
Sonnes prancks too ; who, I may fay, is no honeft man, 
neither to his Father, nor to me, to goe about to make me 
the Kings Brother in Law. 

Cloiv. Indeed Brother in Law was the fartheft offyou 
could haue beene to him, and then your Blood had beene 
the dearer, by I know how much an ounce. 

Aut. Very wifely (Puppies.) 

Shep. Well : let vs to the King : there is that in this 
Farthell,will make him fcratch his Beard. 

Aut. I know not what impediment this Complaint 
may be to the flight of my Matter. 

do. 'Pray heartily he be at'Pallace. 

.^Kf.Though I am not naturally honeft, I am fo fome- 
times by chance : Let me pocket vp my Pedlers excre- 
ment. How now(Ruftiques) whither are you bound ? 

Shep. To th'Pallace (and it like your Worfhip.) 

Aut. Your Affaires there? what? with whom? the 
Condition of that Farthell ? the place of your dwelling ? 
your names? your ages ? of what hauing ? breeding,2nd 
any thing that is fitting to be knowne,difcouer ? 

Clo. We are but plaine fellowes,Sir. 

Aut. A Lye; you are rough, and hayrie: Let me haue 
no lying; it becomes none but Tradef-men,and they of- 
ten giue vs (Souldiers) the Lye, but wee pay them for it 
with ftamped Coyne, not ftabbing Steele, therefore they 
doe not giue vs the Lye. 



Clo. Your Worihip had like to haue giuen vs one, if 
you had not taken your felfe with the manner. 

Shep. Are you a Courtier, and't like you Sir? 

Aut. Whether it Ike me, or no, I am a Courtier. Seeft 
thou not the ayre of the Court, in thefe enfoldingsf Hath 
not my gate in it, the meafure of the Court? Receiues not 
thy Nofe Court-Odour from me ? Refleft I not on thy 
BafenefTe, Court-Contempt? Think'ft thou, for that I 
infinuate, at toaze from thee thy Bufinefle, I am there- 
fore no Courtier ? I am Courtier Cap-a-pe ; and one that 
will eyther pulh-on, or pluck-back, thy Bufinefle there : 
whereupon I command thee to open thy Affaire. 

Shep. My Bufinefle, Sir, is to the King. 

Aut. What Aduocate ha'ft thou to him ? 

Shep. I know not (and't like you.) 

Clo. Aduocate's the Court-word for a Pheazant: fay 
you haue none. 

Shep. None, Sir : I haue no Pheazant Cock, nor Hen. 

Aut. How blefled are we, that are not fimple men ? 
Yet Nature might haue made me as thefe are, 
Therefore I will not difdaine. 

Clo. This cannot be but a great Courtier. 

Shep. His Garments are rich, but he weares them not 
handfomely. 

Clo. He feemes to be the more Noble,in being fanta- 
fticall : A great man, He warrant ; I know by the picking 
on's Teeth, 

Aut. The Farthell there ? What's i'th' Farthell? 
Wherefore that Box ? 

Shep. Sir, there lyes fuch Secrets in this Farthell and 
Box, which none muff, know but the King, and which hee 
fliall know within this houre, if I may come to th' fpeech 
of him. 

Aut. Age, thou haft loft thy labour. 

Shep. Why Sir? 

^«f.The King is not at the Pallace,he is gone aboord 
a new Ship, to purge Melancholy, and ayre himfelfe : for 
if thou bee'ft capable of things ferious, thou muft know 
the King is full of griefe. 

Shep. So 'tis faid (Sir:) about his Sonne, that fhould 
haue marryed a Shepheards Daughter. 

Aut. If that Shepheard be not in hand-faft, let him 
flye; the Curfes he fhall haue, the Tortures he fhall feele, 
will breake the back of Man, the heart of Monfter. 

Clo. Thinke you fo,Sir ? 

Aut. Not hee alone fhall fuffer what Wit can make 
heauie,and Vengeance bitterjbut thofe that are Iermaine 
to him ( though remou'd fiftie times ) fhall all come vnder 
the Hang-man : which, though it be great pitty, yet it is 
neceflarie. An old Sheepe-whiftiing Rogue, a Ram-ten- 
der, to offer to haue his Daughter come into grace?Some 
fay hee fhall be fton'd : but that death is too foft for him 
(fay I:) Draw our Throne into a Sheep-Coat ? -all deaths 
are too few, the fharpeft too eafie. 

Clo. Ha's the old-man ere a Sonne Sir(doe you heare) 
and't like you, Sir? 

Aut. Hee ha's a Sonne : who fhall be flayd aliue, then 
'noynted ouer with Honey, fet on the head of a Wafpes 
Neft,then ftand till he be three quarters and a dram dead: 
then recouer'd againe with Aquavite, or fome other hot 
Infufion: then, raw as he is(and in the hoteft day Progno- 
ftication proclaymes) fhall he be fet againft a Brick- wall, 
(the Sunne looking with a South-ward eye vpon him ; 
where hee is to behold him, with Flyes blown to death.) 
But what talke we of thefe Traitorly-Rafcals, whofe mi- 
feries are to be fmil'd at, their offences being fo capitall ? 

Telj 



The Winters Tale. 



Tell me(for you feeme to be honeft plaine men)what you 
haue to the King : being fomething gently confider'd,Ile 
bring you where he is aboord, tender your perfons to his 
prefence, whifper him in your behalfes ; and if it be in 
man, befides the King, to effecT: your Suites, here is man 
fhall doe it. 

Clow. He feemes to be of great authoritie: clofe with 
him, .giue him Gold; and though Authoritie be a ftub- 
borne Beare, yet hee is oft led by the Nofe with Gold : 
fliew the in- fide of your Purfe to the out-fide of his 
hand, and no more adoe. Remember fton'd, and flay'd 
aliue. 

Shep. And't pleafe you(Sir)to vndertake the Bufinefle 
for vs, here is that Gold I haue : He make it as much 
more, and leaue this young man in pawne, till I bring it 
you. 

Aut. After I haue done what I promifed ? 

Shep. I Sir. 

Aut. Well, giue me the Moitie : Are you a partie in 
this Bufinefle? 

Cloiv. In fome fort, Sir : but though my cafe be a pit- 
tifull one, I hope I (hall not be flayd out of it. 

Aut. Oh, that's the cafe of the Shepheards Sonne : 
hang him,hee'le be made an example. 

Cloiu. Comfort, good comfort: We muft to the King, 
and ihew our ftrange fights : he muft know 'tis none of 
your Daughter, nor my Sifter: wee are gone elfe. Sir, I 
will giue you as much as this old man do's, when the Bu- 
finefle is performed, and remaine(as he fayes)your pawne 
till it be brought you. 

Aut. I will truft you. Walke before toward the Sea- 
fide , goe on the right hand, I will but looke vpon the 
Hedge, and follow you. 

Cloiv. We are blefs'd,in this man : as I may fay, euen 
blefs'd. 

Shep. Let's before,as he bids vs : he was prouided to 
doe vs good. 

Aut. If I had a mind to be honeft, I fee Fortune would 
not fuffer mee : fhee drops Booties in my mouth. I am 
courted now with a double occafion:(Gold,and a means 
to doe the Prince my Mafter good ; which, who knowes 
how that may turne backe to my advancement ? ) I will 
bring thefe two Moales,thefe blind-ones,aboord him: if 
he thinke it fit to fhoare them againe, and that the Com- 
plaint they haue to the King, concernes him nothing, let 
him call me Rogue, for being fo farre officious, for I am 
proofe againft that Title,and what lhame elfe belongs 
to't : To him will I prefent them, there may be matter in 
it. Exeunt. 



zABus Quintus. Scena 'Prima. 



Enter Leontes , Cleomines , Dion, Paulina, Seruants : 
Florizel, Perdita. 

Cleo. Sir, you haue done enough, and haue perform' 
A Saint-like Sorrow : No fault could you make, 
Which you haue not redeem'd ; indeed pay'd downe 
More penitence, then done trefpas : At the laft 
Doe,as the Heauens haue done; forget your euill, 
With them, forgiue your felfe. 

Leo. Whileft I remember 
Her,and her Vertues, I cannot forget 



My blemiihes in them, and fo ftill thinke of 
The wrong I did my felfe: which was fo much, 
That Heire-lefTe it hath made my Kingdome,and 
Deftroy'd the fweet'ft Companion, that ere man 
Bred his hopes out of, true. 

Paul. Too true (my Lord:) 
If one by one, you wedded all the World, 
Or from the All that are,tooke fomething good, 
To make a perfect Woman ; (he you kill'd, 
Would be vnparallell'd. 

Leo. I thinke fo. Kill'd ? 
She I kill'd ? I did fo : but thou ftrik'ft me 
Sorely, to fay I did : it is as bitter 

Vpon thy Tongue, as in my Thought. Now, good now, 
Say fo but feldome. 

Qleo. Not at all, good Lady : 
You might haue fpoken a thoufand things, that would 
Haue done the time more benefit, and grac'd 
Your kindnefle better. 

Paul. You are one of thofe 
Would haue him wed againe. 

Dio. If you would not fo, 
You pitty not the State, nor the Remembrance 
Of his moft Soueraigne Name : Confider little, 
What Dangers, by his Highnefle faile of IiTue, 
May drop vpon his Kingdome,and deuoure 
Incertaine lookers on. What were more holy, 
Then to reioyce the former Queene is well? 
What holyer,then for Royalties repayre, 
For prefent comfort, and for future good, 
To blefle the Bed of Maieftie againe 
With a fweet Fellow to't ? 

Paul. There is none worthy, 
(Refpe&ing her that's gone:) befides the Gods 
Will haue fulfill'd their fecret purpofes : 
For ha's not the Diuine Apollo faid ? 
Is't not the tenor of his Oracle, 
That King Leontes ihall not haue an Heire, 
Till his loft Child be found i Which, that it Ihall, 
Is all as monftrous to our humane reafon, 
As my zAntigonui to breake his Graue, 
And come againe to me: who, on my life, 
Did perifti with the Infant. 'Tis your councell, 
My Lord ftiould to the Heauens be contrary, 
Oppofe againft their wills. Care not for Iflue, 
The Crowne will find an Heire. Great Alexander 
Left his to th' Worthier): : fo his Succeflbr 
Was like to be the beft. 

Leo. Good Paulina, 
Who haft the memorie of Hermione 
I know in honor : 0,that euer I 
Had fquar'd me to thy councell : then, euen now, 
I might haue look'd vpon my Queenes full eyes, 
Haue taken Treafure from her Lippes. 

Paul. And left them 
More rich, for what they yeelded. 

Leo. Thou fpeak'ft truth : 
No more fuch Wiues, therefore no Wife : one worfe, 
And better vs'd, would make her Sainted Spirit 
Againe poflefle her Corps,and on this Stage 
(Where we Offendors now appeare) Soule-vext, 
And begin, why to me? 

Paul. Had ftie fuch power, 
She had iuft fuch caufe. 

Leo. She had, and would incenfe me 
To murther her I marryed. 

Paul. I 
298 



The Winters Tale. 



299 



Paul. I fliould fo : 
Were I the Ghoft that walk'd,H'd bid you marke 
Her eye, and tell me for what dull part in't 
You chofe her : then Il'd fhrieke,that euen your eares 
Should rift to heare me, and the words that follow'd, 
Should be, Remember mine. 

Leo. Starres,Starres, 
And all eyes elfe,dead coales : feare thou no Wife ; 
He haue no Wife, Paulina. 

Paul. Will you fweare 
Neuer to marry, but by my free leaue ? 

Leo. Neuer {Paulina) fo be blefs'd my Spirit. 

PW.Then good my Lords, beare witneffe to his Oath. 

Cleo. You tempt him ouer-much. 

Paul. Vnleffe another, 
As like Hermione,zs, is her Pifture, 
Affront his eye. 

Cleo. Good Madame, I haue done. 

Paul. Yet if my Lord will marry : if you will, Sir; 
No remedie but you will: Giue me the Office 
To chufe you a Queene : (he mail not be fo young 
As was your former, but flie mall be fuch 
As ( walk'd your firft Queenes Ghoft) it mould take ioy 
To fee her in your armes. 

Leo. My true Paulina, 
We mall not marry, till thou bidft vs. 

Paul. That 
Shall be when your firft Queene's againe in breath: 
Neuer till then. 

Enter a Seruant. 

Ser. One that giues out himfelfe Prince Florizell, 
Sonne of Polixenes, with his Princeffe (fhe 
The faireft I haue yet beheld) defires acceffe 
To your high prefence. 

Leo. What with him ? he comes not 
Like to his Fathers GreatnefTe : his approach 
(So out of circumftance,and fuddaine) tells vs, 
'Tis not a Vifitation fram'd,but forc'd 
By need, and accident. What Trayne ? 

Ser. But few, 
And thofe but meane. 

Leo. His Princeffe ( fay you) with him ? 

Ser. I : the moft peereleffe peece of Earth, I thinke, 
That ere the Sunne ihone bright on. 

Paul. Oh Hermione, 
As euery prefent Time doth boaft it felfe 
Aboue a better, gone ; fo muft thy Graue 
Giue way to what's feene now. Sir, you your felfe 
Haue faid,and writ fo ; but your writing now 
Is colder then that Theame : me had not beene, 
Nor was not to be equaird,thus your Verfe 
Flow'd with her Beautie once ; 'tis lhrewdly ebb'd, 
To fay you haue feene a better. 

Ser. Pardon, Madame : 
The one, I haue almoft forgot (your pardon:) 
The other, when me ha's obtayn'd your Eye, 
Will haue your Tongue too. This is a Creature, 
Would me begin a Sect, might quench the zeale 
Of all Profeffors elfe ; make Profelytes 
Of who ihe but bid follow. 

Paul. How ? not women ? 

Ser. Women will loue her,that fhe is a Woman 
More worth then any Man : Men, that fhe is 
The rareft of all Women. 

Leo. Goe Cleomines, 
Your felfe (affifted with your honor'd Friends) 



Bring them to our embracement. Still 'tis ftrange, 
He thus ihould fteale vpon vs. Exit. 

Paul. Had our Prince 
(Iewell of Children) feene this houre, he had payr'd 
Well with this Lord ; there was not full a moneth 
Betweene their births. 

Leo. 'Prethee no more; ceafe : thou know'ft 
He dyes to me againe, when talk'd-of: fure 
When I ftiall fee this Gentleman, thy fpeeches 
Will bring me to confider that, which may 
Vnfurnifh me of Reafon. They are come. 

Enter Florizell, Perdita, Cleomines , and others. 
Your Mother was moft true to Wedlock, Prince, 
For fhe did print your Royall Father off, 
Concerning you. Were I but twentie one, 
Your Fathers Image is fo hit in you, 
(His very ayre) that I mould call you Brother, 
As I did him, and fpeake of fomething wildly 
By vs perform'd before. Moft dearely welcome, 
And your faire Princeffe (Goddeffe) oh: alas, 
I loft a couple, that 'twixt Heauen and Earth 
Might thus haue ftood, begetting wonder,as 
You (gracious Couple) doe : and then I loft 
(All mine owne Folly) the Societie, 
Amitie too of your braue Father, whom 
(Though bearing Miferie) I defire my life 
Once more to looke on him. 

Flo. By his command 
Haue I here touch'd Sicilia, and from him 
Giue you all greetings, that -a King (at friend) 
Can fend his Brother : and but Infirmitie 
(Which waits vpon worne times) hath fomething feiz'd 
His wifh'd Abilitie,he had himfelfe 
The Lands and Waters, 'twixt your Throne and his, 
Meafur'd,to looke vpon you ; whom he loues 
(He bad me fay fo)more then all the Scepters, 
And thofe that beare them,liuing, 

Leo. Oh my Brother, 
(Good Gentleman) the wrongs I haue done thee,ftirre 
Afrefh within me : and thefe thy offices 
(So rarely kind) are as Interpreters 
Of my behind-hand fiackneffe. Welcome hither, 
As is the Spring to th'Earth. And hath he too 
Expos'd this Paragon to th'fearefull vfage 
(At leaft vngentle) of the dreadfull Neptune, 
To greet a man, not worth her paines; much leffe, 
Th'aduenture of her perfon .? 

Flo. Good my Lord, 
She came from Libia. 

Leo. Where the Warlike Smalus, 
That Noble honor'd Lord, is fear'd, and lou'd ? 

Flo. Moft Royall Sir, 
From thence : from him,whofe Daughter 
His Teares proclaym'd his parting with her : thence 
( A profperous South-wind friendly )we haue crofs'd, 
To execute the Charge my Father gaue me, 
For vifiting your Highneffe : My beft Traine 
I haue from your Sicilian Shores difmifs'd ; 
Who for Bohemia bend, to fignifie 
Not onely my fucceffe in Libia [S>\r) 
But my arriuall, and my Wifes, in fafetie 
Here, where we are. 

Leo. The bleffed Gods 
Purge all Infection from our Ayre, whileft you 
Doe Clymate here : you haue a holy Father, 
A gracefull Gentleman, againft whofe perfon 

(So 



3°° 



The Winters Tale. 



(So facred as it is) I haue done finne, 
For which, the Heauens (taking angry note) 
Haue left me Iffue-leffe : and your Father's blefs'd 
(As he from Heauen merits it) with you, 
Worthy his goodneffe. What might I haue been, 
Might I a Sonne and Daughter now haue look'd on, 
Such goodly things as you ? 

Enter a Lord. 

Lord. Moft Noble Sir, 
That which I (hall report, will beare no credit, 
Were not the proofe fo nigh. Pleafe you(great Sir) 
"Bohemia greets you from himfelfe,by me : 
Defrres you to attach his Sonne, who ha's 
(His Dignitie,and Dutie both caft off) 
Fled from his Father,from his Hopes, and with 
A Shepheards Daughter. 

Leo. Where's 'BohemiaHpezke: 

Lord. Here, in your Citie : I now came from him. 
I fpeake amazedly, and it becomes 
My meruaile,and my Meffage. To your Court 
Whiles he was haftning(in the Chafe, it feemes, 
Of this faire Couple) meetes he on the way 
The Father of this feeming Lady, and 
Her Brother, hauing both their Countrey quitted, 
With this young Prince. 

Flo. Camillo .ha's betray'd me ; 
Whofe honor, and whofe honeftie till now, 
Endur'd all Weathers. 

Lord. Lay't fo to his charge : 
He's with the King your Father. 

Leo. Who? Camillo} 

Lord. Camillo (Sir:) I fpake with him: who now 
Ha's thefe poore men in queftion. Neuerfaw I 
Wretches fo quake : they kneele,they kiffe the Earth; 
Forfweare themfelues as often as they fpeake: 
'Bohemia ftops his eares,and threatens them 
With diuers deaths, in death. 

Perd. Oh my poore Father : 
The Heauen fets Spyes vpon vs,will not haue 
Our Contract celebrated. 

Leo. You are marryed ? 

Flo. We are not (Sir) nor are we like to be: 
The Starres (I fee) will kiffe the Valleyes firft : 
The oddes for high and low's alike. 

Leo. My Lord, 
Is this the Daughter of a King? 

Flo. She is, 
When once fjie is my Wife. 

Leo. That once (I fee J by your good Fathers fpeed, 
Will come-on very flowly. I am forry 
(Moft forry) you haue broken from his liking, 
Where you were ty'd in dutie : and as forry, 
Your Choife is not fo rich in Worth, as Beautie, 
That you might well enioy her. 

Flo. Deare,looke vp: 
Though Fortune, vifible an Enemie, 
Should chafe vs,with my Father; powre no iot 
Hath (he to change our Loues. Befeech you (Sir) 
Remember,fince you ow'd no more to Time 
Then I doe now: with thought of fuch Affedlions, 
Step forth mine Aduocate : at your requeft, 
My Father will graunt precious things, as Trifles. 

Leo. Would he doe fo, I'ld beg your precious Miftris, 
Which he counts but a Trifle. 

Paul. Sir (my Liege,) 
Your eye hath too much youth in't : not a moneth 



'Fore your Queene dy'd, (he was more worth fuch gazes, 
Then what you looke on now. 

Leo. 1 thought of her, 
Euen in thefe Lookes I made. But your Petition 
Is yet vn-anfwer'd : I will to your Father : 
Your Honor not o're-throwne by your defires, 
I am friend to them, and you : Vpon which Errand 
I now goe toward him: therefore follow me, 
And marke what way I make: Come good my Lord. 
Exeunt. 



Scaena Secunda. 



Enter Autolicui , and a Gentleman. 

Aut. Befeech you (Sir) were you prefent at this Re- 
lation? 

Gent.j. I was by at the opening of the Farthell, heard 
the old Shepheard deliuer the manner how he found it: 
Whereupon(after a little amazedneffe )we were all com- 
manded out of the Chamber: onely this (me thought) I 
heard the Shepheard fay, he found the Child. 

Aut. I would moft gladly know the iffue of it. 

Gent, i . I make a broken deliuerie of the Bufineffe ; 
but the changes I perceiued in the King. and Camillo,were 
very Notes of admiration : they feem'd almoft, with (ta- 
ring on one another, to teare the Cafes of their Eyes. 
There was fpeech in their dumbneffe, Language in their 
very gefture : they look'd as they had heard of a World 
ranfom'd,or one deftroyed : a notable paffion of Won- 
der appeared in them : but the wifeft beholder, that knew 
no more but feeing, could not fay, if th'importance were 
Ioy, or Sorrow; but in the extremitie of the one, it muft 
needs be. Enter another Gentleman. 

Here comes a Gentleman , that happily knowes more : 
The Newes, Rogero. 

Gent. 2. Nothing but Bon-fires:the Oracle is fulfill'd: 
the Kings Daughter is found : fuch a deale of wonder. is 
broken out within this houre,that Ballad-makers cannot 
be able to expreffe it. Enter another Gentleman. 

Here comes the Lady Paulina's Steward, hee can deliuer 
you more. How goes it now (Sir.) This Newes (which 
is call'd true) is fo like an old Tale, that the veritie of it is 
in ftrong fufpition: Ha's the King found his Heire f 

Gent.y. Moft true, if euer Truth were pregnant by 
Circumftance : That which you heare, you'le fweare 
you fee, there is fuch vnitie in the proofes. The Mantle 
of Queene Hermiones : her Iewell about the Neck of it : 
the Letters of Antigonm found with it, which they know 
to be his Charader : the Maieftie of the Creature,in re- 
femblance of the Mother : the AffecTion of Nobleneffe, 
which Nature (hewes aboue her Breeding, and many o- 
ther Euidences, proclayme her, with all certaintie, to be 
the Kings Daughter. Did^you fee the meeting of the 
two Kings ? 

Gent.z. No. 

Gent.i- Then haue you loft a Sight which was to bee 
feene, cannot bee fpoken of. There might you haue be- 
held one Ioy crowne another, fo and in fuch manner, that 
it feem'd Sorrow wept to take leaue of them : for their 
Ioy waded in teares. There was cafting vp of Eyes, hol- 
ding vp of Hands, with Countenance of fuch diftradlion, 
that they were to be knowne by Garment, not by Fauor. 

Our 



The Winters Tale. 



301 



Our King being ready to leape out of himfelfe, for ioy of 
his found Daughter ; as if that Ioy were now become a 
LofTe, cryes, Oh, thy Mother, thy Mother : then aslces 
Bohemia forgiueneffe, then embraces his Sonne-in-Law: 
then againe worryes he his Daughter, with clipping her. 
Now he thanks tie old Shepheard (which ftands by, like 
a Weather-bitten Conduit, of many Kings Reignes.) I 
neuer heard of fuch another Encounter; which lames Re- 
port to follow it, and vndo's defcription to dee it. 

Gent.r. What, 'pray you, became of Antigonus, that 
carryed hence the Child ? 

Gent.i. Like an old Tale ftill, which will haue matter 
to rehearfe, though Credit be afleepe, and not an eare 0- 
pen ; he was torne to pieces with a Beare : This auouches 
the Shepheards Sonne; who ha's not onely his Innocence 
( which feemes much)to iuflifie him, but a Hand-kerchief 
and Rings of his, that Paulina knowes. 

Gent. 1. What became of his Barke , and his Fol- 
lowers ? 

Gent. 3. Wrackt the fame inftant of their Mafters 
death, and in the view of the Shepheard : fo that all the 
Instruments which ayded to expofe the Child, were euen 
then loft, when it was found. But oh the Noble Combat, 
that 'twixt Ioy and Sorrow was fought in Paulina. Shee 
had one Eye declin'd for the lofTe of her Husband, ano- 
ther eleuated.that the Oracle was fulfilPd:Shee lifted the 
Princefle from the Earth, and lb locks her in embracing, 
as if fhee would pin her to her heart, that fhee might no 
more be in danger of loofing. 

Gent. 1. The Dignitie of this A£t was worth the au- 
dience of Kings and Princes, for by fuch was it acled. 

Gent. 3. One of the prettyeft touches of all, and that 
which angl'd for mine Eyes ( caught the Water, though 
not the Fifh) was, when at the Relation of the Queenes 
death (with the manner how fhee came to't, brauely con- 
fefs'd, and lamented by the King ) how attentiuenefle 
wounded his Daughter, till (from one figne of dolour to 
another) fhee did(with an Alas) I would faine fay,bleed 
Teares; for I am fure, my heart wept blood. Who was 
moft Marble, there changed colour : fome fwownded,all 
forrowed : if all the World could haue feen't, the Woe 
had beene vniuerfall. 

Gent. j. Are they returned to the Court ? 

Gent.%. No : The Princefle hearing of her Mothers 
Statue (which is in the keeping of Paulina) a Peece many 
yeeres in doing, and now newly perform'd, by that rare 
Italian Mafter, Tulio Romano, who (had he himfelfe Eter- 
nitie, and could put Breath into his Worke) would be- 
guile Nature of her Cuftome, fo perfectly he is her Ape: 
He fo neere to Hermione, hath done Hermione, that .they 
fay one would fpeake to her, and ftand in hope of anfwer. 
Thither (with all greedineffe of affecYion)are they gone, 
and there they intend to Sup. 

Gent. 2. I thought fhe had fome great matter there in 
hand, for fhee hath priuately, twice or thrice a day, euer 
fince the death of Hermione, vifited that remoued Houfe. 
Shall wee thither, and with our companie peece the Re- 
ioycing ? 

Gent. 1. Who would be thence, that ha's the benefit 
of AccefTe ? euery winke of an Eye, fome new Grace 
will be borne : our Abfence makes vs vnthriftie to our 
Knowledge. Let's along. Exit. 

Aut. Now ( had I not the dafh of my former life in 
me) would Preferment drop on my head. I brought the 
old man and his Sonne aboord the Prince ; told him, I 
heard them talke of a Farthell,and I know not what: but 



he at that time ouer-fond of the Shepheards Daughter(fo 
he then tooke her to be)who began to be much Sea-fick, 
and himfelfe little better, extremitie of Weather conti- 
nuing, this Myfterie remained vndifcouer'd. But 'tis all 
one to me : for had I beene the finder-out of this Secret, 
it would not haue rellifh'd among my other difcredits. 

Enter Shepheard and Clowne. 
Here come thofe I haue done good to againft my will, 
and alreadie appearing in the bloffomes of their For- 
tune. 

Shep. Come Boy, I am paft moe Children : but thy 
Sonnes and Daughters will be all Gentlemen borne. 

Clow. You are well met (Sir.) you deny'd to fight 
with mee this other day , becaufe I was no Gentleman 
borne. See you tbefe Clothes ? fay you fee them not, 
and thinke me ftill no Gentleman borne : You were beft 
fay thefe Robes are not Gentlemen borne. Giue me the 
Lye : doe : and try whether I am not now a Gentleman 
borne. 

Ant. I know you are now(Sir)a Gentleman borne. 

Clow. I,and haue been fo any time thefe foure houres. 

Shep. And fo haue I, Boy. 

Clow. So you haue : but I was a Gentleman borne be- 
fore my Father : for the Kings Sonne tooke me by the 
hand, and call'd mee Brother : and then the two Kings 
call'd my Father Brother : and then the Prince fmy Bro- 
ther)and the PrincefTe(my Sifter)caH'd my Father, Father; 
and fo wee wept : and there was the firft Gentleman-like 
teares that euer we fhed. 

Shep. We may liue (Sonne) to fhed many more. 

Clow. I: or elfe 'twere hard luck,being in fo prepofte- 
rous eftate as we are, 

Aut. I humbly befeech you(Sir)to pardon me all the 
faults I haue committed to your Worfhip, and to giue 
me your good report to the Prince my Mafter. 

Shep. 'Prethee Sonne doe: for we muft be gentle, now 
we are Gentlemen. 

Clow. Thou wilt amend thy life ? 

Aut. I, and it like your good Worfhip. 

Clow. Giue me thy hand: I will fweare to the Prince, 
thou art as honeft a true Fellow as any is in Bohemia. 

Shep. You may fay it, but not fweare it. 

Clow. Not fweare it, now I am a Gentleman ? Let 
Boores and Francklins fay it, He fweare it. 

Shep. How if it be falfe ( Sonne? ) 

Clow. If it be ne're io falfe , a true Gentleman may 
fweare it,in the behalfe of his Friend : And He fweare to 
the Prince, thou art a tall Fellow of thy hands, and that 
thou wilt not be drunke: but I know thou art no tall Fel- 
low of thy hands,and that thou wilt be drunke: but He 
fweare it, and I would thou would'ft be a tall Fellow of 
thy hands. 

Aut. I will proue fo (Sir) to my power. 

Clow. I, by any meanes proue a tall Fellow: if I do not 
wonder, how thou dar'ft venture to be drunke, not being 
a tall Fellow, truft me not. Harke, the Kings and the Prin- 
ces (our Kindred ) are going to fee the Queenes Picture. 
Come, follow vs: wee'le be thy good Mafters. Sxeunt. 



Sccena Tertia. 



Enter Leontes,Polixenes, Florizell, Perdita, Camillo, 
Paulina: Hermione [like a Statue:) Lords, ©V. 
Leo. O graue and good Paulina, the great comfort 
That I haue had of thee ? 

C c PW.What 



3°- 



The Winters Tale. 



Paul. What (Soueraigne Sir) 
I did not well, I meant well : all my Seruices 
You haue pay'd home. But that you haue vouchfaf'd 
(With your Crown'd Brother, and thefe your contracted 
Heires of your Kingdomes) my poore Houfe to vifit; 
It is a furplus of your Grace, which neuer 
My life may laft to anfwere. 

Leo. O Paulina, 
We honor you with trouble : but we came 
To fee the Statue of our Queene. Your Gallerie 
Haue we pafs'd through, not without much content 
In many Angularities ; but we faw not 
That which my Daughter came to looke vpon, 
The Statue of her Mother. 

Paul. As (he liu'd peereleffe , 
So her dead likeneffe I doe well beleeue 
Excells what eueryet you look'd vpon, 
Or hand of Man hath done : therefore I keepe it 
Louely, apart. But here it is : prepare 
To fee the Life as liuely mock'd,as euer 
Still Sleepe mock'd Death: behold, and fay 'tis well. 
I like your filence,it the more (hewes-ofF 
Your wonder: but yet fpeake, fi rft you (my Liege) 
Comes it not fomething neere ? 

Leo. Her naturall Pofture. 
Chide me (deare Stone) that I may fay indeed 
Thou art Hermione; or rather, thou art (he, 
In thy not chiding : for (he was as tender 
As Infancie,and Grace. But yet [Paulina) 
Hermione was not fo much wrinckled, nothing 
So aged as this feemes. 

Pol. Oh, not by much. 

Paul. So much the more our Caruers excellence, 
Which lets goe-by fome fixteene yeeres,and makes her 
As (he liu'd now. 

Leo. As now (he might haue done, 
So much to my good comfort, as it is 
Now piercing to my Soule. Oh, thus (he flood, 
Euen with fuch Life of Maieftie(warme Life, 
As now it coldly ftands) when firft I woo'd her. 
I am aiham'd : Do's not the Stone rebuke me, 
For being more Stone then it? Oh Royall Peece : 
There's Magick in thy Maieftie, which ha's 
My Euils coniur'd to remembrance ; and 
From thy admiring Daughter tooke the Spirits, 
Standing like Stone with thee. 

Perd. And giue me leaue, 
And doe not fay 'tis Superftition,that 
I kneele,and then implore her Bleffing. Lady, 
Deere Queene, that ended when I but began, 
Giue me that hand of yours, to kifle. 

Paul. O, patience : 
The Statue is but newly fix'd ; the Colour's 
Not dry. 

Cam. My Lord, your Sorrow was too fore lay'd-on, 
Which fixteene Winters cannot blow away, 
So many Summers dry : fcarce any Ioy 
Did euer fo long liue ; no Sorrow, 
But kill'd it felfe much fooner. 

Pol. Deere my Brother, 
Let him, that was the caufe of this, haue powre 
To take-off fo much griefe from you, as he 
Will peece vp in himfelfe. 

Paul. Indeed my Lord, 
If I had thought the fight of my poore Image 
Would thus haue wrought you (for the Stone is mine) 



Il'd not haue (hew'd it. 

Leo. Doe not draw the Curtaine. 

Paul. No longer (hall you gaze on't,leaft your Fancie 
May thinke anon, it moues. 

Leo. Let be , let be : 
Would I were dead, but that me thinkes alreadie. 
(What was he that did make it? ) See (my Lord) 
Would you not deeme it breath'd i and that thofe veines 
Did verily beare blood ? 

Pol. 'Mafterly done : 
The very Life feemes warme vpon her Lippe. 

Leo. The (ixure of her Eye ha's motion in't, 
As we are mock'd with Art. 

Paul. He draw the Curtaine : 
My Lord's almoft fo farre tranfported,that 
Hee'le thinke anon it Hues. 

Leo. Oh fweet Paulina, 
Make me to thinke fo twentie yeeres together : 
No fetled Sences of the World can match 
The pleafure of that madnefle. Let't alone. 

Paul. I am forry (Sir) I haue thus farre ftir'd you : but 
I could afflift you farther. 

Leo. Doe Paulina : 
For this Afflidtion ha's a tafte as fweet 
As any Cordiall comfort. Still me thinkes 
There is an ayre comes from her. What fine Chizzell 
Could euer yet cut breath ? Let no man mock me, 
For I will kifTe her. 

Paul. Good my Lord, forbeare : 
The ruddineile vpon her Lippe, is wet: 
You'le marre it,if you kiffe it; ftayne yourowne 
With Oyly Painting: (hall I draw the Curtaine. 

Leo. No: not thefe twentie yeeres. 

Perd. So long could I 
Stand-by, a looker-on. 

Paul. Either forbeare, 
Quit prefently the Chappell,or refolue you 
For more amazement : if you can behold it, 
He make the Statue moue indeed; defcend, 
And take you by the hand : but then you'le thinke 
(Which I proteft againft) I am afiifted 
By wicked Powers. 

Leo. What you can make her doe, 
I am content to looke on : what to fpeake, 
I am content to heare : for 'tis as eafie 
To make her fpeake, as moue. 

Paul. It is requir'd 
You doe awake your Faith: then, all (land ftill : 
On: thofe that thinke it is vnlawfull BufinefTe 
I am about, let them depart. 

Leo. Proceed : 
No foot (hall ftirre. 

Paul. Mufick; awake her: Strike : 
'Tis time: defcend: be Stone no more : approach : 
Strike all that looke vpon with meruaile : Come : 
He fill your Graue vp: ftirre: nay, come away: 
Bequeath to Death your numneffe : ( for from him, 
Deare Life redeemes you ) you perceiue (he ftirres: 
Start not : her Actions (hall be holy, as 
You heare my Spell is lawfull : doe not (hun her, 
Vntill you fee her dye againe ; for then 
You kill her double : Nay, preient your Hand : 
When (he was young, you woo'd her: now, in age, 
Is (he become the Suitor? 

Leo. Oh (he's warme : 
If this be Magick, let it be an Art 

Law- 

30Z 



The Winters Tale. 



3°3 



Lawfull as Eating. 

Pol. She embraces him. 

Cam. She hangs about his necke, 
If (he pertaine to life, let her fpeake too. 

Pol. I, and make it manifeft where fhe ha's liu'd, 
Or how ftolne from the dead ? 

Paul. That flie is liuing, 
Were it but told you,(hould be hooted at 
Like an old Tale : but it appeares fhe hues, 
Though yet me fpeake not. Marke a little while : 
Pleafe you to interpofe (faire Madam) kneele, 
And pray your Mothers bleiling : turne good Lady, 
Our Perdita is found. 

Her. You Gods looke downe, 
And from your facred Viols poure your graces 
Vpon my daughters head : Tell me (mine owne) 
Where haft thou bin preferu'd ? Where liu'dPHow found 
Thy Fathers Court ? For thou malt heare that I 
Knowing by Paulina, that rhe Oracle 
Gaue hope thou waft in being, haue preferu'd 
My felfe, to fee the yffue. 

Paul. There's ttme enough for that, 
Leaft they defire (vpon this pufh) to trouble 
Your ioyes, with like Relation. Go together 
You precious winners all : your exultation 



Partake to euery one : I (an old Turtle) 
Will wing me to fome wither'd bough, and there 
My Mate (that's neuer to be found againe) 
Lament, till I am loft. 

Leo. O peace Paulina : 
Thou Ihouldft a husband take by my confent, 
As I by thine a Wife. This is a Match, 
And made betweene's by Vowes. Thou haft found mine, 
But how, is to be queftion'd : for I faw her 
(As I thought) dead : and haue (in vaine) faid many 
A prayer vpon her graue. He not feeke farre 
(For him, I partly know his minde) to finde thee 
An honourable husband. Come Camilla, 
And take her by the hand:whofe worth,and honefty 
Is richly noted : and heere iuftified 
By Vs, a paire of Kings. Let's from this place. 
What? looke vpon my Brother : both your pardons, 
That ere I put betweene your holy lookes 
My ill fufpition : This your Son-in-law, 
And Sonne vnto the King, whom heauens directing 
Is troth-plight to your daughter. Good Paulina, 
Leade vs from hence, where we may leyfurely 
Each one demand, and anfwere to his part 
Perform'd in this wide gap of Time, Cnce firft 
We were diffeuer'd : Haftily lead away. Exeunt. 



The Names of the A£tors. 



LEontes, King of Sicillia. 
cft[amillu6,yong Prince of Sicillia. 
Camillo. 

Antigonus. I Foure 

Cleomines. [Lords of Sicillia. 
'Dion. J 

Hermione, S^ueene to Leontes. 
Perdita , Daughter to Leontes and Hermione . 
Paulina, -wife to Antigonus. 



Emilia, a Lady. 

Polixenes, King of 'Bohemia. 

Florizell, Prince of Bohemia. 

Old Shepheard, reputed Father of Perdita. 

Cloivne,his Sonne. 

Autolicus,a Rogue. 

Archidamui, a Lord of 'Bohemia. 

Other Lords , and Gentlemen, and Seruants. 

Shepheards ,and Shepbearddeljes. 

FINIS. 





ThelifeanddeathofKinglohn. 



AEkus Primus , Sccena ^Prima. 



Enter King Iobti, Queene Elinor, Pembroke, EJfex, and Sa- 
lisbury, with the Chattylion of France. 

King Iohn, 

Ow fay Chatillion, what would France with vs ? 
Chat. Thus (after greeting) fpeakes the King 
of France, 
In my behauiour to the Maiefty, 
The borrowed Maiefty of England heere. 

Blea. A ftrange beginning : borrowed Maiefty i 

K.Iohn. Silence fgood mother)heare the Embaffie. 

Chat. Philip of France, in right and true behalfe 
Of thy deceafed brother, Geffreyes fonne, 
Arthur Plantaginet, laies moft lawfull claime 
To this faire Hand, and the Territories: 
To Ireland, Poylfiers, Aniowe, Torayne, Maine, 
Defiring thee to lay afide the fword 
Which fwaies vfurpingly thefe feuerall titles, 
And put the fame into yong Arthurs hand , 
Thy Nephew, and right royall Soueraigne. 

K.Iohn. What followes if we difallow of this? 

Chat. The proud controle of fierce and bloudy warre, 
To inforce thefe rights, fo forcibly with-held, 

K.Io. Heere haue we war for war,& bloud for bloud, 
Controlement for controlement: fo anfwer France. 

Chat. Then take my Kings defiance from my mouth, 
The fartheft limit of my Embaffie. 

K.Iohn. Eeare mine to him, and fo depart in peace, 
Be thou as lightning in the eies of France; 
For ere thou canft report, I will be there : 
The thunder of my Cannon (hall be heard. 
So hence :be thou the trumpet of our wrath, 
And fullen prefage of your owne decay: 
An honourable conduct let him haue, 
Pembroke looke too't : farewell Chattillion. 

Exit Chat, and Pern. 

Ele. What now my fonne, haue I not euer faid 
How that ambitious Conslance would not ceafe 
Till ftie had kindled France and all the world, 
Vpon the right and party of her fonne. 
This might haue beene preuented,and made whole 
With very eafie arguments of loue, 
Which now the mannage of two kmgdomes muft 
With fearefull bloudy iffue arbitrate. 

K.Iohn. Our ftrong poffeffion, and our right for vs. 

Eli. Your ftrong poffefsio much more then your right, 
Or elfe it muft go wrong with you and me, 
So much my confcience whifpers in your eare, 



Which none but heauen, and you, and I, /hall heare. 
Enter a Sheriffe. 

EJfex. My Liege, here is the ftrangeft controuerfie 
Come from the Country to be iudg'd by you 
That ere I heard : mail I produce the men ? 

K.Iohn. Let them approach : 
Our Abbies and our Priories fhall pay 
This expeditious charge : what men are you ? 
Enter Robert Faulconbridge,and fhilip. 

Philip. Your faithfull fubiecl,I a gentleman, 
Borne in Northampton/hire, and el deft fonne 
As I fuppofe, to Robert Faulconbridge , 
A Souldier by the Honor-giuing-hand 
Of Cordehon, Knighted in the field. 

K.Iohn. What art thou? 

Robert. The fon and heire to that fame Faulconbridge. 

K.Iohn. Is that the elder,and art thou the heyre ? 
You came not of one mother then it feemes. 

Philip. Moft certain of one mother,mighty King, 
That is well knowne,and as I thinke one father : 
But for the cerraine knowledge of that truth, 
I put you o're to heauen, and to my mother j 
Of that I doubt, as all mens children may. 

Eli. Out on thee rude man, y doft ftiame thy mother, 
And wound her honor with this diffidence. 

Phil. I Madame ? No,I haue no reafon for it, 
That is my brothers plea, and none of mine, 
The which if he can proue, a pops me out, 
At leaft from faire fiue hundred pound a yeere : 
Heauen guard my mothers honor, and my Land. 

K.Iohn. A good blunt fellow: why being yonger born 
Doth he lay claime to thine inheritance ? 

Thil. I know not why,except to get the land : 
But once he flanderd me with baftardy S 
But where I be as true begot or no, 
That ftill I lay vpon my mothers head, 
But that I am as well begot my Liege 
(Faire fall the bones that tooke the paines for me) 
Compare our faces, and be Iudge your felfe 
If old Sir Robert did beget vs both, 
And were our father, and this fonne like him : 

old fir "Robert Father, on my knee 

1 giue heauen thankes I was not like to thee. 
K.Iohn.Why what a mad-cap hath heauen lent vs here? 
Elen. He hath a tricke of Cordelions face, 

The accent of his tongue affefteth him : 
Doe you not read fome tokens of my fonne 
In the large compofition of this man ? 



The life and death ofH^jngJohn. 



K.Iohn. Mine eye hath well examined his parts, 
And findes them perfeft Richard : firra fpeake, 
What doth moue you to claime your brothers land. 

Philip. Becaufe he hath a half-face like my father i 
With halfe that face would he haue all my land , 
A halfe-fac'd groat,fiue hundred pound a yeere? 

Rob. My gracious Liege, when that my father liu'd, 
Your brother did imploy my father much. 

Phil. Well fir, by this you cannot get my land, 
Your tale mud: be how he employ'd my mother. 

Rob. And once difpatch'd him in an Embaffie 
To Germany, there with the Emperor 
To treat of high affaires touching that time : 
Th'aduantage of his abfence tooke the King, 
And in the meane time foiourn'd at my fathers ; 
Where how he did preuaile,I lhame to fpeake : 
But truth is truth, large lengths of feas and fhores 
Betweene my father, and my mother lay, 
As I haue heard my father fpeake himfelfe 
When this fame lufty gentleman was got : 
Vpon his death-bed he by will bequeathed 
His lands to me, and tooke it on his death 
That this my mothers fonne was none of his; 
And if he were, he came into the world 
Full fourteene weekes before the courfe of time : 
Then good my Liedge let me haue what is mine, 
My fathers land, as was my fathers will. 

K.Iohn. Sirra,your brother is Legitimate, 
Your fathers wife did after wedlocke beare him : 
And if ihe did play falfe, the fault was hers , 
Which fault lyes on the hazards of all husbands 
That marry wiues : tell me, how if my brother 
Who as you fay, tooke paines to get this fonne , 
Had of your father claim'd this fonne for his, 
Infooth,good friend, your father might haue kept 
This Calfe, bred from his Cow from all the world : 
Infooth he might: then if he were my brothers, 
My brother might not claime him, nor your father 
Being none of his, refufe him : this concludes, 
My mothers fonne did get your fathers heyre, 
Your fathers heyre mufl: haue your fathers land. 

Rob. Shal then my fathers Will be of no force, 
To difpoffeffe that childe which is not his. 

Phil. Of no more force to difpoffeffe me fir, 
Then was his will to get me, as I think. 

Eli. Whether hadft thou rather be a Faulconbridge , 
And like thy brother to enioy thy land : 
Or the reputed fonne of Cordelion, 
Lord of thy prefence,and no land befide. 

Baft. Madam, and if my brother had my fhape 
And I had his, fir Roberts his like him , 
And if my legs were two fuch riding rods, 
My armes,fuch eele-skins ftuft, my face fo thin, 
That in mine eare I durft not fticke a rofe, 
Left men mould fay, looke where three farthings goes, 
And to his fhape were heyre to all this land, 
Would I might neuer ftirre from off this place , 
I would giue it euery foot to haue this face : 
It would not be fir nobbe in any cafe. 

Elinor. I like thee well: wilt thou forfake thy fortune, 
Bequeath thy land to him, and follow me? 
I am a Souldier, and now bound to France. 

Baft. Brother, take you my land, He take my chance; 
Your face hath got fiue hundred pound a yeere, 
Yet fell your face for fiue pence and 'tis deere: 
lie follow you vnto the death. 



Elinor. Nay, I would haue you go before me thither. 

'Baft. Our Country manners giue our betters way. 

K.Iohn. What is thy name? 

Baft. "Philip my Liege, fo is my name begun, 
Philip, good old Sir Roberts wiues eldeft fonne. 

K.Iohn. From henceforth beare his name 
Whofe forme thou beared: : 
Kneele thou downe Philip, but rife more great, 
Arife Sir Richard, and Plantagenet. 

Baft. Brother by th'mothers fide, giue me your hand, 
My father gaue me honor, yours gaue land : 
Now bleffed be the houre by night or day 
When I was got, Sir Robert was away. 

Ele. The very fpirit of Plantaginet : 
I am thy grandame Richard, call me fo. 

Baft. Madam by chance, but not by truth, what tho ; 
Something about a little from the right, 
In at the window, or elfe ore the hatch : 
Who dares not ftirre by day,muft walke by night, 
And haue is haue, how euer men doe catch : 
Neere or farre off, well wonne is ftill well mot, 
And I am I, how ere I was begot. 

K.Iohn. Goe, Faulconbridge, now haft thou thy defire, 
A landleffe Knight, makes thee a landed Squire : 
Come Madam, and come Richard, we muft fpeed 
For France, for France, for it is more then need. 

'Baft . Brother adieu, good fortune come to thee, 
For thou waft got i'th way of honefty. 

Exeunt all but baftard. 

Baft. A foot of Honor better then I was, 
But many a many foot of Land the worfe. 
Well, now can I make any Ioane a Lady, 
Good den Sir Richard, Godamercy fellow, 
And if his name be George, He call him Peter; 
For new made honor doth forget mens names: 
'Tis two refpeftiue, and too fociable 
For your conuerfion, now your traueller, 
Hee and his tooth-picke at my worihips meffe, 
And when my knightly ftomacke is fuffis'd, 
Why then I fucke my teeth, and catechize 
My picked man of Countries : my deare fir, 
Thus leaning on mine elbow I begin, 
I (hall befeech you ; that is queftion now, 
And then comes anfwer like an Abfey booke : 
O fir, fayes anfwer, at your beft command , 
At your employment, at your feruice fir : 
No fir, faies queftion, j fweet fir at yours, 
And fo ere anfwer knowes what queftion would, 
Sauing in Dialogue of Complement, 
And talking of the Alpes and Appenines, 
The Perennean and the riuer Poe, 
It drawes toward fupper in conclufion fo. 
But this is worihipfull fociety, 
And fits the mounting fpirit like my felfe ; 
For he is but a baftard to the time 
That doth not fmoake of obferuation, 
And fo am I whether I fmacke or no : 
And not alone in habit and deuice, 
Exterior forme, outward accoutrement; 
But from the inward motion to deliuer 
Sweet, fweet, fweet poyfon for the ages tooth, 
Which though I will not praftice to deceiue, 
Yet to auoid deceit I meane to learne; 
For it ihall ftrew the footfteps of my rifing: 
But who comes in fuch hafte in riding robes? 



The life and death ofJQngJohn. 



What woman poft is this ?hath fhe no husband 
That will take paines to blow a home before her ? 

me, 'tis my mother : how now good Lady, 
What brings you heere to Court fo haftilyf 

Enter Lady Faukonbridge and lames Gumey. 

Lady. Where is that flaue thy brother ? where is he i 
That holds in chafe mine honour vp and downe. 

''Baft. My brother Robert, o\& Sir Roberts fonne : 
Colbrand the Gyant,that fame mighty man, 
Is it Sir Roberts fonne that you feeke fo ? 

Lady. Sir Roberts fonne, I thou vnreuerend boy, 
Sir Roberts fonne ? why fcorn'ft thou at fir Robert ? 
He is Sir Roberts fonne, and fo art thou. 

Baft . lames Gournie,v/ilt thou giue vs leaue a while? 

Gour. Good leaue good Philip. 

Baft. Philip, fparrow, lames, 
There's toyes abroad, anon He tell thee more. 

Exit lames. 
Madam, I was not old Sir Roberts fonne , 
Sir Robert might haue eat his part in me 
Vpon good Friday,and nere broke his faft : 
Sir Robert could doe well, marrie to confefie 
Could get me fir Robert could not doe it ; 
We know his handy-worke, therefore good mother 
To whom am I beholding for thefe limmes? 
Sir "Robert neuer holpe to make this legge. 

Lady. Haft thou confpired with thy brother too, 
That for thine owne gaine fhouldft defend mine honor ? 
What meanes this fcorne, thou moft vntoward knaue ? 

Bail. Knight, knight good mother, Bafilifco-like: 
What, I am dub'd, I haue it on my fhoulder : 
But mother, I am not Sir Roberts fonne, 

1 haue difclaim'd Sir Robert and my land, 
Legitimation, name, and all is gone ; 

Then good my mother, let me know my father, 
Some proper man I hope, who was it mother? 

Lady. Haft thou denied thy felfe a Faukonbridge ? 

Baft. As faithfully as I denie the deuill. 

Lady. King Richard Cordelion was thy father, 
By long and vehement fuit I was feduc'd 
To make roome for him in my husbands bed : 
Heauen lay not my transgreffion to my charge , 
That art the ifTue of my deere offence 
Which was fo ftrongly vrg'd paft my defence. 

'Baft. Now by this light were I to get againe, 
Madam I would not wifh a better father : 
Some finnes doe beare their priuiledge on earth, 
And fo doth yours : your fault, was not your follie, 
Needs muft you lay your heart at his difpofe, 
Subiedted tribute to commanding loue, 
Againft whofe furie and vnmatched force, 
The awleffe Lion could not wage the fight, 
Nor keepe his Princely heart from Richards hand : 
He that perforce robs Lions of their hearts , 
May eafily winne a womans: aye my mother, 
With all my heart I thanke thee for my father : 
Who liues and dares but fay, thou didft not well 
When I was got, He fend his foule to hell. 
Come Lady I will fhew thee to my kinne, 
And they ihall fay, when Richard me begot, 
If thou hadft fayd him nay, it had beene finne j 
Who fayes it was, he lyes,l fay twas not. 



Sccena Secunda. 



Enter before ^Angiers, Philip King of France, Lewis, T)aul- 
phin,Anslria, Conftance, Arthur. 

Lewis. Before Angiers well met braue Auftria, 
Arthur that great fore-runner of thy bloud, 
Richard that rob'd the Lion of his heart , 
And fought the holy Warres in Paleftine, 
By this braue Duke came early to his graue: 
And for amends to his pofteritie , 
At our importance hether is he come, 
To fpread his colours boy, in thy behalfe, 
And to rebuke the vfurpation 
Of thy vnnaturall Vncle, Englifh Iohn , 
Embrace him, loue him, giue him welcome hether. 

Arth. God ihall forgiue you Cordelions death 
The rather, that you giue his ofF-fpring life, 
Shadowing their right vnder your wings of warre: 
I giue you welcome with a powerleffe hand, 
But with a heart full of vnftained loue, 
"Welcome before the gates of Angiers Duke. 

Lewis. A noble boy, who would not doe thee right? 

Auft. Vpon thy cheeke lay I this zelous kifie, 
As feale to this indenture of my loue: 
That to my home I will no more returne 
Till Angiers, and the right thou haft in France, 
Together with that pale, that white-fac'd fhore, 
Whofe foot fpurnes backe the Oceans roaring tides, 
And coopes from other lands her Ilanders, 
Euen till that England hedg'd in with the maine, 
That Water- walled Bulwarke,ftill fecure 
And confident from forreine purpofes, 
Euen till that vtmoft corner of the Weft 
Salute thee for her King, till then faire boy 
Will I not thinke of home, but follow Armes, 

Conft. O take his mothers thanks, a widdows thanks, 
Till your ftrong hand fhall helpe to giue him ftrength, 
To make a more requitall to your loue. 

Auft. The peace of heauen is theirs y lift their fwords 
In fuch a iuft and charitable warre. 

King. Well, then to worke our Cannon fhall be bent 
Againft the browes of this refifting towne, 
Call for our cheefeft men of difcipline , 
To cull the plots of beft aduantages : 
Wee'll lay before this towne our Royal bones, 
Wade to the market-place in French-mem bloud, 
But we will make it fubiecT: to this boy. 

Con. Stay for an anfwer to your Embaffie, 
Left vnaduis'd you ftaine your fwords with bloud, 
My Lord Chattilion may from England bring 
That right in peace which heere we vrge in warre , 
And then we fhall repent each drop of bloud-, 
That hot rafh hafte fo indireclly ihedde. 
Enter Chattilion. 

King. A wonder Lady : lo vpon thy wifh 
Our Meffenger Chattilion is arriu'd , 
What England faies, fay breefely gentle Lord, 
We coldly paufe for thee, Cbatilion fpeake, 

Chat. Then turne your forces from this paltry fiege , 
And ftirre them vp againft a mightier taske : 
England impatient of your iuft demands, 
Hath put himfelfe in Armes, the aduerfe windes 

a 2 Whofe 



The life and death offing fohn. 



Whofe leifure I haue ftaid, haue giuen him time 

To land his Legions all as foone as I : 

His marches are expedient to this towne , 

His forces ftrong, his Souldiers confident : 

With him along is come the Mother Queene, 

An Ace ftirring him to bloud and ftrife , 

"With her her Neece, the Lady Blanch of Spaine , 

With them a Baftard of the Kings deceaft, 

And all th'vnfetled humors of the Land, 

Rafh,inconfiderate, fiery voluntaries, 

With Ladies faces, and fierce Dragons fpleenes, 

Haue fold their fortunes at their natiue homes , 

Bearing their birth-rights proudly on their backs, 

To make a hazard of new fortunes heere : 

In briefe, a brauer choyfe of dauntlefie fpirits 

Then now the Englijh bottomes haue waft o're, 

Did neuer flote vpon the fwelling tide, 

To doe offence and fcathe in Chriftendome : 

The interruption of their churlifh drums 

Cuts off more circumftance, they are at hand, 

Drum beats. 
To parlie or to fight, therefore prepare. 

Kin. How much vnlook'd for, is this expedition. 

Auft. By how much vnexpe&ed, by fo much 
We muft awake indeuor for defence, 
For courage mounteth with occafion, 
Let them be welcome then, we are prepared. 



Enter K. of England, Baftard, Queene, 'Blanch, Pembroke, 
and others. 

K.Iohn. Peace be to France: If France in peace permit 
Our iuft and lineall entrance to our owne ; 
If not, bleede France, and peace afcend to heauen. 
Whiles we Gods wrathfull agent doe correct 
Their proud contempt that beats his peace to heauen. 

Fran. Peace be to England, if that warre returne 
From France to England, there to liue in peace : 
England we loue, and for that Englands fake, 
With burden of our armor heere we fweat: 
This toyle of ours fhould be a worke of thine ; 
But thou from Iouing England art fo farre, 
That thou haft vnder-wrought his lawfull King, 
Cut off the fequence of pofterity, 
Out-faced Infant State,and done a rape 
Vpon the maiden vertue of the Crowne : 
Looke heere vpon thy brother Geffreyes face, 
Thefe eyes, thefe browes, were moulded out of his j 
This little abftracT: doth containe that large , 
Which died in Geffrey: and the hand of time, 
Shall draw this breefe into as huge a volume: 
That Geffrey was thy elder brother borne, 
And this his fonne, England was Geffreys right, 
And this is Geffreyes in the name of God : 
How comes it then that thou art call'd a King, 
When liuing blood doth in thefe temples beat 
Which owe the crowne, that thou ore-maftereft ? 

K.Iohn. From whom haft thou this great comrniflion 
To draw my anfwer from thy Articles? [France, 

Fra. Fro that fupernal Iudge that ftirs good thoughts 
In any beaft of ftrong authoritie, 
To looke into the blots and ftaines of right, 
That Iudge hath made me guardian to this boy, 
Vnder whofe warrant I impeach thy wrong, 
And by whofe helpe I raeane to chaftife it. 



K. Iohn. Alack thou doft vfurpe authoritie. 

Fran. Excufe it is to beat vfurping downe. 

Queen. Who is it thou doft call vfurper France? 

Conft. Let me make anfwer : thy vfurping fonne. 

Queen. Out infolent,thy baftard fhall be King, 
That thou maift be a Queen, and checke the world. 

Con. My bed was euer to thy fonne as true 
As thine was to thy husband, and this boy 
Liker in feature to his father Geffrey 
Then thou and Iohn,\n manners being as like, 
As raine to water, or deuill to his damme ; 
My boy a baftard i by my foule I thinke 
His father neuer was fo true begot, 
It cannot be, and if thou wert his mother. ( ther 

Queen. Theres a good mother boy, that blots thy fa- 
Con/?. There's a good grandame boy 
That would blot thee. 

Auft. Peace. 

'Baft. Heare the Cryer. 

Auft. What the deuill art thou ? 

'Baft. One that wil play the deuill fir with you, 
And a may catch your hide and you alone: 
You are the Hare of whom the Prouerb goes 
Whofe valour plucks dead Lyons by the beard ; 
He fmoake your skin-coat and I catch you right, 
Sirra looke too't,yfaith I will, yfaith. 

*B!an. O well did he become that Lyons robe, 
That did difrobe the Lion of that robe. 

Baft. It lies as fightly on the backe of him 
As great Alcides fhooes vpon an AiTe: 
But Affe, He take that burthen from your backe, 
Or lay on that fhall make your lhoulders cracke. 

Auft. What cracker is this fame that deafes our eares 
With this abundance of fuperfluous breath ? 
King Lewis, determine what we fhall doe ftrait. 

Lew. Women & fooles, breake oft" your conference. 
King Iohn, this is the very fumme of all : 
England and Ireland, Anglers, Toraine , Maine, 
In right of Arthur doe I claime of thee : 
Wilt thou refigne them, and lay downe thy Armes? 

Iohn. My life as foone : I doe defie thee France, 
Arthur of Britaine, yeeld thee to my hand, 
And out of my deere loue He giue thee more, 
Then ere the coward hand of France can win ; 
Submit thee boy. 

Queen. Come to thy grandame child. 

Conf. Doe childe,goe to yt grandame childe, 
Giue grandame kingdome, and it grandame will 
Giue yt a plum, a cherry, and a figge, 
There's a good grandame. 

Arthur. Good my mother peace, 
I would that I were low laid in my graue, 
I am not worth this coyle that's made for me. (weepes. 

Qu. Mo. His mother fhames him fo , poore boy hee 

Con. Now fhame vpon you where fhe does or no, 
His grandames wrongs, and not his mothers fhames 
Drawes thofe heauen-mouing pearles fro his poor eies, 
Which heauen fhall take in nature of a fee: 
I, with thefe Chriftall beads heauen fhall be brib'd 
To doe him Iuftice,and reuenge on you. 

Qu. Thou monftrous flanderer of heauen and earth. 

Con. Thou monftrous Iniurer of heauen and earth, 
Call not me flanderer, thou and thine vfurpe 
The Dominations, Royalties, and rights 
Of this opprefled boy ; this is thy eldeft fonnes fonne, 
Infortunate in nothing but in thee: 

Thy 



The life and death of IQngJohn. 



Thy finnes are vifited in this poore childe, 
The Canon of the Law is laide on him, 
Being but the fecond generation 
Remoued from thy finne-conceiuing wombe. 

lohn. Bedlam haue done. 

Con. I haue but this to fay, 
That he is not onely plagued for her fin, 
But God hath made her linne and her, the plague 
On this remoued iffue, plagued for her, 
And with her plague her finne : his iniury 
Her iniurie the Beadle to her finne, 
All puniih'd in the perfon of this childe, 
And all for her, a plague vpon her. 

Que. Thou vnaduifed fcold, I can produce 
A Will, that barres the title of thy fonne. 

Qon. I who doubts that, a Will : a wicked will, 
A womans will, a cankred Grandams will. 

Fra. Peace Lady, paufe, or be more temperate, 
It ill befeemes this prefence to cry ayme 
To thefe ill-tuned repetitions : 
Some Trumpet fummon hither to the walles 
Thefe men of Angiers, let vs heare them fpeake," 
Whofe title they admit, Arthurs or Iobns. 

Trumpet founds. 
Enter a Cithzen -vpon the walks. 

Cit. Who is it that hath warn'd vs to the walles ? 

Fra. 'Tis France, for England. 

Iohn. England for it felfe : 
You men of Angiers, and my louing fubiefts. 

Fra. You louing men of Angiers, Arthurs fubiefts, 
Our Trumpet call'd you to this gentle parle. 

Iohn. For our aduantage, therefore heare vs firft : 
Thefe flagges of France that are aduanced heere 
Before the eye and profpecT: of your Towne, 
Haue hither march'd to your endamagement. 
The Canons haue their bowels full of wrath, 
And ready mounted are they to fpit forth 
Their Iron indignation 'gainft your walles : 
All preparation for a bloody fledge 
And merciles proceeding, by thefe French. 
Comfort yours Citties eies, your winking gates : 
And but for our approch, thofe fleeping ftones, 
That as a wafte doth girdle you about 
By the compulsion of their Ordinance, 
By this time from their fixed beds of lime 
Had bin difhabited, and wide hauocke made 
For bloody power to rufh vppon your peace. 
But on the fight of vs your lawfull King, 
Who painefully with much expedient march 
Haue brought a counter-checke before your gates, 
To faue vnfcratch'd your Citties threatned cheekes : 
Behold the French amaz'd vouchfjfe a parle, 
And now infteed of bulletts wrapt in fire 
To make a fhaking feuer in your walles, 
They ihoote but calme words, folded vp in fmoake, 
To make a faithleffe errour in your eares, 
Which truft accordingly kinde Cittizens, 
And let vs in. Your King, whofe labour'd fpirits 
Fore-wearied in this aftion of fwift fpeede, 
Craues harbourage within your Citie walles. 

France. When I haue faide, make anfwer to vs both. 
Loe in this right hand, whofe protection 
Is moft diuinely vow'd vpon the right 
Of him it holds, ftands yong Tlantagenet, 
Sonne to the elder brother of this man, 



And King ore him, and all that he enioyes : 

For this downe-troden equity, we tread 

In warlike march, thefe greenes before your Towne, 

Being no further enemy to you 

Then the conftraint of hofpitable zeale, 

In the releefe of this oppreffed childe, 

Religioufly prouokes. Be pleafed then 

To pay that dutie which you truly owe, 

To him that owes it, namely, this yong Prince, 

And then our Armes, like to a muzled Beare, 

Saue in afpecT:, hath all offence feal'd vp : 

Our Cannons malice vainly ftiall be fpent 

Againft th'involuerable clouds of heauen, 

And with a bleffed and vn-vext retyre, 

With vnhack'd fwords, and Helmets all vnbruis'd, 

We will beare home that luftie blood againe, 

Which heere we came to fpout againft your Towne, 

And leaue your children, wiues, and you in peace. 

But if you fondly paffe our proffer'd ofFer, 

'Tis not the rounder of your old-fac'd walles, 

Can hide you from our meffengers of Warre, 

Though all thefe Englifh, and their difcipline 

Were harbour'd in their rude circumference : 

Then tell vs, Shall your Citie call vs Lord, 

In that behalfe which we haue challeng'd it? 

Or mail we giue the fignall to our rage, 

And ftalke in blood to our poffeffion ? 

Cit. In breefe, we are the King of Englands fubie&s 
For him, and in his right, we hold this Towne. 

Iohn. Acknowledge then the King, and let me in. 
Cit. That can we not : but he that proues the King 
To him will we proue loyall, till that time 
Haue we ramm'd vp our gates againft the world. 

Iohn. Doth not the Crowne of England, prooue the 
King ? 
And if not that, I bring you WitnefTes 
Twice fifteene thoufand hearts of Englands breed. 

Baft. Baftards and elfe. 

Iohn. To verifie our title with their liues. 

Fran. As many and as well-borne bloods as thole. 

'Baft. Some Baftards too. 
Fran. Stand in his face to contradidl his claime. 

Cit. Till you compound whofe right is worthieft, 
We for the worthieft hold the right from both. 

Iohn. Then God forgiue the finne of all thofe foules, 
That to their euerlafting refidence, 
Before the dew of euening fall, fhall fleete 
In dreadfull triall of our kingdomes King, 

Fran. Amen, Amen, mount Cheualiers to Armes. 

'Baft. Saint George that fwindg'd the Dragon, 
And ere fince fit's on's horfebacke at mine Hoftefle dore 
Teach vs fome fence. Sirrah, were I at home 
At your den firrah, with your Lionnefle, 
I would fet an Oxe-head to your Lyons hide: 
And make a monfter of you. 

Aufl. Peace, no more. 

'Baft. O tremble: for you heare the Lyon rore. 

Iohn. Vp higher to the plaine, where we'l fet forth 
In beft appointment all our Regiments. 

Baft . Speed then to take aduantage of the field, 

Fra. It fhall be fo, and at the other hill 
Command the reft to ftand, God and our right. Exeunt 
Heere after excurfons, Enter the Herald of France 
with Trumpets to the gates. 

F. Her. You men of Angiers open wide your gates, 
And let yong Arthur Duke of Britaine in, 

A a 3 Wh 



The life and death ofJQngJohn. 



Who by the hand of France, this day hath made 
Much worke for teares in many an Englifh mother, 
Whofe fonnes lye Scattered on the bleeding ground : 
Many a widdowes husband groueling lies, 
Coldly embracing the difcoloured earrh, 
And viftorie with little loffe doth play 
Vpon the dancing banners of the French, 
Who are at hand triumphantly difplayed 
To enter Conquerors, and to proclaime 
Arthur of Britaine, Englands King, and yours. 
Enter Sng/ijh Her aid with Trumpet. 
E.Har. Reioyce you men of Angiers,ring your bels, 
King Iohn, your king and Englands, doth approach, 
Commander of this hot malicious day, 
Their Armours that march'd hence fo filuer bright, 
Hither returne all gilt with Frenchmens blood : 
There ftucke no plume in any Engliih Creft, 
That is remoued by a ftaffe of France : 
Our colours do returne in thofe fame hands 
That did difplay them when we firft marcht forth : 
And like a iolly troope of Huntfmen come 
Our luftie Engliih, all with purpled hands, 
Dide in the dying flaughter of their foes, 
Open your gates, and giue the Viftors way. 

Hubert.Heralds, from off our towres we might behold 
From firft to laft, the on-fet and retyre 
Of both yonr Armies, whofe equality 

By our beft eyes cannot be cenfured : (blow j 

Blood hath bought blood, and blowes haue anfwerd 
Strength matcht with ftrength, and power confronted 

power, 
Both are alike, and both alike we like : 
One muft proue greateft. While they wei gh fo euen, 
We hold our Towne for neither : yet for both. 

Enter the two Kings with their powers, 
at Jeuerall doores. 

Iohn. France, haft thou yet more blood to caft away? 
Say, fhall the currant of our right rome on, 
Whofe paffage vext with thy impediment, 
Shall leaue his natiue channell, and ore-fwell 
with courfe difturb'd euen thy confining flicres, 
Vnleffe thou let his filuer Water, keepe 
A peacefull progreffe to the Ocean. 

Fra. England thou haft not fau'd one drop of blood 
In this hot triall more then we of France, 
Rather loft more. And by this hand I fweare 
That fwayes the earth this Climate ouer-lookes, 
Before we will lay downe our iuft-borne Armes, 
Wee'l put thee downe,'gainft whom thefe Armes wee 
Or adde a royall number to the dead : (beare, 

Gracing the fcroule that tels of this warres loffe, 
With flaughter coupled to the name of kings. 

Baft. Ha Maiefty : how high thy glory towres, 
When the rich blood of kings is fet on fire : 
Oh now doth death line his dead chaps with fteele, 
The fwords of fouldiers are his teeth, his phangs, 
And now he feafts, moufing the fiefh of men 
In vnd?termin'd differences of kings. 
Why ftand thefe royall fronts amazed thus : 
Cry hauocke kings, backe to the ftained field 
You equall Potents, fierie kindled fpirits, 
Then let confufion of one part confirm 
The others peace : till then, blowes, blood, and death. 

Iohn. Whofe party do the Townefmen jet admit, ? 



Fra. Speeke Citizens for England,whofe your king. 

Huh. The king ofEngland,when we know the king. 

Fra. Know him in vs, that heere hold vp his right. 

Iohn. In Vs, that are our owne great Deputie, 
And beare poffeffion of our Perfon heere, 
Lord of our prefence Angiers,and of you. 

Fra. A greater powre then We denies all this, 
And till it be vndoubted,we do locke 
Our former fcruple in our ftrong barr'd gates : 
Kings of our feare, vntill our feares refolu'd 
Be by fome certaine king, purg'd and depos'd. 

Baft. By heauen, thefe fcroyles of Angiers flout you 
And ftand lecurely on their battelments, ("kings, 

As in a Theater, whence they gape and point 
At your induftrious Scenes and a£b of death. 
Your Royall prefences be rul'd by mee, 
Do like the Murines of Ierufalem, 
Be friends a-while, and both conioyntly bend 
Your fharpeft Deeds of malice on this Towne. 
By Eaft and Weft let France and England mount. 
Their battering Canon charged to the mouthes, 
Till their foule-fearing clamours haue braul'd downe 
The flintie ribbes of this contemptuous Citie, 
I'de play inceffantly vpon thefe lades, 
Euen till vnfenced defolation 
Leaue them as naked as the vulgar ayre : 
That done, diffeuer your vnited ftrengths, 
And part your mingled colours once againe, 
Turne face to face, and bloo. > pointto point: 
Then in a moment Fortune mall cull forth 
Out of one fide her happy Minion, 
To whom in fauour fire fhall giue the day, 
And kiffe him with a glorious vidlory : 
How like you this wilde counfell mighty States, 
Smackes it not fomething of the policie. 

Iohn. Now by the sky that hangs aboue our heads, 
I like it well. France, fhall we knit our powres, 
And lay this Angiers euen with the ground, 
Then after fight who fhall be king of it? 

'Baft. And if thou haft the mettle of a king, 
Being wrong 1 d as we are by this peeuifh Towne : 
Turne thou the mouth of thy Artillerie, 
As we will ours, againft thefe fawcie walles, 
And when that we haue dafiVd them to the ground, 
Why then defie each other, and pell-mell, 
Make worke vpon our felues,for heauen or hell. 

Fra. Let it be fo : fay, where will you affault ? 

Iohn. We from the Weft will fend deftruaion 
Into this Cities bofome. 

Auft. I from the North. 

Fran. Our Thunder from the South, 
Shall raine their drift of bullets on this Towne. 

'Baft. O prudent difcipline ! From North to South : 
Auftria and France fhoot in each others mouth. 
He ftirre them to it : Come, away, away. 

Hub. Heare vs great kings, vouchsafe awhile to ftay 
And I fhall fhew you peace, and faire-fae'd league : 
Win you this Citie without ftroke, or wound, 
Refcue thofe breathing liues to dye in beds, 
That heere come Sacrifices for the field. 
Perfeuer not, but heare me mighty kings. 

Iohn. Speake on with fauour, we are bent to heare. 

Hub. That daughter there of Spaine,the Lady Blanch 
Is neere to England, looke vpon the yeeres 
Of Lewes the Dolphin, and that louely maid. 
If luftie loue fliould go in queft of beautie, 

Where 



The life and death ofI\Jng "John. 



Where fhould he finde it fairer, then in 'Blanch: 

If zealous loue fhould go in fearch of vertue, 

Where fhould he finde it purer then in Blanch? 

If loue ambitious, fought a match of birth, 

Whofe veines bound richer blood then Lady 'Blanch? 

Such as fhe is, in beautie, vertue, birth, 

Is the yong Dolphin euery way compleat, 

If not compleat of, fay he is not fhee, 

And fhe againe wants nothing, to name want, 

If want it be not, that fhe is not hee : 

He is the halfe part of a bleffed man, 

Left to be finifhed by fuch as fhee, 

And fhe a faire diuided excellence, 

Whofe fulnefle of perfection lyes in him. 

two fuch filuer currents when they ioyne 
Do glorifie the ban Ices that bound them in : 

And two fuch fbores, to tw-o fuch ftreames made one, 

Two fuch controlling bounds (hall you be, kings, 

To thefe two Princes, if you marrie them: 

This Vnion fhall do more then batterie can 

To our fad clofed gates : for at this match, 

With fwifter fpleene then powder can enforce 

The mouth of paffage fhall we fling wide ope, 

And giue you entrance : but without this match, 

The fea enraged is not halfe fo deafe, 

Lyons more confident, Mountaines and rockes 

More free ftom mojion, no not death himfelfe 

In mortall furie halfe fo peremptorie, 

As we to keepe this Citie. 

'Baft. Heeres a ftay, 
That fhakes the rotten carkaffe of old death 
Out of his ragges. Here's a large mouth indeede, 
That fpits forth death, and mountaines, rockes, and feas, 
Talkes as familiarly of roaring Lyons, 
As maids of thirteene do of puppi-dogges. 
What Cannoneere begot this luftie blood, 
He fpeakes plaine Cannon fire, and fmoake, and bounce, 
He giues the baftinado with his tongue : 
Our eares are cudgel'd, not a word of his 
But buffets better then a fift of France : 
Zounds, I was neuer fo bethumpt with words, 
Since I firft cal'd my brothers father Dad. 

Old Qu. Son, lift to this coniundtion, make this match 
Giue with our Neece a dowrie large enough, 
For by this knot, thou fhalt fo furely tye 
Thy now vnfur d aflurance to the Crowne, 
That yon greene boy fhall haue no Sunne to ripe 
The bloome that promifeth a mightie fruite. 

1 fee a yeelding in the lookes of France : 

Marke how they whifper, vrge them while their foule,s 

Are capeable of this ambition, 

Leaft zeale now melted by the windie breath 

Of foft petitions, pittie and remorfe, 

Coole and congeale againe to what it was. 

Hub. Why anfwer not the double Maiefties, 
This friendly treatie of our threatned Towne. 

Fra. Speake England fir ft, that hath bin forward firft 
To fpeake vnto this Cittie : what fay you ? 

Mn.lf that the Dolphin there thy Princely fonne, 
Can in this booke of beautie read, I loue : 
Her Dowrie fhall weigh equall with a Queene : 
For Anglers , and faire Toraine Maine, Poy&iers, 
And all that we vpon this fide the Sea, 
(Except this Cittie now by vs befiedg'd) 
Finde liable to our Crowne and Dignitie, 
Shall gild her bridall bed and make her rich 



3" 



In titles, honors, and promotions, 
As fhe in beautie, education, blood, 
Holdes hand with any Princefle of the world. 

Fra. What fai'ft thou boy f looke in the Ladies face, 

Dol. I do my Lord, and in her eie I find 
A wonder, or a wondrous miracle, 
The fhadow of my felfe form'd in her eye, 
Which being but the fhadow of your fonne, 
Becomes a fonne and makes your fonne a fhadow: 
I do proteft I neuer lou'd my felfe 
Till now, infixed I beheld my felfe, 
Drawne in the flattering table of her eie. 

Whijpers with Blanch. 

Baft. Drawne in the flattering table of her eie, 
Hang'd in the frowning wrinkle of her brow, 
And quarter'd in her heart, hee doth efpie 
Himfelfe loues traytor, this is pittie now ; 
That hang'd, and drawne, and quarter'd there fhould be 
In fuch a loue, fo vile a Lout as he. 

Blan. My vnckles will in this refpedt is mine, 
If he fee ought in you that makes him like, 
That any thing he fee's which moues his liking, 
I can with eafe tranflate it to my will : 
Or if you will, to fpeake more properly, 
I will enforce it eaflie to my loue. 
Further I will not flatter you, my Lord, 
That all I fee in you is worthie loue, 
Then this, that nothing do I fee in you, 
Though churlifh thoughts themfelues fhould bee your 

Iudge, 
That I can finde, fhould merit any hate. 

Iohn. What faie thefe yong-ones? What fay you my 
Neece? 

Blan. That fhe is bound in honor ftill to do 
What you in wifedome ftill vouchfafe to fay. 

Iohn. Speake then Prince Dolphin, can you loue this 
Ladie ? 

Dol. Nay aske me if I can refraine from loue, 
For I doe loue her moft vnfainedly. 

Iohn. Then do I giue Volquejen, Toraine, Maine, 
Poyftiers,and Anion, thefe flue Prouinces 
With her to thee, and this addition more, 
Full thirty thoufand Markes of Englifh coyne : 
Phillip of France, if thou be pleaf d withall, 
Command thy fonne and daughtet to ioyne hands. 

Fra. It likes vs well young Princes: clofe your hands 

Auft . And your lippes too, fori am well aflur'd, 
That I did fo when I was firft afTur'd. 

Fra. Now Cittizens of Angires ope your gates, 
Let in that amitie which you haue made, 
For at Saint Maries Chappell prefently, 
The rights of marriage fhallbe folemniz'd. 
Is not the Ladie Conftance in this troope? 
I know fhe is not for this match made vp, 
Her prefence would haue interrupted much. 
Where is fhe and her fonne, tell me, whoknowes? 

Dol. She is fad and pafsionate at your highnes Tent. 

Fra. And by my faith, this league that we haue made 
Will giue her fadneffe very little cure ; 
Brother of England, how may we content 
This widdow Lady ? In her right we came, 
Which we God knowes, haue turn d another way, 
To our owne vantage. 

Iohn. We will heale vp all, 
For wee'l create yong Arthur Duke of Britaine 
And Earle ofRichmond, and this rich faire Towne 

We 



The life and death offing lohn. 



We make him Lord of. Call the Lady Conjlance, 

Some fpeedy Meflenger bid her repaire 

To our folemnity : 1 truft we (hall , 

(If not fill vp the meafure of her will) 

Yet in fome meafure fatisfie her fo, 

That we fhall ftop her exclamation, 

Go we as well as haft will fuffer vs, 

To this vnlook'd for vnprepared pompe. Exeunt. 

Baji. Mad world, mad kings, mad composition : 
lohn to ftop Arthurs Title in the whole, 
Hath willingly departed with a part, 
And France, whofe armour Confcience buckled on, 
Whom zeale and charitie brought to the field, 
As Gods owne fouldier, rounded in the eare, 
With that fame purpofe-changer, that (lye diuel, 
That Broker, that ftill breakes the pate of faith, 
That dayly breake-vow, he that winnes of all, 
Of kings, of beggers, old men, yong men, maids, 
Who hauing no externall thing to loofe, 
But the word Maid, cheats the poore Maide of that. 
That fmooth-fac'd Gentleman, tickling commoditie, 
Commoditie, the byas of the world, 
The world, who of it felfe is peyfed well, 
Made to run euen, vpon euen ground ; 
Till this aduantage, this vile drawing byas, 
This Iway of motion, this commoditie, 
Makes it take head from all indifferency, 
From all direction, purpofe, courfe, intent. 
And this fame byas, this Commoditie, 
This Bawd, this Broker, this all-changing-word, 
Clap'd on the outward eye of fickle France, 
Hath drawne him from his owne determin'd ayd, 
From a refolu'd and honourable warre, 
To a moft bafe and vile-concluded peace. 
And why rayle I on this Commoditie? 
But for becaufe he hath not wooed me yet : 
Not that I haue the power to clutch my hand, 
When his faire Angels would falute my palme, 
But for my hand, as vnattempted yet, 
Like a poore begger, raileth on the rich. 
Well, whiles I am a begger, I will raile, 
And fay there is no fin but to be rich : 
And being rich, my vertue then fhall be, 
To fay there is no vice, but beggerie : 
Since Kings breake faith vpon commoditie, 
Gaine be my Lord, for I will worfhip thee. Exit. 



(t4£lus Secundus 



Enter Conjlance, Arthur, and Salisbury. 

Con. Gone to be married? Gone to fweare a peace ? 
Falfe blood to falfe blood ioyn'd. Gone to be freinds ? 
Shall Levis haue Blaunch,and ^Blaunch thofe Prouinces? 
It is not fo, thou haft mifpoke,mi(heard, 
Be well aduif'd, tell ore thy tale againe. 
It cannot be, thou do'ft but fay 'tis fo. 
I truft I may not truft thee, for thy word 
Is but the vaine breath of a common man: 
Beleeue me, I doe not beleeue thee man, 
I haue a Kings oath to the contrarie. 
Thou (halt be punifh'd for thus frighting me, 
For I am ficke, and capeable of feares, 



Oppreft with wrongs, and therefore full of feares, 
A widdow, husbandles, fubieft to feares, 
A woman naturally borne to feares; 
And though thou now confefle thou didft but ieft 
With my vext fpirits, I cannot take a Truce, 
But they will quake and tremble all this day. 
What doft thou meane by (baking of thy head ? 
Why doft thou looke fo fadly on my fonne? 
j What meanes that hand vpon that bread of thine ? 

Why holdes thine eie that lamentable rhewme, 
I Like a proud riuer peering ore his bounds ? 
j Be thefe fad fignes confirmers of thy words? 
| Then fpeake againe, not all thy former tale, 
j But this one word, whether thy tale be true. 

Sal. As true as I beleeue you thinke them falfe, 
That giue you caufe to proue my faying true. 

Con. Oh if thou teach me to beleeue this forrow, 
Teach thou this forrow, how to make me dye, 
And let beleefe, and life encounter fo, 
As doth the furie of two defperate men, 
Which in the very meeting fall, and dye. 
Levees marry Blaunch} O boy, then where art thou? 
France friend with England, what becomes of me f 
Fellow be gone : I cannot brooke thy fight, 
This newes hath made thee a moft vgly man. 

6a/. What other harme hwie I good Lady done, 
But fpoke the harme, that is by others done ? 

Con. Which harme within it felfe fo heynous is, 
As it makes harmefull all that fpeake of it. 

Ar. I do befeech you Madam be content. 

Con. If thou that bidft me be content, wert grim 
Vgly, and flandrous to thy Mothers wombe, 
Full of vnpleafing blots, and fightlefieftaines, 
Lame, foolifh, crooked, fwart, prodigious, 
Patch'd with foule Moles, and eye-offending markes, 
I would not care, I then would be content, 
For then I fhould not loue thee : no, nor thou 
Become thy great birth, nor deferue a Crowne. 
But thou art faire, and at thy birth (deere boy) 
Nature and Fortune ioyn'd to make thee great. 
Of Natures guifts, thou mayft with Lillies boaft, 
And with the halfe-blowne Rofe. But Fortune, oh, 
She is corrupted, chang'd, and wonne from thee, 
Sh'adulterates houiely with thine Vnckle lohn, 
And with her golden hand hath pluckt on France 
To tread downe faire refpecT: of Soueraigntie, 
And made his Maieftie the bawd to theirs. 
France is a Bawd to Fortune, and king John, 
That (trumpet Fortune, that vfurping lohn : 
Tell me thou fellow, is not France forfworne ? 
Euvenom him with words, or get thee gone, 
And leaue thofe woes alone, which I alone 
Am bound to vnder-beare. 

Sal. Pardon me Madam, 
I may not goe without ycu to the kings. 

Con. Thou maift, thou (halt, I will not go with thee, 
I will inftrucl: my forrowes to bee proud, 
For greefe is proud, and makes his owner ftoope, 
To me and to the ftate of my great greefe, 
Let kings afiemble : for my greefe's fo great, 
That no fupporter but the huge firme earth 
Can hold it vp : here I and forrowes fit, 
I Heere is my Throne, bid kings come bow to it. 



The life and death ofMJngJohn. 



oA5lus < Tertius,Sccena prima. 

Enter King John, France, Tlolphin, Blanch, Slianor, Philip, 
Aufiria, Conftanee. 

Fran. 'Tis true (faire daughter) and this bleffed day, 
Euer in France fhall be kept feftiuall : 
To fblemnize this day the glorious funne 
Stayes in his courfe, and playes the Alchymift, 
Turning with fplendor of his precious eye 
The meager cloddy earth to glittering gold : 
The yearely courfe that brings this day about, 
Shall neuer fee it, but a holy day. • 

Conji. A wicked day, and not a holy day. • 

What hath this day deferu'd ? what hath it done, 
That it in golden letters fhould be fet 
Among the high tides in the Kalender? 
Nay, rather turne this day out of the weeke, 
This day of fhame, oppreffion, periury. 
Or if it muft ftand (till, let wiues with childe 
Pray that their burthens may not fall this day, 
Left that their hopes prodigioufly be croft : 
But (on this day) let Sea-men feare no wracke, 
No bargaines breake that. are not this day made; 
This day all things begun, come to ill end, 
Yea, faith it felfe to hollow falfhood change. 

Fra. By heauen Lady, you fhall haue no caufe 
To curfe the faire proceedings of this day : 
Haue I not pawn'd to you my Maiefty ? 

Conji. You haue beguil'd me with a counterfeit 
Refembling Maiefty, which being touch'd and tride, 
Proues valueleffe :you are forfworne, forfworne , 
You came in Armes to fpill mine enemies bloud, 
But now in Armes, you ftrengthen it with yours. 
The grapling vigor, and rough frowne of Warre 
Is cold in amitie, and painted peace, 
And our oppreffion hath made vp this league : 
Arme, arme, you heauens, againft thefe periur'd Kings, 
A widdow cries, be husband to me (heauens) 
Let not the howres of this vngodly day 
Weare out the daies in Peace; but ere Sun-fet, 
Set armed difcord 'twixt thefe periur'd Kings, 
Heare me, Oh, heare me. 

Auji. Lady Conjiance, peace. 

Conji. War, war, no peace, peace is to me a warre : 
O Lymoges, O Aujiria, thou doft fhame 
That bloudy fpoyle : thou flaue, thou wretch, y coward, 
Thou little valiant, great in villanie, 
Thou euer ftrong vpon the ftronger fide ; ■ 
Thou Fortunes Champion, that do'ft neuer fight 
But when her humourous Ladiftiip is by 
To teach thee fafety : thou art periur'd too, 
And footh'ftvp greatneffe. What a foole art thou, 
A ramping foole, to brag, and ftamp, and fweare, 
Vpon my partie : thou cold blooded flaue, 
Haft thou not fpoke like thunder on my fide ? 
Beene fworne my Souldier, bidding me depend 
Vpon thy ftarres, thy fortune, and thy ftrength , 
And doft thou now fall ouer to my foes? 
Thou weare a Lyons hide, doff it for fhame, 
And hang a Calues skin on thofe recreant limbes. 

Auf, O that a man mould fpeake thofe words to me. 

Phi}. And hang a Calues-skin on thofe recreant limbs 

Auf. Thou dar'ft not fay fo villaine for thy life. 



Phil. And hang a Calues-skin on thofe recreant limbs. 

Iobn.We like not this, thou doft forget thy felfe. 
Enter Pandulph. 

Fra. Heere comes the holy Legat of the Pope. 

Pan. Haile you annointed deputies of heauen; 
To thee King lohn my holy errand is : 
I Tandulph, of faire Millane Cardinall, 
And from Pope Innocent the Legate heere, 
Doe in his name religioufly demand 
Why thou againft the Church, our holy Mother, 
So wilfully doft fpurne ; and force perforce 
Keepe Stephen Langton chofen Arfhbifhop 
Of Canterbury from that holy Sea : 
This in our forefaid holy Fathers name 
Pope Innocent, I doe demand of thee. 

Iohn. What earthie name to Interrogatories 
Can taft the free breath of a facred King ? 
Thou canft not (Cardinall) deuife a name 
So flight, vnworthy,and ridiculous 
To charge me to an anfwere, as the Pope : 
Tell him this tale,and from the mouth of England, 
Adde thus much more, that no Italian Prieft 
Shall tythe or toll in our dominions : 
But as we, vnder heauen, are fupreame head, 
So vnder him that great fupremacy 
Where we doe reigne, we will alone vphold 
Without th'affiftance of a mortall hand : 
So tell the Pope, all reuerence fet apart 
To him and his vfurp'd authoritie. 

Fra. Brother of England, you blafpheme in this. 

Iohn. Though you, and all the Kings of Chriftendom 
Are led fo groffely by this medling Prieft, 
Dreading the curfe that money may buy out, 
And by the merit of vilde gold, droffe, duft, 
Purchafe corrupted pardon of a man, 
Who in that fale fels pardon from himfelfe : 
Though you, and al the reft fo groffely led , 
This iugling witchcraft with reuennue cherifh, 
Yet I alone, alone doe me oppofe 
Againft the Pope, and count his friends my foes. 

Pand. Then by the lawfull power that I haue, 
Thou fhalt ftand curft,and excommunicate, 
And bleffed fhall he be that doth reuolt 
From his Allegeance to an heretique, 
And meritorious fhall that hand be call'd, 
Canonized and worfhip'd as a Saint, 
That takes away by any fecret courfe 
Thy hatefull life. 

Con. O lawfull let it be 
That I haue roome with Rome to curfe a while, 
Good Father Cardinall, cry thou Amen 
To my keene curfes; for without my wrong 
There is no tongue hath power to curfe him right. 

Pan. There's Law and Warrant (Lady) for my curfe. 

ConJ. And for mine too, when Law can do no right. 
Let it be lawfull, that Law barre no wrong: 
Law cannot giue my childe his kingdome heere ; 
For he that holds his Kingdome, holds the Law: 
Therefore fince Law it felfe is perfect wrong, 
How can the Law forbid my tongue to curfe i 

Pand. Philip of France, on perill of a curfe , 
Let goe the hand of that Arch-heretique , 
And raife the power of France vpon his head, 
Vnleffe he doe fubmit himfelfe to Rome. 

6/ea.Look'ft thou pale Francetdo not let go thy hand. 

Con. Looke to that Deuill, left that France repent, 

And 



The life and death ofj^jngjohn. 



And by difioyning hands hell lofe a foule. 

Aufi. King Philip, liften to the Cardinall. 

Baft. And hang a Calues-skin on his recreant limbs. 

Aufi. Well ruffian, I muft pocket vp thefe wrongs, 
Becaufe, 

'Baft. Your breeches beft may carry them. 

Iohn. Philip, what faift thou to the Cardinall ? 

Con. What mould he fay, but as the Cardinall? 

Dolph. Bethinke you father, for the difference 
Is purchafe of a heauy curfe from Rome , 
Or the light loffe of England, for a friend : 
Forgoe the eafier. 

Bla. That s the curfe of Rome. 

Con. O Lewis, ftand faft, the deuill tempts thee heere 
In likeneffe of a new vntrimmed Bride. 

*B/a. The Lady Conftance fpeakes not from her faith , 
But from her need. 

Con. Oh, if thou grant my need, 
w hj c h onely Hues but by the death of faith, 
Th a t need, muft needs inferre this principle, 
That faith would liue againeby death of need : 
O then tread downe my need, and faith mounts vp, 
K-eepe m y nee d vp,and faith is trodden downe. 

Iohn. The king is moud, and anfwers not to this. 

Con. O be remou'd from him, and anfwere well. 

Aufi. Doe fo king Thilip, hang no more in doubt. 

Bafi.Ha.ng nothing but a Calues skin moil fweet lout. 

Fra. I am perplext,and know not what to fay. 

Pan. What canft thou fay, but wil perplex thee more? 
If thou ftand excommunicate, and curft ? 

Fra. Good reuerend father, make my perfon yours, 
And tell me how you would beftow your felfe? 
This royall hand and mine are newly knit,' 
And the coniun&ion of our inward foules 
Married in league, coupled, and link'd together 
With all religous ftrength of facred vowes , 
The lateft breath that gaue the found of words 
Was deepe-fworne faith, peace, amity, true loue 
Betweene our kingdomes and our royall felues, 
And euen before this truce, but new before, 
No longer then we well could warn our hands , 
To clap this royall bargaine vp of peace, 
Heauen knowes they were befmear'd and ouer-ftaind 
With {laughters pencill ; where reuenge did paint 
The fearefull difference of incenfed kings : 
And mail thefe hands fo lately purg'd of bloud ? 
So newly ioyn'd in loue ? fo ftrong in both, 
Vnyoke this feyfure, and this kinde regreete ? 
Play faft and loofe with faith ? fo ieft with heauen, 
Make fuch vnconftant children of onr felues 
As now againe to fnatch our palme from palme : 
Vn-fweare faith fworne, and on the marriage bed 
Of fmiling peace to march a bloody hoaft, 
And make a ryot on the gentle brow 
Of true fincerity ? O holy Sir 
My reuerend father, let it not be fo ; 
Out of your grace, deuife, ordaine, impofe . 
Some gentle order, and then we mall be bleft 
To doe your pleafure, and continue friends. 

Pand. All forme is formeleffe, Order orderleffe, 
Saue what is oppofite to Englands loue. 
Therefore to Armes, be Champion of our Church, 
Or let the Church our mother breathe her curfe, 
A mothers curfe, on her reuolting fonne : 
France, thou maift hold a ferpent by the tongue, 
A cafed Lion by the mortall paw, 



A fafting Tyger fafer by the tooth, 

Then keepe in peace that hand which thou doft hold. 

Fra . I may dil-ioyne my hand, but not my faith. 

Pand. So mak'ft thou faith an enemy to faith, 
And like a ciuill warre fetft oath to oath , 
Thy tongue againft thy tongue. O let thy vow 
Firft made to heauen, firft be to heauen perform'd, 
That is, to be the Champion of our Church, 
What fince thou fworft, is fworne againft thy felfe, 
And may not be performed by thy felfe, 
For that which thou haft fworne to doe amiffe, 
, Is not amiffe when it is truely done : 
And being not done, where doing tends to ill, 
The truth is then moft done not doing it: 
The bettef Act of purpofes miftooke , 
Is to miftake again, though indirect, 
Yet indirection thereby growes direct, 
And falfhood, falfhood cures, as fire cooles fire 
Within the fcorched veines of one new burn'd: 
It is religion that doth make vowes kept, 
But thou haft fworne againft religion: 
By what thou fwear'ft againft the thing thou fwear'ft, 
And mak'ft an oath the furetie for thy truth, 
Againft an oath the truth, thou art vnfure 
To fweare, fweares onely not to be forfworne, 
Elfe what a mockerie fhould it be to fweare ? 
But thou doft fweare, onely to be forlworne, 
And moft forfworne, to keepe what thou doft fweare, 
Therefore thy later vowes,againft thy firft, 
Is in thy felfe rebellion to thy felfe : 
And better conqueft neuer canft thou make , 
Then arme thy conftant and thy nobler parts 
Againft thefe giddy loofe fuggeftions: 
Vpon which better part, our prayrs come in , 
If thou vouchfafe them. But if not, then know 
The perill of our curfes light on thee 
So heauy, as thou fhalt not/hake them off 
But in defpaire, dye vnder their blacke weight. 

Aufi. Rebellion, flat rebellion. 

Baft. Wil't not be ? 
Will not a Calues-skin flop that mouth of thine ? 

Daul. Father, to Armes. 

Blanch. Vpon thy wedding day f 
Againft the blood that thou haft married? 
What,fhall our feaft be kept with flaughtered men? 
Shall braying trumpets, and loud churlifh drums 
Clamors of hell, be meafures to our pomp? 

husband heare me : aye, alacke, how new 
Is husband in my mouth ? euen for that name 
Which till this time my tongue did nere pronounce; 
Vpon my knee I beg, goe not to Armes 

Againft mine Vncle. 

Conft. O, vpon my knee made hard with kneeling, 

1 doe pray to thee, thou vertuous Daulphin, 
Alter not the doome fore-thought by heauen. 

'Blan. Now fhall I fee thy loue, what motiue may 
Be ftronger with thee, then the name of wife { 

Con. That which vpholdeth him, that thee vpholds, 
His Honor, Oh thine Honor, Lewis thine Honor. 

Dolph. I mufe your Maiefty doth feeme fo cold, 
When fuch profound refpedts doe pull you on i 

Pand, I will denounce a curfe vpon his head. 

Fra. Thou fhalt not need. England,! will fall fro thee. 

Confi. O faire returne of banifh'd Maieftie. 

S/ea. O foule reuolt of French inconftancy. 

Eng. France, y fhalt rue this houre within this houre. 



3 '4 



The life and death of 'J^JngJohn. 



Ii 



'Baft.Oli Time the clocke fetter, y bald fexton Time: 
Is it as he will? well then, France (hall rue. 

'Bla. The Sun's orecaft with bioud : faire day adieu, 
Which is the fide that I muft goe withall ? 
I am with both, each Army hath a hand, 
And in their rage, I hauing hold of both, 
They whurle a-funder, and difmember mee. 
Husband, I cannot pray that thou maift winne : 
Vncle, I needs muft pray that thou maift lofe : 
Father, I may not wiih the fortune thine : 
Grandam, I will not wiih thy wifhes thriue : 
Who-euer wins,on that fide mall I lofe : 
Affured loffe, before the match be plaid. 

Dolph. Lady,with me, with me thy fortune lies. 

Bla. There where my fortune liues,there my life dies. 

John. Cofen, goe draw our puifance together, 
France,! am burn'd vp with inflaming wrath, 
A rage, whofe heat hath this condition ; 
That nothing can allay,nothing but blood, 
The blood and deereft valued bloud of France. 

Fra. Thy rage (hall burne thee vp,& thou (halt turne 
To aflies, ere our blood (hall quench that fire : 
Looke to thy felfe,thou art in ieopardie. 

Iohn.tio more then he that threats. To Arms le'ts hie. 
Exeunt. 



Sccena Secunda. 



Allarums ,Excurfio> 
head. 



Enter Baftard with Auftria's 



'Baft. Now by my life,this day grows wondrous hot, 
Some ayery Deuill houers in the skie, 
And pour's downe mifchiefe.^?K/?r;'<« head lye there, 

Enter Iohn,Arthur, Hubert. 
While Philip breathes. 

lohn. Hubert, keepe this boy: Philip make vp, 
My Mother is afTayled in our Tent, 
And tane I feare. 

'Baft. My Lord I refcued her, 
Her Highnefle is in fafety, feare you not : 
But on my Liege, for very little paines 
Will bring this labor to an happy end. Exit. 

Alarums, excurftons, Retreat. Enter lohn, Eleanor, Arthur 
Baftard, Hubert, Lords. 

lohn. So (hall it be : your Grace fliall ftay behinde 
So ftrongly guarded : Cofen, looke not fad, 
ThyGrandame loues thee, and thy Vnkle will 
As deere be to thee, as thy father was. 

Arth. O this will make my mother die with griefe. 

lohn. Cofen away for England, hafte before, 
And ere our comming fee thou (hake the bags 
Of hoording Abbots, imprifoned angells 
Set at libertie : the fat ribs of peace 
Muft by the hungry now be fed vpon : 
Vfe our Commiflion in his vtmoft force. 

'Baft. Bell, Booke,& Candle, mall not driue me back, 
When gold and filuer becks me to come on. 
I leaue your highnefle : Grandame, I will pray 
(If euer I remember to be holy ) 
For your faire fafety : fo I kifle your hand. 

Sle. Farewell gentle Cofen. 



lohn. Coz, farewell. 

Sle. Come hether little kinfman,harke,a worde. 

Iohn.Come hether Hubert. O my gentle Hubert, 
We owe thee much : within this wall of flefli 
There is a foule counts thee her Creditor, 
And with aduantage meanes to pay thy loue : 
And my good friend, thy voluntary oath 
Liues in this bofome, deerely cherifhed. 
Giue me thy hand, I had a thing to fay, 
But I will fit it with fome better tune. 
By heauen Hubert, I am almoft afham'd 
To fay what good refpect I haue of thee. 

Hub. I am much bounden to your Maiefty. 

lohn. Good friend, thou haft no caufe to fay fo yet, 
But thou (halt haue: and creepe time nere fo (low, 
Yet it (hall come, for me to doe thee good. 
I had a thing to fay, but let it goe : 
The Sunne is in the heauen, and the proud day, 
Attended with the pleafures of the world, 
Is all too wanton, and too full of gawdes 
To giue me audience : If the mid-night bell 
Did with his yron tongue,and brazen mouth 
Sound on into the drowzie race of night: 
If this fame were a Church-yard where we ftand , 
And thou poffeffed with a thoufand wrongs : 
Or if that furly fpirit melancholy 
Had bak'd thy bloud,and made it heauy,thicke, 
Which elfe runnes tickling vp and downe the veines, 
Making that idiot laughter keepe mens eyes , 
And ftraine their cheekes to idle merriment, 
A pafiion hatefull to my purpofes : 
Or if that thou couldft fee me without eyes, 
Heare me without thine eares, and make reply 
Without a tongue, vfing conceit alone , 
Without eyes, eares, and harmefull found of words : 
Then, in defpight of brooded watchfull day, 
I would into thy bofome poure my thoughts : 
But (ah) I will not, yet I loue thee well , 
And by my troth I thinke thou lou'ft me well. 

Hub. So well, that what you bid me vndertake, 
Though that my death were adiundt to my A<S, 
By heauen I would doe it. 

lohn. Doe not I know thou wouldft? 
Good Hubert, Hubert, Hubert throw thine eye 
On yon young boy : He tell thee what my friend, 
He is a very ferpent in my way, 
And wherefoere this foot of mine doth tread, 
He lies before me : doft thou vnderftand me f 
Thou art his keeper. 

Hub. And He keepe him fo, 
That he (hall not offend your Maiefty. 

lohn. Death. 

Hub. My Lord. 

lohn. A Graue. 

Hub. He (hall not Hue. 

lohn. Enough. 
I could be merry now, Hubert, I loue thee. 
Well, He not fay what I intend for thee : 
Remember : Madam, Fare you well, 
He fend thofe powers o're to your Maiefty. 

Ele. My blefling goe with thee. 

lohn. For England Cofen, goe. 
Hubert (hall be your man, attend on you 
Withal true duetie : On toward Callice ,hoa. 

Exeunt. 

Scena 



12 



The life and death of Kjng John. 



Sccena Tertia. 



Enter France, Dolphin, Pandulfho, Attendants. 

Fra. So by a roaring Tempeft on the flood, 
A whole Armado of conuitted faile 
Is fcattered and dif-ioyn'd from fellow/hip. 

Pand. Courage and comfort,alI /hall yet goe well. 

Fra. What can goe well, when we haue runne fo ill i 
Are we not beaten ? Is not Angiers loft ? 
Arthur tane prifoner? diuers deere friends flaine? 
And bloudy England into England gone, 
Ore- bearing interruption ipight of France? 

T>ol. What he hath won, that hath he fortified : 
So hot a fpeed, with fuch aduice difpos'd, 
Such temperate order in fo fierce a caufe, 
Doth want example : who hath read, or heard 
Of any kindred-acYion like to this? 

Fra. Well could I beare that Engiandiad this praife, 
So we could finde fome patterne of our fhame : 

Enter Qonjlance. 
Looke who comes heere ? a graue vnto a foule, 
Holding th'eternall fpirit againft her will , 
In the vilde prifon of afflifted breath: 
I prethee Lady goe away with me. 

Con. Lo; now: now fee the iffue of your peace. 

Fra. Patience good Lady,comfort gentle Conjlance. 

Con. No, I defie all Counfell, all redreffe, 
But that which ends all counfell, true Redreffe : 
Death, death, O amiable, louely death , 
Thou odoriferous ftench : found rottenneffe, 
Arife forth from the couch of lafting night, 
Thou hate and terror to profperitie, 
And I will kiffe thy deteftable bones , 
And put my eye-balls in thy vaultie browes , 
And ring thefe fingers with thy houfhold wormes , 
And flop this gap of breath with fulfome duft, 
And be a Carrion Monfter like thy felfe ; 
Come,grin on me, and I will thinke thou fmil'ft, 
And buffe thee as thy wife : Miferies Loue, 
O come to me. 

Fra. O faire afflidfion, peace. 

Con. No, no, I will not, hauing breath to cry : 

that my tongue were in the thunders mouth , 
Then with a paffion would I make the world , 
And rowze from fleepe that fell Anatomy 
Which cannot heare a Ladies feeble voyce, 
Which fcornes a moderne Inuocation. 

Pand. Lady, you vtter madneffe,and not forrow. 
Con. Thou art holy to belye me fo, 

1 am not mad : this haire I teare is mine , 
My name is Conjlance, I was Geffreyes wife, 
Yong ^Arthur is my fonne, and he is loft : 

I am not mad, I would to heauen I were, 
For then 'tis like I mould forget my felfe : 
O, if I could, what griefe mould I forget ? 
Preach fome Philofophy to make me mad, 
And thou /halt be Canoniz'd(CardinalL) 
For, being not mad, but fenfible of greefe, 
My reafonable part produces reafon 
How I may be deliuer'd of thefe woes, 
And teaches mee to kill or hang my felfe : 
If I were mad, I mould forget my fonne, 



Or madly thinke a babe of clowts were he; 
I am not mad : too well, too well I feele 
The different plague of each calamine. 

Fra. Binde vp thofe treffes : O what loue I note 
In the faire multitude of thofe her haires ; 
Where but by chance a filuer drop hath falne, 
Euen to that drop ten thoufand wiery fiends 
Doe glew themfelues in fociable griefe, 
Like true, infeparable, faithfull loues, 
Sticking together in calamitie. 

Con. To England, if you will. 

Fra. Binde vp your haires. 

Con. Yes that I will : and wherefore will I do it f 
I tore them from their bonds, and cride aloud , 
O, that thefe hands could fo redeeme my fonne, 
As they haue giuen thefe hayres their libertie : 
But now I enuie at their libertie , 
And will againe commit them to their bonds, 
Becaufe my poore childe is a prifoner. 
And Father Cardinal!, I haue heard you fay 
That we mall fee and know our friends in heauen : 
if that be true, I mall fee my boy againe ; 
For fince the birth of Caine, the firft male-childe 
To him that did but yefterday fufpire , 
There was not fuch a gracious creature borne : 
But now will Canker-forrow eat my bud , 
And chafe the natiue beauty from his cheeke, 
And he will looke as hollow as a Ghoft, 
As dim and meager as an Agues fitte, 
And fo hee'll dye : and rifing fo againe, 
When I fhall meet him in the Court of heauen 
I fhall not know him : therefore neuer, neuer 
Muft I behold my pretty Arthur more. 

Pand. You hold too heynous a.refpecl of greefe. 

Conft . He talkes to me, that neuer had a fonne. 

Fra. You are as fond of greefe, as of your childe. 

Con. Greefe fils the roome vp of my abfent childe : 
Lies in his bed,walkes vp and downe with me, 
Putson his pretty lookes, repeats his words, 
Renrembets me of all his gracious parts, 
StufFes out his vacant garments with bis forme ; 
Then, haue I reafon to be fond of griefe? 
Fareyouwell : had you fuch a loffe as I , 
I could giue better comfort then you doe. 
I will not keepe this forme vpon my head , 
When there is fflch diforder in my witte : 
O Lord, my boy, my Arthur, my faire fonne, 
My life, my ioy, my food, my all the world : 
My widow-comfort, and my forrowes cure. Exit. 

Fra. I feare fome out-rage, and He follow her. Exit. 

Dol. There's nothing in this world can make me ioy, 
Life is as tedious as a twice-told tale, 
Vexing the dull eare of a drowfie man ; 
And bitter fhame hath fpoyl'd the fweet words tafte, 
That it yeelds nought but fhame and bitternefTe. 

Pand. Before the curing of a ftrong difeafe , 
Euen in the inftant of repaire and health, 
The fit is ftrongeft : Euils that take leaue 
On their departure, moft of all fhew euill : 
What haue you loft by lofing of this day? 

Dol. All daies of glory, ioy, and happineffe. 

Pan. If you had won it, certainely you had. 
No, no : when Fortune meanes to men moft good, 
Shee lookes vpon them with a threatning eye: 
'Tis ftrange to thinke how much King John hath loft 
In this which he accounts fo clearely wonne : 

Are 



The life and death of RJngJohn. 



13 



Are not you grieu'd that Arthur is his prifoner i 

Dol. As heartily as he is glad he hath him. 

Pan. Your minde is all as youthfull as your blood. 
Now heare me fpeake with a propheticke fpirit : 
For euen the breath of what I meane to fpeake, 
Shall blow each duft, each ftraw, each little rub 
Out of the path which fliall directly lead 
Thy foote to Englands Throne. And therefore marke : 
Iohn hath feiz'd Arthur, and it cannot be, 
That whiles warme life playes in that infants veines, 
The mif-plac'd-JcAn fliould entertaine an houre, 
One minute, nay one quiet breath of reft. 
A Scepter fnatch d with an vnruly hand, 
Muft be as boyfteroufly maintain'd as gain'd. 
And he that ftands vpon a flipp'ry place, 
Makes nice of no vilde hold to ftay him vp: 
That Iohn may ftand, then Arthur needs muft fall, 
So be it, for it cannot be but fo. 

Dol. But what /hall I gaine by yong Arthurs fall ? 

Pan. You, in the right of Lady blanch your wife, 
May then make all the claime that Arthur did. 

Dol. And loofe it, life and all , as Arthur did. 

Pan. How green you are, and frefti in this old world? 
Iohn layes you plots : the times confpire with you, 
For he that fteepes his fafetie in true blood, 
Shall finde but bloodie fafety, and vntrue. 
This A<ft fo euilly borne fliall coole the hearts 
Of all his people, and freeze vp their zeale, 
That none fo fmall aduantage fliall ftep forth 
To checke his reigne, but they will cherifli it. 
No naturall exhalation in the skie, 
No fcope of Nature, no diftemper'd day, 
No common winde, no cuftomed euent, 
But they will plucke away his naturall caufe, 
And call them Meteors, prodigies, and fignes, 
Abbortiues, prefages, and tongues of heauen, 
Plainly denouncing vengeance vpon Iohn. 

Dol. May be he will not touch yong Arthurs life, 
But hold himfelfe fafe in his prifonment. 

Pan. O Sir, when he fliall heare of your approach, 
If that yong Arthur be not gone alreadie, 
Euen at that newes he dies : and then the hearts 
Of all his people fliall reuolt from him, 
And kiffe the lippes of vnacquainted change, 
And picke ftrong matter of reuolt, and wrath 
Out of the bloody fingers ends of Iohn. 
Me thinkes I fee this hurley all on foot; 
And O, what better matter breeds for you, 
Then I haue nam'd. The Baftard Falconbridge 
Is now in England ranfacking the Church, 
Offending Charity : If but a dozen French 
Were there in Armes, they would be as a Call 
To traine ten thoufand Englifli to their fide ; 
Or, as a little fnow, tumbled about, 
Anon becomes a Mountaine. O noble Dolphine, 
Go with me to the King, 'tis wonderfull, 
What may be wrought out of their difcontent, 
Now that their foules are topfull of offence, 
For England go; I will whet on the King. 

Dol. Strong reafons makes ftrange aftionsilet vs go, 
If you fay I, the King will not fay no. Exeunt. 



zABusQuartus, Sc^na prima. 



Enter Hubert and Execi 
Hub. Heate me thefe Irons hot, and looke thou ftand 
Within the Arras : when I ftrike my foot 
Vpon the bofome of the ground, rufli forth 
And binde the boy, which you fliall finde with me 
Faft to the chaire : be heedfull : hence, and watch. 

Exec. I hope your warrant will beare out the deed. 

Hub. Vncleanly fcruples feare not you : looke too't. 
Yong Lad come forth ; I haue to fay with you. 
Enter Arthur. 

Ar. Good morrow Hubert. 

Hub. Good morrow, little Prince. 

Ar. As little Prince, hauing fo great a Title 
To be more Prince, as may be : you are fad. 

Hub. Indeed I haue beene merrier. 

Art. 'Mercie on me : 
Me thinkes no body fliould be fad but I : 
Yet I remember, when I was in France, 
Yong Gentlemen would be as fad as night 
Onely for wantonneffe : by my Chriftendome, 
So I were out of prifon,and kept Sheepe 
I fliould be as merry as the day is long : 
And fo I would be heere, but that I doubt 
My Vnckle practifes more harme to me : 
He is affraid of me, and I of him : 
Is it my fault, that I was Geffreyes fonne ? 
No in deede is't not : and I would to heauen 
I were your fonne, fo you would loue me, Hubert: 

Hub. If I talke to him, with his innocent prate 
He will awake my mercie, which lies dead: 
Therefore I will be fodaine, and difpatch. 

Ar. Are you ficke Hubert? you looke pale to day, 
Infooth I would you were a little ficke, 
That I might fit all night,and watch with you. 
I warrant I loue you more then you do me. 

Hub. His words do take poffefiion of my bofome. 
Reade heere yong Arthur. How now foolifli rheume ? 
Turning, difpitious torture out of doore ? 
I muft be breefe, leaft refolution drop 
Out at mine eyes, in tender womanifli teares. 
Can you not reade it? Is it not faire writ? 

Ar. Too fairely Hubert, for fo foule effect, 
Muft you with hot Irons, burne out both mine eyes ? 

Hub. Yong Boy, I muft. 

An. And will you ? 

Hub. And I will. 

Art. Haue you the heart ? When your head did but 
ake, 
I knit my hand-kercher about your browes 
(The beft I had, a Princeffe wrought it me) 
And I did neuer aske it you againe : 
And with my hand, at midnight held your head; 
And like the watchfull minutes, to the houre, 
Still and anon cheer'd vp the heauy time ; 
Saying, what lacke you? and where lies your greefe ? 
Or what good loue may I performe for you ? 
Many a poore mans fonne would haue lyen ftill, 
And nere haue fpoke a louing word to you: 
But you, at your ficke feruice had a Prince : 
Nay, you may thinke my loue was craftie loue, 
And call it cunning. Do, and if you will, 

b If 



H 



The life and death oflsjng John. 



If heauen be pleas'd that you muft vfe me ill, 
Why then you muft. Will you put out mine eyes? 
Thefe eyes, that neuer did, nor neuer fhall 
So much as frowne on you. 

Hub. I haue fworne to do it : 
And with hot Irons muft I burne them out. 

Ar. Ah, none but in this Iron Age, would do it: 
The Iron of it felfe, though heate red hot, 
Approaching neere thefe eyes, would drinke my teares, 
And quench thisfierie indignation, 
Euen in the matter of mine innocence : 
Nay, after that, confume away in ruft, 
But for containing fire to harme mine eye: 
Are you more ftubborne hard, then hammer'd Iron ? 
And if an Angell mould haue come to me, 
And told me Hubert ftiould put out mine eyes, 
I would not haue beleeu'd him : no tongue but Huberts. 
Hub. Come forth : Do as I bid you do. 
Art. O faue me Hubert ,faue me : my eyes are out 
Euen with the fierce lookes of thefe bloody men. 
Hub. Giue me the Iron I fay, and binde him heere. 
Art. Alas, what neede you be fo boiftrous rough? 
I will not ftruggle, 1 will ftand ftone ftill : 
For heauen fake Hubert let me not be bound : 
Nay heare me Hubert, dr'iue thefe men away, 
And I will fit as quiet as a Lambe. 
I will not ftirre, nor winch, nor fpeake a word, 
Nor looke vpon the Iron angerly : 
Thruft but thefe men away, and He forgiue you, 
What euer torment you do put me too. 

Hub. Go ftand within : let me alone with him. 
Exec. I am beft pleas'd to be from fuch a deede. 
Art. Alas, I then haue chid away my friend, 
He hath a fterne looke, but a gentle heart: 
Let him come backe, that his compaffion may 
Giue life to yours. 

Hub. Come (Boy) prepare your felfe. 
Art. Is there no remedie i 
Hub. None, but to lofe your eyes. 
Art. O heauen: that there were but a moth in yours, 
A graine, a duft,a gnat, a wandering haire, 
Any annoyance in that precious fenfe : 
Then feeling what fmall things are boyfterous there, 
Your vilde intent muft needs feeme horrible. 

Hub. Is this your promife ? Go too, hold your toong. 
Art. Hubert, the vtterance of a brace of tongues, 
Muft needes want pleading for a paire of eyes: 
Let me not hold my tongue : let me not Hubert, 
Or Hubert, if you will cut out my tongue, 
So I may keepe mine eyes. O fpare mine eyes, 
Though to no vfe, but ftill to looke on you. 
Loe, by my troth, the Inftrument is cold, 
And would not harme me. 
Hub. I can heate it, Boy. 

Art. No, in good footh : the fire is dead with griefe, 
Being create for comfort, to be vs'd 
In vndeferued extreames : See elfe your felfe, 
There is no malice in this burning cole, 
The breath of heauen, hath blowne his fpirit out, 
And ftrew'd repentant allies on his head. 

Hub. But with my breath I can reuiue it Boy. 
Art. And if you do, you will but make it blu/h, 
And glow with fhame of your proceedings, Hubert: 
Nay, it perchance will fparkle in your eyes : 
And, like a dogge that is compell'd to fight, 
Snatch at his Mafter that doth tarre him on. 



All things that you lhould vfe to do me wrong 
Deny their office : onely you do lacke 
That mercie, which fierce fire, and Iron extends, 
Creatures of note for mercy, lacking vfes. 

Hub. Well, fee to liue : I will not touch thine eye, 
Eor all the Treafure that thine Vnckle owes, 
Yet am I fworne, and I did purpofe, Boy, 
With this fame very Iron, to burne them out. 

Art, O now you looke like Hubert . All this while 
You were difguis'd. 

Hub. Peace : no more. Adieu, 
Your Vnckle muft not know but you are dead. 
He fill thefe dogged Spies with falfe reports : 
And, pretty childe, fleepe doubtlefle, and fecure, 
That Hubert for the wealth of all the world, 
Will not offend thee. 

Art. O heauen | I thanke you Hubert. 

Hub. Silence, no more ; go clofely in with mee, 
Much danger do I vndergo for thee. Exeunt 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Iohn, Pembroke, Salisbury, and other Lordes, 

lohn, Heere once againe we fit : once againft crown'd 
And look'd vpon, I hope, with chearefull eyes. 

Pem.Th'is once again (but that your Highnes pleas'd) 
Was once fuperfluous : you were Crown'd before, 
And that high Royalty was nere pluck'd off: 
The faiths of men, nere ftained with reuolt : 
Frefti expectation troubled not the Land 
With any long'd-for-change, or better State. 

Sal. Therefore, to be poflefs'd with double pompe, 
To guard a Title, that was rich before ; 
To gilde refined Gold, to paint the Lilly; 
To throw a perfume on the Violet, 
To fmooth the yce, or adde another hew 
Vnto the Raine-bow; or with Taper-light 
To feeke the beauteous eye of heauen to garnim, 
Is waftefull,and ridiculous exceffe. 

Pern. But that your Royall pleafure muft be done, 
Thisafte, is as an ancient tale new told, 
And, in the laft repeating, troublefome, 
Being vrged at a time vnfeafonable. 

Sal. In this the Anticke, and well noted face 
Of plaine old forme, is much disfigured, 
And like a Shifted winde vnto a faile, 
It makes the courfe of thoughts to fetch about, 
Startles, and frights consideration ; 
Makes found opinion ficke, and truth fufpe&ed, 
For putting on fo new a fafhion'd robe. 

Pern. When Workemen ftriue to do better then wel, 
They do confound their skill in couetoufnefle, 
And oftentimes excufing of a fault, 
Doth make the fault the worfe by th'excufe : 
As patches fet vpon a little breach, 
Difcredite more in hiding of the fault, 
Then did the fault before it was fo pafch'd. 

Sal. To this efreft, before you were new crown'd 
We breath'd our Councell : but it pleas'd your Highnes 
To ouer-beare it, and we are all well pleas'd, 
Since all, and euery part of what we would 
Doth make a ftand, at what your Highneffe will. 

Iohn. 



The life and death ofI{jng John. 



l 5 



Ioh. Some reafons of this double Corronation 
I haue poffeft you with, and thinke them ftrong. 
And more, more ftrong, then leffer is my feare 
I mail indue you with : Meane time, but aske 
What you would haue reform'd. that is not well, 
And well fliall you perceiue, how willingly 
I will both heare, and grant you your requefts. 

Pern. Then I, as one that am the tongue of thefe 
To found the purpofes of all their hearts, 
Both for my felfe, and them : but chiefe of all 
Your fafety : for the which, my felfe and them 
Bend their beft ftudies, heartily requeft 
Th'infranchifement of cArthur, whofe reftraint 
Doth moue the murmuring lips of difcontent 
To breake into this dangerous argument. 
If what in reft you haue, in right you hold, 
Why then your feares, which (as they fay) attend 
The fteppes of wrong, mould moue you to mew vp 
Your tender kinfman, and to choake his dayes 
With barbarous ignorance, and deny his youth 
The rich aduantage of good exercife, 
That the times enemies may not haue this 
To grace occafions : let it be our fuite, 
That you haue bid vs aske his libertie, 
Which for our goods, we do no further aske, 
Then, whereupon our weale on you depending, 
Counts it your weale : he haue his liberty. 
Enter Hubert. 

Iohn, Let it be fo : I do commit his youth 
To your dire&ion : Hubert, what newes with you ? 

Pern. This is the man mould do the bloody deed : 
He fhew'd his warrant to a friend of mine, 
The image of a wicked heynous fault 
Liues in his eye : that clofe afpeCt of his, 
Do (hew the mood of a much troubled breft, 
And I do fearefully beleeue 'tis done, 
What we fo fear'd he had a charge to do . 

Sal. The colour of the King doth come, and go 
Betweene his purpofe and his confcience, 
Like Heralds 'twixt two dreadfull battailes fet : 
His pafsion is fo ripe, it needs muft breake. 

Petti. And when it breakes, I feare will iffue thence 
The foule corruption of a fweet childes death. 

Iohn. We cannot hold mortalities ftrong hand. 
Good Lords, although my will to giue, is liuing, 
The fuite which you demand is gone, and dead. 
He tels vs Arthur is deceas'd to night. 

Sal. Indeed we fear'd his fickneffe was paft cure. 

Pern. Indeed we heard how neere his death he was, 
Before the childe himfelfe felt he was ficke : 
This muft be anfwer'd either heere, or hence. 

lob. Why do you bend fuch folemne browes on me? 
Thinke you 1 beare the Sheeres of deftiny ? 
Haue I commandement on the pulfe of life ? 

Sal. It is apparant foule-play, and'tis lhame 
That GreatnefTe mould fo groffely offer it ; 
So thriue it in your game, and fo farewell. 

Pern. Stay yet (Lord Salisbury) He go with thee, 
And finde th'inheritance of this poore childe, 
His little kingdome of a forced graue. 
That blood which ow'd the bredth of all this He, 
Three foot of it doth hold; bad world the while : 
This muft not be thus borne, this will breake out 
To all our forrowes,and ere long I doubt. Exeunt 

lo. They burn in indignation : I repent : Enter Mef. 
There is no fure foundation fet on blood : 



No certaine life atchieu'd by others death : 
A fearefull eye thou haft. Where is that blood, 
That I haue feene inhabite in thofe cbeekes* 
So foule a skie, cleeres not without a ftorme, 
Poure downe thy weather : how goes all in France? 

Mef. From France to England, neuer fuch a powre 
For any forraigne preparation, 
Was leuied in the body of a land. 
The Copie of your fpeede is learn'd by them: 
For when you fhould be told they do prepare, 
The tydings comes, that they are all arriu'd. 

lob. Oh where hath our Intelligence bin drunke ? 
Where hath it flept? Where is my Mothers rare ? 
That fuch an Army could be drawne in France, 
And fhe not heare of it? 

oMef. My Liege, her eare 
Is ftopt with duft : the firft of Aprill di'de 
Your noble mother ; and as I heare, my Lord, 
The Lady Confiance in a frenzie di'de 
Three dayes before : but this from Rumors tongue 
I idely heard : if true, or falfe I know not. 

Iohn. With-hold thy fpeed, dreadfull Occafion : 

make a league with me, 'till I haue pleas'd 
My difcontented Peeres. What? Mother dead ? 
How wildely then walkes my Eftate in France ? 
Vnder whofe conduft came thofe powres of France, 
That thou for truth giu'ft out are landed heere ? 

Mef. Vnder the Dolphin. 

Enter c BaJ}ard and Peter of Pom/ret. 

lob. Thou haft made me giddy 
With thefe ill tydings : Now ? What fayes the world 
To your proceedings? Do not feeke to ftuffe 
My head with more ill newes : for it is full. 

'Baft. But if you be a-feard to heare the worft, 
Then let the worft vn-heard, fall on your head. 

Iohn. Beare with me Cofen, for I was amaz'd 
Vnder the tide ; but now I breath againe 
Aloft the flood, and can giue audience 
To any tongue, fpeake it of what it will. 

'Baft. How I haue fped among the Clergy men, 
The iummes I hauecolle&ed mail expreffe : 
But as I trauail'd hither through the land, 

1 finde the people ftrangely fantafied, 
Poffeft with rumors, full of idle dreames, 

Not knowing what they feare, but full of feare. 
And here's a Prophet that I brought with me 
From forth the ftreets of Pomfret, whom I found 
With many hundreds treading on his heeles: 
To whom he fung in rude harfh founding rimes, 
That ere the next Afcenfion day at noone, 
Your Highnes mould deliuer vp your Crowne. 

Iohn. Thou idle Dreamer, wherefore didft thou fo ? 

Pet. Fore-knowing that the truth will fall out fo. 

Iohn. Hubert, away with him : imprifon him, 
And on that day at noone, whereon he fayes 
I mall yeeld vp my Crowne, let him be hang'd. 
Deliuer him to fafety, and returne, 
For I muft vfe thee. O my gentle Cofen, 
Hear'ft thou the newes abroad, who are arriu'd? 

Baft .The French (my Lord) mens mouths are ful of it: 
Befides I met Lord Bigot, and Lord Saluburie 
With eyes as red as new enkindled fire, 
And others more, going to feeke the graue 
Of Arthur, whom they fay is kill'd to night, on your 

Iohn. Gentle kinfman, go (fuggeftion. 

And thruft thy felfe into their Companies, 

b 2 I 



i6 



The life and death ofKJngyobn. 



I haue a way to winne their loues againe : 
Bring them before me. 

<BaJl. I will feeke them out. 

Iohn. Nay, but make hafte : the better foote before. 
O, let me haue no fubiedt enemies, 
When aduerfe Forreyners affright my Townes 
With dreadfull pompe of flout inuafion. 
Be Mercurie, fet feathers to thy heeles, 
And flye (like thought) from them, to me againe. 

Baft. The fpirit of the time mall teach me fpeed.is.Wf 

Iohn. Spoke like a fprightfull Noble Gentleman. 
Go after him : for he perhaps mall neede 
Some Meffenger betwixt me, and the Peeres, 
And be thou hee. 

Mef. With all my heart, my Liege. 

Iohn. My mother dead ? 

Enter Hubert. 

Hub. My Lord, they fay flue Moones were feene to 
Foure fixed, and the fift did whirle about (night: 

The other foure, in wondrous motion. 

loh. Fiue Moones ? 

Hub. Old men, and Beldames, in the ftreets 
Do prophefie vpon it dangeroufly : 
y 'ong Arthurs death is common in their mouths, 
And when they talke of him, they fhake their heads, 
And whifper one another in the eare. 
And he that fpeakes, doth gripe the hearers wrift, 
Whilft he that heares, makes fearefull aclion 
With wrinkled browes, with nods, with rolling eyes. 
I faw a Smith (land with his hammer (thus) 
The whilft his Iron did on the Anuile coole, 
With open mouth fwallowing a Taylors newes, 
Who with his Sheeres, and Meafure in his hand, 
Standing on flippers, which his nimble hafte 
Had falfely thruft vpon contrary feete, 
Told of a many thoufand warlike French, 
That were embattailed, and rank'd in Kent. 
Another leane, vnwafh'd Artificer, 
Cuts off his tale, and talkes of Arthurs death. 

Jo. Why feek'ft thou to poffeffe me with thefe feares? 
Why vrgeft thou fo oft yong Arthurs death ? 
Thy hand hath murdred him : I had a mighty caufe 
To wifh him dead, but thou hadft none to kill him. 

f/.No had (my Lord?) why, did you not prouoke me? 

Iohn. It is the curfe of Kings, to be attended 
By llaues, that take their humors for a warrant, 
To breake within the bloody houfe of life, 
And on the winking of Authoritie 
To vnderftand a Law ; to know the meaning 
Of dangerous Maiefty, when perchance it frownes 
More vpon humor, then aduis'd refpect. 

Hub.Heere is your hand and Seale for what I did. 

Ioh. Oh, when the laft accompt twixt heauen & earth 
Is to be made, then /hall this hand and Seale 
Witneffe againft vs to damnation. 
How oft the fight of meanes to do ill deeds, 
Make deeds ill done ? Had'ft not thou beene by, 
A fellow by the hand of Nature mark'd, 
Quoted, and fign'd to do a deede of fhame, 
This murther had not come into my minde. 
But taking note of thy abhorr'd Afpeft, 
Finding thee fit for bloody villanie : 
Apt, liable to be employ'd in danger, 
I faintly broke with thee of Arthurs death : 
And thou, to be endeered to a King, 
Made it no confcience to deftroy a Prince. 



Hub. My Lord. 

Ioh. Had'ft thou but fhooke thy head, or made a paufe 
When I fpake darkely, what I purpofed: 
Or turn'd an eye of doubt vpon my face ; 
As bid me tell my tale in expreffe words : 
Deepe fhame had ftruck me dumbe,made me break off, 
And thofe thy feares, might haue wrought feares in me. 
But, thou didft vnderftand me by my fignes, 
And didft in fignes againe parley with finne, 
Yea, withd\ut flop, didft let thy heart confent, 
And confequently, thy rude hand to adte 
The deed, which both our tongues held vilde to name. 
Out of my fight, and neuer fee me more : 
My Nobles leaue me, and my State is braued, 
Euen at my gates, with rankes of forraigne powres; 
Nay, in the body of this flefhly Land, 
This kingdome, this Confine of blood, and breathe 
Hoftilitie, and ciuill tumult reignes 
Betweene my confcience, and my Cofins death. 

Hub. Arme you againft your other enemies : 
He make a peace betweene your foule, and you. 
Yong Arthur is aliue : This hand of mine 
Isyet a maiden, and an innocent hand. 
Not painted with the Crimfon fpots of blood, 
"Within this bofome, neuer entred yet 
The dreadfull motion of a murderous thought, 
And you haue flander'd Nature in my forme, 
Which howfoeuer rude exteriorly, 
Is yet the couer of a fayrer minde, 
Then to be butcher of an innocent childe. 

Iohn. Doth Arthur liue ? O haft thee to the Peeres, 
Throw this report on their incenfad rage, 
And make them tame to their obedience. 
Forgiue the Comment that my paffion made 
Vpon thy feature, for my rage was blinde, 
And foule immaginarie eyes of blood 
Prefented thee more hideous then thou art. 
Oh, anfwer not ; but to my Cloffet bring 
The angry Lords, with all expedient haft, 
I coniure thee but flowly : run more faft. Exeunt. 



Sccena Tertia. 



Enter Arthur on the walles. 
Ar. The Wall is high, and yet will I leape downe. 
Good ground be pittifull, and hurt me not : 
There's few or none do know me, if they did, 
This Ship-boyes femblance hath difguis'd me quite. 
I am afraide, and yet He venture it. 
If I get downe, and do not breake my limbes, 
He finde a thoufand fhifts to get away ; 
As good to dye, and go ; as dye, and flay. 
Oh me, my Vnckles fpirit is in thefe flones, 
Heauen take my foule, and England keep my bones. Dies 

Enter Pembroke, Salisbury, & 'Bigot. 
Sal, Lords, I will meet him at S. Edmor.dsbury , 
It is our fafetie, and we mud embrace 
This gentle offer of the perillous time. 

Pern. Who brought that Letter from the Cardinall? 
Sal. The Count Meloone, a Noble Lord ofFrance, 
Whofe priuate with me of the Dolphines loue, 
Is much more general!, then thefe lines import. 



Big. 



The life and death ofI\jngJohn. 



l 7 



Big. To morrow morning let vs meete him then. 

Sal. Or rather then fet forward, for 'twill be 
Two long dayes iourney (Lords) or ere we meete. 
Enter 'Baftard. 

'Baft.Once more to day well met, diftemper'd Lords, 
The King by me requefts your prefence ftraight. 

Sal. The king hath difpofTeft himfelfe of vs, 
We will not lyne his thin-beftained cloake 
With our pure Honors : nor attend the foote 
That leaues the print of blood where ere it walkes. 
Returne,and tell him fo : we know the worft. 

'Baft. What ere you thinke,good words I thinke 
were belt. 

Sal. Our greefes, and not our manners reafon now. 

Baft. But there is little reafon in your greefe. 

Therefore 'twere reafon you had manners now. 

Pern. Sir, fir, impatience hath his priuiledge. 

'Baft. 'Tis true, to hurt his mafter, no mans elfe. 

Sal. This is the prifon : What is he lyes heere ? 

P.Oh death, made proud with pure & princely beuty, 
The earth had not a hole to hide this deede. 

Sal. Murther, as hating what himfelfe hath done, 
Doth lay it open to vrge on reuenge. 

Big. Or when he doom'd this Beautie to a graue, 
Found it too precious Princely, for a graue. 

Sal. Sir Richard, what thinke you? you haue beheld, 
Or haue you read, or heard, or could you thinke ? 
Or do you almoft thinke, although you fee, 
That you do fee ? Could thought, without this object 
Forme fuch another ? This is the very top , 
The heighth, the Creft : or Creft vnto the Creft 
Of murthers Armes: This is the bloodieft Ihame, 
The wildeft Sauagery, the vildeft ftroke 
That euer wall-ey'd wrath, or flaring rage 
Prefented to the teares of foft remorfe. 

Pern. All murthers paft, do ftand excus'd in this : 
And this fo fole, and fo vnmatcheable, 
Shall giue a holineffe, a puritie, 
To the yet vnbegotten finne of times; 
And proue a deadly blood-fhed, but a ieft, 
Exampled by this heynous fpectacle. 

'Baft. It is a damned, and a bloody worke, 
The gracelefle action of a heauy hand, 
If that it be the worke of any hand. 

Sal. If that it be the worke of any hand ? 
We had a kinde of light, what would enfue: 
It is the Ihamefull worke of Huberts hand, 
The practice, and the purpofe of the king : 
From whofe obedience I forbid my foule. 
Kneeling before this ruine of fweete life, 
And breathing to his breathlefie Excellence 
The Incenfe of a Vow, a holy Vow: 
Neuer to tafte the pleafures of the world, 
Neuer to be infected with delight, 
Nor conuerfant with Eafe,and Idlenefle, 
Till I haue fet a glory to this hand, 
By giuing it the wodhip of Reuenge. 

Pern. Big. Our foules religioufly confirme thy words. 
Enter Hubert. 

Hub. Lords, I am hot with hafte, in feeking you, 
Arthur doth Hue, the king hath fent for you. 

Sal. Oh he is bold, and blufhes not at death, 
Auant thou hatefull villain, get thee gone. (the Law ? 

Hu. I am no villaine. Sal. Muft I rob 

Baft. Your fword is bright fir, put it vp againe. 

Sal. Not till I flieath it in a murtherers skin. 



jn 



Hub. Stand backe Lord Salsbury, ftand backe I fay • 
By heauen, I thinke my fword's as fharpe as yours. 
I would not haue you ( Lord ) forget your felfe, 
Nor tempt the danger of my true defence ; 
Lead I, by marking of your rage, forget 
your Worth, your Greatnefle, and Nobility. 

'Big. Out dunghill : dar'ft thou braue a Nobleman ? 

Hub. Not for my life : But yet I dare defend 
My innocent life againft an Emperor. 

Sal. Thou art a Murtherer. 

Hub. Do not proue me fo : 
Yef I am none. Whofe tongue fo ere fpeakes falfe, 
Not truely fpeakes : who fpeakes not truly, Lies. 

Pern. Cut him to peeces. 

Baft. Keepe the peace, I fay. 

Sal. Stand by, or I mall gaul you Faulconbridge . 

'Baft. Thou wer't better gaul the diuell Salsbury. 
If thou but frowne on me,or ftirre thy foote, 
Or teach thy haftie fpleene to do me (hame, 
He ftrike thee dead. Put vp thy fword betime, 
Or He fo maule you, and your tofting-Iron, 
That you mail thinke the diuell is come from hell. 

Big. What wilt thou do, renowned Faulconbridge? 
Second a Villaine, and a Murtherer? 

Hnb. Lord 'Bigot, I am none. 

Big. Who kill'd this Prince ? 

Hub. 'Tis not an houre fince I left him well : 
I honour'd him, I lou'd him, and will weepe 
My date of life out, for his fweete Hues loffe. 

Sal. Truft not thofe cunning waters of his eyes, 
For villanie is not without fuch rheume, 
And he, long traded in it, makes it feeme 
Like Riuers of remorfe and innocencie. 
Away with me, all you whofe foules abhorre 
Th'vncleanly fauours of a Slaughter-houfe, 
For I am ftifled with this fmell of finne. 

'Big. Away, toward 'Burie, to the Dolphin there. 

P.There tel the king, he may inquire vs out.Ex. Lords. 

■Ba.Here's a good world:knew you of this faire work? 
Beyond the infinite and boundleffe reach of mercie, 
(If thou didft this deed of death) art y damn'd Hubert. 

Hub Do but heare me fir. 

'Baft. Ha? He tell thee what. 
Thou'rt damn'd as blacke, nay nothing is fo blacke, 
Thou art more deepe damn'd then Prince Lucifer : 
There is not yet fo vgly a fiend of hell 
As thou malt be, if thou didft kill this childe. 

Hub. Vpon my foule. 

Baft. If thou didft but confent 
To this moft cruell Act : do but difpaire, 
And if thou want'ft a Cord, the fmalleft thred 
That euer Spider twifted from her wombe 
Will ferue to ftrangle thee : A rum will be a beame 
To hang thee on. Or wouldft thou drowne thy felfe, 
Put but a little water in a fpoone, 
And it mail be as all the Ocean, 
Enough to ftifle fuch a villaine vp. 
I do fufpedt thee very greeuoufly. 

Hub. If I in aft, confent, or finne of thought, 
Be guiltie of the ftealing that fweete breath 
Which was embounded in this beauteous clay, 
Let hell want paines enough to torture me : 
I left him well. 

Baft. Go,beare him in thine armes: 
I am amaz'd me thinkes, and loofe my way 
Among the thornes,and dangers of this world. 

b 3 How 



The life and death ofJ^ingfohn. 



How eafie doft thou take all England vp , 

From forth this morcell of dead Royaltie ? 

The life, the right, and truth of all this Realme 

Is fled to heauen : and England now is left 

To tug and fcamble, and to part by th'teeth 

The vn-owed intereft of proud fwelling State : 

Now for the bare-pickt bone of Maiefty, 

Doth dogged warre brittle his angry creft, 

And fnarleth in the gentle eyes of peace: 

Now Powers from home, and difcontents at home 

Meet in one line : and vaft confufion waites 

As doth a Rauen on a ficke-falne beaft, 4 

The iminent decay of wrefted pompe. 

Now happy he, whofe cloake and center can 

Hold out this temper!:. Beare away that childe, 

And follow me with fpeed : He to the King: 

A thoufand bufineffes are briefe in hand , 

And heauen it felfe doth frowne vpon the Land. Exit. 



aAffus Quartus, Sccena prima. 



Enter King Iohn and Pandolph, attendants. 

K.Iohn. Thus haue I yeelded vp into your hand 
The Circle of my glory. 

Pan. Take againe 
From this my hand, as holding of the Pope 
Your Soueraigne greatnefie and authoritie. 

Iohn. Now keep your holy word, go meet the French, 
And from his holinefle vfe all your power 
To flop their marches 'fore we are enflam'd : 
Our difcontented Counties doe reuolt: 
Our people quarrell with obedience, 
Swearing Allegiance, and the loue of foule 
To ftranger-bloud, to forren Royalty ; 
This inundation of miftempred humor, 
Refts by you onely to be qualified. 
Then paufe not : for the prefent time's fo ficke , 
That prefent medcine muft be miniftred , 
Or ouerthrow incureable enfues. 

Pand. It was my breath that blew this Tempeft vp, 
Vpon your ftubborne viage of the Pope: 
But fince you are a gentle conuertite, 
My tongue /hall hum againe this ftorme of warre, 
And make faire weather in your bluftring land : 
On this Afcention day, remember well, 
Vpon your oath of feruice to the Pope , 
Goe I to make the French lay downe their Armes. Exit. 

Iohn. Is this Afcenfion day? did not the Prophet 
Say, that before Afcenfion day at noone, 
My Crowne I mould giue off? euen fo I haue : 
I did fuppofe it mould be on conftraint, 
But(heau'n be thank'd) it is but voluntary. 
Enter 'Bajiard. 

Baft. All Kent hath yeelded : nothing there holds out 
But Douer Caftle : London hath receiu'd 
Like a kinde Hoft, the Dolphin and his powers. 
Your Nobles will not heare you, but are gone 
To offer feruice to your enemy : 
And wilde amazement hurries vp and downe 
The little number of your doubtfull friends. 

Iohn. Would not my Lords returne to me againe 
After they heard yong ^Arthur was aliue? 



Bail, They found him dead, and caft into the ftreets, 
An empty Casket, where the Iewell of life 
By fome damn'd hand was rob'd,and tane away. 

Iohn. That villaine Hubert told me he did liue. 

Baft. So on my foule he did, for ought he knew: 
But wherefore doe you droope ? why looke you fad ? 
Be great in aft, as you haue beene in thought : 
Let not the world fee feare and fad diftruft 
Gouerne the motion of a kinglye eye : 
Be ftirringas the time, be fire with fire, 
Threaten the threatner,and out- face the brow 
Of bragging horror : So mall inferior eyes 
That borrow their behauiours from the great , 
Grow great by your example, and put on 
The dauntleffe fpirit of refolution. 
Away, and glifter like the god of warre 
When he intendeth to become the field : 
Shew boldnefle and afpiring confidence: 
What, mall they feeke the Lion in his denne, 
And fright him there? and make him tremble there? 
Oh let it not be faid : forrage,and runne 
To meet difpleafure farther from the dores , 
And grapple with him ere he come fo nye. 

Iohn. The Legat of the Pope hath beene with mee, 
And I haue made a happy peace with him , 
And he hath promis'd to difmifle the Powers 
Led by the Dolphin. 

Baft. Oh inglorious league : 
Shall we vpon the footing of our land, 
Send fayre-p!ay-orders,and make comprimife, 
Infinuation, parley, and bafe truce 
To Armes Inuafiue f Shall a beardleffe boy, 
A cockred-filken wanton braue our fields, 
And fleih his fpirit in a warre-like foyle, 
Mocking the ayre with colours idlely fpred, 
And finde no checke ? Let vs my Liege to Armes : 
Perchance the Cardinall cannot make your peace ; 
Or if he doe, let it at lead be faid 
They faw we had a purpofe of defence. 

Iohn. Haue thou the ordering of this prefent time. 

Baft. Away then with good courage : yet I know 
Our Partie may well meet a prowder foe. Exeunt. 



Sccena Secunda. 



Enter [in Armes) Dolphin, Salisbury, t&Ieloone , Pem- 
broke, Bigot, Souldiers. 

Dol. My Lord Melloone,\et this be coppied out, 
And keepe it fafe for our remembrance : 
Returne the prefident to thefe Lords againe, 
That hauing our faire order written downe, 
Both they and we, perufing ore thefe notes . 

May know wherefore we tooke the Sacrament, 
And keepe our faithes firme and inuiolable. 

Sal. Vpon our fides it neuer mall be broken. 
And Noble Dolphin, albeit we fweare 
A voluntary zeale, and an vn-urg'd Faith 
To your proceedings : yet beleeue me Prince, 
I am not glad that fuch a fore of Time 
Should feeke a plafter by contemn'd reuolt, 
And heale the inueterate Canker of one wound, 



The life and death of^ingjohn. 



'9 



By making many : Oh it grieues my foule , 

That I muft draw this mettle from my fide 

To be a widdow-maker : oh, and there 

Where honourable refcue, and defence 

Cries out vpon the name of Salisbury. 

But fuch is the infection of the time , 

That for the health and Phyficke of our right, 

We cannot deale but with the very hand 

Of fterne Iniuftice,and confufed wrong: 

And is't not pitty, (oh my grieued friends ) 

That we, the fonnes and children of this Ifle, 

Was borne to fee fo fad an houre as this , 

Wherein we ftep after a ftranger, march 

Vpon her gentle bofom, and fill vp 

Her Enemies rankes ? I muft withdraw, and weepe 

Vpon the fpotof this inforced caufe, 

To grace the Gentry of a Land remote , 

And follow vnacquainted colours heere : 

What heere ? O Nation that thou couldft remoue, 

That Neptunes Armes who clippeth thee about, 

Would beare thee from the knowledge of thy lelfe, 

And cripple thee vnto a Pagan more, 

Where thefe two Chriftian Armies might combine 

The bloud of malice, in a vaine of league, 

And not to fpend it fo vn-neighbourly. 

Dolph. A noble temper doft thou /hew in this, 
And great affections wraftling in thy bofome 
Doth make an earth-quake of Nobility : 
Oh, what a noble combat haft fought 
Between compulfion,and a braue refpedl: : 
Let me wipe off this honourable dewe , 
That filuerly doth progreffe on thy cheekes : 
My heart hath melted at a Ladies teares , 
Being an ordinary Inundation : 
But this effufion of fuch manly drops, 
This ftiowre, blowne vp by tempeft of the foule, 
Startles mine eyes, and makes me more amaz'd 
Then had I feene the vaultie top of heauen 
Figur'd quite ore wirh burning Meteors. 
Lift vp thy brow (renowned Salisburie) 
And with a great heart heaue away this (forme: 
Commend thefe waters to thofe baby-eyes 
That neuer faw the giant-world enrag'd , 
Nor met with Fortune, other then at feafts , 
Full warm of blood, of mirth, of goffipping : 
Come, come ; for thou (halt thruft thy hand as deepe 
Into the purie of rich profperity 
As Lewis himfelfe : fo (Nobles) mail you all, 
That knit your finewes to the ftrength of mine. 

Enter Pandulpho. 
And euen there, methinkes an Angell fpake, 
Looke where the holy Legate comes apace, 
To giue vs warrant from the hand of heauen, 
And on our aclions fet the name of right 
With holy breath. 

Pand. Haile noble Prince of France: 
The next is this : King Iobn hath reconcil'd 
Himfelfe to Rome, his fpirit is come in , 
That fo flood out againft the holy Church, 
The great Metropolis and Sea of Rome : 
Therefore thy threatning Colours now winde vp , 
And tame the fauage fpirit of wilde warre, 
That like a Lion foftered vp at hand, 
It may lie gently at the foot of peace, 
And be no further harmefull then in lhewe. 

Dol. Your Grace mail pardon me, I will not backe i 



I am too high-borne to be proportied 

To be a fecondary at controll, 

Or vfefull feruing-man, and Inftrument 

To any Soueraigne State throughout the world. 

Your breath firft kindled the dead coale of warres, 

Betweene this chaftiz'd kingdome and my felfe, 

And brought in matter that mould feed this fire ; 

And now 'tis farre too huge to be blowne out 

With that fame weake winde, which enkindled it: 

You taught me how to know the face of right, 

Acquainted me with intereft to this Land , 

Yea, thruft this enterprize into my heart, 

And come ye now to tell me Iobn hath made 

His peace with Rome ■? what is that peace to me? 

I (by the honour of my marriage bed ) 

After yong Arthur, claime this Land for mine , 

And now it is halfe conquer'd, muft I backe, 

Becaufe that Iohn hath made his peace with Pome ? 

Am I Romes flaue ? What penny hath Rome borne ? 

What men prouided ? What munition fent 

To vnder-prop this Aftion ? Is't not I 

That vnder-goe this charge? Who elfe but I , 

And fuch as to my claime are liable, 

Sweat in this bufineffe,and maintaine this warre? 

Haue I not heard thefe Iflanders fliout out 

IJiue le Roy, as I haue bank'd their Townes ? 

Haue I not heere the beft Cards for the game 

To winne this eafie match, plaid for a Crowne ? 

And mall I now giue ore the yeelded Set ? 

No, no, on my foule it neuer lhall be faid. 

Pand. You looke but on the out-fide of this worke. 

Dol. Out-fide or in-fide,I will not returne 
Till my attempt fo much be glorified, 
As to my ample hope was promifed , 
Before I drew this gallant head of warre , 
And cull'd thefe fiery fpirits from the world 
To out-looke Conqueft,and to winne renowne 
Euen in the iawes of danger, and of death : 
What lufty Trumpet thus doth fummon vs? 
Enter ^Baflard. 

'\Baft. According to the faire-play of the world, 
Let me haue audience : I am fent to fpeake : 
My holy Lord of Millane, from the King 
I come to learne how you haue dealt for him : 
And, as you anfwer, I doe know the fcope 
And warrant limited vnto my tongue. 

Pand. The Dolphin is too wilfull oppofite 
And will not temporize with my intreaties : 
He flatly faies, heell not lay downe his Armes. 

"Baft. By all the bloud that euer fury breath'd, 
The youth faies well. Now heare our Eng/ijb King , 
For thus his Royaltie doth fpeake in me : 
He is prepar'd, and reafon to hefhould, 
This apifh and vnmannerly approach, 
This harnefs'd Maske, and vnaduifed Reuell, 
This vn-heard fawcineffe and boyifh Troopes, 
The King doth fmile at,and is well prepar'd 
To whip this dwarfiih warre, this Pigmy Armes 
From out the circle ofhis Territories. 
That hand which had the ftrength, euen at your dore, 
To cudgell you, and make you take the hatch , 
To diue like Buckets in concealed Welles, 
To crowch in litter of your ftable plankes, 
To lye like pawnes, lock'd vp in chefts and truncks , 
To hug with fwine, to feeke fweet fafety out 
In vaults and prifons, and to thrill and make, 

£uen 



20 



The life and death ofl^jngjobn. 



Euen at the crying of your Nations crow, 
Thinking this voyce an armed Engliihman. 
Shall that victorious hand be feebled heere, 
That in your Chambers gaue you chafticement? 
No : know the gallant Monarch is in Armes, 
And like an Eagle, o're his ayerie towres, 
To fowfie annoyance that comes neere his Neftj 
And you degenerate, you ingrate Reuolts, 
you bloudy Nero's, ripping vp the wombe 
Of your deere Mother-England: bluih for fhame: 
For your owne Ladies, and pale-vifag'd Maides, 
Like Amazons, come tripping after drummes : 
Their thimbles into armed Gantlets change, 
Their Needl's to Lances, and their gentle hearts 
To fierce and bloody inclination. 

T>oi. There end thy braue, and turn thy face in peace, 
We grant thou canft out-fcold vs : Far thee well, 
We hold our time too precious to be fpent 
With fuch a brabler. 

Pan. Giue me leaue to fpeake. 

Baft. No, I will fpeake. 

Dol. We will attend to neyther : 
Strike vp the drummes, and let the tongue of warre 
Pleade for our intereft, and our being heere. 

Baft. Indeede your drums being beaten, wil cry out ; 
And fo mall you, being beaten : Do but ftart 
An eccho with the clamor of thy drumme, 
And euen at hand, a drumme is readie brac'd, 
That mail reuerberate all, as lowd as thine. 
Sound but another, and another mail 
(As lowd as thine) rattle the Welkins eare, 
And mocke the deepe mouth'd Thunder : for at hand 
(Not trufting to this halting Legate heere, 
Whom he hath vs'd rather for fport, then neede) 
Is warlike Iobn : and in his fore-head fits 
A bare-rib'd death, whofe office is this day 
To feaft vpon whole thoufands of the French. 

Dol. Strike vp our drummes, to finde this danger out. 

Baft. And thou fhalt finde it (Dolphin) do not doubt 
Exeunt. 



Sccena Tertia. 



Alarum;. Enter Iobn and Hubert. 

Iobn. How goes the day with vs? oh tell me Hubert. 

Hub. Badly I feare ; how fares your Maiefty ? 

Iobn. This Feauer that hath troubled me fo long, 
Lyes heauie on me : oh, my heart is ficke. 
Enter a eXfeJftnger . 

Mef. My Lord : your valiant kinfman Falconbridge, 
Defires your Maieftie to leaue the field, 
And fend him word by me, which way you go. 

Iobn. Tell him toward Smnfted, to the Abbey there. 

oflfef. Be of good comfort : for rhe great fupply 
That was expected by the Dolphin heere, 
Are wrack'd three nights ago on GooJrrin fands. 
This newes was brought to Richard but euen now, 
The French fight coldly, and retyre themfelues. 

Iobn. Aye me, this tyrant Feauer burnes mee vp, 
And will not let me welcome this good newes. 
Set on toward Svrinfted : to my Litter ftraight, 
Weakneffe poflefleth me, and I am faint. Exeunt. 



Scena Quart a. 



Enter Salisbury, Tembro{e, and 'Bigot. 

Sal. I did not thinke the King fo ftor'd with friends. 

Pern. Vp once againe : put fpirit in the French, 
If they mifcarry : we mifcarry too. 

Sal. That misbegotten diuell Falconbridge, 
In fpight of fpight, alone vpholds the day. 

Pern. They fay King Iobn fore fick, hath left the field. 
Enter Meloon mounded. 

Mel. Lead me to the Reuolts of England heere. 

Sal. When we were happie, we had other names. 

Pern. It is the Count Meloone. 

Sal. Wounded to death. 

Mel. Fly Noble Englifh, you are bought and fold, 
Vnthred the rude eye of Rebellion, 
And welcome home againe difcarded faith, 
Seeke out King Iobn, and fall before his feete : 
For if the French be Lords of this loud day, 
He meanes to recompence the paines you take, 
By cutting off your heads: Thus hath he fworne, 
And I with him, and many moe with mee, 
Vpon the Altar at S. Edmondsbury, 
Euen on that Altar, where we fwore to you 
Deere Amity, and euerlafting loue. 

Sal. May this be pofiible ? May this be true? 

Mel. Haue I not hideous death within my view, 
Retaining but a quantity of life, 
Which bleeds away, euen as a forme of waxe 
Refolueth from his figure 'gainft the fire? 
What in the world mould make me now deceiue, 
Since I muft loofe the vfe of all deceite? 
Why ihould I then be falfe, fince it is true 
That I muft dye heere, and liue hence, by Truth ? 
I fay againe, if Levis do win the day, 
He is forfworne, if ere thofe eyes of yours 
Behold another day breake in the Eaft : 
But euen this night, whofe blacke contagious breath 
Already fmoakes about the burning Creft 
Of the old, feeble, and day-wearied Sunne, 
Euen this ill night, your breathing {hall expire, 
Paying the fine of rated Treacherv, 
Euen with a treacherous fine of all your liues: 
If Levis, by your afsiftance win the day. 
Commend me to one Hubert, with your King ; 
The loue of him, and thisrefpect befides 
(For that my Grandfire was an Engliihman) 
Awakes my Confcience to confefle all this. 
In lieu whereof, I pray you beare me hence 
From forth the noife and rumour of the Field; 
Where I may thinke the remnant of my thoughts 
In peace : and part this bodie and my foule 
With contemplation, and deuout defires. 

Sal. We do beleeue thee, and befhrew my foule, 
But I do loue the fauour, and the forme 
Of this moll faire occafion, by the which 
We will vntread the fteps of damned flight, 
And like a bated and retired Flood, 
Leauing our ranknefle and irregular courfe, 
Stoope lowe within thofe bounds we haue ore-look'd, 
And calmely run on in obedience 
Euen to our Ocean, to our great King Iobn. 
My arme (hall giue thee helpe to beare thee hence, 

For 



The life and death offing "John. 2 1 


For I do fee the cruell pangs of death 

Right in thine eye. Away, my friends, new flight, 

And happie newnefTe, that intends old right. Exeunt 


Baft. Brcefe then : and what's the newes? 

Hub. O my fweet fir, newes fitting to the night, 
Blacke, fearefull, comfortlefle, and horrible. 

'Baft. Shew me the very wound of this ill newes, 
I am no woman, He not fwound at it. 

Hub. The King I feare is poyfon'd by a Monke, 
I left him almoft fpeechlefle, and broke out 
To acquaint you with this euill, that you might 
The better arme you to the fodaine time, 
Then if you had at leifure knowne of this. 

'Baft. How did he take it ? Who did tafte to him ? 

Hub. A Monke I tell you, a refolued villaine 
Whofe Bowels fodainly burft out : The King 
Yet fpeakes, and peraduenture may recouer. 

Baft. Who didft thou leaue to tend his Maiefty ? 

Hub. Why know you not? The Lords are all come 
backe, 
And brought Prince Henry in their companie, 
At whofe requeft the king hath pardon'd them, 
And they are all about his Maieftie. 

'Baft. With-hold thine indignation, mighty heauen, 
And tempt vs not to beare aboue our power. 
He tell thee Hubert, halfe my power this night 
Pafsing thefe Flats, are taken by the Tide, 
Thefe Lincolne-Waihes haue deuoured them, 
My felfe, well mounted, hardly haue efcap'd. 
Away before : Conduct me to the king, 
I doubt he will be dead, or ere I come. Exeunt 


Scena Quinta. 


Enter 'Dolphin, and his Traine. 

Dol. The Sun of heauen(me thought) was loth to fet; 
But ftaid,and made the Weft-erne Welkin blulh, 
When Englilh meafure backward their owne ground 
In faint Retire : Oh brauely came we off, 
When with a volley of our needlefle mot, 
After fuch bloody toile, we bid good night. 
And woon'd our tott'ring colours clearly vp, 
Laft in the field, and almoft Lords of it. 
Enter a MeJJ'enger. 

Mef. Where is my Prince, the Dolphin ? 

Dol. Heere : what newes ? 

Mef. The Count Meloone is flaine: The Engliih Lords 
By his perfwafion, are againe falne off", 
And your fupply, which you haue wifh'd fo long, 
Are cart away, and funke on Goodwin fands. 

Dol, Ah fowle, fhrew'd newes. Beihrew thy very 
I did not thinke to be fo fad to night (hart : 
As this hath made me. Who was he that faid 
King Iohn did flie an houre or two before 
The ftumbling night did part our wearie powres? 

Mef. Who euer fpoke it, it is true my Lord. 

jDo/.Well : keepe good quarter, & good care to night, 
The day mall not be vp fo foone as I, 
To try the faire aduenture of to morrow. Exeunt 


Scena Septima. 


Enter Prince Henry ,Salisburie , and Bigot. 

Hen. It is too late, the life of all his blood 
Is touch'd, corruptibly : and his pure braine 
(Which fome fuppofe the foules fraile dwelling houfe) 
Doth by the idle Comments that it makes, 
Fore-tell the ending of mortality. 
Enter Pembroke. 

Pern. His Highnefle yet doth fpeak, & holds beleefe , 
That being brought into the open ayre, 
It would allay the burning qualitie 
Of that fell poifon which afiayleth him. 

Hen. Let him be brought into the Orchard heere : 
Doth he ftill rage i 

Pern, He is more patient 
Then when you left him ; euen now he fung. 

Hen. Oh vanity of fickneffe: fierce extreames 
In their continuance, will not feele themfelues. 
Death hauing praide vpon the outward parts 
Leaues them inuifible, and his feige is now 
Againft the winde,the which he prickes and wounds 
With many legions of ftrange fantafies, 
Which in their throng, and prefle to that laft hold, 
Counfound themfelues. 'Tis ftrange y death fhold fing: 
I am the Symet to this pale faint Swan, 
Who chaunts a dolefull hymne to his owne death, 
And from the organ-pipe of frail ety lings 
His foule and body to their lafting reft. 

Sal. Be of good comfort (Prince) for you are borne 
To fet a forme vpon that indigeft 
Which he hath left fo fhapelefle, and fo rude. 
Iohn brought in. 

Iohn. I marrie, now my foule hath elbow roome, 

: t 


Scena Sexta. 


Enter Bajlard and Hubert, Jeuerally. 

Hub. Whofe there i Speake hoa, fpeake quickely, or 
I fhoote. 

'Baft. A Friend. What art thou ? 

Hub. Of the part of England. 

'Baft. Whether doeft thou go ? 

Hub. What's that to thee ? 
Why may not I demand of thine affaires, 
As well as thou of mine ? 

'Baft. Hubert, I thinke . 
Hub. Thou haft a perfect thought : 
I will vpon all hazards well beleeue 
Thou art my friend, that know'ft my tongue fo well : 
Who art thou ? 

Baft. Who thou wilt : and if thou pleafe 
Thou maift be-friend me fo much, as to thinke 
I come one way of the Plantagenets. 

Hub. Vnkinde remembrance : thou, & endles night, 
Haue done me ihame : Braue Soldier, pardon me, 
That any accent breaking from thy tongue, 
Should fcape the true acquaintance of mine eare. 

Baft. Come, come : fans complement, What newes 
abroad ? 

Hub. Why heere walke I, in the black brow of night 
To finde you out. 



22 



The life and death ofJ^ingfohn. 



It would not out at windowes, nor at doores, 
There is fo hot a fummer in my bofome, 
That all my bowels crumble vp to duft : 
I am a fcribled forme drawne with a pen 
Vpon a Parchment, and againft this fire 
Do I Ihrinke vp. 

Hen. How fares your Maiefty ? 

lob. Poyfon'd, ill fare : dead, forfooke, caft off, 
And none of you will bid the winter come 
To thruft his ycie fingers in my maw ; 
Nor let my kingdomes Riuers take their courfe 
Through my burn'd bofome : nor intreat the North 
To make his bleake windes kifle my parched lips, 
And comfort me with cold. I do not aske you much, 
I begge cold comfort : and you are fo ftraight 
And fo ingratefull, you deny me that. 

Hen. Oh that there were fome vertue in my teares, 
That might releeue you. 

Iohn. The fait in them is hot. 
Within me is a hell, and there the poyfon 
Is, as a fiend, confin'd to tyrannize, 
On vnrepreeuable condemned blood. 
Enter 'Baftard. 

Baft. Oh, I am fcalded with my violent motion 
And fpleene of fpeede, to fee your Maiefty. 

Iohn. Oh Cozen, thou art come to fet mine eye : 
The tackle of my heart, is crack'd and burnt, 
And all the lhrowds wherewith my life mould faile, 
Are turned to one thred, one little haire : 
My heart hath one poore ftring to ftay it by, 
Which holds but till thy newes be vttered, 
And then all this thou ieeft, is but a clod, 
And module of confounded royalty. 

'Baft. The Dolphin is preparing hither-ward, 
Where heauen he knowes how we lhall anfwer him. 
For in a night the beft part of my powre, 
As I vpon aduantage did remoue, 
Were in the Wajhes all vnwarily, 
Deuoured by the vnexpe&ed flood. 

Sal. You breath thefe dead newes in as dead an eare 
My Liege, my Lord : but now a King, now thus. 

Hen. Euen fo muft I run on, and euen fo flop.. 
What furety of the world, what hope, what ftay, 
When this was now a King, and now is clay ? 

'Baft. Art thou gone fo ? I do but ftay behinde, 
To do the office for thee, of reuenge, 
And then my foule (hall waite on thee to heauen, 



As it on earth hath bene thy feruant ftill. 

Now, now you Starres, that moue in your right fpheres, 

Where be your powres? Shew now your mended faiths, 

And inftantly returne with me againe. 

To pulh deftru£tion,and perpetuall lhame 

Out of the weake doore of our fainting Land: 

Straight let vs feeke, or ftraight we lhall be fought, 

The Dolphine rages at our verie heeles. 

Sal. It feemes you know not then fo much as we, 
The Cardinall Pandulph is within at reft, 
Who halfe an houre fincecame from the Dolphin, 
And brings from him fuch offers of our peace, 
As we with honor and refpedt may take, 
With purpofe prefently to leaue this warre. 

'Baft. He will the rather do it, when he fees 
Our felues well finew'd to our defence. 

Sal. Nay, 'tis in a manner done already, 
For many carriages hee hath difpatch'd 
To the fea fide, and put his caufe and quarrell 
To the difpofing of the Cardinall, 
With whom your felfe, my felfe, and other Lords, 
If you thinke meete, this afternoone will poaft 
To confummate this bufineffe happily. 

Baft. Let it be fo, and you my noble Prince, 
With other Princes that may beft be fpar'd, 
Shall waite vpon your Fathers Funerall. 

Hen. At Worfter muft his bodie be interr'd, 
For fo he will'd it. 

Baft. Thither lhall it then, 
And happily may your fweet felfe put on 
The lineall ftate, and glorie of the Land, 
To whom with all fubmifsion on my knee, 
I do bequeath my faith full feruices 
And true fubieftion euerlaftingly. 

Sal. And the like tender of our loue wee make 
To reft without a fpot for euermore. 

Hen. I haue a kinde foule, that would giue thankes, 
And knowes not how to do it, but with teares. 

'Baft. Oh let vs pay the time : but needfull woe, 
Since it hath beene before hand with our greefes. 
This England neuer did, nor neuer lhall 
Lye at the proud foote of a Conqueror, 
But when it firft did helpe to wound it felfe. 
Now, thefe her Princes are come home againe, 
Come the three corners of the world in Armes, 
And we lhall Ihocke them : Naught lhall make vs rue, 
If England to it felfe, do reft but true. Exeunt. 




2 3 




ThelifeanddeathofKingRichard 

the Second. 



Affius'Primus , Sccena 'Prima. 



Enter King Richard, Iohn of Gaunt, with other Nobles 
and Attendants. 

King Richard. 

' Ld Iohn of Gaunt, time-honoured Lancafter, 
Haft thou according to thy oath and band 
Brought hither Henry Herford thy bold fon : 
Heere to make good " boiftrous late appeale, 
Which then our leyfure would not let vs heare, 
Againft the Duke of Norfolke, Thomas Mowbray? 
Gaunt. I haue my Liege. 

King. Tell me moreouer, haft thou founded him, 
If he appeale the Duke on ancient malice, 
Or worthily as a good fubiect fhould 
On fome knowne ground of treacherie in him. 

Gaunt. As neere as I could fift him on that argument, 
On fome apparant danger feene in him, 
Aym'd at your Highneffe, no inueterate malice. 

Kin. Then call them to our prefence face to face, 
And frowning brow to brow, our felues will heare 
Th'accufer, and the accufed, freely fpeake ; 
High ftomack d are they both, and full of ire, 
In rage, deafe as the fea; haftie as fire. 

Enter ^Bultingbroo^e and Mowbray. 

Ilul. Many yeares of happy dayes befall 
My gracious Soueraigne, my moft louing Liege. 

Mow. Each day ftill better others happineffe, 
Vntill the heauens enuying earths good hap, 
Adde an immortall title to your Crowne. 

King. We thanke you both, yet one but flatters vs, 
As well appeareth by the caufe you come, 
Namely, to appeale each other of high treafon. 
Coofin of Hereford, what doft thou obiect 
Againft the Duke of Norfolke, Thomas Mowbray ? 

Bui. Firft, heauen be the record to my fpeech, 
In the deuotion of a fubie&s loue, 
Tendering the precious fafetie of my Prince, 
And free from other misbegotten hate, 
Come I appealant to rhis Princely prefence. 
Now Thomas Mowbray do I turne to thee, 
And marke my greeting well : for what I fpeake, 
My body fhall make good vpon this earth, 
Or my diuine foule anfwer it in heauen. 
Thou art a Traitor, and a Mifcreant ; 
Too good to be fo, and too bad to liue, 
Since the more faire and chriftall is the skie, 



The vglier feeme the cloudes that in it flye : 

Once more, the more to aggrauate the note, 

With a foule Traitors name ftuffe I thy throte, 

And wifh (fo pleafe my Soueraigne) ere I moue, 

What my tong fpeaks,my right drawn fword may proue 

Mow. Let not my cold words heere accufe my zeale: 
'Tis not the triall of a Womans warre, 
The bitter clamour of two eager tongues, 
Can arbitrate this caufe betwixt vs twaine : 
The blood is hot that moft be cool'd for this. 
Yet can I not of fuch tame patience boaft, 
As to be hulht, and nought at all to fay. 
Firft the faire reuerence of your HighnefTe curbes mee, 
From giuing reines and fpurres to my free fpeech, 
Which elfe would poft, vntiil it had return 'd 
Thefe tearmes of treafon, doubly downe his throat. 
Setting afide his high bloods royalty, 
And let him be no Kinfman to my Liege, 
I do defie him, and I fpit at him, 
Call him a ilanderous Coward, and a Villaine : 
Which to maintaine, I would allow him oddes, 
And meete him, were I tide to runne afoote, 
Euen to the frozen ridges of the Alpes, 
Or any other ground inhabitable, 
Where euer Englishman durft fet his foote. 
Meane time, let this defend my loyaltie, 
By all my Hopes moft falfely doth he lie. 

"Ba/.Pale trembling Coward, there I throw my gage, 
Difclaiming heere the kindred of a King, 
And lay afide my high bloods Royalty, 
Which feare, not reuerence makes thee to except. 
If guilty dread hath left thee fo much ftrength, 
As to take vp mine Honors pawne, then ftoope. 
By that, and all the rites of Knight-hood elfe, 
Will I make good againft thee arme to arme, 
What I haue fpoken, or thou canft deuife. 

Mow. I take it vp, and by that fword I fweare, 
Which gently laid my Knight-hood on my moulder, 
He anfwer thee in any faire degree, 
Or Chiualrous defigne of knightly triall : 
And when I mount, aliue may I not light, 
If I be Traitor, or vniuftly fight. 

XJng'.What doth our Cofin lay to Mowbraies charge ? 
It muft be great that can inherite vs, 
So much as of a thought of ill in him. 

"Ba/.Looke what I faid,my life lhall proue it true, 
That Mowbray hath receiu'd eight thoufand Nobles, 

In 



2 4 



The life and death of ^c hard the Second. 



In name of lendings for your Highnefle Soldiers, 

The which he hath detain'd for lewd employments, 

Like a falfe Traitor, and iniurious Villaine. 

Befides I fay, and will in battaile proue, 

Or heere, or elfewhere to the furtheft Verge 

That euer was furuey'd by Englifli eye, 

That all the Treafons for thefe eighteene yeeres 

Complotted, and contriued in this Land, 

Fetch'd from falfe ^Mowbray their firft head and fpring. 

Further I fay, and further will maintaine 

Vpon his bad life, to make all this good. 

That he did plot the Duke of Gloufters death, 

Suggeft his foone beleeuing aduerfaries, 

And confequently, like a Traitor Coward, 

Sluc'd out his innocent foule through ftreames of blood : 

Which blood, like facrifking Abels cries, 

(Euen from the toongleffe cauernes of the earth) 

To me for iuftice, and rough chafticement: 

And by the glorious worth of my difcent, 

This arme mall do it, or this life be fpent. 

King. How high a pitch his refolution foares : 
Thomas of Norfolke, what fayeft thou to this ? 

Mow. Oh let my Soueraigne turne away his face, 
And bid his eares a little while be deafe, 
Till I haue told this flander of his blood, 
How God, and good men, hate fo foule a lyar. 

King. Mowbray, impartiall are our eyes and eares, 
Were he my brother, nay our kingdomes heyre, 
As he is but my fathers brothers fonne ; 
Now by my Scepters awe, I make a vow, 
Such neighbour-neereneffe to our facred blood, 
Should nothing priuiledge him, nor partialize 
The vn-ftooping firraeneffe of my vpright foule. 
He is our fubieft ( Mowbray ) fo art thou, 
Free fpeech, and fearelefle, I to thee allow. 

Mow. Then 'BuHingbroo^e, as low as to thy heart, 
Through the falfe paflage of thy throat; thou lyeft: 
Three parts of that receipt I had for Callice, 
Disburft I to his Highnefle fouldiers ; 
The other part referuM I by confent, 
For that my Soueraigne Liege was in my debt, 
Vpon remainder of a deere Accompt, 
Since laft I went to France to fetch his Queene : 
Now fwallow downe that Lye. For Gloufters death, 
I Hew him not; but (to mine owne difgrace) 
Neglected my fworne duty in that cafe : 
For you my noble Lord of Lancajier, 
The honourable Father to my foe, 
Once I did lay an ambufli for your life, 
A trefpaffe that doth vex my greeued foule : 
But ere I laft receiu'd the Sacrament, 
I did confefle it, and exactly begg'd 
Your Graces pardon, and I hope I had it. 
This is my fault : as for the reft appeal'd, 
It iflues from the rancour ofa Villaine, 
A recreant, and moft degenerate Traitor, 
Which in my felfe I boldly will defend, 
And interchangeably hurle downe my gage 
Vpon this ouer-weening Traitors foote, 
To proue my felfe a loyall Gentleman, 
Euen in the beft blood chamber'd in his bofome. 
In haft whereof, moft heartily I pray 
Your Highnefle to affigne our Triall day. 

King. Wrath-kindled Gentlemen be rul'd by me : 
Let's purge this choller without letting blood: 
This we prefcribe, though no Phyfition, 



Deepe malice makes too deepe incifion. 

Forget, forgiue, conclude, and be agreed, 

Our Doctors fay, This is no time to bleed. 

Good Vnckle, let this end where it begun, 

Wee'l calme the Duke of Norfolke; you, your fon. 

. Gaunt. To be a make-peace fliall become my age, 
Throw downe (my fonne) the Duke of Norfolkes gage. 

King. And Norfolke, throw downe his. 

Gaunt. When Harrie when? Obedience bids, 
Obedience bids I fliould not bid agen. 

King. Norfolke, throw downe, we bidde ; there is 
no boote. 

Mow.My felfe I throw(dread Soueraigne )at thy foot. 
My life thou ftialt command, but not my fliame, 
The one my dude owes, but my faire name 
Defpight of death, that hues vpon my graue 
To darke diflionours vfe, thou malt not haue. 
I am difgrae'd, impeach'd, and baffel'd heere, 
Pierc'd to the foule with flanders venom'd fpeare : 
The which no balme can cure, but his heart blood 
Which breath'd this poyfon. 

King. Rage muft be withftood : 
Giue me his gage : Lyons make Leopards tame. 

A/o.Yea, but not change his fpots:take but my fliame, 
And I refigne my gage. My deere, deere Lord, 
The pureft treafure mortall times afford 
Is fpotlefle reputation : that away, 
Men are but gilded loame, or painted clay. 
A Iewell in a ten times barr'd vp Cheft, 
Is a bold fpirit, in a loyall breft. 
Mine Honor is my life ; both grow in one: 
Take Honor from me, and my life is done. 
Then ( deere my Liege) mine Honor let me trie, 
In that I liue ; and for that will I die. 

King. Coofin, throw downe your gage, 
Do you begin. 

c Bu/. Oh heauen defend my foule from fuch foule fin. 
Shall I feeme Creft-falne in my fathers fight, 
Or with pale beggar-feare impeach my hight 
Before this out-dar'd daftard ? Ere my toong, 
Shall wound mine honor with fuch feeble wrong; 
Or found fo bafe a parle : my teeth ftiall teare 
The flauifti motiue of recanting feare, 
And fpit it bleeding in his high difgrace, 
Where ihame doth harbour, euen in cMowbrayes face. 

Exit Gaunt. 

King. We were not borne to fue, but to command, 
Which fince we cannot do to make you friends, 
Be readie, (as your liues fliall anfwer it) 
At Couentree, vpon S. Lamberts day : 
There fliall your fwords and Lances arbitrate 
The fwelling difference of your fetled hate : 
Since we cannot attone you, you fliall fee 
Iuftice defigne the Victors Chiualrie. 
Lord Marfliall, command our Officers at Armes, 
Be readie to direct thefe home Alarmes. Exeunt. 



Sctena Secunda. 



Enter Qaunt, andT>utchefe of Gloucefter. 
Gaunt. Alas, the part I had in Gloufters blood, 
Doth more folicite me then your exclaimes, 
To ftirre againft the Butchers of his life. 



Bu t 



The life and death of 'Richard the fecond. 



25 



But fince correction lyeth in thofe hands 
Which made the fault that we cannot correct, 
Put we our quarrell to the will of heauen, 
Who when they fee the houres ripe on earth, 
Will raigne hot vengeance on offenders heads. 

Dut. Findes brotherhood in thee no (harper fpurre ? 
Hath loue ili thy old blood no liuing fire? 
Edwards feuen fonnes (whereof thy felfe art one) 
Were as feuen violles of his Sacred blood, 
Or feuen faire branches fpringing from one roote : 
Some of thofe feuen are dride by natures courfe, 
Some of thofe branches by the deftinies cut: 
But Thomas, my deere Lord, my life, my Gloufter, 
One Violl full of Edwards Sacred blood, 
One flourifhing branch of his moft Royall roote 
Is crack'd, and all the precious liquor fpilt; 
Is hackt downe, and his fummer leafes all vaded 
By Enuies hand, and Murders bloody Axe. 
Ah Gaunt ! His blood was thine, that bed, that worn be, 
That mettle, that felfe-mould that fafhion'd thee, 
Made him a man : and though thou liu'ft, and breath'ft, 
Yet art thou flaine in him : thou doft confent 
In fome large meafure to thy Fathers death, 
In that thou feed: thy wretched brother dye, 
Who was the modell of thy Fathers life. 
Call it not patience [Gaunt) it is difpaire, 
In fuff ring thus thy brother to be flaughter'd, 
Thou (hew'ft the naked pathway to thy life, 
Teaching fterne murther how to butcher thee : 
That which in meane men we intitle patience 
Is pale cold cowardice in noble brefts : 
What fhall I fay, to fafegard thine owne life, 
The belt way is to venge my Gloufters death. 

GW»r. Heauens is the quarrell : for heauens fubftitute 
His Deputy annointed in his fight, 
Hath caus'd his death, the' which if wrongfully 
Let heauen reuenge : for I may neuer lift 
An angry arme againft his Minifter. 

T)ut. Where then (alas may I)complaint my felfe i 
Gau. To heauen, the widdowes Champion to defence 
Dut. Why then I will: farewell old Gaunt. 
Thou go'ft to Couentrie, there to behold 
Our Cofine Herford, and fell Mowbray fight : 

fit my husbands wrongs on Herfords fpeare, 
That it may enter butcher Mowbrayes breft: 
Or if misfortune miffe the firft carreere, 

Be Mowbrayes finnes fo heauy in his bofome, 
That they may breake his foaming Courfers backe, 
And throw the Rider headlong in the Lifts, 
A Caytiffe recreant to my Cofine Herford: 
Farewell old Gaunt, thy fometimes brothers wife 
With her companion Greefe, muft end her life. 

Gau. Sifter farewell : I muft to Couentree, 
As much good ftay with thee, as go with mee. 

Dut. Yet one wotd more : Greefe boundeth where jt 
Not with the emptie hollownes,but weight : (falls, 

1 take my leaue, before I haue begun, 

For forrow ends not, when it feemeth done. 
Commend me to my brother Edmund Torl^e. 
Loe, this is all : nay, yet depart not fo, 
Though this be all, do not fo quickly go, 
I (hall remember more. Bid him, Oh, what? 
With all good fpeed at Plafhie vifit mee. 
Alacke, and what fhall good old Yorke there fee 
But empty lodgings, and vnfurnifh'd walles, 
Vn-peopel'd Offices, vntroden ftones ? 



And what heare there for welcome, but my grones? 

Therefore commend me, let him not come there, 

To feeke out forrow, that dwels euery where : 

Defolate, defolate will I hence, and dye, 

The laft leaue of thee, takes my weeping eye. Exeunt 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter oMarfhall, and Aumerle. 

Mar. My L. Aumerle, is Harry Herford arm'd. 

Aum. Yea, at all points, and longs to enter in. 

Mar. The Duke of Norfolke, fprightfully and bold, 
Stayes but the fummons of the Appealants Trumpet. 

Au. Why then the Champions, are prepar'd,and ftay 
For nothing but his Maiefties approach. Flourijh. 

Enter King, Gaunt, Bujhy, Bagot, Greene, & 
others : Then oMowbray in Ar- 
mor, and Harrold. 

Rich. Marfhall, demand of yonder Champion 
The caufe of his arriuall heere in Armes, 
Aske him his name, and orderly proceed 
To fweare him in the iuftice of his caufe. 

Mar. In Gods name, and the Kings, fay who y art, 
And why thou com'ft thus knightly clad in Armes? 
Againft what man thou com'ft,and what's thy quarrell, 
Speake truly on thy knighthood, and thine oath, 
As fo defend thee heauen, and thy valour. 

oMow. My name is Tho. Mowbray,Duke of Norfolk, 
Who hither comes engaged by my oath 
(Which heauen defend a knight fhould violate) 
Both to defend my loyalty and truth, 
To God, my King, and his fucceeding iffue, 
Againft the Duke of Herford, that appeales me : 
And by the grace of God, and this mine arme, 
To proue him (in defending of my felfe) 
A Traitor to my God, my King, and me, 
And as I truly fight, defend me heauen. 

Tucfet. Enter Hereford, and Harold. 

Rich. Marfhall : Aske yonder Knight in Armes, 
Both who he is, and why he commeth hither, 
Thus placed in habiliments of warre : 
And formerly according to our Law 
Depofe him in the iuftice of his caufe. 

Mar. What is thy name? and wherfore comft y hither 
Before King Richard in his Royall Lifts? 
Againft whom com'ft thou? and what's thy quarrell? 
Speake like a true Knight, fo defend thee heauen. 

'Bui. Harry of Herford, Lancafter, and Derbie, 
Am I : who ready heere do ftand in Armes, 
To proue by heauens grace, and my bodies valour, 
In Lifts, on Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolke, 
That he's a Traitor foule, and dangerous, 
To God of heauen, King Richard, and to me, 
And as I truly fight, defend me heauen. 

Mar. On paine of death, no perfon be fo bold, 
Or daring hardie as to touch the Liftes, 
Except the Marfhall, and fuch Officers 
Appointed to direct thefe faire defignes. 

'Bui. Lord Marfhall, let me kilfe my Soueraigns hand, 
And bow my knee before his Maieftie: 
For Mowbray and my felfe are like two men, 
That vow a long and weary pilgrimage, 

c Then 



The life and death of ^chard thefecond. 



Then let vs take a ceremonious leaue 
And louing farwell of our feuerall friends. 

Mar.'The Appealant in all duty greets your Highnes, 
And craues to kiffe your hand, and take his leaue. 

'Rich. We will defcend, and fold him in our armes. 
Cofin of Herford, as thy caufe is iuft, 
So be thy fortune in this Royall fight : 
Farewell, my blood, which if to day thou fhead, 
Lament we may, but not reuenge thee dead. 

'Bull. Oh let no noble eye prophane a teare 
For me, if I be gor'd with cMowbrayes fpeare : 
As confident, as is the Falcons flight 
Againft a bird, do I with Mowbray fight. 
My louing Lord, I take my leaue of you, 
Of you (my Noble Cofin) Lord tAumerle ; 
Not ficke, although I haue to do with death, 
But luftie, yong, and cheerely drawing breath. 
Loe, as at Englifh Feafts, fo I regreete 
The daintieft laft, to make the end moft fweet. 
Oh thou the earthy author of my blood, 
Whofe youthfull fpirit in me regenerate, 
Doth with a two-fold rigor lift mee vp 
To reach at victory aboue my head, 
Adde proofe vnto mine Armour with thy prayres, 
And with thy blefsings fteele my Lances point, 
That it may enter Mowbrayes waxen Coate, 
And furnifh new the name of Iohn a Gaunt, 
Euen in the lufty hauiour of his fonne. 

Gaaw/.Heauen in thy good caufe make thee profp'rous 
Be fwift like lightning in the execution, 
And let thy blowes doubly redoubled, 
Fall like amazing thunder on the Caske 
Of thy amaz'd pernicious enemy. 
Rouze vp thy youthfull blood, be valiant,and Hue. 

'Bui. Mine innocence, and S.George to thriue. 

Mow. How euer heauen or fortune caft my lot, 
There Hues, or dies, true to Kings Richards Throne, 
A loyall, iuft, and vpright Gentleman: 
Neuer did Captiue with a freer heart, 
Caft off his chaines of bondage, and embrace 
His golden vncontroul'd enfranchifement, 
More then my dancing foule doth celebrate 
This Feaft of Bat tell, with mine Aduerfarie. 
Moft mighty Liege, and my companion Peeres, 
Take from my mouth, the wifh of happy yeares, 
As gentle, and as iocond,as to ieft, 
Go I to fight : Truth, hath a quiet breft. 

Rich. Farewell, my Lord, fecurely I efpy 
Vertue with Valour, couched in thine eye : 
Order the triall Mar(hall,and begin. 

cMar. Harrie of Herford, Lancafter, and Derby, 
Receiue thy Launce, and heauen defend thy right. 

'Bui. Strong as a towre in hope, I cry Amen. 

Mar. Go beare this Lance to Thomas D. of Norfolke. 

l.Har. Harry of Herford, Lancafter, and Derbie, 
Stands heere for God, his Soueraigne, and himfelfe, 
On paine to be found falfe, and recreant, 
To proue the Duke of Norfolke, Thomas Mowbray, 
A Traitor to his God, his King, and him, 
And dares him to let forwards to the fight. 

z.Har. Here ftandeth Tho-.Mowbray Duke of Norfolk 
On paine to be found falfe and recreant, 
Both to defend himfelfe, and to approue 
Henry of Herford, Lancafter, and Derby, 
To God, his Soueraigne, and to him difloyall: 
Couragioufly,and with a free defire 



Attending but the fignall to begin. A charge founded 

Mar. Sound Trumpets,and fet forward Combatants: 
Stay, the King hath throwne his Warder downe. 

Rich. Let them lay by their Helmets & their Speares, 
And both returne backe to their Chaires againe : 
Withdraw with vs, and let the Trumpets found, 
While we returne thefe Dukes what we decree. 

A long Flourifh. 
Draw neere and lift 

What with our Councell we haue done. 
For that our kingdomes earth fhould not be foyld 
With that deere blood which it hath foftered, 
And for our eyes do hate the dire afpett 
Of ciuill wounds plowgh'd vp with neighbors fwords, 
Which fo rouz'd vp with boyftrous vntun'd drummes, 
With harfh refounding Trumpets dreadfull bray, 
And grating fhocke of wrathfull yron Armes, 
Might from our quiet Confines fright faire peace, 
And make vs wade euen in our kindreds blood : 
Therefore, we banifh you our Territories. 
You Cofin Herford, vpon paine of death, 
Till twice fiue Summers haue enrich'd our fields, 
Shall not regreet our faire dominions, 
But treade the ftranger pathes of baniihment. 

Bui. Your will be done: This muft my comfort be, 
That Sun that warmes you heere, fhall fhineon me: 
And thofe his golden beames to you heere lent, 
Shall point on me, and gild my banifhment. 

Rich. Norfolke: for thee remaines a heauier dombe, 
Which I with fome vnwillingneffe pronounce, 
The flye flow houres fhall not determinate 
The dateleffe limit of thy deere exile : 
The hopeleffe word, of Neuer to returne, 
Breath I againft thee, vpon paine of life. 

Mow. A heauy fentence, my moft Soueraigne Liege, 
And all vnlook'd for from your Highneffe mouth : 
A deerer merit, not fo deepe a maime, 
As to be caft forth in the common ayre 
Haue I deferued at your Highneffe hands. 
The Language I haue learn'd thefe forty yeares 
(My natiue Englifh) now I muft forgo, 
And now my tongues vfe is to me no more, 
Then an vnftringed Vyall, or a Harpe, 
Or like a cunning Inftrument cas'd vp, 
Or being open, put into his hands 
That knowes no touch to tune the harmony. 
Within my mouth you haue engaol'd my tongue, 
Doubly percullift with my teeth and lippes, 
And dull, vnfeeling, barren ignorance, 
Is made my Gaoler to attend on me : 
I am too old to fawne vpon a Nurfe, 
Too farre in yeeres to be a pupill now: 
What is thy fentence then, but fpeechleffedeath, 
Which robs my tongue from breathing natiue breath? 

^Rjcb, It boots thee not to be compafsionate, 
/nter our fentence, plaining comes too late. 

<JlTcw. Then thus I turne me from my countries light 
To dwell in folemne fhades of endleffe night. 

Ric. Returne againe, and take an oath with thee, 
Lay on our Royall fword, your banifht hands ; 
Sweare by the duty that you owe to heauen 
(Our part therein we banifh with your felues) 
To keepe the Oath that we adminifter : 
You ueuer fhall (fo helpe you Truth, and Heauen) 
Embrace each others loue in baniihment, 
Nor euer looke vpon each others face, 

Nor 



The life and death of^chardthefecond. 



27 



Nor euer write, regreete, or reconcile 

This lowring tempeft of your home-bred hate, 

Nor euer by aduifed purpofe meete, 

To plot, contriue, or complot any ill, 

'Gainft Vs, our State, our Subjects, or our Land. 

'Bull. I fweare. 

Mow. And I, to keepe all this. 

Bui. Norfolke, fo fare, as to mine enemie, 
By this time fhad the King permitted vs) 
One of our foules had wandred in the ayre, 
Banifh'd this fraile fepulchre of our flefh, 
As now our flefh is banifh'd from this Land. 
Confefle thy Treafons, ere thou flye this Realme, 
Since thou haft farre to go, beare not along 
The clogging burthen of a guilty foule. 

e^fcrv. No i Bullingbro\e : If euer I were Traitor, 
My name be blotted from the booke of Life, 
And I from heauen banifh'd, as from hence : 
But what thou art, heauen, thou, and I do know, 
And all too foone (I feare) the King fhall rue. 
Farewell (my Liege) now no way can I ftray, 
Saue backe to England, all the worlds my way. Exit, 

'Rich. Vncle, euen in the glaffes of thine eyes 
I fee thy greeued heart : thy fad afpedl, 
Hath from the number of his banifh'd yeares 
Pluck'd foure away : Six frozen Winters fpent, 
Returne with welcome home, from banifhment: 

'Bui. How long a time lyes in one little word : 
Foure lagging Winters, and foure wanton fprings 
End in a word, fuch is the breath of Kings. 

Gaunt, I thanke my Liege, that in regard of me 
He fhortens foure yeares of my fonnes exile : 
But little vantage fhall I reape thereby. 
For ere the fixe yeares that he hath to fpend 
Can change their Moones, and bring their times about, 
My oyle-dride Lampe, and time-bewafted light 
Shall be extinct with age, and endlefTe night : 
My inch ofTaper, will be burnt, and done, 
And blindfold death, not let me fee my fonne. 

Rich. Why Vncle, thou haft many yeeres to liue. 

Gaunt. But not a minute (King) that thou canft giue ; 
Shorten my dayes thou canft with fudden forow, 
And plucke nights from me, but not lend a morrow* 
Thou canft helpe time to furrow me with age, 
But ftop no wrinkle in his pilgrimage : 
Thy word is currant with him, for my death, 
But dead, thy kingdome cannot buy my breath. 

Ric. Thy fonne is banifh'd vpon good aduice, 
Whereto thy tongue a party-verdict gaue, 
Why at our Iuftice feem'ft thou then to lowre ? 

Gau. Things fweet to taft, proue in digeftion fowre : 
You vrg'd me as a Iudge, but I had rather 
you would haue bid me argue like a Father. 
Alas, I look'd when fome of you fhould fay, 
I was too ftrict to make mine owne away: 
But you gaue leaue to my vnwilling tong, 
Againft my will, to do my felfe this wrong. 

_ Rich, Cofine farewell : and Vncle bid him fo : 
Six yeares we banifh him, and he fhall go. Exit 

Flourijh. 

Au. Cofine farewell : what prefence muft not know 
From where you do remaine, let paper fhow. 

Mar. My Lord, no leaue take I, for I will ride 
As farre as land will let me, by your fide. 

Gaunt.Oh to what purpofe doft thou hord thy words, 
That thou teturnft no greeting to thy friends ? 



'Bull. I haue too few to take my leaue of you, 
When the tongues office fhould be prodigall, 
To breath th'abundant dolour of the heart. 

Gau. Thy greefe is but thy abfence for a time. 

Bull. Ioy abfent, greefe is prefent for that time. 

Gau. What is fixe Winters, they are quickely gone ? 

Bui. To men in ioy, but greefe makes one houre ten. 

Qau. Call it a trauell that thou tak'ft for pleafure. 

'Bui. My heart will figh, when I mifcall it fo, 
Which findes it an inforced Pilgrimage. 

Gau. The fullen pafTage of thy weary fteppes 
Efteeme a foyle, wherein thou art to fet 
The precious Iewell of thy home returne. 

'Bui. Oh who can hold a fire in his hand 
By thinking on the froftie Caucafus? 
Or cloy the hungry edge of appetite, 
by bare imagination of a Feaft? 
Or Wallow naked in December fnow 
by thinking on fantafticke fummers heate ? 
Oh no, the apprehenfion of the good 
Giues but the greater feeling to the worfe : 
Fell forrowes tooth, doth euer ranckle more 
Then when it bites, but lanceth not the fore. 

Gaa.Come,come (my fon) He bring thee on thy way 
Had I thy youth, and caufe, I would not ftay. 

i?«/.Then Englands ground farewell: fweet foil adieu, 
My Mother, and my Nurfe, which beares me yet : 
Where ere I wander, boaft of this I can, 
Though banifh'd, yet a true-borne Englifhman. 



Scaena Quarta. 



Enter King, Aumerle, Greene, and Bagot. 

Rich. We did obferue. Cofine Anmerle, 
How far brought you high Herford on his way? 

cAum. I brought high Herford (if you call him fo) 
but to the next high way, and there I left him. 

Rich. And fay, what ftore of parting tears were (hed? 

jium. Faith none for me : except the Northeaft wind 
Which then grew bitterly againft our face, 
Awak'd the fleepie rhewme, and fo by chance 
Did grace our hollow parting with a teare. 

Rici.Whst faid our Cofin when you parted with him? 

^a.Farewell: and for my hart difdained y my tongue 
Should fo prophane the word, that taught me craft 
To counterfeit opprefsion of fuch greefe, 
That word feem'd buried in my forrowes graue. 
Marry,would the word Farwell,haue lengthen'd houres, 
And added yeeres to his fhort banifhment, 
He fhould haue had a volume of Farwels, 
but fince it would not, he had none of me. 

Rich. He is our Covin (Cofin) but 'tis doubt, 
When time fhall call him home from banifhment, 
Whether our kinfman come to fee his friends, 
Our felfe, and 'Bujhy : heere 'Bagot and Greene 
Obferu'd his Courtfhip to the common people : 
How he did feeme to diue into their hearts, 
With humble, and familiat courtefie, 
What reuerence he did throw away on flaues; 
Wooing poore Craftef-men, with the craft of foules, 
And patient vnder-bearing of his Fortune, 
As 'twere to banifh their affects with him. 
Off goes his bonnet to an Oyfter- wench, 



The life and death of l^ichard the fecond. 



A brace of Dray-men bid God fpeed him well, 

And had the tribute of his fupple knee, 

With thankes my Countrimen, my louing friends, 

As were our England in reuerfion his, 

And he our fubiefts next degree in hope. 

Gr. Well,he is gone,& with him go thefe thoughts: 
Now for the Rebels, which ftand out in Ireland, 
.Expedient manage muft be made my Liege 
Ere further leyfure, yeeld them further meanes 
For their aduantage, and your Highneffe loffe. 

Ric. We will our felfe in perfon to this warre, 
And for our Coffers, with too great a Court, 
And liberall Largeffe, are growne fomewhat light, 
We are inforc'd to farme our royall Realme, 
The Reuennew whereof mail furnifh vs 
For our afFayres in hand : if that come fhort 
Our Subftitutes at home mall haue Blanke-charters : 
Whereto, when they mall know what men are rich, 
They (hall fubfcribe them for large fummes of Gold, 
And lend them after to fupply our wants: 
For we will make for Ireland prefently. 

Enter Bujhy. 
'Bujhy, what newes ? 

'Bt. Old Iohn of Gaunt is verie ficke my Lord, 
Sodainly taken, and hath fent poft hafte 
To entreat your Maiefty to vifit him. 

'Sic. Where lyes he ? 

Bu. At Ely houfe. 

Ric. Now put it (heauen) in his Phyfitians minde, 
To helpe him to his graue immediately : 
The lining of his coffers mail make Coates 
To decke our fouldiers for thefe Irifli warres. 
Come Gentlemen, Jet's all go vifit him : 
Pray heauen we may make haft, and come too late. Exit. 



aABus Secundus. Scena Prima. 



Enter Gaunt, fic\e with Torke. 

Gau. Will the King come, that I may breath my laft 
In wholfome counfell to his vnftaid youth,? 

Tor. Vex not your felfe, nor ftriue not with your breth, 
For all in vaine comes counfell to his eare. 

Gau. Oh but (they fay) the tongues of dying men 
Inforce attention like deepe harmony; 
Where words are fcarfe, they are feldome fpent in vaine, 
For they breath truth, that breath their words in paine. 
He that no more muft fay, is liften'd more, 
Then they whom youth and eafe haue taught to glofe, 
More are mens ends markt, then their Hues before, 
The fetfing Sun, and Muficke is the clofe 
As the laft tafte of fweetes, is fweeteft laft, 
Writ in remembrance, more then things long paft ; 
Though Richard my Hues counfell would not heare, 
My deaths fad tale, may yet vndeafe his eare. 

Tor. No, it is ftopt with other flatt'ring founds 
As praifes of his ftate : then there are found 
Lafciuious Meeters, to whofe venom found 
The open eare of youth doth alwayes Men. 
Report of falhions in proud Italy, 
Whofe manners ftill our tardie apifh Nation 
Limpes after in bafe imitation. 



Where doth the world thruft forth a vanity, 

So it be new, there's no refpedt how vile, 

That is not quickly buz'd into his eares i 

That all too late comes counfell to be heard, 

Where will doth mutiny with wits regard: 

Direct not him, whofe way himfelfe will choofe, 

Tfs breath thou lackft, and that breath wilt thou loole. 

Gaunt. Me thinkes I am a Prophet new infpir'd, 
And thus expiring, do foretell of him, 
His ram fierce blaze of Ryot cannot laft, 
For violent fires foone burne out themfelues, 
Small fhowres laft long, but fodaine ftormes are fhort, 
He tyres betimes, that fpurs too faft betimes; 
With eager feeding, food doth choake the feeder: 
Light vanity, infatiate cormorant, 
Confuming meanes foone preyes vpon it felfe. 
This royall Throne of Kings, this fceptred Ifle, 
This earth of Maiefty, this feate of Mars, 
This other Eden, demy paradife, 
This FortrefTe built by Nature for her felfe, 
Againft infection, and the hand of warre : 
This happy breed of men, this little world, 
This precious ftone, fet in the filuer fea, 
Which ferues it in the office of a wall, 
Or as a Moate defenfiue to a houfe, 
Againft the enuy of leffe happier Lands, 
This bleffed plot, this earth, this Realme, this England, 
This Nurfe, this teeming wombe of Royall Kings, 
Fear'd by their breed, and famous for their birth, 
Renowned for their deeds, as farre from home, 
For Chriftian feruice, and true Chiualrie, 
As is the fepulcher in ftubborne Iury 
Of the Worlds ranfome, bleffed zMaries Sonne. 
This Land of fuch deere foules, this deere-deere Land, 
Deere for her reputation through the world, 
Is now Leas'd out (I dye pronouncing \\.) 
Like to a Tenement or pelting Farme. 
England bound in with the triumphant fea, 
Whofe rocky fhore beates backe the enuious fiedge 
Of watery Neptune, is now bound in with fhame, 
With Inky blottes, and rotten Parchment bonds. 
That England, that was wont to conquer others, 
Hath'made a fhamefull conqueft of it felfe. 
Ah! would the fcandall vanifh with my life, 
How happy then were my enfuing death ? 

Enter King, Queene,*Aumerle, Bujhy, Greene, 
Bagot, Ros, and Willoughby. 

Tor. The King is come, deale mildly with his youth, 
For young hot Colts, being rag'd, do rage the more. 

$iu. How fares our noble Vncle Lancafter ? 

RJ. What comfort man? How ift with aged Gaunt ? 

Ga. Oh how that name befits my compofition : 
Old Gaunt indeed, and gaunt in being old : 
Within me greefe hath kept a tedious faft, 
And who abftaynes from meate, that is not gaunt? 
For fleeping England long time haue I watcht, 
Watching breeds leanneffe, leanneffe is all gaunt. 
The pleafure that fome Fathers feede vpon, 
Is my ftrict faft, I meane my Childrens lookes, 
And therein falling, haft thou made me gaunt: 
Gaunt am I for the graue, gaunt as a graue, 
Whofe hollow wombe inherits naught but bones. 

Ric. Can ficke men play fo nicely with their names? 

(jau. No, mifery makes fport to mocke it felfe : 
Since thou doft feeke to kill my name in mec, 



w 



The life and death ofT(ichardthefecond. 



2Q 



I mocke my name (great King) to flatter thee. 

Ric. Should dying men flatter thofe that liue ? 

Gau. No, no, men liuing flatter thofe that dye. 

Rich. Thou now a dying, fayft thou flatter'ft me. 

Gau. Oh no, thou dyeft, though I the ficker be. 

SJch. I am in health, I breath, I fee thee ill. 

Gau. Now he that made me, knowes I fee thee ill : 
III in my felfe to fee, and in thee, feeing ill, 
Thy death-bed is no lefler then the Land, 
Wherein thou lyeft in reputation ficke, 
And thou too care-lefle patient as thou art, 
Commit'ft thy' anointed body to the cure 
Of thofe Phyfitians, that firft wounded thee. 
A thoufand flatterers fit within thy Crowne, 
Whofe compafle is no bigger then thy head, 
And yet incaged in fc fmall a Verge, 
The wafte is no whit lefler then thy Land : 
Oh had thy Grandfire with a Prophets eye, 
Seene how his fonnes fonne, fhould deftroy his fonnes, 
From forth thy reach he would haue laid thy fliame, 
Depofing thee before thou wert poffeft, 
Which art pofleft now to depofe thy felfe. 
Why (Cofine) were thou Regent of the world, 
It were a fliame to, let his Land by leafe : s 
But for thy world enioying but this Land, 
Is it not more then fliame, to fliame it fo ? 
Landlord of England art thou, and not King: 
Thy ftate of Law, is bondflaue to the law, 
And 

Rich. And thou, a lunaticke leane-witted foole, 
Prefuming on an Agues priuiledge, 
Dar'ft with thy frozen admonition 
Make pale our cheeke, chafing the Royall blood 
With fury, from his natiue refidence ? 
Now by my Seates right Royall Maieftie, 
Wer't thou not Brother to great Edwards fonne, 
This tongue that runs fo roundly in thy head, 
Should run thy head from thy vnreuerent flioulders. 

Gau. Oh fpare me not, my brothers Ed-wards fonne, 
For that I was his Father Edwards, fonne : 
That blood already (like the Pellican) 
Thou haft tapt out, and drunkenly carows'd. 
My brother Gloucefter, plaine well meaning foule 
(Whom faire befall in heauen 'mongft happy foules) 
May be a prefident, and witnefle good, 
That thou refpecYft not fpilling Edwards blood : 
Ioyne with the prefent ficknefle that I haue, 
And thy vnkindnefle be like crooked age, 
To crop at once a too-long wither'd flowre. 
Liue in thy fliame, but dye not fliame with thee, 
Thefe words heereafter, thy tormentors bee. 
Conuey me to my bed, then to my graue, 
Loue they to liue, that loue and honor haue. Exit 

Rich. And let them dye, that age and fullens haue, 
For both haft thou, and both become the graue. 

Tor. I do befeech your Maieftie impute his words 
To wayward ficklinefle, and age in him : 
He loues you on my life, and holds you deere 
As Harry Duke of Herford, were he heere. 

Rich. Right, you fay true : as Herfords loue, fo his 5 
As theirs, fo mine : and all be as it is. 

Enter Northumberland. 

Nor. My Liege, olde Gaunt commends him to your 
Maieftie. 



Rich. What fayes he f 

Nor. Nay nothing, all is faid : 
His tongue is now a ftringlefle inftrument, 
Words, life, and all, old Lancafter hath fpent. 

Tor. Be Yorke the next, that muft be bankrupt fo, 
Though death be poore, it ends a mortall wo. 

Rich. The ripefl; fruit firft fals, and fo doth he, 
His time is fpent, our pilgrimage muft be : 
So much for that. Now for our Irifh warres, 
We muft fupplant thofe rough rug-headed Kernes, 
Which liue like venom, where no venom elfe 
But onely they, haue priuiledge to liue. 
And for thefe great affayres do aske fome charge 
Towards our afsiftance, we do feize to vs 
The plate, coine, reuennewes, and moueables, 
Whereof our Vncle Gaunt did ftand pofleft. 

Tor. How long (hall I be patient? Oh how long 
Shall tender dutie make me fuffer wrong ? 
Not Gloujlers death, nor Herfords banifliment, 
Nor Gauntes rebukes, nor Englands priuate wrongs, 
Nor the preuention of poore BuUingbroo\e, 
About his marriage, nor my owne difgrace 
Haue euer made me fowre my patient cheeke, 
Or bend one wrinckle on my Soueraignes face : 
I am the laft of noble Edwards fonnes, 
Of whom thy Father Prince of Wales was firft, 
In warre was neuer Lyon rag'd more fierce : 
In peace, was neuer gentle Lambe more milde, 
Then was that yong and Princely Gentleman, 
His face thou haft, for euen fo look'd he 
Accomplifli'd with the number of thy howers: 
But when he frown'd, it was againft the French, 
And not againft his friends: his noble hand 
Did win what he did fpend : and fpent not that 
Which his triumphant fathers hand had won: 
His hands were guilty of no kindreds blood, 
But bloody with the enemies of his kinne: 
Oh Richard, Tor\e is too farre gone with greefe, 
Or elfe he neuer would compare betweene. 

Rich. Why Vncle, 
What's the matter? 

Tor. Oh my Liege, pardon me if you pleafe, if not 
I pleas'd not to be pardon'd, am content with all : 
Seeke you to feize, and gripe into your hands 
The Royalties and Rights of banifli'd Herford i 
Is not Gaunt dead? and doth not Herford liue ? 
Was not Gaunt iuft? and is not Harry true? • 
Did not the one deferue to haue an heyre ? 
Is not his heyre a well-deferuing fonne ? 
Take Herfords rights away, and take from time 
His Charters, and his cuftomarie rights: 
Let not to morrow then infue to day, 
Be not thy felfe. For how art thou a King 
But by faire fequence and fuccefsion ? 
Now afore God, God forbid I fay true, 
If you do wrongfully feize Herfords right, 
Call in his Letters Patents that he hath 
By his Atrurneyes generall, to fue 
His Liuerie, and denie his offer'd homage, 
You plucke a thoufand dangers on your head, 
You loofe a thoufand well-difpofed hearts, 
And pricke my tender patience to thofe thoughts 
Which honor and allegeance cannot thinke. 

Ric. Thinke what you will: we feife into our hands, 
His plate, his goods, his money, and his lands. 

Tor. He not be by the while : My Liege farewell, 



3° 



The life and death of c Bj,chard the fecond. 



What will enfue heereof, there's none can tell. 

But by bad courfes may be vnderftood, 

That their euents can neuer fall out good. Exit. 

Rich. Go <BuJbie to the Earle of Wilt/hire ftreight, 
Bid him repaire to vs to Ely houfe, 
To fee this bufineffe : to morrow next 
We will for Ireland, and 'tis time, I trow : 
And we create in abfence of our felfe 
Our Vncle Yorke, Lord Gouernor of England : 
For he is iuft, and alwayes lou'd vs well. 
Come on our Queene, to morrow muft we part, 
Be merry, for our time of ftay is fhort. 

zManet North. Wdlougbby, &%oJf; 

Nor. Well Lords, the Duke of Lancafter is dead. 

Roff. And liuing too, for now his fonne is Duke. 

Wil. Barely in title, not in reuennew. 

Nor. Richly in both, if iuftice had her right. 

Roff.My heart is great : but it muft break with filence, 
Er't be disburthen'd with a liberall tongue. 

iVor.Nay fpeake thy mind : & let him ne'r fpeak more 
That fpeakes thy words againe to do thee harme. 

W.Tends that thou'dft fpeake to th'Du. of Hereford, 
If it be fo, out with it boldly man, 
Quicke is mine eare to heare of good towards him. 

Roff. No good at all that I can do for him, 
Vnlefie you call it good to pitie him, 
Bereft and gelded of his patrimonie. 

Nor. Now afore heauen, 'tis ihame fuch wrongs are 
borne, 
In him a royall Prince, and many moe 
Of noble blood in this declining Land; 
The King is not himfelfe, but bafely led 
By Flatterers, and what they will informe 
Meerely in hate 'gainft any of vs all, 
That will the King feuerely profecute 
'Gainft vs, our Hues, our children, and our heires. 

Rof. The Commons hath he pil'd with greeuous taxes 
And quite loft their hearts : the Nobles hath he finde 
For ancient quarrels, and quite Joft their hearts. 

Wil. And daily new exa&ions are deuis'd, 
As blankes, beneuolences, and I wot not what: 
But what o'Gods name doth become of this ? 

Nor . Wars hath not wafted it, for war'd he hath not. 
But bafely yeelded vpon comprimize, 
That which his Anceftorsatchieu'd with blowes : 
More hath he fpent in peace, then they in warres. 

Rof. The Earle of Wiltshire hath the realme in Farme. 

Wil. The Kings growne bankrupt like a broken man. 

Nor. Reproach and diffolution hangeth ouer him. 

Rof. He hath not monie for thefe Irifh warres : 
(His burthenous taxations notwithftanding) 
But by the robbing of the banim'd Duke. 

Nor. His noble Kinfman, moft degenerate King: 
But Lords, we heare this fearefull tempeft fing, 
Yet feeke no melter to auoid the ftorme: 
We fee the winde fit fore vpon our failes, 
And yet we ftrike not, but fecurely perifti, 

Rof. We fee the very wracke that we muft fuffer, 
And vnauoyded is the danger now 
For fuffering fo the caufes of our wracke. 

Nor. Not fo : euen through the hollow eyes of death, 
I fpie life peering : but I dare not fay 
How neere the tidings of our comfort is. 

Wil. Nay let vs Ihare thy thoughts, as thou doft ours 

Rof. Be confident to fpeake Northumberland, 
We three, are but thy felfe, and fpeaking fo, 



Thy words are but as thoughts, therefore be bold. 

Nor. Then thus : I haue from Port le Blan 
A Bay in <Britaine,receWd intelligence, 
That Harry Duke of Her ford, Rainald Lord Cobbam, 
That late broke from the Duke of Exeter, 
His brother Archbifhop, late of Canterbury, 
Sir Thomas Erpingham, Sir lohn Rainfion, 
Sir lohn Norberie, Sir Robert Waterton, & Francis Quaint, 
All thefe well furnifh'd by the Duke oCBritaine, 
With eight tall fhips, three thoufand men of warre 
Are making hither with all due expedience, 
And fhortly meane to touf.h our Northerne fhore : 
Perhaps they had ere this, but that they ftay 
The firft departing of the King for Ireland. 
If then we fhall fhake off our flauifli yoake, 
Impe out our drooping Countries broken wing, 
Redeeme from breaking pawne the blemiih'd Crowne, 
Wipe off the duft that hides our Scepters gilt, 
And make high Maieftie looke like it felfe, 
Away with me in pofte to Rauenspurgb, 
But if you faint, as fearing to do fo, 
Stay, and be fecret, and my felfe will go. 

Rof. To horfe, to horfe, vrge doubts to them y feare. 

Wil. Hold out my horfe, and I will firft be there. 
exeunt. 






Scena Secunda. 



Enter Queene, Bufhy, and 'Bagot. 

Bufh. Madam, your Maiefty is too much fad, 
You promis'd when you parted with the King, 
To lay afide felfe-harming heauineffe, 
And entertaine a cheerefull difpofition. 

Qu. To pleafe the King, I did : to pleafe my felfe 
I cannot do it : yet I know no caufe 
Why I mould welcome fuch a gueft as greefe, 
Saue bidding farewell to fo fweet a gueft 
As my fweet Richard; yet againe me thinkes, 
Some vnborne forrow, ripe in fortunes wombe 
Is comming towards me, and my inward foule 
With nothing trembles, at fomething it greeues, 
More then with parting from my Lord the King. 

Bufh. Each fubftance of a greefe hath twenty fliadows 
Which Ihewes like greefe it felfe, but is not fo : 
For forrowes eye, glazed with blinding teares, 
Diuides one thing intire, to many obiefts, 
Like perfpecYiues, which rightly gaz'd vpon 
Shew nothing but confufion, ey'd awry, 
Diftinguifh forme : fo your fweet Maieftie 
Looking awry vpon your Lords departure, 
Finde (hapes of greefe, more then himfelfe to waile, 
Which look'd on as it is, is naught bur fhadowes 
Of what it is not : then thrice-gracious Queene, 
More then your Lords departure weep not, more's not 
Or if it be, 'tis with falfe forrowes eie, _ (leene; 

Which for things true, weepe things imaginary. 

Qu. It may be fo : but yet my inward foule 
Perfwades me it is otherwife : how ere it be, 
I cannot but be fad : fo heauy fad, 
As though on thinking on no thought I thinke, 
Makes me with heauy nothing faint and Ihrinke. 

Bufh. 'Tis nothing but conceit (my gracious Lady.) 

Queene. 



The life and death of Richard the fecond. 



Qu. 'Tis nothing leffe : conceit is ftill deriu'd 
From fome fore-father greefe, mine is not fo, 
For nothing hath begot my fomething greefe, 
Or fomething, hath the nothing that I greeue, 
'Tis in reuerfion that I do poffefle, 
But what it is, that is not yet knowne, what 
I cannot name, 'tis nameleffe woe I wot. 
Enter Greene. 

Gree. Heauen faue your Maiefty, and wel met Gentle- 
I hope the King is not yet fhipt for Ireland. (men: 

Qu Why hop'ft thou fo? Tis better hope he is: 
For his defignes craue haft, his haft good hope, 
Then wherefore doft thou hope he is not fhipt ? 

Gre. That he our hope, might haue retyr'd his power, 
and driuen into difpaire an enemies hope, 
Who ftrongly hath fet footing in this Land. 
The banifh'd 'Bullingbroo^e repeales himfelfe, 
And with vp-lifted Armes is fafe arriu'd 
At Rauenjpurg. 

Qu. Now God in heauen forbid. 

Gr. O Madam 'tis too true : and that is worfe, 
The L.Northumberland, his yong fonne Henrie Tercie, 
The Lords of RoJJi, Beaumond, and Willonghby, 
With all their powrefull friends are fled to him. 

BuJh.Why haue you not proclaim'd Northumberland 
And the reft of the reuolted faftion, Traitors? 

Gre. We haue : whereupon the Earle of Worcefter 
Hath broke his ftaffe, refign'd his Stewardship, 
And al the houfhold feruants fled with him to 'Bullinbroo\ 

Qu. So Greene, thou art the midwife of my woe, 
And Bullinbrooke my forrowes difmall heyre : 
Now hath my foule brought forth her prodegie, 
And I a gasping new deliuered mother, 
Haue woe to woe, forrow to forrow ioyn'd. 

'Bnfh. Difpaire not Madam. 

Qu. Who mall hinder me ? 
I will difpaire, and be at enmitie 
With couzening hope ; he is a Flatterer, 
A Parafite, a keeper backe of death, 
Who gently would diflolue the bands of life, 
Which falfe hopes linger in extremity. 
Enter Tor^e 

Gre. Heere comes the Duke of Yorke. 

Qu. With fignes of warre about his aged necke, 
Oh full of carefull bufineffe are his lookes: 
Vncle, for heauens fake fpeake comfortable words : 

2V. Comfort's in heauen, and we are on the earth, 
Where nothing liues but crofles, care and greefe: 
Your husband he is gone to faue farre off", 
Whilft others come to make him loofe at home: 
Heere am I left to vnder-prop his Land, ' 

Who weake with age, cannot fupport my felfe : 
Now comes the ficke houre that his furfet made, 
Now fhall he try his friends that flattered him. 
Enter ajeruant. 

Ser. My Lord, your fonne was gone before I came. 

Tor. He was : why fo : go all which way it will : 
The Nobles they are fled, the Commons they are cold, 
And will I feare reuolt on Herfords fide. 
Sirra, get thee to Plafhie to my fifter Glofter, 
Bid her fend me prefently a thoufand pound, 
Hold, take my Ring. 

Ser. My Lord, I had forgot 
To tell your Lordfhip, to day I came by, and call'd there, 
But I fhall greeue you to report the reft. 

Tor. Whatis'tknaue? 



Ser. An houre before I came, the Dutchefle di'de. 
Tor. Heau'n for his mercy, what a tide of woes 
Come rufhing on this wofull Land at once? 
I know not what to do : I would to heauen 
(So my vntruth had not prouok'd him to it) 
The King had cut off my head with my brothers. 
What, are there poftes difpatcht for Ireland ? 
How fhall we do for money for thefe warres? 
Come fifter (Cozen I would fay) pray pardon me. 
Go fellow, get thee home, poouide fome Carts, 
And bring away the Armour that is there. 
Gentlemen, will you mufter men ? 
If I know how, or which way no order thefe affaires 
Thus diforderly thruft into my hands, 
Neuer beleeue me. Both are my kinfmen, 
Th'one is my Soueraigne, whom both my oath 
And dutie bids defend : th'other againe 
Is my kinfman, whom the King hath wrong'd, 
Whom confcience, and my kindred bids to right : 
Well, fomewhat we muft do : Come Cozen, 
He difpofe of you. Gentlemen, go mufter vp your men, 
And meet me prefently at Barkley Caftle: 
I fhould to Plaihy too : but time will not permit, 
All is vneuen, and euery thing is left at fix and feuen. Exit 

"Bufh. The winde fits faire for newes to go to Ireland, 
But none returnes : For vs to leuy power 
Proportionable to th'enemy, is all impofsible. 

Gr. Befides our neejenefle to the King in loue, 
Is neere the hate of thofe loue not the King . 

"Ba And that's the wauering Commons, for theirloue 
Lies in their purfes, and who fo empties them, 
By fo much fils their hearts with deadly hate. 

"Bufh. Wherein the king ftands generally condemn'd 

'Bag. If iudgement lye in them, then fo do we, 
Becaufe we haue beene euer neere the King. 

Gr. Well: I will for refuge ftraight to Briftoll Caftle, 
The Earle of Wiltfhire is alreadie there. 

'Bufi. Thither will I with you, for little office 
Will the hatefull Commons performe for vs, 
Except like Curres, to teare vs all in peeces : 
Will you go along with vs? 

Bag. No, I will to Ireland to his Maieftie: 
Farewell, if hearts prefages be not vaine, 
We three here part, that neu'r fhall meete againe. 

'Bu. That's as Yorke thriues to beate back Bullinbroly 

Gr. Alas poore Duke, the taske he vndertakes 
Is numbring fands,and drinking Oceans drie,- 
Where one on his fide fights, thoufands will flye. 

Bujh. Farewell at once, for once, for all, and euer. 
Well, we may meete againe. 

'Bag. I feare me neuer. Exit. 



Sccena Tertia. 



Enter the Du\e of Hereford, and Northum- 
berland. 

'Bui. How farre is it my Lord to Berkley now? 
Nor. Beleeue me noble Lord, 
I am a ftranger heere in Gloufterfhire, 
Thefe high wilde hilles, and rough vneeuen waies, 
Drawes out our miles, and makes them wearifome: 
And yet our faire difcourfe hath beene as fugar, 

Mak in 



32 



The life and death of ^chard the fecond. 



Making the hard way fweet and delegable : 

But I bethinke me, what a wearie way 

From Rauenfpurgh to Cottfhold will be found, 

In RoJJe and 1! illoughby, wanting your companie, 

Which I proteft hath very much beguild 

The tedioufneffe,and procefle of my trauell : 

But theirs is fweetned with the hope to haue 

The prefent benefit that I pofleffe ; 

And hope to ioy, is little lefTe in ioy, 

Then hope enioy'd : By this, the wearie Lords 

Shall make their way feeme inort,as mine hath done, 

By fight of what I haue, your Noble Companie. 

'Bull. Of much leffe value is my Companie, 
Then your good words : but who comes here i 
Enter H. Tercie. 

North. It is my Sonne, young Harry Percie, 
Sent from my Brother Worcefter : Whence foeuer. 
Harry, how fares your Vnckle ? 

Percie. I had thought, my Lord, to haue learn'd his 
health of you. 

North. Why,is he not with the Queene ? 

Tercie. No, my good Lord, he hath forfook the Court, 
Broken his Staffe of Office, and difperft 
The HoufeholdoftheKing. 

North. What was his reafon ? 
He was not fo refolu'd,when we laft fpake together. 

Percie. Becaufe your Lordfhip was proclaimed Traitor. 
But hee, my Lord, is gone to Rauenfpurgh, 
To offer feruice to the Duke of Hereford, 
And fent me ouer by Barkely, to difcouer 
What power the Duke of Yorke had leuied there, 
Then with direction to repaire to Rauenfpurgh. 

North. Haue you forgot the Duke of Hereford(Boy. ) 

Percie. No, my good Lord ; for that is not forgot 
Which ne're I did remember : to my knowledge, 
I neuer in my life did looke on him. 

North. Then learne to know him now : this is the 
Duke. 

Percie. My gracious Lord, I tender you my feruice, 
Such as it is, being tender, raw, and young, 
Which elder dayes fhall ripen, and confirme 
To more approued feruice, and defert. 

Bull. I thanke thee gentle Percie, and be fure 
I count my felfe in nothing elfe fo happy, 
As in a Soule remembring my good Friends : 
And as my Fortune ripens with thy Loue, 
It fhall be ftill thy true Loues recompence, 
My Heart this Couenant makes, my Hand thus feales it. 

North. How farre is it to Barkely? and what ftirre 
Keepes good old Yor\e there, with his Men of Warre ? 

Percie. There ftands the Caftle,by yond tuft of Trees, 
Mann'd with three hundred men, as I haue heard, 
And in it are the Lords of Yor^e, Barkely, and Seymor, 
None elfe of Name, and noble eftimate. 
Enter Roje and Willoughby. 

North. Here come the Lords of RojJe and Willoughby, 
Bloody with fpurring,fierie red with hafte. 

Bull. Welcome my Lords, I wot your loue purfues 
A baniftit Traytor ; all my Treafurie 
Is yet but vnfelt thankes, which more enrich'd, 
Shall be your loue, and labours recompence. 

Rojf. Your prefence makes vs rich,moft Noble Lord. 

Willo. And farre furmounts our labour to attaine it. 

'Bull. Euermore thankes, th'Exchequer of the poore, 
Which till my infant-fortune comes to yeeres, 
Stands for my Bountie : but who comes here f 



Enter 'Barkely. 

North. It is my Lord of Barkely, as I gheffe. 

c Bar\. My Lord of Hereford, my Meffage is to you. 

'Bull. My Lord, my Anfwere is to Lancafter, 
And I am come to feeke that Name in England, 
And I muft finde that Title in your Tongue, 
Before I make reply to aught you fay. 

Ba>\. Miftake me not, my Lord, 'tis not my meaning 
To raze one Title of your Honor out. 
To you, my Lord, I come (what Lord you will) 
From the moft glorious of this Land, 
The Duke of Yorke,to know what pricks you on 
To take aduantage of the abfent time, 
And fright our Natiue Peace with felfe-borne Armes. 
Enter Yorke. 

Bull. I fhall not need tranfport my words by you, 
Here comes his Grace in Perfon. My Noble Vnckle. 

Yor\. Shew me thy humble heart, and not thy knee, 
Whofe dutie is deceiuable,and falfe. 

'Bull. My gracious Vnckle. 

Yor\. Tut, tut, Grace me no Grace, nor Vnckle me, 
I am no Traytors Vnckle ; and that word Grace, 
In an vngracious mouth, is but prophane. 
Why haue thefe banifiVd,and forbidden Legges, 
Dar'd once to touch a Duft of Englands Ground? 
But more then why, why haue they dar'd to march 
So many miles vpon her peacefull Bofome, 
Frighting her pale-fac'd Villages with Warre, 
And orientation of defpifed Armes? 
Com'ft thou becaufe th'anoynted King is hence? 
Why foolifh Boy, the King is left behind, 
And in my loyall Bofome lyes his power. 
Were I but now the Lord of fuch hot youth, 
As when braue Gaunt, thy Father,and my felfe 
Refcued the Blac\ Prince, that yong oMars of men, 
From forth the Rankes of many thoufand French : 
Oh then, how quickly mould this Arme of mine, 
Now Prifoner to the Palfie, chaftife thee, 
And minifter correction to thy Fault. 

'Bull. My gracious Vnckle, let me know my Fault, 
On what Condition ftands it, and wherein ? 

Yor\. Euen in Condition of the worft degree, 
In groffe Rebellion, and detefted Treafon: 
Thou art a banifh'd man, and here art come 
Before th'expiration of thy time, 
In brauing Atmes againft thy Soueraigne. 

Bull. As I was banifh'd, I was baniih'd Hereford, 
But as I come, I come for Lancafter. 
And Noble Vnckle, I befeech your Grace 
Looke on my Wrongs with an indifferent eye: 
You are my Father, for me thinkes in you 
I fee old Gaunt aliue. Oh then my Father, 
Will you permit, that I fhall ftand condemn'd 
A wandring Vagabond ; my Rights and Royalties 
Pluckt from my armes perforce, and giuen away 
To vpftart Vnthriftsc' Wherefore was I borne? 
If that my Coufin King, be King of England, 
It muft be graunted, I am Duke of Lancafter. 
You haue a Sonne, Aumerle, my Noble Kinfman, 
Had you firft died,and he beene thus trod downe, 
He mould haue found his Vnckle Gaunt a Father, 
To rowze his Wrongs, and chafe them to the bay. 
I am denyde to fue my Liuerie here, 
And yet my Letters Patents giue me leaue : 
My Fathers goods are all diftraynd,and fold, 
And thefe, and all, are all amiffe imployd. 

What 



The life and death of Richard thefecond. 



33 



What would you haue me doe ? I am a Subiect, 
And challenge Law: Attorneyes are deny'd me; 
And therefore perfonally I lay my claime 
To my Inheritance of free Difcent. 

North. The Noble Duke hath been too much abus'd. 

RoJJ~. It (lands your Grace vpon,to doe him right. 

Willo. Bafe men by his endowments are made great. 

Tor\. My Lords of England, let me tell you this, 
I haue had feeling of my Cofens Wrongs, 
And labour'd all 1 could to doe him right: 
But in this kind, to come in brauing Armes, 
Be his owne Caruer, and cut out his way, 
To find out Right with Wrongs, it may not be ; 
And you that doe abett him in this kind, 
Cherifh Rebellion, and are Rebels all. 

North. The Noble Duke hath fworne his comming is 
But for his owne ; and for the right of that, 
Wee all haue ftrongly fworne to giue him ayd, 
And let him neu'r fee Ioy,that breakes that Oath, 

Tor\. Well, well, I fee the iffue of thefe Armes, 
I cannot mend it, I muft needes confeffe, 
Becaufe my power is weake, and all ill left : 
But if I could, by him that gaue me life, 
I would attach you all,and make you ftoope 
Vnto the Soueraigne Mercy of the King. 
But fince I cannot, be it knowne to you, 
I doe remaine as Neuter. So fare you well, 
Vnleffe you pleafe to enter in the Caftle, 
And there repofe you for this Night. 

''Bull. An offer Vnckle, that wee will accept: 
But wee muft winne your Grace to goe with vs 
To Briftow Caftle, which they fay is held 
By Bujhie, Bagot, and their Complices, 
The Caterpillers of the Commonwealth, 
Which I haue fworne to weed, and plucke away. 

Torlf. It may be I will go with you: but yet lie pawfe, 
For I am loth to breake our Countries Lawes : 
Nor Friends, nor Foes, to me welcome you are, 
Things paft redreffe,are now with me paft care. Exeunt. 



Sccena Quarta. 



Enter Salisbury, and a Captaine. 

Capt. My Lord of Salisbury, we haue ftayd ten dayes, 
And hardly kept our Countreymen together, 
And yet we heare no tidings from the King ; 
Therefore we will difperfe our felues: farewell. 

Sal. Stay yet another day,thou truftie Welchman, 
The King repofeth all his confidence in thee. 

Capt. 'Tis thought the King is dead, we will not ftay; 
The Bay-trees in our Countrey all are wither'd, 
And Meteors fright the fixed Starres of Heauen; 
The pale-fac'd Moone lookes bloody on the Earth, 
And leane-look'd Prophets whifper fearefull change ; 
Rich men looke fad, and Ruffians dance and leape, 
The one in feare,to loofe what theyenioy, 
The other to enioy by Rage, and Warre : 
Thefe fignes fore-run the death of Kings. 
Farewell, our Countreymen are gone and fled, 
As well affur'd Richard their King is dead. Exit. 



Sal. Ah Richard, with eyes of heauie mind 
I fee thy Glory, like a lhooting Starre, 
Fall to the bafe Earth, from the Firmament: 
Thy Sunne fets weeping in the lowly Weft, 
Witneffing Stormes to come, Woe, and Vnreft : 
Thy Friends are fled, to wait vpon thy Foes, 
And croflely to thy good, all fortune goes. Ex 



iABus Tertius. Scena 'Prima. 



Enter c Bullingbroo\e, Tor\e, Northumberland, 

Rojfe, Percie, miloughby, with 'Bujhie 

and Greene Trijbners. 

'Bull. Bring forth thefe men : 
'Bujhie and Greene, I will not vex your foules, 
(Since prefently your foules muft part your bodies) 
With too much vrging your pernitious liues, 
For 'twere no Charitie : yet to walh your blood 
From off my hands, here in the view of men, 
I will vnfold fome caufes of vour deaths. 
You haue mis-led a Prince, a Royall King, 
A happie Gentleman in Blood, and Lineaments, 
By you vnhappied,and disfigur'd cleane : 
You haue in manner with your finfull houres 
Made a Diuorce betwixt his Queene and him, 
Broke the poffeffion of a Royall Bed, 
And ftayn'd the beautie of a faire Queenes Cheekes, 
With teares drawn fro her eyes, with your foule wrongs. 
My felfe a Prince, by fortune of my birth, 
Neere to the King in blood, and neere in loue, 
Till you did make him mif-interprete me, 
Haue ftoopt my neck vnder your iniuries, 
And figh'd my Englilh breath in forraine Clouds, 
Eating the bitter bread of baniihment ; 
While you haue fed vpon my Seignories, 
Dif-park'd my Parkes,and felFd my Forreft Woods; 
From mine owne Windowes. torne my Houfehold Coat, 
Raz'd out my Impreffe, leauing me no figne, 
Saue mens opinions, and my liuing blood, 
To fhew the World I am a Gentleman. 
This,and much more,much more then twice- all this, 
Condemnes you to the death : fee them deliuered ouer 
To execution, and the hand of death. 

Bujhie. More welcome is the ftroake of death to me, 
Then c Bullingbroo{e to England. 

Greene. My comfort is, that Heauen will take our foules, 
And plague Iniuftice with the paines of Hell. 

Bull. My Lord Northumberland,^ them difpatch'd : 
Vnckle, you fay the Queene is at your Houfe, 
For Heauens fake fairely let her be entreated, 
Tell her I fend to her my kind commends ; 
Take fpeciall care my Greetings be deliuer'd. 

Yorl^. A Gentleman of mine I haue difpatch'd 
With Letters of your loue, to her at large. 

Bull. Thankes gentle Vnckle : come Lords away, 
To fight with Glendoure, and his Complices; 
A while to worke,and after holliday. 

Exeunt. 

Sccena 



34 



The life and death of Richard the fecond. 



Scena Secunda. 



Drums : Flourijh, and Qolours. 
Enter Richard, Aumerle, Carlile, and Souldiers. 

Rich. Barkloughly Caftle call you this at hand ? 

Au. Yea, my Lord : how brooks your Grace the ayre, 
After your late toffing on the breaking Seas? 

Rich. Needs muft I like it well : I weepe for ioy 
To ftand vpon my Kingdome once againe. 
Deere Earth, I doe falute thee with my hand, 
Though Rebels wound thee with their Horfes hoofes : 
As a long parted Mother with her Child, 
Playes fondly with her teares, and fmiles in meeting ; 
So weeping,fmiling,greet I thee my Earth, 
And doe thee fauor with my Royall hands. 
Feed not thy Soueraignes Foe, my gentle Earth, 
Nor with thy Sweetes, comfort his rauenous fence : 
But let thy Spiders, that fuck vp thy Venome, 
And heauie-gated Toades lye in their way, 
Doing annoyance to the trecherous feete, 
Which with vfurping fteps doe trample thee. 
Yeeld flinging Nettles to mine Enemies; 
And when they from thy Bofome pluck a Flower, 
Guard it I prethee with a lurking Adder, 
Whofe double tongue may with a mortall touch 
Throw death vpon thy Soueraignes Enemies. 
Mock not my fenceleffe Coniuration, Lords ; 
This Earth /hall haue a feeling, and thefe Stones 
Proue armed Souldiers, ere her Natiue King 
Shall falter vnder foule Rebellious Armes. 

Car.Feare not my Lord, that Power that made you King 
Hath power to keepe you King, in fpight of all. 

Aum. He meanes,my Lord, that we are too remiffe, 
Whileft c Bullingbroo{e through our fecuritie, 
Growes ftrong and great, in fubftance and in friends. 

Rich. Ditcomfortable Coufin,knoweft thou not, 
That when the fearching Eye of Heauen is hid 
Behind the Globe,that lights the lower World, 
Then Theeues and Robbers raunge abroad vnfeene, 
In Murthers and in Out-rage bloody here : 
But when from vnder this Terreftriall Ball 
He fires the prowd tops of the Eafterne Pines, 
And darts his Lightning through eu'ry guiltie hole, 
Then Murthers, Treafons, and detefted finnes 
(The Cloake of Night being pluckt from off their backs) 
Stand bare and naked, trembling at themfelues. 
So, when this Theefe,this Traytor'Bu/lingbroolfe, 
Who all this while hath reuell'd in the Night, 
Shall fee vs rifing in our Throne, the Eaft, 
His Treafons will fit blufhing in his face, - 
Not able to endure the fight of Day ; 
But felfe-affrighted, tremble at his linne. 
Not all the Water in the rough rude Sea 
Can wafti the Balme from an anoynted King ; 
The breath of worldly men cannot depofe 
The Deputie elefted by the Lord : 
For euery man that Bullingbrooke hath preft, 
To lift fhrewd Steele againft our Golden Crowne, 
Heauen for his Richard hath in heauenly pay 



A glorious Angell: then if Angels fight, 

Weake men muft fall, for Heauen ftill guards the right. 

Enter Salisbury. 
Welcome my Lord, how farre off lyes your Power? 

Salisb. Nor neere,nor farther off, my gracious Lord, 
Then this weake arme ; difcomfort guides my tongue, 
And bids me fpeake of nothing but defpaire: 
One day too late,I feare (my Noble Lord) 
Hath clouded all thy happie dayes on Earth: 
Oh call backe Yefterday,bid Time returne, 
And thou (halt haue twelue thoufand fighting men : 
To day,to day,vnhappie day too late 
Orethrowes thy Ioyes,Friends,Fortune,and thy State; 
For all the Welchmen hearing thou wert dead, 
Are gone to Bulltngbrool^,i\{^exA, and fled. 

Aum. Comfort my Liege, why lookes your Grace fo 
pale ? 

%ich. But now the blood of twentie thoufand men 
Did triumph in my face,and they are fled, 
And till fo much blood thither come againe, 
Haue I not reafon to looke pale, and dead ? 
All Soules that will be fafe, flye from my fide, 
For Time hath fet a blot vpon my pride. 

cAum. Comfort my Liege, remember who you are. 

Rich. I had forgot my felfe. Am I not King? 
Awake thou fluggaid Maieftie,thou fleepeft : 
Is not the Kings Name fortie thoufand Names? 
Arme, arme my Name : a punie fubieft ftrikes 
At thy great glory. Looke not to the ground, 
Ye Fauorites of a King : are wee not high 2 
High be our thoughts : I know my Vnckle Vorfe 
Hath Power enough to ferue our turne. 
But who comes here 2 Enter Scroope. 

Scroope. More health and happineffe betide my Liege, 
Then can my care-tun'd tongue deliuer him. 

Rich. Mine eare is open, and my heart prepar'd : 
The worft is worldly lolfe,thou canft vnfold: 
Say, Is my Kingdome loft? why 'twas my Care: 
And what loffe is it to be rid of Care ? 
Striues Bullingbrool^e to be as Great as wee? 
Greater he ftull not be : If hee ferue God, 
Wee'l ferue him too, and be his Fellow fo. 
Reuolt our Subie£fs?Tbat we cannot mend, 
They breake their Faith to God, as well as vs : 
Cry Woe, Deftrudion, Ruine, Loffe, Decay, 
The worft is Death, and Death will haue his day. 

Scroope. Glad am I, that your Highneffe is fo arm'd 
To beare the tidings of Calamitie. 
Like an vnfeafonable ftormie day, 
Which make the Siluer Riuers drowne their Shores, 
As if the World were all diffolu'd to teares : 
So high,aboue his Limits, fwells the Rage 
Of Bullingbrooke, couering your fearefull Land 
With hard bright Steele,and hearts harder then Steele: 
White Beares haue arm'd their thin and haireleffe Scalps 
Againft thy Maieftie,and Boyes with Womens Voyces, 
Striue to fpeake bigge, and clap their female ioints 
In ftiffe vnwieldie Armes : againft thy Crowne 
Thy very Beadf-men learne to bend their Bowes 
Of double fatall Eugh : againft thy State 
Yea Diftaffe-W°men manage ruftie Bills : 
Againft thy Seat both young and old rebell, 
And all goes worle then I haue power to tell. 

Rich. Too well, too well thou tell'ft a Tale fo ill. 
Where is the Earle of Wiltshire? where is c Bagot> 
What is become ot~*Bu/bie? where is Greene ? 

That 

3?8 



The life and death of 'Richard the fecond. 



35 



That they haue let the dangerous Enemie 
Meafure our Confines with fuch peaceful! fteps ? 
If we preuaile, their heads (hall pay for it. 
I warrant they haue made peace with c Bullingbrooke. 

Scroope. Peace haue they made with him indeede(my 
Lord.) 

Rich. Oh Villains, Vipers, damn'd without redemption, 
Dogges,eafily woon to fawne on any man, 
Snakes in my heart blood warm'd, that fting my heart, 
Three Iudaffes, each one thrice worfe then ludas, 
Would they make peace? terrible Hell make warre 
Vpon their fpotted Soules for this Offence. 

Scroope. Sweet Loue(I fee ) changing his propertie, 
Turnes to the fowreft,and moft deadly hate: 
Againe vncurfe their Soules; their peace is made 
With Heads,and not with Hands:thofe whom you curfe 
Haue felt the worft of Deaths deftroying hand, 
And lye full low,grau'd in the hollow ground. 

Aum. Is 'Bupie, Greene, and the Earle of Wiltfhire 
dead i 

Scroope. Yea,all of them at Briftow loft their heads. 

Aum. Where is the Duke my Father with his Power? 

Rich. No matter where ; of comfort no man fpeake : 
Let's talke of Graues, of Wormes,and Epitaphs, 
Make Duft our Paper, and with Raynie eyes 
Write Sorrow on the Bofome of the Earth. 
Let's chufe Executors,and talke of Wills: 
And yet not fo ; for what can we bequeath, 
Saue our depofed bodies to the ground? 
Our Lands,our Liues,and all are Bullingbroo\es, 
And nothing can we call our owne, but Death, 
And that fmall Model! of the barren Earth, 
Which ferues as Pafte,and Couer to our Bones: 
For Heauens fake let vs fit vpon the ground, 
And tell fad ftories of the death of Kings: 
How fome haue been depos'd, fome flaine in warre, 
Some haunted by the Ghofts they haue depos'd, 
Some poyfon'd by their Wiues, fome fleeping kill'd, 
All murther'd. For within the hollow Crowne 
That rounds the mortall Temples of a King, 
Keepes Death his Court,and there the Antique fits 
Scoffing his State, and grinning at his Pompe, 
Allowing him a breath, a little Scene, 
To Monarchize,be fear'd,and kill with lookes, 
Infuling him with felfe and vaine conceit, 
As if this Flefh, which walls about our Life, 
Were Braffc impregnable : and humor'd thus, 
Comes at the laft,and with a little Pinne 
Bores through his Caftle Walls, and farwell King. 
Couer your heads, and mock not flefh and blood . 
With folemne Reuerence : throw away Refpeft, 
Tradition, Forme,and Ceremonious dutie, 
For you haue but miftooke me all this while: 
I liue with Bread like you, feele Want, 
Tafte Griefe,need Friends : fubiected thus, 
How can you fay to me, I am a King ? 

Carl.My Lord, wife men ne're waile their prefent woes, 
But prefently preuent the wayes to waile : 
To feare the Foe, fince feare oppreffeth ftrength, 
Giues in your weakenefTe, ftrength vnto your Foe; 
Feare, and be flaine, no worfe can come to fight, 
And fight and die, is death deftroying death, 
Where fearing, dying, payes death feruile breath. 

Aum. My Father hath a Power, enquire of him, 
And learne to make a Body of a Limbe. 

Rich.Thou chid'ft me well:proud 'Bullingbrocke I come 



To change Blowes with thee, for our day of Doome : 

This ague fit of feare is ouer-blowne, 

An eafie taske it is to winne our owne. 

Say Scroope, where lyes our Vnckle with his Power? 

Speake fweetly man, although thy lookes be fowre. 

Scroope. Men iudge by the complexion of the Skie 
The ftate and inclination of the day; 
So may you by my dull and heauie Eye : 
My Tongue hath but a heauier Tale to fay : 
I play the Torturer, by fmall and fmall 
To lengthen out the worft,that muft be fpoken. 
Your Vnckle Yor\e is ioyn'd with Bullingbrooke, 
And all your Northerne Caftles yeelded vp, 
And all your Southerne Gentlemen in Armes 
Vpon his Faction. 

Rich. Thou haft faid enough. 
Befhrew thee Coufin, which didft lead me forth 
Of that fweet way I was in, to defpaire : 
What fay you now? What comfort haue we now i 
By Heauen He hate him euerlaftingly, 
That bids me be of comfort any more. 
Goe to Flint Caftle, there He pine away, 
A King, Woes flaue',' fhall Kingly Woe obey: 
That Power I haue, difcharge, and let'em goe 
To eare the Land, that hath fome hope to grow, 
For I haue none. Let no man fpeake againe 
To alter this, for counfaile is but vaine. 

Aum. My Liege, one word. 

Rich. He does me double wrong, 
That wounds me with the flatteries of his tongue. 
Difcharge my followers : let them hence away, 
From Richards Night, to Bullingbrookes faire Day. 
Exeunt. 



Sccena Tertia. 



Enter with Drum and Colour s^ullingbrooke, 
Yorke, Northumberland, Attendants. 

'Bull. So that by this intelligence we learne 
The Welchmen are difpers'd,and Salisbury 
Is gone to meet the King, who lately landed 
With fome few priuate friends, vpon this Coaft. 

North. The newes is very faire and good, my Lord, 
Richard, not farre from hence, hath hid his head. 

Yor\. It would befeeme the Lord Northumberland, 
To fay King Richard: alack the heauie day, 
When fuch a facied King fhould hide his head. 

North. Vour Grace miftakes : onely to be briefe, 
Left I his Title out. 

York. The time hath beene, 
Would you haue beene fo briefe with him, he would 
Haue beene fo briefe with you, to fhorten you, 
For taking fo the Head, your whole heads length. 

'Bull. Miftake not (Vnckle) farther then you fhould. 

Yor\. Take not(good Coufin) farther then you fhould. 
Leaft you miftake the Heauens are ore your head. 

Bull. I know it( Vnckle )and oppofe not my felfe 
Againft their will. But who comes here ? 

Enter Tercie. 
Welcome Harry :what, will not this Caftle yeeld ? 

Per. The Caftle royally is mann'd,my Lord, 
Againft thy entrance. 

"Bull. Roy. 



36 



The life and death of ^chard the fecond. 



Bull. Royally ? Why,it containes no King ? 

Per. Yes (my good Lord) 
It doth containe a King : King Richard lyes 
Within the limits of yond Lime and Stone, 
And with him, the Lord Aumerle, Lord Salisbury, 
Sir Stephen Scroope, befides a Clergie man 
Of holy reuerence ; who, I cannot learne. 

North. Oh, belike it is the Biihop of Carlile. 

"Bull. Noble Lord, 
Goe to the rude Ribs of that ancient Caftle, 
Through Brazen Trumpet fend the breath of Parle 
Into his ruin'd Eares, and thus deliuer : 
Henry Bullingbrooke vpon his knees doth kiffe 
King Richards hand,and fends allegeance 
And true faith of heart to his Royall Perfon: hither come 
Euen at his feet, to lay my Armes and Power, 
Prouided,that my Banifhment repeal'd, 
And Lands reftor'd againe,be freely graunted : 
If not, He vfe th'aduantage of my Power, 
And lay the Summers duft with fhowers of blood, 
Rayn'd from the wounds of flaughter'd Englifhmen ; 
The which, how farre off from the mind of ' 'Bullingbrooke 
It is, fuch Crimfon Tempeft fhould bedrench 
The frefh grcene Lap of faire King Richards Land, 
My (looping dutie tenderly fhall fhew. 
Goe fignifie as much, while here we march 
Vpon the Graffie Carpet of this Plaine: 
Let's march without the noyfe of threatning Drum, 
That from this Caftles tatter' d Battlements 
Our faire Appointments may be well perus'd. 
Me thinkes King Richard and my felfe fhould meet 
With no leffe terror then the Elements 
Of Fire and Water, when their thundring fmoake 
At meeting teares the cloudie Cheekes of Heauen: 
Be he the fire,Ile be the yeelding Water; 
The Rage be his, while on the Earth I raine 
My Waters on the Earth, and not on him. 
March on, and marke King Richard how he lookes. 

Parle without, and anfwere within : then a Flour ijh. 
Enter on the Walk, Richard, Carlile, Aumerle, Scroop, 
Salisbury. 
See, fee, King Richard doth himfelfe appeare 
As doth the blufhing difcontented Sunne, 
From out the fierie Portall of the Eaft, 
When he perceiues the enuious Clouds are bent 
To dimme his glory,and to ftaine the trad 
Of his bright paffage to the Occident. 

Tor\. Yet lookes he like a King : behold his Eye 
(As blight as is the Eagles) lightens forth 
Controlling Maieftie : alack, alack, for woe, 
That any harme mould ftaine fo faire a fhew. 

Rich. Wee are amaz'd,and thus long haue we flood 
To watch the fearefull bending of thy knee, 
Becaufe we thought our felfe thy lawfull King : 
And if we be, how dare thy ioynts forget 
To pay their awful! dutie to our prefence? 
If we be not, fhew vs the Hand of God, 
That hath difmifs'd vs from our Steward/hip, 
For well wee know, no Hand of Blood and Bone 
Can gripe the facred Handle of our Scepter, 
Vnleffe he doe prophane,fteale,or vfurpe. 
And though you thinke,that all, as you haue done, 
Haue torne their Soules, by turning them from vs, 
And we are barren, and bereft of Friends : 
Yet know, my Mafter, God Omnipotent, 
Is muftring in his Clouds, on our behalfe, 



Armies of Peftilence, and they fhall ftrike 
Your Children yet vnborne,and vnbegot, 
That lift your VafTall Hands againft my Head, 
And threat the Glory of my precious Crowne. 
Tell c Bullingbrooke, for yond me thinkes he is, 
That euery ftride he makes vpon my Land, 
Is dangerous Treafon : He is come to ope 
The purple Teftament of bleeding Warre 5 
But ere the Crowne he lookes for.liue in peace, 
Ten thoufand bloody crownes of Mothers Sonnes 
Shall ill become the flower of Englands face, 
Change the complexion of her Maid-pale Peace 
To Scarlet Indignation, and bedew 
Her Paftors Grafie with faithfull Englifh Blood. 

North. The King of Heauen forbid our Lord the King 
Should fo with ciuill and vnciuill Armes 
Be rufli'd vpon : Thy thrice-noble Coufin, 
Harry c Bullingbroo{e,doth humbly kiffe thy hand, 
And by the Honorable Tombe he fweares, 
That ftands vpon your Royall Grandfires Bones, 
And by the Royalties of both your Bloods, 
(Currents that fpring from one moft gracious Head) 
And by the buried Hand of Warlike Gaunt, 
And by the Worth and Honor of himfelfe, 
Comprifing all that may be fworne,or faid, 
His comming hither hath no further fcope, 
Then for his Lineall Royalties, and to begge 
Infranchifement immediate on his knees: 
Which on thy Royall partie graunted once, 
His glittering Armes he will commend to'Ruft, 
His barbed Steedes to Stables, and his heart 
To faithfull feruice of your Maieftie : 
This fweares he, as he is a Prince, is iuft, 
And as I am a Gentleman, I credit him. 

Rich. Northumberland,^ thus: The King returnes, 
His Noble Coufin is right welcome hither, 
And all the number of his faire demands 
Shall be accomplifh'd without contradiction : 
With all the gracious vtterance thou haft, 
Speake to his gentle hearing kind commends. 
We doe debafe our felfe(Coufin)doe we not, 
To looke fo poorely, and to fpeake fo faire ? 
Shall we call back Northumberland, and fend 
Defiance to the Traytor,and fo die ? 

Aum. No, good my Lord, let's fight with gentle words, 
Till time lend friends,and friends their helpeful Swords. 

Rich. Oh God, oh God, that ere this tongue of mine, 
That layd the Sentence of dread Banifhment 
On yond prowd man, fhould take it off againe 
With words of footh : Oh that I were as great 
As is my Griefe,or leffer then my Name, 
Or that I could forget what I haue beene, 
Or not remember what I muft be now: 
SweU'ft thou prowd heart? He giue thee fcope to beat, 
Since Foes haue fcope to beat both thee and me. 

Aum. Northumberland comes backe from 'Bulling- 
brooke. 

Rich. What muft the King doe nowfmuft he fubmitc 1 
The King fhall doe it : Muft he be depos'd '. 
The King fhall be contented: Muft he loofe 
The Name of King f o' Gods Name let it goe. 
He giue my Iewels for a fett of Beades, 
My gorgeous Pallace, for a Hermitage, 
My gay ApparrelI,for an Almes-mans Gowne, 
My figur'd Goblets, for a Difh of Wood, 
My Scepter, for a Palmers walking Staffe, 

My 



The Life and "Death of '^F(ic hard the Second. 



37 



My Subiects,for a payre of carued Saints, 

And my large Kingdome,for a little Graue, 

A little little Graue, an obfcure Graue. 

Or He be buryed in the Kings high-way, 

Some way of common Trade, where Subiecls feet 

May howrely trample on their Soueraignes Head : 

For on my heart they tread now,whileft I Hue ; 

And buryed once, why not vpon my Head ? 

*Aumerle,thou weep'ft(my tender-hearted Coufin) 

Wee'le make foule Weather with defpifed Teares : 

Our fighes,and they, mall lodge the Summer Come, 

And make a Dearth in this reuolting Land. 

Or /hall we play the Wantons with our Woes, 

And make fome prettie Match, with fhedding Teares? 

As thus : to drop them ftill vpon one place, 

Till they haue fretted vs a payre of Graues, 

Within the Earth : and therein lay'd, there lyes 

Two Kinfmen,digg'd their Graues with weeping Eyes? 

Would not this ill, doe well ? Well, well, I fee 

I talke but idly,and you mock at mee. 

Moft mightie Prince, my Lord Northumberland, 

What fayes King Bullingbroo\ef Will his Maieftie 

Giue Richard leaue to Hue, till Richard die f 

You make a Legge,and 'Bullingbrooke fayes I. 

North. My Lord, in the bafe Court he doth attend 
To fpeake with you, may it pleafe you to come downe. 

Rich. Downe,downe I come, like glift'ring Phaeton, 
Wanting the manage of vnruly lades. 
In the bafe Court? bafe Court, where Kings grow bafe, 
To come at Tray tors Calls, and doe them Grace. 
In the bafe Court come down: down Court, down King, 
For night-Owls ihrike, where mouting Larks ihould fing. 

'Bull. What fayes his Maieftie ? 

North. Sorrow, and griefe of heart 
Makes him fpeake fondly, like a frantick man: 
Yet he is come. 

'Bull. Stand all apart, 
And mew faire dutie to his Maieftie. 
My gracious Lord. 

Rich. Faire Coufin, 
You debafe your Princely Knee, 
To make the bafe Earth prowd with kifling it. 
Me rather had, my Heart might feele your Loue, 
Then my vnpleas'd Eye fee your Courtefie. 
Vp Coufin, vp, your Heart is vp,l know, 
Thus high at leaft, although your Knee be low. 

Bull. My gracious Lord, I come but for mine 
owne. 

Rich. Your owne is yours, and I am yours, and 
all. 

Bull. So farre be mine, my moft redoubted Lord, 
As my true feruice {hall deferue your loue. 

Rich. Well you deferu'd : 
They well deferue to haue, 
That know the ftrong'ft, and fureft way to get. 
Vnckle giue me your Hand : nay,drie your Eyes, 
Teares (hew their Loue, but want their Remedies. 
Coufin,! am too young to be your Father, 
Though you are old enough to be my Heire. 
What you will haue, lie giue,and willing to, 
For doe we muft, what force will haue vs doe. 
Set on towards London : 
Coufin, is it fo ? 

'Bull. Yea, my good Lord. 

Rich. Then I muft not fay, no. 

Flourip. Exeunt. 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter the Queene, and two Ladies. 

.Qa.What fport fhall we deuife here in this Garden, 
To driue away the heauie thought of Care? 

La. Madame, wee'le play at Bowles. 

j^.'Twill make me thinke the World is full of Rubs, 
And that my fortune runnes againft the Byas. 

La. Madame, wee'le Dance. 

£>u. My Legges can keepe no meafure in Delight, 
When my poore Heart no meafure keepes in Griefe. 
Therefore no Dancing(Girle J fome other fport. 

La. Madame, wee'le tell Tales. 

<$u. Of Sorrow, or of Griefe ? 

La. Of eyther, Madame. 

%u. Of neyther,Girle. 
For if of Ioy, being altogether wanting, 
It doth remember me the more of Sorrow: 
Or if of Griefe, being altogether had, 
It addes more Sorrow to my want of Ioy : 
For what I haue, I need not to repeat; 
And what I want, it bootes not to complaine. 

La. Madame, He fing. 

^K.'Tis well that thou haft caufe : 
But thou ihould'ft pleafe me better, would'ft thou weepe. 

La. I could weepe, Madame, would it doe you good. 

£}u. And I could fing, would weeping doe me good, 
And neuer borrow any Teare of thee. 

Enter a Gardiner, and two Seruants. 
But ftay,here comes the Gardiners, 
Let's ftep into the fhadow of thefe Trees. 
My wretchedne(Te,vnto a Rowe of Pinnes, 
They'le talke of State: for euery one doth fo, 
Againft a Change; Woe is fore-runne with Woe. 

Gard. Goe binde thou vp yond dangling Apricocks, 
Which like vnruly Children, make their Syre 
Stoupe with oppreflion of their prodigall weight: 
Giue fome fupportance to the bending twigges. 
Goe thou, and like an Executioner 
Cut oft' the heads of too faft growing fprayes, 
That looke too loftie in our Common- wealth : 
All muft be euen.in our Gouernment. 
You thus imploy'd, 1 will goe root away 
The noyfome Weedes,that without profit fucke 
The Soyles fertilitie from wholefome flowers. 

Ser. Why mould we,in the compafle of a Pale, 
Keepe Law and Forme, and due Proportion, . 
Shewing as in a Modell our firme Eftate ? 
When our Sea-walled Garden, the whole Land, 
Is full of Weedes,her faireft Flowers choakt vp, 
Her Fruit-trees all vnpruin'd,her Hedges ruin'd, 
Her Knots diforder'd,and her wholefome Hearbes 
Swarming with Caterpillers. 

Gard. Hold thy peace. 
He that hath fuffer'd this diforder'd Spring, 
Hath now himfelfe met with the Fall of Leafe. 
The Weeds that his broad-fpreading Leaues did fhelter, 
That feem'd,in eating him, to hold him vp, 
Are pull'd vp,Root and all, by Bullingbrooke : 
I meane,the Earle of Wiltfhire, Bufhie, Greene. 

d &r.What, 



The Life and "Death of ^c hard the Second. 



Ser. What are they dead ? 

Gard. They are, 
And i Bullingbroo{e hath feiz'd the waftefull King. 
Oh, what pitty is it, that he had not fo trim'd 
And dreft his Land, as we this Garden, at time of yeare, 
And wound the Barke, the skin of our Fruit-trees, 
Lead being ouer-proud with Sap and Blood, 
With too much riches it confound it felfe? 
Had he done fo, to great and growing men, 
They might haue liu'd to beare, and he to tafte 
Their fruites of dutie. Superfluous branches 
We lop away, that bearing boughes may liue: 
Had he done Co, himfelfe had borne the Crowne, 
Which wafte and idle houres,hath quite thrown downe. 

Ser. What thinke you the King ftiall be depos'd? 

Gar. Depreft he is already, and depos'd 
'Tis doubted he will be. Letters came laft night 
To a deere Friend of the Duke of Yorkes, 
That tell blacke tydings. 

Qu.Q\\ I am preft to death through want of fpeaking: 
Thou old Adams likeneffe, fet to dreffe this Garden : 
How dares thy harm rude tongue found this vnpleafing 
What Eue? what Serpent hath fuggefted thee, (newes 

To make a fecond fall of curfed man? 
Why do'ft thou fay, King 'Richard is depos'd, 
Dar'ft thou, thou little better thing then earth, 
Diuine his downfall ? Say, where, when, and how 
Cam'ft thou by this ill-tydings? Speake thou wretch. 

Gard. Pardon me Madam. Little ioy haue I 
To breath thefe newes; yet what I fay, is true ; 
King Richard, he is in the mighty hold 
Of Bull'wgbrool{e, their Fortunes both are weigh'd : 
In your Lords Scale, is nothing but himfelfe, 
And fome few Vanities, that make him light: 
But in the Ballance of great Bullingbroofe, 
Befides himfelfe, are all the Englifti Peeres, 
And with that oddes he weighes King Richard downe. 
Pofte you to London, and you'l finde it fo, 
I fpeake no more, then euery one doth know. 

Qu. Nimble mifchance, that art fo light of foote, 
Doth not thy EmbafTage belong to me ? 
And am I laft that knowes it? Oh thou think'ft 
To feme me laft, that I may longeft keepe 
Thy forrow in my breaft. Come Ladies goe, 
To meet at London, Londons King in woe. 
What was I borne to this : that my fad looke, 
Should grace the Triumph of great Bullingbroofe. 
Gard'ner, for telling me this newes of woe, 
I would the Plants thou graft'ft, may neuer grow. Exit. 

G.Poore Queen, fo that thy State might be no worfe, 
I would my skill were fubieft to thy curfe: 
Heere did lhe drop a teare, heere in this place 
He fet a Banke of Rew, fowre Herbe of Grace: 
Rue, eu'n for ruth, heere fhortly ftiall be feene, 
In the remembrance of a Weeping Queene. Exit. 



Aclus Quartus. Sccena Prima. 



Enter as to the Parliament, 'Bullingbrooke , Aumerle, Nor- 
thumberland, Terete, Fitz-Water, Surrey,Qarlile, Abbot 
of Wejlminfter. Herauld, Officer s,and Bagot. 

c Bullingbroo{e. Call forth 'Bagot. 



Now 'Bagot, freely fpeake thy minde, 
What thou do'ft know of Noble Gloufters death : 
Who wrought it with the King, and who perform'd 
The bloody Office of his Timelefle end. 

'Bag. Then fet before my face, the Lord Aumerle. 
. Bui. Cofin,ftand forth, and looke vpon that man. 

Bag. My Lord Aumerle, I know your daring tongue 
Scornes to vnfay, what it hath once deliuer'd. 
In that dead time, when Gloufters death was plotted, 
I heard you fay, Is not my arme of length, 
That reacheth from the reftfull Englifti Court 
As farre as Callis, to my Vnkles head. 
Amongft much other talke, that very time, 
I heard you fay, that you had rather refufe 
The offer of an hundred thoufand Crownes, 
Then Bullingbrool^es returne to England ; adding withall, 
How bleft this Land would be, in this your Cofins death. 

Aum. Princes,and Noble Lords : 
What anfwer mail I make to. this bafe man ? 
Shall I fo much difhonor my faire Starres, 
On equall termes to giue him chafticement? 
Either I muft,or haue mine honor foyl'd 
With th'Attaindor of his fland'rous Lippes. 
There is my Gage, the manuall Seale of death 
That markes thee out for Hell. Thou lyeft, 
And will maintaine what thou haft faid, is falfe, 
In thy heart blood, though being all too bafe 
To ftaine the temper of my Knightly fword. 

'Bui. 'Bagot forbeare, thou fhalt not take it vp. 

Aum. Excepting one, I would he were the beft 
In all this prefence, that hath mou'd me fo. 

Fifz. If that thy valour ftand on fympathize : 
There is my Gage, Aumerle, in Gage to thine : 
By that faire Sunne, that ftiewes me where thou ftand'ft, 
I heard thee fay (and vauntingly thou fpak'ft it) 
That thou wer't caufe of Noble Gloufters death. 
If thou denied it, twenty times thou lyeft, 
And I will turne thy falfhood to thy hart, 
Where it was forged with my Rapiers point. 

Aum. Thou dar'ft not (Coward) liue to fee the day. 

Fifz. Now by my Soule, I would it were this houre. . 

Aum. Fitzwater thou art damn'd to hell for this. 

Per. Aumerle, thou lye'ft : his Honor is as true 
In this Appeale, as thou art all vniuft : 
And that thou art fo, there I throw my Gage 
To proue it on thee, to th'extreameft point 
Of mortall breathing. Seize it, if thou dar'ft. 

Aum. And if I do not, may my hands rot off, 
And neuer brandifti more reuengefull Steele, 
Ouer the glittering Helmet of my Foe. 

Surrey. My Lord Fitz-water : 
I do remember well, the very time 
tAumerle, and you did talke. 

Fitz. My Lord, 
'Tis very true : You were in prefence then, 
And you can witneffe with me, this is true. 

Surrey. As falfe, by heauen, 
As Heauen it felfe is true. 

Fitz. Surrey, thou Lyeft. 

Surrey. Difhonourable Boy ; 
That Lye, mail lie fo heauy on my Sword, 
That it ihall render Vengeance, and Reuenge, 
Till thou the Lye-giuer, and that Lye, doe lye 
In earth as quiet, as thy Fathers Scull. 
In proofe whereof, there is mine Honors pawne, 
Engage it to the Triall, if thou dar'ft. 

Fit z 

34* 



The Life and Death of^chard the Second. 



39 



Fitzw. How fondly do'ft thou fpurre a forward Horfe? 
If I dare eate,or drinke,or breathe, or Hue, 
I dare meete Surrey in a Wilderneffe, 
And fpit vpon him, whileft I fay he Lyes, 
And Lyes,and Lyes: there is my Bond of Faith, 
To tye thee to my ftrong Correction. 
As I intend to thriue in this new World, 
Aumerle is guiltie of my true Appeale. 
Befides,I heard the banifh'd Norfolk fay, 
That thou Aumerle didft fend two of thy men, 
To execute the Noble Duke at Callis. 

Aum. Some honeft Chriftian truft me with a Gage, 
That Norfolk? lyes : here doe I throw downe this, 
If he may be repeal'd, to trie his Honor. 

'Bull. Thefe differences (hall all reft vnder Gage, 
Till Norfolk? be repeal'd : repeal'd he (hall be; 
And (though mine Enemie)reftor'd againe 
To all his Lands and Seignories: when hee's return'd, 
Againft Aumerle we will enforce his Tryall. 

Carl. That honorable day (hall ne're be feene. 
Many a time hath banifh'd Norfolk? fought 
For Iefu Chrift, in glorious Chriftian field 
Streaming the Enfigne of the Chriftian Crofle, 
Againft black Pagans, Turkes, and Saracens: 
And toyl'd with workes of Warre, retyr'd himfelfe 
To Italy,and there at Venice gaue 
His Body to that pleafant Countries Earth, 
And his pure Soule vnto his Captaine Chrift, 
Vnder whofe Colours he had fought fo long. 

Bull. Why Bifhop,is Norfolk? dead ? 

Carl. As fure as I liue,my Lord. 

Bull. Sweet peace conduct his fweet Soule 
To the Bofome of good old Abraham. 
Lords Appealants,your differeces dial all reft vnder gage, 
Till we afligne you to your dayes of Tryall. 
Enter York?. 

York?. Great Duke of Lancafter,I come to thee 
From plume-pluckt 'Richard, who with willing Soule 
Adopts thee Heire,and his high Scepter yeelds 
To the pofleffion of thy Royall Hand. 
Afcend his Throne, defending now from him, 
And long Hue Henry, of that Name the Fourth. 

'Bull. In Gods Name, He afcend the Regall Throne. 

Carl. Mary, Heauen forbid. 
Worft in this Royall Prefence may I fpeake, 
Yet beft befeeming me to fpeake the truth. 
Would God, that any in this Noble Prefence 
Were enough Noble, to be vpright Iudge 
Of Noble Richard : then true Noblenefle would 
Learne him forbearance from fo foule a Wrong. 
What Subject can giue Sentence on his King ? 
And who fits here, that is not Richards Subieft? 
Theeues are not iudg'd,but they are by to heare, 
Although apparant guilt be feene in them : 
And (hall the figure of Gods Maieftie, 
His Captaine,Steward,Deputie elect, 
Anoynted,Crown'd, planted many yeeres, 
Be iudg'd by fubieft,and inferior breathe, 
And he himfelfe not prefent? Oh, forbid it, God, 
That in a Chriftian Climate,Soules refin'de 
Should (hew fo heynous, black, obfcene a deed. 
I fpeake to Subiefts,and a Subieft fpeakes, 
Stirr'd vp by Heauen, thus boldly for his King. 
My Lord of Hereford here, whom you call King, 
Is a foule Traytor to prowd Hereford^ King. 
And if you Crowne him, let me prophecie, 



345 



The blood of Englifh fhall manure the ground, 

And future Ages groane for his foule Aft. 

Peace (hall goe fleepe with Turkes and Infidels, 

And in this Seat of Peace, tumultuous Warres 

Shall Kinne with Kinne,and Kinde with Kinde confound. 

Diforder, Horror, Feare, and Mutinie 

Shall here inhabite,and this Land be call'd 

The field of Golgotha,and dead mens Sculls. 

Oh, if you reare this Houfe, againft this Houfe 

It will the wofulleft Diuifion proue, 

That euer fell vpon this curfed Earth. 

Preuent it,refift it, and let it not be fo, 

Leaft Child, Childs Children cry againft you, Woe. 

North. Well haue you argu'd Sir: and for your paines, 
Of Capital! Treafon we arreft you here. 
My Lord of Weftminfter,be it your charge, 
To keepe him fafely, till his day of Tryall. 
May it pleafe you, Lords, to grant the Commons Suit? 

'Bull. Fetch hither 'Rjchard, that in common view 
He may furrender: {0 we (hall proceede 
Without fufpition. 

Yorke. I will be his Conduft. Exit. 

"Bull. Lords, you that here are vnder our Arreft, 
Procure your Sureties for your Dayes of Anfwer : 
Little are we beholding to your Loue, 
And little look'd for at your helping Hands. 

Enter 'Richard and Yorke. . 
Rich. Alack, why am I fent for to a King, 
Before I haue fhooke off the Regall thoughts 
Wherewith I reign'd ? I hardly yet haue learn'd 
To infinuate, flatter, bowe,an-d bend my Knee. 
Giue Sorrow leaue a while, to future me 
To this fubmiffion. Yet I well remember 
The fauors of thefe men : were they not mine ? 
Did they not fometime cry, All hayle to me? 
So Iudas did to Chrift: but he in twelue, 
Found truth in all,but one; I, in twelue thoufand,none. 
God faue the King: will no man fay, Amen? 
Am I both Prieft,and Clarke? well then, Amen. 
God faue the King, although I be not hee : 
And yet Amen, if Heauen doe thinke him mee. 
To doe what feruice, am I fent for hither ? 

Yorke. To doe that office of thine owne good will, 
Which tyred Maieftie did make thee offer: 
The Resignation of thy State and Crowne 
To Henry 'Bullingbrook? . 

Rich. Giue me the Crown. Here Coufin,feize y Crown : 
Here Coufin,on this fide my Hand, on that fide thine. 
Now is this Golden Crowne like a deepe Well, 
That owes two Buckets, filling one another, 
The emptier euer dancing in the ayre, 
The other downe, vnfeene,and full of Water.: 
That Bucket downe, and full of Teares am I, 
Drinking my Griefes,whiFft you mount vp on high. 

Bull. I thought you had been willing to refigne. 

Rich. My Crowne I am, but ftill my Griefes are mine: 
You may my Glories and my State depofe, 
But not my Griefes; ftill am I King of thofe. 

Bull. Part of your Cares you giue me with your Crowne. 

Rich. Your Cares fet vp,do not pluck my Cares downe. 
My Care, is loffe of Care, by old Care done, 
Your Care, is gaine of Care, by new Care wonne : 
The Cares I giue, I haue, though giuen away, 
They 'tend the Crowne, yet ftill with me they ftay: 
'Bull. Are you contented to refigne the Crowne ? 

d 2 Rich. I, 



4° 



The Life and r Deathof c I$ichard the Second. 



Rich. I, no ; no, I : for I muft nothing bee : 
Therefore no, no, for I refigne to thee. 
Now,marke me how I will vndoe my felfe. 
I giue this heauie Weight from off my Head, 
And this vnwieldie Scepter from my Hand, 
The pride of Kingly fway from out my Heart. 
With mine owne Teares I wafli away my Balme, 
With mine owne Hands I giue away my Crowne, 
With mine owne Tongue denie my Sacred State, 
With mine owne Breath releafe all dutious Oathes ; 
All Pompe and Maieftie I doe forfweare : 
My Manors, Rents, Reuenues, I forgoe; 
My Afts, Decrees, and Statutes I denie : 
God pardon all Oathes that are broke to mee, 
God keepe all Vowes vnbroke are made to thee. 
Make me, that nothing haue,with nothing grieu'd, 
And thou with all pleas'd,that haft all atchieu'd. 
Long may'ft thou hue in Richards Seat to fit, 
And foone lye Richard in an Earthie Pit. 
God faue King Henry, vn-KAng'd Richard fayes, 
And fend him many yeeres of Sunne-lhine dayes. 
What more remaines? 

North. No more : but that you reade 
Thefe Accufations, and thefe grieuous Crymes, 
Committed by your Perfon,and your followers, 
Againft the State, and Profit of this Land : 
That by conferring them, the Soules of men 
May deeme, that you are worthily depos'd. 

Rich. Muft I doe fo ? and muft I rauell out 
My weau'd-vp follyes? Gentle Northumberland, 
If thy Offences were vpon Record, 
Would it not fhame thee,in fo faire a troupe, 
To reade a Lecture of them ? If thou would'ft, 
There fhould'ft thou finde one heynous Article, 
Contayning the depofing of a King, 
And cracking the ftrong Warrant of an Oath, 
Mark'd with a Blot,damn'd in the Booke of Heauen. 
Nay, all of you, that ftand and looke vpon me, 
Whil'ft that my wretchedneffe doth bait my felfe, 
Though fome of you, with Pilate, wafli your hands, 
Shewing an outward pittie : yet you Pi/ates 
Haue here deliuer'd me to my fowre Croffe, 
And Water cannot wafti away your finne. 

North. My Lord difpatch, reade o're thefe Articles. 

Rich. Mine Eyes are full of Teares, I cannot fee: 
And yet fait- Water blindes them not fo much, 
But they can fee a fort of Traytors here. 
Nay,if I turne mine Eyes vpon my felfe, 
I finde my felfe a Traytor with the reft : 
For I haue giuen here my Soules confent, 
T'vndeck the pompous Body of a King; 
Made Glory bafe ; a Soueraigntie,a Slaue ; 
Prowd Maieftie, a Subieft ; State, a Pefant. 

North. My Lord. 

Rich. No Lord of thine, thou haught-infulting man 
No, nor no mans Lord : I haue no Name, no Title; 
No, not that Name was giuen me at the Font, 
But 'tis vfurpt : alack the heauie day, 
That I haue worne fo many Winters out, 
And know not now, what Name to call my felfe. 
Oh, that I were a Mockerie, King of Snow, 
Standing before the Sunne of c Bul!ingbioo^e, 
To melt my felfe away in Water-drops. 
Good King, great King, and yet not greatly good, 
And if my word be Sterling yet in England, 
Let it command a Mirror hither ftraight, 



That it may ihew me what a Face I haue, 
Since it is Bankrupt of his Maieftie. 

Hull. Goe fome of you, and fetch a Looking-Glaffe. 

Nortb.RezA o're this Paper, while y Glaffe doth come. 

Rich. Fiend, thou torments me, ere I come to Hell. 

Bull. Vrge it no more, my Lord Northumberland. 

North.The Commons will not then be fatisfy'd. 

Rich.They fliall be fatisfy'd : He reade enough, 
When I doe fee the very Booke indeede, 
Where all my finnes are writ, and that's my felfe. 

Enter one with a Glaffe. 
Giue me that Glaffe,and therein will I reade. 
No deeper wrinckles yet? hath Sorrow ftrucke 
So many Blowes vpon this Face of mine, 
And made no deeper Wounds? Oh flatt'ring Glaffe, 
Like to my followers in profperitie, 
Thou do'ft beguile me. Was this Face, the Face 
That euery day, vnder his Houfe-hold Roofe, 
Did keepe ten thoufand men ? Was this the Face, 
That like the Sunne, did make beholders winke i 
Is this the Face, which fac'd fo many follyes, 
That was at laft out-fac'd by Bullingbrooke ? 
A brittle Glory fhineth in this Face, 
As brittle as the Glory, is the Face, 
For there it is, crackt in an hundred fhiuers. 
Marke filent King, the Morall of this fport, 
How foone my Sorrow hath deftroy'd my Face. 

Bull. The fliadow of your Sorrow hath deftroy'd 
The fhadow of your Face. 

Rich. Say that againe. 
The fhadow of my Sorrow : ha, let's fee, 
'Tis very true, my Griefe lyes all within, 
And thefe externall manner of Laments, 
Are meerely ihadowes,to the vnfeene Griefe, 
That fwells with filence in the tortur'd Soule. 
There lyes the fubftance : and I thanke thee King 
For thy great bountie,that not onely giu'ft 
Me caufe to wayle, but teacheft me the way 
How to lament the caufe. He begge one Boone, 
And then be gone, and trouble you no more. 
Shall I obtaine it '. 

Bull. Name it, faire Coufin. 

Rich. Faire Coufin ? I am greater then a King: 
For when I was a King, my flatterers 
Were then but fubiefts; being now a fubieft, 
I haue a King here to my flatterer : 
Being fo great, I haue no neede to begge. 

'Bull. Yet aske. 

Rich. And fliall I haue i 

'Bull. You fliall. 

Rich. Then giue me leaue to goe. 

Bull. Whither? 

Rich. Whither you will,fo I were from your fights. 

Bull. Goe fome of you,conuey him to the Tower. 

Rich. Oh good: conuey: Conueyers are you all, 
That rife thus nimbly by a true Kings fall. 

'Bull. On Wednefday next, we folemnly fet downe 
Our Coronation: Lords, prepare your felues. Exeunt. 

Abbot. A wofull Pageant haue we here beheld. 

Carl. The Woes to come, the Children yet vnborne, 
Shall feele this day as fliarpe to them as Thorne. 

*Aum. You holy Clergie-men, is there no Plot 
To rid the Realme of this pernicious Blot. 

cAbbot. Before I freely fpeake my minde herein, 
You fliall not onely take the Sacrament, 
To bury mine intents,but alfo to effecl: 

What 



The Life and Death of ^c hard the Second. 



4* 



What euer I ftiall happen to deuife. 

I fee your Browes are full of Difcontent, 

Your Heart of Sorrow,and your Eyes of Teares. 

Come home with me to Supper,Ile lay a Plot 

Shall fhew vs all a merry day. Exeu 



ASius Quintus. Scena c Prima. 



Enter Queene, and Ladies. 

Qu. This way the King will come: this is the way 
To lutius Cuejars ill-ere&ed Tower : 
To whofe flint Bofome, my condemned Lord 
Is doom'd a Prifoner, by prowd'Bulliiigbroo/^e. 
Here let vs reft, if this rebellious Earth 
Haue any refting for her true Kings Queene. 

Enter Richard, and Quard. 
But foft, but fee, or rather doe not fee, 
My faire Rofe wither : yet looke vp ; behold, 
That you in pittie may diffolue to dew, 
And warn him frelh againe with true.loue Teares. 
Ah thou, the Modell where old Troy did ftand, 
Thou Mappe of Honor, thou King Richards Tombe, 
And not King Richard: thou molt beauteous Inne, 
Why ftiould hard-fauor'd Griefe be lodg'd in thee, 
When Triumph is become an Ale-houfe Gueft. 

Rich. Ioyne not with griefe,faire Woman, do not fo, 
To make my end too fudden : learne good Soule, 
To thinke our former State a happie Dreame, 
From which awak'd,the truth of what we are, 
Shewes vs but this. I am fworne Brother (Sweet) 
To grim Neceffitie ; and hee and I 
Will keepe a League till Death, High thee to France, 
And Cloyfter thee in fome Religious Houfe : 
Our holy liues muft winne a new Worlds Crowne, 
Which our prophane houres here haue ftricken downe. 

2Zu. What, is my Richard both in ftiape and minde 
Transformed, and weaken'd i Hath Bullingbrooke 
Depos'd thine Intellect? hath he beene in thy Heart? 
The Lyon dying, thrufteth forth his Paw, 
And wounds the Earth, if nothing elfe,with rage 
To be o're-powr'd : and wilt thou,Pupill-like, 
Take thy Correction mildly, kiffe the Rodde, 
And fawne on Rage with bale Humilitie, 
Which art a Lyon, and a King of Beafts? 

Rich. A King of Beafts indeed: if aught but Beafts, 
I had beene ftill a happy King of Men. 
Goodffometime Queene) prepare thee hence for France: 
Thinke I am dead, and that euen here thou tak'ft, 
As from my Death-bed, my laft liuing leaue. 
In Winters tedious Nights fit by the fire 
With good old folkes, and let them tell thee Tales 
Of wofull Ages, long agoe betide : 
And ere thou bid good-night, to quit their griefe, 
Tell thou the lamentable fall of me, 
And fend the hearers weeping to their Beds : 
For why? the fenceleffe Brands will fympathize 
The heauie accent of thy mouing Tongue, 
And in companion, weepe the fire out: 
And fome will mourne in alhes,fome coale-black, 
For the depofing of a rightfull King. 
Enter Northumberland. 

North.My Lord, the mind of Bullingbrooke is chang'd. 



345 



You muft to Pomfret,not vnto the Tower. 
And Madame, there is order ta'ne for you : 
With all fwift fpeed,you muft away to France. 

Rich. Northumberland,thou Ladder wherewithall 
The mounting "Bullingbrooke afcends my Throne, 
The time ftiall not be many houres of age, 
More then it is,ere foule finne, gathering head, 
Shall breake into corruption: thou ftialt thinke, 
Though he diuida the Realme,and giue thee halfe, 
It is too little,helping him to all: 
He ftiall thinke, that thou which know'ft the way 
To plant vnrightfull Kings, wilt know againe, 
Being ne're fo little vrg'd another way, 
To pluck him headlong from the vfurped Throne. 
The Loue of wicked friends conuerts to Feare ; 
That Feare, to Hate ; and Hate turnes one, or both, 
To worthie Danger,and deferued Death. 

North. My guilt be on my Head, and there an end : 
Take leaue, and part, for you muft part forthwith. 

Rich. Doubly diuorc'd?(bad men) ye violate 
A two-fold Marriage; 'twixt my Crowne,and me, 
And then betwixt me, and my marryed Wife. 
Let me vn-kiffe the Oath 'twixt thee, and me; 
And yet not fo,for with a Kiffe 'twas made. 
Part vs, Northumberland ; I, towards the North, 
Where fhiuering Cold and Sickneffe pines the Clyme : 
My Queene to France : from whence, fet forth in pompe, 
She came adorned hither like fweet May; 
Sent back like Kollowmas,or ftiort'ft of day. 
££u. And muft we be diuided ? muft we part ? 

Rich. I, hand from hand(my Loue)and heart fro heart. 
Qu. Banilh vs both, and fend the King with rne. 

North. That were fome Loue, but little Pollicy. 

S)u. Then whither he goes, thither let me goe. 

Rich. So two together weeping,make one Woe. 
Weepe thou for me in France; I, for thee heere: 
Better farre off, then neere, be ne're the neere. 
Goe, count thy Way with Sighes ; I, mine with Groanes. 

Qu. So longeft Way ftiall haue the longeft Moanes. 

SJch. Twice for one ftep He groane,y Way being fhort, 
And peece the Way out with a heauie heart. 
Come, come, in wooing Sorrow let's be briefe, 
Since wedding it, there is fuch length in Griefe : 
One Kiffe fhall ftop our mouthes, and dumbely part ; 
Thus giue I mine, and thus take I thy heart. 

Qu. Giue me mine owne ag-:ine:'twere no good part, 
To take on me to keepe, and kill thy heart. 
So, now I haue mine owne againe, be gone,' 
That I may ftriue to kill it with a groane. 

Rich. We make Woe wanton with this fond delay: 
Once more adieu; the reft, let Sorrow fay. Exeunt. 



Sccena Secunda. 



Enter Tor{e,and his Duchefe. 

Duch. My Lord, you told me you would tell the reft, 
When weeping made you breake the ftory off, 
Of our two Coufins comming into London. 

Yorke. Where did I leaue? 

Duch. At that fad ftoppe,my Lord, 
Where rude mif-gouern'd hands, from Windowes tops, 
Threw duft and rubbiih on King Richards head. 

d 3 rbr^f.Then 



4 2 



The Life and Death of Richard the Second. 



Torke. Then, as I faid, the Duke, great 'Bullingbrooke, 
Mounted vpon a hot and fierie Steed, 
Which his afpiring Rider feem'd to know, 
With flow, but ftately pace, kept on his courfe : 
While all tongues cride, God faue thee Bullingbrooke. 
You would haue thought the very windowes fpake, 
So many greedy lookes of yong and old, 
Through Cafements darted their defiring eyes 
Vpon his vifage : and that all the walles, 
With painted Imagery had faid at once, 
Iefu preferue thee, welcom Bullingbrooke. 
Whil'ft he, from one fide to the other turning, 
Bare-headed, lower then his proud Steeds necke, 
Befpake them thus : I thanke you Countvimen : 
And thus ftill doing, thus he paft along. 

'Dutch. Alas poore Richard, where rides he the whilft? 

Torke. As in a Theater, the eyes of men 
After a well grac'd Aftor leaues the Stage, 
Are idlely bent on him that enters next, 
Thinking his prattle to be tedious : 
Euen fo, or with much more contempt, mens eyes 
Did fcowle on 'Richard : no man cride, God faue him : 
No ioyfull tongue gaue him his welcome home, 
But duft was throwne vpon his Sacred head, 
Which with fuch gentle forrow he ftiooke off, 
His face ftill combating with teares and fmiles 
(The badges of his greefe and patience) 
That had not God (for fome ftrong purpofe) fteel'd 
The hearts of men, they muft perforce haue melted, 
And Barbarifme it felfe haue pittied him. 
But heauen hath a hand in thefe euents, 
To whofe high will we bound our calme contents. 
To 'Bullingbrooke, are we fworne Subiefts now, 
Whofe State, and Honor, I for aye allow. 
Enter ^Aumerle. 

Dut. Heere comes my fonne Aumerle. 

Tor. Aumerle that was, 
But that is loft, for being Richards Friend. 
And Madam, you muft call him Rutland now: 
I am in Parliament pledge for his truth, 
And lafting fealtie to the new-made King. 

Dut. Welcome my fonne : who are the Violets now, 
That ftrew the greene lap of the new-come Spring i 

Aum. Madam, I know not, nor I greatly care not, 
God knowes, I had as liefe be none, as one. 

Yorfe.'Well, beare you well in this new-fpring of time 
Leaft you be cropt before you come to prime. 
What newes from Oxford? Hold thofe Iufts & Triumphs? 

Aum. For ought I know my Lord, they do. 

Torke. You will be there I know. 

Aum. If God preuent not, I purpofe fo. 

Tor. What Seale is that that hangs without thy bofom? 
Yea, look'ft thou pale ? Let me fee the Writing. 

Aum. My Lord, 'tis nothing. 
Torke. No matter then who fees it, 
I will be fatisfied, let me fee the Writing. 

Aum. I do befeech your Grace to pardon me, 
It is a matter of fmall confequence, 
Which for fome reafons I would not haue feene. 

Torke. Which for fome reafons fir, I meane to fee: 
I feare, I feare. 

Dut. What ftiould you feare ? 
'Tis nothing but fome bond, that he is enter' d into 
For gay apparrell,againft the Triumph. 

Torke. Bound to himfelfe? What doth he with a Bond 
That he is bound to? Wife, thou art a foole. 



Boy, let me fee the Writing. 

Aum. I do befeech you pardon me, I may not ftiew it. 

Tor. I will be fatisfied:let me fee it I fay. Snatches it 
Trealon, foule Treafon, Villaine, Traitor, Slaue. 

Dut. What's the matter, my Lord ? 
. Torke. Hoa, who's within there ? Saddle my horfe. 
Heauen for his mercy : what treachery is heere ? 

Dut. Why, what is't my Lord? 

Torke. Giue me my boots, I fay : Saddle my horfe : 
Now by my Honor,my life,my troth, 
I will appeach the Villaine. 

Dut. What is the matter? 

Torke. Peace foolifh Woman. 

'Dut. I will not peace. What is the matter Sonne? 

Aum. Good Mother be content, it is no more 
Then my poore life muft anfwer. 

Dut. Thy life anfwer ? 

Enter Seruant with Boots. 

Tor. Bring me my Boots, I will vnto the King. 

'Dut. Strike him Aumerle. Poore boy, y art amaz'd, 
Hence Villaine, neuer more come in my fight. 

Tor. Giue me my Boots, I fay. 

Dut. Why Yorke, what wilt thou do? 
Wilt thou not hide the Trefpafie of thine owne? 
Haue we more Sonnes? Or are we like to haue ? 
Is not my teeming date drunke vp with time? 
And wilt thou plucke my faire Sonne from mine Age, 
And rob me of a happy Mothers name? 
Is he not like thee? Is he not thine owne? 

Tor. Thou fond mad woman : 
Wilt thou conceale this darke Confpiracy? 
A dozen of them heere haue tane the Sacrament, 
And interchangeably fet downe their hands 
To kill the King at Oxford. 

Dut. He (hall be none: 
Wee'l keepe him heere : then what is that to him? 

Tor. Away fond woman : were hee twenty times my 
Son, I would appeach him. 

'Dut. Hadft thou groan'd for him as I haue done, 
Thou wouldeft be more pittifull : 
But now I know thy minde ; thou do'ft fufpedl 
That I haue bene di'floyall to thy bed, 
And that he is a Baftard, not thy Sonne : 
Sweet Yorke, fweet husband, be not of that minde : 
He is as like thee, as a man may bee, 
Not like to me, nor any of my Kin, 
And yet I loue him. 

Torke- Make way, vnruly Woman. Exit 

Dut. After Aumerle. Mount thee vpon his horfe, 
Spurre poft, and get before him to the King, 
And begge thy pardon, ere he do accufe thee, 
lie not be long behind : though I be old, 
I doubt not but to ride as faft as Yorke: 
And neuer will I rife vp from the ground, 
Till Bullingbrooke haue pardon'd thee:Away be gone. Exit 



Sccena Tertia. 



Enter Bullingbrooke, Percie,and other Lords. 
Bui. Can no man tell of my vnthriftie Sonne? 
'Tis full three monthes fince I did fee him laft. 
If any plague hang ouer vs, 'tis he, 
I would to heauen(my Lords)he might be found: 
Enquire at London, 'mongft the Tauernes there: 



The Life and Death of ^c hard the Second. 



43 



For there (they fay) he dayly doth frequent, 

With vnreftrained loofe Companions, 

Euen fuch (they fay) as ftand in narrow Lanes, 

And rob our Watch, and beate our paffengers, 

Which he, yong wanton, and effeminate Boy 

Takes on the point of Honor, to fupport 

So diffolute a crew. 

Per. My Lord, fome two dayes fince I faw the Prince, 
And told him of thefe Triumphes held at Oxford. 

Bui. And what faid the Gallant ? 

Per. His anfwer was : he would vnto the Stewes, 
And from the common'ft creature plucke a Gloue 
And weare it as a fauour, and with that 
He would vnhorfe the luftieft Challenger. 

Bui. As diffolute as defp'rate, yet through both, 
I fee fome fparkes of better hope : which elder dayes 
May happily bring forth. But who comes heere? 
Enter Aumerle. 

Aum. Where is the King? 

'Bui. What meanes our Cofin, that hee flares 
And lookes fo wildely ? 

Aum.Goi. faue your Grace. I do befeech your Maiefty 
To haue fome conference with your Grace alone. 

Bui. Withdraw your felues,and leaue vs here alone : 
What is the matter with our Cofin now? 

Aum. For euer may my knees grow to the earth, 
My tongue cleaue to my roofe within my mouth, 
Vnleffe a Pardon, ere I rife, or fpeake. 

'Bui. Intended, or committed was this fault? 
If on the firft, how heynous ere it bee, 
To win thy after loue, I pardon thee. 

Aum. Then giue me leaue, that I may turne the key, 
That no man enter, till my tale me done. 

•"Bui. Haue thy defire. Torhe mthiu. 

Tor. My Liege beware, looke to thy felfe, 
Thou haft a Traitor in thy prefence there. 

Bui. Villaine, He make thee fafe. 

Aum. Stay thy reuengefull hand, thou haft no caufe 
to feare. 

Tor\e. Open the doore, fecure foole-hardy King : 
Shall I for loue fpeake treafon to thy face? 
Open the doore, or I will breake it open. 
Enter Yorke. 

•Bui. What is the matter (Vnkle)fpeak,recouer breath, 
Tell vs how neere is danger, 
That we may arme vs to encounter it. 

Tor. Perufe this writing heere, and thou fhalt know 
The reafon that my hafte forbids me fhow. 

Aum. Remember as thou read'ft, thy promife paft : 
I do repent me, reade not my name there, 
My heart is not confederate with my hand. 

Tor. It was (villaine) ere thy hand did fet it downe. 
I tore it from the Traitors bofome, King. 
Feare, and not Loue, begets his penitence ; 
Forget to pitty him, leaft thy pitty proue 
A Serpent, that will fting thee to the heart. 

'Bui. Oh heinous ,ftrong, and bold Confpiracie, 
O loyall Father of a treacherous Sonne : 
Thou fheere, immaculate,and filuer fountaine, 
From whence this ftreame, through muddy paffages 
Hath had his current, and defil'd himfelte. 
Thy ouerflow of good, conuerts to bad, 
And thy abundant goodneffe fhall excufe 
This deadly blot, in thy digreffing fonne. 

Tor\e. So fhall my Vertue be his Vices bawd, 
And he fhall fpend mine Honour, with his Shame ; 



As thrifdeffe Sonnes, their fcraping Fathers Gold. 
Mine honor liues, when his difhonor dies, 
Or my fham'd life, in his difhonor lies : 
Thou kill 'ft me in his life, giuing him breath, 
The Traitor liues, the true man's put to death. 

Dutchejfe within. 

T)ut. What hoa(my Liege)for heauens fake let me in. 
Bui. What fhrill-voic'd Suppliant, makes this eager cry? 

Dut. A woman, and thine Aunt (great King) 'tis I. 
Speake with me, pitty me, open the dore, 
A Begger begs, that neuer begg'd before. 

'Bui. Our Scene is alter'd from a ferious thing, 
And now chang'd to the Begger, and the King. 
My dangerous Cofin, let your Mother in, 
I know fhe's come, to pray for your foule fin. 

Torfe. If thou do pardon, whofoeuer pray, 
More finnes for this forgiueneffe,profper may. 
This fefter'd ioynt cut off, the reft refts found, 
This let alone, will all the reft confound. 
Enter Dutchejfe. 

Dut. O King, beleeue not this hard-hearted man, 
Loue,louing not it felfe, none other can. 

Tor. Thou franticke woman, what doft y make here, 
Shall thy old dugges, once more a Traitor reare? 

'Dut. Sweet Yorke be patient, heare me gentle Liege. 

'Bui. Rife vp good Aunt. 

Dut. Not yet, I thee befeech. 
For euer will I kneele vpon my knees, 
And neuer fee day, that the happy fees, 
Till thou giue ioy : vntill thou bid me ioy. 
By pardoning Rutland, my tranfgreffmg Boy. 

Aum. Vnto my mothers prayres, I bend my knee. 

Tor\e. Againft them both, my true ioynts bended be. 

Dut. Pleades he in earneft? Looke vpon his Face, 
His eyes do drop no teares: his prayres are in ieft: 
His words come from his mouth, ours from our breft. 
He prayes but faintly,and would be denide, 
We pray with heart, and foule, and all befide : 
His weary ioynts would gladly rife, I know, 
Our knees fhall kneele, till to the ground they grow : 
His prayers are full of falfe hypocrifie, 
Ours of true zeale, and deepe integritie : 
Our prayers do out-pray his, then let them haue 
That mercy, which true prayers ought to haue. 

Bui. Good Aunt ftand vp. 

Dut. Nay, do not fay ftand vp. 
But Pardon firft, and afterwards ftand vp. 
And if I were thy Nurfe,thy tongue to teach, 
Pardon fhould be the firft word of thy fpeach. 
I neuer long'd to heare a word till now : 
Say Pardon (King,) let pitty teach thee how. 
The word is fhort: but not fo fhort as fweet, 
No word like Pardon, for Kings mouth's fo meet. 

Tor^e. Speake it in French (King) fay Pardorfne moy. 

Dut. Doft thou teach pardon, Pardon to deftroy ? 
Ah my fowre husband, my hard-hearted Lord, 
That fet's the word it felfe, againft the word. 
Speake Pardon, as 'tis currant in our Land, 
The chopping French we do not vnderftand. 
Thine eye begins to fpeake, fet thy tongue there, 
Or in thy pitteous heart, plant thou thine eare, 
That hearing how our plaints and prayres do pearce, 
Pitty may moue thee, Pardon to rehearfe. 

Bui. Good Aunt, ftand vp. 

Dut. I do not fue to ftand, 
Pardon is all the fuite I haue in hand. 

Bui. 



44 



The Life and "Death of Richard the Second. 



Bui. I pardon him, as heauen fhall pardon mee. 

Dut. O happy vantage of a kneeling knee : 
Yet am I ficke for feare: Speake it againe, 
Twice faying Pardon, doth not pardon twaine, 
But makes one pardon ftrong. 

'Bui. I pardon him with all my hart. 

Dut. A God on earth thou art. 

'Bui. But for our trufty brother-in-Law,the Abbot, 
With all the reft of that conforted crew, 
Deftrudtion ftraight (hall dogge them at the heeles: 
Good Vnckle helpe to order feuerall powres 
To Oxford, or where ere thefe Traitors are : 
They mail not liue within this world I fweare, 
But I will haue them, if 1 once know where. 
Vnckle farewell, and Cofin adieu: 
Your mother well hath praid,and proue you true. 

Da?. Come my old fon,I pray heauen make thee new. 
Exeunt. 
Enter Extort and Seruants. 
Ext. Didft thou not marke the King what words hee 
fpake ? 
Haue I no friend will rid me of this liuing feare : 
Was it not fo? 

Ser. Thofe were his very words. 

Ex. Haue I no Friend?(quoth he:) he fpake it twice, 
And vrg'd it twice together, did he not? 

Ser. He did. 

Ex. And fpeaking it, he wiftly look'd on me, 
As who mould fay, I would thou wer't the man 
That would diuorce this terror from my heart, 
Meaning the King at Pomfret : Come, let's goe ; 
I am the Kings Friend, and will rid his Foe. Exit. 



Sccena Quarta. 



Enter Richard. 
Rich. I haue bin ftudying, how to compare 
This Prifon where I liue, vnto the World : 
And for becaufe the worid is populous, 
And heere is not a Creature, but my felfe, 
I cannot do it : yet He hammer't out. 
My Braine, He proue the Female to my Soule, 
My Soule, the Father: and thefe two beget 
A generation of ftill breeding Thoughts ; 
And thefe fame Thoughts, people this Little World 
In humors, like the people of this world, 
For no thought is contented. The better fort, 
As thoughts of things Diuine, are intermixt 
With fcruples, and do fet the Faith it felfe 
Againft the'Faith:as thus: Come litle ones:& then again, 
It is as hard to come, as for a Camell 
To thred the pofterne of a Needles eye. 
Thoughts tending to Ambition, they do plot 
Vnlikely wonders ;how thefe vaine weake nailes 
May teare a pafiage through the Flinty ribbes 
Of this hard world, my ragged prifon walles: 
And for they cannot, dye in their owne pride. 
Thoughts tending to Content, flatter themfelues, 
That they are not the firft of Fortunes llaues, 
Nor fhall not be the laft. Like filly Beggars, 
Who fitting in the Stockes, refuge their ftiame 
That many haue, and others muft fit there; 
And in this Thought, they finde a kind of eafe, 



Bearing their owne misfortune on the backe 
Of fuch as haue before indur'd the like. 
Thus play I in one Prifon, many people, 
And none contented. Sometimes am I King ; 
Then Treafon makes me wifli my felfe a Beggar, 
And fo I am. Then crulhing penurie, 
Perfwades me, I was better when a King : 
Then am I king'd againe: and by and by, 
Thinke that I am vn-king'd by c Bu//ingbroo^e, 
And ftraight am nothing. But what ere I am, Mufic\ 

Nor I, nor any man, that but man is, 
With nothing fhall be pleas'd, till he be eas'd 
With being nothing. Mulicke do I heare? 
Ha, ha?keepe time : How fowre fweet Muficke is, 
When Time is broke, and no Proportion kept? 
So* is it in the Muficke of mens hues : 
And heere haue I the daintinelTe of eare, 
To heare time broke in a diforder'd ftring : 
But for the Concord of my State and Time, 
Had not an eare to heare my true Time broke. 
I wafted Time, and now doth Time wafte me : 
For now hath Time made me his numbring clocke ; 
My Thoughts,are minutes; and with Sighes they iarre, 
Their watches on vnto mine eyes, the outward Watch, 
Whereto my finger, like a Dialls point, 
Is pointing ftill, in cleanfing them from teares. 
Now fir, the found that tels what houre it is, 
Are clamorous groanes, that ftrike vpon my heart, 
Which is the bell : fo Sighes, and Teares, and Grones, 
Shew Minutes,Houres,and Times : but my Time 
Runs poafting on, in c Bullingbrookes proud ioy, 
While I ftand fooling heere, his iacke o'th'Clocke. 
This Muficke mads me, let it found no more, 
For though it haue holpe madmen to their wits, 
In me it feemes, it will make wife-men mad : 
Yet blefling on his heart that giues it me ; 
For 'tis a figne of loue, and loue to Richard, 
Is a ftrange Brooch, in this all-hating world. 
Enter Groome. 

Groo. Haile Royall Prince. 

Rich. Thankes Noble Peere, 
The cheapeft of vs, is ten groates too deere. 
What art thou ?And how com'ft thou hither? 
Where no man euer comes, but that fad dogge 
That brings me food, to make misforcune liue ? 

Groo. I was a poore Groome of thy Stable (King) 
When thou wer't King:who trauelling towards Yorke, 
With much adoo, at length haue gotten leaue 
To looke vpon my(fometimes Royall) mafters face. 
O how it yern'd my heart, when I beheld 
In London ftreets, that Coronation day, 
When 'Bullingbrooke rode on Roane Barbary, 
That horfe, that thou fo often haft beftrid, 
That horfe, that I fo carefully haue dreft. 

Rich. Rode he on Barbary?Tell me gentle Friend, 
How went he vnder him ? 

Groo. So proudly,as if he had difdain'd the ground. 

Rich. So proud, that 'Bullingbrooke was on his backe ; 
That lade hath eate bread from my Royall hand. 
This hand hath made him proud with clapping him. 
Would he not ftumble?Would he not fall downe 
(Since Pride muft haue a fall) and breake the necke 
Of that proud man, that did vfurpe his backe ? 
ForgiuenelTe horfe : Why do I raile on thee, 
Since thou created to be aw'd by man 
Was't borne to beare? I was not made a horfe, 

And 

348 



The Life and Death of Richard the Second. 



45 



And yet I beare a burthen like an AfTe, 
Spur-gall'd, and tyrd by iauncing Bullingbrooke. 
Enter Keeper with a Difi. 

Keep. Fellow, giue place, heere is no longer ftay. 

^RJch. If thou loue me, 'tis time thou wer't away. 

Groo. What my tongue dares not, that my heart fhall 
fay. Exit. 

Keep. My Lord, wilt pleafe you to fall too? 

Rich. Tafte of it firft, as thou wer't wont to doo. 

Keep. My Lord I dare not : Sir Pierce of Exton, 
Who lately came from th'King,commands the contrary. 

Rich. The diuell take Henrie of Lancafter,and thee ; 
Patience is ftale, and I am weary of it. 

Keep. Helpe,helpe,helpe. 

Enter Exton and Seruants. 

Ri. How now?what meanes Death in this rude aflalt? 
Villaine, thine owne hand yeelds thy deaths inftrument, 
Go thou and fill another roome in hell. 

Exton jirikes him dotone. 
That hand fhall burne in neuer-quenching fire, 
That ftaggers thus my perfon. Exton, thy fierce hand, 
Hath with the Kings blood, ftain'd the Kings own land. 
Mount, mount my foule, thy feate is vp on high, 
Whil'ft my groffe fiefh finkes down ward, heere to dye. 

Exton. As full of Valor, as of Royall blood, 
Both haue I fpilt: Oh would the deed were good. 
For now the diuell, that told me I did well, 
Sayes, that this deede is chronicled in hell. 
This dead King to the liuing King He beare, 
Take hence the reft, and giue them buriall heere. Exit. 



Sccena Quinta. 



Flourijh. Enter e BuIlwgbroo{e,Tor{e,n>ith 
other Lords & attendants. 
Bui. Kinde Vnkle Yorke, the lateft newes we heare, 
Is that the Rebels haue confum'd with fire 
Our Towne ofCiceter in Gloucefterihire, 
But whether they be tane or flaine, we heare not. 

Enter Northumberland. 
Welcome my Lord : What is the newes ? 

Nor. Firft to thy Sacred State, wifh I all happineffe : 
The next newes is, I haue to London fent 
The heads of Sahbury,Spcncer,<Blunt , and Kent: 



The manner of their taking may appeare 
At large difcourfed in this paper heere. 

Bul.We thank thee gentle Percy for thy paines, 
And to thy worth will adde right worthy gaines. 
Enter Fitz-waters. 

Fitz. My Lord, I haue from Oxford fent to London, 
The heads of Broccas, and Sir Bem.et Seely, 
Two of the dangerous conforted Traitors, 
That fought at Oxford, thy dire ouerthrow. 

But. Thy paines Fitzwaters fhall not be forgot, 
Right Noble is thy merit, well I wot. 
Enter Percy and Carlile. 

Per. The grand Confpirator, Abbot of Weftminfter, 
With clog of Confcience, and fowre Melancholly, 
Hath yeelded vp his body to the graue : 
But heere is Carlile, liuing to abide 
Thy Kingly doome, and fentence of his pride. 

Bui. Qarlile, this is your doome : 
Choofe out feme fecret place, fome reuerend roome 
More then thou haft, and with it ioy thy life : 
So as thou liu'ft in peace, dye free from ftrife : 
For though mine enemy, thou haft euer beene, 
High fparkes of Honor in thee haue I feene. 
Enter Exton with a Coffin. 

Exton. Great King, within this Coffin I prefent 
Thy buried feare. Heerein all breathlefie lies 
The mightieft of thy greateft enemies 
Richard of Burdeaux, by me hither brought. 

■3k/. Exton, I thanke thee not, for thou haft wrought 
A deede of Slaughter, with thy fatall hand, 
Vpon my head, and all this famous Land. 

Ex.Yxom your owne mouth my Lord, did I this deed. 

'Bui. They loue not poyfon, that do poyfon neede, 
Nor do I thee : though I did wifh him dead, 
I hate the Murtherer, loue him murthered. 
The guilt of confcience take thou for thy labour, 
But neither my good word, nor Princely fauour. 
With Qaine go wander through the (hade of night, 
And neuer fhew thy head by day, nor light. 
Lords, I proteft my foule is full of woe, 
That blood fhould fprinkle me, to make me grow. 
Come mourne with me, for that I do lament, 
And put on fullen Blacke incontinent: 
He make a voyage to the Holy-land, 
To warn this blood off from my guilty hand. 
March fadly after, grace my mourning heere, 
In weeping after this vntimely Beere. • Exeun t 



■FINIS. 



4 6 




The Firft Part of Henry the Fourth, 

with the Life and Death of HENRY 



Sirnamed HOT.SPVRRE. 



aABus c Pri?nus. Sccena T'rima. 



Enter the King, Lord Iohn of Lancafter , Earle 
of Weftmerland,mth others. 

King. 
O Shaken as we are, fo wan with care, 
Finde we a time for frighted Peace to pant, 
And breath Shortwinded accents of new broils 
To be commenc'd in Stronds a-farre remote : 
the thirfty entrance of this Scile, 
Shall daube her lippes with her owne childrens blood : 
No more Shall trenching Warre channell her fields, 
Nor bruife her Flowrets with the Armed hoofes 
Of hoftile paces. Thofe oppofed eyes, 
Which like the Meteors of a troubled Heauen, 
All of one Nature, of one Subftance bred, 
Did lately meete in the inteftine Shocke, 
And furious cloze of ciuill Butchery, 
Shall now in mutuall well-befeeming rankes 
March all one way, and be no more oppos'd 
Againft Acquaintance, Kindred, and Allies. 
The edge of Warre, like an ill-Sheathed knife, 
No more lhall cut his Mafter. Therefore Friends, 
As farre as to the Sepulcher of Chrift, 
Whofe Souldier now vnder whofe bleffed Croffe 
We are impreffed and ingag'd to fight, 
Forthwith a power of English fhall we leuie, 
Whofe armes were moulded in their Mothers wombe, 
To chace thefe Pagans in thofe holy Fields, 
Ouer whofe Acres walk'd thofe bleffed feete 
Which fourteene hundred yeares ago were nail'd 
For our aduantage on the bitter Croffe. 
But this our purpofe is a tweluemonth old, 
And bootleffe 'tis to tell you we will go : 
Therefore we meete not now. Then let me heare 
Of you my gentle Coufin Weftmerland, 
What yefternight our Councell did decree, 
In forwarding this deere expedience. 

Weft. My Liege : This hafte was hot in queftion, 
And many limits of the Charge fet downe 
But yefternight : when all athwart there came 
A Poft from Wales, loaden with heauy Newes ; 
Whofe worft was, That the Noble eMortimer, 
Leading the men of Hereford/hire to fight 
Againft the irregular and wilde Glendower, 
Was by the rude hands of that Welshman taken, 
And a thoufand of his people butchered : 



Vpon whofe dead corpes there was fuch mifufe, 
Such beaftly,Shameleffe transformation, 
By thofe Welshwomen done, as may not be 
(Without much Shame) re-told or fpoken of. 

King. It feemes then, that the tidings of this broile, 
Brake off our bufineffe for the Holy land. 

Weft. This matcht with other like, my gracious Lord, 
Farre more vneuen and vnwelcome Newes 
Came from the North, and thus it did report : 
On Holy-roode day, the gallant Hotjpurre there, 
Young Harry Percv, and braue ^Archibald, 
That euer-valiant and approoued Scot, 
At Holmeden met, where they did fpend 
A fad and bloody houre : 
As by difcharge of their Artillerie, 
And Shape of likely-hood the newes was told : 
For he that brought them, in the very heate 
And pride of their contention, did take horfe, 
Vncertaine of the iffue any way. 

King. Heere is a deere and true induftrious friend, 
Sir Walter 'Blunt, new lighted from his Horfe, 
Strain'd with the variation of each foyle, 
Betwixt that Holmedon,and this Seat of ours: 
And he hath brought vs fmooth and welcomes newes. 
The Earle of T>owglas is difcomfited, 
Ten thoufand bold Scots, two and twenty Knights 
Balk'd in their owne blood did Sir Walter fee 
On Holmedons Plaines. Of Prifoners, Hotjpurre tooke 
Mcrdake Earle of Fife, and eldeft fonne 
To beaten Tlowglas, and the Earle of Atholl, 
Of Murry, tAngui, and Menteith. 
And is not this an honourable fpoyle ? 
A gallant prize ? Ha Cofin, is it not? Infaith it is. 

Weft. A Conqueft for a Prince to boaft of. 

King. Yea, there thou mak'ft me fad, & mak'ft me fin, 
In enuy, that my Lord Northumberland 
Should be the Father of fo bleft a Sonne : 
A Sonne, who is the Theame of Honors tongue ; 
Among'ft a Groue, the very ftraighteft Plant, 
Who is fweet Fortunes Minion,and her Pride : 
Whil'ft I by looking on the praife of him, 
See Ryot and Dishonor ftaine the brow 
Of my yong Harry. O that it could be prou'd, 
That fome Night-tripping-Faiery, had exchang'd 
In Cradle-clothes, our Children where the) lay, 
And call'd mine Percy, his Plantagenet : 

The 






The Firji T'aj-t offing Henry the Fourth. 



49 



Then would I haue his Harry,an<i he mine : 

But let him from my thoughts. What thinke you Coze 

Of this young Perries pridePThe Prifoners 

Which he in this aduenture hath furpriz'd, 

To his owne vfe he keepes, and fends me word 

I fliall haue none but Mordake Earle of Fife. 

Weft. This is his Vnckles teaching, This is Worcefter 
Maleuolent to you in all Afpefts : 
Which makes him prune himfelfe,and briftle vp 
The creft of Youth againft your Dignity. 

King. But I haue fent for him to anfwer this: 
And for this caufe a-while we muft negleft 
Our holy purpofe to Ierufalem. 

Cofin, on Wednefday next, our Councell we will hold 
At Windfor, and fo informe the Lords : 
But come your felfe with fpeed to vs againe, 
For more is to be faid, and to be done, 
Then out of anger can be vttered. 

Weft. I will my Liege. Exeunt 



Sccena Secunda. 



'enry Prince of Wales, Sir Iohn Fal- 
ftaffe, and Point*. 



Fal. Now Hal, what time of day is it Lad ? 

Prince. Thou art fo fat-witted with drinking of olde 
Sacke, and vnbuttoning thee after Supper, and fleeping 
vpon Benches in the afternoone, that thou haft forgotten 
to demand that truely, which thou wouldeft truly know. 
What a diuell haft thou to do with the time of the day ? 
vnleffe houres were cups of Sacke, and minutes Capons, 
and clockes the tongues of Bawdes, and dialls the fignes 
of Leaping-houfes, and the bleffed Sunne himfelfe a faire 
hot Wench in Flame-coloured Taffata ; I fee no reafon, 
why thou moulded bee fo fuperfluous, to demaund the 
time of the day. 

Fal. Indeed you come neere me now Hal, for we that 
take Purfes, go by the Moone and feuen Starres, and not 
by Phcebus hee, that wand'ring Knight fo faire. And I 
prythee fweet Wagge, when thou art King, as God faue 
thy Grace, Maiefty I fhould fay, for Grace thou wilte 
haue none. 

Prin. What, none ? 

Fal, No, not fo much as will ferue to be Prologue to 
an Egge and Butter. 

Prin. Well, how then? Come roundly, roundly.* , 

Fal. Marry then, fweet Wagge, when thou art King, 
let not vs that are Squires of the Nights bodie, bee call'd 
Theeues of the Dayes beautie. Let vs be Dianaes Forre- 
fters, Gentlemen of the Shade, Minions of the Moone ; 
and let men fay, we be men of good Gouernment, being 
gouerned as the Sea is, by our noble and chaft miftris the 
Moone, vnder whofe countenance we fteale. 

Prin. Thou fay'ft well, and it holds well too : for the 
fortune of vs that are the Moones men, doeth ebbe and 
flow like the Sea, beeing gouerned as the Sea is, by the 
Moone : as for proofe. Now a Purfe of Gold moft refo- 
lutely fnatch'd on Monday night, and moft diffolutely 
fpent on Tuefday Morning ; got with fwearing, Lay by: 
and fpent with crying, Bring in : now, in as low an ebbe 
as the foot of the Ladder, and by and by in as high a flow 
as the ridge of the Gallowes. 



Fal. Thou fay'ft true Lad : and is not my Hofteffe of 
the Tauerne a moft fweet Wench ? 

Triii. As is the hony, my old Lad of the Caftle :and is 
not a Buffe Ierkin a moft fweet robe of durance? 

Fal. How now? how now mad Wagge ? What in thy 
quips and thy quiddities? What a plague haue I to doe 
with a Buffe-Ierkin ? 

Prin. Why, what a poxe haue I to doe with my Ho- 
fteffe of the Tauerne? 

Fal. Well, thou haft call'd her to a reck'ning many a 
time and oft. 

Prin. Did I euer call for thee to pay thy part ? 

Fal. No, He giue thee thy due, thou halt paid al there. 

Prin. Yea and elfewhere, fo farre as my Coine would 
ftretch, and where it would not, I haue vs'd my credit. 

Fal. Yea, and fo vs'd it, that were it heere apparant, 
that thou art Heire apparant. But I prythee fweet Wag, 
fhall there be Gallowes (landing in England when thou 
art King? and refolution thus fobb'd as it is, with the ru- 
ftie curbe of old Father Anticke the Law? Doe not thou 
when thou art a King, hang a Theefe. 

Prin. No, thou malt. 

Fal. Shall I? O rare! He be a braue Iudge. 

Prin. Thou iudgeft falfe already. I meane, thou /halt 
haue the hanging of the Theeues, and fo become a rare 
Hangman. 

Fal. Well Hal, well : and in fome fort it iumpes with 
my humour, as well as waiting in the Court, I can tell 
you. 

Trin. For obtaining of fuites? 

Fal. Yea, for obtaining of fuites, whereof the Hang- 
man hath no leane Wardrobe. I am as Melancholly as a 
Gyb-Cat, or a lugg'd Beare. 

Prin. Or an old Lyon, or a Louers Lute. 

Fal. Yea,or the Drone of a Lincolnftiire Bagpipe. 

Prin. What fay'ft thou to a Hare, or the Melancholly 
of Moore-Ditch ? 

Fal. Thou haft the moft vnfauoury fmiles, and art in- 
deed the moft comparatiue rafcalleft fweet yong Prince. 
But Hal, I prythee trouble me no more with vanity,I wold 
thou and I knew, where a Commodity of good names 
were to be bought : an olde Lord of the Councell rated 
me the other day in the ftreet about you fir ; but I mark'd 
him not, and yet hee talk'd very wifely, but I regarded 
him not,and yet he talkt wifely, and in the ftreet too. 

Prin. Thou didft well: for no man regards it. 

Fal. O, thou haft damnable iteration, and art indeede 
able to corrupt a Saint. Thou haft done much harme vn- 
to me Hall, God forgiue thee for it. Before I knew thee 
Hal,l knew nothing:and now I am(if a man mold fpeake 
truly) little better then one of the wicked. I muft giue o- 
uer this life, and I will giue it ouer : and I do not, I am a 
Villaine. He be damn'd for neuer a Kings fonne in Chri- 
ftendome. 

Trin. Where fhall we take a purfe to morrow,Iacke? 

Fal. Where thou wilt Lad, He make one : and I doe 
not, call me Villaine, and bafflle me. 

Prin. I fee a good amendment of life in thee : From 
Praying, to Purfe -taking. 

Fal. Why,/fo/,'tis my Vocation Hal : Tis no fin for a 
man to labour in his Vocation. 

Point*. Now fhall wee know if Gads hill haue fet a 
Watch. O, if men were to be faued by merit, what hole 
in Hell were hot enough for him ?This is the moft omni- 
potent Villaine, that euer cryed, Stand, to a true man. 

Prin. Good morrow Ned, 

Point*. 



5° 



The Firji 'Fart of Mjng Henry the Fourth. 



Poines. Good morrow fweet Hal. What faies Mon- 
iieur Remorfc ? What fayes Sir Iohn Sacke and Sugar : 
Iacke ? How agrees the Diuell and thee about thy Soule, 
that thou foldeft him on Good-Friday laft, for a Cup of 
Madera, and a cold Capons legge? 

Prin. Sir Iohn (lands to his word, the diuel mail haue 
his bargaine,for he was neuer yet a Breaker of Prouerbs : 
He willgiue the diuell his due. 

Pom. Then art thou damn'd for keeping thy word with 
the diuell. 

Prin. Elfe he had damn'd for cozening the diuell. 

Poy. But my Lads, my Lads, to morrow morning, by 
foure a clocke early at Gads hill, there are Pilgrimes go- 
ing to Canterbury with rich Offerings, and Traders ri- 
ding to London with fat Purfes. I haue vizards for you 
all ; you haue horfes for your felues : Gads-hill lyes to 
night in Rochefter, I haue befpoke Supper to morrow in 
Eaftcheape ; we may doe it as fecure as fleepe: if you will 
go, I will ftuffe your Purfes full of Crownes : if you will 
not, tarry at home and be hang'd. 

Fal. Heare ye Yedward,if I tarry at home and go not, 
lie hang you for going. 

Poy. You will chops. 

Fal. Hal, wilt thou make one? 

Prin. Who, I rob? I a Theefe? Not I. 

Fal. There's neither honefly, manhood, nor good fel- 
lowship in thee, nor thou cam'ft not of the blood-royall, 
if thou dar'ft not ftand for ten millings. 

Trin. Well then, once in my dayes He be a mad-cap. 

Fal. Why, that's well faid. 

Prin. Well, come what will, He tarry at home. 

Fal. He be a Traitor then, when thou art King. 

Prin. I care not. 

Poyn. Sir Iohn,\ prythee leaue the Prince & me alone, 
I will lay him downe fuch reafons for this aduenture,that 
he fhall go. 

Fal. Well, maift thou haue the Spirit of perfwafion ; 
and he the eares of profiting, that what thou fpeakeft , 
may moue ; and what he heares may be beleeued, that the 
true Prince, may (for recreation fake)proue a falfe theefe; 
for the poore abufes of the time, want .countenance. Far- 
well,you fhall finde me in Eaftcheape. 

Prin. Farwell the latter Spring. Farewell Alhollown 
Summer. 

Poy. Now, my good fweet Hony Lord, ride with vs 
to morrow. I haue a ieft to execute, that I cannot man- 
nage alone. Falftaffe, Haruey, Roffdl, and gads-hill, mail 
robbe thofe men that wee haue already way-layde, your 
felfe and I, wil not be there:and when they haue the boo- 
ty, if you and I do not rob them, cut this head from my 
moulders. 

Prin. But how ihal we part with them in fetting forth? 

Poyn. Why, we wil fet forth before or after them, and 
appoint them a place of meeting, wherin it is at our plea- 
fure to faile ; and then will they aduenture vppon the ex- 
ploit rhemfelues, which they fhall haue no fooner atchie- 
ued, but wee'l fet vpon them. 

Prin. I, but tis like that they will know vs by our 
horfes, by our habits, and by euery other appointment to 
be our felues. 

Toy. Tut our horfes they fhall not fee, He tye them in 
the wood, our vizards wee will change after wee leaue 
them : and firrah, I haue Cafes of Buckram for the nonce, 
to immaske our noted outward garments. 

Prin. But I doubt they will be too hard for vs. 

Poin. Well, for two of them, I know them to bee as 



true bred Cowards as euer turn'd backe:and for the third 

if he fight longer then he fees reafon,Ile forfwear Armes. 

The vertue of this left will be, the incomprehenfible lyes 

that this fat Rogue will tell vs,when we meete at Supper: 

how thirty at leaf! he fought with, what Wardes, what 

blowes, what extremities he enduredjand in the reproofe 

of this, lyes the ieft. 

Trin. Well, He goe with thee, prouide vs all things 

neceffary, and meete me to morrow night in Eaftcheape, 

there lie fup. Farewell. 

Poyn. Farewell, my Lord. Exit Point* 

Prin. I know you all, and will a-while vphold 

The vnyoak'd humor of your idleneffe : 

Yet heerein will I imitate the Sunne, 

Who doth permit the bafe contagious cloudes 

To fmother vp his Beauty from the world, 

That when he pleafe againe to be himfelfe, 

Being wanted, he may be more wondred at, 

By breaking through the foule and vgly mifts 

Of vapours, that did feeme to ftrangle him. 

If all the yeare were playing holidaies, 

To fport, would be as tedious as to worke; 

But when they feldome come, they wifht-for come, 

And nothing pleafeth but rare accidents. 

So when this looie behauiour I throw off, 

And pay the debt I neuer promifed ; 

By how much better then my word I am, 

By fo much fhall 1 falfifie mens hopes, 

And like bright Mettall on a fullen ground : 

My reformation glittering o're my fault, 

Shall fhew more goodly, and attract more eyes, 

Then that which hath no f oyle to fet it oft". 

lie fo offend, to make offence a skill, 

Redeeming time, when men thinke leaft I will. 



Sccena Tertia. 



Enter the King,Northumberland,WorceJler,HotJpurre, 
Sir Walter ^Blunt, and others. 

King. My blood hath beene too cold and temperate, 
Vnapt to ftirre at thefe indignities, 
And you haue found me ; for accordingly, 
You tread vpon my patience : But be fure, 
I will from henceforth rather be my Selfe, 
Mighty, and to be fear'd, then my condition 
Which hath beene fmooth as Oyle, foft as yong Downe, 
And therefore loft that Title of refpedt, 
Which the proud foule ne're payes,but to the proud. 

Wor. Our houfe (my Soueraigne Liege) little deferues 
The fcourge of greatnefle to be vfed on it, 
And that fame greatnefle too, which our owne hands 
Haue holpe to make fo portly. 

Nor. My Lord. 

King. Worcefter get thee gone : for I do fee 
Danger and difobedience in thine eye. 
O fir, your prefence is too bold and peremptory, 
And Maieftie might neuer yet endure 
The moody Frontier of a feruant brow, 
You haue good leaue to leaue vs. When we need 
Your vfe and counfell, we fhall fend for you. 
You were about to fpeake. 

North. Yea, my good Lord. 



The Firft 'Part offing Henry the Fourth. 



Thofe Prifoners in your HighneiTe demanded, 
Which Harry Percy heere at Holmedon tooke, 
Were (as he fayes) not with fuch ftrength denied 
As was deliuered to your Maiefty : 
Who either through enuy,or mifprifion, 
Was guilty of this fault ; and not my Sonne. 

Hot. My Liege, I did deny no Prifoners. 
But, I remember when the fight was done, 
When I was dry with Rage, and extreame Toyle, 
BreathleiTe,and Faint, leaning vpon my Sword, 
Came there a certaine Lord, neat and trimly dreft; 
Fre(h as a Bride-groome, and his Chin new reapt, 
Shew'd like a ftubble Land at Harueft-home. 
He was perfumed like a Milliner, 
And 'twixt his Finger and his Thumbe, he held 
A Pouncet-box : which euer and anon 
He gaue his Nofe, and took't away againe : 
Who therewith angry, when it next came there, 
Tooke it in Snuffe : And ftill he fmil'd and talk'd : 
And as the Souldiers bare dead bodies by, 
He call'd them vntaught Knaues, Vnmannerly, 
To bring a flouenly vnhandfome Coarfe 
Betwixt the Winde,and his Nobility. 
With many Holiday and Lady tearme 
He queftion'd me : Among the reft, demanded 
My Prifoners, in your Maiefties behalfe. 
I then, all-fmarting, with my wounds being cold, 
(To be fo peftered with a Popingay) 
Out of my Greefe, and my Impatience, 
Anfwer'd (neglecTringly) I know not what, 
He Ihould, or mould not : For he made me mad, 
To fee him mine fo briske, and fmell fo fweet, 
And talke fo like a Waiting-Gentlewoman, 
Of Guns,& Drums,and Wounds: God faue the marke : 
And telling me, the Soueraign'ft thing on earth 
Was Parmacity, for an inward bruife : 
And that it was great pitty, fo it was, 
That villanous Salt-peter mould be digg'd 
Out of the Bowels of the harmleffe Earth, 
Which many a good Tall Fellow had deftroy'd 
So Cowardly. And but for thefe vile Gunnes, 
He would himfelfe haue beene a Souldier. 
This bald, vnioynted Chat of his (my Lord) 
Made me to anfwer indireftly (as I (aid.) 
And I befeech you, let not this report 
Come currant for an Accufation, 
Betwixt my Loue,and your high Maiefty. 

Blunt. The circumftance confidered,good my Lord, 
What euer Harry Percie then had faid, 
To fuch a perfon, and in fuch a place, 
At fuch a time, with all the reft retold-, 
May reafonably dye, and neuer rife 
To do him wrong, or any way impeach 
What then he faid, fo he vnfay it now. 

King. Why yet doth deny his Prifoners, 
But with Prouiio and Exception, 
That we at our owne charge, (hall ranfome ftraight 
His Brother-in-Law, the foolifh Mortimer, 
Who (in my foule)hath wilfully betraid 
The Hues of thofe, that he did leade to Fight, 
Againft the great Magitian, damn'd Gler.dower : 
Whofe daughter (as we heare)the Earle of March 
Hath lately married. Shall our Coffers then, 
Be emptied, to redeeme a Traitor home ? 
Shall we buy Treafon f and indent with Feares, 
When they haue loft and forfeyted themfelues. 



No : on the barren Mountaine let him fterue : 
For I (hall neuer hold that man my Friend, 
Whofe tongue ihall aske me for one peny coft 
To ranfome home reuolted Mortimer. 

Hot. Reuolted ^Mortimer? 
He neuer did fall off, my Soueraigne Liege, 
But by the chance of Warre : to proue that true, 
Needs no more but one tongue. For all thofe Wounds, 
Thofe mouthed Wounds, which valiantly he tooke, 
When on the gentle Seuernes fiedgie banke, 
In (ingle Oppofition hand to hand, 
He did confound the beft part of an houre 
In changing hardiment with great Glendorrer : 
Three times they breath'd, and three times did they drink 
Vpon agreement, of fwift Seuernes flood ; 
Who then affrighted with their bloody lookes, 
Ran fearefully among the trembling Reeds, 
And hid his crifpe-head in the hollow banke, 
Blood-ftained with thefe Valiant Combatants. 
Neuer did bale and rotten Policy 
Colour her working with fuch deadly wounds ; 
Nor neuer could the Noble ^Mortimer 
Receiue fo many, and all willingly : 
Then let him not be (hnd'red with Reuolt. 

King. Thou do'ft bely him Percy, thou doll bely him; 
He neuer did encounter with Glendotver : 
I tell thee, he durft as well haue met the diuell alone, 
As Owen Glendower for an enemy. 
Art thou not amam'd? But Sirrah, henceforth 
Let me not heare you fpeake of Mortimer. 
Send me your Prifoners with the fpeedieft meanes, 
Or you mail heare in fuch a kinde from me 
As will difpleafe ye. My Lord Northumberland, 
We Licenfe your departure with your fonne, 
Send vs your Prifoners, or you'l heare of it. Exit King. 

Hot. And if the diuell come and roare for them 
I will not fend them. I will after ftraight 
And tell him fo : for I will eafe my heart, 
Although it be with hazard of my head. 

iVor.What? drunke with cbollerfftay & paufe awhile, 
Heere comes your Vnckle. Enter Worcejler. 

Hot. Speake of Mortimer ? 
Yes, I will fpeake of him, and let my foule 
Want mercy, if I do not ioyne with him. 
In his behalfe, lie empty all thefe Veines, 
And (hed my deere blood drop by drop i'th duft, 
But I will lift the downfall oMortimer 
As high i'th Ayre,as this Vntbankfull King, 
As this Ingrate and Cankred llullingbrooke. 

Nor. Brother, the King hath made your Nephew mad 

Wor. Who ftrooke this heate vp after I was gone? 

Hot. He will (forfooth)haue all my Prifoners : 
And when I vrg'd the ranfom once againe 
Of my Wiues Brother, then his cheeke look'd pale, 
And on my face he turn'd an eye of death, 
Trembling euen at the name of Mortimer. 

Wor. I cannot blame him: was he not proclaim'd 
'By Richard that dead is, the next of blood ? 

Nor. He was: I heard the Proclamation, 
And then it was, when the vnhappy King 
(Whofe wrongs in vs God pardon) did fet forth 
Vpon his lri(h Expedition : 
From whence he intercepted, did returne 
To be depos'd, and (hortly murtbered. 
Wor. And for whofe death, we in the worlds wide mouth 
Liue fcandaliz'd,and fouly fpoken of. 

e Hot. 



The Firji Vart o/J^jng Henry the Fourth. 



Hot. But foft I pray you ; did King Richard then 
Proclaime my brother Mortimer, 
Heyre to the Crowne ? 

Nor. He did, my felfe did heare it. 

Hot. Nay then I cannot blame his Coufin King, 
That wifh'd him on the barren Mountiines ftaru'd. 
But fhall it be, that you that fet the Crowne 
Vpon the head of this forgetfull man, 
And for his fake, wore the detefted blot 
Of murtherous fubornation? Shall it be, 
That you a world of curfes vndergoe, 
Being the Agents, or bafe fecond meanes, 
The Cords, the Ladder, or the Hangman rather ? 
O pardon, if that I defcend fo low, 
To fhew the Line, and the Predicament 
Wherein you range vnder this fubtill King. 
Shall it for fhame, be fpoken in thefe dayes, 
Or fill vp Chronicles in time to come, 
That men of your Nobility and Power, 
Did gage them both in an vniuft behalfe 
(As Both of you, God pardon it, haue done) 
To put downe Richard, that fweet louely Rofe, 
And plant this Thome, this Canker ^Bullinghrooke} 
And fhall it in more fhame be further fpoken, 
That you are fool'd, difcarded, and fhooke off 
By him, for whom thefe ihames ye vnderwent ? 
No : yet time ferues, wherein you may redeeme 
Your banifh'd Honors, and reftore your felues 
Into the good Thoughts of the world againe. 
Reuenge the geering and difdain'd contempt 
Of this proud King, who ftudies day and night 
To anfwer all the Debt he owes vnto you, 
Euen with the bloody Payment of your deaths : 
Therefore I fay 

Wor. Peace Coufin, fay no more. 
And now I will vnclaspe a Secret booke, 
And to your quicke conceyuing Difcontents, 
He reade you Matter, deepe and dangerous, 
As full of perill and aduenturous Spirit, 
As to o're-walke a Current, roaring loud 
On the vnftedfaft footing of a Speare. 

Hot. If he fall in, good night, or finke or fwimme : 
Send danger from the Eaft vnto the Weft, 
So Honor croffe it from the North to South, 
And let them grapple : The blood more ftirres 
To rowze a Lyon, then to ftart a Hare. 

Nor. Imagination of fome great exploit, 
Driues him beyond the bounds of Patience. 

Hot. By heauen, me thinkes it were an eafie leap, 
To plucke bright Honor from the pale-fac'd Moone, 
Or diue into the bottome of the deepe, 
Where Fajome-line could neuer touch the ground, 
And plucke vp drowned Honor by the Lockes: 
So he that doth redeeme her thence, might weare 
Without Co-riuall, all her Dignities: 
But out vpon this halfe-fac'd Fellowihip. 

Wor. He apprehends a World of Figures here, 
Bnt not the forme of what he mould attend : 
Good Coufin giue me audience for a-while, 
And lift to me. 

Hot. I cry you mercy. 

Wor. Thofe fame Noble Scottes 
That are your Prifoners. 

Hot. He keepe them all. 
By heauen, he mail not haue a Scot of them : 
No, if a Scot would faue his Soule,he fhall not. 



He keepe them, by this Hand. 

Wor. You ftart away, 
And lend no eare vnto my purpofes. 
Thofe Prifoners you lhall keepe. 

Hot. Nay, I will ; that's flat : 
He faid, he would not ranfome Mortimer : 
Forbad my tongue to fpeake of Mortimer. 
But I will finde him when he lyes afleepe, 
And in his eare, He holla Mortimer. 
Nay, He haue a Starling fhall be taught to fpeake 
Nothing but Mortimer, and giue it him, 
To keepe his anger (till in motion. 

Wor. Heare you Coufin : a word. 

Hot. All ftudies heere I folemnly defie, 
Saue how to gall and pinch this Bullingbroo\e, 
And that fame Sword and Buckler Prince of Wales. 
But that I thinke his Father loues him not, 
And would be glad he met with fome mifchance, 
I would haue poyfon'd him with a pot of Ale. 

Wor. Farewell Kinfman : He talke to you 
When you are better temper'd to attend. 

Nor. Why what a Wafpe-tongu'd & impatient foole 
Art thou, to breake into this Womans mood, 
Tying thine eare to no tongue but thine owne ? 

Hot. Why look you, I am whipt & fcourg'd with rods, 
Netled,and ftung with Pifmires,when I heare 
Of this vile Politician ^ullingbrooke. 
In Richards time : What de'ye call the place ? 
A plague vpon't, it is in Gloufterfhire : 
'Twas, where the madcap Duke his Vncle kept, 
His Vncle Yorke, where I firft bow'd my knee 
Vnto this King of Smiles, this Bullingbrooke : 
When you and he came backe from Rauenfpurgh. 

Nor. At Barkley Caftle. 

Hot . You fay true : 
Why what a caudie deale of curtefie, 
This fawning Grey-hound then did proffer me. 
Looke when his infant Fortune came to age, 
And gentle Harry "Percy, and kinde Coufin : 
O, the Diuell take fuch Couzeners,God forgiue me, 
Good Vncle tell your tale, for I haue done! 

Wor. Nay, if you haue not, too't againe, 
Wee'l flay your leyfure. 

Hot. I haue done infooth. 

Wor. Then once more to your Scottifh Prifoners. 
Deliuer them vp without their ranfome ftraight, 
And make the Dorrg/as fonne your onely meane 
For powres in Scotland : which for diuers reafons 
Which I fhall fend you written, be afTur'd 
Will eafily be granted you, my Lord. 
Your Sonne in Scotland being thus impl y'd, 
Shall fecretly into the bofome creepe 
Of that fame noble Prelate, well belou'd, 
The Archbifhop. 

Hot. Of Yorke, is't not ? 

Wor. True, who beares hard 
His Brothers death at Brijiotr, the Lord Scroope. 
I fpeake not this in eftimation, 
As what I thinke might be, but what I know 
Is ruminated, plotted, and fet downe, 
And onely ftayes but to behold the face 
Of that occafion that fhall bring it on. 

Hot. I fmell it : 
Vpon my life, it will do wond'rous well, ' 

Nor. Before the game's a-foot, thou ftill let'ft flip. 

Hot. Why, it cannot choofe but be a Noble plot, 

And 



The Firji Part oflQng Henry the Fourth. 



53 



And then the power of Scotland, and of Yorke 
To ioyne with Mortimer, Ha. 

War. And fo they mall. 

Hot. Infaith it is exceedingly well aym'd. 

War, And 'tis no little reafon bids vs fpeed, 
To faue our heads, by railing of a Head : 
For, beare our felues as euen as we can, 
The King will alwayes thinke him in our debt, 
And thinke,we thinke our felues vnfatisfied, 
Till he hath found a time to pay vs home. 
And fee already, how he doth beginne 
To make vs ftrengers to his lookes of loue. 

Hot. He does, he does;wee'l be reueng'd on him. 

Wor. Coufin, farewell. No further go in this, 
Then I by Letters lhall direcl: your courfe 
When time is ripe, which will be fodainly: 
He fteale to Glendomer, and loe, Mortimer, 
Where you,and Dorvglas,a.nd our powres at once, 
As I will falhion it, lhall happily meete, 
To beare our fortunes in our owne ftrong armes, 
Which now we hold at much vncertainty. 

Nor. Farewell good Brother, we lhall thriue, I truft. 

Hot. Vncle,adieu : O let the houres be fliort, 
Till fields, and blowes,and grones, applaud our fport.e*7f 



Affius Secundus. Scena 'Prima. 



Enter a Carrier with a Lanterne in his hand. 

i.Car. Heigh-ho, an't be not foure by the day, He be 
hang'd. Charles waine is ouer the new Chimney, and yet 
our horfe not packt. What Oftler ? 

Oft. Anon, anon. 

J. Car. I prethee Tom, beate Cuts Saddle, put a few 
Flockes in the point : the poore lade is wrung in the wi- 
thers,out of all celfe. 

Enter another Carrier. 

i.Car. Peafe and Eeanes are as danke here as a Dog, 
and this is the next way to giue poore lades the Bottes : 
This houfe is turned vpfide downe fince %obin the Oftler 
dyed. 

i.Car. Poore fellow neuer ioy'd fince the price of oats 
rofe, it was the death of him. 

2. Car. I thinke this is the moft villanous houfe in al 
London rode for Fleas: I am flung like a Tench. 

I .Qar. Like a Tench ? There is ne're a King in Chri- 
ftendome,could be better bit, then I haue beene fince the 
firft Cocke. 

2. Car. Why, you will allow vs ne're a Iourde'n, and 
then we leake in your Chimney: and your Chamber-lye 
breeds Fleas like a Loach. 

i.Car. What Oftler, come away, and be hangd: come 
away. 

i.Car. I haue a Gammon of Bacon, and two razes of 
Ginger, to be deliuered as farre as Charing-crofTe. 

i.Car. The Turkies in my Pannier are quite ftarued. 
What Oftler? A plague on thee, haft thou neuer an eye in 
thy head ? Can'ft not heare ? And t'were not as good a 
deed as drinke, to break the pate of thee,I am a very Vil- 
laine. Come and be hang'd, haft no faith in thee? 
Enter Gads-hill. 

Gad. Good-morrow Carriers. What's a clocke? 

Car. I thinke it be two a clocke. 

Gad. I prethee lend me thy Lanthorne to fee my Gel- 



ding in the ftable. 

i.Car. Nay foft I pray ye, I know a trick worth two 
of that. 

Gad. I prethee lend me thine. 

i.Car. I, when, canft tell ? Lend mee thy Lanthorne 
(quoth-a) marry He fee thee hang'd firft. 

Gad. Sirra Carrier : What time do you mean to come 
to London ? 

z.Car. Time enough to goe to bed with a Candle, I 
warrant thee. Come neighbour cTlfugges, wee'll call vp 
the Gentlemen, they will along with company, for they 
haue great charge. Exeunt 

Enter Chamberlaine. 

Gad. What ho, Chamberlaine ? 

Cham. At hand quoth Pick-purfe. 

Gad. That's euen as faire,as at hand quoth the Cham- 
berlaine : For thou varieft no more from picking of Pur- 
fes, then giuing direction, doth from labouring . Thou 
lay'ft the plot, how. 

Qham. Good morrow Mafter Gads-Hill, it holds cur- 
rant that I told you yefternight. There's a Franklin in the 
wilde of Kent, hath brought three hundred Markes with 
him in Gold: I heard him tell it to one of his company laft 
night at Supper ; a kinde of Auditor, one that hath abun- 
dance of charge too (God knowes what) they are vp al- 
ready, and call for Egges and Butter. They will away 
prefently. 

Gad. Sirra, if they meete not with S. Nicholas Clarks, 
He giue thee this necke. 

Qham. No, He none of it : I prythee keep that for the 
Hangman, for I know thou worihipft S. Nicholas as tru- 
ly as a man of fahhood may. 

Gad. What talked thou to me of the Hangman ? If I 
hang, He make a fat payre of Gallowes. For, if I hang, 
old Sir Iohn hangs with mee, and thou know'ft hee's no 
Starueling. Tut, there are other Troians that y dream'ft 
not of, the which (for fport fake) are content to doe the 
Profefiion fome grace; that would (if matters mould bee 
look'd into) for their owne Credit fake, make all Whole. 
I am ioyned with no Foot-land-Rakers, no Long-ftaffe 
fix-penny ftrikers, none of thefe mad Muftachio-purple- 
hu'd-Maltwormes, but with Nobility, and Tranquilitie ; 
Bourgomafters, and great Oneyers, fuch as can holde in, 
fuch as will ftrike fooner then fpeake ; and fpeake fooner 
then drinke, and drinke fooner then pray : and yet I lye, 
for they pray continually vnto their Saint the Common- 
wealth ; or rather, not to pray to her, but prey on henfor 
they ride vp & downe on her,and make hir their Boots. 

Cham. What, the Commonwealth their Bootes i Will 
me hold out water in foule way ? 

Gad. She will,me will; Iuftice hath liquor'd her. We 
fteale as in a Caftle,cockfure : we haue the receit of Fern- 
feede,we walke inuifible. 

Qham. Nay, I thinke rather, you are more beholding 
to the Night, then to the Fernfeed, for your walking in- 
uifible. 

Gad. Giue me thy hand. 
Thou malt haue a Ihare in our purpofe, 
As I am a true man. 

Cham. Nay, rather let mee haue it, as you are a falfe 
Theefe. 

Gad. Goe too : Homo is a common name to all men. 
Bid the Oftler bring the Gelding out of the ftable. Fare- 
well, ye muddy Knaue. Exeunt. 
e 2 Scena 



54- 



The FirJl 6 Part offing Henry the Fourth. 



Sccena Secunda. 



,and Peto. 



Poir.es. Come fhelter, melter, I haue remoucd Falftafs 
Horfe, and he frets like a gum'd Veluet. 

Priti. Stand clofe. 

Enter Faljiaffe. 

Fal. Poines, Pohes, and be hang'd Poines. 

Prin. Peace ye fat-kidney' d Rafcall, what a brawling 
doft thou keepe. 

Fal. What Poines. Hal? 

Prin. He is walk'd vp to the top of the hill, He go feek 
him. 

Fal. I am accurft to rob in that Theefe company: that 
Rafcall hath remoued my Horfe, and tied him I know not 
where. If I trauell but foure foot by the fquire further a 
foote, I ihall bieake my winde. Well, I doubt not but 
to dye a faire death for all this, if I fcape hanging for kil- 
ling that Rogue, I haue forfworne his company hourely 
any time this two and twenty yeare, & yet I am bewitcht 
with the Rogues company. If [he Rafcall haue not giuen 
me medicines to make me loue bim,I!e behang'djit could 
not be elfe : I haue drunke Medicines. Poines, Hal, a 
Plague vpon you both. 'Bardolph, Peto : He ftarue ere I 
rob a foote further. And 'twere not as good a deede as to 
drinke, to turne True-man, and to leaue thefe Rogues, I 
am the verieft Varlet that euer chewed with a Tooth. 
Eight yards of vneuen ground, is threefcore & ten miles 
afoot with me : and the ftony-hearted Villaines knowe it 
well enough. A plague vpon't, when Theeues cannot be 
true one to another. They Wbijlle. 

Whew : a plague light vpon you all. Giue my Horfe you 
Rogues : giue me my Horfe,and be hang'd. 

Prin. Peace ye fat guttes, lye downe, lay thine eare 
clofe to the ground, and lift if thou can heare the tread of 
Trauellers. 

Fal. Haue you any Leauers to lift me vp again being 
downe ? He not beare mine owne fleih fo far afoot again, 
for all the coine in thy Fathers Exchequer. What a plague 
meane ye to colt me thus ? 

Prin. Thou ly'ft,thou art not colted,thou art vncolted. 

Fal. I prethee good Prince Hal, help me to my horfe, 
good Kings fonne. 

Trin. Out you Rogue, mall I be your Oftler? 

Fal. Go hang thy felfe in thine owne heire-apparant- 
Garters : If I be tane, He peach for this : and I haue not 
Ballads made on all, and fung to filthy tunes, let a Cup of 
Sacke be my poyfon : when a ieft is fo forward, & a foote 
too, I hate it. 

Enter Gads-bill. 

Gad. Stand. 

Fal. So I do againft my will. 

Poin. O 'tis our Setter, I know his voyce : 
Barddfe, what newes ? 

'Bar. Cafe ye,cafe ye ; on with your Vizards, there's 
mony of the Kings comming downe the hill, 'tis going 
to the Kings Exchequer. 

Fal. You lie you rogue,'tis going to the Kings Tauern. 

Gad. There's enough to make vs all. 

Fal. To he hang'd. 



Prin. You foure mall front them in the narrow Lane : 
Ned and I, will walke lower ; if they fcape from your en- 
counter,then they light on vs. 

feto. But how many be of them ? 

Gad. Some eight or ten. 
■ Fal. Will they not rob vs ? 

Prin. What,a Coward Sir John Paunch ? 

Fal. Indeed I am not lohn of Gaunt your Grandfather; 
but yet no Coward, Hal. 

Prin. Wee'l leaue that to the proofe- 

Poin. Sirra lacke, thy horfe ftands behinde the hedg, 
when thon need'ft him, there thou malt finde him. Fare- 
well,and ftand faft. 

Fal. Now cannot I ftrike him,if I mould be hang'd. 

Prin. Ned, where are our difguifes ? 

Poin. Heere hard by : Stand clofe. 

Fal. Now my Mailers, happy man be his dole, fay I : 
euery man to his bufmelTe. 

Enter Trauellers. 

Tra. Come Neighbor: the boy ihall leade our Horfes 
downe the hill : Wee'l walke a-foot a while, and eafe our 
Legges. 

Theeues. Stay. 

Tra. Iefu bleffe vs. 

Fal. Strike: down with them, cut the villains throats; 
a whorfon Caterpillars : Bacon-fed Knaues, they hate vs 
youth ; downe with them,fleece them. 

Tra. O, we are vndone,both we and ours for euer. 

Fal. Hang ye gorbellied knaues,are you vndone ? No 
ye Fat ChufFes, I would your ftore were heere. On Ba- 
cons.on, what ye knaues? Yong men muft liue, you are 
Grand Iurers,are ye 2 Wee'l iure ye ifaith. 

Heere they rob them, and binde them. Enter the 
Prince and Poines. 

Prin. The Theeues haue bound the True-men : Now 
could thou and I rob the Thceues,and go merily to Lon- 
don, it would be argument for a Weeke, Laughter for a 
Moneth, and a good ieft for euer. 

Poynes. Stand clofe, I heaie them comming. 

Enter Theeues againe. 

Fal. Come my Mafters, let vs mare,and then to horiTe 
before day : and the Prince and Poynes bee not two ar- 
rand Cowards, there's no equity ftirring. There's no moe 
valour in that Poynes, than in a wilde Ducke. 

Prin. Your money. 

Poin. Villaines. 
cAs they are fharmg,the Prince and Poynes Jet -vpon them. 

They all run a-way , leaning the booty behind them. 

Prince. Cot with much eafe. Now merrily to Horfe : 
The Theeues are fcattred,and poffeft with fear fo ftrong- 
ly, that they dare not meet each other: each takes his fel- 
low for an Officer. Away good Ned, Faljiaffe fweates to 
death, and Lards the leane earth as he walkes along: wer't 
not for laughing,I mould piety him. 

Poin. How the Rogue roar'd. Exeunt. 



Sccena Tertia. 



Enter Hotjpurre Jolui, reading a Letter. 
'But for mine owne fart, my Lord, I could bee well contented 'i 
be there, in reJpeB of the loue I beare your bouje. 



The Firji T'art of ' JQng Henry the Fourth. 



55 



He could be contented : Why is he not then ? in refpeft of 
the loue he beares our houfe. He lhewes in this, he loues 
his owne Barne better then he loues our houfe. Let me 
fee fome more. The purpofe you "undertake is dangerous. 
Why that's certaine: 'Tis dangerous to take a Colde, to 
fleepe, to drinke : but I tell you (my Lord foole) out of 
this Nettle, Danger; we plucke this Flower, Safety. The 
purpofe you -vnderta\e is dangerous, the Friends you haue na- 
med -vncertaine, the Time it Jelfe -vnforted, and your whole 
Plot too light, for the counterpoize of Jo great an Oppoftion. 
Say you io, fay you fo : I fay vnto you againe, you are a 
mallow cowardly Hinde, and you Lye. What a lacke- 
braine is this ? I proteft, our plot is as good a plot as euer 
was laid ; our Friend true and conftant : A good Plotte, 
good Friends, and full of expectation : An excellent plot, 
very good Friends. What a Frofty-fpirited rogue is this? 
Why, my Lord of Yorke commends the plot, and the 
generall courfe of the aftion. By this hand, if I were now 
by this Rafcall, I could braine him with his Ladies Fan. 
Is there not my Father , my Vnckle, and my Selfe, Lord 
Edmund Mortimer, my Lord of Tori^e, and Owen Qlendour} 
Is there not beiides, the Dowglas ? Haue I not all their let- 
ters, to meete me in Armes by the ninth of the next Mo- 
neth ? and are they not fome of them fet forward already? 
What a Pagan Rafcall is this? An Infidell. Ha, you mail 
fee now in very fincerity of Feare and Cold heart, will he 
to the King, and lay open all our proceedings. 0,1 could 
diuide my felfe, and go to buffets, for mouing fuch a di/h 
of skim'd Milk with fo honourable an Action. Hang him, 
let him tell the King we are prepared. I will fet forwards 
to night. 

Enter his Lady. 

How now Kate, I muft leaue you within thefe two hours. 

La. O my good Lord, why are you thus alone ? 
For what offence haue I this fortnight bin 
A banifh'd woman from my Harries bed ? 
Tell me (fweet Lord) what is't that takes from thee 
Thy ftomacke,pleafure,and thy golden fleepe f 
Why doft thou bend thine eyes vpon the earth ? 
And ftart fo often when thou fitt'ft alone? 
Why haft thou loft the frefh blood in thy cheekes? 
And giuen my Treafures and my rights of thee, 
To thicke-ey'd mufing, and curft melancholly f 
In my faint-flumbers, I by thee haue watcht, 
And heard thee murmore tales of Iron Warres : 
Speake tearmes of manage to thy bounding Steed, 
Cry courage to the field. And thou haft talk'd 
Of Sallies, and Retires; Trenches,Tents, 
Of Palizadoes, Frontiers,Parapets, 
Of Bafiliskes, of Canon, Culuerin, 
Of Prifoners ranfome, and of Souldiers flaine, 
And all the current of a headdy fight. 
Thy fpirit within thee hath beene fo at Warre, 
And thus hath fo beftirr'd thee in thy fleepe, 
That beds of fweate hath ftood vpon thy Brow, 
Like bubbles in a late-difturbed Streame ; 
And in thy face ftrange motions haue appear'd, 
Such as we fee when men reftraine their breath 
On fome great fodaine haft. O what portents are thefe? 
Some heauie bufinefTe hath my Lord in hand, 
And I muft know it : elfe he loues me not. 

Hot. What ho ; Is Gilliams with the Packet gone ? 

Sir. He is my Lord, an houre agone. 

Hot.Hzth Butler brought thofe horfes fro the SherifFe? 



357 



Ser. One horfe,my Lord, he brought euen now. 

Hot. What Horfe ? A Roane, a crop eare, is it not. 

Ser. It is my Lord. 

Hot. That Roane mail be my Throne. Well, I will 
backe him ftraight. Ejperance, bid Butler lead him forth 
into the Parke. 

La. But heare you,my Lord. 

Hot, What fay'ft thou my Lady ? 

La. What is it carries you away ? 

Hot. Why,my horfe(my Loue)my horfe. 

La. Out you mad-headed Ape, a Weazell hath not 
fuch a deale of Spleene, as you are toft with. In footh He 
know your bufinefTe Harry, that I will. I feare my Bro- 
ther Mortimer doth ftirre about his Title, and hath fent 
for you to line his enterprize. But if you go 

Hot. So farre a foot, I ihall be weary, Loue. 

La. Come,come,you Paraquito, anfwer me direftly 
vnto this queftion, that I /hall aske. Indeede He breake 
thy little finger Harry, if thou wilt not tel me true. 

Hot. Away, away you trifler : Loue, 1 loue thee not, 
I care not for thee Kate : this is no world 
To play with Mammets, and to tilt with lips. 
We muft haue bloodie Nofes,and crack'd Crownes, 
And pafle them currant too. Gods me, my horfe. 
What fay'ft thou Kate?what wold'ft thou haue with me ? 

La. Do ye not loue me? Do ye not indeed ? 
Well, do not then. For fince you loue me not, 
I will not loue my felfe. Do you not loue me ? 
Nay,tell me if thou fpeak'ft in ieft,or no. 

Hot. Come, wilt thou fee me ride ? 
And when I am a-horfebacke, I will fweare 
I loue thee infinitely. But hearke you Kate, 
I muft not haue you henceforth,queftion me, 
Whether I go : nor reafon whereabout. 
Whether I muft, I muft: and to conclude, 
This Euening muft I leaue thee,gentle Kate. 
I know you wife, but yet no further wife 
Then Harry Percies wife. Conftant you are, 
But yet a woman : and for fecrecie, 
No Lady clofer. For I will beleeue 
Thou wilt not vtter what thou do'ft not know, 
And fo farre wilt I truft thee,gentle Kate. 

La. How fo farre ? 

Hot. 'Not an inch further. But harke you Kate, 
Whither I go, thither (hall you go too : 
To day will I fet forth, to morrow you. 
Will this content you Kate ? 

La. It muft of force. Exeunt 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter Prince and Poines. 

Prin. AW,prethee come out of that fat roome, & lend 
me thy hand to laugh a little. 

Poines. Where haft bene Hall} 

Trin. With three or foure Logger-heads, amongft 3. 
or fourefcore Hogfheads. I haue founded the verie bafe 
firing of humility. Sirra, I am fworn brother to a leafh of 
Drawers, and can call them by their names,as Tom, Dic\e, 
and Francis. They take it already vpon their confidence, 
that though I be but Prince of Wales, yet I am the King 
of Curtefie: telling me flatly I am no proud lack like Fal- 
Jlaffe, but a Corinthian, a lad of mettle, a good boy, and 
when I am King of Eng!and,I ihall command al the good 
Laddes in Eaft-cheape. They call drinking deepe, dy- 
ing Scarlet ; and when you breath in your watering, then 
e 3 ■ they 



5 6 The Firji Vart of King Henry the Fourth. 



they cry hem, and bid you play it off. To conclude, I am 
fo good a proficient in one quarter of an houre, that I can 
drinke with any Tinker in his owne Language during my 
life. I tell thee AW,thou haft loft much honor, that thou 
wer't not with me in this adtion : but fweet Ned,to fwee- 
ten which name of Ned, I giue thee this peniworth of Su- 
gar, clapt euen now into my hand by an vnder Skinker, 
one that neuer fpake other Englifh in his life, then Eight 
Jhillings and fix fence, and, Tou are welcome : with this fhril 
addition, *Anon, *Anon fir, Score a Pint of ^afard in the 
Halfe Moone, or fo. But Ned, to driue away time till Fal- 
ftaffe come, I prythee doe thou ftand in fome by-roome, 
while I queftion my puny Drawer, to what end hee gaue 
me the Sugar, and do neuer leaue calling Francis, that his 
Tale to me may be nothing but, Anon : ftep afide, and He 
fhew thee a Prefident. 

Poines. Francis. 

Prin. Thou art perfeft. 
Poin. Francis. 

Enter 'Drawer. 

Fran. Anon,anon fir ; looke downe into the Pomgar- 
net, Ralfe. 

Prince. Come hither Francis. 

Fran. My Lord. 

Prin. How long haft thou to ferue, Francis ? 

Fran. Forfooth iiue yeares, and as much as to 

Poin. Francis. 

Fran. Anon,anon fir. 

Prin. Fiue yeares : Berlady a long Leafe for the clin- 
king of Pewter. But Francis, dareft thou be fo valiant, as 
to play the coward with thy Indenture, & fhew it a faire 
paire of heeles, and run from it ? 

Fran. O Lord fir, lie be fworne vpon all the Books in 
England,! could finde in my heart. 

Poin. Francis. 

Fran. Anon,anon fir. 

Prin. How old art thou, Francis ? 

Fran. Let me fee, about Michaelmas next I Ihalbe 

Poin. Francis. 

Fran. Anon fir, pray you ftay a little,my Lord. 

Prin. Nay but harke you Francis, for the Sugar thou 
gaueft me,'twas a penyworth,was't not? 

Fran. O Lord fir, I would it had bene two. 

Prin. I will giue thee for it a thoufand pound : Aske 
me when thou wilt, and thou fhalt haue it. 

Poin. Francis. 

Fran. Anon, anon. 

Prin. Anon Francis? No Francis,but to morrow Fran- 
cis : or Francis,on thurfday:or indeed Francis when thou 
wilt. But Francis. 

Fran. My Lord. 

Prin. Wilt thou rob this Leatherne Ierkin, Chriftall 
button, Not-pated, Agat ring, Puke flocking, Caddice 
garter, Smooth tongue, Spanifti pouch. 

Fran. O Lord fir,who do you meane? 
Prin. Why then your browne Baftard is your onely 
drinke : for looke you Francis,your white Canuas doub- 
let will fulley. In Barbary fir, it cannot come to fo much. 

Fran. What fir.? 

Poin. Francis. 

Prin. Away you Rogue,doft thou heare them call? 
Heere they both call him, the Drawer Jlands amazed, 
not fyioming which way to go. 

Enter Vintner. 
Vint. What, ftand'ft thou ftill, and hear'ft fuch a cal- 



ling ? Looke to the Guefts within; My Lord, olde Sir 
Iohn with halfe a dozen more,are at the doore : fhall I let 
them in? 

Prin. Let them alone awhile, and then open the doore. 
Poines. 

Enter Poines. 

Po;'«.Anon,anon fir. 

Prin. Sirra, Falftaffe and the reft of the Theeues,are at 
the doore, lhall we be merry ? 

Poin. As merrie as Crickets my Lad. But harke yee, 
What cunning match haue you made with this ieft of the 
Drawer ? Come, what's the ilTue ? 

Prin. I am now of all humors, that haue fhewed them, 
felues humors, fince the old dayes of goodman Adam, to 
the pupill age of this prefent twelue a clock at midnight. 
What's a clocke Francis ? 

Fran. Anon, anon fir. 

Prin. That euer this Fellow fhould haue fewer words 
then a Parret, and yet the fonne of a Woman. His indu- 
ftry is vp-ftaires and down-ftaires, his eloquence the par- 
cell of a reckoning. I am not yet of Percies mind, the Hot- 
fpurre of the North, he that killes me fome fixe or feauen 
dozen of Scots at a Breakfaft, waihes his hands, and faies 
to his wife ; Fie vpon this quiet life, I want worke. O my 
fweet Harry fayes fhe, how many haft thou kill'd to day? 
Giue my Roane horfe a drench (fayes hee) and anfweres, 
fome fourteene,an houre after : a trifle, a trifle. I prethee 
call in Falftaffe, He play Percy, and that damn'd Erawne 
lhall play Dame vMortimer his wife.j?i«o,fayes the drun- 
kard. Call in Ribs, call in Tallow. 

Enter Falftaffe. 

Poin. Welcome Iacke, where haft thou beene? 

Fal. A plague of all Cowards I fay, and a Vengeance 
too, marry and Amen. Giue me a cup of Sacke Boy. Ere 
I leade this life long, He fowe nether ftockes, and mend 
them too. A plague of all cowards. Giue me a Cup of 
Sacke, Rogue. Is there no Vertue extant? 

Prin. Didft thou neuer fee Titan kiffe a difli of Butter, 
pittifull hearted Titan that melted at the fweete Tale of 
the Sunne? If thou didft, then behold that compound. 

Fal. You Rogue, heere's Lime in this Sacke too:there 
is nothing but Roguery to be found in Villanous man;yet 
a Coward is worfe then a Cup of Sack with lime. A vil- 
lanous Coward, go thy wayes old Iacke, die when thou 
wilt,if manhood, good manhood be not forgot vpon the 
face of the earth, then am I a fhotten Herring : there hues 
not three good men vnhang'd in England, & one of them 
is fat, and growes old, God helpe the while, a bad world I 
fay. I would I were a Weauer, I could fing all manner of 
fongs. A plague of all Cowards,I fay ftill. 

Prin. How now Woolfacke,what mntter you ? 

Fal. A Kings Sonne* If I do not beate thee out of thy 
Kingdome with a dagger of Lath, and driue all thy Sub- 
lets afore thee like a flocke of Wilde-geefe, He neuer 
weare haire on my face more. You Prince of Wales ? 

Prin. Why you horfon round man?what's the matter ? 

Fal. Are you not a Coward? Anfwer me to that, and 
Poines there ? 

Prin. Ye fatch paunch, and yee call mee Coward, He 
flab thee. 

Fal. I call thee Coward ? He fee thee damn'd ere I call 
the Coward: but I would giue a thoufand pound I could 
run as faft as thou canft. You are ftraight enough in the 
fhoulders, you care not who fees your backe : Call you 

that 



The Firji Vart of Henry the Fourth. 



SI 



that backing of your friends? a plague vpon fuch bac- 
king : giue me them that will face me. Giue me a Cup 
of Sack, I am a Rogue if I drunke to day. 

Prince. O Villaine, thy Lippes are fcarce wip'd, fince 
thou drunk'ft laft. 

Faljl. All's one for that. He drinks. 

A plague of all Cowards ftill,fay I. 

Trir.ce. What's the matter ? 

Falji. What's the matter ? here be foure of vs, haue 
ta'ne a thoufand pound this Morning, 

Prince. Where is h,Iac{ ? where is it ? 

Falji. Where is it ? taken from vs, it is : a hundred 
vpon poore foure of vs. 

Prince. What, a hundred, man ? 

FalB. I am a Rogue, if I were not at halfe Sword with 
a dozen of them two houres together. I haue fcaped by 
miracle. I am eight times thruft through the Doublet, 
foure through the Hofe, my Buckler cut through and 
through, my Sword hackt like a Hand-fa w, ecce jignum. 
I neuer dealt better fince I was a man : all would not doe. 
A plague of all Cowards : let tbem fpeake ; if they fpeake 
more or leffe then truth, they are villaines, and the fonnes 
of darkneffe. 

Prince. Speake firs, how was it? 

Gad. We foure fet vpon fome dozen. 

Falft. Sixteene,at leaft,my Lord. 

Gad. And bound them. 

Peto. No, no, they were not bound. 

Faljl. You Rogue, they were bound, euery man of 
them, or I am a lew elfe,an Ebrew lew. 

Gad. As we were iharing,fome fixe or feuen frefli men 
fet vpon vs. 

Faljl. And vnbound the reft , and then come in the 
other. 

Trince. What, fought yee with them all? 

Faljl. All ? I know not what yee call all : but if I 
fought not with fiftie of them, I am a bunch of Radifh : 
if there were not two or three and fiftie vpon poore olde 
Iac\, then am I no two-legg'd Creature. 

Poin. Pray Heauen, you haue not murthered fome of 
them. 

Faljl. Nay, that's paft praying for; I haue pepper'd 
two of them : Two I am fure I haue payed, two Rogues 
in Buckrom Sutes. I tell thee what, Hal, if I tell thee a 
Lye,fpit in my face, call me Horfe: thou knoweft my olde 
word: here I lay,and thus I bore my point ; foure Rogues 
in Buckrom let driue at me. 

PW«cs.What,foure? thou fayd'ft but two,euen now. 

Faljl. Foure Hal, I told thee foure. 

Poin. I,I,he faid foure. 

Faljl. Thefe foure came all a-front, and mainely thruft 
at me ; I made no more adoe, but tooke all their feuen 
points in my Targuet, thus. 

Prince. Seuen ? why there were but foure, euen now. 

Faljl. In Buckrom. 

Poin. I, foure, in Buckrom Sutes. 

Faljl. Seuen, by thefe Hilts,or I am a Villaine elfe. 

Prin. Prethee let him alone,we fhall haue more anon. 

Faljl. Doeft thou heare me,Hal f 

Prin. I,and marke thee too, Iac\. 

Faljl. Doe fo, for it is worth the liftning too : thefe 
nine in Buckrom, that I told thee of. 

"Prin. So,two more alreadie. 

Faljl. Their Points being broken. 

Poin. Downe fell his Hofe. 

Faljl. Began to giue me ground : but I followed me 



clofe,came in foot and handjand with a thought, feuen of 
the eleuen I pay'd. 

Prin. O monftrous ! eleuen Buckrom men growne 
out of two ? 

Faljl. But as the Deuill would haue it, three mif-be- 
gotten Knaues, in Kendall Greene, came at my Back, and 
let driue at me; for it was fo darke ,Hal,that thou could'ft 
not fee thy Hand. 

Prin. Thefe Lyes are like the Father that begets them, 
grofie as a Mountaine, open, palpable. Why thou Clay- 
brayn'd Guts, thou Knotty-pated Foole, thou Horfon ob- 
fcene greafie Tallow Catch. 

Faljl. What, art thou mad ? art thou mad ? is not the 
truth, the truth ? 

Prin. Why, how could'ft thou know thefe men in 
Kendall Greene, when it was fo darke, thou could'ft not 
fee thy Hand f Come, tell vs your reafomwhat fay 'ft thou 
to this ? 

Poin. Come,your reafon Iac\, your reafon. 

Faljl. What, vpon compulfion ? No : were I at the 
Strappado, or all the Racks in the World, I would not 
tell you on compulfion. Giue you a reafon on compulfi- 
on ? If Reafons were as plentie as Black-berries,I would 
giue no man a Reafon vpon compulfion, I. 

Prin. He be no longer guiltie of this finne. This fan- 
guine Coward, this Bed-prefTer,this Horf-back-breaker, 
this huge Hill of Flefli. 

Faljl. Away you Starueling, you Elfe-skin, you dried 
Neats tongue, Bulles-piflell, you ftocke-fiihiO for breth 
to vtter. What is like thee ? You Tailors yard,you fheath 
you Bow-cafe,you vile ftanding tucke. 

Prin. Well, breath a-while,and then to't againe : and 
when thou haft tyr'd thy felfe in bafe companions, heare 
me fpeake but thus. 

r £oin. Marke lacke. 

"Prin. We two,faw you foure fet on foure and bound 
them,and were Mafters of their Wealth : mark now how 
a plaine Tale mail put you downe. Then did we two, fet 
on you foure,and with a word, outfac'd you from your 
prize,and haue it: yea, and can (hew it you in the Houfe . 
And Faljlajfe,you caried your Guts away as nimbly,with 
as quicke dexteritie,and roared for mercy, and ftill ranne 
and roar'd, as euer I heard Bull-Calfe. What a Slaue art 
thou, to hacke thy fword as thou haft done,and then fay 
it was in fight. What trick? what deuice ? what ftarting 
hole canft thou now find out, to hide thee from this open 
and apparant Ihame ? 

Poines. Come, let's heare lacke : What tricke haft 
thou now ? 

Fal. I knew ye as well as he that made ye. Why heare 
ye my Mafters, was it for me to kill the Heire apparant ? 
Should I turne vpon the true Prince? Why, thou knoweft 
I am as valiant as Hercules : but beware Inftindt, the Lion 
will not touch the true Prince : InftincT: is a great matter. 
I was a Coward on InftincT: : I fhall thinke the better of 
my felfe, and thee, during my life : I, for a valiant Lion, 
and thou for a true Prince. But Lads, I am glad you haue 
the Mony. Hofteffe,clap to the doores: watch to night, 
pray to morrow. Gallants, Lads, Boyes, Harts of Gold, 
all the good Titles of Fellowihip come to you . What, 
mall we be merry? /hall we haue a Play extempory. 

Prin. Content, and the argument mall be, thy runing 
away. 

Fal. A, no more of that Hall, and thou loueft me. 
Enter Hojleje. 

Hojl. My Lord, the Prince ? 

Prin. 



58 



The Firji ^Part of JQng Henry the Fourth. 



Prin. How now my Lady the Hofteffe , what fay'ft 
thou to me ? 

Hofleffe. Marry,my Lord, there is a Noble man of the 
Court at doore would fpeake with you: hee fayes,hee 
comes from your Father. 

Prin. Giue him as much as will make him a Royall 
man,and fend him backe againe to my Mother. 

Falfi. What manner of man is hee ? 

Hofteffe. An old man. 

FalSl. What doth Grauitie out of his Bed at Midnight? 
Shall I giue him his anfwere? 

Prin. Prethee doe Iac{e. 

Faljl. 'Faith,and He fend him packing. Exit. 

Prince. Now Sirs : you fought faire ; fo did you 
Peto, fo did you Bardol : you are Lyons too, you ranne 
away vpon inftinft : you will not touch the true Prince ; 
no, fie. 

Bard. 'Faith, I ranne when I faw others runne. 

Prin. Tell mee now in earneft, how came Falftaffes 
Sword fo hackt i 

Peto. Why, he hackt it with his Dagger, and faid,hee 
would fweare truth out of England, but hee would make 
you beleeue it was done in fight,and perfwaded vs to doe 
the like. 

'Bard. Yea,and to tickle our Nofes with Spear-graffe, 
to make them bleed, and then to beflubber our garments 
with it, and fweare it was the blood of true men. I did 
that I did not this feuen yeeres before, I bluiht to heare 
his monftrous deuices. 

Prin. O Villaine, thou ftoleft a Cup of Sacke eigh- 
teene yeeres agoe, and wert taken with the manner, and 
euer fince thou haft bluiht extempore : thou hadft fire 
and fword on thy fide, and yet thou ranft away ; what 
inftinft hadft thou for it ? 

'Bard. My Lord, doe you fee thefe Meteors ? doe you 
behold thefe Exhalations ? 

Prin. I doe. 

"Bard. What thinke you they portend? 

Prin. Hot Liuers,and cold Purfes. 

'Bard. Choler,my Lord, if rightly taken. 

Trin. No, if rightly taken, Halter. 

Enter Falftaffe. 

Heere comes leane iizir^e, heere comes bare-bone. How 
now my fweet Creature of Bombaft, how long is't agoe, 
Iac\e, fince thou faw'ft thine owne Knee ? 

Falfl. My owne Knee ? When I was about thy yeeres 
(Hal) I was not an Eagles Talent in the Wafte, I could 
haue crept into any Aldermans Thumbe-Ring : a plague 
of fighing and griefe, it blowes a man vp like a Bladder 
There's villanous Newes abroad : heere was Sir lohn 
'Braby from your Father ; you muft goe to the Court in 
the Morning. The fame mad fellow of the North, Percy; 
and hee of Wales, that gaue ^Amamon the Baftinado, 
and made Lucifer Cuckold, and fwore the Deuill his true 
Liege-man vpon the CrofTe of a Welch-hooke ; what a 
plague call you him ? 

Poin. O , Glen dower. 

Falfl. Owen , Owen ; the fame, and his Sonne in Law 
•^Mortimer, and old Northumberland, and the fprightly 
Scot of Scots, Dowglaj, that runnes a Horfe-backe vp a 
Hill perpendicular. 

Prin. Hee that rides at high fpeede,and with a Piftoll 
kills a Sparrow flying. 

Falfl. You haue hit it. 



Prin. So did he neuer the Sparrow. 

Falfl. Well, that Rafcall hath good mettall in him, 
hee will not runne. 

Prin. Why, what a Rafcall art thou then, to prayfe him 
fo for running f 

.Falfl. A Horfe-backe (ye Cuckoe) but a foot hee will 
not budge a foot. 

Trin. Yes iacfovpon inftinft. 

Falfl. I grant ye, vpon inftinft: Well, hee is there too, 
and one c^Vtordake, and a thoufand blew-Cappes more. 
Worcefler is ftolne away by Night : thy Fathers Beard is 
turn'd white with the Newes ; you may buy Land new 
as cheape as ftinking Mackrell. 

Prin. Then 'tis like,ifthere come a hot Sunne,and this 
ciuill buffetting hold, wee fhall buy Maiden-heads as 
they buy Hob-nayles, by the Hundreds. 

Falfl. By the Maffe Lad, thou fay'ft true, it is like wee 
fhall haue good trading that way. But tell me Hal, art 
not thou horrible afear'd ? thou being Heire apparant, 
could the World picke thee out three fuch Enemyes a- 
gaine, as that Fiend DcwgLts, that Spirit Percy, and that 
Deuill Glendower ? Art not thou horrible afraid ? Doth 
not thy blood thrill at it ? 

Prin. Not a whit : I lacke fome of thy inftinft. 

Falfl. Well,thou wilt be horrible chidde to morrow, 
when thou commeft to thy Father : if thou doe loue me, 
praftife an anfwere. 

Prin. Doe thou ftand for my Father, and examine mee 
vpon the particulars of my Life. 

Falfl. Shall I ? content : This Chayre fhall bee my 
State , this Dagger my Scepter , and this Cufhion my 
Crowne. 

Prin. Thy State is taken for a Ioyn'd-Stoole, thy Gol- 
den Scepter for a Leaden Dagger, and thy precious rich 
Crowne, for a pittifull bald Crowne. 

FalSl. Well,and the fire of Grace be not quite out of 
thee, now /halt thou be moued. Giue me a Cup of Sacke 
to make mine eyes looke redde, that it may be thought I 
haue wept, for I muft fpeake in paflion, and I will doe it 
in King Cambyjes vaine. 

Prin. Well, heere is my Legge. 

FalB. And heere is my fpcech : ftand afide Nobilitie. 

H'flcjfe. This is excellent fport,yfaith. 

Falfl. Weepe not, fweet Queene, for trickling teares 
are vaine. 

Hofteffe. O the Father, how hee holdes his counte- 
nance ? 

Falfl. Tor Gods fake Lords, conuey my truftfull Queen, 
For teares doe flop the fioud-gates of her eyes. 

Hofleffe. O rare, he doth it as like one of thefe harlotry 
Players, as euer I fee. 

Falfl. Peace good Pint-pot, peace good Tickle-braine. 
Harry, I doe not onely maruell where thou fpendeft thy 
time ; but alfo, how thou art accompanied : For though 
the Camomile, the more it is troden,the fafter it growes; 
yet Youth, the more it is wafted, the fooner it weares. 
Thou art my Sonne : I haue partly thy Mothers Word, 
partly my Opinion ; but chiefely. a villanous tricke of 
thine Eye, and a foolifti hanging of thy nether Lippe, that 
doth warrant me. If then thou be Sonne to mee, heere 
lyeth the point : why, being Sonne to me , art thou fo 
poynted at? Shall the bleffed Sonne of Heauen proue a 
Micher, and eate Black-berryes ? a queftion not to bee 
askt. Shall the Sonne of England proue a Theefe, and 
take Purfes ? a queftion to be askt. There is a thing, 
Harry, which thou haft often heard of, and it is knowne to 

many 



The Firji 'Part ofI\jng Henry the Fourth. 



59 



many in our Land, by the Name of Pitch : this Pitch (as 
ancient Writers doe report) doth defile; fo doth the com- 
panie thou keepeft : for Harry, now I doe not fpeake to 
thee in Drinke,but in Teares; not in Pleafure,but in Paf- 
fion ; not in Words onely, but in Woes alfo : and yet 
there is a vertuous man, whom I haue often noted in thy 
companie, but I know not his Name. 

Prin. What manner of man, and it like your Ma- 
ieftie ? 

Falji. A goodly portly man yfaith, and a corpulent, 
of a chearefull Looke, a pleafing Eye, and a moft noble 
Carriage, and as I thinke,his age fome fiftie, or(byrlady) 
inclining to threefcore ; and now I remember mee, his 
Name h Faljiaffe: if that man ftiould be lewdly giuen, 
hee deceiues mee ; for Harry, I fee Vertue in his Lookes. 
If then the Tree may be knowne by the Fruit,as the Fruit 
by the Tree, then peremptorily I fpeake it, there is Vertue 
in that Falfiaffe : him keepe with, the reft banifh. And 
tell mee now, thou naughtie Varlet, tell mee, where haft 
thou beene this moneth 2 

Prin. Do'ft thou fpeake like a King ? doe thou ftand 
for mee, and lie play my Father. 

FalB. Depofe me : if thou do'ft it halfe fo grauely, fo 
maieftically , both in word and matter, hang me vp by the 
heeles for a Rabbet-fucker, or a Poulters Hare. 

Trin. Well,heere I am fet. 

Falji. And heere I ftand : iudge my Matters. 

Prin. Now Harry, whence come you ? 

Falji. My Noble Lord, from Eaft-cheape. 

Prin. The complaints I heare of thee, are grieuous. 

FalB. Yfaith, my Lord, they are falfe : Nay, lie tickle 
ye for a young Prince. 

Trin. Sweareft thou, vngracious Boy ? henceforth 
ne're looke on me: thou art violently carryed away from 
Grace : there is a Deuill haunts thee, in the likenefle of a 
fat old Man ; a Tunne of Man is thy Companion: Why 
do'ft thou conuerfe with that Trunke of Humors , that 
Boulting-Hutch of Beaftlineffe, that fwolne Parcell of 
Dropfies, that huge Bombard of Sacke, that ftuft Cloake- 
bagge of Guts, that rofted Manning Tree Oxe with the 
Pudding in his Belly, that reuerend Vice, that grey Ini- 
quitie, that Father Ruffian, that Vanitie in yeeres? where- 
in is he good, but to tafte Sacke, and drinke it? wherein 
neat and cleanly, but to carue a Capon, and eat it ? where- 
in Cunning, but in Craft ? wherein Crafcie, but in Villa- 
nie ? wherein Villanous,but in all things ? wherein wor- 
thy, but in nothing 2 

FalB. I would your Grace would take me with you : 
whom meanes your Grace 2 

Prince. That villanous abhominable mis-leader of 
Youth, FalBaffe, that old white-bearded Sathan. 

FalB. My Lord, the man I know. 

Prince. I know thou do'ft. 

FalB. But to fay, I know more harme in him then in 
my felfe, were to fay more then I know. That hee is olde 
(the more the pittie) his white hayres doe witneffe it : 
but that hee is (fauing your reuerence) a Whore-ma- 
fter, that I vtterly deny. If Sacke and Sugar bee a fault, 
Heauen helpe the Wicked : if to be olde and merry, be a 
finne,then many an olde Hofte that I know, is damn'd : 
if to be fat, be to be hated, then Pharaohs leane Kine are 
to be loued. No, my good Lord, banifh Peto, banifh 
Bardolph, banifh Points : but for fweete lac\e FalBaffe, 
kinde Iac\e FalBaffe, true Iac\e FalBaffe, valiant lack? Fal- 
Jiaffe,znd therefore more valiant, being as hee is olde Iacl^ 
FalBaffe, banifh not him thy Harryes companie, banifh 



not him thy Harryes companie; banifh plumpe Iac^e, and 
banifh all the World. 
Prince. I doe, I will. 

Enter 'Bardolph running. 

'Bard. O, my Lord, my Lord, the Sherife, with a moft 
moft monftrous Watch, is at the doore. 

Falji. Out you Rogue, play out the Play:I haue much 
to fay in the behalfe of that Faljiaffe. 

Enter the Hojieffe. 

HoBeJfe. O, my Lord, my Lord. 

Falji. Heigh, heigh, the Deuill rides vpon a Fiddle- 
fticke : what's the matter 2 

Hojieffe. The Sherife and all the Watch are at the 
doore : they are come to fearch the Houfe , /hall I let 
them in ? 

Falji. Do'ft thou heare Hal , neuer call a true peece of 
Gold a Counterfeit : thou art effentially made, without 
feeming fo. 

Irinct. And thou a naturall Coward , without in- 
ftinft. 

Falji. I deny your (tAtaior : if you will deny the 
Sherife, fo : if not, let him enter. If I become not a Cart 
as well as another man, a plague on my bringing vp : I 
hope I fhall as foone be ftrangled with a Halter, as ano- 
ther. 

Princt. Goe hide thee behinde the Arras, the reft 
walke vp aboue. Now my Mailers, for a true Face and 
good Confcience. 

Falji. Both which I haue had : but their date is out, 
and therefore lie hide me. Exit. 

Prince. Call in the Sherife. 

Enter Sherife and the Carrier. 
Prince. Now Mafter Sherife , what is your will with 

She. Firfl pardon me, my Lord. A Hue and Cry hath 
followed certaine men vnto this houfe. 

Princt. What men ? 

She. One of them is well knowne, my gracious Lord, 
a groffe fat man. 

Car. As fat as Butter. 

Trinct, The man, I doe ailure you, is not heere, 
For I my felfe at this time haue imploy'd him : 
And Sherife, I will engage my word to thee, 
That I will by to morrow Dinner time, 
Send him to anfwere thee, or any man, 
For any thing he fhall be charg'd withall : 
And fo let me entreat you,leaue the houfe. 

She. I will, my Lord : there are two Gentlemen 
Haue in this Robberie loft three hundred Markes. 

Prince. It may be fo : if he haue robb'd thefe men, 
He fhall be anfwerable : and fo farewell. 
She. Good Night, my Noble Lord. 

Prince. I thinke it is good Morrow,is it not ? 

Sht. Indeede,my Lord, I thinke it be two a Clocke. 
Exit. 

Prince. This oyly Rafcall is knowne as well as Poules: 
goe call him forth. 

Peto. Faljiaffe ? fa ft afleepe behinde the Arras , and 
fnorting like a Horfe. 

Prince. Harke, how hard he fetches breath : fearch his 
Pockets. He 



6o 



The Firji 'Part of^jng Henry the Fourth. 



He fearchetb bis Pockets , and findetb 
certaine Papers. 

Prince. What haft thou found? 

Peto. Nothing but Papers, my Lord. 

Prince. Let's fee, what be they ? reade them. 

Peto. Item, a Capon. ii.s.ii.d. 

Item,Sawce. iiii.d. 

Item,Sacke,two Gallons. v.s.viii.d. 

Item, Anchoues and Sacke after Supper. ii.s.vi.d. 

Item, Bread. ob. 

Prince. O monftrous, but one halfe penny-worth of 
Bread to this intollerable deale of Sacke i What there is 
elfe,keepe clofe,wee'le reade it at more aduantage : there 
let him fleepe till day. He to the Court in the Morning : 
Wee muft all to the Warres,and thy place mall be hono- 
rable. He procure this fat Rogue a Charge of Foot, 
and I know his death will be a Match of Twelue-fcore. 
The Money mall be pay'd backe againe with aduantage. 
Be with me betimes in the Morning : and fo good mor- 
row Peto. 

Peto. Good morrow, good my Lord. Exeunt. 



ASlus Tertius. Scena 'Prima. 



Enter Hotjpurre, Worcejier , Lord Mortimer, 
Owen Glendower. 

Mort. Thefe promifes are faire, the parties fure, 
And our induction full of profperous hope. 

Hotjp. Lord cMortimer, and Coufin Glendower, 
Will you fit downe ? 

And Vnckle Worcejier ; a plague vpon it, 
I haue forgot the Mappe. 

Glend. No,here it is : 
Sit Coufin Percy, fit good Coufin Hotjpurre : 
For by that Name, as oft as Lancafter doth fpeake of you, 
His Cheekes looke pale, and with a rifing figh, 
He wiftieth you in Heauen. 

Hotjp. And you in Hell, as oft as he heares Owen Glen- 
dower fpoke of. 

Glend. I cannot blame him : At my Natiuitie, 
The front of Heauen was full of fierie fhapes, 
Of burning Creffets : and at my Birth, 
The frame and foundation of the Earth 
Shak'd like a Coward. 

Hotjp. Why fo it would haue done at the fame feafon, 
if your Mothers Cat had but kitten 'd, though your felfe 
had neuer beene borne. 

Glend. I fay the Earth did ihake when I was borne. 

Hotjp. And I fay the Earth was not of my minde, 
If you fuppofe, as fearing you,it /hooke. 

Glend. The Heauens were all on fire , the Earth did 
tremble. 

Hotjp. Oh, then the Earth Ihooke 
To fee the Heauens on fire, 
And not in feare of your Natiuitie. 
Difeafed Nature oftentimes breakes forth 
In ftrange eruptions ; and the teeming Earth 
Is with a kinde of Collick pincht and vext, 
By the imprifoning of vnruly Winde 
Within her Wombe : which for enlargement (triuing, 
Shakes the old Beldame Earth, and tombles downe 



Steeples, and moffe-growne Towers. At your Birth, 
Our Grandam Earth, hauing this diftemperature, 
In paffion fhooke. 

Glend. Coufin : of many men 
1 doe not beare thefe Croffings : Giue me leaue 
To tell you once againe, that at my Birth 
The front of Heauen was full of fierie fhapes, 
The Goates ranne from the Mountaines,and the Heards 
Were ftrangely clamorous to the frighted fields : 
Thefe fignes haue markt me extraordinarie, 
And all the courfes of my Life doe fhew, 
I am not in the Roll of common men. 
Where is the Liuing,clipt in with the Sea, 
That chides the Bankes of England, Scotland, and Wales, 
Which calls me Pupill,or hath read to me? 
And bring him out, that is but Womans Sonne, 
Can trace me in the tedious wayes of Art, 
And hold me pace in deepe experiments. 

Hotjp. I thinke there's no man fpeakes better Welfli : 
He to Dinner. 

Mort. Peace Coufin Percy, you will make him mad. 

Glend. I can call Spirits from the vaftie Deepe. 

Hotjp. Why fo can I, or fo can any man : 
But will they come, when you doe call for them ? 

Glend. Why, I can teach thee, Coufin, to command the 
Deuill. 

Hotjp. And I can teach thee, Coufin, to fhame the Deuil, 
By telling truth. Tell truth, andjhame the Deuill. 
If thou haue power to rayfe him, bring him hither, 
And He be fworne, I haue power to fhame him hence. 
Oh, while you liue, tell truth, and fhame the Deuill. 

oMort. Come, come, no more of this vnprofitable 
Chat. 

Glend. Three times hath Henry Bullingbroo\e made head 
Againft my Power: thrice from the Banks of Wye, 
And fandy-bottom'd Seuerne, haue I hent him 
Bootleffe home, and Weather-beaten backe. 

Hotjp. Home without Bootes, 
And in foule Weather too, 
How fcapes he Agues in the Deuils name ? 

Glend. Come, heere's the Mappe : 
Shall wee diuide our Right, 
According to our three-fold order ta'ne ? 

Mort. The Arch-Deacon hath diuided it 
Into three Limits, very equally : 
England, from Trent, and Seuerne, hitherto, 
By South and Eaft,is to my part affign'd : 
All Weftward, Wales, beyond the Seuerne fhore, 
And all the fertile Land within that bound, 
To Owen Glendower : And deare Couze, to you 
The remnant Northward, lying off from Trent. 
And our Indentures Tripartite are drawne : 
Which being fealed enterchangeably, 
(A Bufineffe that this Night may execute,) 
To morrow, Coufin Percy, you and I, 
And my good Lord of Worcefter,will fet forth, 
To meete your Father, and the Scottiih Power, 
As is appointed vs at Shrewsbury. 
My Father Glendower is not readie yet, 
Nor mall wee neede his helpe thefe foureteene dayes : 
Within that fpace,you may haue drawne together 
Your Tenants, Friends, and neighbouring Gentlemen. 

Glend. A fhorter time fhall fend me to you, Lords : 
And in my Conduct fhall your Ladies come, 
From whom you now muft fteale,and take no leaue, 
For there will be a World of Water filed, 

Vpon 



The FtrJi^Part of B^ing Henry the Fourth. 



61 



Vpon the parting of your Wiues and you. 

Hot [p. Me thinks my Moity, North from Burton here, 
In quantitie equals not one of yours : 
See,how this Riuer comes me cranking in, 
And cuts me from the bed of all my Land, 
A huge halfe Moone,a monftrous Cantle out. 
He haue the Currant in this place damn'd vp, 
And here the fmug and Siluer Trent {hall runne, 
In a new Channell, faire and euenly : 
It mall not winde with fuch a deepe indent, 
To rob me of fo rich a Bottome here. 

Glend. Not winde ? it fhall, it muft,you fee it doth. 
Mort. Yea, but marke how he beares his courfe, 
And runnes me vp, with like aduantage on the other fide, 
Gelding the oppofed Continent as much, 
As on the other fide it takes from you. 

Wore. Yea, but a little Charge will trench him here, 
And on this North fide winne this Cape of Land, 
And then he runnes ftraight and euen. 

Hotjp. lie haue it fo,a little Charge will doe it. 
Glend. He not haue it alter'd. 
Hotjp. Will not you ? 
Glend. No, nor you fhall not. 
Hotjp. Who fhall fay me nay ? 
Glend. Why, that willl. 

Hotjp. Let me not vnderftand you then, fpeake it in 
Welfh. 

Glend. I can fpeake Englifh,Lord,as well as you : 
For I was trayn'd vp in the Englifh Court ; 
Where, being but young, I framed to the Harpe 
Many an Englifh Dittie,louely well, 
And gaue the Tongue a helpefull Ornament ; 
A Vertue that was neuer feene in you. 

Hotjp. Marry, and I am glad of it with all my heart, 
I had rather be a Kitten, and cry mew, 
Then one of thefe fame Meeter Ballad-mongers: 
I had rather heare a Brazen Candleftick turn'd, 
Or a dry Wheele grate on the Axle-tree, 
And that would fet my teeth nothing an edge, 
Nothing fo much, as mincing Poetrie ; 
'Tis like the forc't gate of a fhuffling Nagge. 
Glend. Come, you fhall haue Trent turn'd. 
Hotjp. I doe not care: He giue thrice fo much Land 
To any well-deferuing friend ; 
But in the way of Bargaine, marke ye me, 
He cauill on the ninth part of a hayre. 
Are the Indentures drawne? fhall we be gone ? 

Glend. The Moone fhines faire, 
You may away by Night : 
He hafte the Writer ; and withall, 
Breake with your Wiues, of your departure hence : 
I am afraid my Daughter will runne madde, 
So much fhe doteth on her Mortimer. Exit. 

Mort. Fie, Coufin Percy , how you crofie my Fa- 
ther. 

Hotjp. I cannot chufe : fometime he angers me, 
With telling me of the Moldwarpe and the Ant, 
Of the Dreamer oMerlin, and his Prophecies ; 
And of a Dragon, and a finne-lefle Fifh, 
A clip-wing'd Griffin, and a moulten Rauen, 
A couching Lyon, and a ramping Cat, 
And fuch a deale of skimble-skamble Stuffe, 
As puts me from my Faith. I tell you what, 
He held me laft Night, at leaft,nine howres, 
In reckning vp the feuerall Deuils Names, 
That were his Lacqueyes : 



I cry'd hum, and well, goe too, 

But mark'd him not a word. 0,he is as tedious 

As a tyred Horfe, a rayling Wife, 

Worfe then a fmoakie Houfe. I had rather Hue 

With Cheefe and Garlick in a Windmill farre, 

Then feede on Cates,and haue him talke to me, 

In any Summer-Houfe in Chriftendome. 

Mort. In faith he was a worthy Gentleman, 
Exceeding well read, and profited, 
In ftrange Concealements : 
Valiant as a Lyon, and wondrous affable, 
And as bountifull, as Mynes of India, 
Shall I tell you, Coufin, 
He holds your temper in a high refpeft, 
And curbes himfelfe, euen of his naturall fcope, 
When you doe crofle his humon'faith he does. 
I warrant you, that man is not aliue, 
Might fo haue tempted him, as you haue done, 
Without the tafte of danger, and reproofe : 
But doe not vfe it oft, let me entreat you. 

Wore. In faith, my Lord, you are too wilfull blame, 
And fince your comming hither, haue done enough, 
To put him quite befides his patience. 
You muft needes learne,Lord,to amend this fault: 
Though fometimes it fhew GreatnefTe, Courage, Blood, 
And that's the deareft grace it renders you; 
Yet oftentimes it doth prefent harfh Rage, 
Defect of Manners, want of Gouernment, 
Pride, Haughtineffe, Opinion, and Difdaine : 
The leaft of which, haunting a Nobleman, 
Lofeth mens hearts, and leaues behinde a ftayne 
Vpon the beautie of all parts befides, 
Beguiling them of commendation. 

Hotjp. Well, I am fchool'd : 
Good-manners be your fpeede ; 
Heere come your Wiues, and let vs take our leaue. 

Enter Glendotver, with the Ladies. 

Mort. This is the deadly fpight,that angers me, 
My Wife can fpeake no Englifh, I no Welfh. 

Glend.My Daughter weepes, fhee'le not part with you, 
Shee'le be a Souldier too, fhee'le to the Warres. 

Mort. Good Father tell her, that fhe and my Aunt Percy 
Shall follow in your Conduit fpeedily. 

Glendower Jpeakes to her in Welfk, and fhe an- 
fweres him in the fame. 

Glend. Shee is defperate heere : 
A peeuifh felfe-will'd Harlotry, 
One that no perfwafion can doe good vpon. 



The Ladyjpe 



Wetfh. 



Mort. I vnderftand thy Lookes: that pretty Welfh 
Which thou powr'ft down from thefe fwelling Heauens, 
I am too perfect in : and but for fhame, 
In fuch a parley fhould I anfwere thee. 

The Lady againe in Welfh. 

Mort. I vnderftand thy K.iffes,and thou mine, 
And that's a feeling difputation : 
But I will neuer be a Truant, Loue, 
Till I haue learn'd thy Language : for thy tongue 



J63 



62 



The Firji Part offing Henry the Fourth. 



Makes Welfh as fweet as Ditties highly penn'd, 
Sung by a faire Queene in a Summers Bowre, 
With rauiflving Diuifion to her Lute. 

Qlend. Nay, if thou melt, then will (he runne madde. 

The Lady Jpeal^es againe in Welfi. 

oMort. 0,1am Ignorance it felfe in this. 

Qlend. She bids you, 
On the wanton Ruihes lay you downe, 
And reft your gentle Head vpon her Lappe, 
And (he will ling the Song that pleafeth you, 
And on your Eye-lids Crowne the God of Sleepe, 
Charming your blood with pleafing heauineffe ; 
Making fuch difference betwixt Wake and Sleepe, 
As is the difference betwixt Day and Night, 
The houre before the Heauenlv Harneis'd Teeme 
Begins his Golden Progrefle in the Eaft. 

eM'ort. With all my heart lie fit, and heare her fing: 
By that time will our Booke,I thinke, be drawne. 

Qlend. Doe fo : 
And thofe Mufitians that (hall play to you, 
Hang in the Ayre a thoufand Leagues from thence ; 
And ftraight they lhall be here : fit, and attend. 

Hotjp. Come ATa«,thou art perfect in lying downe : 
Come, quicke, quicke, that I may lay my Head in thy 
Lappe. 

Lady. Goe, ye giddy-Goofe. 

The zMufic\e j-layes. 

Hotjp. Now I perceiue the Deuill vnderftands Welfli, 
And 'tis no maruell he is fo humorous : 
Byrlady hee's a good Mufitian. 

Lady. Then would you be nothing but Muficall, 
For you are altogether gouerned by humors : 
Lye ftillye Theefe,and heare the Lady fing in Welfh. 

Hotjp. I had rather heare (Lady) my Brach howle in 
Irifli. 

Lady. Would'ft haue thy Head broken ? 

Hotjp. No. 

Lady. Then be ftill. 

Hotjp. Neyther,'tis a Womans fault. 

Lady. Now God helpe thee. 

Hotjp. To the Welfli Ladies Bed. 

Lady. What's that? 

Hotjp. Peace, fhee fings. 

Heere the Lady fings a Wcljh Sung. 

Hotjp. Come, lie haue your Song too. 

Lady. Not mine,in good footh. 

Hotjp. Not yours,in good footh? 
You fweare like a Comfit-makers Wife : 
Not you, in good footh ; and, as true as I liue ; 
And, as God (hall mend me ; and, as fure as day: 
And giueft fuch Sarcenet furetie for thy Oathes, 
As if thou neuer walk'ft further then Finsbury. 
Sweare me, Kate, like a Lady, as thou art, 
A good mouth-filling Oath: and leaue in footh, 
And fuch proteft of Pepper Ginger-bread, 
To Veluet-Guards,and Sunday-Citizens. 
Come, fing. 

Lady. I will not fing. 

Hotjp. 'Tis the next way to turne Taylor, or be Red- 
breft teacher : and the Indentures be drawne, He away 



within thefe two howres : and fo come in, when yee 
will. Exit. 

Glend. Come, come, Lord Mortimer, you are as flow, 
As hot Lord Percy is on fire to goe. 
By this our Booke is drawne: wee'le but feale, 
And then to Horfe immediately. 

Mart. With all my heart. Exeunt. 



Sccena Secunda. 



Enter the King, Prince of Wales, and others. 

King. Lords, giue vs leaue : 
The Prince of Wales,and I, 
Muft haue fome priuate conference : 
But be neere at hand, 
For wee (hall prefently haue neede of you. 

Exeunt Lords. 
I know not whether Heauen will haue it fo, 
For fome difpleafing feruice I haue done; 
That in his fecret Doome,out of my Blood, 
Hee'le breede Reuengement,and a Scourge for me : 
But thou do'ft in thy paffages of Life, 
Make me beleeue,that thou art onely mark'd 
For the hot vengeance, and the Rod of heauen 
To punifli my Miftreadings. Tell me elfe, 
Could fuch inordinate and low defires, 
Such poore,fuch bare, fuch lewd, fuch meane attempts, 
Such barren pleafures, rude focietie, 
As thou art matcht withall,and grafted too, 
Accompanie the greatneffe of thy blood, 
And hold their leuell with thy Princely heart? 

Prince. So pleafe your Maiefty, I would I could 
Quit all offences with as cleare excufe, 
As well as I am doubtlefle I can purge 
My felfe of many I am charg'd withall : 
Yet fuch extenuation let me begge, 
As in reproofe of many Tales deuis'd, 
Which oft the Eare of Greatnefle needes muft heare, 
By fmiling Pick-thankes, and bafe Newes-mongers ; 
I may for fome things true, wherein my youth 
Hath faultie wandred,and irregular, 
Finde pardon on my true fubmiflion. 

King. Heauen pardon thee : 
Yet let me wonder, Harry, 
At thy affections, which doe hold a Wing 
Quite from the flight of all thy anceftors. 
Thy place in Councell thou haft rudely loft, 
Which by thy younger Brother is fupply'de ; 
And artalmoft an alien to the hearts 
Of all the Court and Princes of my blood. 
The hope and expectation of thy time 
Is ruin'd,and the Soule of euery man 
Prophetically doe fore-thinke thy fall. 
Had I fo lauifli of my prefence beene, 
So common hackney'd in the eyes of men, 
So ftale and cheape to vulgar Company ; 
Opinion, that did helpe me to the Crowne, 
Had ftill kept loyall to poffeflion, 
And left me in reputeleffe banifliment, 
A fellow of no marke,nor likely hood. 
By being feldome feene,! could not ftirre, 
But like a Comet, I was wondred at, 



c TheFirJi c Partof^Jng Henry the Fourth. 



63 



That men would tell their Children, This is hee : 

Others would fay; Where, Which is Bullingbrooke. 

And then I ftole all Courtefie from Heauen, 

And dreft my felfe in fuch Humilitie, 

That I did plucke Allegeance from mens hearts, 

Lowd Showts and Salutations from their mouthes, 

Euen in the prefence of the Crowned King. 

Thus I did keepe my Perfon freih and new, 

My Prefence like a Robe Pontificall, 

Ne're feene,but wondred at : and fo my State, 

Seldome but fumptuous, mewed like a Feaft, 

And wonne by rareneffe fuch Solemnitie. 

The skipping King hee ambled vp and downe, 

With mallow letters, and rafh Bauin Wits, 

Soone kindled, and foone burnt, carded his State, 

Mingled his Royaltie with Carping Fooles, 

Had his great Name prophaned with their Scornes, 

And gaue his Countenance, againft his Name, 

To laugh at gybing Boyes, and ftand the pufh 

Of euery BeardlefTe vaine Comparatiue; 

Grew a Companion to the common Streetes, 

Enfeoff'd himfelfe to Popularitie : 

That being dayly fwallowed by mens Eyes, 

They, furfeted with Honey, and began to loathe 

The tafte of Sweetneffe, whereof a little 

More then a little, is by much too much. 

So when he had occafion to be feene, 

He was but as the Cuckow is in Iune, 

Heard, not regarded : feene but with fuch Eyes, 

As ficke and blunted with Communitie, 

Affoord no extraordinarie Gaze, 

Such as is bent on Sunne-like Maieftie, 

When it mines feldome in admiring Eyes : 

But rather drowz'd ,and hung their eye-lids downe, 

Slept in his Face, and rendred fuch afpecT: 

As Cloudie men vfe to doe to their aduerfaries, 

Being with his prefence glutted, gorg'd, and full. 

And in that very Line, Harry, ftandeft thou : 

For thou haft loft thy Princely Priuiledge, 

With vile participation. Not an Eye 

But is awearie of thy common fight, 

Saue mine, which hath defir'd to fee thee more : 

Which now doth that I would not haue it doe, 

Make blinde it felfe with foolifh tenderneiTe. 

Prince. I fhall hereafter, my thrice gracious Lord, 
Be more my felfe. 

King. For all the World, 
As thou art to this houre, was Richard then, 
When I from France fet foot at Rauenfpurgh ; 
And euen as I was then, is Percy now : 
Now by my Scepter, and my Soule to boot, 
He hath more worthy intereft to the State 
Then thou, the fhadow of Succeffion ; 
For of no Right, nor colour like to Right. 
He doth fill fields with Harneis in the Realme, 
Turnes head againft the Lyons armed Iawes ; 
And being no more in debt to yeeres,then thou, 
Leades ancient Lords,and reuerent Bifhops on 
To bloody Battailes,and to brufing Armes. 
What neuer-dying Honor hath he got, 
Againft renowned Dotvgla6 ? whofe high Deedes, 
Whofe hot Incurfions,and great Name in Armes, 
Holds from all Souldiers chiefe Maioritie, 
And Militarie Title Capitall. 

Through all the Kingdomes that acknowledge Chrift, 
Thrice hath the Hotjpur oMars, in fwathing Clothes, 



305 



This Infant Warrior, in his Enterprifes, 

Difcomfited great Dowglas, ta'ne him once, 

Enlarged him, and made a friend of him, 

To fill the mouth of deepe Defiance vp, 

And fhake the peace and fafetie of our Throne. 

And what fay you to this ? Percy, Northumberland, 

The Arch-bifhops Grace of Yorke, Dotoglas, Mortimer, 

Capitulate againft vs,and are vp. 

But wherefore doe I tell thefe Newes to thee ? 

Why, Harry, doe I tell thee of my Foes, 

Which art my neer'ft and deareft Enemie ? 

Thou, that art like enough, through vafTall Feare, 

Bafe Inclination, and the ftart of Spleene, 

To fight againft me vnder Percies pay, 

To dogge his heeles,and curtfie at his frownes, 

To fhew how much thou art degenerate. 

Prince. Doe not thinke fo, you fhall not finde it fo : 
And Heauen forgiue them, that fo much haue fway'd 
Your Maiefties good thoughts away from me : 
I will redeeme all this on Percies head, 
And in the clofing of fome glorious day, 
Be bold to tell you, that I am your Sonne, 
When I will weare a Garment all of Blood, 
And ftaine my fauours in a bloody Maske : 
Which wafht away, fhall fcowre my fhame with it. 
And that fhall be the day, when ere it lights, 
That this fame Child of Honor and Renowne, 
This gallant Hotjpur , this all-prayfed Knight, 
And your vnthought-of Harry chance to meet : 
For euery Honor fitting on his Helme, 
Would they were multitudes, and on my head 
My fhames redoubled. For the time will come, 
That I fhall make this Northerne Youth exchange 
His glorious Deedes for my Indignities : 
Percy is but my Fattor, good my Lord, 
To engroffe vp glorious Deedes on my behalfe : 
And I will call him to fo ftrift account, 
That he fhall render euery Glory vp, 
Yea, euen the fleighteft worfhip of his time, 
Or I will teare the Reckoning from his Heart. 
This, in the Name of Heauen, I promife here : 
The which, if I performe, and doe furuiue, 
I doe befeech your Maieftie, may falue 
The long-growne Wounds of my intemperature : 
If not, the end of Life cancells all Bands, 
And I will dye a hundred thoufand Deaths, 
Ere breake the fmalleft parcell of this Vow; 

King. A hundred thoufand Rebels dye in this : 
Thou fhalt haue Charge,and foueraigne truft herein. 

Enter ''Blunt. 

How now good Blunt} thy Lookes are full of fpeed. 

'Blunt. So hath the BufinefTe that I come to fpeake of. 
Lord cWortimer of Scotland hath fent word, 
That T>owglm and the Englifh Rebels met 
The eleuenth of this moneth, at Shrewsbury : 
A mightie and a fearefull Head they are, 
(If Promifes be kept on euery hand) 
As euer offered foule play in a State. 

King. The Earle of Weftmerland fet forth to day : 
With him my fonne, Lord lohn of Lancafter, 
For this aduertifement is fiue dayes old. 
On Wednefday next, Harry thou fhalt fet forward : 
On Thurfday, wee our felues will march. 
Our meeting is Bridgenorth: and Harry,you fhall march 
f Through 



64 



The Firji Tart of Kjng Henry the Fourth. 



Through Glocefterfliire : by which account, 
Our Bufineffe valued fome twelue dayes hence, 
Our generall Forces at Bridgenorth /hall meete. 
Our Hands are full of Bufineffe : let's away, 
Aduantage feedes him fat, while men delay. Exeunt. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Fa'.Baffe and "Bardolpb. 

FalB. Bardolph, am I not falne away vilely, fince this 
lafta&ion? doe I not bate? doe I not dwindle? Why 
my skinne hangs about me like an olde Ladies loofe 
Gowne : I am withered like an olde Apple Iohn. Well, 
lie repent, and that fuddenly, while I am in fome liking : 
I fhall be out of heart fhortly , and then I (hall haue no 
itrength to repent. And I haue not forgotten what the 
in-fide of a Church is made of, I am a Pepper-Corne, a 
Brewers Horfe,tbe in-fide of a Church. Company ^ilia- 
nous Company hath beene the fpoyle of me. 

Bard. Sir Iohn, you are fo fretfull, you cannot liue 
long. 

Falft. Why there is it: Come,fing me a bawdy Song, 
make me merry : I was as vertuoufly giuen, as a Gentle- 
man need to be ; vertuous enough, fwore little, dic'd not 
aboue feuen times a weeke, went to a Bawdy-houfe not 
aboue once in a quarter of an houre, payd Money that I 
borrowed, three or foure times ; liued well, and in good 
compaffe : and now I liue out of all order, out of com- 
paffe. 

'Bard. Why, you are fo fat, Sir Iohn , that you muft 
needes bee out of all compaffe ; out of all reafonable 
compaffe, Sir Iohn. 

Falji. Doe thou amend thy Face, and He amend thy 
Life : Thou art our Admirall, thou beareft the Lanterne 
in the Poope, but 'tis in the Nofe of thee ; thou art the 
Knight of the burning Lampe. 

'Bard. Why, Sir Iohn, my Face does you no harme. 

Falji. No, He be fworne : I make as good vfe of it, as 
many a man doth of a Deaths-Head , or a Memento <3VIori. 
I neuer fee thy Face, but I thinke vpon Hell fire, and Dines 
that liued in Purple ; for there he is in his Robes burning, 
burning. If thou wert any way giuen tovertue,I would 
fweare by thy Face ; my Oath fhould bee, *By this Fire : 
But thou art altogether giuen ouer ; and wert indeede, 
but for the Light in thy Face, the Sunne of vtter Darke- 
neffe. When thou ran'ft vp Gads-Hill in the Night, to 
catch my Horfe, if I did not thinke that thou hadft beene 
an Ignis fatum , or a Ball of Wild-fire, there's no Purchafe 
in Money. O, thou art a perpetuall Triumph, an euer- 
lafting Bone-fire-Light : thou haft faued me a thoufand 
Markes in Linkes and Torches, walking with thee in the 
Night betwixt Tauerne and Tauerne : But the Sack that 
thou haft drunke me, would haue bought me Lights as 
good cheape,as the deareft Chandlers in Europe. I haue 
maintain'd that Salamander of yours with fire, any time 
this two and thirtie yeeres, Heauen reward me for it. 

Bard. I would my Face were in your Belly. 

FalB. So fhould I be fure to be heart-burn'd. 
Enter Hofteffe. 
How now, Dame Partlet the Hen, haue you enquir'd yet 
who pick'd my Pocket? 



Hofteffe. Why Sir /«&», what doe you thinke, Sir Iohn ? 
doe you thinke I keepe Theeues in my Houfe ? I haue 
fearch'd, I haue enquired, fo haz my Husband, Man by 
Man, Boy by Boy, Seruant by Seruant : the tight of a 
hayre was neuer loft in my houfe before. 

Falft. Ye lye Hofteffe : 'Bardolph was fhau'd, and loft 
many a hayre ; and He be fworne my Pocket was pick'd : 
goe to, you are a Woman, goe. 

HoBeffe. Who I ? I dene thee : I was neuer call'd fo 
in mine owne houfe before. 

Falft. Goe to, I know you well enough. 

HoBeffe. No, Sir Iohn,you doe not know me,Sir Iohn: 
I know you, Sir Iohn : you owe me Money, Sir Iohn, and 
now you picke a quarrell, to beguile me of it : I bought 
you a dozen of Shirts to your Backe. 

Falft. Doulas, filthy Doulas : I haue giuen them 
away to Bakers Wiues,and they haue made Boulters of 
them. 

HoBeffe. Now as I am a true Woman, Holland of eight 
ihillings an Ell: You owe Money here befides, Sir Iohn, 
for your Dyet, and by-Drinkings, and Money lent you, 
foure and twentie pounds. 

Falft. Hee had his part of it, let him pay. 

Hofteffe. Hee ? alas hee is poore , hee hath no- 
thing. 

Falft. How? Poore? Looke vpon his Face : What call 
you Rich ? Let them coyne his Nofe , let them coyne his 
Cheekes, He not pay a Denier. What, will you make a 
Younker of me ? Shall I not take mine eafe in mine Inne, 
but I fhall haue my Pocket pick'd ? I haue loft a Seale- 
Ring of my Grand-fathers, worth fortie Marke. 

Hofteffe. I haue heard the Prince tell him, I know not 
how oft, that that Ring was Copper. 

Falft. How? the Prince is a Iacke,a Sneake-Cuppe: 
and if hee were heere,I would cudgell him like a Dogge, 
if hee would fay fo. 

Enter the "Prince marching, and Falftaffe meets 
him. playin? on his Trunchion 
' Py 4aFife. 

Falft. How now Lad ?. is the Winde in that Doore? 
Muft we all march? 

Bard. Yea, two and two, Newgate fafhion. 

HoBeffe. My Lord, I pray you heare me. 

Trince. What fay'ft thou, Miftreffe Quickly? How 
does thy Husband ? I loue him well , hee is an honeft 
man. 

Hofteffe. Good, my Lord, heare mee. 

Falft. Prethee let her alone, and lift to mee. 

Prince. What fay'ft thou, Iac{e ? 

Falft. The other Night I fell afleepe heere behind the 
Arras, and had my Pocket pickt : this Houfe is turn'd 
Bawdy-houfe, they picke Pockets. 

Prince. What didft thou loCe, Iackf? 

Falft. Wilt thou beleeue me, Hal> Three or foure Bonds 
of fortie pound apeece, and a Seale-Ring of my Grand- 
fathers. 

Prince. A Trifle, fome eight-penny matter. 

Hoft. So I told him, my Lord ; and I faid, I heard your 
Grace fay fo : and (my Lord) hee fpeakes moft vilely of 
you, like a foule-mouth'd man as hee is, and faid, hee 
would cudgell you. 

Prince. What hee did not ? 

Hoft. There's neyther Faith, Truth, nor Woman-hood 
in me elfe. 

Falft. There's 






PLATE XI. 



I 111 \| 

i I If I 
III 



p 



ill ' "I 



i 1 



- 






1 



£ iff 1 



«Mr\ ( III' J 



mt 



: ii \m 
1 «' 




PLATE XU. 




Uj moiY. tutn e.irna, can. eatrt/i truk^, rune ya2tal(ery 
'- t& <JVJA/G iiwfi-filic m md&r. 



D) 



Simon %faus fcul^Xoi 



The portrait of James I. of England, engraved by Simon Pas 
The verses below are attributed to Shakespeare. 
Frontispiece of No. 108. (Reduced.) 



The Firji PartofKjng Henry the Fourth. 



65 



Falft. There's no more faith in thee then a ftu'de Prune: 
nor no more truth in thee, then in a drawne Fox : and for 
Wooman-hood,Maid-marian may be the Deputies wife 
of the Ward to thee. Go, you nothing: go. 

Hoft. Say, what thing? what thing ? 

Faljl. What thing? why a thing to thanke heauen on. 

Hoft. I am no thing to thanke heauen on, I wold thou 
fhouldft know it : I am an honeft mans wife : and fetting 
thy Knighthood afide, thou art a knaue to call me fo. 

Faift. Setting thy woman-hood afide, thou art a beaft 
to fay otherwife. 

Hoft. Say, what beaft, thou knaue thou? 

Fal. What beaft? Why an Otter, 

Prin. An Otter, fir lohn? Why an Otter ? 

Fal. Why? She's neither fifh nor fleih; a man knowes 
not where to haue her. 

Hoft . Thou art vniuft man in faying fo ; thou, or anie 
man knowes where to haue me, thou knaue thou. 

Prince. Thou fay'ft true Hofteffe, and he (landers thee 
moft groflely. 

Hoft. So he doth you, my Lord, and fayde this other 
day, Vou ought him a thoufand pound. 

Prince. Sirrah, do I owe you a thoufand pound f 

Falft. A thoufand pound Halt A Million. Thy loue is 
worth a Million : thou ow'ft me thy loue. 

Hoft. Nay myLord,he call'd you Iacke, and faid hee 
would cndgell you. 

Fal. Did I, Bardolfh? 

'Bar. Indeed Sir lohn, you faid fo. 

Fal. Yea, if he faid my Ring was Copper. 

Prince. I fay 'tis Copper. Dar'ft thou bee as good as 
thy word now ? 

Fal. Why Halt thou know'ft,as thou art but a man, I 
dare : but, as thou art a Prince, I feare thee, as I feare the 
roaring of the Lyons Whelpe. 

Prince. And why not as the Lyon ? 

Fal. The King himfelfe is to bee feared as the Lyon : 
Do'ft thou thinke He feare thee, as I feare thy Father ?nay 
if I do, let my Girdle breake. 

Prin. 0,if it mould, how would thy guttes fall about 
thy knees. But firra : There's no roome for Faith, Truth, 
nor Honefty, in this bofome of thine .■ it is all fill'd vppe 
with Guttes and Midriffe. Charge an honeft Woman 
with picking thy pocket ? Why thou horfon impudent 
imboft Rafcall, if there were any thing in thy Pocket but 
Tauerne Recknings, Memorandums of Bawdie-houfes, 
and one poore peny-worth of Sugar-candie to make thee 
long-winded : if thy pocket were enrich'd with anie o- 
ther iniuries but thefe, I am a Villaine : And yet you will 
ftand to it, you will not Pocket vp wrong. Art thou not 
aiham'd ? 

Fal. Do'ft thou heare Hal ? Thou know'ft in the ftate 
of Innocency, Adam fell : and what mould poore Iacke 
Falftaffe do, in the dayes of Villany ? Thou feeft, I haue 
more fleih then another man, and therefore more frailty. 
You confeffe then you pickt my Pocket? 

Prin. It appeares fo by the Story. 

Fal. Hofteffe, I forgiue thee : 
Go make ready Breakfaft, loue thy Husband, 
Looke to thy Seruants, and cherifti thy Guefts : 
Thou ftialt find me tradable to any honeft reafon: 
Thou feeft, I am pacified ftill. 
Nay, I prethee be gone. 

Exit Hofteffe. 
Now Hal, to the newes at Court for the Robbery, Lad ? 
How is that anfwered ? 



Prin. O my fweet Beefe : 
I muft ftill be good Angell to thee. 
The Monie is paid backe againe. 

Fal. 0,1 do not like that paying backe, 'tis a double 
Labour. 

Prin. I am good Friends with my Father, and may do 
any thing. 

Fal. Rob me the Exchequer the firft thing thou do'ft, 
and do it with vnwafti'd hands too. 

'Bard. Do my Lord. 

Prin. I haue procured thee Iacke, a Charge of Foot. 

Fal. I would it had beene of Horfe. Where fhal I finde 
one that can fteale well ? O, for a fine theefe of two and 
twentie,or thereabout : I am heynoufly vnprouided. Wei 
God be thanked for thefe Rebels, they offend none but 
the Vertuous. I laud them, I praife them. 

Prin. 'Bardolfh. 

"Bar. My Lord. 

Prin. Go beare this Letter to Lord lohn of Lancafter 
To my Brother lohn. This to my Lord of Weftmerland, 
Go Peto, to horfe : for thou, and I, 
Haue thirtie miles to ride yet ere dinner time. 
Iacke, meet me to morrow in the Temple Hall 
At two a clocke in the afternoone, 
There fhalt thou know thy Charge, and there receiue 
Money and Order for their Furniture. 
The Land is burning, Percie ftands on hye, 
And either they, or we muft lower lye. 

Fal. Rare words ! braue world. 
Hoftefl"e,my breakfaft, come : 
Oh, I could wiih this Tauerne were my drumme. 

Exeunt omnes. 



ABusQuartus. SccenaPrima. 



Enter Harrie Hotjpurre, Worcefter, 
and Doviglat. 

Hot. Well faid, my Noble Scot, if fpeaking truth 
In this fine Age, were not thought fhtterie, 
Such attribution mould the Dowglas haue, 
As not a Souldiour of this feafons ftampe, 
Should go fo generall currant through the world. 
By heauen I cannot flatter : I defie 
The Tongues of Soothers. But a Brauer place 
In my hearts loue, hath no man then your Selfe. 
Nay,taske me to my word : approue me Lord. 

Dow. Thou art the King of Honor : 
No man fo potent breathes vpon the ground, 
But I will Beard him. 



Enter , 



nger. 



Hot. Do fo, and 'tis well. What Letters haft there ? 
I can but thanke you. 

Meff. Thefe Letters come from your Father. 

Hot. Letters from him? 
Why comes he not himfelfe ? 

Mef He cannot come, my Lord, 
He is greeuous ficke. 

Hot. How? haz he the leyfure to be ficke now 
In fuch a iuftling time? Who leades his power ? 
Vnder whofe Gonernment come they along? 

f 2 Mef 



66 



The Fir ft Tart of F^ing Henry the Fourth. 



Mejf. His Letters beares his minde,not I his minde. 
Wor. I prethee tell me, doth he keepe his Bed ? 
Mejf. He did, my Lord,foure dayes ere I fet forth : 

And at the time of my departure thence, 

He was much fear'd by his Phyfician. 

Wor. I would the ftate of time had firft beene whole, 

Ere he by fickneffe had beene vifited : 

His health was neuer better worth then now. 

.Hof^.Sicke jnow? droope now? this ficknes doth infect 

The very Life-blood of our Enterprife, 

'Tis catching hither, euen to our Campe. 

He writes me here, that inward fickneffe, 

And that his friends by deputation 

Could not fo foone be drawne: nor did he thinke it meet, 

To lay fo dangerous and deare a truft 

On any Soule remou'd,but on his owne. 

Yet doth he giue vs bold aduertifement, 

That with our fmall coniunction we mould on, 

To fee how Fortune is difpos'd to vs : 

For, as he writes, there is no quailing now, 

Becaufe the King is certainely poffeft 

Of all our purpofes. What fay you to it ? 

Wor. Your Fathers fickneffe is a mayme to vs. 
Hotjp. A perillous Gam, a very Limme lopt off: 

And yet, in faith, it is not his prefent want 

Seemes more then we mail finde it. 

Were it good, to fet the exact wealth of ail our ftates 

All at one Caft? To fet fo rich a mayne 

On the nice hazard of one doubtfull houre, 

It were not good : for therein mould we reade 

The very Bottome,and the Soule of Hope, 

The very Lift, the very vtmoft Bound 

Of all our fortunes. 

Dcmg. Faith, and fo wee mould, 

Where now remaines a fweet reuerfion. 

We may boldly fpend, vpon the hope 

Of what is to come in : 

A comfort of retyrement Hues in this. 

Hotjp. A Randeuous,a Home to flye vnto, 

If that the Deuill and Mifchance looke bigge 

Vpon the Maydenhead of our Affaires. 

Wor. But yet I would your Father had beene here: 

The Qualitie and Heire of our Attempt 

Brookes no diuifion : It will be thought 

By fome,that know not why he is away, 

That wifedome,loyaltie, and meere diflike 

Of our proceedings, kept the Earle from hence. 

And thinke, how fuch an apprehenfion 

May turne the tyde of fearefull Faction, 

And breede a kinde of queftion in our caufe : 

For well you know, wee of the offring fide, 

Muft keepe aloofe from ftrict arbitrement, 

And ftop all fight-holes, euery loope,from whence 

The eye of reafon may prie in vpon vs : 

This abfence of your Father drawes a Curtaine, 

That /hewes the ignorant a kinde of feare, 

Before not dreamt of. 

Hotjp. You ftrayne too farre. 
I rather of his abfence make this vfe : 
It lends a Luftre, and more great Opinion, 
A larger Dare to your great Enterprize, 
Then if the Earle were here : for men muft thinke, 
If we without his helpe, can make a Head 
To pufh againft the Kingdome ; with his helpe, 
We mall o're-turne it topfie-turuy downe : 
Yet all goes well, yet all our ioynts are whole. 



Dowg. As heart can thinke : 
There is not fuch a word fpoke of in Scotland, 
At this Dreame of Feare. 

Enter Sir Richard Vernon. 

Hotjp. My Coufin Vernon, welcome by my Soule. 

Vern. Pray God my newes be worth a welcome, Lord. 
The Earle of Weftmerland, feuen thoufand ftrong, 
Is marching hither- wards, with Prince lobn. 

Hotjp. No harme: what more ? 

Vern. And further, I haue learn'd, 
The King himfelfe in perfon hath fet forth, 
Or hither-wards intended fpeedily, 
With ftrong and mightie preparation. 

Hotjp. He mail be welcome too. 
Where is his Sonne, 

The nimble-footed Mad -Cap, Prince of Wales, 
And his Cumrades,that daft the World afide, 
And bid it paffe ? 

Vern. All furniftit, all in Armes , 
All plum'd like Eftridges, that with the Winde 
Bayted like Eagles, hauing lately bath'd, 
Glittering in Golden Coates, like Images, 
As full of fpirit as the Moneth of May, 
And gorgeous as the Sunne at Mid-fummer, 
Wanton as youthfull Goates,wilde as young Bulls. 
I faw young Harry with his Beuer on, 
His Cufties on his thighes, gallantly arm'd, 
Rife from the ground like feathered zMercury, 
And vaulted with fuch eafe into his Seat, 
As if an Angell dropt downe from the Clouds, 
To turne and winde a fierie Pegafus, 
And witch the World with Noble Horfemanihip. 

Hotjp. No more, no move, 
Worfe then the Sunne in March : 
This prayfe doth nourifti Agues : let them come. 
They come like Sacrifices in their trimme, 
And to the fire-ey'd Maid of fmoakie Warre, 
All hot, and bleeding, will wee offer them : 
The mayled <^fars (hall on his Altar fit 
Vp to the eares in blood. I am on fire, 
To heare this rich reprizall is fo nigh, 
And yet not ours. Come, let me take my Horfe, 
Who is to beare me like a Thunder-bolt, 
Againft the bofome of the Prince of Wales. 
Harry to Harry, mail not Horfe to Horfe 
Meete,and ne're part, till one drop downe a Coarfe i 
Oh , that Glendo-aer were come. 
Ver. There is more newes : 
I learned in Worcefter,as I rode along, 
He cannot draw his Power this foureteene dayes. 

Dcwg. That's the word Tidings that I heare of 
yet. 

Wor. I by my faith, that beares a frofty found. 
Hotjp. What may the Kings whole Battaile reach 
vnto ? 

Ver. To thirty thoufand. 

Hot. Forty let it be, 
My Father and Glendower being both away, 
The powres of vs, may ferue fo great a day. 
Come, let vs take a mufter fpeedily: 
Doomefday is neere; dye all, dye merrily. 

Dow. Talke not of dying, I am out of feare 
Of death, or deaths hand, for this one halfe yeare. 

Exeunt Omnes. 

Scena 
— ^ 



The Firji ^Part qflQ'ng Henry the Fourth. 



6 7 



Sc<zna Secunda. 



Enter Falftaffe and Bardolph. 

Falft. 'Bardolph, get thee before to Couentry, fill me a 
Bottle of Sack, our Souldiers ihall march through:wee'le 
to Sutton-cop-hill to Night. 

'Bard. Will you giue me Money, Captaine ? 

Fa/Ii. Lay cut, lay out. 

'Bard. This Bottle makes an Angell. 

Falji. And if it doe, take it -for thy labour : and if it 
make twentie, take them all, lie anfwere the Coynage. 
Bid my Lieutenant Veto meete me at the Townes end. 

'Bard. I will Captaine : farewell. Exit. 

Falft. If I be not afham'd of my Souldiers, I am a 
fowc't-Gurnet : I haue mif-vs'd the Kings PrefTe dam- 
nably. I haue got, in exchange of a hundred and fiftie 
Souldiers, three hundred and odde Pounds. I prefTe me 
none but good Houfe-holders, Yeomens Sonnes:enquire 
me out contracted Batchelers, fuch as had beene ask'd 
twice on the Banes: fuch a Commoditie of warme flaues, 
as had as lieue heare the Deuill, as a Drumme ; fuch as 
feare the report of a Caliuer,worfe then a ftruck-Foole, 
or a hurt wilde-Ducke. I preft me none but fuch Toftes 
and Butter, with Hearts in their Bellyes no bigger then 
Pinnes heads, and they haue bought out their feruices : 
And now, my whole Charge confifts of Ancients, Cor- 
porals, Lieutenants, Gentlemen of Companies, Slaues as 
ragged as Lazarus in the painted Cloth, where the Glut- 
tons Dogges licked his Sores ; and fuch, as indeed were 
neuer Souldiers, but dif-carded vniuft Seruingmen, youn- 
ger Sonnes to younger Brothers, reuolted Tapfters and 
Oftlers, Trade-falne, the Cankers of a calme World,and 
long Peace , tenne times more dis-honorable ragged, 
then an old-fac'd Ancient ; and fuch haue I to fill vp the 
roomesofthem that haue bought out their feruices: that 
you would thinke, that I had a hundred and fiftie totter'd 
Prodigalls, lately come from Swine-keeping, from eating 
Draffe and Huskes. A mad fellow met me on the way, 
and told me,I had vnloaded all the Gibbets,and preft the 
dead bodyes. No eye hath feene fuch skar-Crowes : He 
not march through Couentry with them, that's flat. Nay, 
and the Villaines march wide betwixt the Legges, as if 
they had Gyues on; for indeede, I had the moft of them 
out of Prifon. There's not a Shirt and a halfe in all my 
Company : and the halfe Shirt is two Napkins tackt to- 
gether, and throwne ouer the fhoulders like 'a Heralds 
Coat, without fleeues : and the Shirt, to fay the truth, 
ftolne from my Hoft of S. Albones, or the Red-Nofe 
Inne-keeper of Dauintry. But that's all one, they 'le finde 
Linnen enough on euery Hedge. 

Enter the Prince,and the LordofWeftmerland. 

Prince. How now blowne Iac\? how now Quilt? 

Falft. What Hal? How now mad Wag, what a Deuill 
do'ft thou in Warwick/hire ? My good Lord of Weft- 
meriand,I cry you mercy, I thought your Honour had al- 
ready beene at Shrewsbury. 

Weft. 'Faith, Sir Iobn,'th more then time that I were 
there, and you too : but my Powers are there alreadie. 
The King,I can tell you, lookes for vs all : we muftaway 
all to Night. 



J69 



Falft. Tut,neuer feare me, I am as vigilant as a Cat, to 
fteale Creame. 

Prince. I thinke to fteale Creame indeed, for thy theft 
hath alreadie made thee Butter : but tell me, lacl^, whofe 
fellowes are thefe that come after? 

Falft. Mine,.ffi7/,mine. 

Prince. I did neuer fee fuch pittifull Rafcals. 

Falft. Tut, tut, good enough to toffe:foode for Pow- 
der, foode for Powder: they'le fill a Pit, as well as better: 
tufh man,mortall men,mortall men. 

Weftm. I, but Sir Iohn, me thinkes they are exceeding 
poore and bare, too beggarly. 

Falft. Faith, for their pouertie,I know not where they 
had that; and for their bareneffe, I am fure they neuer 
learn'd that of me. 

PWn«.No,Ile be iworne,vnlefle you call three fingers 
on the Ribbes bare. But firra, make hafte, Percy is already 
in the field. 

Falft. What, is the King encamp'd? 

Weftm. Hee is, Sir Iohn , I feare wee fliall ftay too 
long. 

Falft. Well, to the latter end of a Fray, and the begin- 
ning of a Feaft, fits a dull fighter, and a keene Gueft. 
Exeunt. 



Scoena Tertia. 



Enter Hotjpur, Worcefter,Dowglas,and 

Hotjp. Wee'le fight with him to Night. 

Wore. It may not be. 

Doing. You giue him then aduantage. 

Vern. Not a whit. 

Hot lp . Why fay you fo ? lookes he not for fupply? 

"Vern. So doe wee. 

Hctjp. His is certaine, ours is doubtfull. 

Wore. Good Coufin be aduis'd,ftirre not to night. 

Vern. Doe not, my Lord. 

Do-ag. You doe not counfaile well : 
You fpeake it out of feare,and cold heart. 

Vern. Doe me no flander, Dowglas: by my Life, 
And I dare well maintaine it with my Life, 
If well-refpe&ed Honor bid me on, 
I hold as little counfaile with weake feare, 
As you, my Lord, or any Scot that this day Hues. 
Let it be feene to morrow in the Battell, 
Which of vs feares. 

Do-ag. Yea,or to night. 
Vern. Content. 

Hotjp. To night, fay I. 

Vern. Come,come,it may not be. 
I wonder much,being me of fuch great leading as you are 
That you fore-fee not what impediments 
Drag backe our expedition : certaine Horfe 
Of my Coufin Vernons are not yet come vp, 
Your Vnckle Worcefters Horfe came but to day, 
And now their pride and mettall is afleepe, 
Their courage with hard labour tame and dull, 
That not a Horfe is halfe the halfe of himfelfe. 

Hotjp. So are the Horfes of the Enemie 
In generall iourney bated, and brought low : 
The better part of ours are full of reft. 

f 3 Wor. The 



68 



The FirJi^Part ofl^ing Henry the Fourth. 



Wore. The number of the King exceedeth ours : 
For Gods fake, Coufin,ftay till all come in. 

The Trumpet founds a Parley. Enter Sir 
Walter 'Blunt . 

'Blunt. I come with gracious offers from the King, 
If you vouchfafe me hearing, and refpect. 

Hotjp. Welcome, Sir Walter 'Blunt : 
And would to God you were of our determination. 
Some of vs loue you well : and euen thofe fome 
Enuie your great deferuings,and good name, 
Becaufe you are not of our qualitie, 
But ftand againft vs like an Enemie. 

'Blunt. And Heauen defend, but ftill I mould ftand fo, 
So long as out of Limit, and true Rule, 
You ftand againft anoynted Maieftie. 
But to my Charge. 
The King hath fent to know 
The nature of your Griefes,and whereupon 
You coniure from the Breft of Ciuill Peace, 
Such bold Hoftilitie, teaching his dutious Land 
Audacious Crueltie. If that the King 
Haue any way your good Deferts forgot, 
Which he confeffeth to be manifold, 
He bids you name your Griefes,and with all fpeed 
You (hall haue your defires,with intereft; 
And Pardon abfolute for your felfe, and thefe, 
Herein mis-led, by your fuggeftion. 

Hotjp. The King is kinde : 
And well wee know, the King 
Knowes at what time to promife,when to pay. 
My Father, my Vnckle,and my felfe, 
Did giue him that fame Royaltie he weares : 
And when he was not fixe and twentie ftrong, 
Sicke in the Worlds regard, wretched, and low, 
A poore vnminded Out-law, fneaking home, 
My Father gaue him welcome to the fhore : 
And when he heard him fweare,and vow to God, 
He came but to be Duke of Lancafter, 
To fue his Liuerie,and begge his Peace, 
With teares of Innocencie,and tearmes of Zeale; 
My Father, in kinde heart and pitty mou'd, 
Swore him affiftance,and perform'd it too. 
Now, when the Lords and Barons of the Realme 
Perceiu'd Northumberland did leane to him. 
The more and leffe came in with Cap and Knee, 
Met him in Boroughs, Cities, Villages, 
Attended him on Bridges, flood in Lanes, 
Layd Gifts before him,proffer'd him their Oathes, 
Gaue him their Heires,as Pages followed him, 
Euen at the heeles,in golden multitudes. 
He prefently,as Greatneffe knowes it felfe, 
Steps me a little higher then his Vow 
Made to my Father, while his blood was poore, 
Vpon the naked more at Rauenfpurgh : 
And now ( forfooth ) takes on him to reforme 
Some certaine Edicts, and fome ftrait Decrees, 
That lay too heauie on the Common-wealth; 
Cryes out vpon abufes,feemes to weepe 
Ouer his Countries Wrongs: and by this Face, 
This feeming Brow of luftice,did he winne 
The hearts of all that hee did angle for. 
Proceeded further, cut me off the Heads 
Of all the Fauorites, that the abfent King 
In deputation left behinde him heere, 



When hee was perfonall in the Irifh Warre. 

'Blunt. Tut, I came not to heare this. 

Hotjp. Then to the point. 
In ihort time after, hee depos'd the King. 
Soone after that,depriu'd him of his Life : 
And -in the neck of that,task't the whole State. 
To make that worfe,fuffer'd his Kinfman cMarch, 
Who is,if euery Owner were plac'd, 
Indeede his King,to be engag'd in Wales, 
There, without Ranfome,to lye forfeited: 
Difgrac'd me in my happie Victories, 
Sought to intrap me by intelligence, 
Rated my Vnckle from the Councell-Boord, 
In rage difmifs'd my Father from the Court, 
Broke Oath on Oath, committed Wrong on Wrong, 
And in conclufion,droue vs to feeke out 
This Head of fafetie; and withall, to prie 
Into his Title : the which wee finde 
Too indirect, for long continuance. 

'Blunt. Shall I returne this anfwer to the King? 

Hotjp. Not fo, Sir Walter. 
Wee'le with-draw a while : 
Goe to the King, and let there be impawn'd 
Some furetie for a fafe returne againe, 
And in the Morning early fhall my Vnckle 
Bring him our purpofe : and fo farewell. 

Blunt. I would you would accept of Grace and Loue. 

Hotjp. And't may be,fo wee fhall. 

Blunt. Pray Heauen you doe. Exeunt. 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter the Arch-Bipop of Tor\e,and Sir Michell. 

Arch.H\e,%oo& Sir Michel!,beare this fealed Briefe 
With winged hafte to the Lord Marfhall, 
This to my Coufin Scroofe, and all the reft 
To whom they are directed. 
If you knew how much they doe import, 
You would make hafte. 

Sir Mich. My good Lord, I gueffe their tenor. 

Arch. Like enough you doe. 
To morrow, good Sir Michell, is a day, 
Wherein the fortune often thoufand men 
Muft bide the touch. For Sir,at Shrewsbury, 
As I am truly giuen to vnderftand, 
The King, with mightie and quick-rayfed Power, 
Meetes with Lord Harry : and I feare,Sir Michell, 
What with the ficknefle of Northumberland, 
Whofe Power was in the firft proportion ; 
And what with Owen Glendcwers abfence thence, 
Who with them was rated firmely too, 
And comes not in,ouer-rul'd by Prophecies, 
I feare the Power of Percy is too weake, 
To wage an inftant tryall with the King. 

Sir Mich-Why, my good Lord, you need not feare, 
There is "Dowglaijand Lord cMortimer. 

Arch. No, vMortimer is not there. 

Sir Mic. But there is Mordake, Vernon, Lord Harry Tercy, 
And there is my Lord of Worcefter, 
And a Head of gallant Warriors, 
Noble Gentlemen. 

Arch. And 



The Firji Part of KJng Henry the Fourth. 



6 9 



cArcb. And fo there is, but yet the King hath drawne 
The fpeciall head of all the Land together: 
The Prince of Wales, Lord Iohn of Lancafter, 
The Noble Weftmerland, and warlike 'Blunt; 
And many moe Corriuals,and deare men 
Of eftimation, and command in Armes. 

Sir M. Doubt not my Lord, he mail be well oppos'd 
eArch. I hope no lefle? Yet needfull'tis to feare, 
And to preuent the worft, Sir Michel! fpeed ; 
For if Lord Percy thriue not, ere the King 
DifmiiTe his power, he meanes to vifit vs : 
For he hath heard of our Confederacie, 
And,'tis but Wifedome to make ftrong againft him : 
Therefore make haft, I muft go write againe 
To other Friends : and fo farewell, Sir Michel!. Exeunt. 



ABus Quintus. Scena Prima. 



Enter the King, Prince of Wales, Lord Iohn of Lancafter , 

Earle of Weftmerland, Sir Walter Blunt, 

and Falftaffe. 

King. How bloodily the Sunne begins to peere 
Aboue yon busky hill : the day lookes pale 
At his diftemperature. 

Prin. The Southerne winde 
Doth play the Trumpet to his purpofes, 
And by his hollow whiffling in the Leaues, 
Fortels a Tempeft,and a bluft'ring day. 

King. Then with the lofers let it fympathize, 
For nothing can feeme foule to thofe that win. 

The Trumpet founds. 
Enter Worcefter. 

King. How now my Lord of Worfter? 'Tis not well 
That you and I mould meet vpon fuch tearmes, 
As now we meet. You haue deceiu'd our truft, 
And made vs doffe our eafie Robes of Peace, 
To crufh our old limbes in vngentle Steele : 
This is not well, my Lord, this is not well. 
What fay you to it? Will you againe vnknit 
This churliih knot of all-abhorred Warre? 
And moue in that obedient Orbe againe, 
Where you did giue a faire and naturall light, 
And be no more an exhall'd Meteor, 
A prodigie of Feare, and a Portent 
Of broached Mifcheefe, to the vnborne Times? 

Wor. Heare me, my Liege : 
For mine owne part, I could be well content 
To entertaine the Lagge-end of my life 
With quiet houres : For I do proteft, 
I haue not fought the day of this difliJce. 

King. You haue not fought it : how comes it then? 

Fal. Rebellion lay in his way, and he found it. 

Prin. Peace, Chewet, peace. 

Wor. It pleas'd your Maiefty, to turne your lookes 
Of Fauour, from my Selfe, and all our Houfe ; 
And yet I muft remember you my Lord, 
We were the firft, and deareft of your Friends : 
For you, my ftaffe of Office did I breake 
In Richards time, and poafted day and night 
To meete you on the way, and kiffe your hand, 



When yet you were in place, and in account 

Nothing fo ftrong and fortunate, as I ; 

It was my Selfe, my Brother, and his Sonne, 

That brought you home, and boldly did out-dare 

The danger of the time. You fwore to vs, 

And you did fweare that Oath at Doncafter, 

That you did nothing of purpofe'gainft the State, 

Nor claime no further, then your new-falne right, 

The feate of Gaunt , Dukedome of Lancafter, 

To this, we fware our aide : But in ihort fpace, 

It rain'd downe Fortune fhowring on your head, 

And fuch a floud of Greatnefle fell on you, 

What with our helpe,what with the abfent King, 

What with the iniuries of wanton time, 

The feeming fufferances that you had borne, 

And the contrarious Windes that held the King 

So long in the vnlucky Irilh Warres, 

That all in England did repute him dead : 

And from this fwarme of faire aduantages, 

You tooke occafion to be quickly woo'd, 

To gripe the generall fway into your hand, 

Forgot your Oath to vs at Doncafter, 

And being fed by vs, you vs'd vs fo, 

As that vngentle gull the Cuckowes Bird, 

Vfeth the Sparrow, did oppreiTe our Neft, 

Grew by our Feeding, to fo great a bulke, 

That euen our Loue durft not come neere your fight 

For feare of fwallowing : But with nimble wing 

We were inforc'd for fafety fake, to flye 

Out of your fight, and raife this prefent Head, 

Whereby we ftand oppofed by fuch meanes 

As you your felfe, haue forg'd againft your felfe, 

By vnkinde vfage, dangerous countenance, 

And violation of all faith and troth 

Sworne to vs in yonger enterprize. 

Kin. Thefe things indeede you haue articulated, 
Proclaim'd at Market Croffes,read in Churches, 
To face the Garment of Rebellion 
With fome fine colour, that may pleafe the eye 
Of fickle Changelings, and poore Difcontents, 
Which gape, and rub the Elbow at the newes 
Of hurly burly Innouation : 
And neuer yet did Infurreftion want 
Such water-colours, to impaint his caufe : 
Nor moody Beggars, ftaruing for a time 
Of pell-mell hauocke,and confufion. 

Prin. In both our Armies, there is many a foule 
Shall pay full dearely for this encounter, 
If once they ioyne in triall. Tell your Nephew, 
The Prince of Wales doth ioyne with all the world 
In praife of Henry Percie: By my Hopes, 
This prefent enterprize fet off his head, 
I do not thinke a brauer Gentleman, 
More aftiue, valiant, or more valiant yong, 
More daring, or more bold, is now aliue, 
To grace this latter Age with Noble deeds. 
For my part, I may fpeake it to my ihame, 
I haue a Truant beene to Chiualry, 
And fo I heare, he doth account me too : 
Yet this before my Fathers Maiefty, 
I am content that he lhall take the oddes 
Of his great name and eftimation, 
And will, to faue the blood on either fide, 
Try fortune with him, in a Single Fight. 

King. And Prince of Wales,fo dare we venter the 
Albeit, confederations infinite 



7 o 



The Firji 'Part of I\]ng Henry the Fourth, 



Do make againft it: No good Worfter,no, 
We loue our people well ; euen thofe we loue 
That are milled vpon your Coufins part : 
And will they take the offer of our Grace: 
Both he, and they, and you; yea,euery man 
Shall be my Friend againe, and lie be his. 
So tell your Coufin, and bring me word, 
What he will do. But if he will not yeeld, 
Rebuke and dread correction waite on vs, 
And they fhall do their Office. So bee gone, 
We will not now be troubled with reply, 
We offer faire, take it aduifedly. 

Exit Worcejier. 

Prin. It will not be accepted, on my life, 
The Don-g/as and the Hotjpurre both together, 
Are confident againft the world in Armes. 

King. Hence therefore, euery Leader to his charge, 
For on their anfwer will we fet on them ; 
And God befriend vs, as our caufe is iuft. Exeunt. 

Manet Prince and Falftaffe. 

Fal. Hal, if thou feemedownein the battell, 
And beftride me, fo ; 'tis a point of friendship. 

"Prin. Nothing but a Coloffus can do thee that frendfliip 
Say thy prayers, and farewell. 

Fal. I would it were bed time Ha/,and all well. 

"Prin. Why, thou ow'ft heauen a death. 

Fa/Jf. 'Tis not due yet : I would bee loath to pay him 
before his day. What neede I bee fo forward with him, 
that call's not on me ? Well, 'tis no matter, Honor prickes 
me on. But how if Honour pricke me off when I come 
on ? How then ? Can Honour fet too a legge?No : or an 
arme ? No : Or take away the greefe of a wound ? No. 
Honour hath no skill in Surgerie,then ? No.What is Ho- 
nour? A word. What is that word Honour? Ayre : A 
trim reckoning. Who hath it ? He that dy'de a Wednef- 
day. Doth he feele it? No. Doth hee heare it? No. Is it 
infenfible then? yea, to the dead. But wil it not liue with 
the liuing? No. Why ? Detraction wil not fuffer it,ther- 
fore He none of it. Honour is a meere Scutcheon, and fo 
ends my Catechifine. Exit. 



Scena Secunda 



Enter Worcejier, and Sir Richard Vernon. 

TVor. O no, my Nephew muft not know, Sir Richard, 
The liberall kinde offer of the King. 

Ver. 'Twere beft he did. 

TVor. Then we are all vndone. 
It is not poffible, it cannot be, 
The King would keepe his word in louing vs, 
He will fufpecT: vs ftill, and finde a time 
To punifh this offence in others faults : 
Suppofition,all our Hues, fhall be ftucke full of eyes; 
For Treafon is but trufted like the Foxe, 
Who ne're fo tame, fo cherifht,and lock'd vp, 
Will haue a wilde tricke of his Anceftors : 
Looke how he can, or (ad or merrily, 
Interpretation will mifquote our lookes, 
And we fhall feede like Oxen at a ftall, 
The better cherifht, ftill the nearer death. 
My Nephewes trefpaffe may be well forgot, 
It hath the excufe of youth, and heate of blood, 



And an adopted name of Ptiuiledge, 

A haire-brain'd Hotjpurre jgouern'd by a Spleene; 

All his offences liue vpon my head, 

And on his Fathers. We did traine him on, 

And his corruption being tane from vs, 

We as the Spring of all, fhall pay for all : 

Therefore good Coufin, let not Harry know 

In any cafe, the offer of the King. 

Ver. Deliuer what you will,Ile fay 'tis fo. 
Heere comes your Conn. 

Enter Hotjpurre. 

Hot. My Vnkle is return'd, 
Deliuer vp my Lord of Weftmerland. 
Vnkle, what newe-? 

Wor. The King will bid you battell prefently. 

■Dsw.Dene him by the Lord of Weftmerland. 

Hot. Lord Dowg/as : Go you and tell him fo. 

Dow. Marry and fhall, and verie willingly. 

Sxit Doipg/as. 

Wor. There is no feeming mercy in the King. 

Hot. Did you begge any? God forbid. 

TVor. I told him gently of our greeuances, 
Of his Oath-breaking : which he mended thus, 
By now forfwearing that he is forfworne, 
He cals vs Rebels, Traitors, and will fcourge 
With haughty armes, this hatefull name in vs. 
Enter Dowglas. 

T>cw. Arme Gentlemen, to Armes, for I haue thrown 
A braue defiance in King Henries teeth : 
And Weftmerland that was ingag'd did beare it, 
Which cannot choofe but bring him quickly on. 

Wor. The Prince of Wales ftept forth before the king, 
And Nephew, challeng'd you to fingle fight. 

Hot. O, would the quarrell lay vpon our heads, 
And that no man might draw fhort breath to day, 
But I and Harry Monmouth. Tell me, tell mee, 
How fhew'd his Talking ?Seem'd it in contempt? 

Ver. No, by my Soule : I neuer in my life 
Did heare a Challenge vrg'd more modeftly, 
Vnleffe a Brother mould a Brother dare 
To gentle exercife, and proofe of Armes. 
He gaue you all the Duties of a Man, 
Trimm'd vp your praifes with a Princely tongue, 
Spoke your deferuings like a Chronicle, 
Making you euer better then his praife, 
By ftill difpraifing praife, valew'd with you : 
And which became him like a Prince indeed, 
He made a blufhing citall of himfelfe, 
And chid his Trewant youth with fuch a Grace, 
As if he maftred there a double fpirit 
Of teaching, and of learning inftantly : 
There did he paufe. But let me tell the World, 
If he out-liue the enuie of this day, 
England did neuer owe fo fweet a hope, 
So much mifconftrued in his Wantonneffe. 

Hot. Coufin, I thinke thou art enamored 
On his Follies : neuer did I heare 
Of any Prince fo wilde at Liberty. 
But be he as he will, yet once ere night, 
I will imbrace him with a Souldiers arme, 
That he fhall fhrinke vnder my curtefie. 
Arme,arme with fpeed. And Fellow's,Soldiers, Friends, 
Better confider what you haue to do, 
That I that haue not well the gift of Tongue, 

Can 

37* 



The Firji Part of^Jng Henry the Fourth. 



7 1 



Can lift your blood vp with perfwafion. 



Mef. My Lord, heere are Letters for you. 

Hot. I cannot reade them now. 
OGentlemen, the time of life is fhort; 
To fpend that fhortneffe bafely,were too long. 
If life did ride vpon a Dials point, 
Still ending at the arriuall of an houre, 
And if we liue, we liue to treade on Kings: 
If dye; braue death, when Princes dye with vs; 
Now for our Confciences, the Armes is faire, 
When the intent for bearing them is iuft. 
Enter another itMeffenger. 
Mef. My Lord prepare, the King comes on apace. 

Hot. I thanke him, that he cuts me from my tale: 
For I profeffe not talking: Onely this, 
Let each man do his beft. And heere I draw a Sword, 
Whofe worthy temper I intend to ftaine 
"With the beft blood that I can meete withall, 
In the aduenture of this perillous day. 
Now Efperance Percy, and fet on : 
Sound all the lofty Inftruments of Warre, 
And by that Muficke, let vs all imbrace : 
For heauen to earth, fome of vs neuer mall, 
A fecond time do fuch a curtefie. 

They embrace,the Trumpets found, the King enter eth 
with bis power, alarum ■vn to the battel/. Then enter 
Dowglas, and Sir Walter 'Blunt. 

2?/a,What is thy name, that in battel thus y croffeftme? 
What honor doft thou feeke vpon my head ? 

"Dot. Know then my name is Dowglas, 
And I do haunt thee in the battell thus, 
Becaufe fome tell me, that thou art a King. 

Blunt. They tell thee true. 

Dow. The Lord of Stafford deere to day hath bought 
Thy likeneffe : for infted of thee King Harry, 
This Sword hath ended him, fo mail it thee, 
Vnleffe thou yeeld thee as a Prifoner. 

Blu. I was not borne to yeeld, thou haughty Scot, 
And thou {halt finde a King that will reuenge 
Lords Staffords death. 

Fight, Blunt isflaine,then enters Hotjpur. 

Hot. O £to£/tfj,hadft thou fought at Holmedon thus 
I neuer had triumphed o're a Scot. 

Dow. All's done,alTs won, here breathles lies the king 
Hot. Where? 
Dow. Heere. 

Hot. This Dowglas? No, I know this face full well : 
A gallant Knight he was, his name was'Blunt, 
Semblably furnifh'd like the King himfelfe. 

Dow. Ah foole : go with thy foule whether 'it goes, 
A borrowed Title haft thou bought too deere. 
Why didft thou tell me, that thou wer't a King i 

Hot. The King hath many marching in his Coats. 

T)ow. Now by my Sword, I will kill all his Coates, 
lie murder all his Wardrobe peece by peece, 
Vntill I meet the King. 

Hot. Vp,and away, 
Our Souldiers ftand full fairely for the day. Exeunt 

^Alarum, and enter Falflaffefolus. 

Fal. Though I could fcape Aot-free at London, I fear 
the fhot heere : here's no fcoring, but vpon the pate. Soft 
who are you ? Sir Walter 'Blunt, there's Honour for you : 
here's no vanity, I am as hot as molten Lead, and as hea- 
uy too ; heauen keepe Lead out of mee, I neede no more 
weight then mine owne Bowelles. I haue led my rag of 



Muffins where they are pepper'd : there's not three of my 
150. left aliue, and they for the Townes end, to beg du- 
ring life. But who comes heere? 
Enter the Prince. 

Pn'.What,ftand'ft thou idle here? Lend me thy fword, 
Many a Nobleman likes ftarke and ftiffe 
Vnder the hooues of vaunting enemies, 
Whofe deaths are vnreueng'd. Prethy lend me thy fword 

Fal. O Hal,\ prethee giue me leaue to breath awhile : 
Turke Gregory neuer did fuch deeds in Armes, as I haue 
done this day. I haue paid Percy, I haue made him fure. 

Prin. He is indeed, and liuing to kill thee : 
I prethee lend me thy fword. 

Falft. Nay Hal, if Percy bee aliue, thou getft not my 
Sword ; but take my Piftoll if thou wilt. 

Prin. Giue it me : What, is it in the Cafe i- 

Fal. I Hal, 'tis hot : There's that will Sacke a City. 
The frince drawes out a 'Bottle of Sacl^e. 

Prin. What, is it a time to ieft and dally now. Sxit. 
Thrones it at him. 

Fal. If Percy be aliue, He pierce him : if he do come in 
my way,fo : if he do not, if I come in his (willingly) let 
him make a Carbonado of me. I like not fuch grinning 
honour as Sir Walter hath : Giue mee life, which if I can 
faue, fo : if not, honour comes vnlook'd for, and ther's an 
end. Exit 



Scena Tertia. 



excurfions, enter the King, the Prince, 
f Lancajler, a 
Weftmerland. 



Lord Iohn of Lancajler, ana Earle 
ofW" 



King. I prethee Harry withdraw thy felfe, thou blee- 
deft too much: Lord Iohn of Lancajler, go you with him. 

P. lob. Not I, my Lord, vnleffe I did bleed too. . 

Prin. I befeech your Maiefty make vp, 
Leaft you retirement do amaze your friends. 

King. I will do fo : 
My Lord of Weftmerland leade him to his Tent. 

Wefl. Come my Lord, He leade you to your Tent. 

Prin. Lead me my Lord? I do not need your helpe : 
And heauen forbid a ftnllow fcratch mould driue 
The Prince of Wales from fuch a field as this, 
Where ftain'd Nobility lyes troden on, 
And Rebels Armes triumph in maffacres. 

loh. We breath too long: Come cofin Weftmerland, 
Our duty this way lies,for heauens fake come. 

Prin. By heauen thou haft deceiu'd me Lancafter, 
I did not thinke thee Lord of fuch a fpirit : 
Before, I lou'd thee as a Brother, Iohn ; 
But now, I do refpect thee as my Soule. 

King. I faw him hold Lord Percy at the point, 
With luftier maintenance then I did looke for 
Of fuch an vngrowne Warriour. 

Prin. O this Boy, lends mettall to vs all. Exit. 

Enter Dowglas. 

Dew. Another King?They grow like Hydra's heads: 
I am the Dowglas, fatall to all thofe 
That weare thofe colours on them. What art thou 
That counterfeit'!! the perfon of a King ? 

King.The King himfelfe : who Dowglas grieues at hart 

So 



7 2 



'The Firji ^Part of F^ing Henry the Fourth. 



danger, 



So many of his fhadowes thou haft met, 
And not the very King. I haue two Boyes 
Seeke Percy and thy felfe about the Field : 
But feeing thou fall'ft on me fo luckily, 
I will aflay thee : fo defend thy felfe. 

"Dow. I feare thou art another counterfeit : 
And yet infaith thou bear'ft thee like a King : 
But mine I am fure thou art, whoere thou be, 
And thus I win thee. They fight, the K. being 

Enter Prince. 

Prin. Hold vp they head vile Scot, or thou art like 
Neuer to hold it vp againe : the Spirits 
Of valiant Sherly,Stafford, c Blunt,zrc in my Armes; 
It is the Prince of Wales that threatens thee, 
Who neuer promifeth, but he meanes to pay. 

They Fight ,"T)owglasflyetb. 
Cheerely My Lord: how fare's your Grace ? 
Sir Nicholas Gawfey hath for fuccour fent, 
And fo hath Clifton : He to Clifton ftraight. 

King. Stay, and breath awhile. 
Thou haft redeem'd thy loft opinion, 
And fhew'd thou mak'ft fome tender of my life 
In this faire refcue thou haft brought to mee. 

Prin. O heauen, they did me too much iniury, 
That euer faid I hearkned to your death. 
If it were fo, I might haue let alone 
The infulting hand of Dorpglas ouer you, 
Which would haue bene as fpeedy in your end, 
As all the poyfonous Potions in the world, 
And fau'd the Treacherous labour of your Sonne. 

K. Make vp to CHfton,l\e to Sir Nicholas Gaufey. Exit 
Enter Hotjpur. 

Hot. If I miftake not, thou art Harry Monmouth. 

Prin. Thou fpeak'ft as if I would deny my name. 

Hot. My name is Harrie Percie. 

Prin.Why then I fee a very valiant rebel of that name. 
I am the Prince of Wales,and thinke not "Percy, 
To mare with me in glory any more : 
Two Starres keepe not their motion in one Sphere, 
Nor can one England brooke a double reigne, 
Of Harry Percy, and the Prince of Wales. 

Hot. Nor ihall it Harry, for the houre is come 
To end the one of vs; and would to heauen, 
Thy name in Armes, were now as great as mine. 

Prin. He make it greater, ere I part from thee, 
And all the budding Honors on thy Creft, 
He crop, to make a Garland for my head. 

Hot. I can no longer brooke thy Vanitie 
Enter Falflaffe. 

Fal. Well faid Hal,to it Hal. Nay you 
Boyes play heere,I can tell you. 

Enter Dowglas.be fights with Falflaffe ,-aho fals dot 

as ifihe were dead. The Prince {illetb Percie. 

Hoi. Oh Harry, thou haft rob'd me of my youth : 
I better brooke the lofTe of brittle life, 
Then thofe proud Titles thou haft wonne of me, 
They wound my thoghts worfe,then the fword my flem 
But thought's the flaue of Life, and Life, Times foole ; 
And Time, that takes furuey of all the world, 
Muft haue a ftop. O, I could Prophefie, 
But that the Earth, and the cold hand of death, 
Lyes on my Tongue : No Percy, t\iou art duft 
And food for 

Prin. For Wormes,braue Percy. Farewell great heart: 
Ill-weau'd Ambition, how much art thou fhrunke? 
When that this bodie did containe a fpirit, 



Fight. 
finde no 



A Kingdome for it was too fmall a bound : 
But now two paces of the vileft Earth 
Is roome enough. This Earth that beares the dead, 
Beares not aliue fo ftout a Gentleman. 
If thou wer't fenfible of curtefie, 
I mould not make fo great a fhew of Zeale. 
But let my fauours hide thy mangled face, 
And euen in thy behalfe,lle thanke my felfe 
For doing thefe fayre Rites of TenderneiTe. 
Adieu,and take thy praife with thee to heauen, 
Thy ignomy (leepe with thee in the graue, 
But not remembred in thy Epitaph. 
What? Old Acquaintance? Could not all this fleih 
Keepe in a little lifefPoore Iacke, farewell : 
I could haue better fpar'd a better man. 
O, I mould haue a heauy miffe of thee, 
If I were much in loue with Vanity. 
Death hath not ftrucke fo fat a Deere to day, 
Though many dearer in this bloody Fray : 
Imbowell'd will I fee thee by and by, 
Till then, in blood, by Noble Pereie lye. Exit. 

Falflaffe rijeth -vp. 

Falft. Imbowell'd? If thou imbowell mee to day, He 
giue you leaue to powder me, and eat me too to morow, 
'Twas time to counterfet, or that hotte Termagant Scot, 
had paid me fcot and lot too.Counterfeit? I am no coun- 
terfeit; to dye, is to be a counterfeit, for hee is but the 
counterfeit of a man, who hath not the life of a man : But 
to counterfeit dying, when a man thereby liueth,is to be 
no counterfeit, but the true and perfect image of life in- 
deede. The better part of Valour, is Difcretion ; in the 
which better part, I haue faued my life. I am affraide of 
this Gun-powder Percy though he be dead. How if hee 
mould counterfeit too, and rife ? I am afraid hee would 
proue the better counterfeit: therefore He make him fure: 
yea, and He fweare 1 kilPd him. Why may not hee rife as 
well as I : Nothing confutes me but eyes, and no-bodie 
fees me. Therefore firra, with a new wound in your thigh 
come you along me. Takes Hotjpurre on bis backe. 

Enter Prince and Iobn of Lancafter. 

Prin. Come Brother Iobn, full brauely haft thou fleftit 
thy Maiden fword. 

Iobn. But foft, who haue we heere ? 
Did you not tell me this Fat man was dead ? 

Prin. I did, I faw him dead, 
Breathleffe,and bleeding on the ground: Art thou aliue? 
Or is it fantafie that playes vpon our eye-fight ? 
I prethee fpeake, we will not truft our eyes 
Without our eares. Thou art not what thou feem'ft. 

Fal. No, that's certaine : I am not a double man : but 
if I be not Iacke Falflaffe,then am I a Iacke : There is Per- 
cy, if y our Father will do me any Honor, fo : if not, let him 
kill the next Percie himfelfe. I looke to be either Earle or 
Duke, I can alTure you. 

Prin. Why, Percy 1 kill'd my felfe, and faw thee dead. 

Fal. Did'ft thou? Lord, Lord, how the world is giuen 
to Lying? I graunt you I was downe, and out of Breath, 
and fo was he, but we rofe both at an inftant,and fought 
a long houre by Shrewsburie clocke. If I may bee belee- 
ued,fo : if not, let them that mould reward Valour, beare 
the finne vpon their owne heads. He take't on my death 
I gaue him this wound in the Thigh : if the man were a- 
liue,and would deny it, I would make him eate a peece 
of my fword. 

Iobn. This is the ftrangeft Tale that e're I heard. 

Prin. This is the ftrangeft Fellow, Brother Iobn. 

Come 
374 



The Firji 'Part ofJ^ing Henry the Fourth. 



73 



Come bring your luggage Nobly on your backe : 
For my part,if a lye may do thee grace, 
He gil'd it with the happieft tearmes I haue. 

eA Retreat u founded. 
The Trumpets found Retreat, the day is ours: 
Come Brother, let's to the higheft of the field, 
To fee what Friends are liuing, who are dead. Exeunt 

Fal. He follow as they fay, for Reward. Hee that re- 
wards me, heauen reward him. If I do grow great again, 
lie grow leffe ? For He purge, and leaue Sacke, and liue 
cleanly, as a Nobleman mould do. Exit 



Sctena Quart a. 



The Trumpets found. 

Enter the King, Prince of Wales, Lord Iobn of Lancafter, 

Earle of Weftmerland, with Worcefter & 

Vernon Prifoners. 

King. Thus euer did Rebellion finde Rebuke. 
Ill-fpirited Worcefter, did we not fend Grace, 
Pardon, and tearmes of Loue to all of you? 
And would'ft thou turne our offers contrary ? 
Mifufe the tenor of thy Kinfmans truft? 
Three Knights vpon our party flaine to day, 
A Noble Earle, and many a creature elfe, 
Had beene aliue this houre, 
If like a Chriftian thou had'ft truly borne 
Betwixt out Armies, true Intelligence. 

Wor. What I haue done, my fafety vrg'd me to, 



And I embrace this fortune patiently, 
Since not to be auoyded,it fals on mee. 

King. Beare Worcefter to death, and "Vernon too: 
Other Offenders we will paufe vpon. 

Exit Worcefter and 'Vernon. 
How goes the Field ? 

Prin. The Noble Scot Lord Domglas, when hee faw 
The fortune of the day quite turn'd from him, 
The Noble Percy flaine, and all his men, 
Vpon the foot of feare, fled with the reft ; 
And falling from a hill, he was fo bruiz'd 
That the purfuers tooke him. At my Tent 
The Dong/as is, and I befeech your Grace. 
I may difpofe of him. 

King. With all my heart. 

Prin. Then Brother Iohn of Lancafter, 
To you this honourable bounty /hall belong : 
Go to the Dowglas, and deliuer him 
Vp to his pleafure, ranfomleffe and free : 
His Valour fhewne vpon our Crefts to day, 
Hath taught vs how to cherifh fuch high deeds, 
Euen in the bofome of our Aduerfaries. 

King. Then this remaines : that we diuide our Power. 
You Sonne Iohn, and my Coufin Weftmerland 
Towards Yorke ihall bend you, with your deereft fpeed 
To meet Northumberland, and the Prelate Scroope, 
Who(as we heare)are bufily in Armes. 
My Selfe, and you Sonne Harry will towards Wales, 
To fight with Glendower, and the Earle of March. 
Rebellion in this Land lhall lofe his way, 
Meeting the Checke of fuch another day: 
And fince this Bufineffe fo faire is done, 
Let vs not leaue till all our owne be wonne. Exeunt. 



FINIS. 




74 




The SecondPartof Henry the Fourth 5 

Containinghis Death rand the Coronation 

of King Henry the Fift. 



aABus Primus. Sccena Prima. 



Indvction. 



Enter Rumour. 

Pen your Earcs : For which of you will flop 
The vent of Hearing, when loud Rumor fpeakes? 
I, from the Orient, to the drooping Weft 
(Making the winde my Poft-horfe) ftill vnfold 
The Adts commenced on this Ball of Earth. 
Vpon my Tongue, continuall Slanders ride, 
The which, in euery Language, I pronounce, 
Stuffing the Eares of them with falfe Reports: 
I fpeake of Peace, while couert Enmitie 
(Vnder the fmile of Safety) wounds the World : 
And who but Rumour, who but onely 1 
Make fearfull Mufters, and prepar'd Defence, 
Whil'ft the bigge yeare, fwolne with fome other griefes, 
Is thought with childe, by the fterne Tyrant, Warre, 
And no fuch matter? Rumour, is a Pipe 
Blowne by Surmifes, Ieloufies, Conie&ures; 
And of fo eafie, and fo plaine a flop, 
That the blunt Monfter, with vncounted heads, 
The ftill difcordant, wauering Multitude, 
Can play vpon it. But what neede I thus 
My well-knowne Body to Anathomize 
Among my houlhold ? Why is Rumour heere ? 
I run before King Harries victory, 
Who in a bloodie field by Shrewsburie 
Hath beaten downe yong Hot/purre, aud his Troopes, 
Quenching the flame of bold Rebellion, 
Euen with the Rebels blood. But what meane I 
To fpeake fo true at firft ? My Office is 
To noyfe abroad, that Harry oMonmouth fell 
Vnder the Wrath of Noble Hotjpurres Sword : 
And that the King, before the 'Do-wglas Rage 
Stoop'd his Annointed head, as low as death. 
This haue I rumour'd through the peafant-Townes, 
Betweene the Royall Field of Shrewsburie, 
And this Worme-eaten-Hole of ragged Stone, 
Where Hotjpurres Father, old Northumberland, 
Lyes crafty ficke. The Poftes come tyring on, 
And not a man of them brings other newes 
Then they haue learn'd of Me. From Rumours Tongues, 
They bring fmooth-Comforts-falfe, worfe then True- 
wrongs. Exit. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Lord Tiardolfe, and the Porter. 

L.'Bar. Who keepes the Gate heere hoa? 
Where is the Earle ? 

Por. What fliall I fay vou are ? 

Bar. Tell thou the Ea'rle 
That the Lord Bardolfe doth attend him heere. 

Por. His Lordlhip is walk'd forth into the Orchard, 
Pleafe it your Honor, knocke but at the Gate, 
And he himfelfe will anfwer. 

Enter Northumberland. 

L.'Bar. Heere comes the Earle. 

Nor. What newes Lord Bardo/fe} Eu'ry minute now 
Should be the Father of fome Stratagem; 
The Times are wilde : Contention (like a Horfe 
Full of high Feeding) madly hath broke loofe, 
And beares downe all before him. 

L.Bar. Noble Earle, 
I bring you certaine newes from Shrewsbury. 

Nor. Good, and heauen will. 

L.Bar. As good as heart can wifh : 
The King is almoft wounded to the death : 
And in the Fortune of my Lord your Sonne, 
Prince Harrie flaine out-right : and both the Blunts 
Kill'd by the hand of Dovglas. Yong Prince Iohn, 
And Weftmerland, and Stafford, fled the Field. 
And Harrie Monmouth's Brawne (the Hulke Sir Iohn) 
Is prifoner to your Sonne. 0,fuch a Day, 
(So fought, fo follow'd, and fo fairely wonne) 
Came not, till now, to dignifie the Times 
Since Cafars Fortunes. 

Nor. How is this deriu'd? 
Saw you the Field? Came you from Shrewsbury ? 

L.Bar.l fpake with one (my L.)that came fi6 thence, 
A Gentleman well bred, and of good name, 
That freely render' d me thefe newes for true. 

Nor. Heere comes my Seruant Trauers, whom I lent 
On Tuefday laft, to liften after Newes. 
Enter 'Trauers. 

L.Tlar. My Lord, I ouer-rod him on the way, 
And he is furnifh'd with no certainties, 
More then he (haply)may retaile from me. 

iVor.Now Trauers, what good tidings comes fro you? I 

Tra_ | 



376 



Thefecond'Part ofKJng Henry the Fourth. 



75 



Tra. My Lord, Sir Iohn Vmfreuill turn'd me backe 
With ioyfull tydings; and (being better hors'd) 
Out-rod me. After bim, came fpurring head 
A Gentleman (almoft fore-fpent with fpeed) 
That ftopp'd by me, to breath his bloodied horfe. 
He ask'd the way to Chefter : And of him 
I did demand what Newes from Shrewsbury: 
He told me, that Rebellion had ill lucke, 
And that yong Harry Percies Spurre was cold. 
With that he gaue his able Horfe the head, 
And bending forwards ftrooke his able heeles 
Againft the panting fides of his poore lade 
Vp to the Rowell head, and ftarting fo, 
Hefeem'd in running, to deuoure the way, 
Staying no longer queftion. 

North. Ha? Againe: 
Said he yong Harrie Percyes Spurre was cold ? 
(Of Hot-Sj)urre,co]d-Sp\irte?) that Rebellion, 
Had met ill lucke? 

L.'Bar. My Lord : He tell you what, 
If my yong Lord your Sonne, haue not the day, 
Vpon mine Honor, for a filken point 
lie giue my Barony. Neuer talke of it. 

Nor.Why mould the Gentleman that rode by Trauers 
Giue then fuch inftances of LofTe i 

L.<Bar. Who, he ? 
He was fome hielding Fellow, that had ftolne 
The Horfe he rode-on : and vpon my life 
Speake ataduenture. Looke,here comes more Newes. 

Enter eMorton. 

Nor. Yea, this mans brow, like to a Title-leafe, 
Fore-tels the Nature of a Tragicke Volume : 
So lookes the Strond, when the Imperious Flood 
Hath left a witneft Vfurpation. 
Say Morton, did'ft thou come from Shrewsbury ? 

Mor. I ran from Shrewsbury (my Noble Lord) 
Where hatefull death put on his vglieft Maske 
To fright our party. 

North. How doth my Sonne, and Brother? 
Thou trembl'ft; and the whiteneffe in thy Cheeke 
Is apter then thy Tongue, to tell thy Errand. 
Euen fuch a man, fo faint,fo fpiritlefie, 
So dull, fo dead in looke, fo woe-be-gone, 
Drew Priams Curtaine,in the dead of night, 
And would haue told him, Halfe his Troy was burn'd. 
But Priam found the Fire, ere he his Tongue : 
And I, my Percies death, ere thou report'ft it. 
This, thou would'ft fay : Your Sonne did thus, and thus: 
Your Brother, thus . So fought the Noble Dowglas, 
Stopping my greedy eare,with their bold deeds. 
But in the end (to flop mine Eare indeed) 
Thou haft a Sigh, to blow away this Praife, 
Ending with Brother, Sonne, and all are dead. 

Mor. T)owglas is liuing,and your Brother,yet: 
But for my Lord, your Sonne. 

North. Why, he is dead. 
See what a ready tongue Sufpition hath : 
He that but feares the thing, he would not know, 
Hath by Inftinft, knowledge from others Eyes, 
That what he feard, is chanc'd. Yet fpeake(Morfo») 
Tell thou thy Earle,his Diuination Lies, 
And I will take it, as a fweet Difgrace, 
And make thee rich, for doing me fuch wrong. 

Mor. You are too great, to be (by me) gainfaid : 



Your Spirit is too true, your Feares too certaine. 

North. Yet for all this, fay not that Percies dead. 
I fee a ftrange Confefiion in thine Eye : 
Thou fhak'ft thy head, and hold'ft it Feare, or Sinne, 
To fpeake a truth. If he be flaine,fay fo : 
The Tongue offends not, that reports his death: 
And he doth finne that doth belye the dead : 
Not he, which fayes the dead is not aliue : 
Yet the firft bringer of vnwelcome Newes 
Hath but a loofing Office : and his Tongue, 
Sounds euer after as a fullen Bell 
Remembred, knolling a departing Friend. 

L.'Bar. I cannot thinke(my Lord)your fon is dead. 

Mor. I am forry, I mould force you to beleeue 
That, which I would to heauen, I had not feene. 
But thefe mine eyes,faw him in bloody ftate, 
Rend'ring faint quittance (wearied, and out-breath'd) 
To Henrie Monmouth, whofe fwift wrath beate downe 
The neuer-daunted Percie to the earth, 
From whence (with life)he neuer more fprung vp. 
In few; his death ( whofe fpirit lent a fire, 
Euen to the dulleft Peazant in his Campe) 
Being bruited once, tooke fire and heate away 
From the beft temper'd Courage in his Troopes. 
For from his Mettle, was his Party fteel'd ; 
Which once, in him abated, all the reft 
Turn'd on themfelues, like dull and heauy Lead : 
And as the Thing, that's heauy in it felfe, 
Vpon enforcement, flyes with greateft fpeede, 
So did our Men, heauy in HctJpurres\of[e, 
Lend to this weight, fuch lightneffe with their Feare, 
That Arrowes fled not fwifter toward their ayme, 
Then did our Soldiers fayming at their fafety) 
Fly from the field. Then was that Noble Worcefter 
Too foone ta'ne prifoner : and that furious Scot, 
(The bloody Dowglas) whofe well-labouring fword 
Had three times llaine th'appearance of the King, 
Gan vaile his ftomacke, and did grace the lliame 
Of thofe that turn'd their backes : and in his flight, 
Stumbling in Feare, was tooke. The fumme of all, 
Is, that the King hath wonne : and hath fent out 
A fpeedy power, to encounter you my Lord, 
Vnder the Conduft of yong Lancafter 
And Weftmerland. This is the Newes at full. 

North. For this, I mail haue time enough to mourne. 
In Poyfon, there is Phyficke : and this newes 
(Hauing beene well)that would haue made me ficke, 
Being ficke, haue in fome meafure,made me well. 
And as the Wretch, whofe Feauer-weakned ioynts, 
Like ftrengthleffe Hindges, buckle vr.der life, 
Impatient of his Fit, breakes like a fire 
Out of his keepers armes : Euen fo, my Limbes 
(Weak'ned with greefe) being now inrag'd with greefe, 
Are thrice themfelues. Hence therefore thou nice crutch, 
A fcalie Gauntlet now, with ioynts of Steele 
Muft gloue this hand. And hence thou fickly Quoife, 
Thou art a guard too wanton for the head, 
Which Princes, flem'd with Conqueft,ayme to hit. 
Now binde my Browes with Iron, and approach 
The ragged'ft houre,that Time and Spight dare bring 
To frowne vpon th'enrag'd Northumberland. 
Let Heauen kifle Earth : now let not Natures hand 
Keepe the wilde Flood confin'd : Let Order dye, 
And let the world no longer be a ftage 
To feede Contention in a ling'ring Aft: 
But let one fpirit of the Firft-borne Caine 

g Reigne 



7 6 



Tbefecond^Part of Kjng Henry the Fourth. 



Reigne in all bofomes, that each heart being fet 

On bloody Courfes, the rude Scene may end, 

And darknefie be the burier of the dead. (Honor. 

L.Bar. Sweet Earle,diuorce not wifedom from your 

Mar. The liues of all your louing Complices 
Leane-on your health, the which if you giue-o're 
To ftormy PafTion, muft perforce decay. 
You caft th'euent of Warre(my Noble Lord) 
And fumm'd the accompt of Chance, before you faid 
Let vs make head : It was your prefurmize, 
That in the dole of blowes,your Son might drop. 
You knew he walk'd o're perils, on an edge 
More likely to fall in, then to get o're : 
You were aduis'd his flefli was capeable 
Of Wounds, and Scarres ; and that his forward Spirit 
Would lift him, where moft trade of danger rang'd, 
Yet did you fay go forth : and none of this 
(Though ftrongly apprehended) could reftraine 
The ftiffe-borne Aftion : What hath then befalne? 
Or what hath this bold enterprize bring forth, 
More then that Being, which was like to be ? 

L. Bar. We all that are engaged to this loffe, 
Knew that we ventur'd on fuch dangerous Seas, 
That if we wrought out life, was ten to one : 
And yet we ventur'd for the gaine propos'd, 
Choak'd the refpecT: of likely perill fear'd, 
And fince we are o're-fet, venture againe. 
Come, we will all put forth; Body, and Goods, 

Mor.'Tis more then time : And (my moft Noble Lord) 
I heare for certaine, and do fpeake the truth : 
The gentle Arch-biihop of Yorke is vp 
With well appointed Powres : he is a man 
Who with a double Surety bindes his Followers. 
My Lord (your Sonne)had onely but the Corpes, 
But ftiadowes, and the ihewes of men to fight. 
For that fame word(Rebellion) did diuide 
The aftion of their bodies, from their foules, 
And they did fight with queafineffe, conftrain'd 
As men drinke Potions; that their Weapons only 
Seem'd on our fide : but for their Spirits and Soules, 
This word (Rebellion)it had froze them vp, 
As Fifh are in a Pond. But now the Biftiop 
Turnes Infurreclion to Religion, 
Suppos'd fincere,and holy in his Thoughts: 
He's follow'd both with Body,and with Minde : 
And doth enlarge his Rifing, with the blood 
Of faire King Richard, fcrap'd from Pomfret ftones, 
Deriues from heauen,his Quarrell,and his Caufe : 
Tels them, he doth beftride a bleeding Land, 
Gafping for life, vnder great Bullingbrool^e, 
And more, and lefle,do flocke to follow him. 

North. I knew of this before. But to fpeake truth, 
This prefent greefe had wip'd it from my minde. 
Go in with me, and councell euery man 
The apteft way for fafety, and reuenge : 
Get Pofts, and Letters, and make Friends with fpeed, 
Neuer fo few, nor neuer yet more need. - Exeunt. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Falftaffe , and Page. 

Fa/.Sirra,you giant, what faies the Doft.to my water? 

Pag. He faid fir,the water it felfe was a good healthy 
watenbut for the party that ow'd it, he might haue more 
difeafes then he knew for. 

Fal. Men of all forts take a pride to gird at mee: the 



braine of this foolilh compounded Clay-man, is notable 
to inuent any thing that tends ro laughter, more then I 
inuent, or is inuented on me. I am not onely witty in my 
felfe, but the caufe that wit is in other men. I doe heere 
walke before thee, like a Sow, that hath o'rewhelm'd all 
her Litter, but one. If the Prince put thee into my Ser- 
uice for any other reafon, then to fet mee oft, why then I 
haue no iudgement. Thou horfon Mandrake, thou art 
fitter to be worne in my cap, then to wait at my heeles. I 
was neuer mann'd with an Agot till now : but I will fette 
you neyther in Gold, nor Siluer, but in vilde apparell,and 
fend you backe againe to your Mafter, for a Iewell. The 
Iuuenall (the Prince your Mafter) whofe Chin is not yet 
fledg'd, I will fooner haue a beard grow in the Palme of 
my hand, then he ftiall get one on his cheeke : yet he will 
not fticke to fay, his Face is a Face-Royall. Heauen may 
finifh it when he will, it is not a haire amifie yet : he may 
keepe it ftill at a Face-Royall, for a Barber mall neuer 
earne fix pence out of it; and yet he will be crowing, as if 
he had writ man euer fince his Father was a Batchellour. 
He may keepe his owne Grace, but he is almoft out of 
mine, I can affure him. What faid M.Dornbledon, about 
the Satten for my fliort Cloake,and Slops ? 

Pag. He faid fir,you mould procure him better Aflu- 
rance,then 'Bardolfe : he wold not take his Bond & yours, 
he lik'd not the Security. 

Fal. Let him bee damn'd like the Glutton, may his 
Tongue be hotter, a horfon Achitophel; a Rafcally-yea- 
forfooth-knaue,to beare a Gentleman in hand, and then 
ftand vpon Security ? The horfon fmooth-pates doe now 
weare nothing but high (hoes, and bunches ofKeyes at 
their girdles: and if a man is through with them in ho- 
neft Taking-vp, then they muft ftand vpon Securitie : I 
had as liefe they would put Rats-bane in my mouth, as 
offer to ftoppe it with Security. I look'd hee fhould haue 
fent me two and twenty yards of Satten (as I am true 
Knight) and he fends me Security. Well, he may fleep in 
Security, for he hath the home of Abundance : and the 
lightnefle of his Wife mines through it, and yet cannot 
he fee, though he haue his owne Lanthorne to light him. 
Where's <Bardolfel 

Pag. He's gone into Smithfield to buy your worfhip 
a horfe. 

Fal. I bought him in Paules,and hee'l buy mee a horfe 
in Smithfield. If I could get mee a wife in the Stewes, I 
were Mann'd, Hors'd, and Wiu'd. 

Snter Chief e Iuftice,and Seruant. 

Tag. Sir, heere comes the Nobleman that committed 
the Prince for ftriking him, about 'Bardo/fe. 

Fal. Waitclofe,I will not fee him. 

Ch.IuJl. What's he that goes there ? 

Ser. Falftaffe, and't pleafe your Lordfhip. 

Iufl. He that was in queftion for the Robbery ? 

Ser. He my Lord, but he hath fince done good feruice 
at Shrewsbury: and(as I heare) is now going with fome 
Charge, to the Lord Iohn of ' Lancafter. 

IuB. What to Yorke? Call him backe againe. 

Ser. Sir Iohn Falftaffe. 

Fal. Boy,tell him, I am deafe. 

Pag. You muft fpeake lowder, my Mafter is deafe. 

Iuft. I am fure he is, to the hearing of any thing good. 
Go plucke him by the Elbow,I muft fpeake with him. 

Ser. Sir Iohn. 

Fa/. What? a yong knaue and beg?Is there not wars? Is 
there not imployment/Doth not the K.lack fubie&s? Do 
not the Rebels want Soldiers?Though it be a fliame to be 

on 



Thefecond^Part offing Henry the Fourth. 



77 



on any fide but one, it is worfe fhame to begge, then to 
be on the worft fide, were it worfe then the name of Re- 
bellion can tell how to make it. 

Ser. You miftake me Sir. 

Fal. Why fir? Did I fay you were an honeft man?Set- 
ting my Knight-hood, and my Souldierftiip afide, I had 
lyed in my throat, if I had faid fo. 

Ser. I pray you (Sir) then fet your Knighthood and 
your Souldier-fhip afide, and giue mee leaue to tell you, 
you lye in your throat, if you fay I am any other then an 
honeft man. 

Fal. I giue thee leaue to tell me fo ? I lay a-fide that 
which growes to me? If thou get'ft any leaue of me, hang 
me : if thou tak'ft leaue, thou wer't better be hang'd : you 
Hunt-counter, hence : Auant. 

Ser. Sir, my Lord would fpeake with you. 

Iuft. Sir Iobn Falftaffe,a word with you. 

Fal. My good Lord:giue your Lordihip good time of 
the day. I am glad to fee your Lordihip abroad : I heard 
fay your Lordftiip was ficke. I hope your Lordihip goes 
abroad by aduife. Your Lordfhip (though not clean paft 
your youth)hath yet fome fmack of age in you: fome rel- 
lifti of the faltnefl'e of Time, and I moft humbly befeech 
your Lordihip, to haue a reuerend care of your health. 

Iuji. Sir Iobn, I fent you before your Expedition, to 
Shrewsburie. 

Fal. If it pleafe your Lordihip, I heare his Maieftie is 
return'd with fome difcomfort from Wales. 

Iuji. I talke not of his Maiefty : you would not come 
when I fent for you ? 

Fal. And I heare moreouer, his Highnefie is falne into 
this fame whorfon Apoplexie. (you. 

/ay?. Well, heauen mend him. I pray let me fpeak with 

Fal. This Apoplexie is(as I take it)a kind of Lethar- 
gie, a fleeping of the blood, a horfon Tingling. 

Iuft. What tell you me of it? be it as it is. 

Fal. It hath it originall from much greefe; from ftudy 
and perturbation of the braine. 1 haue read the caufe of 
his effecls in Galen. It is a kinde of deafenefle. 

Iuft. I thinke you are falne into the difeafe : For you 
heare not what I fay to you. 

Fal. Very well(my Lord)very well : rather an't pleafe 
you) it is the difeafe of not Liftning, the malady of not 
Marking, that I am troubled withall. 

Iuft. To punifh you by the heeles, would amend the 
attention of your eares,& I care not if I be your Phyfitian 

Fal. I am as poore as lob, my Lord;but not fo Patient: 
your Lordihip may minifter the Potion of imprifonment 
to me, in refpedt of Pouertie : but how I fhould bee your 
Patient, to follow your prefcriptions, the wife jnay make 
fome dram of a {cruple,or indeede,a fcruple it felfe. 

Iuft. I fent for you (when there were matters againft 
you for your life) to come fpeake with me. 

Fal. As I was then aduifed by my learned Councel,in 
the lawes of this Land-feruice, I did not come. 

Iuft. Wei, the truth is (fir Iobn)you liue in great infamy 

Fal.He that buckles him in my belt,canot liue in lefle. 

Iuft.Your Meanes is very flender,and your waft great. 

Fal. I would it were otherwife : I would my Meanes 
were greater, and my wafte fienderer. 

Iuft. You haue milled the youthfull Prince. 

Fal. The yong Prince hath milled mee. I am the Fel- 
low with the great belly, and he my Dogge. 

Iuft.Well,! am loth to gall a new-heal'd wound: your 
daies feruice at Shrewsbury, hath a little gilded ouer 
your Nights exploit on Gads-hill. You may thanke the 



379 



vnquiet time, for your quiet o're-pofting that Aftion. 

Fal. My Lord f (Wolfe. 

Iuft.But fince all is wel,keep it fo: wake not a fleeping 

Fal. To wake a Wolfe, is as bad as to fmell a Fox. 

Iu. What?you are as a candle, the better part burnt out 

Fal. A WaiTell-Candle, my Lord; all Tallow : if I did 
fay of wax, my growth would approue the truth. 

Iuft. There is not a white haire on your face, but mold 
haue his effeft of grauity. 

Fal. His effeft of grauy, grauy, grauy. 

Iuft You follow the yong Prince vp and downe, like 
his euill Angell. 

Fal. Not fo (my Lord) your ill Angell is light : but I 
hope, he that lookes vpon mee, will take mee without, 
weighing : and yet,in fome refpefts I grant,I cannot go : 
I cannot tell.Verttie is of fo little regard in thefe Coftor- 
mongers,that true valor is turn'd Beare-heard. Pregnan- 
cie is made a Tapfter, and hath his quicke wit wafted in 
giuing Recknings : all the other gifts appertinent to man 
(as the malice of this Age fhapes them) are not woorth a 
Goofeberry. You that are old, confider not the capaci- 
ties of vs that are yong : you meafure the heat of our Li- 
uers, with the bitternes of your gals: & we that are in the 
vaward of our youth, I muft confefle,are wagges too. 

Iuft. Do you fet downe your name in the fcrowle of 
youth, that are written downe old, with all the Charac- 
ters of age.'Haue you not a moift eye ? a dry hand? a yel- 
low cheeke?a white beard? a decreafing leg? an increfing 
belly? Is not your voice brokenFyour winde fhort?your 
wit fingle? and euery part about you blafted with Anti- 
quity?and wil you cal your felfe yong?Fy,fy,fy, fir Iobn. 

Fal. My Lord, I was borne with a white head, & fom- 
thing a round belly. For my voice, I haue loft it with hal- 
lowing and ringing of Anthemes. To approue my youth 
farther, I will not: the truth is, I am onely olde in judge- 
ment and vnderftanding: and he that will caper with mee 
for a thoufand Markes,let him lend me the mony,& haue 
at him. For the boxe of th'eare that the Prince gaue you, 
he gaue it like a rude Prince,and you tooke it like a fenfi- 
ble Lord. I haue checkt him for it,and the yong Lion re- 
pents : Marry not in afhes and facke-cloath, but in new 
Silke,and old Sacke. 

luft.Wel, heauen fend the Prince a better companion. 

Fal. Heauen fend the Companion a better Prince : I 
cannot rid my hands of him. 

Iuft. Well, the King hath feuer'd you and Prince Har- 
ry,! heare you are going with Lord Iohn of Lancafter, a- 
gainft the Archbi(hop,and the Earle of Northumberland 

Fal. Yes, I thanke your pretty fweet wit for it : but 
looke you pray, (all you that kifle my Ladie Peace, at 
home)that our Armies ioyn not in a hot day: for if I take 
but two fhirts out with me,and I meane not to fweat ex- 
traordinarily : if it bee a hot day, if I brandilh any thing 
but my Bottle, would I might neuer fpit white againe : 
There is not a daungerous Aclion can peepe out his head, 
but I am thruft vpon it. Well, I cannot laft euer. 

Iuft. Well,be honeft,be honeft,and heauen bleffe your 
Expedition. 

Fal. Will your Lordihip lend mee a thoufand pound, 
to furniih me forth ? 

Iuft. Not a peny, not a peny : you are too impatient 
to beare croflTes. Fare you well. Commend mee to my 
Cofin Weftmerland. 

Fal. If I do,fillopme with a three-man-Beetle. A man 

can no more feparate Age and Couetoufneffe,then he can 

part yong limbes and letchery: but the Gowt galles the 

s z one , 



78 



Thefecond^art offing Henry the Fourth. 



one,and the pox pinches the other ; and fo both the De- 
grees preuent my curfes. Boy? 

Page. Sir. 

Fal. What money is in my purfe? 

Page. Seuen groats,and twopence. 

Fal. I can get no remedy againft this Confumption of 
the purfe. Borrowing onely lingers, and lingers it out, 
but the difeafe is incureable. Go beare this letter to my 
Lord of Lancafter, this to the Prince, this to the Earle of 
Weftmerland, and this to old Miftris Vrfula, whome I 
haue weekly fworne to marry, fince I perceiu'd the firft 
white haire on my chin. About it : you know where to 
finde me. A pox of this Gowt, or a Gowt of this Poxe : 
for the one or th'other playes the rogue with my great 
toe : It is no matter, if I do halt, I haue the warres for my 
colour, and my Penlion mail feeme the more reafonable. 
A good wit will make vfe of any thing : I will turne dif- 
eafes to commodity. Exeunt 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter cArchbifhop , Haftings , zMombray , and 
Lord <Bardolfe. 
Ar. Thus haue you heard our caufes,& kno our Means : 
And my moft noble Friends, I pray you all 
Speake plainly your opinions of our hopes, 
And firft (Lord Marfhall)what fay you to it? 

Motv. I well allow the occafion of our Armes, 
But gladly would be better fatisfied, 
How (in our Meanest we mould aduance our felues 
To looke with forhead bold and big enough 
Vpon the Power and puifance of the King. 

Hafl. Our prefent Mutters grow vpon the File 
To fiue and twenty thoufand men of choice: 
And our Supplies, hue largely in the hope 
Of great Northumberland, whofe bofome burnes 
With an incenfed Fire of Injuries. 

L.Bar. The queftion then(Lord Hafiings)ftandeth thus 
Whe'her our prefent flue and twenty thoufand 
May hold-vp-head, without Northumberland: 

Hafl. With him, we may. 

LJBar. I marry,there's the point: 
But if without him we be thought to feeble, 
My iudgement is, we mould not ftep too farre 
Till we had his Afsiftance by the hand. 
For in a Theame fo bloody fac'd,as this, 
Coniefture, Expectation, and Surmife 
Of Aydes incertaine, mould not be admitted. 

Arch. 'Tis very true Lord 'Bardolfe, for indeed 
It was yong Hot/fturres cafe, at Shrewsbury. 

L.Bar. It was (my Lord)who lin'd himfelf with hope, 
Eating the ayre, on promife of Supply, 
Flatt'ring himfelfe with Proieft of a power, 
Much fmaller, then the fmalleft of his Thoughts, 
And fo with great imagination 
(Proper to mad men) led his Powers to death, 
And (winking) leap'd into deftrudtion. 

Hafl. But (by your leaue)it neuer yet did hurt, 
To lay downe likely-hoods,and formes of hope. 

L. Bar. Yes, if this prefent quality of warre, 
Indeed the inftant aftion: a caufe on foot, 
Liues fo in hope : As in an early Spring, 
We fee th'appearing buds, which to proue fruite, 
Hope giues not fo much warrant, as Difpaire 
That Frofts will bite them. When we meane to build, 
We firft furuey the Plot, then draw the Modell, 



byrth) 



And when we fee the figure of the houfe, 

Then muft we rate the coft of the Erection, 

Which if we finde out-weighes Ability, 

What do we then, but draw a-new the Modell 

In fewer offices '. Or at leaft, defift 

To buijde at all? Much more, in this great worke, 

(Which is(almoft) to plucke a Kingdome downe, 

And fet another vp)fhould we furuey 

The plot of Situation, and the Modell; 

Confent vpon a fure Foundation : 

Queftion Surueyors, know our owne eftate, 

How able fuch a Worke to vndergo, 

To weigh againft his Oppolite? Or elfe, 

We fortifie in Paper,and in Figures, 

Vfing the Names of men, inftead of men : 

Like one, that drawes the Modell of a houfe 

Beyond his power to builde it; who(halfe through) 

Giues o're,and leaues his part-created Coft 

A naked fubiedt to the Weeping Clouds, 

And wafte, for churlifh Winters tyranny. 

Hafl. Grant that our hopes(yet likely of fa! 
Should be ftill-borne : and that we now pofiel 
The vtmoft man of expectation : 
I thinke we are a Body ftrong enough 
(Euen as we are) to equall with the King. 

i.'Bar.What is the King but fiue & twenty thoufand ? 
Hafl. To vs no more : nay not fo much Lord ^Bardolf. 
For his diuifions (as the Times do braul) 
Are in three Heads : one Power againft the French, 
And one againft Glendorper ; Perforce a third 

Muft take vp vs : So is the vnfirme King 

In three diuided : and his Coffers found 

With hollow Pouerty,and EmptinefTe. 

t^r.That he mould draw his ieuerall ftrengths togither 

And come againft vs in full puifiance 

Need not be dreaded. 

Haft. If he mould do fo, 

He leaues his backe vnarm'd, the French, and Welch 

Baying him at the heeles : neuer feare that. 

L. Bar. Who is it like mould lead his Forces hither ? 
Haft. The Duke of Lancafter,and Weftmerland : 

Againft the Welfh himfelte, and Harrie Monmouth. 

But who is fubftituted 'gainft the French, 

I haue no certaine notice. 
Arch. Let vs on : 

And publiih the occafion of our Armes. 

The Common-wealth is ficke of their owne Choice, 

Their ouer-greedy loue hath furfetted : 

An habitation giddy, and vnfure 

Hath he that buildeth on the vulgar heart. 

O thou fond Many, with what loud applaufe 

Did'ft thou beate heauen with bleffing <BuUingbroo{e, 

Before he was, what thou would'ft haue him be? 

And being now trimm'd in thine owne defires, 

Thou (beaftly Feeder)art fo full of him, 

That thou prouok'ft thy felfe to caft him vp . 

So,fo,(thou common Dogge) did'ft thou difgorge 

Thy glutton-bofome of the Royall Richard, 

And now thou would'ft eate thy dead vomit vp, 

And howl'ft to finde it. What truft is in thefe Times ? 

They, that when Richard liu'd, would haue him dye, 

Are now become enamour'd on his graue. 

Thou that threw'ft duft vpon his goodly head 

When through proud London he came fighing on, 

After th'admired heeles of ^Bullinghroo^e, 

Cri'ft now,0 Earth, yeeld vs that King agine, 



380 






Thefecond^Part ofKJng Henry the Fourth. 



79 



And take thou this (O thoughts of men accurs'd) 
" Paft,and to Come, feemts beft; things Prefent,worfl. 

Mom. Shall we go draw our numbers, and fet on ? 

HaB.We are Times fubiedls,and Time bids, be gon. 



ABusSecundus. Scaena^Prima. 

Enter Hofteffe, with two Officers , Fang, and Snare. 

HoBeffe. Mr.Fafcf,haue you entred the Aftion ? 

Fang. It is enter'd. 

HoBeffe. Wher's your Yeoman? Is it a lufty yeoman? 
Will he ftand to it? 

Fang. Sirrah, where's Snare} 

HoBeffe. I, I, good M. Snare.. 

Snare. Heere, heere. 

Fang. Snare, we muft Arreft Sir Iohn Falftaffe. 

Hoft. I good M. Snare, I haue enter'd him, and all. 

Sn.lt may chance coft fome of vs our liues:he wil ftab 

Hofteffe. Alas the day: take heed of him : he ftabd me 
in mine owne houfe, and that moft beaftly : he cares not 
what mifcheefe he doth, if his weapon be out. Hee will 
foyne like any diuell, he will fpare neither man, woman, 
nor childe. 

Fang. If I can clofe with him, I care not for his thruft. 

HoBeffe. No, nor I neither : He be at your elbow. 

Fang. If I but lift him once:if he come but within my 
Vice. 

Hoft. I am vndone with his going:I warrant he is an 
infinitiue thing vpon my fcore. Good M.Fang hold him 
fure:good M. Snare let him not fcape, he comes continu- 
antly to Py-Corner(fauing your manhoods)to buy a fad- 
die, and hee is indited to dinner to the Lubbars head in 
Lombardftreet, to M. Smoothes the Silkman.I pra'ye,fince 
my Exion is enter'd, and my Cafe fo openly known to the 
world, let him be brought in to his anfwer.A ioo.Marke 
is a long one, for a poore lone woman to beare: & I haue 
borne,and borne, and borne, and haue bin fub'doff, and 
fub'd-off, from this day to that day, that it is a fhame to 
he thought on.There is no honefty in fuch dealing, vnles 
a woman mould be made an Affe and a Beaft, to beare e- 
uery Knaues wrong. Enter Falftaffe and Bardolfe. 

Yonder he comes, and that arrant Malmefey-Nofe Bar- 
dolfe with him. Do your Offices,do your offices:M.i*aHg-, 
& M.Snare,do me, do me, do me your Offices. 

Fal.How nowfwhofe Mare's dead?what's the matter ? 

Fang. Sir Iohn, I arreft you, at the fuit of Ni\&.QukkJy. 

Fa/ft. Away Varlets, draw 'Bardolfe : Cut me off the 
Villaines head: throw the Queane in the Channel. 1 

Hoft.Throw me in the channell? He throw- thee there. 
Wilt thou? wilt thou? thou baftardly rogue.Murder, mur- 
der,© thou Hony-fuckle villaine,wilt thou kill Gods of- 
ficers,and the Kings? O thou hony-feed Rogue, thou art 
a honyfeed,a Man-queller,and a woman-queller. 

Falft. Keep them off, Bardolfe. Fang. A refcu , a refcu. 

Hoft. Good people bring a refcu.Thou wilt not?thou 
wilt not? Do, do thou Rogue: Do thou Hempfeed. 

Page. Away you Scullion, you Rampallian, you Fuftil- 
lirian:Ile tucke your Cataftrophe. Enter. Ch.Iuftice. 

Iuft. What's the matter? Keepe the Peace here, hoa. 

Hoft. Good my Lord be good to mee. I befeech you 
ftand to me. 

Qh.Iuft.How now fir IobnfWhat are you brauling here? 
Doth this become your place, your time, and bufineffe? 
You mould haue bene well on your way to Yorke. 
Stand from him Fellow ; wherefore hang'ft vpon him f 



Hoft. Ohmy moft worfhipfull Lord,and't pleafe your 
Grace, I am a poore widdow of Eaftcheap, and he is arre- 
tted at my fuit. Ch. Iuft.For what fumme ? 

Hoft. It is more then for fome(my Lord)it is for all: all 
I haue,he hath eaten me out of houfe and home; hee hath 
put all my fubftance into that fat belly of his : but I will 
haue fome of it out againe, or I will ride thee o'Nights, 
like the Mare. 

Falft. I thinke I am as like to ride the Mare, if I haue 
any vantage of ground, to get vp. 

Ch:Iuft. How comes this,Sir Iohn? Fy, what a man of 
good temper would endure this tempetl of exclamation ? 
Are you not'amam'd to inforce a poore Widdowe to fo 
rough a courfe,to come by her owne i 

Falft. What is the groffe fumme that I owe thee? 

Hoft. Marry (if thou wer't an honeft man)thy felfe,& 
the mony too. Thou didft fweare to mee vpon a parcell 
gilt Goblet, fitting in my Dolphin-chamber at the round 
table, by a fea-cole fire,on Wednefday in Whitfon week, 
when the Prince broke thy head forlik'ning him to a fin- 
ging man of Windfor; Thou didft fweare to me then(as I 
was warning thy wound)to marry me, and make mee my 
Lady thy wife.Canft y deny it ? Did not goodwife Keech 
the Butchers wife come in then, and cal me goffip Siuicl?- 
ly? comming in to borrow a merle of Vinegar: telling vs, 
fhe had a good diih of Prawnes:whereby y didft defire to 
eat fome : whereby I told thee they were ill for a greene 
wound? And didft not thou (when fhe was gone downe 
ftaires)defire me to be no more familiar with fuch poore 
people, faying, that ere long they fhould call me Madam ? 
And did'ft y not kiffe me,and bid mee fetch thee 30.S ? I 
put thee now to thy Book-oath, deny it if thou canft? 

Fal. My Lord, this is a poore mad foule:and fhe fayes 
vp & downe the town, that her eldeft fon is like you. She 
hath bin in good caie,& the truth is, pouerty hath diftra- 
fted her : but for thefe foolifh Officers, I befeech you, I 
may haue redreffe againft them. 

Iuft. Sir Iohn, fir Iohn, I am well acquainted with your 
maner of wrenching the true caufe, the falfe way.lt is not 
a confident brow, nor the throng of wordes, that come 
with fuch (more then impudent)fawcines from you, can 
thruft me from a leuell confideration,I know you ha' pra- 
ctis'd vpon the eafie-yeelding fpirit of this woman. 

Hoft. Yes in troth my Lord. 

/a/?.Prethee peace:pay her the debt you owe her, and 
vnpay the villany you haue done henthe one you may do 
with fterling mony,& the other with currant repentance. 

Fal. My Lord, I will not vndergo this fneape without 
reply. You call honorable Boldnes,impudent SawcinefTe: 
If a man wil curt'fie,and fay nothing,he is vertuous : No, 
my Lord(your humble duty remebred) I will not be your 
futor.I fay to you, I defire deliu'rance from thefe Officers 
being vpon hafty employment in the Kings Affaires. 

Iuft. You fpeake,as hauing power to do wrong : But 
anfwer in the effecl: of your Reputation, and fatisfie the 
poore woman. 

Falft. Come hither Hofteffe. Enter M.Gower 

Ch.Iuft. Now Matter Gotoer; What newes ? 

Gow.The King(my Lord) and Henrie Prince of Wales 
Are neere at hand: The reft the Paper telles. 

Falft. As I am a Gentleman. 
Hoft. Nay, you faid fo before. 

Fal. As I am a Gentleman. Come, no more words of it 

Hoft. By this Heauenly ground I tread on, I muft be 
faine to pawne both my Plate, and the Tapiftry of my dy- 
ning Chambers. 

g 3 Mf. 



Thefecond '•Part ofKJng Henry the Fourth. 



Fal. Glafles, glaffes, is the onely drinking : and for 
thy walks a pretty flight Drollery, or the Storie ofthe 
Prodigall, or the Germane hunting in Waterworke, is 
worih a thoufand of thefe Bed-hangings, and thefe Fly- 
bitten Tapiftries. Let it be tenne pound (if thou canft.) 
Come, if it were not for thy humors, there is not a better 
Wench in England. Go, wa(h thy face, and draw thy 
Aftion : Come, thou muft not bee in this humour with 
me, come, 1 know thou was't fet on to this. 

Hoft. Prethee ( Sir Iohn) let it be but twenty Nobles, 
I loath to pawne my Plate, in good earneft la. 

Fal. Let it alone, He make other fliift : you'l be a fool 
ftill. 

Hofl. Well, you (hall haue it although I pawne my 
Gowne. I hope you'l come to Supper: You'l pay me al- 
together ? 

Fal. Will I liue? Go with her, with her : hooke-on, 
hooke-on. 

Hoft. Will you haue Doll Teare-fhcet meet you at fup- 
per .? 

Fal. No more words. Let's haue her. 

Cb.IuSi. I haue heard bitter newes. 

Fal What's the newes (my good Lord?) 

Ch.Iu. Where lay the King laft night? 

Mef. At Bafingftoke my Lord. 

Fal. I hope ( my Lord J all's well. What is the newes 
my Lord ? 

Cb.Iuft. Come all his Forces backe ? 

Mef. No: Fifteene hundred Foot, fiue hundred Horfe 
Are march'd vp to my Lord of Lancaster, 
Againft Northumberland, and the Archbifliop. 

Fal. Comes the King backe from Wales, my noble L? 

Cb.Iuft. You fhall haue Letters of me prefently. 
Come, go along with me, good M. Go-are. 

Fal. My Lord. 

Cb.Iuft. What's the matter ? 

Fal. Mafter Gowre, (hall I entreate you with mee to 
dinner ? 

Goto. I muft waite vpon my good Lord heere. 
I thanke you, good Sir Iohn. 

Cb.Iuft. Sir Iohn, you loyter heere too long, being you 
are to take Souldiers vp, in Countries as you go. 

Fal. Will you fup with me, Mafter Go-are} 

Cb.Iuft. What foolifh Mafter taught you thefe man- 
ners, Sir Iohn ? 

Fal. Mafter Goreer, if they become mee not, hee was a 
Foole that taught them mee. This is the right Fencing 
grace (my Lord) tap for tap, and fo part faire. 

Cb.Iuft. Now the Lord lighten thee, thou art a great 
Foole. Exeunt 



Seen a Secunda. 



Enter Prince Henry, Point-z, 'Bardolfe, 
and Page. 
Prin. Truft me, I am exceeding weary. 
Poin. Is it come to that? I had thought wearines durft 
not haue attach'd one of fo high blood. 

Prin. It doth me: though it difcolours the complexion 
of my GreatneiTe to acknowledge it. Doth it not (hew 
vildely in me, to defire fmall Beere ? 

Poin. Why, a Prince (hould not be fo loofely ftudied, 



as to remember fo weake a Compofition. 

Prince. Belike then, my Appetite was not Princely 
got : for (in troth) I do now remember the poore Crea- 
ture, Small Beere. But indeede thefe humble confidera- 
tions make me out of loue with my GreatnefTe. What a 
difgrace is it to me, to remember thy name? Or to know 
thy face to morrow ? Or to take note how many paire of 
Silk (lockings y haft? (Viz. thefe, and thofe that were thy 
peach-colour'd ones:) Or to beare the Inuentorie of thy 
lhirts, as one for fuperfluity, and one other, for vfe. But 
that the Tennis-Court-keeper knowes better then I, for 
it is a low ebbe of Linnen with thee, when thou kept'ft 
not Racket there, as thou haft not done a great while, be- 
caufe the reft of thy Low Countries, haue made a fliift to 
eate vp thy Holland. 

Poin. How ill it followes, after you haue labour'd fo 
hard, you (hould talke fo idlely? Tell me how many good 
yong Princes would do fo, their Fathers lying fo ficke, as 
yours is ? 

Prin. Shall I tell thee one thing, Pointz i 

Poin. Yes : and let it be an excellent good thing. 

Prin. It (hall ferue among wittes of no higher breed- 
ing then thine. 

loin. Go to : I (land the pufli of your one thing, that 
you'l tell. 

Prin. Why, I tell thee, it is not meet, that I fliould be 
fad now my Father is ficke : albeit I could tell to thee (as 
to one it pleafes me, for fault of a better, to call my friend) 
I could be fad, and fad indeed too. 

Poin. Very hardly, vpon fuch a fubiect. 

Prin. Thou think'ft me as farre in the Diuels Booke, as 
thou, and Falftaffe, for obduracie- and perfiftencie. Let the 
end try the man. But I tell thee, my hart bleeds inward- 
ly, that my Father is fo ficke : and keeping fuch vild com- 
pany as thou art, hath in reafon taken from me, all orien- 
tation of forrow. 

Poin. The reafon ? 

Trin. What would'ft thou think of me, if I (hold weep? 

Poin. I would thinke thee a moft Princely hypocrite. 

Prin. It would be euery mans thought : and thou art 
a blefied Fellow,to thinke as euery man thinkes : neuer a 
mans thought in the world, keepes the Rode-way better 
then thine : euery man would thinke me an Hypocrite in- 
deede. And what accites your moft worlhipful thought 
to thinke fo ? 

Poin. Why,becaufe you haue beene fo lewde, and fo 
much ingraffed to Falftaffe. 

Prin. And to thee. 

Pointz. Nay, I am well fpoken of, I can heare it with 
mine owne eares:the worft that they can fay of me is, that 
I am a fecond Brother, and that I am a proper Fellowe of 
my hands : and thofe two things I confeffe I canot helpe. 
Looke,looke,here comes 'Bardolfe. 

Prince. And the Boy that I gaue Falftaffe, he had him 
from me Chriftian,and fee if the fat villain haue not trans 
form'd him Ape. 

Enter Bardolfe. 

'Bar. Saue your Grace. 

Prin. And yours,moft Noble 'Bardolfe. 

Poin. Come you pernitious A(fe,you baftifull Foole, 
muft you be blufhing ? Wherefore blufti you now? what 
a Maidenly man at Armes are you become ? Is it fuch a 
matter to get a Pottle-pots Maiden-head ? 

Page. He call'd me euen now (my Lord)through a red 

Lattice, and I could difcerne no part of his face from the 

window: 



Tbefecond Tart offing Henry the Fourth. 



window : at laft I fpy'd his eyes, and me thought he had 
made two holes in the Ale-wiues new Petticoat, & pee- 
ped through. 

Prin. Hath not the boy profited ? 

'Bar. Away, you horfon vpright Rabbet,away. 

Page. Away, you rafcally Altheas dreame,away. 

Prin. Inftrutt vsBoy : what dreame, Boy ? 

Page. Marry (my Lord) zAlthea dream'd, (he was de- 
liuer'd of a Firebrand, and therefore I call him hir dream. 

Prince. A Crownes-worth of good Interpretation : 
There it is, Boy. 

Poin. O that this good BlofTome could bee kept from 
Cankers : Well, there is fix pence to preferue thee. 

'Bard. If you do not make him be hang'd among you, 
the gallowes (hall be wrong'd. 

Prince. And how doth thy Mafter, Bardolph? 

'Bar. Well, my good Lord : he heard of your Graces 
comming to Towne. There's a Letter for you. 

Toin. Deliuer'd with good refped: And how doth the 
Martlemas, your Mafter ? 

"Bard. In bodily health Sir. 

Poin. Marry, the immortall part needes a Phyfitian : 
but that moues not him : though that bee ficke, it dyes 
not. 

Prince. I do allow this Wen to bee as familiar with 
me, as my dogge : and he holds his place, for looke you 
he writes. 

Poin. Letter. Iohn Falftaffe Knight : (Euery man muft 
know that,as oft as hee hath occafion to name himfelfe:) 
Euen like thofe that are kinne to the King, for they neuer 
pricke their finger, but they fay, there is fom of the kings 
blood fpilt. How comes that ( fayes he) that takes vpon 
him not to conceiue? the anfwer is as ready as a borrow- 
ed cap : I am the Kings poore Cofin,Sir. 

Prince. Nay, they will be kin to vs,but they wil fetch 

it from laphet. But to the Letter : Sir Iobn Falftaffe, 

Knight, to the Sonne of the King, neereft his Father, Harrie 
Prince of Wales, greeting. 

Poin. Why this is a Certificate. 

Prin. Peace. 
/ will imitate the honourable Romair.es in hreuitie. 

toin. Sure he meanes breuity in breath:(hort-winded. 
I commend me to thee, I commend thee, and I leaue thee. Bee 
not too familiar with Pointz, for hee mifufes thy Fauours Jo 
much, that he Jweares thou art to marrie his Sifter Nell. Re- 
pent at idle times as thou mayft, and Jo farewell. 

Thine, by yea and no : which is as much as to Jay, as thou 

■vjeft him. Iacke Falftaffe with my Familiars: 

Iohn with my 'Brothers and Sifter:&Sir 

Iohn, with all Europe. 

My Lord, I will fteepe this Letter in Sack, and make him 

eate it. 

Prin. That's to make him eate twenty of his Words. 
But do you vfe me thus Ned? Muft I marry your Sifter? 

Toin. May the Wench haue no worfe Fortune. But I 
neuer faid fo. 

Prin. Well, thus we play the Fooles with the time,& 
the fpirits of the wife,fit in the c!ouds,and mocke vs : Is 
your Mafter heere in London ? 

'Bard. Yes my Lord. 

Prin. Where fuppes he ? Doth the old Bore, feede in 
the old Franke? 

'Bard. At the old place my Lord, in Eaft-cheape. 

Trin. What Company? 

Page. Ephefians my Lord, of the old Church. 

Prin. Sup any women with him ? 



!8 3 



Page. None my Lord, but old Miftris Quickly, and M. 
Doll Teare-Jheet. 

Prin. What Pagan may that be ? 

Page' A proper Gentlewoman, Sir, and a Kinfwoman 
of my Mafters. 

Prin. Euen fuch Kin, as the Parift Heyfors are to the 
Towne-Bull ? 
Shall we fteale vpon them (Ned) at Supper? 

Poin. I am your fhadow,my Lord, lie follow you. 

Prin: Sirrah, you boy, and 'Bardolph, no word to your 
Mafter that I am yet in Towne. 
There's for your filence. 

Bar. I haue no tongue, fir. 

Page. And for mine Sir, I will gouerne it. 

Prin. Fare ye well: go. 
This Doll 'Teare-Jheet (hould be fome Rode. 

Poin. I warrant you, as common as the way betweene 
S.Albans, and London. 

Prin. How might we fee Falftaffe beftow himfelfe to 
night, in his true colours,and not our felues be feenef 

Poin. Put on two Leather Ierkins, and Aprons, and 
waite vpon him at his Table,like Drawers. 

Prin. From a God. to a Bull? A heauie declenfion : It 
was Ioues cafe. From a Prince, to a Prentice, a low tranf- 
formation, that (hall be mine: for in euery thing,the pur- 
pofe muft weigh with the folly. Follow me Ned. Exeunt 



Seen a Tenia. 



Enter Northumberland his Ladie, and Harrie 
Percies Ladie. 

North. I prethee louing Wife, and gentle Daughter, 
Giue an euen way vnto my rough Affaires: 
Put not you on the vifage of the Times, 
And be like them to Percie, troublefome. 

Wife. I haue giuen ouer, I will fpeak no more, 
Do what you will : your Wifedome, be your guide. 

North. Alas(fweet Wife) my Honor is at pawne, 
And but my going, nothing can redeeme it. 

La. Oh yet, for heauens fake,go not to thefe Warrs ; 
The Time was (Father) when you broke your word, 
When you were more endeer'd to it, then now, 
When your owne Percy, when my heart-deere- Harry, 
Threw many a Northward looke, to fee his Father 
Bring vp his Powres : but he did long in vaine. 
Who then perfwaded you to ftay at home ? 
There were two Honors loft; Yours, and your Sonnes. 
For Yours, may heauenly glory brighten It: 
For His, it ftucke vpon him, as the Sunne 
In the gray vault of Heauen : and by his Light 
Did all the Cheualrie of England moue 
To do braue Afts. He was ( indeed )the GlafTe 
Wherein the Noble- Youth did drefie themfelues. 
He had no Legges, that pra&ic'd not his Gate : 
And fpeaking thicke ('which Nature made his blemilh) 
Became the Accents of the Valiant. 
For thofe that could fpeake low, and tardily, 
Would turne their owne Perfection, to Abufe, 
To feeme like him. So that in Speech, in Gate, 
In Diet, in Afteftions of delight, 
In Militarie Rules, Humors of Blood, 



Thefecond ^Part offing Henry the Fourth. 



He was the Marke,and GlalTe, Coppy,and Booke, 
That fafhion'd others. And him, O wondrous! him, 

Miracle of Men ! Him did you leaue 
(Second to none) vn-feconded by you, 
To looke vpon the hideous God of Warre, 
In dif-aduantage, to abide a field, 

Where nothing but the found of Hotjpurs Name 
Did feeme defensible : fo you left him. 
Neuer,0 neuer doe his Ghoft the wrong, 
To hold your Honor more precife and nice 
With others, then with him. Let them alone : 
The Mar/hall and the Arch-bilhop are ftrong. 
Had my fweet Harry had but halfe their Numbers, 
To day might I (hanging on Hotjpurs Necke) 
Haue talk'd of ' cMonmoutV 's Graue. 

North. Befhrew your heart, 
(Faire Daughter) you doe draw my Spirits from me, 
With new lamenting ancient Ouer-fights. 
But I muft goe,and meet with Danger there, 
Or it will feeke me in another place, 
And finde me worfe prouided. 

Wife. O flye to Scotland, 
Till that the Nobles, and the armed Commons, 
Haue of their Puiflance made a little tafte. 

Lady. If they get ground, and vantage of the King, 
Then ioyne you with them, like a Ribbe of Steele, 
To make Strength ftronger. But, for all our loues, 
Firft let them trye themfelues. So did your Sonne, 
He was fo fuffer'd ; fo came I a Widow : 
And neuer mall haue length of Life enough, 
To raine vpon Remembrance with mine Eyes, 
That it may grow,and fprowt, as high as Heauen, 
For Recordation to my Noble Husband. 

North. Come, come, go in with me:'tis with my Minde 
As with the Tyde,fwell'd vp vnto his height, 
That makes a ftill-ftand, running neyther way. 
Faine would I goe to meet the Arch-biihop, 
But many thoufand Reafons hold me backe. 

1 will refolue for Scotland : there am I, 

Till Time and Vantage craue my company. Exeunt. 



Sccena Quarta. 



1. Drawer. What haft thou brought there? Apple- 
Iohns ? Thou know'ft Sir Iohn cannot endure an Apple- 
Iohn . 

z.Draw. Thou fay'ft true : the Prince once fet a Dim 
of Apple-Iohns before him, and told him there were fiue 
more Sir lohns: and, putting off his Hat,faid,I will now 
take my leaue of thefe fixe drie, round, old-wither'd 
Knights. It anger'd him to the heart : but hee hath for- 
got that. 

I. Draw. Why then couer, and fet them downe : and 
fee if thou canft finde out Snea^es Noyfe ; Miftris Teare- 
Jbeet would faine haue fome Mufique. 

2. Draw. Sirrha, heere will be the Prince, and Matter 
Points, anon: and they will put on two of our Ierkins, 
and Aprons, and Sir Iohn muft not know of it : liardolfh 
hath brought word. 

I. Draw. Then here will be old Vtis : it will be an ex- 
cellent ftratagem. 



2 . Draw. He fee if I can finde out Snea\e. Exit. 

Snter Hofteje, and T>ol. 

Hoft. Sweet-heart, me thinkes now you are in an ex- 
cellent good temperalitie : your Pulfidge beates as ex- 
traordinarily, as heart would defire ; and your Colour 
(I warrant you) is as red as any Rofe : But you haue 
drunke too much Canaries, and that's a maruellous fear- 
ching Wine ; and it perfumes the blood, ere wee can fay 
what's this. How doe you now? 

Dol. Better then 1 was : Hem. 

Hoft. Why that was well faid : A good heart's worth 
Gold. Looke, here comes Sir Iohn. 

Enter Falftaffe. 

Falft. When Arthur firft in Court— (emptie the Iordan) 
and was a worthy King : How now Miftris Do/? 

Hosl. Sick of a Calme : yea,good-footh. 

Falsi. So is all her Seft : if they be once in a Calme, 
they are lick. 

Dol. You muddie Rafcall,is that all the comfort you 
giue me ? 

Falft. You make fat Rafcalls, Miftris 'Dol. 

Dol. I make them ? Gluttonie and Difeafes make 
them, I make them not. 

Falft. If the Cooke make the Gluttonie, you helpe to 
make the Difeafes {'Dol) we catch of you [Dol) we catch 
of you : Grant that, my poore Vertue, grant that. 

'Dol. I marry, our Chaynes,and our Iewels. 

Falft. Your Brooches, Pearles, and Owches : For to 
feme brauely,is to come halting ofF: you know,to come 
off the Breach, with his Pike bent brauely, and to Surge- 
rie brauely ; to venture vpon the charg'd-Chambers 
brauely. 

Hoft. Why this is the olde faftiion : you two neuer 
meete,but you fall to fome difcord : you are both (in 
good troth) as Rheumatike as two drie Toftes, you can- 
not one beare with anothers Confirmities. What the 
good-yere ? One muft beare, and that muft bee you : 
you are the weaker VefTell ; as they fay, the emptier 
Veflell. 

Dol. Can a weake emptie VefTell beare fuch a huge 
full Hogs-head f There's a whole Marchants Venture 
of Burdeux-Stuffe in him: you haue not feene a Hulke 
better ftuffr in the Hold. Come, He be friends with thee 
Iacke: Thou art going to the Warres, and whether I 
mall euer fee thee againe, or no, there is no body 
cares. 

Enter 'Drawer. 

Drawer. Sir, Ancient Pisloll is below, and would 
fpeake with you. 

'Dol. Hang him, fwaggering Rafcall, let him not 
come hither : it is the foule-mouth'dft Rogue in Eng- 
land. 

Hoft. If hee fwagger, let him not come here : I muft 
liue amongft my Neighbors, He no Swaggerers: I am 
in good name, and fame, with the very beft : fhut the 
doore, there comes no Swaggerers heere : I haue not 
liu'd all this while, to haue fwaggering now : fhut the 
doore, I pray you. 

Falsi. Do'ft thouheare,HofteiTe? 

ifr/r.'Pray you pacifie your felfe(Sir Iobn)there comes 
no Swaggerers heere. 

Falft.Do'Oi 



The fecond Part ofKjng Henry the Fourth. 



83 



FalB. Do'ft thou heare? it is mine Ancient. 

HoB. Til!y-fally(Sir Iobn)neuer tell me, your ancient 
Swaggerer comes not in my doores. I was before Matter 
Tific\ the Deputie, the other day : and as hee faid to me, 
it was no longer agoe then Wednefday laft : Neighbour 
SZuickly (fayes hee;) Mafter Dombe,o\ir Minifter,was by 
then : Neighbour Quick])' (fayes hee,) receiue thofe that 
are Ciuill ; for (fayth hee) you are in an ill Name : now 
hee faid fo, I can tell whereupon : for(fayes hee) you are 
an honeft Woman, and well thought on ; therefore take 
heede what Guefts you receiue : Receiue (fayes hee) no 
fwaggering Companions. There comes none heere. You 
would bleffe you to heare what hee faid. No, He no 
Swaggerers. 

Falji. Hee's no Swaggerer(Hofteffe:)a tame Cheater, 
hee: you may ftroake him as gently, as a Puppie Grey- 
hound : hee will not fwagger with a Barbarie Henne, if 
her feathers turne backe in any Ihew of refiftance. Call 
him vp (Drawer.) 

Hoft. Cheater, call you him ? I will barre no honeft 
man my houfe, nor no Cheater : but I doe not loue fwag- 
gering ; I am the worfe when one fayes, fwagger : Feele 
Mailers, how I fliake: looke you, I warrant you. 

Dol. So you doe, Hofteffe. 

Hoji. Doe I ? yea,in very truth doe I, if it were an Af- 
pen Leafe : I cannot abide Swaggerers. 

Enter PiJiol,and 'Bardolpb and bis Boy. 

Fiji. 'Saue you, Sir Iobn. 

Falji. Welcome Ancient Fiflol. Here(Piftol)! charge 
you with a Cup of Sacke : doe you difcharge vpon mine 
Hofteffe. 

Fiji. I will difcharge vpon her (Sir Iohn) with two 
Bullets. 

Falji. She is Piftoll-proofe (Sir) you fliall hardly of- 
fend her. 

Hoft. Come, lie drinke no Proofes,nor no Bullets: I 
will drinke no more then will doe me good, for no mans 
pleafure, I. 

Fiji. Then to you (Miftris Dorothie) I will charge 
you. 

T)ol. Charge me ? I fcorne you (fcuruie Companion) 
what? you poore, bafe, rafcally, cheating, lacke-Linnen- 
Mate : away you mouldie Rogue, away; I am meat for 
your Mafter. 

Fiji. I know you, Miftris Dcrotbie. 

Dot. Away you Cut-purfe Rafcall, you filthy Bung, 
away : By this Wine, He thruft my Knife in your mouldie 
Chappes,if you play the fawcie Cuttle with me. Away 
you Bottle-Ale Rafcall, you Basket-hilt ftale Iugler,you. 
Since when, I pray you,Sir? what, with two Points on 
your flioulder ? much. 

fiji. I will murther your Ruffe, for this. 

Hoji. No, good Captaine Fijiol : not heere, fweete 
Captaine. 

Dol. Captaine? thou abhominable damn'd Cheater, 
art thou not afham'd to be calFd Captaine? If Captaines 
were of my minde,they would trunchion you out, for ta- 
king their Names vpon you, before you haue earn'd them. 
You a Captaine ? you flaue,for what ? for tearing a poore 
Whores Ruffe in a Bawdy-houfe? Hee a Captaine? hang 
him Rogue, hee Hues vpon mouldie ftew'd-Pruines, and 
dry'de Cakes. A Captaine ? Thefe Villaines will make 
the word Captaine odious : Therefore Captaines had 
neede looke to it. 



Bard. 'Pray thee goe downe, good Ancient. 

Falji. Hearke thee hither, Miftris Dol. 

Pisl. Not I : I tell thee what, Corporall 'Bardolpb, I 
could teare her : He be reueng'd on her. 

Page. 'Pray thee goe downe. 

Fiji. He fee her damn'd firft : to Pluto^s damn'd Lake, 
to the Infernall Deepe, where Erebus and Tortures vilde 
alfo. Hold Hooke and Line, fay I : Downe : downe 
Dogges, downe Fates: haue wee not Hiren here? 

Hoji. Good Captaine PeeJ'el be quiet, it is very late : 
I befeeke you now,aggrauate your Choler. 

Pift. Thefe be good Humors indeede. Shall Pack- 
Horfes, and hollow-pamper'd lades of Alia, which can- 
not goe but thirtie miles a day, compare with Cajar, and 
with Caniballs,and Troian Greekes? nay, rather damne 
them with King Cerberus, and let the Welkin roare: /hall 
wee fall foule for Toyes ? 

Hoji. By my troth Captaine, thefe are very bitter 
words. 

'Bard. Be gone, good Ancient : this will grow to a 
Brawle anon. 

Fiji. Die men, like Dogges: giue Crownes like Pinnes: 
Haue we not Hiren here ? 

Hoji. On my word (Captaine) there's none fuch here. 
What the good-yere, doe you thinke I would denye her ? 
I pray be quiet, 

PiB. Then feed, and be fat (my faire Calipolis.) Come, 
giue me fome Sack, Si fortune me tormente, Jperato me con- 
tente. Feare wee broad-fides f No, let the Fiend giue fire: 
Giue me fome Sack : and Sweet-heart lye thou there : 
Come wee to full Points here , and are et cetera''! no- 
thing ? 

Fal. PiBol,! would be quiet. 

Pift. Sweet Knight, I kiffe thyNeaffe: what? wee haue 
feene the feuen Starres. 

Dol. Thruft him downe ftayres, I cannot endure fuch 
a Fuftian Rafcall. 

Fiji. Thruft him downe ftayres ? know we not Gallo- 
way Nagges f 

Fal. Quoit him downe (Bardolpb) like a flioue-groat 
milling : nay, if hee doe nothing but fpeake nothing, hee 
fhall be nothing here. 

'Bard. Come, get you downe ftayres. 

Fiji. What ? fhall wee haue Incifion ? fhall wee em- 
brew ? then Death rocke me afleepe, abridge my dolefull 
dayes : why then let grieuous, gaftly, gaping Wounds, 
vntwin'd the Sifters three: Come Atropos,i fay. 

HoB. Here's good ftuffe toward. 

Fal. Giue me my Rapier, Boy. 

Dol. I prethee Iac\, 1 prethee doe not draw. 

Fal. Get you downe ftayres. 

Hoji. Here's a goodly tumult : He forfweare keeping 
houfe, before He be in thefe tirrits,and frights. So: Mur- 
ther I warrant now. Alas, alas, put vp your naked Wea- 
pons, put vp your naked Weapons. 

Dol. I prethee lac\ be quiet, the Rafcall is gone : ah, 
you whorfon little valiant Villaine,you. 

HoB. Are you not hurt i'th'Groyne ? me thought hee 
made a fhrewd Thruft at your Belly. 

Fal. Haue you turn'd him out of doores i 

Bard. Yes Sir : the Rafcall's drunke : you haue hurt 
him (Sir) in the flioulder. 

Fal. A Rafcall to braue me. 

Dol. Ah, you fweet little Rogue, you : alas, poore Ape, 
how thou fweat'ft f Come, let me wipe thy Face : Come 
on, you whorfon Chops: Ah Rogue,! loue thee: Thou 



Thefecond T'art of Kjng Henry the Fourth. 



art as valorous as Heclor of Troy, worth fiue of Agamem- 
non, and tenne times better then the nine Worthies : ah 
Villaine. 

Fal. A rafcally Slaue,I will toffe the Rogue in a Blan- 
ket. 

Dol. Doe, if thou dar'ft for thy heart: if thou doo'ft, 
He canuas thee betweene a paire of Sheetes. 

Enter cMufique. 

Page. The Mufique is come, Sir. 

Fa/. Let them play : play Sirs. Sit on my Knee, Dol. 
A Rafcall, bragging Slaue : the Rogue fled from me like 
Quick-filuer. 

Dol. And thou followd'ft him like a Church: thou 
whorfon little tydie Bartholmew Bore-pigge,when wilt 
thou leaue fighting on dayes,and foyning on nights,and 
begin to patch vp thine old Body for Heauen ? 

Enter the Prince and Poines diiguisd. 

Fa!. Peace (good Dol) doe not fpeake like a Deaths- 
head : doe not bid me remember mine end. 

Dol. Sirrha,what humor is the Prince of? 

Fal. A good mallow young fellow : hee would haue 
made a good Pantler, hee would haue chipp'd Bread 
well. 

Dol. They fay Pomes hath a good Wit. 

Fal. Hee a good Wit? hang him Baboone,his Wit is 
as thicke as Tewksburie Muftard : there is no more con- 
ceit in him, then is in a Mallet. 

Dol. Why doth the Prince loue him fo then ? 

Fal. Becaufe their Legges are both of a bignefTe: and 
hee playes at Quoits well, and eates Conger and Fennell, 
and drinkes off Candles ends for Flap-dragons,and rides 
the wilde-Mare with the Boyes,and iumpes vpon Ioyn'd- 
ftooles, and fweares with a good grace, and weares his 
Boot very fmooth,like vnto the Signe of the Legge; and 
breedes no bate with telling of difcreete ftories: and fuch 
other Gamboll Faculties hee hath, that fhew a weake 
Minde,and an able Body, for the which the Prince admits 
him ; for the Prince himfelfe is fuch another : the 
weight of an hayre will turne the Scales betweene their 
Haber-de-pois. 

Prince. Would not this Naue of a Wheele haue his 
Eares cut off? 

Poin. Let vs beat him before his Whore. 

Prince. Looke, if the wither'd Elder hath not his Poll 
claw'd like a Parrot. 

Poin. Is it not ftrange, that Defire fhould fo many 
yeeres out-liue performance ? 

Fal. KifTe me Dol. 

Prince. Saturne and Venui this yeere in Coniunftion ? 
What fayes the Almanack to that ? 

foin. And looke whether the fierie Trigcn, his Man, 
be not lifping to his Matters old Tables, his Note-Booke, 
his Councell-keeper ? 

Fal. Thou do'ft giue me flatt'ring Buffes. 

Dol. Nay truely, I kifTe thee with a moft conftant 
heart. 

Fal. I am olde, I am olde. 

Dol. I loue thee better, then I loue ere a fcuruie young 
Boy of them all. 

Fal. What Stuffe wilt thou haue a Kirtle of ? I mall 
receiue Money on Thurfday : thou {halt haue a Cappe 
to morrow. A merrie Song, come : it growes late, 



wee will to Bed. Thou wilt forget me, when I am 
gone. 

Dol. Thou wilt fet me a weeping, if thou fay'ft fo : 
proue that euer I drefle my felfe handfome, till thy re- 
turne : well, hearken the end. 

Fal. Some Sack, Franca. 

frin.Poin. Anon,anon,Sir. 

Fal. Ha? a Baftard Sonne of the Kings? And art not 
thou Poines, his Brother? 

Prince. Why thou Globe of finfull Continents, what 
a Life do'ft thou lead f 

Fal. A better then thou : I am a Gentleman, thou art 
a Drawer. 

Prince. Very true, Sir : and I come to draw you out 
by the Eares. 

Hofl. Oh, the Lord preferue thy good Grace: Wel- 
come to London. Now Heauen blefie that fweete Face 
of thine: what,are you come from Wales? 

Fal. Thou whorfon mad Compound of Maieftie : by 
this light Fleih,and corrupt Blood, thou art welcome. 

Dol. How?you fat Foole,I fcorne you. 

Poin. My Lord, hee will driue you out of your re- 
uenge, and turne all to a merryment, if you take not the 
heat. 

Prince. You whorfon Candle-myne you, how vildly 
did you fpeake of me euen now, before this honeft, ver- 
tuous,ciuill Gentlewoman? 

Hofl. 'Bleffing on your good heart, and fo fhee is by 
my troth. 

Fal. Didft thou heare me ? 

"Prince. Yes: and you knew me, as you did when you 
ranne away by Gads-hill : you knew I was at your back, 
and fpoke it on purpofe,to trie my patience. 

Fal. No,no,no : not fo : I did not thinke, thou waft 
within hearing. 

Prince. I fhall driue you then to confeffe the'wilfull 
abufe, and then I know how to handle you. 

Fal. No abufe {Hall) on mine Honor, no abufe. 

Prince. Not to difprayfe me? and call me Pantler, and 
Bread-chopper, and I know not what? 

Fal. No abufe(ifc/J - 

Poin. No abufe ? 

Fal. No abufe (Ned) in the World : honeft Ned none. 
I difprays'd him before the Wicked, that the Wicked 
might not fall in loue with him : In which doing, I haue 
done the part of a carefull Friend, and a true Subiecl, and 
thy Father is to giue me thankes for it. No abufe {Hah) 
none (Ned) none; no Boyes,none. 

Prince. See now whether pure Feare,and entire Cow- 
ardife, doth not make thee wrong this vertuous Gentle- 
woman, to clofe with vs? Is fhee of the Wicked ? Is thine 
Hoftefle heere, of the Wicked ? Or is the Boy of the 
Wicked? Or honeft Bardolpb { whofe Zeale burnes in his 
Nofe) of the Wicked? 

foin. Anfwere thou dead Elme,anfwere. 

Fal. The Fiend hath prickt downe *Bardolph irrecoue- 
rable, and his Face is Lucifers Priuy-Kitchin, where hee 
doth nothing but roft Mault-Wormes : for the Boy, 
there is a good Angell about him, but the Deuill out- 
bids him too. 

Prince. For the Women ? 

Fal. For one of them, fhee is in Hell alreadie, and 
burnes poore Soules : for the other, I owe her Mo- 
ney ; and whether fhee bee damn'd for that, I know 



Hofl. No, I warrant you. 



Fal. No, 
385 



Thefecond 'Part ofJ^Jng Henry the Fourth. 



85 



Fal. No, I thinke thou art not : I thinke thou art quit 
for that. Marry, there is another Indictment vpon thee, 
for fuffering flefti to bee eaten in thy houfe, contrary to 
the Law, for the which I thinke thou wilt howle. 

HoSi. All Victuallers doe fo : What is a Ioynt of 
Mutton, or two, in a whole Lent? 

Prince. You, Gentlewoman. 

"Vol. What fayes your Grace ? 

Falft. His Grace fayes that , which his flefli rebells 
againft. 

Hojl. Who knocks fo lowd at doore ? Looke to the 
doore there, Francis ? 

Enter Peto. 

Prince. Peto, how now ? what newes ? 

Peto. The King,your Father,is at Weftmmfter, 
And there are twentie weake and wearied Poftes, 
Come from the North : and as I came along, 
I met, and ouer-tooke a dozen Captaines, 
Bare-headed, fweating, knocking at the Tauernes, 
And asking euery one for Sir Iohn Falftaffe. 

Prince. By Heauen (Poines) I feele me much to blame, 
So idly to prophane the precious time, 
When Tempeft of Commotion, like the South, 
Borne with black Vapour, doth begin to melt, 
And drop vpon our bare vnarmed heads. 
Giue me my Sword, and Cloake : 
Falftaffe,good night. Exit. 

FalB. Now comes in the fweeteft Morfell of the 
night, and wee mult hence, and leaue it vnpickt. More 
knocking at the doore ? How now ? what's the mat- 
ter ? 

'Bard. You muft away to Court, Sir, prefently, 
A dozen Captaines ftay at doore for you. 

Falft. Pay the Mufitians, Sirrha : farewell Hoftefie, 
farewell Do/. Yo'u fee (my good Wenches) how men of 
Merit are fought after : the vndeferuer may fleepe,when 
the man of A&ion is call'd on. Farewell good Wenches: 
if I be not fent away pofte , I will fee you againe, ere I 
goe. 

Dol. I cannot fpeake : if my heart bee not readie 
to burft — Well ( fweete Iac^e ) haue a care of thy 
felfe. 

Falft. Farewell, farewell. Exit. 

Hoii. Well, fare thee well : I haue knowne thee 
thefe twentie nine yeeres, come Pefcod-time : but an 

honefter , and truer-hearted man Well, fare thee 

well. 

Bard. Miftris Teare-Jheet. 

Hojl. What's the matter ? 

Bard. Bid Miftris Teare-Jheet come to myMafter. 

Haft. Oh runne "Dol, runne : run ne, good T)ol. 



ABus Tertius. Scena Prima. 



Enter the King, with a fage. 

King.Goe,o.3.\\ the Earles of Surrey,and of Warwick : 
But ere they come, bid them ore-reade thefe Letters, 
And well confider of them : make good fpeed. Exit. 



How many thoufand of my pooreft Subie&s 

Are at this howre afleepe ? O Sleepe,0 gentle Sleepe, 

Natures foft Nurfe, how haue I frighted thee, 

That thou no more wilt weigh my eye-lids downe, 

And fteepe my Sences in Forgetfulneffie ? 

Why rather (Sleepe) lyeft thou in fmoakie Cribs, 

Vpon vneafie Pallads ftretching thee, 

And huifht with buffing Night, flyes to thy flumber, 

Then in the perfum'd Chambers of the Great? 

Vnder the Canopies of coftly State, 

And lull'd with founds of fweeteft Melodie ? 

O thou dull God, why lyeft thou with the vilde, 

In loathfome Beds, and leau'ft the Kingly Couch, 

A Watch-cafe,or a common Larum-Bell? 

Wilt thou, vpon the high and giddie Maft, 

Seale vp the Ship-boyes Eyes, and rock his Braines, 

In Cradle of the rude imperious Surge, 

And in the vifitation of the Windes, 

Who take the Ruffian Billowes by the top, 

Curling their monftrous heads, and hanging them 

With deaff'ning Clamors in the flipp'ry Clouds, 

That with the hurley, Death it felfe awakes? 

Canft thou (O partiall Sleepe) giue thy Repofe 

To the wet Sea-Boy, in an houre fo rude : 

And in the calmeft,and moft ftilleft Night, 

With all appliances, and meanes to boote, 

Deny it to a King ? Then happy Lowe, lye downe, 

Vneafie lyes the Head, that weares a Crowne. 

Enter War-wicke and Surrey. 

War. Many good-morrowes to your Maieftie. 

King. Is it good-morrow, Lords ? 

War. 'Tis One a Clock, and paft. 

King.Why then good-morrow to you all(my Lords:) 
Haue you read o're the Letters that I fent you ? 

War. We haue (my Liege.) 

King. Then you perceiue the Body of our Kingdome, 
How foule it is : what ranke Difeafes' grow, 
And with what danger, neere the Heart of it ? 

War. It is but as a Body, yet diftemper'd, 
Which to his former ftrength may be reftor'd, ' 
With good aduice,and little Medicine: 
My Lord Northumberland will foone be cool'd. 

King. Oh Heauen, that one might read the Book of Fate, 
And lee the reuolution of the Times 
Make Mountaines leuell,and the Continent 
(Wearie of folide firmenefle)melt it felfe 
Into the Sea : and other Times, to fee 
The beachie Girdle of the Ocean 
Too wide for Neptunes hippes ; how Chances mocks 
And Changes fill the Cuppe of Alteration 
With diuers Liquors, 'Tis not tenne yeeres.gone, 
Since Richard, and Northumberland, great friends, 
Did feaft together; and in two yeeres after, 
Were they at Warres. It is but eight yeeres fince, 
This Percie was the man, neereft my Soule, 
Who, like a Brother, toyl'd in my Affaires, 
And layd his Loue and Life vnder my foot : 
Yea, for my fake, euen to the eyes of 'pjchard 
Gaue him defiance. But which of you was by 
(You Coufin Neuil,as I may remember) 
When Richardy-wkh his Eye, brim-full of Teares, 
(Then check'd,and rated by Northumberland) 
Did fpeake thefe words (now prou'd a Prophecie:) 
Northumberland, thou Ladder, by the which 

My 



86 



Tbefecond '•Tart of^Jng Henry the Fourth. 



My Coufin <BulHngbrooke afcends my Throne : 

(Though then,Heauen knowes, I had no fuch intent, 

But that neceffitie fo bow'd the State, 

That I and Greatnefie were compell'd to kifTe:) 

The Time mall come (thus did bee follow it) 

The Time will come,that foule Sinne gathering head, 

Shall breake into Corruption : fo went on, 

Fore-telling this fame Times Condition, 

And the diuifion of our Amitie. 

War. There is a Hiftorie in all mens Liues, 
Figuring the nature of the Times deceas'd : 
The which obferu'd, a man may prophecie 
With a neere ayme,of the maine chance of things, 
As yet not come to Life, which in their Seedes 
And weake beginnings lye entreafured : 
Such things become the Hatch and Brood of Time ; 
And by the neceflarie forme of this, 
King Richard might create a perfect guefTe, 
That great Northumber!and,the.n falfe to him, 
Would of that Seed, grow to a greater falfenefle, 
Which mould not finde a ground to roote vpon, 
VnlefTe on you. 

King. Are thefe things then Neceflities ? 
Then let vs meete them like Neceflities ; 
And that fame word,euen now cryes out on vs: 
They fay, the Bifhop and Northumberland 
Are fifcie thoufand ftrong. 

War. It cannot be (my Lord:) 
Rumor doth double, like the Voice, and Eccho, 
The numbers of the feared. Pleafe it your Grace 
To goe to bed, vpon my Life (my Lord) 
The Pow'rs that you alreadie haue fent forth, 
Shall bring this Prize in very eafily. 
To comfort you the more, I haue receiu'd 
A certaine inftance,that Gkndour is dead. 
Your Maieftie hath beene this fort-night ill, 
And thefe vnfeafon'd howres perforce muft adde 
Vnto your Sickneffe. 

King. I will take your counfaile : 
And were thefe inward Warres once out of hand, 
Wee would ( deare Lords) vnto the Holy-Land. 
Exeunt. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Shallow and Silence: with Mouldie, Shadow, 
Wart, Feeble, <Bull-calfe. 

Shal. Come-on, come-on, come-on : giue mee your 
Hand, Sir; giue mee your Hand, Sir: an early ftirrer, by 
the Rood. And how doth my good Coufin Silence ? 

Sil. Good-morrow, good Coufin Shallow. 

Shal. And how doth my Coufin, your Bed-fellow ? 
and your faireft Daughter, and mine, my God-Daughter 
Ellen f 

Sil. Alas,a blacke Ouzell (Coufin Shallow.) 

Shal.By yes and nay,Sir, I dare fay my Coufin William 
is become a good Scholler? hee is at Oxford Hill, is hee 
not ? 

5/7. Indeede Sir, to my coft. 

Shal. Hee muft then to the Innes of Court ftiortly : I 
was once of Clements Inne ; where (I thinke) they will 
talke of mad Shallow yet. 



5/7. You were call'd luftie Shallow then(Coufin.) 

Shal. I was call'd any thing : and I would haue done 
any thing indeede too,and roundly too. There was I, and 
little Iohn Doit of Staffordlhire, and blacke George 'Bare, 
and Francis Picl^-bone, and Will Squele a Cot-fal-man, you 
had not foure fuch Swindge-bucklers in all the Innes of 
Court againe : And I may fay to you, wee knew where 
the c Bona-%obas were, and had the beft of them all at 
commandement. Then was lacke FalJlajfe(now Sir Iohn) 
a Boy , and Page to Thomas otifowbray, Duke of Nor- 
folke. 

5/7. This Sir Iohn (Coufin) that comes hither anon a- 
bout SouMiers ? 

Shal. The fame Sir Iohn, the very fame : I faw him 
breake Scoggans Head at the Court-Gate, when hee was 
a Crack, not thus high : and the very fame day did I fight 
with one Sampjon Stocl^-f.jh, a Fruiterer, bebinde Greyes- 
Inne. Oh the mad dayes that I haue fpent! and to fee 
how many of mine olde Acquaintance are dead? 

5/7. Wee mall all follow (Coufin.) 

Shal. Certaine: 'tis certaine : very fure, very fure : 
Death is certaine to all, all mail dye. How a good Yoke 
of Bullocks at Stamford Fayre? 

5/7. Truly Coufin, I was not there. 

Shal. Death is certaine. Is old Double of your Towne 
liuing yet ? 

5/7. Dead, Sir. 

Shal. Dead f See, fee : hee drew a good Bow : and 
dead ? hee mot a fine fhoote. Iohn of Gaunt loued 
him well, and betted much Money on his head. Dead ? 
hee would haue clapt in the Clowt at Twelue-fcore, and 
carryed you a fore-hand Shaft at foureteene, and foure- 
teene and a halfe, that it would haue done a mans heart 
good to fee. How a fcore of Ewes now ? 

Sil. Thereafter as they be : a fcore of good Ewes 
may be worth tenne pounds. 

Shal. And is olde Double dead ? 

Enter 'Bardolfh and his Boy. 

Sil. Heere come two of Sir Iohn Faljlaffes Men (as I 
thinke.) 

Shal. Good-morrow, honeft Gentlemen. 

'Bard. I befeech you, which is Iuftice Shallow} 

Shal. I am Robert 56a//(/w(Sir)a poore Efquire of this 
Countie, and one of the Kings Iuftices of the Peace : 
What is your good pleafure with me ? 

Bard. My Captaine (Sir) commends him to you : 
my Captaine, Sir Iohn Faljlajfe : a tall Gentleman, and a 
moft gallant Leader. 

Shal. Hee greetes me well : (Sir) I knew him a 
good Back-Sword-man. How doth the good Knight? 
may I aske, how my Lady his Wife doth ? 

Bard. Sir, pardon : a Souldier is better accommoda- 
ted, then with a Wife. 

Shal. It is well faid,Sir; and it is well faid, indeede, 
too: Better accommodated? it is good, yea indeede is 
it : good phrafes are furely,and euery where very com- 
mendable. Accommodated , it comes of Accommodo : 
very good, a good Phrafe. 

<Bard. Pardon, Sir, I haue heard the word. Phrafe 
call you it ? by this Day, I know not the Phrafe : but 
I will maintaine the Word with my Sword , to bee a 
Souldier-like Word, and a Word of exceeding good 
Command. Accommodated : that is, when a man is 
(as they fay) accommodated : or, when a man is, being 
whereby 

}88 ' 



Thefecond 'Part of Kjng Henry the Fourth. 



87 



whereby he thought 
excellent thing. 



accommodated , which 



Enter Faljlaffe. 

Shal. It is very iuft : Looke, heere comes good Sir 
hhn. Giue me your hand, giue me your Worships good 
hand : Truft me, you looke well : and beare your yeares 
very well. Welcome, good Sir lobn. 

Fal. I am glad to fee you well, good M . Robert Shal- 
low: Mafter Sure-card as I thinke? 

Sbal. No fir Iohn, it is my Cqfin Silence: in Commiffi- 
on with mee. 

Fal. Good M. Silence, it well befits you mould be of 
the peace. 

SI. Your good Worfhip is welcome. 

Fal Fye, this is hot weather (Gentlemen) haue you 
prouided me heere halfe a dozen of fufficient men? 

Shal. Marry haue we fir : Will you fit? 

Fal. Let me fee them, I befeech you. 

Sbal. Where's the Roll? Where's the Roll ? Where's 
the Roll ? Let me fee, let me fee, let me fee : fo, fo, fo, fo : 
yea marry Sir. Raphe Mouldie :let them appeare as I call: 
let them do fo, let them do fo : Let mee fee, Where is 
Mouldie* 

Maul. Heere, if it pleafe you. 

Sbal. What thinke you (Sir Iohn) a good limb'd fel- 
low: yong,ftrong, and of good friends. 

Fal. Is thy name Mouldie ? 

<tMoul. Yea, if it pleafe you. 

Fal. "Tis the more time thou wert vs'd. 

Shal. Ha, ha, ha, moft excellent. Things that are moul- 
die, lacke vie: very Angular good. Well faide Sir Iohn, 
very well faid. 

Fal. Pricke him. 

Moul. I was prickt well enough before, if you could 
haue let me alone : my old Dame will be vndone now, for 
one to doe her Husbandry, and her Drudgery ; you need 
not to haue prickt me, there are other men fitter to goe 
out, then I. 

Fal. Go too: peace Mouldie, you fhall goe. <3\€ouldie, 
it is time you were fpent. 

Moul. Spent? 

Shallow. Peace, fellow, peace; (land afide : Know you 
where you are? For the other fir Iohn : Let me fee-.Simon 
Shadow. 

Fal. I marry, let me haue him to lit vnder : he's like to 
be a cold fouldier. 

Shal. Where's Shadow ? 

Shad. Heere fir. 

Fal. Shadow, whofe fonne art thou f 

Shad. My Mothers fonne, Sir. 

Faljl. Thy Mothers fonne : like enough, and thy Fa- 
thers (hadow : fo the fonne of the Female, is the fhadow 
of the Male : it is often fo indeede, but not of the Fathers 
fubftance. 

Shal. Do you like him, fir Iohn ? 

Falji. Shadow will ferue for Summer : pricke him : For 
wee haue a number of fhadowes to fill vppe the Mufter- 
Booke. 

Shal. Thomas Wart ? 

Falft. Where's he? 

Wart. Heere fir. 

Faljl. Is thy name Wart ? 

Wart. Yea fir. 

Fal. Thou art a very ragged Wart. 



3S9 



Shal. Shall I pricke him downe, 
Sir Iohn ? 

Faljl. It were fuperfluous: for his apparrel is built vp- 
on his backe, and the whole frame ftands vpon pins:prick 
him no more. 

Shal. Ha, ha, ha, you can do it fir : you can doe it : I 
commend you well. 
Francis Feeble. 

Feeble. Heere fir. 

Shal. What Trade art thou Feeble ? 

Feeble. A Womans Taylor fir. 

Shal. Shall I pricke him, fir? 

Fal. You may : 
But if he had beene a mans Taylor, he would haue prick'd 
you. Wilt thou make as many holes in an enemies Bat- 
taile,as thou haft done in a Womans petticote? 

Feeble. I will doe my good will fir, you can haue no 
more. 

Falft. Well faid, good Womans Tailour : Well fayde 
Couragious Feeble : thou wilt bee as valiant as the wrath- 
full Doue,ormoft magnanimous Moufe. Pricke the wo- 
mans Taylour well Mafter Shallow, deepe Maifter Shal- 

Feeble. I would Wart might haue gone fir. 

Fal. I would thou wert a mans Tailor, that y might'ft 
mend him, and make him fit to goe. I cannot put him to 
a priuate fouldier, that is the Leader of fo many thou- 
fands. Let that fuffice,moft Forcible Feeble. 

Feeble. It fhall fuffice. 

Falft. I am bound to thee, reuerend Feeble. Who is 
the next ? 

Shal. Peter Bulcalfe of the Greene. 

Falft. Yea marry, let vs fee 'Bulcalfe. 

Bui. Heere fir. 

Fal. Truft me, a likely Fellow. Come, pricke me 'Bnl- 
calfe till he roare againe. 

'Bui. Oh, good my Lord Captaine. 

Fal. What? do'ft thou roare before th'art prickt. 

Bui. Oh fir, I am a difeafed man. 

Fal. What difeafe haft thou ? 
■ Bui. A whorfon cold fir, a cough fir, which I caught 
with Ringing in the Kings afFayres, vpon his Coronation 
day, fir. 

Fal. Come, thou fhalt go to the Warres in a Gowne : 
we will haue away thy Cold, and I will take fuch order, 
that thy friends fhall ring for thee. Is heere all? 

Shal. There is two more called then your number : 
you muft haue but foure heere fir,and'fo I pray you go in 
with me to dinner. 

Fal. Come, I will goe drinke with you, but I cannot 
tarry dinner. I am glad to fee you in good troth, Mafter 
Shallow. 

Shal. O fir Iohn, doe you remember fince wee lay all 
night in the Winde-mill ,in S Georges Field. 

Faljlaffe. No more of that good Mafter Shallow : No 
more of that. 

Shal. Ha? it was a merry night. And is lane Night- 
wor^e aliue ? 

Fal. She Hues, M.Sballow. 

Shal. She neuer could away with me. 

Fal. Neuer, neuer : fhe would alwayes fay fhee could 
not abide M.Sballow. 

Shal. I could anger her to the heart : fhee was then a 
Bona-Roba. Doth fhe hold her owne well. 

Fal. Old, old, M. Shallow. 

Shal. Nay, fhe muft be old, fhe cannot choofe but be 
g g old: 



Tbefecond Part oflQng Henry the Fourth. 



old : certaine fhee's old : and had Robin Night-worfe, by- 
old Night-wor^e, before I came to Clements Inns. 

Sil. That's fiftie fiue yeeres agoe. 

Sbal. Hah, Coufin Silence, that thou hadft feene that, 
that this Knight and I haue feene : hah, Sir Iohn, faid I 
well? 

Faljl. Wee haue heard the Chymes at mid-night, Ma- 
iler Shallow . 

Sbal. That wee haue, that wee haue ; in faith, Sir Iohn, 
wee haue : our watch-word was,Hem-Boyes. Come, 
let's to Dinner; come, let's to Dinner : Oh the dayes that 
wee haue feene. Come, come. 



ul. Good Mafter Corporate "Bardo, 



ftand my 



friend, and heere is foure Harry tenne fhillings in French 
Crownes for you : in very truth, fir, I had as lief be hang'd 
fir, as goe : and yet, for mine owne part, fir, I do not care ; 
but rather, becaufe 1 am vnwilling, and for mine owne 
part, haue a defire to fray with my friends : elfe, fir, I did 
not care, for mine owne part, fo much. 

Bard. Go-too : ftand afide. 

Mould. And good Mafter Corporall Captaine, for my 
old Dames fake, ftand my friend : fhee hath no body to 
doe any thing about her, when I am gone : and fhe is old, 
and cannot helpe her felfe : you fhall haue fortie,fir. 

'Bard. Go-too : ftand afide. 

Feeble. I care not, a man can die but once : wee owe a 
death: I will neuer beare a bafe minde : if it be my defti- 
nie,fo : if it be not,fo : no man is too good to ferue his 
Prince : and let it goe which way it will, he that dies this 
yeere, is quit for the next. 

Bard. Well faid,thou art a good fellow. 

Feeble. Nay, I will beare no bafe minde. 

Falfi. Come fir, which men fhall I haue? 

Sbal. Foure of which you pleafe. 

Bard. Sir, a word with you : I haue three pound, to 
free zMouldie and Bull-calfe. 

Falft. Go-too: well. 

Sbal. Come, fir Iohn, which foure will you haue ? 

Falfi, Doe you chufe for me. 

Sbal. Marry then , zMouldie, Bull-calfe, Feeble, and 
Shadow. 

Falfi. Mouldie, and 'Bull-calfe: for you Mouldie,fay 
at home, till you are part feruice : and for your part,^//- 
calfe, grow till you come vnto it : I will none of you. 

Sbal. Sir Iohn, Sir hhn, doe not your felfe wrong, they 
are your likelyeft men, and I would haue you feru'd with 
the beft. 

Falfi. Will you tell me (Mafter Shallow) how to chufe 
a man ? Care I for the Limbe, the Thewes, the ftature, 
bulke, and bigge affemblance of a man ? giue mee the 
fpirit (Mafter Shallow.) Where's Wart ? you fee what 
a ragged appearance it is : hee fhall charge you, and 
difcharge you, with the motion of a Pewterers Ham- 
mer : come off, and on, fwifter then hee that gibbets on 
the Brewers Bucket. And this fame halfe-fac'd fellow, 
Shadow, giue me this man : hee prefents no marke to the 
Enemie, the foe-man may with as great ayme leuell at 
the edge of a Pen-knife : and for a Retrait, how fwiftly 
will this Feeble, the Womans Taylor, runne off. O, giue 
me the fpjre men, and fpare me the great ones. Put me a 
Calyuer into Warts hand, Bardolph. 

Bard. Hold Wart, Trauerfe : thus, thus, thus. 

Falfi. Come,manage me your Calyuer: fo:very well, 
go-too, very good, exceeding good. O, giue me alwayes 
a little, leane, old, chopt, bald Shot. Well faid Wart, thou 
art a good Scab : hold, there is a Tefter for thee. 



Shah Hee is not his Crafts-mafter, hee doth not doe 
it right. I remember at Mile-end-Greene, when I lay 
at Clements Inne, I was then Sir T>agonet in ^Arthurs 
Show : there was a little quiuer fellow, and hee would 
manage you his Peece thus : and hee would about, 
and about, and come you in, and come you in : Rah, 
tah, tah', would hee fay , Bownce would hee fay, and 
away againe would hee goe, and againe would he come: 
I flnll neuer fee fuch a fellow. 

Falft. Thefe fellowes will doe well, Mafter Shallow. 
Farewell Mafter Silence, I will not vfe many wordes with 
you : fare you well, Gentlemen both : I thanke you : 
I muft a dozen mile to night. 'Bardclph,g\ue the Souldiers 
Coates. 

Sbal. Sir Iohn, Heauen bleffe you, and profper your 
Affaires, and fend vs Peace. As you returne , vifit 
my houfe. Let our old acquaintance be renewed : per- 
aduenture I will with you to the Court. 

Falfi. I would you would, Mafter Shallow. 

Sbal. Go-too : I haue fpoke at a word. Fare you 
well. Exit. 

Falft. Fare you well , gentle Gentlemen, On 'Bar- 
dolph, leade the men away. As I returne, I will fetch off 
thefe Iuftices : I doe fee the bottome of Iuftice Shal- 
low. How fubiecT: wee old men are to this vice of Ly- 
ing ? This fame ftaru'd Iuftice hath done nothing but 
prate to me of the wildeneffe of his Youth, and the 
Feates hee hath done about Turnball-ftreet, and euery 
third word a Lye , duer pay'd to the hearer, then the 
Turkes Tribute. I doe remember him at Clements Line, 
like a man made after Supper, of a Cheefe-paring. When 
hee was naked, hee was, for all the world, like a forked 
Radifh, with a Head fantaftically caru'd vpon it with a 
Knife. Hee was fo forlorne, that his Dimenfions ( to 
any thicke fight ) were inuincible. Hee was the very 
Genius of Famine : hee came euer in the rere-ward of 
the Fafhion : And now is this Vices Dagger become a 
Squire, and talkes as familiarly of Iohn of Gaunt, as if 
hee had beene fworne Brother to him : and He be fworne 
hee neuer faw him but once in the Tilt-yard, and then he 
burft his Head, for crowding among the Marfhals men. 
I faw it , and told Iohn of Gaunt, hee beat his owne 
Name, for you might haue trufs'd him and all his Ap- 
parrell into an Eele-skinne : the Cafe of a Treble Hoe- 
boy was a Manfion for him : a Court : and now hath 
hee Land, and Beeues. Well, I will be acquainted with 
him, if I returne : and it fhall goe hard, but I will make 
him a Philofophers two Stones to me. If the young 
Dace be a Bayt for the old Pike , I fee no reafon,in the 
Law of Nature, but I may fnap at him. Let time fhape, 
and there an end. Exeunt. 



Actus Quartus. Scena 'Prima. 



Enter the cArcb-bifhop, itMombray, HaBings, 
Wcilmerland, Coleuile. 

•Bijh. What is this Forreft call'd ? 

Haft. 'Tis Gualtree Forreft, and't fhall pleafe your 
Grace. 

'BiJh.Bere ftand (my Lords) and fend difcouerers forth, 
To know the numbers of our Enemies. 

Hail. Wee 

390 



The fecond 'Part offing Henry the Fourth. 



9 1 



HaS. Wee haue fent forth alreadie. 

<Bijh. 'Tis well done. 
My Friends, and Brethren (in thefe great Affaires) 
I mult acquaint you, that I haue receiu'd 
New-dated Letters from Northumberland: 
Their cold intent, tenure, and fubftance thus. 
Here doth hee wifti his Perfon,with fuch Powers 
As might hold fortance with his Qualitie, 
The which hee could not leuie : whereupon 
Hee is retyr'd,to ripe his growing Fortunes, 
To Scotland ; and concludes in heartie prayers, 
That your Attempts may ouer-liue the hazard, 
And fearefull meeting of their Oppofite. 

Mow. Thus do the hopes we haue in him, touch ground, 
And daih themfelues to pieces. 

Enter a MeJJinger. 

Haft. Now ? what newes ? 

Mejf. Weft of this Forreft, fcarcely off a mile, 
In goodly forme, comes on the Enemie : 
And by the ground they hide, I iudge their number 
Vpon,or neere, the rate of thirtie thoufand. 

Mom. The iuft proportion that we gaue them out. 
Let vs fway-on,and face them in the field. 

Enter Weftmerland. 

c Bi/b.What well-appointed Leader fronts vs here? 

Mow. I thinke it is my Lord of Weftmerland. 

Weft. Health, and faire greeting from our General!, 
The Prince, Lord Iobn, and Duke of Lancafter. 

'Bip. Say on (my Lord of Weftmerland) in peace: 
What doth concerne your comming ? 

WeB. Then (my Lord) 
Vnto your Grace doe I in chiefe addreffe 
The fubftance of my Speech. If that Rebellion 
Came like itfelfe,in bafe and abiecT: Routs, 
Led on by bloodie Youth, guarded with Rage, 
And countenanc'd by Boyes,and Beggerie : 
I fay, if damn'd Commotion fo appeare, 
In his true, nariue, and moft proper ftiape, 
You(Reuerend Father,and thefe Noble Lords) 
Had not beene here, to dreffe the ougly forme 
Of bafe,and bloodie Infurreftion, 
With your faire Honors. You, Lord Arch-bifhop, 
Whole Sea is by a Ciuill Peace maintain'd, 
Whofe Beard, the Siluer Hand of Peace hath touch'd, 
Whofe Learning, and good Letters, Peace hath tutor'd, 
Whofe white Inueftments figure Innocence, . 
The Doue,and very bleffed Spirit of Peace. 
Wherefore doe you fo ill translate your felfe, 
Out of the Speech of Peace, that beares fuch grace, 
Into the harm and boyftrous Tongue of Warre ? 
Turning your Bookes to Graues, your Inke to Blood, 
Your Pennes to Launces,and your Tongue diuine 
To a lowd Trumpet,and a Point of Warre. 

'B'tjb. Wherefore doe I this? fo the Queftion ftands. 
Briefely to this end : Wee are all difeas'd, 
And with our furfetting,and wanton howres, 
Haue brought our felues into a burning Feuer, 
And wee muft bleede for it : of which Difeafe, 
Our late King Richard ( being infefted) dy'd. 
But (my moft Noble Lord of Weftmerland) 
I take not on me here as a Phyfician, 
Nor doe I, as an Enemie to Peace, 



Troope in the Throngs of Militarie men : 

But rather Ihew a while like fearefull Warre, 

To dyet ranke Mindes,licke of happineffe, 

And purge th'obftru&ions, which begin to flop 

Our very Veines of Life : heare me more plainely. 

I haue in equall ballance iuftly weigh'd, 

What wrongs our Arms may do, what wrongs we fuffer, 

And finde our Griefes heauier then our Offences. 

Wee fee which way the ftreame of Time doth runne, 

And are enforc'd from our moft quiet there, 

By the rough Torrent of Occafion, 

And haue the fummarie of all our Griefes 

(When time Hull ferae) to fhew in Articles; 

Which long ere this, wee offer' d to the King, 

And might, by no Suit, gayne our Audience : 

When wee are wrong'd,and would vnfold our Griefes, 

Wee are deny'd accefle vnto his Perfon, 

Euen by thofe men, that moft haue done vs wrong. 

The dangers of the dayes but newly gone, 

Whofe memorie is written on the Earth 

With yet appearing blood ; and the examples 

Of euery Minutes inftance (prefent now) 

Hath put vs in thefe ill-befeeming Armes: 

Not to breake Peace, or any Branch of it, 

But to eftabliih here a Peace indeede, 

Concurring both in Name and Qualitie. 

Weft. When euer yet was your Appeale deny'd ? 
Wherein haue you beene galled by the King? 
What Peere hath beene fuborn'd,to grate on you, 
That you mould feale this lawleffe bloody Booke 
Of forg'd Rebellion, with a Seale diuine? 

Bijh. My Brother generall, the Common-wealth, 
I make my Quarrell,in particular. 

Weft. There is no neede of any fuch redreffe : 
Or if there were,it not belongs to you. 

Mow. Why not to him in part, and to vs all, 
That feele the bruizes of the dayes before, 
And fuffer the Condition of thefe Times 
To lay a heauie and vnequall Hand vpon our Honors ? 

Weft. O my good Lord (iMowbray, 
Conftrue the Times to their Neceffities, 
And you mail fay (indeede) it is the Time, 
And not the King, that doth you iniuries. 
Yet for your part, it not appeares to me, 
Either from the King,orin the prefent Time, 
That you fhould haue an ynch of any ground 
To build a Griefe on : were you not reftor'd 
To all the Duke of Norfolkes Seignories, 
Your Noble, and, right well-remembred Fathers? 

Mow. What thing,in Honor, had my Father loft, 
That need to be reuiu'd,and breath'd in me? 
The King that lou'd him, as the State flood then, 
Was forc'd, perforce compell'd to banifh him : 
And then, that Henry BulHngbrooke and hee 
Being mounted, and both rowfed in their Seates, 
Their neighing Courfers daring of the Spurre, 
Their armed Staues in charge, their Beauers downe, 
Their eyes of fire,fparkling through fights of Steele, 
And the lowd Trumpet blowing them together: 
Then, then, when there was nothing could haue ftay'd 
My Father from the Bread: of 'BulHngbrooke ; 
O, when the King did throw his Warder downe, 
(His owne Life hung vpon the Staffe hee threw) 
Then threw hee downe himfelfe,and all their Liues, 
That by Indictment, and by dint of Sword, 
Haue fince mif-carryed vnder 'BulHngbrooke. 

g g 2 Weft. You 



9 2 



Thefecond ^Part ofKJng Henry the Fourth. 



Weft. You fpeak(Lord Mowbray) now you know not what. 

The Earle of Hereford was reputed then 

In England the moft valiant Gentleman. 

Who knowes,on whom Fortune would then haue fmil'd? 

But if your Father had beene Victor there, 

Hee ne're had borne it out of Couentry. 

For all the Countrey,in a generall voyce, 

Cry'd hate vpon him : and all their prayers, and loue, 

Were fet on Her 'ford, whom they doted on, 

And blefsM,and grac'd,and did more then the King. 

But this is meere digremon from my purpofe. 

Here come I from our Princely Generall, 

To know your Griefesjto tell you, from his Grace, 

That hee will giue you Audience : and wherein 

It mail appeare,that your demands are iuft, 

You (hall enioy them,euery thing fet off, 

That might fo much as thinke you Enemies. 

Mow. But hee hath forc'd vs to compell this Offer, 
And it proceedes from Pollicy,not Loue. 

Weft. ofllowbray, you ouer-weene to take it fo: 
This Offer comes from Mercy, not from Feare. 
For loe, within a Ken our Army lyes, 
Vpon mine Honor, all too confident 
To giue admittance to a thought of feare. 
Our Battaile is more full of Names then yours, 
Our Men more perfect in the vfe of Armes, 
Our Armor all as ftrong,our Caufe the beft; 
Then Reafon will,our hearts mould be as good. 
Say you not then, our Offer is compell'd. 

.Mow. Well, by my will, wee fhall admit no Parley. 

WeB. That argues but the fhame of your offence: 
A rotten Cafe abides no handling. 

Haft. Hath the Prince Iobn a full Commiffion, 
In very ample vertue of his Father, 
To heare,and abfolutely to determine 
Of what Conditions wee mail ftand vpon ? 

Weft. That is intended in the Generals Name : 
I mufe you make fo flight a Queftion. 

BiJb.Then take(my Lord of Weftmerland )this Schedule, 
For this containes our generall Grieuances: 
Each feuerall Article herein redrefs'd, 
All members of our Caufe, both here, and hence, 
That are infinewed to this Action, 
Acquitted by a true fubftantiall forme, 
And prefent execution of our wills, 
To vs,and to our purpofes confin'd, 
Wee come within our awfull Eanks againe, 
And knit our Powers to the Arme of Peace. 

Weft.Thh will I mew the General!. Pleafe you Lords, 
In fight of both our Battailes, wee may meete 
At either end in peace : which Heauen fo frame, 
Or to the place of difference call the Swords, 
Which muft decide it. 

<Bift. My Lord, wee will doe fo. 

Mow. There is a thing within my Bofome tells me, 
That no Conditions of our Peace can ftand. 

HaB. Feare you not, that if wee can make our Peace 
Vpon fuch large termes,and fo abfolute, 
As our Conditions fhall confift vpon, 
Our Peace fhall ftand as firme as Rockie Mountaines. 

(tMow. I, but our valuation fhall be fuch, 
That euery flight, and falfe-deriued Caufe, 
Vea,euery idle, nice, and wanton Reafon, 
Shall, to the King,tafte of this Aftion : 
That were our Royall faiths, Martyrs in Loue, 
Wee fhall be winnowed with fo rough a winde, 



That euen our Corne fhall feeme as light as Chaffe, 
And good from bad finde no partition. 

Bijh. No, no (my Lord) note this: the King is wearie 
Of daintie,and fuch picking Grieuances : 
For hee hath found, to end one doubt by Death, 
Reuiues two greater in the Heires of Life. 
And therefore will hee wipe his Tables cleane, 
And keepe no Tell-tale to his Memorie, 
That may repeat, and Hiftorie his lofle, 
To new remembrance. For full well hee knowes, 
Hee cannot fo precifely weede this Land, 
As his mif-doubts prefent occafion : 
His foes are fo en-rooted with his friends, 
That plucking to vnfixe an Enemie, 
Hee doth vnfaften fo,and fhake a friend. 
So that this Land, like an offenfiue wife, 
That hath enrag'd him on, to offer ftrokes, 
As he is ftriking, holds his Infant vp, 
And hangs refolu'd Correction in the Arme, 
That was vprear'd to execution. 

Haft. Befides,the King hath wafted all his Rods, 
On late Offenders, that he now doth lacke 
The very Inftruments of Chafticement : 
So that his power, like to a FanglefTe Lion 
May offer, but not hold. 

ISiJh. 'Tis very true : 
And therefore be affur'd (my good Lord Marfhal) 
If we do now make our attonement well, 
Our Peace, will (like a broken Limbe vnited) 
Grow ftronger, for the breaking. 

Mow. Be it fo : 
Heere is return'd my Lord of Weftmerland. 
Enter Weftmerland. 
Weft.The Prince is here at hand:pleafeth your Lordftiip 
To meet his Grace, iuft diftance'tweene our Armies? 

Mow. Your Grace of Yorke, in heauen's name then 
forward. 

^Bijh. Before, and greet his Grace(my Lord) we come. 

Enter Prince Iohn. 
Iobn.You are wel encountred here(my cofin Mowbray) 
Good day to you, gentle Lord Archbifhop, 
And fo to you Lord Haftings, and to all. 
My Lord of Yorke, it better fhew'd with you, 
When that your Flocke (affembled by the Bell) 
Encircled you, to heare with reuerence 
Your expofition on the holy Text, 
Then now to fee you heere an Iron man 
Chearing a rowt of Rebels with your Drumme, 
Turning the Word, to Sword; and Life to death : 
That man that fits within a Monarches heart, 
And ripens in the Sunne-fhine of his fauor, 
Would heeabufe the Countenance of the King, 
Alack, what Mifchiefes might hee fet abroach, 
In fhadow of fuch GreatnefTerWith you, Lord Bifhop, 
It is euen fo. Who hath not heard it fpoken, 
How deepe you were within the Bookes of Heauen? 
To vs,the Speaker in his Parliament; 
To vs,th'imagine Voyce of Heauen it felfe : 
The very Opener, and Intelligencer, 
Betweene the Grace, the Sanctities of Heauen, 
And our dull workings. 0,who fhall beleeue, 
But you mif-vfe the reuerence of your Place, 
Employ the Countenance, and Grace of Heauen, 
As a falfe Fauorite doth his Princes Name, 
In deedes dif-honorable ? You haue taken vp, 

Vnder 



'The fecond T'art of J^ing Henry the Fourth. 



9 r 



Vnder the counterfeited Zeale of Heauen, 
The Subiedts of Heauens Subftitute, my Father, 
And both againft the Peace of Heauen, and him, 
Haue here vp-fwarmed them. 

Bijh. Good my Lord of Lancafter, 
I am not here againft your Fathers Peace : 
But (as I told my Lord of Weftmerland) 
The Time (mif-order'dj doth in common fence 
Crowd vs,and crufti vs,to this monftrous Forme, 
To hold our fafetie vp. I fent your Grace 
The parcels, and particulars of our Griefe, 
The which hath been with fcorne fhou'd from the Court : 
Whereon this Hydra-Sonne of Warre is borne, 
Whofe dangerous eyes may well be charm'd afleepe, 
With graunt of our moft iuft and right delires; 
And true Obedience,of this MadnefTe cur'd, 
Stoope tamely to the foot of Maieftie. 

Mow. If not, wee readie are to trye our fortunes, 
To the laft man. 

Hafi. And though wee here fall downe, 
Wee haue Supplyes, to fecond our Attempt : 
If they mif-carry, theirs fhall fecond them. 
And fo,fucceiTe of Mifchiefe fhall be borne, 
And Heire from Heire fhall hold this Quarrell vp, 
Whiles England fhall haue generation. 

Iohn. You are too fhallow [Haftings) 
Much too fhallow, 
To found the bottome of the after-Times. 

Ppyi.Phakth your Grace,to anfwere them directly, 
How farre-fortb you doe like their Articles. 

John. I like them all, and doe allow them well : 
And fweare here, by the honor of my blood, 
My Fathers purpofes haue beene miftooke, 
And fome, about him, haue too lauifhly 
Wrefled his meaning, and Authoritie. 
My Lord,thefe Griefes fhall be with fpeed redreft: 
Vpon my Life, they fhall. If this may pleafe you, 
Difcharge your Powers vnto their feuerall Counties, 
As wee will ours : and here,betweene the Armies, 
Let's drinke together friendly. and embrace, 
That all their eyes may beare thofe Tokens home, 
Of our reftored Loue,and Amitie. 

Bijh. I take your Princely word, for thefe redreiTes. 

Iohn. I giue it you, and will maintaine my word: 
And thereupon I drinke vnto your Grace. 

Haft. Goe Captaine,and deliuer to the Armie 
This newes of Peace : let them haue pay, and part : 
I know, it will well pleafe them. 
High thee Captaine. Exit. 

'Bijh. To you,my Noble Lord of Weftmerland. 

WeB. I pledge your Grace : 
And if you knew what paines I haue beftow'd, 
To breede this prefent Peace, 
You would drinke freely : but my loue to ye, 
Shall fhew it felfe more openly hereafter. 
Bijh. I doe not doubt you. 
Weft. I am glad of it. 
Health to my Lord, and gentle Coufin (^Mowbray. 

Mow. You wifh me health in very happy feafon, 
For I am, on the fodaine, fomething ill. 

c B'tfh. Againft ill Chances, men are euer merry, 
But heauinefTe fore-runnes the good euent. 

Weft .Therefore be merry (Cooze) fince fodaine forrow 
Serues to fay thus: fome good thing comes to morrow. 

Bijh. Beleeue me, I am paffing light in fpirit. 

Mow. So much the worfe,if your owne Rule be true. 



Iohn. The word of Peace is render'd : hearke how 
they fhowt. 

Mow. This had been chearefull, after Vidtorie. 

Bijh. A Peace is of the nature of a Conqueft : 
For then both parties nobly are fubdu'd, 
And neither partie loofer. 

Iohn. Goe (my Lord) 
And let our Army be difcharged too : 
And good my Lord (fo pleafe you) let our Traines 
March by vs,that wee may perufe the men Exit. 

Wee fhould haue coap'd withall. 

Bijh. Goe, good Lord Hafiings : 
And ere they be difmifs'd, let them march by. Exit. 

Iohn. I truft( Lords) wee fhall lye to night together. 
Enter Weftmerland. 
Now Coufin, wherefore ftands our Army ftill? 

WeB.The Leaders hauing charge from you to ftand, 
Will not goe off, vntill they heare you fpeake. 

Iohn. They know their duties. Enter Haftings. 

Haft. Our Army is difpers'd : 
Like youthfull Steeres,vnyoak'd, they tooke their courfe 
Eaft,Weft, North, South: or like a Schoole, broke vp, 
Each hurryes towards his home, and fporting place. 

Weft. Good tidings(my Lord Haftings) for the which, 
I doe arreft thee(Traytor) of high Trealbn : 
And you Lord Arch-bifhop, and you Lord Mowbray, 
Of Capitall Treafon,I attach you both. 

Mow. Is this proceeding iuft, and honorable ? 

Weft. Is your AfTembly fo ? 

'Bijh. Will you thus breake your faith ? 

Iohn. I pawn'd thee none : 
I promis'd you redrefTe of thefe fame Grieuances 
Whereof you did complaine ; which, by mine Honor, 
I will performe, with a moft Chriftian care. 
But for you (Rebels,) looke to tafte the due 
Meet for Rebellion, and fuch Acts as yours. 
Moft fhallowly did you thefe Armes commence, 
Fondly brought here, and foolifhly fent hence. 
Strike vp our Drummes,purfue the fcatter'd ftray, 
Heauen, and not wee, haue fafely fought to day. 
Some guard thefe Traitors to the Block of Death, 
Treafons true Bed.and yeelder vp of breath. Exeunt. 

Enter Falftaffe and Colleuile. 

Falft. What's your Name, Sir? of what Condition are 
you ? and of what place, I pray ? 

Col. I am a Knight. Sir : 
And my Name is Colleuile of the Dale. . 

Falsi. Well then, Colleuile is your Name, a Knight is 
your Degree, and your Place, the Dale. Colleuile fhall 
ftill be your Name,a Traytor your Degree,and the Dun- 
geon your Place, a place deepe enough : fo fhall you be 
ftill CWW* of the Dale. 

Col. Are not you Sir Iohn Falftaffe f 

Falft. As good a man as he fir, who ere I am : doe yee 
yeelde fir, or fhall I fweate for you? if I doe fweate, they 
are the drops of thy Louers, and they weep for thy death, 
therefore rowze vp Feare and Trembling, and do obfer- 
uance to my mercy. 

Col. I thinke you are Sir Iohn Falftaffe, &in that thought 
yeeld me. 

Fal. I haue a whole Schoole of tongues in this belly of 
mine, and not a Tongue of them all, fpeakes anie other 
word but my name : and I had but a belly of any indifte- 
rencie, I were Amply the moft actiue fellow in Europe : 
my wombe, my wombe, my wombe vndoes mee. Heere 
comes our Generall. 

gg 3 Enter 

5 » 



9 2 



The Jecond 'Part of Kjng Henry the Fourth. 



Enter Prince Iobn, and ' Weftmerland. 

hhn. The heat is paft, follow no farther now : 
Call in the Powers, good Coufin WeBmerland. 
Now Falsiaffe, where haue you beene all this while ? 
When euery thing is ended, then you come. 
Thefe tardie Tricks of yours will (on my life) 
One time, or other, breake fome Gallowes back. 

Falji. I would bee forry (my Lord) but it ihould bee 
thus : I neuer knew yet, but rebuke and checke was the 
reward of Valour. Doe you thinke me a Swallow, an Ar- 
row, or a Bullet ? Haue 1 , in my poore and olde Motion, 
the expedition of Thought? I haue fpeeded hither with . 
the very extremeft ynch of poflibilitie. I haue fowndred 
nine fcore and odde Poftes : and heere ( trauell-tainted 
as I am) haue, in my pure and immaculate Valour, taken 
Sir John Colleuile of the Dale, a moft furious Knight, and 
valorous Enemie : But what of that ? hee faw mee, and 
yeelded : that I may iuftly fay with the hooke-nos'd 
fellow of Rome, I came, faw, and ouer-came. 

Iobn. It was more of his Courtefie, then your defer- 
uing. 

Falft. I know not : heere hee is, and heere I yeeld 
him : and I befeech your Grace, let it be book'd, with 
the reft of this dayes deedes ; or I fweare, I will haue it 
in a particular Ballad, with mine owne Pifture on the top 
of it ( Colleuile killing my foot : ) To the which courfe, if 
I be enforc'd, if you do not all (hew like gilt two-pences 
to me; and I, in the cleare Skie of Fame, o're-lhine you 
as much as the Full Moone doth the Cynders of the Ele- 
ment (which Ihew like Pinnes-heads to her) beleeue not 
the Word of the Noble : therefore let mee haue right, 
and let defert mount. 

Iobn. Thine's too heauie to mount. 

Falft. Let it fhine then. 

Iobn. Thine's too thick to mine. 

Falft. Let it doe fomething(my good Lord) that may 
doe me good, and call it what you will. 

Iobn. Is thy Name Colleuile ? 
Col. It is (my Lord.) 

Iobn. A famous Rebell art thou, Colleuile. 

Falft. And a famous true Subiedt tooke him. 

Col. I am (my Lord) but as my Betters are, 

That led me hither : had they beene rul'd by me, 

You mould haue wonne them dearer then you haue. 

Falft. I know not how they fold themfelues, but thou 
like a kinde fellow,gau'ft thy felfe away ; and I thanke 
thee, for thee. 

Enter WeBmerland. 

Iobn. Haue you left purfuit ? 

Weft. Retreat is made, and Execution ftay'd. 

Iobn. Send Qolleuile, with his Confederates, 
To Yorke,to prefent Execution. 
^Blunt, leade him hence, and fee you guard him fure. 

Exit with Colleuile. 
And now difpatch we toward the Court (my Lords,) 
I heare the King, my Father,is fore ficke. 
Our Newes fhall goe before vs, to his Maieftie, 
Which (Coufin) you mall beare.to comfort him : 
And wee with fober fpeede will follow you. 

Falft. My Lord, I beleech you, giue me leaue to goe 
through Gloucefterlhire: and when you come to Court, 
ftand my good Lord,'pray,in your good report. 

Iobn. Fare you well , FalBaffe : I, in my condition, 
Shall better fpeake of you, then you deferue. Exit. 



Falft. I would you had but the wit : 'twere better 
then your Dukedome. Good faith, this fame young fo- 
ber-blooded Boy doth not loue me , nor a man cannot 
make him laugh : but that's no maruaile, hee drinkes no 
Wine. There's neuer any of thefe demure Boyes come 
to any proofe : for thinne Drinke doth fo ouer-coole 
their blood, and making many Fifh-Meales, that they 
fall into a kinde of Male Greene-ficknefie : and then, 
when they marry, they get Wenches. They are generally 
Fooles,and Cowards; which fome of vs mould be too, 
but for inflamation. A good Sherris-Sack hath a two- 
fold operation in it : it afcends me into the Braine, dryes 
me there all the foolilh, and dull , and cruddie Vapours, 
which enuiron it : makes it apprehenfiue, quicke, forge - 
tiue, full of nimble, fierie, and delegable fhapes ; which 
deliuer'd o're to the Voyce, the Tongue, which is the 
Birth, becomes excellent Wit. The fecond propertie of 
your excellent Sherris, is, the warming of the Blood : 
which before (cold, and fetled) left the Liuer white, and 
pale ; which is the Badge of Pufillanimitie, and Cowar- 
dize : but the Sherris warmes it, and makes it courfe 
from the inwards, to the parts extremes : it illuminateth 
the Face, which (as a Beacon) giues warning to all the 
reft of this little Kingdome (Man) to Arme : and then 
the Vitall Commoners, and in-land pettie Spirits, raufter 
me all to their Captaine, the Heart ; who great, and puft't 
vp with his Retinue, doth any Deed of Courage: and this 
Valour comes of Sherris. So, that skill in the Weapon 
is nothing, without Sack (for that fets it a-worke:) and 
Learning, a meere Hoord of Gold, kept by a Deuill, till 
Sack commences it, and fets it in aft, and vfe. Hereof 
comes it, that Prince Harry is valiant: for the cold blood 
hee did naturally inherite of his Father, hee hath, like 
leane, ftirrill, and bare Land, manured, husbanded, and 
tyll'd, with excellent endeauour of drinking good, and 
good ftore of fertile Sherris, that hee is become very hot, 
and valiant. If I had a thoufand Sonnes,the firft Principle 
I would teach them, mould be to forfweare thinne Pota- 
tions, and to addict themfelues to Sack. Enter Bardolpb. 
How now <Bardolpb? 

'Bard. The Armie is dtfcbarged all, and gone. 

Falft. Let them goe : He through Gloucefterlhire, 
and there will I vifit Matter Robert Shallow, Efquire : I 
haue him alreadie tempering betweene my finger and my 
thombe,and fliortly will I feale with him. Come away. 
Exeunt . 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter King, Warmc\e, Clarence, Gloucefter. 
King. Now Lords,if Heauen doth giue fuccefTefull end 
To this Debate, that bleedeth at our doores, 
Wee will our Youth lead on to higher Fields, 
And draw no Swords, but what are fanctify'd. 
Our Nauie is addre(Ted,our Power collected, 
Our Subftitutes,in abfence,well inuefted, 
And euery thing lyes leuell to our wilh ; 
Onely wee want a little perfonall Strength : 
And pawfe vs, till thefe Rebels, now a-foot, 
Come vnderneath the yoake of Gouernment. 

War. Both which we doubt not, but your Maieftie 
Shall foone enioy. 

King. Hum- 



Thefecond 'Part ofKjng Henry the Fourth. 



93 



King. Humphrey (my Sonne of Gloucefter) where is 
the Prince, your Brother? 

Glo. I thinke hee's gone to hunt (my Lord) at Wind- 
for. 

King. And how accompanied ? 

Glo. I doe not know (my Lord.) 

King. Is not his Brother, Thomas of Clarence, with 
him? 

Glo. No (my good Lord) hee is in prefence heere. 

Clar. What would my Lord, and Father ? 

King. Nothing but well to thee, Thomas of Clarence. 
How chance thou art not with the Prince, thy Brother? 
Hee loues thee,and thou do'ft neglect h\m(Tbomas.) 
Thou haft a better place in his Affection, 
Then all thy Brothers : cheriih it (my Boy) 
And Noble Offices thou may'ft effect 
Of Mediation (after I am dead) 
Betweene his Greatneffe, and thy other Brethren. 
Therefore omit him not : blunt not his Loue, 
Nor loofe the good aduantage of his Grace, 
By feeming cold, or carelefTe of his will. 
For hee is gracious, if hee be obferu'd : 
Hee hath a Teare for Pitie,and a Hand 
Open (as Day) for melting Charitie : 
Yet notwithftanding, being incens'd, hee's Flint, 
As humorous as Winter, and as fudden, 
As Flawes congealed in the Spring of day. 
His temper therefore muft be well obferu'd : 
Chide him for faults, and doe it reuerently, 
When you perceiue his blood enclin'd to mirth: 
But being moodie,giue him Line, and fcope, 
Till that his paffions (like a Whale on ground) 
Confound themfelues with working. Learne this Thomas, 
And thou /halt proue a fhelter to thy friends, 
A Hoope of Gold, to binde thy Brothers in: 
That the vnited Veffell of their Blood 
(Mingled with Venome of Suggeftion, 
As force, perforce, the Age will powre it in) 
Shall neuer leake, though it doe worke as ftrong 
As Jleonitum,oT ralh Gun-powder. 

Clar. I fhall obferue him with all care, and loue. 

King. Why art thou not at Windfor with him (Tho- 
mas?) 

Clar. Hee is not there to day : hee dines in Lon- 
don. 

King. And how accompanyed ? Canft thou tell 
that? 

Clar. With Pointz, and other his continuall fol- 
io wers. 

King. Mod fubieft is the fatteft Soyle to Weedes : 
And hee (the Noble Image of my Youth) 
Is ouer-fpread with them : therefore my griefe 
Stretches it felfe beyond the howre of death. 
The blood weepes from my heart, when I doe fhape 
(In formes imaginarie) th'vnguided Dayes, 
And rotten Times, that you fhall looke vpon, 
When I am fleeping with my Anceftors. 
For when his head-ftrong Riot hath no Curbe, 
When Rage and hot-Blood are his Counfailors, 
When Meanes and lauiih Manners meete together; 
Oh, with what Wings fhall his Affections flye 
Towards fronting Perill,and oppos'd Decay ? 

War.^ My gracious Lord, you looke beyond him quite : 
The Prince but ftudies his Companions, 
Like a ftrange Tongue : wherein, to gaine the Language, 
'Tis needfulljthat the moft immodeft word 



395 



Be look'd vpon, and learn'd : which once attayn'd, 
Your Kighneffe knowes,comes to no farther vfe, 
But to be knowne, and hated. So, like groffe termes, 
The Prince will, in the perfettneffe of time, 
Caft off his followers : and their memorie 
Shall as a Patterne,or a Meafure,liue, 
By which his Grace muft mete the liues of others, 
Turning paft-euills to aduantages. 

King.'Th feldome,when the Bee doth leaue her Combe 
In the dead Carrion. 

Enter Weftmerland. 
Who's heere ? Weftmerland? 

Weft. Health to my Soueraigne, and new happineffe 
Added to that, that 1 am to deliuer. 
Prince Iohn, your Sonne, doth kiffe your Graces Hand : 
cMembray, the B\{hop, Scroof>e,Haftings, and all, 
Are brought to the Correction of your Law. 
There is not now a Rebels Sword vnfheath'd, 
But Peace puts forth her Oliue euery where : 
The manner how this Action hath beene borne, 
Here (at more leyfure) may your Highneffe reade, 
With euery courfe,in his particular. 

King. Weftmerland, thou art a Summer Bird, 
Which euer in the haunch of Winter rings 
The lifting vp of day. 

Enter Harcourt. 
Looke, heere's more newes. 

Hare. From Enemies, Heauen keepe your Maieftie : 
And when they ftand againft you, may they fall, 
As thofe that I am come to tell you of. 
The Earle Northumberland, and the Lord Bardolfe, 
With a great Power of Englifh,and of Scots, 
Are by the Sherife of Yorke/hire ouerthrowne : 
The manner, and true order of the fight, 
This Packet (pleafe it you) containes at large. 

King. And wherefore mould thefe good newes 
Make me ficke ? 

Will Fortune neuer come with both hands full, 
But write her faire words ftill in fouleft Letters ? 
Shee eyther giues a Stomack, and no Foode, 
(Such are the poore,in health) or elfe a Feaft, 
And takes away the Stomack (fuch are the Rich, 
That haue aboundance,and enioy it not.) 
I fhould reioyce now,at this happy newes, 
And now my Sight fayles,and my Braine is giddie. 
O me, come neere me, now I am much ill. 

Glo. Comfort your Maieftie. 

Cla. Oh, my Royall Father. 

Weft. My Soueraigne Lord,cheare vp your felfe, looke 
vp. 

War. Be patient (PrincesJ you doe know, thefe Fits 
Are with his Highneffe very ordinarie. 
Stand from him, giue him ayre : 
Hee'le ftraight be well. 

Clar. No, no, hee cannot long hold out: thefe pangs, 
Th'inceffant care, and labour of his Minde, 
Hath wrought the Mure, that fhould confine it in, 
So thinne,that Life lookes through, and will breake out. 

Glo. The people feare me : for they doe obferue 
Vnfather'd Heires, and loathly Births of Nature : 
The Seafons change their manners, as the Yeere 
Had found fome Moneths afleepe,and leap'd them ouer. 

Clar. The Riuer hath thrice flow'd,no ebbe betweene: 
And the old folke (Times doting Chronicles) 
Say it did fo,a little time before 
That our great Grand-fire Edward fick'd, and dy'de. 

g g 4 War. Speake 



94 



Thefecond^art offing Henry the Fourth. 



War. Speake lower ( Princes ) for the King reco- 
uers. 

Glo. This Apoplexie will (certaine) be his end. 

King. I pray you take me vp,and beare me hence 
Into fome other Chamber : foftly 'pray. 
Let there be no noyfe made (my gentle friends) 
Vnleffe fome dull and fauourable hand 
Will whifper Muficke to my wearie Spirit. 

War. Call for the Muficke in the other Roome. 

King. Set me the Crowne vpon my Pillow here. 

Clar. His eye is hollow,and hee changes much. 

War. Leffe noyfe, leffe noyfe. 



Enter fr 



Henry. 



P. Hen. Who fa w the Duke of Clarence? 

Clar. I am here (Brother) full of heauineffe. 

P. Hen. How now? Raine within doores, and none 
abroad ? How doth the King ? 

Glo. Exceeding ill. 

P. Hen. Heard hee the good newes yet? 
Tell it him. 

Glo. Hee alter'd much, vpon the hearing it. 

P. Hen. If hee be ficke with Ioy, 
Hee'le recouer without Phyficke. 

War. Not fo much noyfe (my Lords) 
Sweet Prince fpeake lowe. 
The King, your Father, is difpos'd to fleepe. 

Clar. Let vs with-draw into the other Roome. 

War. Wil't pleafe your Grace to goe along with vs? 

P. Hen. No: I will fit, and watch here, by the King. 
Why doth the Crowne lye there, vpon his Pillow, 
Being fo troublefome a Bed-fellow ? 
O pollifh'd Perturbation ! Golden Care ! 
That keep'ft the Ports of Slumber open wide, 
To many a watchfull Night : fleepe with it now, 
Yet not fo found, and halfe fo deepely fweete, 
As hee whofe Brow (with homely Biggen bound) 
Snores out the Watch of Night. O Maieftie { 
When thou do'ft pinch thy Bearer, thou do'ft fit 
Like a rich Armor, worne in heat of day, 
That fcald'ft with fafetie : by his Gates of breath, 
There lyes a dowlney feather, which ftirres not : 
Did hee fufpire,that light and weightleffe dowlne 
Perforce muft moue. My gracious Lord, my Father, 
This fleepe is found indeede : this is a fleepe, 
That from this Golden Rigoll hath diuorc'd 
So many Englifh Kings. Thy due, from me, 
Is Teares,and heauie Sorrowes of the Blood, 
Which Nature, Loue, and filiall tenderneffe, 
Shall (O deare Father) pay thee plenteoufly. 
My due, from thee, is this Imperiall Crowne, 
Which (as immediate from thy Place and Blood) 
Deriues it felfe to me. Loe, heere it fits, 
Which Heauen fhall guard : 

And put the worlds whole ftrength into one gyant Arme, 
It fhall not force this Lineall Honor from me. 
This, from thee, will I to mine leaue, 
As 'tis left to me. Exit. 

Enter Warmicke^ Gloucejler, Clarence. 

King. Warrcic\e, Gloucejler, Clarence. 
Clar. Doth the King call ? 

War. What would your Maieftie ? how fares your 
Grace f 



King. Why did you leaue me here alone(my Lords?) 

C/a.We left the Prince(my Brother)here(my Liege) 
Who vndertooke to fit and watch by you. 

King. The Prince of Wales ? where is hee ? let mee 
fee him. 

War. This doore is open, hee is gone this way. 

Glo. Hee came not through the Chamber where wee 
flayd. 

King. Where is the Crowne ? who tooke it from my 
Pillow ? 

War. When wee with-drew (my Liege,) wee left it 
heere. 

King. The Prince hath ta'ne it hence : 
Goe feeke him out. 
Is hee fo haftie, that hee doth fuppofe 
My fleepe,my death? Finde him(my Lord of Warwick) 
Chide him hither: this part of his conioynes 
With my difeafe,and helpes to end me. 
See Sonnes,what things you are : 
How quickly Nature falls into reuolt, 
When Gold becomes her Obieft ? 
For this, the fooliih ouer-carefull Fathers 
Haue broke their fleepes with thoughts, 
Their braines with care, their bones with induftry. 
For this, they haue ingroffed and pyl'd vp 
The canker'd heapes of ftrange-atchieued Gold: 
For this, they haue beene thoughtfull, to inueft 
Their Sonnes with Arts,and Martiall Exercifes : 
When, like the Bee, culling from euery flower 
The vertuous Sweetes,our Thighes packtwith Wax, 
Our Mouthes with Honey, wee bring it to the Hiue ; 
And like the Bees, are murthered for our paines. 
This bitter tafte yeelds his engruffements, 
To the ending Father. 

Enter Warwicke. 
Now, where is hee, that will not ltay fo long, 
Till his Friend SicknefTe hath determin'd me ? 

War. My Lord, I found the Prince in the next Roome, 
Waihing with kindly Teares his gentle Cheekes, 
With fuch a deepe demeanure,in great forrow, 
That Tyranny, which neuer quaft't but blood, 
Would(by beholding him)haue wafh'd his Knife 
With gentle eye-drops. Hee is comming hither. 

King.But wherefore did hee take away the Crowne ? 
Enter Prince Henry. 
Loe, where hee comes. Come hither to me[Harry.) 
Depart the Chamber, leaue vs heere alone. Exit. 

P. Hen. I neuer thought to heare you fpeake againe, 

King.Thy wifh was Fathec(Harry)to that thought: 
I ftay too long by thee, I wearie thee. 
Do'ft thou fo hunger for my emptie Chayre, 
That thou wilt needes inueft thee with mine Honors, 
Before thy howre be ripe? O foolifh Youth ! 
Thou feek'ft the Greatneffe, that will ouer-whelme thee. 
Stay but a little : for my Cloud of Dignitie 
Is held from falling, with fo weake a winde, 
That it will quickly drop : my Day is diinme. 
Thou haft ftolne that, which after fome few howres 
Were thine, without offence : and at my death 
Thou haft feal'd vp my expectation. 
Thy Life did manifeft, thou lou'dft me not, 
And thou wilt haue me dye affur'd of it. 
Thou hid'ft a thoufand Daggers in thy thoughts, 
Which thou haft whetted on thy ftonie heart, 
To ftab at halfe an howre of my Life. 
What? canft thou not forbeare me halfe an howre? 

Then 

396 



The fecond ^art of Kjng Henry the Fourth. 



95 



Then get thee gone, and digge my graue thy felfe, 

And bid the merry Bels ring to thy eare 

That thou art Crowned, not that I am dead. 

Let all the Teares, that fhould bedew my Hearfe 

Be drops of Balme, to fandtifie thy head : 

Onely compound me with forgotten duft. 

Giue that, which gaue thee life, vnto the Wormes : 

Plucke downe my Officers, breake my Decrees ; 

For now a time is come, to mocke at Forme. 

Henry the fift is Crown'd : Vp Vanity, 

Downe Royall State : All you fage Councilors, hence : 

And to the Englilh Court, afTemble now 

From eu'ry Region, Apes of Idleneffe. 

Now neighbor-Confines, purge you of your Scum : 

Haue you a Ruffian that fwill fweare? drinke? dance? 

Reuell the night? Rob? Murder? and commit 

The oldeft finnes, the neweft kinde of wayes ? 

Be happy, he will trouble you no more: 

England, mail double gill'd, his trebble guilt. 

England, {hall giue him Office, Honor, Might: 

For the Fift Harry, from curb'd Licenfe pluckes 

The muzzle of Reftraint ; and the wilde Dogge 

Shall fleih his tooth in euery Innocent. 

my poore Kingdome (ficke,with ciuill blowes) 
When that my Care could not with-hold thy Ryots, 
What wilt thou do, when Ryot is thy Care ? 

O, thou wilt be a Wilderneffe againe, 
Peopled with Wolues (thy old Inhabitants. 

Prince. O pardon me (my Liege) 
But for my Teares, 
The moft Impediments vnto my Speech, 

1 had fore-ftall'd this deere, and deepe Rebuke, 
Ere you (with greefe) had fpoke, and I had heard 
The courfe of it fo farre. There is your Crowne, 
And he that weares the Crowne immortally, 
Long guard it yours. If I affect it more, 

Then as your Honour, and as your Renowne, 
Let me no more from this Obedience rife, 
Which my moft true, and inward duteous Spirit 
Teacheth this proftrate, and exteriour bending. 
Heauen witneffe with me, when I heere came in, 
And found no courfe of breath within your Maieftie, 
How cold it ftrooke my heart. If I do faine, 

let me, in my prefent wildenelfe, dye, 
And neuer Hue, to fhew th'incredulous World, 
The Noble change that I haue purpofed. 
Comming to looke on you, thinking you dead, 
(And dead almoft(my Liege)to thinke you were) 

1 fpake vnto the Crowne (as hauing fenfe) 

And thus vpbraided it. The Care on thee depending, 

Hath fed vpon the body of my Father, 

Therefore, thou beft of Gold, art worft of Gold. 

Other, leffe fine in Charract, is more precious, 

Preferuing life, in Med'cine potable : 

But thou, moft Fine, moft Honour'd, moft Renown'd, 

Haft eate the Bearer vp. 

Thus (my Royall Liege) 

Accufing it, I put it on my Head, 

To try with it (as with an Enemie, 

That had before my face murdred my Father) 

The Quarrell of a true Inheritor. 

But if it did infect my blood with Ioy, 

Or fwell my Thoughts, to any ftraine of Pride, 

If any Rebell, or vaine fpirit of mine, 

Did, with the leaft Affeftion of a Welcome, 

Giue entertainment to the might of it, 



397 



Let heauen, for euer, keepe it from my head, 
And make me, as the pooreft VafTaile is, 
That doth with awe, and terror kneele to it. 

King. O my Sonne ! 
Heauen put it in thy minde to take it hence, 
That thou might'ft ioyne the more, thy Fathers loue, 
Pleading fo wifely , in excufe of it. 
Come hither Harrie, fit thou by my bedde, 
And heare (I thinke, the very lateft Counfell 
That euer I mail breath : Heauen knowes, my Sonne) 
By what by-pathes, and indirect crook'd-wayes 
I met this Crowne : and I my felfe know well 
How troublefome it fate vpon my head. 
To thee, it lhall defcend with better Quiet, 
Better Opinion, better Confirmation : 
For all the foyle of the Atchieuement goes 
With me, into the Earth. It feem'd in mee, 
But as an Honour fnatch'd with boyft'rous hand, 
And I had many liuing, to vpbraide 
My gaine of it, by their Affiftances, 
Which dayly grew to Quarrell, and to Blood-ihed, 
Wounding fuppofed Peace. 
All thefe bold Feares, 
Thou feeft (with perill) I haue anfwered : 
For all my Reigne, hath beene but as a Scene 
A<Sing that argument. And now my death 
Changes the Moode : For what in me, was purchased, 
Falles vpon thee, in a more Fayrer fort. 
So thou, the Garland wear'ft fucceffiuely. 
Yet, though thou ftand'ft more fure, then I could do, 
Thou art not firme enough, fince greefes are greene : 
And all thy Friends, which thou muft make thy Friends 
Haue but their flings, and teeth, newly tak'n out, 
By whofe fell working, I was firft aduanc'd, 
And by whofe power, I well might lodge a Feare 
To be againe difplac'd. Which to auoyd, 
I cut them off: and had a purpofe now 
To leade out many to the Holy Land; 
Leaft reft, and lying ftill, might make them looke 
Too neere vnto my State. 
Therefore (my Harrie) . 
Be it thy courfe to bufie giddy Mindes 
With Forraigne Quarrels : that Action hence borne out, 
May wafte the memory of the former dayes. 
More would I , but my Lungs are wafted fo, 
That ftrength of Speech is vtterly deni'de mee. 
How I came by the Crowne, O heauen forgiue : 
And grant it may, with thee, in true peace liue. 

'Prince. My gracious Liege : 
You wonne it , wore it : kept it, gaue it me, 
Then plaine and right muft my pofTeffion be ; 
Which I, with more, then with a Common paine, 
'Gainft all the World, will rightfully maintaine. 

Enter Lord Iohn ofLancaJier, 
and Warmc){e. 

King. Looke, looke, 
Heere comes my Iohn of Lancafter: 

Iohn. Health, Peace, and Happineffe, 
To my Royall Father. 

King. Thou bring'ft me happineffe and Peace 
(Sonne Iohn : 
But health (alacke) with youthfull wings is flowne 
From this bare, wither'd Trunke. Vpon thy fight 
My worldly bufineffe makes a period. 



9 6 



Thefecond 'Part of KJng Henry the Fourth. 



Where is my Lord of Warwicke f 

frin. My Lord of Warwicke. 

King. Doth any name particular, belong 
Vnto the Lodging, where I firft did fwoon'd ? 

War. "Tis call'd lerufalem, my Noble Lord. 

King. Laud be to heauen : 
Euen there my life muft end. 
It hath beene prophefi'de to me many yeares, 
I /hould not dye, but in lerufalem : 
Which (vainly) I fuppos'd the Holy-Land. 
But beare me to that Chamber, there He lye : 
In that lerufalem, /hall Harry dye. 



ABus Quintus. Sccena Prima. 



£nter Shallow, Silence, Faljlaffe, Bardolfe, 
Page, and Dauie. 

Shal. By Cocke and Pye,you /hall not away to night. 
What Dauy, I fay. 

Fal. You muft excufe me, M. Robert Shallow. 

Shal. I will not excufe you : you ihall not be excufed. 
Excufes mail not be admitted : there is no excufe ihall 
ferue : you mall not be excus'd. 
Why Dauie. 

Dauie. Heere fir. 

Shal. Dauy, Dauy, Dauy, let me fee (Dauy) let me fee : 
William Cooke, bid him come hither. Sir lohn, you fhal 
not be excus'd. 

Dauy. Marry fir, thus : thofe Precepts cannot bee 
feru'd : and againe fir, mail we fowe the head-land with 
Wheate i 

Shal. With red Wheate Dauy. But for William Cook: 
are there no yong Pigeons? 

Dauy. Yes Sir. 
Heere is now the Smithes note, for Shooing, 
And Plough-Irons. 

Shal. Let it be caft, and payde : Sir lohn, you ihall 
not be excus'd. 

Dauy. Sir, a new linke to the Bucket muft needes bee 
had : And Sir, doe you meane to ftoppe any of Williams 
Wages, about the Sacke he loft the other day , at Hinckley 
Fayre ? 

Shal. He /hall anfwer it : 
Some Pigeons Dauy, a couple of /hort-legg'd Hennes : a 
ioynt of Mutton, and any pretty little tine Kick/hawes, 
tell William Cooke. 

Dauy. Doth the man of Warre,ftay all night fir? 

Shal. Yes Dauy : 
I will vfe him well. A Friend i'th Court, is better then a 
penny in purfe. Vfe his men well 'Dauy, for they are ar- 
rant Knaues, and will backe-bite. 

T)auy. No worfe then they are bitten, fir : For they 
haue maruellous fowle linnen. 

Shallow. Well conceited T>auy : about thy BufinefTe, 
Dauy. 

Dauy. I befeech you fir, 
To countenance William Vifor of Woncot, againft Cle- 
ment Perils of the hill. 

Shal. There are many Complaints Dauy, againft that 
Vifor, that Vifor is an arrant Knaue, on my know- 
ledge. 



Dauy. I graunt your Wor/hip, that he is a knaue Sir :) 
But yet heauen forbid Sir, but a Knaue /hould haue fome 
Countenance, at his Friends requeft. An honeft man fir, 
is able to fpeake for himfelfe, when a Knaue is not. I haue 
feru'd your Wor/hippe truely fir, thefe eight yeares: and 
if I cannot once or twice in a Quarter beare out a knaue, 
againft an honeft man, I haue but a very litle credite with 
your Wor/hippe. The Knaue is mine honeft Friend Sir, 
therefore 1 befeech your Wor/hip, let him bee Counte- 

Shal. Go too, 
I fay he /hall haue no wrong : Looke about Dauy. 
Where are you Sir lohn ? Come, off with your Boots. 
Giue me your hand M. 'Bardolfe. 

Bard. I am glad to fee your Wor/hip. 

Shal. I thanke thee, with all my heart, kinde Matter 
'Bardolfe : and welcome my tall Fellow : 
Come Sir lohn. 

Faljlaffe. He follow you, good Mafter Robert Shallow. 
'Bardolfe, looke to our Hordes. If I were faw'de into 
Quantities, I /hould make foure dozen of fuch bearded 
Hermites ftaues, as Mafter Shallow. It is a wonderfull 
thing to fee the femblable Coherence of his mens fpirits, 
and his : They, by obferuing of him, do beare themfelues 
like fooli/h Iuftices : Hee, by conuerfing with them, is 
turn'd into a Iuftice-like Seruingman. Their fpirits are 
fo married in Coniunction, with the participation of So- 
ciety, that they flocke together in confent, like fo ma- 
ny Wilde-Geefe. If I had a fuite to Mayfter Shallow, I 
would humour his men, with the imputation of beeing 
neere their Mayfter. If to his Men, I would currie with 
Maifter Shallow, that no man could better command his 
Seruants. It is certaine, that either wife bearing, or ig- 
norant Carriage is caught, as men take difeafes, one of 
another: therefore, let men take heede of their Compa- 
nie. ' I will deuife matter enough out of this Shallow, to 
keepe Prince Harry in continuall Laughter, the wearing 
out of fixe Fafhions (which is foure Tearmes) or two Ac- 
tions, and he /hall laugh with Interual/ums. O it is much 
that a Lye (with a flight Oath) and a ieft (with a fadde 
brow) will doe, with a Fellow, that neuer had the Ache 
in his moulders. O you /hall fee hirft laugh, till his Face 
be like a wet Cloake, ill laid vp. 

Shal. Sir John. 

Falft. I come Mafter Shallow, I come Mafter Shallow. 
Exeunt 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter the Earle of Warwicke, 
Chiefe Iuftice. 



he- 



Warwicke. How now, my Lord Chiefe Iuftice. 
ther away ? 

Ch.Iuft. How doth the King ? 

Warw. Exceeding well : his Cares 
Are now, all ended. 

Ch.Iuft. I hope, not dead. 

Warw. Hee's walk'd the way of Nature, 
And to our purpofes, he Hues no more. 

Ch.Iuft. I would his Maiefty had call'd me with him, 
The feruice, that I truly did his life, 
Hath left me open to all iniuries. 

War. 

— 398 



The fecond^Part of I\ingHenry the Fourth. 



War. Indeed I thinke the yong King loues you not. 

Ch.IuJi. I know he doth not, and do arme my felfe 
To welcome the condition of the Time, 
Which cannot looke more hideoufly vpon me, 
Then I haue drawne it in my fantafie. 

Enter Iobn of Lancajier, Gloucester, 
and Clarence. 

War. Heere come the heauy Iffue of dead Harrie: 
O, that the liuing Harrie had the temper 
Of him,the worft of thefe three Gentlemen: 
How. many Nobles then, mould hold their places, 
That muft ftrike faile, to Spirits of vilde fort? 

Ch.IuJi. Alas, I feare,all will be ouer-turn'd. 

Iobn. Good morrow Cofin Warwick, good morrow. 
Glou. Cla. Good morrow, Cofin. 
Iobn. We meet, like men, that had forgot to fpeake. 
War. We do remember : but our Argument 
Is all too heauy, to admit much talke. 

M.Well: Peace be with him, that hath made vs heauy 

Cb.Iufi. Peace be with vs, leaft we be heauier. 

Glou.O, good my Lord, you haue loft a friend indeed: 
And I dare fweare,you borrow not that face 
Of feeming forrow, it is fure your owne. 

Iobn. Though no man be affur'd what grace to finde, 
You ftand in coldeft expectation. 
I am the forrier, would 'twere otherwife. 

C/a.Wel,you muft now fpeake Sir Iobn Fal&affe faire, 
Which fwimmes againft your ftreame of Quality. 

Qh.Iujl. Sweet Princes: what I did, I did in Honor, 
Led by th'Imperiall Conduct of my Soule, 
And neuer (hall you fee, that I will begge 
A ragged, and fore-ftall'd Remiffion. 
If Troth, and vpright Innocency fayle me, 
He to the King (my Mafter) that is dead, 
And tell him, who hath fent me after him. 

War. Heere comes the Prince. 

Enter Prince Henrie. 

Ch.IuJi. Good morrow: and heauen faue your Maiefty 

Prince. This new, and gorgeous Garment, Maiefty, 
Sits not fo eafie on me, as you thinke. 
Brothers, you mixe your Sadneffe with fome Feare : 
This is the Englifli, not the Turkiih Court: 
Not Atnurab, an Amurah fucceeds, 
But Harry, Harry: Yet be fad (good Brothers) 
For (to fpeake truth) it very well becomes you : 
Sorrow, fo Royally in you appeares, 
That I will deeply put the Faftion on, 
And weare it in my heart. Why then be fadj 
But entertaine no more of it (good Brothers) 
Then a ioynt burthen, laid vpon vs all. 
For me, by Heauen (I bid you be affur'd) 
He be your Father, and your Brother too : 
Let me but beare your Loue, He beare your Cares ; 
But weepe that Horrie's dead, and fo will I. 
But Harry liues, that mall conuert thofe Teares 
By number, into houres of HappinefTe. 

Iohn,&c. We hope no other from your Maiefty. 

Prin. You all looke ftrangely on me : and you moft, 
You are (I thinke) affur'd, I loue you not. 

Ch.IuJi. I am affur'd (if I be meafur'd rightly) 
Your Maiefty hath no iuft caufe to hate mee. 

Pr.No? How might a Prince of my great hopes forget 
So great Indignities you laid vpon me ? 



What? Rate? Rebuke? and roughly fend to Prifon 
Th'immediate Heire of England? Was this eafie? 
May this be walh'd in Lethe, and forgotten i 

Ch.IuJi. I then did vfe the Perfon of your Father: 
The Image of his power, lay then in me, 
And in th'adminiftration of his Law, 
Whiles I was bufie for the Commonwealth, 
Your Highneffe pleafed to forget my place, 
The Maiefty, and power of Law, and luftice, 
The Image of the King, whom I prefented, 
And ftrooke me in my very Seate of Iudgement: 
Whereon (as an Offender to your Father) 
I gaue bold way to my Authority, 
And did commit you. If the deed were ill, 
Be you contented, wearing now the Garland, 
To haue a Sonne, fet your Decrees at naught ? 
To plucke downe luftice from your awefull Bench? 
To trip the courfe of Law, and blunt the Sword 
That guards the peace, and fafety of your Perfon? 
Nay more, to fpurne at your moft Royall Image, 
And mocke your workings, in a Second body ? 
Queftion your Royall Thoughts, make the cafe yours: 
Be now the Father, and propofe a Sonne : 
Heare your owne dignity fo much prophan'd, 
See your moft dreadfull Lawes, fo loofely flighted; 
Behold your felfe, fo by a Sonne difdained: 
And then imagine me, taking you part, 
And in your power, foft filencing your Sonne : 
After this cold confiderance, fentence me ; 
And, as you are a King,fpeake in your State, 
What I haue done, that misbecame my place, 
My perfon, or my Lieges Soueraigntie. 

Prin. You are right Iuftice,and you weigh this well: 
Therefore ftill beare the Ballance, and the Sword : 
And I do wifh your Honors may encreafe, 
Till you do liue, to fee a Sonne of mine 
Offend you, and obey you, as I did. 
So fhall I liue, to fpeake my Fathers words : 
Happy am I, that haue a man fo bold, 
That dares do luftice, on my proper Sonne ; 
And no leffe happy, hauing fuch a Sonne, 
That would deliuer vp his Greatneffe fo, 
Into the hands of luftice. You did commit me: 
For which, I do commit into your hand, 
Th'vnftained Sword that you haue vs'd to beare : 
With this Remembrance; That you vfe the fame 
With the like bold, iuft, and impartiall fpirit 
As you haue done 'gainft me. There is my hand, 
You fhall be as a Father, to my Youth : 
My voice mall found, as you do prompt mine eare, 
And I will ftoope, and humble my Intents, 
To your well-praclis'd, wife Directions. 
And Princes all, beleeue me, I befeech you : 
My Father is gone wilde into his Graue, 
(For in his Tombe,lye my Affections) 
And with his Spirits, fadly I furuiue, 
To mocke the expectation of the World ; 
To fruftrate Prophefies, and to race out 
Rotten Opinion, who hath writ me downe 
After my feeming. The Tide of Blood in me, 
Hath prowdly flow'd in Vanity, till now. 
Now doth it turne, and ebbe backe to the Sea, 
Where it fhall mingle with the ftate of Floods, 
And flow henceforth in formall Maiefty. 
Now call we our High Court of Parliament, 
And let vs choofe fuch Limbes of Noble Counfaile, 

That 



Thefecond 'Part offing Henry the Fourth. 



That the great Body of our State may go 

In equall ranke, with the beft gouern'd Nation, 

That Warre, or Peace, or both at once may be 

As things acquainted and familiar to vs, 

In which you (Father) mall haue formoft hand. 

Our Coronation done, we will accite 

■^As I before remembred) all our State, 

And heauen (configning to my good intents) 

No Prince, nor Peere, /hall haue iuft caufe to fay, 

Heauen fhorten Harries happy life, one day. Exeunt. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Falftaffe, Shallow, Silence, Bardolfe, 
fage,and Pifioll. 

Shal. Nay, you mall fee mine Orchard : where, in an 
Arbor we will eate a laft yeares Pippin of my owne graf- 
fing, with a dim of Carrawayes,and fo forth (Come Co- 
fin Silence, And then to bed. 

Fal. You haue heere.a goodly dwelling,and a rich. 

Sbal. Barren, barren, barren : Beggers all, beggers all 
Sir Iohn: Marry, good ayre. Spread 'Dauyfyrea.i Dauie : 
Well faid Dauie. 

Faljl. This Dauie ferues you for good vfes; he is your 
Seruingman,and your Husband. 

Shal. A good Varlet,a good Varlet,a very good Var- 
let, Sir Iohn: I haue drunke too much Sacke at Supper. A 
good Varlet. Now fit downe, now fit downe : Come 
Cofin. 

Sil. Ah firra(quoth-a) we fhall doe nothing but eate, 
and make good cheere, and praife heauen for the merrie 
yeere: when flefh is cheape,and Females deere, and luftie 
Lads rome heere,and there : fo merrily, and euer among 
fo merrily. 

Fal. There's a merry heart, good M. Silence, He giue 
you a health for that anon. 

Shal. Good M.'Bardolfe: fome wine, Dauie. 

'Da. Sweet fir, fit: He be with you anon : moft fweete 
fir, fit. Mafter Page, good M.Page, fit: Preface. What 
you want in meate, wee'l haue in drinke : but you beare, 
the heart's all. 

Shal. Be merry M. Bardolfe, and my little Souldiour 
there, be merry. 

Sil. Be merry, be merry, my wife ha's all. 
For women are Shrewes, both fhort,and tall : 
'Tis merry in Hall, when Beards wagge all ; 
And welcome merry Shrouetide. Be merry, be merry. 

Fal. I did not thinke M. Silence had bin a man of this 
Mettle. 

Sil. Who I? I haue beene merry twice and once, ere 
now. 

T)auy. There is a difh of Lether-coats for you. 

Shal. 'Dauie. 

Dau. Your Worihip : He be with you ftraight. A cup 
of Wine, fir ? 

Sil. A Cup of Wine, that's briske and fine, & drinke 
vnto the Leman mine: and a merry heart liues long-a. 

Fal. Well faid, M. Silence. 

Sil. If we fhall be merry, now comes in the fweete of 
the night. 

Fal. Health, and long life to you, M. Silence. 



Sil. Fill the Cuppe, and let it come. He pledge you a 
mile to the bottome. 

Shal. Honeft Bardolfe, welcome : If thou want'ft any 
thing, and wilt not call, befhrew thy heart. Welcome my 
little tyne theefe,and welcome indeed too: lie drinke to 
M.'OBardolfe, a.ni to all the Cauileroes about London. 

Dau. 1 hope to fee London, once ere I die. 

Bar. If I might fee you there, Dauie. 

Sbal. You'l cracke a quart together? Ha, will you not 
M. Bardolfe! 

''Bar. Yes Sir, in a pottle pot. 

Shal. I thanke thee : the knaue will fticke by thee, I 
can allure thee that. He will not out, he is true bred. 

'Bar. And He fticke by him, fir. 

SbaLWhy there fpoke a King: lack nothing, be merry. 
Looke, who's at doore there, ho : who knockes? 

Fal Why now you haue done me right. 



Sil. Do me right,and dub me Knight, San 



Is't 



fo? 

Fal. 'Tisfo. 

Si/.Is't fo? Why then fay an old man can do fomwhat. 
"Dau. If it pleafe your Worfliippe, there's one 'Piftoll 
come from the Court with newes. 

Fal. From the Court? Let him come in. 

Enter Pifioll. 
How now Piftoll ? 

Pifi. Sir Iohn, 'faue you fir. 

Fal. What winde blew you hither, Piftoll ? 

Pifi. Not the ill winde which blowes none to good, 
fweet Knight : Thou art now one of the greateft men in 
the Realme. 

Sil. Indeed, I thinke he bee, but Goodman Puffe of 
Barfon. 

PiB. Puffe? puffe in thy teeth, moft recreant Coward 
bafe. Sir Iohn, I am thy Piftoll, and thy Friend : helter 
skelter haue I rode to thee, and tydings do I bring, and 
luckie ioyes, and golden Times, and happie Newes of 
price. 

Fal. I prethee now deliuer them, like a man of this 
World. 

Pifi. A footra for the World, and Worldlings bafe, 
I fpeake of Affrica,and Golden ioyes. 

Fal. O bafe Aifyrian Knight, what is thy newes ? 
Let King Couitha know the tnfth thereof. 

Sil. And Robin-hood, Scarlet, and Iohn. 

Pifi. Shall dunghill Curres confront the Hellicons ? 
And fhall good newes be baffel'd ? 
Then Piftoll lay thy head in Furies lappe. 

Shal. Honeft Gentleman, 
I know not your breeding. 

Pifi. Why then Lament therefore. 

Shal. Giue me pardon, Sir. 
If fir, you come with news from the Court, I take it, there 
is but two wayes, either to vtter them, or to conceale 
them. I am Sir, vnder the King, in fome Authority. 

Pifi. Vnder which King ? 
'Bezonian, fpeake, or dye. 

Shal. Vnder King Harry. 

Pifi. Harry the Fourth? or Fift ? 

Shal. Harry the Fourth. 

Pifi . A footra for thine Office. 
Sir Iohn, thy tender Lamb-kinne, now is King, 
Harry the Fife's the man, I fpeake the truth. 
When Piftoll lyes, do this, and figge-me, like 
The bragg in g Spaniard. ^ 



Thefecond Part offing Henry the Fourth. 



99 



Fal. What, is the old King dead ? 

Pift. As naile in doore. 
The things I fpeake, are iuft. 

Fal. Away Bardolfe, Sadie my Horfe, 
Mafter Robert Shallow, choofe what Office thou wilt 
In the Land, 'tis thine. Pifiol, I will double charge thee 
With Dignities. 

'Bard. O ioyfull day : 
I would not take a Knighthood for my Fortune. 

Pift. What? I do bring good newes. 

Fal. Carrie Mafter Silence to bed : Mafter Shallow, my 
Lord Shallow, be what thou wilt, I am Fortunes Steward. 
Get on thy Boots, wee'l ride all night. Oh fweet Piftoll : 
Away Bardolfe : Come Piftoll, vtter more to mee : and 
withall deuife fomething to do thy felfe good . Boote, 
boote Mafter Shallow, I know the young King is fick for 
mee. Let vs take any mans Horfies : The Lawes of Eng- 
land are at my command'ment. Happie are they, which 
haue beene my Friendes : and woe vnto my Lord Chiefe 
Iuftice. 

Pift. Let Vultures vil'de feize on his Lungs alfo : 
Where is the life that late I led, fay they? 
Why heere it is, welcome thofe pleafant dayes. Exeunt 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter Hofleffe Slickly, Dol Teare-fheete , 
and 'Beadles. 

Hofleffe. No, thou arrant knaue : I would I might dy, 
that I might haue thee hang'd : Thou haft drawne my 
fhoulder out of ioynt. 

Off. The Conftables haue deliuer'd her ouer to mee : 
and ftiee lhall haue Whipping cheere enough, I warrant 
her. There hath beene a man or two (lately)kill'd about 
her. 

"Dol. Nut-hooke, nut-hooke, you Lye: Come on, He 
tell thee what, thou damn'd Tripe-vifag'd Rafcall, if the 
Childe I now go with, do mifcarrie, thou had'ft better 
thou had'ft ftrooke thy Mother, thou Paper-fac'd Vil- 
laine. 

Hofl. O that Sir Iohn were come, hee would make 
this a bloody day to fome body. But I would the Fruite 
of her Wombe might mifcarry. 

Officer, If it do, you /hall haue a dozen of Cufhions 
againe, you haue but eleuen now. Come, I charge you 
both go with me : for the man is dead, that you and Pi- 
ftoll beate among you, 

T>ol. lie tell thee what, thou thin man jn a Cenfor; I 
will haue you as foundry fwindg'd for this, you blew- 
Bottel'd Rogue : you filthy famiftYd Correclioner, if you 
be not fwing'd, He forfweare halfe Kirtles. 

Off. Come, come, you ftiee-Knight-arrant, come. 

Hofl. O, that right fhould thus o'recome might. Wei 
of fufferance, comes eafe. 

Dol. Come you Rogue, come : 
Bring me to a Iuftice. 

Hofl. Yes, come you ftaru'd Blood-hound. 

Dol. Goodman death, goodman Bones. 

Hofl. Thou Anatomy, thou. 

Dol. Come you thinne Thing : 
Come you Rafcall. 

Off. Very well. Exeunt. 



Scena Quinta. 



Enter two Groomes. 
I .Groo. More Ruihes,more Rufhes. 
2. Groo. The Trumpets haue founded twice. 
I. Groo. It will be two of the Clocke, ere they come 
from the Coronation. Exit Groo. 

Enter Falftaffe, Shallow, Piftoll, 'Bardolfe, and Page. 

Falftaffe. Stand heere by me, M. Robert Shallow, I will 
make the King do you Grace. I will leere vpon him, as 
he comes by : and do but marke the countenance that hee 
will giue me. 

Piftol. Blefle thy Lungs, good Knight. 

Falft. Come heere P;/2o/,ftand behind me. O if I had 
had time to haue made new Liueries, I would haue be- 
ftowed the thoufand pound I borrowed of you. But it is 
no matter, this poore ffiew doth better : this doth inferre 
the zeale I had to fee him. 

Shal. It doth fo. 

Falft. It ftiewes my earneftneffe in affection. 

Tift. It doth fo. 

Fal. My deuotion. 
. Pift. It doth, it doth.it doth. 

Fal. As it were, to ride day and night, 
And not to deliberate, not to remember, 
Not to haue patience to fhift me. 

Shal. It is moft certaine. 

Fal, But to ftand ftained with Trauaile, and fweating 
with defire to fee him, thinking of nothing elfe, putting 
all affayres in obliuion,as if there were nothing els to bee 
done, but to fee him. 

Pift. 'Tis femper idem : for abfque hoc nihileB. 'Tis all 
in euery part. 

Shal. 'Tis fo indeed. 

Pift. My Knight, I will enflame thy Noble Liuer, and 
make thee rage. Thy Dol,znA Helen of thy noble thoghts 
is in bafe Durance, and contagious prifon : Hall'd thi- 
ther by moft Mechanicall and durty hand. Rowze vppe 
Reuenge from Ebon den, with fell Alecto's Snake, for 
Dd is in. Piftol, fpeakes nought but'troth. 

Fal. I will deliuer her. 

Piftol. There roar'd the Sea : and Trumpet Clangour 
founds. 

The Trumpets found. Enter King Henrie the 

Fift, Brothers, Lord Chiefe 

Iuftice. 

Falft. Saue thy Grace, King Hall, my Royall Hall. 

Tift. The heauens thee guard, and keepe, moft royall 
Impe of Fame. 

Fal. 'Saue thee my fweet Boy. 

King. My Lord Chiefe Iuftice, fpeake to that vaine 
man. 

Ch.Iuft. Haue you your wits ? 
Know you what 'tis you fpeake ? 

Falft. My King, my Ioue ; I fpeake to thee, my heart. 

King. I know thee not, old man: Fall to thy Prayers: 
How ill white haires become a Foole, and Iefter ? 

I haue 



i oo Thefecond'Part oflsjng Henry the Fourth. 



I haue long dream'd of fuch a kinde of man, 

So furfeit-fwelPd, fo old, and fo prophane: 

But being awake, I do defpife my dreame. 

Make lefle thy body (hence) and more thy Grace, 

Leaue gourmandizing ; Know the Graue doth gape 

For thee, thrice wider then for other men. 

Reply not to me, with a Foole-borne left, 

Prefume not, that I am the thing I was, 

For heauen doth know (fo /hall the world perceiue) 

That I haue turn'd away my former Selfe, 

So will I thofe that kept me Companie. 

When thou doit heare I am, as I haue bin, 

Approach me, and thou /halt be as thou was't 

The Tutor and the Feeder of my Riots : 

Till then, I banifh thee, on paine of death, 

As I haue done the reft of my Mi/leaders, 

Not to come neere our Perfon, by ten mile. 

For competence of life, 1 will allow you, 

That lacke of meanes enforce you not to euill : 

And as we heare you do reforme your felues, 

We will according to your ftrength, and qualities, 

Giue you aduancement. Be it your charge (my Lord) 

To fee perform'd the tenure of our word. Set on. 

Exit King. 

Fal. Matter Shallow, I owe you a thoufand pound. 

Shal. I marry Sir Iohn, which I befeech you to let me 
haue home with me. 

Fa/. That can hardly be, M. Shallow, do not you grieue 
at this : I mall be fent for in priuate to him : Looke you, 
he muft feeme thus to the world: feare not your aduance- 
ment : I will be the man yet, that /hall make you great. 



Shal. I cannot well perceiue how, vnlefie you mould 
giue me your Doublet, and ftuffe me out with Straw. I 
befeech you, good Sir Iohn, let mee haue fiue hundred of 
my thoufand. 

Fal. Sir, I will be as good as my word. This that you 
heard,. was but a colour. 

Shall. A colour I feare, that you will dye, in Sir lohn. 

Fal. Feare no colours, go with me to dinner : 
Come Lieutenant Pistol, come ^Bardolfe, 
I /hall be fent for foone at night. 

Ch.Iuft. Go carry Sir Iohn Falftaffe to the Fleete, 
Take all his Company along with him. 

Fal. My Lord, my Lord. 

Ch.Iuft. I cannot now fpeake, I will heare you foone: 
Take them away. 

Pift. Sifortuna me tormento,jpera me contento. 

Exit. oManet Lancafter and Chicfe luftice . 

Iohn. I like this faire proceeding of the Kings : 
He hath intent his wonted Followers 
Shall all be very well prouided for : 
But all are banifht, till their conuerfations 
Appeare more wife, and modeft to the world. 

Ch.Iuft. And fo they are. 

Iohn. The King hath call'd his Parliament, 
My Lord. 

Ch.Iuft. He hath. 

Iohn. I will lay oddes,that ere this yeere expire, 
We beare our Ciuill Swords, and Natiue fire 
As farre as France. I heare a Bird fo fing, 
Whofe Muficke (to my thinking)pleasM the King. 
Come, will you hence ? Exeunt 



FINIS. 






EPILOGVE. 

I1{S T, my Feare : then, my Qurtjie : last, my Speech. 
My Feare, is your Displeafure : My Qurtjie, my T)utie : 
And my speech, to Begge your Tar dons. If you loo\efor a 
good speech now, you vndoe me : For what Ihaue to fay, is 
of mine owne making : and what {indeed') I Jhouldfay, 'will 
{I doubt) prooue mine owne marring. But to the F*urpofe, 
andfo to the Venture' Be it \nowne to you (as it is very 
Well) I was lately he ere in the end of a displeafng Tlay, to pray your Tatience 
forit,andtopromifeyouaBetter: Ididmeane (indeede) to pay you with this, 
which f (lik/^ an ill Venture) it come vnluckily home, Ibrea\e\ and you, my gem 
tie Creditors lofe. Heere Ipromift you I would be, and heere I commit my Bodie 
to your Mercies : Bate mefome,andIwillpayyoufome,and{asmojl Debtors do) 
promife you infinitely. 

If my Tongue cannot entreate you to acquit me : will you command me to vfe 
my Legges? And yet that were but light payment, toDance out of your debt: But 
a good Qonfcience, will make any pofsiblefatisfaclion, andfo will I. All the Gen ; 
tlewomen heere, haue for giuen me, if the Gentlemen will not, then the Gentlemen 
do not agree with the Gentlewowen, which Was neuerfeene before, infuch an Af 
fembly. 

One word more, I befeech you : if you be not too much chid with Fat Me ate, 
our humble Author will continue the Story (with Sir Iohn in it) and make you 
merry, with f aire Katherine of France : where {for any thing I know ) Fal- 
ftaffe /hall dye ofafweat, vnlejfe already he be killd with your hard Opinions : 
For Old-Caftle dyed a Martyr, and this is not the man. My Tongue is Wearie, 
when my Legs are too, I will bid you good night; andfo kneele downe before you: 
But (indeed*) to pray for the Queene. 



THE 



ACTORS 



NAMES. 



Oppofites againft King Henrie the 
Fourth. 



;VMOVR the Prefentor. 

j King Henry the Fourth. 

fPrince Henry, afterwards Crowned King Henrie the Fift. 
Prince lohn of Lancafter. \ 

Humphrey of Gloucefler. \ Sonnes to Henry the Fourth,& brethren to Henry 5. 
Thomas of Clarence. ) 

Northumberland. 

The Arch Byfliop of Yorke. 

Mowbray. 

Haftings. 

Lord Bardolfe. 

Trauers. 

Morton. 

Coleuile. 

Warwicke. i 

Weftmerland. 

Surrey. I Of the Kings 

Gowre. fPartie. 

Harecourt. 

Lord Chiefe Iuftice. 

Shallow. ) Both Country 

Silence. 3 Iuftices. 

Dauie, Seruant to Shallow. 

Phang, and Snare, 2. Serieants 

Mouldie.. 

Shadow. B 

Wart. V< 

Feeble. \ 

Bullcalfe.^ 



Pointz. 

Falftaffe. 

Bardolphe. 

Piftoll. 

Peto. 

Page. 



I Irregular 
I Humorifts. 



Drawers 
Beadles. 
Groomes 



Country Soldiers 



Northumberlands Wife. 
Percies Widdow. 
Hofteffe Quickly. 
Doll Teare-iheete. 
Epilogue. 




6 9 




The Life of Henry the Fift, 

Enter Prologue. 



OFor a cMufe of Fire, that -would ascend 
The brighteji Heauen of Inuention : 
A Kingdomefor a Stage, Princes to AEi , 
And a!Monarchs to behold the fuelling Scene. 
Then fhould the Warlike Harry, li\e himfelfe, 
Afifume the Port of Mars , and at his heeles 
(Leajht in, like Hounds) jhould Famine ,Sword,and Fire 
Crouch for employment. c But pardon , Gentles all : 
The fat vnrayfed Spirits, that hath dar'd, 
On this -unworthy Scaffold, to bring forth 
So great an Obieil. Can this Cock} Pit hold 
The mafic fields of France ? Or may we cr amine 
Within this Woodden 0, the "very Caskes 
That did affright the Ayre at Agincourt ? 
pardon : fince a crooked Figure may 
Atteft in little place a Million, 
And let <vs , Cyphers to this great Accompt, 



On your imaginarie Forces worke. 

Suppofe within the Girdle of thefe Walls 

Are now confind two mightie Monarchies , 

Whofe high ,vp-reared, and abutting Fronts, 

The peri/lous narrow Ocean parts afunder. 

Teece out our imperfetlions with your thoughts : 

Into a thoufand parts diuide one Man, 

And make imaginarie Puiffance . 

Thinke when we talke of HorJes,that you fee t/iemj 

Printing their prowd Hoofes i'th' receiuing Earth : 

For ''tis your thoughts that now mufi dec\ our Kings, 

Carry them here and there : lumping d're Times ; 

Turning th 'accomplijhment of many yeeres 

Into an Howre-glaffe : for the which fupplie , 

Admit me Chorus to this Hiilorie ; 

Who Prologue-like, your humble patience pray , 

Gently to heare, kindly to iudge our Play. 



aA5lus Primus. Sccena 'Prima. 




Enter the two TSifhops of Canterbury and Ely. 

<Bifh. Cant. 
Y Lord, He tell you, that felfe Bill Is vrg'd, 
Which in th'eleueth yere ofy laft Kings reign 
Was like, and had indeed againft vs paft, 
But that the fcambling and vnquiet time 
Did pufh it out of farther queftion. 
*BiJh.EIy. But how my Lord mall we refift it now? 
c BiJh.Cant.lt muft be thought on:if it paffe againft vs, 
We loofe the better halfe of our Poffeffion : 
For all the Temporall Lands, which men deuout 
By Teftament haue giuen to the Church, 
Would they (trip from vs ; being valu'd thus, 
As much as would maintaine,to the Kings honor, 
Full fifteene Earles, and fifteene hundred Knights, 
Six thoufand and two hundred good Efquires : 
And to reliefe of Lazars,and weake age 
Of indigent faint Soules,paft corporall toyle, 
A hundred Almes-houfes,right well fupply'd : 
And to the Coffers of the King befide, 
A thoufand pounds by th'yeere. Thus runs the Bill. 
ISijh. Ely. This would drinke deepe. 
^Bj/&.Ca«f.'Twould drinke the Cup and all. 
TiiJh.Ely. But what preuention ? 



Bifo. Cant. The King is full of grace , and faire re- 
gard. 

BiJh.S/y. And a true louer of the holy Church. 

BiJh.Cant.The courfes of his youth promis'd it not. 
The breath no fooner left his Fathers body, 
But that his wildneffe, mortify'd in him, 
Seem'd to dye too : yea, at that very moment, 
Con fideration like an Angell came, 
And whipt th'offending Adam out of him ; 
Leauing his body as a Paradife, 
T'inuelop and containe Celeftiall Spirits. 
Neuer was fuch a fodaine Scholler made: 
Neuer came Reformation in a Flood, 
With fuch a heady currance fcowring faults : 
Nor neuer Hidra-headed Wilfulneffe 
So foone did loofe his Seat ; and all at once ; 
As in this King. 

BiJh.Ely. We are bleffed in the Change. 

Bifh.Qant. Heare him but reafon in Diuinitie ; 
And all-admiring, with an inward wifh 
You would defire the King were made a Prelate : 
Heare him debate of Common-wealth Affaires ; 
You would fay, it hath been all in all his ftudy : 
Lift his difcourfe of Warre ; and you mall heare 
A fearefull Battaile rendred you in Mufique. 

h Turne 



7° 



The Life of Henry the Fift. 



Turne him to any Caufe of Pollicy, 

The Gordian Knot of it he will vnloofe, 

Familiar as his Garter : that when he fpeakes, 

The Ayre, a Charter' d Libertine, is ftill, 

And the mute Wonder lurketh in mens eares, 

To fteale his fweet and honyed Sentences: 

So that the Art and Praftique part of Life, 

Muft be the Miftreffe to this Theorique. 

Which is a wonder how his Grace fhould gleane it, 

Since his addiftion was to Courfes vaine, 

His Companies vnletter'd, rude, and fhallow, 

His Houres fill'd vp with Ryots, Banquets, Sports ; 

And neuer noted in him any ftudie, 

Any retyrement, any fequeftration, 

From open Haunts and Popularitie. 

B.Ely. The Strawberry growes vnderneath the Nettle, 
And holefome Berryes thriue and ripen beft, 
Neighbour'd by Fruit of bafer qualitie : 
And fo the Prince obfcur'd his Contemplation 
Vnder the Veyle of Wildneffe, which (no doubt) 
Grew like the Summer Graffe, fafteft by Night, 
Vnfeene, yet crefiiue in his facultie. 

"B.Cant. It muft be fo ; for Miracles are ceaft : 
And therefore we muft needes admit the meanes , 
How things are perfected. 

B.Ely. But my good Lord : 
How now for mittigation of this Bill, 
Vrg'd by the Commons ? doth his Maieftie 
Incline to it,or no ? 

B.Qant. He feemes indifferent : 
Or rather fwaying more vpon our part, 
Then cherifhing th'exhibiters againft vs: 
For I haue made an offer to his Maieftie, 
Vpon our Spirituall Conuocation, 
And in regard of Caufes now in hand, 
Which I haue open'd to his Grace at large, 
As touching France, to giue a greater Summe, 
Then euer at one time the Clergie yet 
Did to his Predeceffors part withall. 

B.Ely. How did this offer feeme receiu'd,my Lord ? 

B.Cant. With good acceptance of his Maieftie : 
Saue that there was not time enough to heare, 
As I perceiu'd his Grace would faine haue done, 
The feueralls and vnhidden paffages 
Of his true Titles to fome certaine Dukedomes, 
And generally, to the Crowne and Seat of France, 
Deriu'd from Edward, his great Grandfather. 

'B-.E/y.What was th'impediment that broke this off? 

'B.Cant. The French Embaffador vpon that inftant 
Crau'd audience ; and the howre I thinke is come, 
To giue him hearing: Is it foure a Clock? 

'B.Ely. It is. 

'B.Qant. Then goe we in, to know his Embaffie: 
Which I could with a ready gueffe declare, 
Before the Frenchman fpeake a word of it. 

'B.Ely. He wait vpon you, and I long to heare it. 
Exeunt . 
Enter the King, Humfrey, 'Bedford, Clarence , 
Wamic\, Weslmerland,and Exeter. 

.King-. Where is my gracious Lord of Canterbury f 

Exeter. Not here in prefence. 

King. Send for him, good Vnckle. 

Wefim. Shall we call in th'Ambaffador,my Liege? 

King. Not yet, my Coufin: we would be refolu'd, 
Before we heare him, of fome things of weight, 
That taske our thoughts, concerning vs and France. 



Enter two "Bifhops. 
'B.Cant. God and his Angels guard your facred Throne, 
And make you long become it. 

King. Sure we thanke you. 
My learned Lord, we pray you to proceed, 
And iuftly and religioufly vnfold, 
Why the Law &/;£*, that they haue in France, 
Or ihould or fhould not barre vs in our Clayme : 
And God forbid ,my deare and faithfull Lord, 
That you fhould fafhion, wreft, or bow your reading, 
Or nicely charge your vnderftanding Soule, 
With opening Titles mifcreate, whofe right 
Sutes not in natiue colours with the truth : 
For God doth know, how many now in health, 
Shall drop their blood, in approbation 
Of what your reuerence ihall incite vs to. 
Therefore take heed how you impawne our Perfon, 
How you awake our fleeping Sword of Warre; 
We charge you in the Name of God take heed : 
For neuer two fuch Kingdomes did contend, 
Without much fall of blood, whofe guiltlefie drops 
Are euery one,a Woe,a fore Complaint, 
'Gainft him, whofe wrongs giues edge vnto the Swords, 
That makes fuch wafte in briefe mortalitie. 
Vnder this Coniuration, fpeake my Lord : 
For we will heare, note, and beleeue in heart, 
That what you fpeake, is in your Confcience wafht, 
As pure as finne with Baptifme. 

B. Qan. Then heare me gracious Soueraign,& you Peers, 
That owe your felues,your Hues, and feruices, 
To this Imperiall Throne. There is no barre 
To make againft your Highneffe Clayme to France, 
But this which they produce from Pbaramond, 
In terrain Salicam Mulieres ne fuccedaul, 
No Woman Ihall fucceed in Saline Land : 
Which Saline Land, the French vniuftly gloze 
To be the Realme of France, and Pbaramond 
The founder of this Law, and Female Barre. 
Yet their owne Authors faithfully affirme, 
That the Land Saline is in Germanie, 
Betweene the Flouds of Sala and of Elue : 
Where Charles the Great hauing fubdu'd the Saxons, 
There left behind and fettled certaine French : 
Who holding in difdaine the German Women, 
For fome difhoneft manners of their life, 
Eftablifht then this Law; to wit, No Female 
Should be Inheritrix in Saline Land : 
Which Salike (as I faid) 'twixt Elue and Sala, 
Is at this day in Germanie, call'd Meifen. 
Then doth it well appeare, the Saline Law 
Was not deuifed for the Realme of France : 
Nor did the French poffeffe the Saline Land, 
Vntill foure hundred one and twentie yeeres 
After defunftion of King Pbaramond, 
Idly fuppos'd the founder of this Law, 
Who died within the yeere of our Redemption, 
Foure hundred twentie' fix : and Charles the Great 
Subdu'd the Saxons, and did feat the French 
Beyond the Riuer Sala, in the yeere 
Eight hundred fiue. Befides,their Writers fay, 
King Pepin, which depofed Cbilderi{e, 
Did as Heire Generall, being defcended 
Of Blithild, which was Daughter to King Clothair, 
Make Clayme and Title to the Crowne of France. 
Hugh Capet alfo, who vfurpt the Crowne 









The Life of Henry the Fift. 



7 1 



Of Charles the Duke of Loraine, fole Heire male 

Of the true Line and Stock of Charles the Great: 

To find his Title with fome ftiewes of truth, 

Though in pure truth it was corrupt and naught, 

Conuey'd himfelfe as th'Heire to th' Lady Lingare, 

Daughter to Chariema'me , who was the Sonne 

To Lewes the Ernperour,and Lewes the Sonne 

Of Charles the Great: alio King Levies the Tenth, 

Who was fole Heire to the Vlurper Capet, 

Could not keepe quiet in his confcience, 

Wearing the Crowne of France/till fatisfied, 

That faire Queene Ifaie/,hk Grandmother, 

Was Lineall of the Lady Ermengare, 

Daughter to Charles the forefaid Duke of Loraine : 

By the which Marriage,the Lyne of Charles the Great 

Was re-vnited to the Crowne of France. 

So, that as cleare as is the Summers Sunne, 

King fepins Title, and Hugh Capets Clayme, 

King Lewes his fatisfaction, all appeare 

To hold in Right and Title of the Female : 

So doe the Kings of France vnto this day. 

Howbeit,they would hold vp this Salique Law, 

To barre your Highneffe clayming from the Female, 

And rather chufe to hide them in a Net, 

Then amply to imbarre their crooked Titles, 

Vfurpt from you and your Progenitors. 

King.May I with right and confcience make this claim ? 

Bijh. Cant. The finne vpon my head, dread Soueraigne : 
For in the Booke of Numbers is it writ, 
When the man dyes, let the Inheritance 
Defcend vnto the Daughter. Gracious Lord, 
Stand for your owne,vnwind your bloody Flagge, 
Looke back into your mightie Anceftors: 
Goe my dread Lord, to your great Grandfires Tombe, 
From whom you clayme ; inuoke his Warlike Spirit, 
And your Great Vnckles, Edward the Black Prince, 
Who on the French ground play'd a Tragedie, 
Making defeat on the full Power of France : 
Whiles his moft mightie Father on a Hill 
Stood fouling, to behold his Lyons Whelpe 
Forrage in blood of French Nobilitie. 
O Noble Englifh, that could entertaine 
With halfe their Forces, the full pride of France, 
And let another halfe ftand laughing by, 
All out of worke, and cold for action. 

'Bijh. Awake remembrance of thefe valiant dead, 
And with your puiffant Arme renew their Feats ; 
You are their Heire, you fit vpon their Throne : 
The Blood and Courage that renowned them, 
Runs in your Veines : and my thrice-puiffant Liege 
Is in the very May-Morne of his Youth, 
Ripe for Exploits and mightie Enterprifes. 

Exe. Your Brother Kings and Monarchs of the Earth 
Doe all expect, that you ihould rowfe your felfe, 
As did the former Lyons of your Blood. (might; 

Weft. They know your Grace hath caufe,and means, and 
So hath your Highneffe : neuer King of England 
Had Nobles richer, and more loyall Subjects, 
Whofe hearts haue left their bodyes here in England, 
And lye pauillion'd in the fields of France. 

'Bijh. Can. O let their bodyes follow my deare Liege 
With Bloods,and Sword and Fire, to win your Right : 
In ayde whereof, we of the Spiritualtie 
Will rayfe your Highneffe fuch a mightie Summe, 
As neuer did the Clergie at one time 
Bring in to any of your Anceftors. 



407 



King. We muft not onely arme t'inuade the French, 
But lay downe our proportions, to defend 
Againft the Scot,who will make roade vpon vs, 
With all aduantages. 

Bijh. Can. They of thofe Marches, gracious Soueraign, 
Shall be a Wall fufficient to defend 
Our in-land from the pilfering Borderers. 

King. We do not meane the courfing fnatchers onely, 
But feare the maine intendment of the Scot, 
Who hath been ftill a giddy neighbour to vs: 
For you (hall reade, that my great Grandfather 
Neuer went with his forces into France, 
But that the Scot, on his vnfurniiht Kingdome, 
Came pouring like the Tyde into a breach, 
With ample and brim fulneffe of his force, 
Galling the gleaned Land with hot Affayes, 
Girding with grieuous fiege , Caftles and Townes: 
That England being emptie of defence, 
Hath fhooke and trembled at th'ill neighbourhood. 
B.Can. She hath bin the more fear'd the harm'd, my Liege: 
For heare her but exampl'd by her felfe, 
When all her Cheualrie hath been in France, 
And ihee a mourning Widdow of her Nobles, 
Shee hath her felfe not onely well defended, 
But taken and impounded as a Stray, 
The King of Scots: whom ihee did fend to France, 
To fill King Edwards fame with prifoner Kings, 
And make their Chronicle as rich with prayfe, 
As is the Owfe and bottome of the Sea 
With funken Wrack, and fum-leffe Treafuries. 

Bijh. Ely. But there's a faying very old and true, 
If that you will France win , then with Scotland first begia. 
For once the Eagle (England) being in prey, 
To her vnguarded Neft,the Weazell (Scot) 
Comes fneaking,and fo fucks her Princely Egges, 
Playing the Moufe in abfence of the Cat, 
To tame and hauocke more then fhe can eate. 

Exet. It followes theu, the Cat muft ftay at home, 
Yet that 'is but a crufh'd necefsity, 
Since we haue lockes to fafegard neceffaries, 
And pretty traps to catch the petty theeues . 
While that the Armed hand doth fight abroad, 
Th'aduifed head defends it felfe at home: 
For Gouernment, though high, and low, and lower, 
Put into p3rts,doth keepe in one confent, 
Congreeing in a full and natural clofe, 
Like Muficke. 

Cant. Therefore doth heauen diuide 
The ftate of man in diuers functions, 
Setting endeuour in continual motion: 
To which is fixed as an ayme or butt, 
Obedience: for fo worke the Hony Bees, 
Creatures that by a rule in Nature teach . 
The Act of Order to a peopled Kingdome. 
They haue a King, and Officers of forts, 
Where fome like Magiftrates correct at home: 
Others, like Merchants venter Trade abroad: 
Others, like Souldiers armed in their flings, 
Make boote vpon the Summers Veluet buddes: 
Which pillage, they with merry march bring home 
To the Tent-royal of their Emperor : 
Who bufied in his Maiefties furueyes 
The tinging Mafons building rooles of Gold, 
The ciuil Citizens kneading vp the hony ; 
The poore Mechanicke Porters, crowding in 
Their heauy burthens at his narrow gate : 

h 2 The 



72 



The Life of Henry the Fift. 



The fad-ey'd Iuftlce with his furly humme, 

Deliuering ore to Executors pale 

The lazie yawning Drone : I this inferre, 

That many things hauing full reference 

To one confent,may worke contrarioufly, 

As many Arrowes loofed feuerall wayes 

Come to one marke : as many wayes meet in one towne, 

As many frefh ftreames meet in one fait fea j 

As many Lynes clofe in the Dials center : 

So may a thoufand actions once a foote, 

And in one purpofe, and be all well borne 

Without defeat. Therefore to France, my Liege, 

Diuide your happy England into foure, 

Whereof, take you one quarter into France, 

And you withall mall make all Gallia make. 

If we with thrice fuch powers left at home, 

Cannot defend our owne doores from the dogge, 

Let vs be worried, and our Nation lofe 

The name of hardineffe and policie. 

King. Call in the MefTengers fent from the Dolphin. 
Now are we well refolu'd, and by Gods helpe 
And yours, the noble finewes of our power, 
France being ours, wee'l bend it to our Awe, 
Or breake it all to peeces. Or there wee'l fit, 
(Ruling in large and ample Emperie, 
Ore France, and all her (almoft) Kingly Dukedomes) 
Or lay thefe bones in an vnworthy Vrne, 
Tomblefte, with no remembrance ouer them : 
Either our Hiftory fhall with full mouth 
Speake freely of our Acts, or elfe our graue 
Like Turkiih mute, fhall haue a tonguelefle mouth, 
Not worfhipt with a waxen Epitaph. 

Enter Ambaffadors of France. 
Now are we well prepared to know the pleafure 
Of our faire Cofin Dolphin : for we heare, 
Your greeting is from him, not from the King. 

Amb. May't pleale your Maieftie to giue vs leaue 
Freely to render what we haue in charge : 
Or fhall we fparingly mew you farre off 
The Dolphins meauing, and our Embalsie. 

King. We are no Tyrant, but a Chriftian King, 
Vnto whofe grace our pafsion is as fubiedt 
As is our wretches fettred in our prifons, 
Therefore with franke and with vncurbed plainneffe, 
Tell vs the Dolphins minde. 

Amb. Thus than in few : 
Your Highneffe lately fending into France, 
Did claime fome certaine Dukedomes, in the right 
Of your great PredecefTor, King Edward the third. 
In anfwer of which claime, the Prince our Matter 
Sayes,that you fauour too much of your youth, 
And bids you be aduis'd : There's nought in France, 
That can be with a nimble Galliard wonne : 
You cannot reuell into Dukedomes there. 
He therefore fends you meeter for your fpirit 
This Tun of Treafure; and in lieu of this, 
Defires you let the dukedomes that you claime 
Heare no more of you. This the Dolphin fpeakes. 

King. What Treafure Vncle r 

Bxe. Tennis balles, my Liege. 

Kin, We are glad the Dolphin is fo pleafant with vs, 
His Prefent, and your paines we thanke you for : 
When we haue matcht our Rackets to thefe Balles, 
We will in France (by Gods grace) play a fet, 
Shall ftrike his fathers Crowne into the hazard. 
Tell him, he hath made a match with fuch a Wrangler, 



That all the Courts of France will be difturb'd 

With Chaces, And we vnderftand him well, 

How he comes o're vs with our wilder dayes, 

Not meafuring what vfe we made of them. 

We neuer valew'd this poore feate of England, 

And therefore liuing hence, did giue our felfe 

To barbarous licenfe : As 'tis euer common, 

That men are merrieft, when they are from home. 

But tell the Tlolphin, I will keepe my State, 

Be like a King, and fhew my fayle of GreatnefTe, 

When I do rowfe me in my Throne of France. 

For that I haue layd by my Maieftie, 

And plodded like a man for working dayes : 

But I will rife there with fo full a glorie, 

That I will dazle all the eyes of France, 

Yea ftrike the Dolphin blinde to looke on vs, 

And tell the pleafant Prince, this Mocke of his 

Hath turn'd his balles to Gun-ftones, and his foule 

Shall ftand fore charged, for the waftefull vengeance • 

That mail flye with them : for many a thoufand widows 

Shall this his Mocke, mocke out of their deer hnsbands; 

Mocke mothers from their fonnes,mock Caftles downe: 

And fome are yet vngotten and vnborne, 

That lhal haue caufe to curfe the Dolphins fcorne. 

But this lyes all within the wil of God, 

To whom I do appeale, and in whofe name 

Tel you the 'Dolphin, I am comming on, 

To venge me as I may, and to put forth 

My rightfull hand in a wel-hallow'd caufe. 

So get you hence in peace : And tell the Dolphin, 

His left will fauour but of /hallow wit, 

When thoufands weepe more then did laugh at it. 

Conuey them with ftfe conduct. Fare you well. 

Exeunt Ambaffadors. 

Exe. This was a merry MefTage. 

King. We hope to make the Sender blufh at it : 
Therefore, my Lords, omit no happy howre, 
That may giue furth'rance to our Expedition: 
For we haue now no thought in vs but France, 
Saue thofe to God, that runne before our bufineffe. 
Therefore let our proportions for thefe Warres 
Be foone collected, and all things thought vpon, 
That may with reafonable fwiftnefTe adde 
More Feathers to our Wings : for God before, 
Wee'le chide this Dolphin at his fathers doore. 
Therefore let euery man now taske his thought, 
That this faire Action may on foot be brought. Exeunt. 

Flourijh. Enter Choral. 
Now all the Youth of England are on fire, 
And filken Dalliance in the Wardrobe lyes : 
Now thriue the Armorers, and Honors thought 
Reignes folely in the breaft of euery man. 
They fell the Pafture now, to buy the Horfe; 
Following the Mirror of all Chriftian Kings, 
With winged heeles,as Englilh Mercuries. 
For now fits Expectation in the Ayre, 
And hides a Sword, from Hilts vnto the Point, 
With Crownes Imperiall, Crownes and Coronets, 
Promis'd to Harry, and his followers. 
The French aduis'd by good intelligence 
Of this moft dreadfull preparation, 
Shake in their feare,and with pale Pollicy 
Seeke to diuert the Englilh purpofes. 
O England: Modell to thy inward GreatnefTe, 
Like little Body with a mightie Heart: 



The Life of Henry the Fift. 



73 



What mightft thou do, that honour would thee do, 

Were all thy children kinde and naturall : 

But fee, thy fault France hath in thee found out, 

A neft of hollow bofomes, which he filles 

With treacherous Crownes, and three corrupted men: 

One, Richard Earle of Cambridge, and the fecond 

Henry Lord Scroope of <J\faJham, and the third 

Sir nomas Grey Knight of Northumberland, 

Haue for the Gilt of France (O guilt indeed) 

Confirm'd Confpiracy with fearefull France, 

And by their hands, this grace of Kings muft dye. 

If Hell and Treafon hold their promifes, 

Ere he take (hip for France ; and in Southampton. 

Linger your patience on, and wee'l digeft 

Th'abufe of diftance; force a play: 

The fumme is payde, the Traitors are agreed, 

The King is fet from London, and the Scene 

Is now tranfported (Gentles) to Southampton, 

There is the Play-houfe now, there muft you fit, 

And thence to France Ihall we conuey you fafe, 

And bring you backe : Charming the narrow feas 

To giue you gentle Pafle : for if we may, 

Wee'l not offend one ftomacke with our Play. 

But till the King come forth, and not till then, 

Vnto Southampton do we lhift our Scene. Exit 

Enter Corpora/1 Nym, and Lieutenant'Bardolfe. 

'Bar. Well met Corporall Nym. 

Nym. Good morrow Lieutenant "Bardolfe. 

Bar. What, are Ancient Pijioll and you friends yet ? 

Nym. For my part, I care not : I fay little : but when 
time fliall ferue, there fliall be fmiles, but that fliall be as 
it may. I dare not fight, but 1 will winke and holde out 
mine yron : it is a fimple one, but what though ? It will 
tofte Cheefe, and it will endure cold, as another mans 
fword will : and there's an end. 

'Bar. I will beftow a breakfaft to make you friendes, 
and wee'l bee all three fworne brothers to France: Let't 
be fo good Corporall Nym. 

Nym. Faith, I will Hue fo long as I may, that's the cer- 
taine of it : and when I cannot hue any longer, I will doe 
as I may : That is my reft, that is the rendeuous of it. 

"Bar. It is certaine Corporall, that he is marryed to 
Nell Quickly, and certainly flie did you wrong, for you 
were troth-plight to her. 

Nym. I cannot tell, Things muft be as they may:men 
may fleepe, and they may haue their throats about them 
at that time, and fome fay, kniues haue edges : It muft 
be as it may, though patience be a tyred name, yet fliee 
will plodde, there muft be Conclufions, well, I cannot 
tell. 

Enter fiftoll, & Quickly. 
Bar. Heere comes Ancient Pijioll and his wife: good 
Corporall be patient heere. How now mine Hoafte Pi- 
jioll? 

Piji. Bafe Tyke, cal'ft thou mee Hofte, now by this 
hand I fweare I fcorne the terme : nor fliall my Net keep 
Lodgers. 

Ho/l.No by my troth, not long: For we cannot lodge 
and board a dozen or fourteene Gentlewomen that liue 
honeftly by the pricke of their Needles, but it will bee 
thought we keepe a Bawdy-houfe ftraight. O welliday 
Lady, if he be not hewne now, we ihall fee wilful adulte- 
ry and murther committed. 

Bar. Good Lieutenant, good Corporal offer nothing 
heere. Nym. Pifli. 



409 



PiJl. Pifli for thee, Illand dogge : thou prickeard cur 
oflfiand. 

Hoji. Good Corporall Nym fliew thy valor, and put 
vp your fword. 

Nym. Will you fliogge off? I would haue you folus. 

Piji. Solus, egregious dog ? O Viper vile ; The folus 
in thy molt meruailous face, the folus in thy teeth, and 
in thy throate, and in thy hatefull Lungs,yea in thy Maw 
perdy 5 and which is. worfe, within thy naftie mouth. I 
do retort the folus in thy bowels, for I can take, and Pi- 
Jiols cocke is vp, and flashing fire will follow. 

Nym. I am not 'Bariafon, you cannot coniure mee : I 
haue an humor to knocke you indifferently well : If you 
grow fowle with me Piftoll, I will fcoure you with my 



as I may, in fayre 



If you would walke 



oft", I would pricke your guts a little in good tearmes, as 
I may, and that's the humor of it. 

Piji. O Braggard vile, and damned furious wight, 
The Graue doth gape, and doting death is neere, 
Therefore exhale. 

'Bar. Heare me, heare me what I fay: Hee that ftrikes 
the firft ftroake, He run him vp to the hilts, as I am a fol- 
dier. 

Piji. An oath of mickle might,and fury Ihall abate. 
Giue me thy fift, thy fore-foote to me giue: Thy fpirites 
are moft tall. 

Nym. I will cut thy throate one time or other in faire" 
termes, that is the humor of it. 

Pijioll. Couple a gorge, that is the word. I defie thee a- 
gaine.O hound of Creet, think'ft thou my fpoufe to get ? 
No, to the fpittle goe, and from the Poudring tub of in- 
famy, fetch forth the Lazar Kite of Crejfids kinde, Doll 
Teare-Jheete, flie by name, and her efpoule. I haue, and I 
will hold the Quondam Quickly for the onely fliee : and 
Pauca, there's enough to go to. 
Enter the Boy. 

'Boy. Mine Hoaft Tiftoll, you muft come to my May- 
fter, and your Hoftefie:He is very ficke,& would to bed. 
Good Bardolfe, put thy face betweene his Iheets, and do 
the Office of a Warming-pan : Faith, he's very ill. 

'Bard. Away you Rogue. 

Hoji. By my troth he'l yeeld the Crow a pudding one 
of thefe dayes: the King has kild his heart. Good Huf- 
band come home prefently. Exit 

Bar. Come, Ihall I make you two friends. Wee muft 
to France together:why the diuel fliould we keep kniues 
to cut one anothers throats ? 

Piji. Let floods ore-fwell, and fiends for food howle 
on. 

Nym. You'l pay me the eight millings I won of you 
at Betting? 

Tift. Bafe is the Slaue that payes. 

Nym. That now I wil haue: that's the humor of it. 

Piji. As manhood flial compoundipufli home. Draw 

Bard. By this fword, hee that makes the firft thruft, 
He kill him : By this fword, I wil. 

Pi. Sword is an Oath,& Oaths muft haue their courfe 

Bar. Coporall Nym, Si thou wilt be friends be frends, 
and thou wilt not, why then be enemies with me to:pre- 
thee put vp. 

Fiji. A Noble malt thou haue, and prefent pay, and 
Liquor likewife will I giue to thee, and friendfhippe 
ihall combyne, and brotherhood. He liue by Nymme,Sc 
Nymme Ihall liue by me, is not this iuft ? For I lhal Sut- 
ler be vnto the Campe, and profits will accrue. Giue mee 
thy hand. 

h 3 Nym. 



74 



The Life of Henry the Fift. 



Nym. I fhall haue my Noble? 

Pift. In cam, moft iuftly payd. 

Nym. Well, then that the humor oft. 
Enter Hofteffe. 

Hoft, As euer you come of women, come in quickly 
to fir lobn : A poore heart, hee is fo fhak'd of a burning 
quotidian Tertian, that it is moft lamentable to behold. 
Sweet men, come to him. 

Nym. The King hath run bad humors on the Knight, 
that's the euen of it. 

"Pift. Nym, thou haft fpoke the right, his heart is fra- 
fted and corroborate. 

Nym. The King is a good King, but it muft bee as it 
may : he pafles fome humors, and carreeres. 

Pift. Let vs condole the Knight, for (Lambekins) we 
will liue. 

Enter Exeter, Bedford, & Weftmerland. 

*Bed Fore God his Grace is bold to truft thefe traitors 

Exe. They /hall be apprehended by and by. 
Weft.Hov/ fmooth and euen they do bear themfelues, 
As if allegeance in their bofomes fate 
Crowned with faith, and conftant loyalty. 

Bed. The King hath note of all that they intend, 
By interception, which they dreame not of. 

Exe. Nay, but the man that was his bedfellow, 
Whom he hath dull'd and cloy'd with gracious fauours ; 
That he mould for a forraigne purfe, fo fell 
His Soueraignes life to death and treachery. 

Sound Trumpets. 
Enter the King, Scroope, Cambridge, and Gray. 

King. Now fits the winde faire, and we will aboord. 
My Lord of Cambridge, and my kinde Lord of Majham, 
And you my gentle Knight, giue me your thoughts: 
Thinke you not that the powres we beare with vs 
Will cut their paflage through the force of France ? 
Doing the execution, and the afte, 
For which we haue in head affembled them. 

Scro. No doubt my Liege, if each man do his beft. 

King. I doubt not that, fince we are well perfwaded 
We carry not a heart with vs from hence, 
That growes not in a faire confent with ours: 
Nor leaue not one behinde, that doth not wiih 
Succefie and Conqueft to attend on vs. 

Cam. Neuer was Monarch better fear'd and lou'd, 
Then is your Maiefty ; there's not I thinke a fubieft 
That fits in heart-greefe and vneafineffe 
Vnder the iweet fhade of your gouernment. 

Kni. True : thofe that were your Fathers enemies, 
Haue fteep'd their gauls in hony, and do feme you 
With hearts create of duty, and of zeale. 

King. We therefore haue great caufe of thankfulnes, 
And Ihall forget the office of our hand 
Sooner then quittance of defert and merit, 
According to the weight and worthineffe. 

Scro. So feruice fiiall with fteeled finewes toyle, 
And labour fhall refrefh it felfe with hope 
To do your Grace inceiTant feruices. 

King. We Iudge no lefle. Vn kle of Exeter, 
Inlarge the man committed yefterday, 
That rayl'd againft our perfon: We confider 
It was excefTe of Wine that fet him on, 
And on his more aduice, We pardon him. 

Scro. That's mercy, but too mueh fecurity : 
Let him be punifh'd Soueraigne, leaft example 
Breed (by his fufferance) more of fuch a kind. 

King. O let vsyet be mercifull. 



Cam. So may your Highnefie,and yet puniih too. 

Grey. Sir, you fhew great mercy if you giue him life, 
After the tafte of much correftion. 

King. Alas, your too much loue and care of me, 
Are heauy Orifons 'gainft this poore wretch: 
If little faults proceeding on diftemper, 
Shall not be wink'd at, how mall we ftretch our eye 
When capitall crimes, chew'd, fwallow'd, and digefted, 
Appeare before vs ? Wee'l yet inlarge that man, 
Though Cambridge, Scroope, and Gray, in their deere care 
And tender preferuation of our perfon 
Wold haue him punifiYd.And now to our French caufes, 
Who are the late Commiffioners ? 

Cam. I one my Lord, 
Your Highneffe bad me aske for it to day. 

Scro. So did you me my Liege. 

Gray. And I my Royall Soueraigne. 

King.Then RichardEar\e of Cambridge, there is yours: 
There yours Lord Scroope of ^tajham, and Sir Knight : 
Gray of Northumberland, this fame is yours : 
Reade them, and know I know your worthineiTe. 
My Lord of Weftmerland, and Vnkle Exeter, 
We will aboord to night. Why how now Gentlemen ? 
What fee you in thofe papers, that you loofe 
So much complexion ? Looke ye how they change : 
Their cheekes are paper. Why, what reade you there, 
That haue fo cowarded and chac'd your blood 
Out of apparance. 

Cam. I do confeiTe my fault, 
And do fubmit me to your HighneiTe mercy. 

Gray. Scro. To which we all appeale. 

King. The mercy that was quicke in vs but late, 
By your owne counfaile is fuppreft and kill'd : 
You muft not dare (for fhame)to talke of mercy, 
For your owne reafons turne into your bofomes, 
As dogs vpon their maifters, worrying you : 
See you my Princes, and my Noble Peeres, 
Thefe Englifh monfters : My Lord of Cambridge heere, 
You know how apt our loue was, to accord 
To furnifh with all appertinents 
Belonging to his Honour; and this man, 
Hath for a few light Crownes, lightly confpir'd 
And fworne vnto the praftifes of France 
To kill vs heere in Hampton. To the which, 
This Knight no lefie for bounty bound to Vs 
Then Cambridge is, hath likewife fworne. But O, 
What ihall I fay to thee Lord Scroope,thou cruell, 
Ingratefull, fauage,and inhumane Creature? 
Thou that didft beare the key of all my counfailes, 
That knew'ft the very bottome of my foule, 
That (almoft ) might'ft haue coyn'd me into Golde, 
Would'ft thou haue pra&is'd on me, for thy vfe ? 
May it be pofsible, that forraigne hyer 
Could out of thee extract: one fparke of euill 
That might annoy my finger ? 'Tis fo ftrange, 
That though the truth of it ftands off as groffe 
As blacke and white, my eye will fcarfely fee it. 
Treafon,and murther, euer kept together, 
As two yoake diuels fworne to eytbers purpofe, 
Working fo groffely in an naturall caufe, 
That admiration did not hoope at them. 
But thou (gainft all proportion) didft bring in 
Wonder to waite on treafon, and on murther : 
And whatfoeuer cunning fiend it was 
That wrought vpon thee fo prepofteroully, 
Hath got the voyce in hell for excellence : 

And 

410 






The Life of Henry the Fift. 



75 



And other diuels that fuggeft by treafons, 

Do botch and bungle vp damnation, 

With patches, colours, and with formes being fetcht 

From glift'ring femblances of piety : 

But he that temper' d thee, bad thee ftand vp, 

Gaue thee no inftance why thou fhouldft do treafon, 

VnlefTe to dub thee with the name of Traitor. 

If that fame Daemon that hath gull'd thee thus, 

Should with his Lyon-gate walke the whole world, 

He might returne to vaftie Tartar backe, 

And tell the Legions, I can neuer win 

A foule fo eafie as that Englifhmans. 

Oh, how haft thou with iealoufie infected 

The fweetneffe of affiance? Shew men dutiful!, 

Why fo didft thou : feeme they graue and learned ? 

Why fo didft thou. Come they of Noble Family ? 

Why fo didft thou.Seeme they religious ? 

Why fo didft thou. Or are they fpare in diet, 

Free from groffe pafsion, or of mirth, or anger, 

Conftant in fpirit, not fweruing with the blood, 

Garnifti'd and deck'd in modeft complement, 

Not working with the eye, without the eare, 

And but in purged judgement trufting neither, 

Such and fo finely boulted didft thou feeme: 

And thus thy fall' hath left a kinde of blot, 

To make thee full fraught man, and beft indued 

With fome fufpition, I will weepe for thee. 

For this reuolt of thine, me thinkes is like 

Another fall of Man. Their faults are open, 

Arreft them to the anfwer of the Law, 

And God acquit them of their pracYifes. 

Exe. I arreft thee of High Treafon, by the name of 
Richard Earle of Cambridge . 

I arreft thee of High Treafon, by the name of Thomcu 
Lord Scroope of zMarfiam. 

1 arreft thee of High Treafon by the name otThomat 
Grey, Knight of Northumberland. 

Scro. Our purpofes, God iuftly hath difcouer'd, 

And I repent my fault more then my death, 
Which 1 befeech your Highneffe to forgiue, 

Although my body pay the price of it. 

Cam. For me, the Gold of France did not feduce, 

Although I did admit it as a motiue, 

The fooner to effect what I intended : 

But God be thanked for preuention, 

Which in fufferance heartily will reioyce, 

Befeeching God, and you, to pardon mee. 

Gray. Neuer did fkithfull fubieft more reioyce 

At the difcouery of molt dangerous Treafon, 

Then I do at this houre ioy ore my felfe, 

Pveuented from a damned enterprize ; 

My fault, but not my body, pardon Soueraigne. 

King. God quit you in his mercy: Hear your fentence 

You haue confpir'd againft Our Royall perfon, 

Ioyn'd with an enemy proclaim'd,and from his Coffers, 

Receyu'd the Golden Earneft of Our death : 

Wherein you would haue fold your King to /laughter, 

His Princes, and his Peeres to feruitude, 

His Subjects to opprefsion, and contempt, 

And his whole Kingdome into defolation : 

Touching our perfon, feeke we no reuenge, 

But we our Kingdomes fafety uiuft fo tender, 

Whofe ruine you fought, that to her Lawes 

We do deliuer you. Get you therefore hence, 

(Poore miferable wretches )to your death: 

The tafte whereof, God of his mercy giue 



You patience to indure, and true Repentance 
Of all your deare offences. Beare them hence. Exit. 

Now Lords for France : the enterprife whereof 
Shall be to you as vs,like glorious. 
We doubt not of a faire and luckie Warre, 
Since God fo gracioufly hath brought to light 
This dangerous Treafon, lurking in our way, 
To hinder our beginnings. We doubt not now, 
But euery Rubbe is fmoothed on our way. 
Then forth, deare Countreymen : Let vs deliuer 
Our Puiffance into the hand of God, 
Putting it ftraight in expedition. 
Chearely to Sea, the fignes of Warre aduance, 
No King of England, if not King of France. FlouriJh. 

Enter Piftoll, Nim,<Bardolpb, "Boy , and HofteJJe. 
HofteJJe. 'Prythee honey fweet Husband, let me bring 
thee to Staines. 

Piftoll. No : for my manly heart doth erne. 'Bardolpb, 
be blythe : Nim, rowfe thy vaunting Veines: Boy, brifsle 
thy Courage vp : for Faljlaffe hee is dead, and wee muft 
erne therefore. 

"Bard. Would I were with him, wherefomere hee is, 
eyther in Heauen,or in Hell. 

HofteJJe. Nay fure, hee's not in Hell : hee's in Arthurs 
Bofome,if euer man went to Arthurs Bofome : a made a 
finer end, and went away and it had beene any Chriftome 
Child: a parted eu'n iuft betweene Twelue and One, eu'ii 
at the turning o'th'Tyde: for after I faw him fumble with 
the Sheets,and play with Flowers, and fmile vpon his fin- 
gers end, I knew there was but one way: for his Nofe was 
as fharpe as a Pen, and a Table of greene fields. How now 
Sir Iobn (quoth I ? ) what man ? be a good cheare : fo a 
cryed out, God, God, God, three or foure times : now I, 
to comfort him, bid him a mould not thinke of God ; I 
hop'd there was no neede to trouble himielfe with any 
fuch thoughts yet : fo a bad me lay more Clothes on his 
feet : I put my hand into the Bed, and felt them, and they 
were as cold as any ftone : then I felt to his knees, and fo 
vp-peer'd,and vp ward, and all was as cold as any ftone. 
Nim. They fay he cryed out of Sack. 
HofteJJe. I, that a did. 
'Bard. And of Women. 
HofteJJe. Nay, that a did not. 

Boy. Yes that a did, and faid they were Deules incar- 
nate. 

Woman. A could neuer abide Carnation, 'twas a Co- 
lour he neuer lik'd. 

'Boy. A faid once, the Deule would haue him about 
Women. 

HofteJJe. A did in fome fort(indeed)handle Women: 
but then hee was rumatique, and talk'd of the Whore of 
Babylon. 

'Boy. Doe you not remember a faw a" Flea fticke vpon 
Bardolphs Nofe, and a faid it was a blacke Soule burning 
in Hell. 

Bard. Well, the fuell is gone that mainta'm'd that fire: 
that's all the Riches 1 got in his feruice. 

Nim. Shall wee fhogg? the King will be gone from 
Southampton. 

Pift. Come,let's away. My Loue,giue me thy Lippes : 
Looke to my Chattels, and my Moueables : Let Sences 
rule : The world is, Pitch and pay: truft none: for Oathes 
are Strawes, mens Faiths are Wafer-Cakes, and hold-faft 
is the onely Dogge : My Ducke, therefore Caueto bee' 
thy Counfailor. Goe , cleare thy Chryftalls. Yoke- 
fellowes in Armes , let vs to France , like Horfe- 

leeches 



7 6 



The Life of Henry the Fift. 



leeches my Boyes, to fucke, to fucke, the very blood to 
fucke. 

'Boy. And that's but vnwholefome food, they fay. 

Tift. Touch her foft mouth, and march. 

Bard. Far well Hofteffe. 

Nim. I cannot kifie , that is the humor of it : but 
adieu. 

Pift. Let Hufwiferie appeare : keepe clofe , I thee 
command. 

Hofteffe. Farwell: adieu. Exeunt 

Flour'ijh. 
Enter the French King, the Dolphin, the Du\fi 
of 'Berry and 'Britaine. 
King. Thus comes the Englifh with full power vpon vs, 
And more then carefully it vs concernes, 
To anfwer Royally in our defences. 
Therefore the Dukes of Berry and of Britaine, 
Of Brabant and of Orleance.fhall make forth, 
And you Prince Dolphin,with all fwift difpatch 
To lyne and new repayre our Townes of Warre 
With men of courage, and with meanes defendant: 
For England his approaches makes as fierce, 
As Waters to the fucking of a Gulfe. 
It fits vs then to be as prouident, 
As feare may teach vs,out of late examples 
Left by the fatall and neglected Englifh, 
Vpon our fields. 

Dolphin. My moft redoubted Father, 
It is moft meet we arme vs 'gainft the Foe : 
For Peace it felfe mould not fo dull a Kingdome, 
(Though War nor no knowne Quarrel were in queftion) 
But that Defences, Mufters, Preparations, 
Should be maintain'd,afTembled,and collected, 
As were a Warre in expectation. 
Therefore I fay, 'tis meet we all goe forth, 
To view the fick and feeble parts of France : 
And let vs doe it with no fhew of feare, 
No, with no more, then if we heard that England 
Were bufied with a Whitfon Morris-dance : 
For, my good Liege, fbee is fo idly King'd, 
Her Scepter fo phantaftically borne, 
By a vaine giddie ihallow humorous Youth, 
That feare attends her not. 

ConSt. O peace, Prince Dolphin, 
You are too much miftaken in this King : 
Queftion your Grace the late EmbafTadors, 
With what great State he heard their Embaffie, 
How well fupply'd with Noble Councellors, 
How modeft in exception ; and withall, 
How terrible in conftant refolution : 
And you mail find, his Vanities fore-fpent, 
Were but the out-fide of the Roman Brutus, 
Couering Difcretion with a Coat of Folly ; 
As Gardeners doe with Ordure hide thofe Roots 
That mail firft fpring,and be moft delicate. 

Dolphin. Well, 'tis not fo,my Lord High Conftable. 
But though we thinke it fo,it is no matter : 
In cafes of defence,'tis beft to weigh 
The Enemie more mightie then he feemes, 
So the proportions of defence are fill'd : 
Which of a weake and niggardly proiection, 
Doth like a Mifer fpoyle his Coat, with fcanting 
A little Cloth. 

King. Thinke we King Harry ftrong : 
And Princes, looke you ftrongly arme to meet him. 
The Kindred of him hath beene flefht vpon vs : 



And he is bred out of that bloodie ftraine, 
That haunted vs in our familiar Pathes : 
Witneffe our too much memorable fhame, 
When CrefTy Battell fatally was ftrucke, 
And all our Princes captiu'd,by the hand 
Of that black Nam e,Edn>ard, black Prince of Wales : 
Whiles that his Mountaine Sire, on Mountaine ftanding 
Vp in the Ayre, crown'd with the Golden Sunne, 
Saw his Heroicall Seed, and fmil'd to fee him 
Mangle the Worke of Nature, and deface 
The Patternes,that by God and by French Fathers 
Had twentie yeeres been made. This is a Stem 
Of that Victorious Stock : and let vs feare 
The Natiue mightineffe and fate of him. 
Enter a (Mejfenger. 
oMeJf. EmbafTadors from Harry King of England, 
Doe craue admittance to your Maieftie. 

King. Weele giue them prefent audience. 
Goe, and bring them. 
You fee this Chafe is hotly followed, friends. 

Dolphin. Turne head, and flop purfuit:for coward Dogs 
Moft fpend their mouths,whe what they feem to threaten 
Runs farre before them. Good my Soueraigne 
Take vp the Englifh fhort,and let them know 
Of what a Monarchie you are the Head : 
Selfe-loue,my Liege, is not fo vile a finne, 
As felfe-negledting. 

Enter Exeter. 
King. From our Brother of England ? 
Exe. From him, and thus he greets your Maieftie : 
He wills you in the Name of God Almightie, 
That you deueft your felfe, and lay apart 
The borrowed Glories, that by gift of Heauen, 
By Law of Nature, and of Nations, longs 
To him and to his Heires, namely, the Crowne, 
And all wide-ftretched Honors, that pertaine 
By Cuftome, and the Ordinance of Times, 
Vnto the Crowne of France : that you may know 
'Tis no finifter, nor no awk-ward Clayme, 
Pickt from the worme-holes of long-vanifht dayes, 
Nor from the duft of old Obliuion rakt, 
He fends you this moft memorable Lyne, 
In euery Branch truly demonftratiue ; 
Willing you ouer-looke this Pedigree : 
And when you find him euenly deriu'd 
From his moft fam'd, of famous Anceftors, 
Edward the third ; he bids you then refigne 
Your Crowne and Kingdome, indirectly held 
From him, the Natiue and true Challenger. 
King. Or elfe what followes? 

Exe. Bloody conftraint : for if you hide the Crowne 
Euen in your hearts, there will he rake for it. 
Therefore in fierce Temped is he comming, 
In Thunder and in Earth-quake, like a hue: 
That if requiring faile,he will compell. 
And bids you, in the Bowels of the Lord, 
Deliuer vp the Crowne, and to take mercie 
On the poore Soules,for whom this hungry Warre 
Opens his vaftie Iawesiand on your head 
Turning the Widdowes Teares, the Orphans Cryes, 
The dead-mens Blood, the priuy Maidens Groanes, 
For Husbands, Fathers, and betrothed Louers, 
That fhall be fwallowed in this Controuerfie. 
This is his Clayme, his Threatning,and my Mefiage : 
Vnlefl'e the Dolphin be in prefence here ; 
To whom expreflely I bring greeting to. 

King. For 



The Life of Henry the Fift. 



77 



King. For vs,we will confider of this further: 
To morrow lhall you beare our full intent 
Back to "our Brother of England. 

Dolph. For the Dolphin, 
I ftand here for him: what to him from England ? 

Exe. Scorne and defiance, Height regard, contempt, 
And any thing that may not mif-become 
The mightie Sender, doth he prize you at. 
Thus fayes my King: and if your Fathers Highnefle 
Doe not, in graunt of all demands at large, 
Sweeten the bitter Mock, you fent his Maieftie; 
Hee'le call you to fo hot an Anfwer of it, 
That Caues and Wombie Vaultages of France 
Shall chide your Trefpas, and returne your Mock 
In fecond Accent of his Ordinance. 

Dolph. Say: if my Father render faire returne, 
It is againft my will : for I defire 
Nothing but Oddes with England. 
To that end, as matching to his Youth and Vanitie, 
I did prefent him with the Paris-Balls. 

Sxe. Hee'le make your Paris Louer fhake for it, 
Were it the MiftrefTe Court of mightie Europe: 
And be aflur'd,you'le find a difFrence, 
As we his Subiefts haue in wonder found, 
Betweene the promife of his greener dayes, 
And thefe he mafters now: now he weighes Time 
Euen to the vtmoft Graine: that you mail reade 
In your owne LoflTes, if he ftay in France. 

King. To morrow lhall you know our mind at full. 



Exe. Difpatch vs with all fpeed, leaft that our King 
Come here himfelfe to queftion our delay j 
For he is footed in this Land already. 

King. You fhalbe foone difpatcht, with faire conditions. 
A Night is but fmall breathe, and little pawfe, 
Tc anfwer matters of this confequence. Exeunt. 



aABus Secundus. 



Flourijh. Enter Chorus. 
Thus with imagin'd wing our fwift Scene flyes, 
In motion of no lefTe celeritie then that of Thought. 
Suppofe, that you haue feene 
The well-appointed King at Douer Peer, 
Embarke his Royaltie: and his braue Fleet, 
With filken Streamers,the young Phebus faynLng; 
Play with your Fancies: and in them behold, 
Vpon the Hempen Tackle, Ship-boves climbing; 
Heare the flirill Whiftle, which doth order giue 
To founds confus'd : behold the threaden Sayles, 
Borne with th'inuifible and creeping Wind, 
Draw the huge Bottomes through the furrowed Sea, 
Brefting the loftie Surge. O,doe but thinke 
You ftand vpon the Riuage,and behold 
A Citie on th'inconftant Billowes dauncing: 
For fo appeares this Fleet Maiefticall, 
Holding due courfe to Harflew. Follow, follow: 
Grapple your minds to fternage of this Nauie, 
And leaue your England as dead Mid-night, ftill, 
Guarded with Grandfires,Babyes,and old Women, 
Eyther paft, or not arriu'd to pyth and puifTance : 
For who is he,whofe Chin is but enricht 



413 



With one appearing Hayre, that will not follow 
Thefe cull'd and choyfe-drawne Caualiers to France ? 
Worke,worke your Thoughts, and therein fee a Siege : 
Behold the Ordenance on their Carriages, 
With fatall mouthes gaping on girded Harflew. 
Suppofe th'Embaffador from the French comes back : 
Tells #arry,That the King doth offer him 
Katherine his Daughter, and with her to Dowrie, 
Some petty and vnprofi table Dukedomes. 
The offer likes not : and the nimble Gunner 
With Lynftock now the diuellifh Cannon touches, 

Alarum, and Chambers gee off. 
And downe goes all before them. Still be kind, 
And eech out our performance with your mind. Exit. 

Enter the King, Exeter, Bedford, and Gloucefter. 
Alarum : Scaling Ladders at Harflew. 
King. Once more vnto the Breach, 
Deare friends, once more ; 
Or clofe the Wall vp with our Englifti dead : 
In Peace, there's nothing fo becomes a man, 
As modeft ftillneffe, and humilitie : 
But when the blaft of Warre blowes in our eares, 
Then imitate the aftion of the Tyger: 
Stiffen the finewes, commune vp the blood, 
Difguife faire Nature with hard-fauour'd Rage : 
Then lend the Eye a terrible afpecl: : 
Let it pry through the portage of the Head, 
Like the Brafl'e Cannon : let the Brow o'rewhelme it, 
As fearefully,as doth a galled Rocke 
O're-hang and iutty his confounded Bafe, 
Swill'd with the wild and waftfull Ocean. 
Now fet the Teeth, and ftretch the Nofthrill wide, 
Hold hard the Breath, and bend vp euery Spirit 
To his full height. On, on, you Noblifh Englifti, 
Whofe blood is fet from Fathers of Warre-proofe : 
Fathers, that like fo many Alexanders, 
Haue in thefe parts from Morne till Euen fought, 
And fheath'd their Swords, for lack of argument. 
Dishonour not your Mothers : now atteft, 
That thofe whom you call'd Fathers, did beget you. 
Be Coppy now to me of groffer blood, 
And teach them how to Warre. And you good Yeomen, 
Whofe Lyms were made in England ; mew vs here 
The mettell of your Pafture : let vs fweare, 
That you are worth your breeding : which I doubt not : 
For there is none of you fo meane and bafe, 
That hath not Noble lufter in your eyes. 
I fee you ftand like Grey-hounds in the flips, 
Straying vpon the Start. The Game's afoot : 
Follow your Spirit ; and vpon this Charge, 
Cry,God for Harry, England, and S.George. 

Alarum, and Chambers goe off. 

Enter Nim, Bardolph, Pi/loll, and Boy. 

'Bard. On, on, on, on, on, to the breach, to the breach. 

Nim. 'Pray thee Corporall ftay, the Knocks are too 
hot : and for mine owne part, I haue not a Cafe of Liues: 
the humor of it is too hot, that is the very plaine-Song 
of it. 

Tift. The plaine-Song is moft iuft : for humors doe a- 
bound : Knocks goe and come : Gods Vaflals drop and 
dye : and Sword and Shield, in bloody Field, doth winne 
immortall fame. 

'Boy. Would I were in an Ale-houfe in London , I 
would giue all my fame for a Pot of Ale, and fafetie. 

K/?.And 



7 8 



The Life of Henry tbeFift. 



Pift. And I : If wifhes would preuayle with mf, my 
purpofe mould not fayle with me ; but thither would I 
high. 

'Boy. As duly, but not as truly, as Bird doth fing on 
bough. 

Enter Fluellen. 

Flu. Vp to the breach , you Dogges ; auaunt you 
Cullions. 

Pift. Be mercifull great Duke to men of Mould : a- 
bate thy Rage, abate thy manly Rage ; abate thy Rage, 
great Duke. Good Bawcock bate thy Rage: vfe lenitie 
fweet Chuck. 

Nim. Thefe be good humors : your Honor wins bad 
humors. Exit. 

'Boy. As young as I am , I haue obferu'd thefe three 
Swafhers : I am Boy to them all three, but all they three, 
though they would ferue me, could not be Man to me ; 
for indeed three fuch Antiques doe not amount to a man: 
for ^Bardolpb, hee is white-liuer'd, and red-fac'd ; by the 
meanes whereof, a faces it out, but fights not: for Pi/loll, 
hee hath a killing Tongue, and a quiet Sword ; by the 
meanes whereof, a breakes Words , and keepes whole 
Weapons : for Nim, hee hath heard , that men of few 
Words are the beft men, and therefore hee fcornes to fay 
his Prayers, left a mould be thought a Coward : but his 
few bad Words are matcht with as few good Deeds; for 
a neuer broke any mans Head but his owne, and that was 
againfta Poft,when he was drunke. They will fteale any 
thing, and call it Purchafe. *Bardolph ftole a Lute-cafe, 
bore it twelue Leagues, and fold it for three halfepence. 
Nim and Bardolph are fworne Brothers in filching : and 
in Callice they ftole a fire-fhouell. I knew by that peece 
of Seruice , the men would carry Coales. They would 
haue me as familiar with mens Pockets, as their Gloues 
or their Hand-kerchers : which makes much againft my 
Manhood, if I mould take from anothers Pocket, to put 
into mine ; for it is plaine pocketting vp of Wrongs. 
I muft leaue them, and feeke fome better Seruice : their 
Villany goes againft my weake ftomacke, and therefore 
I muft caft it vp. Exit. 

Enter Goner. 

Gower. Captaine Fluellen, yon muft come prefently to 
the Mynes ; the Duke of Gloucefter would fpeake with 
you. 

Flu. To the Mynes ? Tell you the Duke, it is not fo 
good to come to the Mynes : for looke you, the Mynes 
is not according to the difciplines of the Warre;the con- 
cauities of it is not fufficient : for looke you, th'athuer- 
farie,you may difcuffe vnto the Duke, looke you, is digt 
himfelfe foure yard vnder the Countermines : by Chejhu, 
I thinke a will plowe vp all, if there is not better direfti- 
ons. 

Gower. The Duke of Gloucefter, to whom the Order 
of the Siege is giuen, is altogether directed by an Irifh 
man, a very valiant Gentleman yfaith. 

Welch. It is Captaine Makmorrice, is it not ? 

Go-aer. I thinke it be. 

Welch. By Chejhu he is an Affe, as in the World, I will 
verifie as much in his Beard : be ha's no more directions 
in the true difciplines of the Warres, looke you, of the 
Roman difciplines, then is a Puppy-dog. 

Enter Makmorrice, and Captaine Iamy. 

Gorper. Here a comes, and the Scots Captaine, Captaine 
Iamy, with him. 

Welch. Captaine Iamy is a maruellous falorous Gen- 
tleman, that is certain, and of great expedition and know- 



ledge in th'aunchiant Warres, vpon my particular know- 
ledge of his directions : by Chejhu he will maintaine his 
Argument as well as any Militarie man in the World, in 
the difciplines of the Priftine Warres of the Romans. 
Scot. I fay gudday, Captaine Fluellen. 

Welch. Godden to your Worfhip , good Captaine 
lames. 

Gower. How now Captaine Maclynorrice , haue you 
quit the Mynes ? haue the Pioners giuen o're ? 

Irijh. By Chrifh Law tifli ill done : the Worke ifh 
giue ouer, the Trompet found the Retreat. By my Hand 
I fweare, and my fathers Soule, the Worke ifh ill done : 
it ifh giue ouer : I would haue blowed vp the Tpwne, 
fo Chrifh faue melaw,in an houre. O tifh ill done, tifh ill 
done: by my Hand tifh ill done. 

Welch. Captaine Mac\morrice, I befeech you now, 
will you voutfafe me, looke you, a few difputations with 
you, as partly touching or concerning the difciplines of 
the Warre, the Roman Warres, in the way of Argument, 
looke you, and friendly communication: partly to fatisfie 
my Opinion, and partly for the fatisfaction, looke you, of 
my Mind : as touching the direction of the Militarie dif- 
cipline, that is the Point. 

Scot. It fall be vary gud, gud feith,gud Captens bath, 
and I fall quit you with gud leue, as I may pick occafion : 
that fall I mary. 

Irifh. It is no time to difcourfe, fo Chrifh faue me : 
the day is hot, and the Weather, and the Warres, and the 
King, and the Dukes : it is no time to difcourfe, the Town 
is befeech'd : and the Trumpet call vs to the breech, and 
we talke, and be Cbrifh do nothing, tis lhame for vs all : 
fo God fa'me tis fhame to ftand ftill, it is fhame by my 
hand : and there is Throats to be cut, and Workes to be 
done, and there ifti nothing done, fo Chrift fa'me law. 

Scot. By the Mes, ere theife eyes of mine take them- 
felues to flomber, ayle de gud feruice, or He ligge i'th' 
grund for it ; ay, or goe to death : and He pay't as valo- 
roufly as I may, that fal I fuerly do, that is the* breff and 
the long : mary, I wad full faine heard fome queftion 
tween you tway. 

Welch. Captaine oMack>norrice, I thinke, looke you, 
vnder your correction , there is not many of your Na- 
tion. 

Irijh. Of my Nation ? What ifh my Nation ? Ifh a 
Villaine, and a Bafterd, and a Knaue, and a Rafcall. What 
ifh my Nation ? Who talkes of my Nation? 

Welch. Looke you, if you take the matter otherwife 
then is meant, Captaine oMac\rnorrice , peraduenture I 
fhall thinke you doe not vfe me with that affabilitie,as in 
difcretion you ought to vfe me,looke you, being as good 
a man as your felfe, both in the difciplines of Warre, and 
in the deriuation of my Birth , and in other particula- 
rities. 

Irijh. I doe not know you fo good a man as my felfe : 
fo Chrifh faue me, I will cut off your Head. 

Gower. Gentlemen both, you will miftake each other. 

Scot. A, that's a foule fault. A Parley. 

Gower. The Towne founds a Parley. 

Welch. Captaine oMac\morrice, when there is more 
better oportunitie to be required, looke you, I will be 
fo bold as to tell you, I know the difciplines of Warre : 
and there is an end. Exit. 

Enter the King and all his Traine before the Gates. 
King. How yet refolues the Gouernour of the Towne? 
This is the lateft Parle we will admit : 

There- 



The Life of Henry the Fift. 



79 



Therefore to our beft mercy giue your felues, 
Or like to men prowd of deftruction, 
Defie vs to our worft : for as I am a Souldier, 
A Name that in my thoughts becomes me beft j 
If I begin the batt'rie once againe, 
I will not leaue the halfe-atchieued Harflew, 
Till in her alhes fhe lye buryed. 
The Gates of Mercy fliall be all fliut vp, 
And the flefh'd Souldier, rough and hard of heart, 
In libertie of bloody hand, mall raunge 
With Confcience wide as Hell, mowing like GrafTe 
Your freih faire Virgins, and your flowring Infants. 
What is it then to me, if impious Warre, 
Arrayed in flames like to the Prince of Fiends, 
Doe with his fmyrcht complexion all fell feats, 
Enlynckt to waft and defoiation ? 
What is't to me, when you your felues are caufe, 
If your pure Maydens fall into the hand 
Of hot and forcing Violation ? 
What Reyne can hold licentious WickednefTe, 
When downe the Hill he holds his fierce Carriere ? 
We may as bootleffe fpend our vaine Command 
Vpon th'enraged Souldiers in their fpoyle, 
As fend Precepts to the Leuiathan, to come afhore. 
Therefore, you men of Harflew, 
Take pitty of your Towne and of your People, 
Whiles yet my Souldiers are in my Command, 
Whiles yet the coole and temperate Wind of Grace 
O're-blowes the filthy and contagious Clouds 
Of headly Murther,Spoyle,and Villany. 
If not : why in a moment looke to fee 
The blind and bloody Souldier, with foule hand 
Defire the Locks of your ihrill-fhriking Daughters: 
Your Fathers taken by the filuer Beards, 
And their mod reuerend Heads dafht to the Walls : 
Your naked Infants fpitted vpon Pykes, 
Whiles the mad Mothers, with their howles confus'd, 
Doe breake the Clouds; as did the Wiues of Iewry, 
At Herods bloody-hunting flaughter-men. 
What fay you? Will you yeeld,and this auoyd? 
Or guiltie in defence, be thus deftroy'd. 
Enter Gouernour. 

Gouer. Our expectation hath this day an end : 
The Dolphin, whom of Succours we entreated, 
Returnes vs,that his Powers are yet not ready, 
To rayfe fo great a Siege : Therefore great King, 
We yeeld our Towne and Liues to thy foft Mercy : 
Enter our Gates, difpofe of vs and ours, 
For we no longer are defenfible. 

King. Open your Gates: Come Vnckle Exeter, 
Goe you and enter Harflew ; there remaine, 
And fortifie it ftrongly 'gainft the French : 
Vfe mercy to them all for vs,deare Vnckle. 
The Winter comming on, and SicknefTe growing 
Vpon our Souldiers, we will retyre to Calis. 
To night in Harflew will we be your Gueft, 
To morrow for the March are we addreft. 

Flourijh, and enter the Tonne. 

Enter Katherine and an old Gentlewoman. 
Kathe. Alice, tu as efte en Angleterre, & tu bien parlas 
le Language. 

Alice. En feu Madame. 

Kath. Ie te prie m'enjigniez, il faut que ie apprend a par- 
len : Comient affelle vous le main en Anglois ? 
Alice. Le main il & affelle de Hand. 



Kath. T>e Hand. 

Alice. E le doyts. 

Kat . Le doyts, ma foy Ie oublie,edoyt mays, ie me fouemeray 
le doyts ie fenfe qu'ils ont affelle dejingres, ou de fingres. 

Alice. Le main de Hand, le doyts le Fingres, ie fenfe que ie 
fuis le bon efcholier. 

Kath. Pay gaynie diux mots d' Anglois viftement, coment 
affelle -vous le angles ? 

Alice. Le angles, les apfellons de Nayles. 

Kath. De Nayles ejcoute : dites may, Ji ie parle bien : de 
Hand, de Fingres, e de Nayles. 

Alice. C'eft bien dia Madame,il & fort bon Anglois. 

Kath. Dites may I' Anglois four le brrn. 

Aice. De Ame, Madame. 

Kath. E de coudee. 

Alice. D'Elbow. 

Kath. D'Elboa : Ie men fay le refiticio de touts les mots 
que e vous maves,apprins des a frejent. 

Aice. II & trof difficile Madame,comme Ie fenfe. 

Kath. Excufe may *AUce efcoute, d'Hand, de Fingre, de 
Nayles, cTArma, de 'Bilbow. 

Aice. D'Elbow, Madame. 

Kath. Seigneur Dieu, ie men oublie d' Elbow, coment af- 
felle -vous le col. 

Alice. De Nick, , Madame. 

Kath. De Nic{, e le menton. 

Alice. De Chin. 

Kath. De Sin : le col de Nic\, le menton de Sin. 

Alice. Ouy. Sauf voftre honneur en verite vous fronoun- 
cies les mots aufi droit!, que le Nat if s d' Angleterre. 

Kath. Ie ne doute foint d'apprendre par de grace de Dieu, 
& en feu de temps. 

Alice. N'aue vosy defia oubiie ce que ie vous a enjignie. 

Kath. Nome ie recitera a vous fromftement, a" Hand, de 
Fingre, de Maylees. 

Aice. De Nayles, Madame. 

Kath. De Nayles, de Ame, de Ilbow. 

tAHce. Sans voftre honeus d' Elbow. 

Kath. Ainfi de ie d'Elbow,de Nic{,&de Sin: coment af- 
felle vous les fied & de roba. 

Alice. Le Foot Madame, & le Count. 

Kath. Le Foot, & le Count : Seignieur Dieu, il font le 
mots de fon mauvais corruftible groffe & imfudique, & non 
four le Dames de Honeur d'vfer : Ie ne voudray fronouncer ce 
mots deuant le Seigneurs de France, four toute le monde,fo le 
Foot & le Count, neant moys, Ie recitera vn autrefoys ma lecon 
enfembe, d'Hand, de Fingre, de Nayles, d' Ame, d 'Elbow, de 
Nic{, de Sin,de Foot, le Count. 

Alice. Excellent, Madame. 

Kath. C'eft afj'es four vnefoyes, alons nous a diner. 
Exit. 

Enter the King of France, the Dolphin, the 
Qonftable of France, and others. 
King. 'Tis certaine he hath paft the Riuer Some. 
Conft. And if he be not fought withall ; my Lord, 
Let vs not liue in France : let vs quit all, 
And giue our Vineyards to a barbarous People. 

Dolfh. 'Dieu viuant : Shall a few Sprayes of vs, 
The emptying of our Fathers Luxurie, 
Our Syens,put in wilde and fauage Stock, 
Spirt vp fo fuddenly into the Clouds, 
And ouer-looke their Grafters? 

SWr.Normans, but baftard Normans, Norman baftards: 
Mort du ma vie, if they march along 
Vnfought withall, but I will fell my Dukedome, 

To 



The Life of Henry the Fift. 



To buy a flobbry and a durtie Farme 
In that nooke-footten He of Albion. 

Conft. T)ieu de ^Battailes, where haue they this mettell? 
Is not their Clymate foggy, raw,and dull? 
On whom, as in defpight, the Sunne lookes pale, 
Killing their Fruit with frownes. Can fodden Water, 
A Drench for fur-reyn'd lades, their Barly broth, 
Decoct their cold blood to fuch valiant heat? 
And mail our quick blood, fpirited with Wine, 
Seeme froftie i 0,for honor of our Land, 
Let vs not hang like roping Ifyckles 
Vpon our Houfes Thatch, whiles a more froftie People 
Sweat drops of gallant Youth in our rich fields : 
Poore we call them, in their Natiue Lords. 

dolphin. By Faith and Honor, 
Our Madames mock at vs,and plainely fay, 
Our Mettell is bred out, and they will giue 
Their bodyes to the Luft of Englifh Youth, 
To new-ftore France with Baftard Warriors. 

Brit. They bid vs to the Englifh Dancing-Schooles, 
And teach Lauoltds high, and fwift Carrantos , 
Saying, our Grace is onely in our Heeles, 
And that we are moft loftie Run-awayes. 

King. Where is Montioy the Herald? fpeed him hence, 
Let him greet England with our fharpe defiance. 
Vp Princes, and with fpirit of Honor edged, 
More (harper then your Swords, high to the field : 
Charles Delabreth,H\gh Conftable of France, 
You Dukes of Orleance, c Burboti,anA of Berry, 
tAlanfon, c Brabant, c Bar, and Burgonie, 
Iaques Chat til/ion , Rambures, Vandemont , 
c Beumont, Grand Pree, Roujft, and Faukonbridge, 
Lays, Leftrale, Bouciquall, and Charaloyes, 
High Dukes, great Princes, Barons, Lords, and Kings; 
For your great Seats, now quit you of great lhames : 
Barre Harry England, that fweepes through our Land 
With Penons painted in the blood of Harflew : 
Rum on his Hoaft,as doth the melted Snow 
Vpon the Valleyes, whofe low Vaffall Seat, 
The Alpes doth fpit, and void his rhewme vpon. 
Goe downe vpon him, you haue Power enough, 
And in a Captiue Chariot, into Roan 
Bring him our Prifoner. 

Consl. This becomes the Great. 
Sorry am I his numbers are fo few, 
His Souldiers fick,and famifht in their March: 
For I am fure,when he mall fee our Army, 
Hee'le drop his heart into the finck of feare, 
And for atchieuement, offer vs his Ranfome. 

King. Therefore Lord Conftable, haft on Montioy, 
And let him fay to England, that we fend, 
To know what willing Ranfome he will giue. 
Prince Dolpbin,you fhall ftay with vs in Roan. 

Dolph. Not fo,I doe befeech your Maieftie. 

King. Be patient, for you (hall remaine with vs. 
Now forth Lord Conftable, and Princes all, 
And quickly bring vs word of Englands fall. Exeunt. 

Enter Qaptaines, Eng/ijh and Welch, Go-wer 
and Fluellen. 
Go-wer. How now Captaine Fluellen, come you from 
the Bridge ? 

Flu. I affure you, there is very excellent Seruices com- 
mitted at the Bridge. 

Go-wer. Is the Duke of Exeter fafe ? 

Flu. The Duke of Exeter is as magnanimous as Aga- 



t, and a man that I loue and honour with my foule, 
and my heart, and my dutie, and my Hue, and my liuing, 
and my vttermoft power. He is not, God be prayfed and 
bleffed, any hurt in the World, but keepes the Bridge 
moft valiantly, with excellent discipline. There is an aun- 
chient Lieutenant there at the Pridge, I thinke in my very 
confcience hee is as valiant a man as Marine Anthony, and 
hee is a man of no eftimation in the World, but I did fee 
him doe as gallant feruice. 

Go-wer. What doe you call him? 

Flu. Hee is call'd aunchient Tiftoll. 

Go-wer. I know him not. 

Enter Piftoll. 

Flu. Here is the man. 

Tift. Captaine, I thee befeech to doe me fauours: the 
Duke of Exeter doth loue thee well. 

Flu. I, I prayfe God, and I haue merited fome loue at 
his hands. 

Pisl. Bardolph, a Souldier firme and found of heart, 
and of buxome valour , hath by cruell Fate, and giddie 
Fortunes furious fickle Wheele,that GoddeiTe blind, that 
ftands vpon the rolling reftleffe Stone. 

Flu. By your patience, aunchient Tiftoll : Fortune is 
painted blinde, with a Muffler afore his eyes, to fignifie 
to you, that Fortune is blinde ; and fhee is painted alfo 
with a Wheele, to fignifie to you, which is the Morall of 
it, that fhee is turning and inconftant, and mutabilitie, 
and variation : and her foot, looke you, is fixed vpon a 
Sphericall Stone, which rowles, and rowles,and rowles : 
in good truth, the Poet makes a moft excellent defcripti- 
on of it : Fortune is an excellent Morall. 

Pift. Fortune is Bardolphs foe, and frownes on him : 
for he hath ftolne a Pax, and hanged muft a be : a damned 
death : let Gallowes gape for Dogge, let Man goe free, 
and let not Hempe his Wind-pipe fuffocate : but Exeter 
hath giuen the doome of death, for Pax of little price. 
Therefore goe fpeake, the Duke will heare thy voyce ; 
and let not 'Bardolphs vitall thred bee cut with edge of 
Penny-Cord , and vile reproach. Speake Captaine for 
his Life, and I will thee requite. 

Flu. Aunchient Tiftoll, I doe partly vnderftand your 
meaning 



Pift. Why then r*:ioyce therefore. 
Flu. ' 



Certainly Aunchient, it is not a thing to reioyce 
at : for if, looke you, he were my Brother, I would defire 
the Duke to vfe his good pleafure, and put him to execu- 
tion ; for difcipline ought to be vfed. 

Pift. Dye.and be dam'd,and Figo for thy friendship. 

Flu. It is well. 

Pift. The Figge of Spaine. Exit. 

Flu. Very good. 

Go-wer. Why, this is an arrant counterfeit Rafcall, I 
remember him now : a Bawd, a Cut-purfe. 

Flu. He affure you, a vtt'red as praue words at the 
Pridge,as you Ihall fee in a Summers day : but it is very 
well: what he ha's fpoke to me, that is well I warrant you, 
when time is ferue. 

Go-wer. Why 'tis a Gull, a Foole, a Rogue, that now and 
then goes to the Warres,to grace himfelfe at his returne 
into London, vnder the forme of a Souldier : and fuch 
fellowes are perfit in the Great Commanders Names.and 
they will learne you by rote where Seruices were done ; 
at fuch and fuch a Sconce, at fuch a Breach, at fuch a Con- 
uoy : who came off brauely, who was foot, who dif- 
grac'd,what termes the Enemy ftood on : and this they 
conne perfitly in the phrafe of Warre ; which they tricke 

vp 
416 






The Life of Henry the Fift. 



vp with new-tuned Oathes: and what a Beard of the Ge- 
neralls Cut, and a horride Sute of the Campe, will doe a- 
mong foming Bottles, and Ale-wafht Wits, is wonder- 
full to' be thought on: but you muft learne to know fuch 
flanders of the age, or elfe you may be maruelloufly mi- 
ftooke. 

Flu. I tell you what, Captaine Goner: I doe perceiue 
hee is not the man that hee would gladly make mew to 
the World hee is : if I finde a hole in his Coat, I will tell 
him my minde : hearke you, the King is comming, and I 
muft fpeake with him from the Pridge. 

'Drum and Colours. Enter the King and his 
poore Souldiers. 
Flu. God plefTe your Maieftie. 

King. How now Fluellen, cam'ft thou from the Bridge? 

Flu. I, fo pleafe your Maieftie : The Duke of Exeter 
ha's very gallantly maintain'd the Pridge ; the French is 
gone off, looke you, and there is gallant and moft praue 
paffages : marry, th'athuerfarie was haue poffeflion of 
the Pridge, but he is enforced to retyre,and the Duke of 
Exeter is Mafter of the Pridge : I can tell your Maieftie, 
the Duke is a praue man. 

King. What men haue you \oft,Fluellen? 

Flu. The perdition of th'athuerfarie hath beene very 
great, reafonnable great : marry for my part,I thinke the 
Duke hath loft neuer a man, but one that is like to be exe- 
cuted for robbing a Church, one c Bardolfh,\f your Maie- 
ftie know the man : his face is all bubukles and whelkes, 
and knobs, and flames a fire, and his lippes blowes at his 
nofe, and it is like a coale of fire, fometimes plew, and 
fometimes red , but his nofe is executed, and his fire's 
out. 

King. Wee would haue all fuch offendors fo cut off: 
and we giue expreffe charge, that in our Marches through 
the Countrey, there be nothing compell'd from the Vil- 
lages; nothing taken, but pay'd for : none of the French 
vpbrayded or abufed in difdainefull Language; for when 
Leuitie and Crueltie play for a Kingdome , the gentler 
Gamefter is the fooneft winner. 

Tuc\et. Enter Mountioy. 

Mountioy. You know me by my habit. 

King. Well then, I know thee : what mail I know of 
thee ? 

Mountioy. My Matters mind. 

King. Vnfold it. 

Mountioy. Thus fayes my King : Say thou to Harry 
of England, Though we feem'd dead, we did but fleepe: 
Aduantage is a better Souldier then ra(hneffe v Tell him, 
wee could haue rebuk'd him at Harflewe, but that wee 
thought not good to bruife an iniurie, till it were full 
ripe. Now wee fpeake vpon our Q^and our voyce is im- 
periall : England fhall repent his folly, fee his weake- 
neffe, and admire our fufferance. Bid him therefore con- 
fider of his ranfome, which muft proportion the loffes we 
haue borne, the fubiedts we haue loft, the difgrace we 
haue digefted ; which in weight to re-anfwer, his petti- 
neffe would bow vnder. For our loffes, his Exchequer is 
too poore ; for th'effufion of our bloud, the Mutter of his 
Kingdome too faint a number; and for our difgrace, his 
owne perfon kneeling at our feet, but a weake and worth- 
leffe fatisfaftion. To this adde defiance : and tell him for 
conclufion, he hath betrayed his followers, whofe con- 
demnation is pronounc't : So farre my King and Mafter; 
fo much my Office. 



King. What is thy name? I know thy qualitie. 

Mount, t&fountioy. 

King. Thou doo'ft thy Office fairely.Turne thee back, 
And tell thy King, I doe not feeke him now, 
But could be willing to march on to Callice, 
Without impeachment : for to fay the footh, 
Though 'tis no wifdome to confeffe fo much 
Vnto an enemie of Craft and Vantage, 
My people are with fickneffe much enfeebled, 
My numbers leffen'd : and thofe few I haue, 
Almoft no better then fo many French ; 
Who when they were in health, I tell thee Herald, 
I thought, vpon one payre of Englifh Legges 
Did march three Frenchmen. Yet forgiue me God, 
That I doe bragge thus ; this your ayre of France 
Hath blowne that vice in me. I muft repent : 
Goe therefore tell thy Mafter, heere I am ; 
My Ranfome, is this frayle and worthleffe Trunke ; 
My Army, but a weake and fickly Guard : 
Yet God before, tell him we will come on, 
Though France himfelfe, and fuch another Neighbor 
Stand in our way. There's for thy labour <tA£ountioy . 
Goe bid thy Mafter well aduife himfelfe. 
If we may paffe,we will : if we be hindred, 
We fhall your tawnie ground with your red blood 
Difcolour : and fo ePKountioy, fare you well. 
The fumme of all our Anfwer is but this : 
We would not feeke a Battaile as we are, 
Nor as we are, we fay we will nor fhun it : 
So tell your Mafter. 

zMount. I fhall deliuer fo : Thankes to your High- 
neffe. 

Glouc. I hope they will not come vpon vs now. 

King. We are in Gods hand, Brother, not in theirs : 
March to the Bridge,it now drawes toward night, 
Beyond the Riuer wee'le encampe our felues, 
And on to morrow bid them march away. Exeunt. 

Enter the Conftahle of France, the Lord Ramburs, 
Orleance, Dolphin, with others. 

Conft. Tut , I haue the beft Armour of the World : 
would it were day. 

Orleance. You haue an excellent Armour : but let my 
Horfe haue his due. 

Conft. It is the beft Horfe of Europe. 

Orleance. Will it neuer be Morning ? 

Dolph. My Lord of Orleance, and my Lord High Con- 
ftable,you talke of Horfe and Armour? 

Orleance. You are as well prouided of both, as any 
Prince in the World. 

Dolph. What a long Night is this ? I will not change 
my Horfe with any that treades but on foure poftures : 
ch'ha : he bounds from the Earth, as if his entrayles were 
hayres : le Cheual -volante, the Pegafus, ches les narines de 
/ca.When I beftryde him, I foare,I am a Hawke: he trots 
the ayre : the Earth fings, when he touches it : the bafeft 
home of his hoofe, is more Muficall then the Pipe of 
Hermes. 

Orleance. Hee's of the colour of the Nutmeg. 

Dolph. And of the heat of the Ginger. It is a Beaft 
for Perjeu6 : hee is pure Ayre and Fire ; and the dull Ele- 
ments of Earth and Water neuer appeare in him, but on- 
ly in patient ftillneffe while his Rider mounts him : hee 
is indeede a Horfe, and all other lades you may call 
Beafts. 

i anil. In- 



The Life of Henry tbeFift. 



Conji. Indeed my Lord, it is a moft abfolute and ex- 
cellent Horfe. 

Dolph. It is the Prince of Palfrayes, his Neigh is like 
the bidding of a Monarch, and his countenance enforces 
Homage. 

Orleance, No more Coufin. 

Dolph. Nay, the man hath no wit, that cannot from 
the rifing of the Larke to the lodging of the Lambe, 
varie deferued prayfe on my Palfray : it is a Theame as 
fluent as the Sea: Turne the Sands into eloquent tongues, 
and my Horfe is argument for them all : 'tis a fubiedl 
for a Soueraigne to reafon on, and for a Soueraignes So- 
ueraigne to ride on : And for the World, familiar to vs, 
and vnknowne , to lay apart their particular Functions, 
and wonder at him, I once writ a Sonnet in his prayfe, 
and began thus, Wonder of Nature. 

Orleance. I haue heard a Sonnet begin fo to ones Mi- 
ftreffe. 

Dolph. Then did they imitate that which I compos'd 
to my Courfer,for my Horfe is my MiftrefTe. 

Orleance. Your MiftrefTe beares well. 

Dolph. Me well,which is the prefcript prayfe and per- 
fection of a good and particular Miftreffe. 

Conji. Nay, for me thought yeflerday your MiftrefTe 
flirewdly fliooke your back. 

Dolph. So perhaps did yours. 

Conji. Mine was not bridled. 

Dolph. O then belike me was old and gentle, and you 
rode like a Kerne of Ireland, your French Hofe off, and in 
your ftrait Stroffers. 

Qonft. You haue good iudgement in Horfeman- 
fliip. 

Dolph. Be warn'd by me then : they that ride fo, and 
ride not warily, fall into foule Boggs : I had rather haue 
my Horfe to my MiftrefTe. 

Confl. I had as liue haue my MiftrefTe a lade. 

Dolph. I tell thee Conftable, my Miftreffe weares his 
owne hayre. 

Conji. I could make as true a boaft as that, if I had a 
Sow to my Miftreffe. 

Dolph. Le chien eft retourne a Jon propre -vemiffement eji 
la huye lauee au hourhier ;thou mak'ft vfe of any thing. 

Conji. Yet doe I not vfe my Horfe for my Miftreffe, 
or any fuch Prouerbe,fo little kin to the purpofe. 

Ramb. My Lord Conftable, the Armour that I faw in 
your Tent to night, are thofe Starres or Sunnes vpon it? 

Confl. Starres my Lord. 

Dolph. Some of them will fall to morrow, I hope. 

Conji. And yet my Sky mail not want. 

Dolph. That may be, for you beare a many fuperflu- 
oufly, and 'twere more honor fome were away. 

Conft. Eu'n as your Horfe beares your prayfes, who 
would trot as well, were fome of your bragges difmoun- 
ted. 

Dolph. Would I were able to loade him with his de- 
fert. Will it neuer be day ? I will trot to morrow a mile, 
and my way mail be paued with Englifli Faces. 

Conji. I will not fay fo, for feare I mould be fac't out 
of my way : but I would it were morning , for I would 
faine be about the eares of the Englifli. 

Rami. Who will goe to Hazard with me for twentie 
Prifoners ? 

Conji. You muft firft goe your felfe to hazard, ere you 
haue them. 

Dolph. 'Tis Mid-night, He goe arme my felfe. Exit. 
Orleance.The Dolphin longs for morning. 



Ramb. He longs to eate the Englifli. 

Conji. I thinke he will eate all he kills. 

Orleance. By the white Hand of my Lady, hee's a gal- 
lant Prince. 

Conji. Sweare by her Foot, that ihe may tread out the 
Oath. 

Orleance. He is fimply the moft aftiue Gentleman of 
France. 

Conji. Doing is acYiuitie, and he will ftill be doing. 

Orleance. He neuer did harme, that I heard of. 

Confl. Nor will doe none to morrow: hee will keepe 
that good name ftill. 

Orleance. I know him to be valiant. 

Conft. I was told that, by one that knowes him better 
then you. 

Orleance. What's hee ? 

Conft. Marry hee told me fo himfelfe,and hee fayd hee 
car'd not who knew it. 

Orleance. Hee needes not, it is no hidden vertue in 
him. 

ConB. By my faith Sir, but it is : neuer any body faw 
it, but his Lacquey: 'tis a hooded valour, and when it 
appeares, it will bate. 

Orleance. Ill will neuer fayd well. 

Conft. I will cap that Prouerbe with, There is flatterie 
in friendfliip. 

Orleance. And I will take vp that with,Giue the Deuill 
his due. 

Conft. Well plac't : there ftands your friend for the 
Deuill : haue at the very eye of that Prouerbe with , A 
Pox of the Deuill. 

Orleance. You are the better at Prouerbs,by how much 
a Fooles Bolt is foone fliot. 

ConB. You haue fliot ouer. 

Orleance. 'Tis not the firft time you were ouer-fliot. 

Enter a Meffenger. 

Meff. My Lord high Conftable, the Englifli lye within 
fifteene hundred paces of your Tents. 

Conft. Who hath meafur'd the ground ? 

Meff. The Lord Qrandpree. 

Conft. A valiant and moft expert Gentleman. Would 
it were day ? Alas poore Harry of England : hee longs 
not for the Dawning, as wee doe. 

Orleance. What a wretched and peeuifli fellow is this 
King of England, to mope with his fat-brain'd followers 
fo farre out of his knowledge. 

Conft. If the Englifli had any apprehenfion , they 
would runne away. 

Orleance. That they lack : for if their heads had any in- 
telleftuall Armour, they could neuer weare fuch heauie 
Head-pieces. 

Ramb. That Hand of England breedes very valiant 
Creatures ; their Maftiffes are of vnmatchable cou- 
rage. 

Orleance. Foolifli Curres, that runne winking into 
the mouth of a Ruffian Beare, and haue their heads cruftit 
like rotten Apples : you may as well fay, that's a valiant 
Flea , that dare eate his breakefaft on the Lippe of a 
Lyon. 

Qonft. Iuft, iuft : and the men doe fympathize with 
the Maftiffes , in robuftious and rough comming on, 
leauing their Wits with their Wiues : and then giue 
them great Meales of Beefe, and Iron and Steele; they 
will eate like Wolues,and fight like Deuils. 

Orleance. I, 

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83 



Orleance. I, but thefe Englifh are ihrowdly out of 
Beefe. 

ConR. Then mall we finde to morrow, they haue only 
ftomackes to eate, and none to fight. Now is it time to 
arme : come, (hall we about it ? 

Orleance. It is now two a Clock: but let me fee, by ten 
Wee mall haue each a hundred Englifh men. Exeunt. 



aABus Tertius. 



Chorus. 
Now entertaine conieiture of a time, 
When creeping Murmure and the poring Darke 
Fills the wide Veffell of the Vniuerfe. 
From Camp to Camp, through the foule Womb of Night 
The Humme of eyther Army ftilly founds ; 
That the fixt Centinels almoft receiue 
The fecret Whifpers of each others Watch. 
Fire anfwers fire,and through their paly flames 
Each Battaile fees the others vmber'd face. 
Steed threatens Steed, in high and boaftfull Neighs 
Piercing the Nights dull Eare : and from the Tents, 
The Armourers accompli/hing the Knights, 
With bufie Hammers clofing Riuets vp, 
Giue dreadfull note of preparation. 
The Countrey Cocks doe crow, the Clocks doe towle: 
And the third howre of drowfie Morning nam'd, 
Prowd of their Numbers, and fecure in Soule, 
The confident and ouer-luftie French, 
Doe the low-rated Englifh play at Dice; 
And chide the creeple-tardy-gated Night, 
Who like a foule and ougly Witch doth limpe 
So tedioufly away. The poore condemned Englifh, 
Like Sacrifices, by their watchfull Fires 
Sit patiently, and inly ruminate 
The Mornings danger : and their gefture fad, 
Inuefting lanke-leane Cheekes,and Warre-worne Coats, 
Prefented them vnto the gazing Moone 
So many horride Ghofts. O now, who will behold 
The Royall Captaine of this ruin'd Band 
Walking from Watch to Watch, from Tent to Tent ; 
Let him cry,Prayfe and Glory on his head : 
For forth he goes,and vifits all his Hoaft, 
Bids them good morrow with a modeft Smyle, 
And calls them Brothers,Friends,and Countreymen. 
Vpon his Royall Face there is no note, 
How dread an Army hath enrounded him ; 
Nor doth he dedicate one iot of Colour 
Vnto the wearie and all-watched Night : 
But frefhly lookes, and ouer-beares Attaint, 
With chearefull femblance,and fweet Maieftie : 
That euery Wretch, pining and pale before, 
Beholding him, plucks comfort from his Lookes. 
A Largeffe vniuerfall, like the Sunne, 
His liberall Eye doth giue to euery one, 
Thawing cold feare,that meane and gentle all 
Behold, as may vnworthineffe define. 
A little touch of Harry in the Night, 
And fo our Scene muft to the Battaile fiye : 
Where, O for pitty,we fhall much difgrace, 
With foure or fiue moft vile and ragged foyles, 
(Right ill difpos'd, in brawle ridiculous) 



The Name of Agincourt : Yet fit and fee, 
Minding true things, by what their Mock'ries bee. 
Exit. 

Enter the King^edford^and Gloucejler. 

King. Gkfter^tis true that we are in great danger, 
The greater therefore mould our Courage be. 
God morrow Brother 'Bedford : God Almightie, 
There is fome foule of goodneffe in things euill, 
Would men obferuingly diftill it out. 
For our bad Neighbour makes vs early ftirrers, 
Which is both healthfull, and good husbandry. 
Befides, they are our outward Confciences, 
And Preachers to vs all ; admoniihing, 
That we mould drefle vs fairely for our end. 
Thus may we gather Honey from the Weed, 
And make a Morall of the Diuell himfelfe. 

Enter Erfingham. 
Good morrow old Sir Thomas Erfingham : 
A good foft Pillow for that good white Head, 
Were better then a churlim turfe of France. 

Erfing. Not fo my Liege, this Lodging likes me better, 
Since I may fay, now lye I like a King. 

King. 'Tis good for men to loue their prefent paines, 
Vpon example, fo the Spirit is eafed : 
And when the Mind is quickned,out of doubt 
The Organs, though defunct and dead before, 
Breake vp their drowfie Graue,and newly moue 
With cafted Hough, and frefh legeritie. 
Lend me thy Cloake Sir Thomas : Brothers both, 
Commend me to the Princes in our Campe; 
Doe my good morrow to them, and anon 
Defire them all to my Pauillion. 

Glojier. We fhall, my Liege. 

Erfing. Shall I attend your Grace ? 

King. No, my good Knight: 
Goe with my Brothers to my Lords of England : 
I and my Bofome muft debate a while, 
And then I would no other company. 

Erfing. The Lord in Heauen bleffe thee , Noble 
Harry. Exeunt. 

King. God a mercy old Heart , thou fpeak'ft cheare- 
fully. Enter Pi/toll. 

Fiji. Cbevous/a? 

King. A friend. 

Fiji. Difcuffe vnto me , art thou. Officer, or art thou 
bafe, common, and popular ? 

King. I am a Gentleman of a Company. 

Tift. Trayl'ft thou the puiffant Pyke ? 

King. Euen fo : what are you ? 

Pift. As good a Gentleman as the Emperor. 

King. Then you are a better then the King. 

Pift. The King's a Bawcock, and a Heart of Gold, a 
Lad of Life, an Impe of Fame, of Parents good, of Fift 
moft valiant : I kiffe his durtie fhooe , and from heart- 
ftring I loue the louely Bully. What is thy Name f 
King. Harry le Roy. 

fift.Le Roy? a Cornifh Name: art thou of Cornifh Crew? 
King. No, I am a Welchman. 
Pift. Know'ft thou Fluellen ? 
King. Yes. 

fift. Tell him He knock his Leeke about his Pate vpon 
S . T) auies day. 

King. Doe not you weare your Dagger in your Cappe 
that day,leaft he knock that about yours. 

i z Pin. Art 



8 4 



The Life of Henry the Fift. 



Tifi. Art thou his friend ? 

King. And his Kinfman too. 

Pifi. The Figo for thee then. 

King. I thanke you: God be with you. 

Pifi. My name is PiBol call'd. Exit. 

King. It forts well with your fiercenefle. 

Manet King. 

Enter Fluellen and Gower. 

Gower. Captaine Fluellen. 

Flu. 'So, in the Name of Iefu Chrift, fpeake fewer : it 
is the greater}, admiration in the vniuei fall World , when 
the true and aunchient Prerogatifes and Lawes of the 
Warres is not kept : if you would take the paines but to 
examine the Warres of Pompey the Great,you mall finde, 
I warrant you, that there is no tiddle tadle nor pibble ba- 
ble in Tompeyes Campe : I warrant you , you mail finde 
the Ceremonies of the Warres, and the Cares of it, and 
the Formes of it, and the Sobrietie of it, and the Modeftie 
of it, to be otherwife. 

Gower. Why the Enemie is lowd, you heare him all 
Night. 

Flu. If the Enemie is an Affe and a Foole, and 'a pra- 
ting Coxcombe ; is it meet, thinke you, that wee fhould 
alfo,looke you, be an Affe and a Foole, and a prating Cox- 
combe,in your ovvne confeience now? 

Gov. 1 will fpeake lower. 

Flu. I pray you, and befeech you, that you will. Exit. 

King. Though it appeare a little out of fafhion, 
There is much care and valour in this Welchman. 

Enter three Souldiers, Iobn 'Sates, Alexander Court, 
and Michael Williams. 

Court. Brother Iohn Bates , is not that the Morning 
which breakes yonder ? 

'Bates. I thinke it be : but wee haue no great caufe to 
defire the approach of day. 

Williams. Wee fee yonder the beginning of the day, 
but I thinke wee fhall neuer fee the end of it. Who goes 
there ? 

King. A Friend. 

Williams. Vnder what Captaine ferue you i 

King. Vnder Sir Iohn Erpingham. 

Williams. A good old Commander, and a moft kinde 
Gentleman : I pray you, what thinkes he of our eftate ? 

King. Euen as men wrackt vpon a Sand, that looke to 
be wafht oft' the next Tyde. 

Bates. He hath not told his thought to the King? 

King. No : nor it is not meet he mould : for though I 
fpeake it to you, I thinke the King is but a man, as I am : 
the Violet fmells to him, as it doth to me ; the Element 
fhewes to him, as it doth to me ; all his Sences haue but 
humane Conditions : his Ceremonies layd by, in his Na- 
kedneffe he appeares but a man ; and though his affecti- 
ons are higher mounted then ours, yet when they ftoupe, 
they ftoupe with the like wing : therefore, when he fees 
reafon of feares, as we doe ; his feares, out of doubt, be of 
the fame rellifti as ours are : yet in reafon, no man fhould 
poffeffe him with any appearance of feare ; leaft hee, by 
fhewing it, mould dis-hearten his Army. 

Bates. He may fhew what outward courage he will : 
but I beleeue,as cold a Night as 'tis, hee could wifh him- 
felfe in Thames vp to the Neck ; and fo I would he were, 
and I by him, at all aduentures, fo we were quit here. 

King. By my troth, I will fpeake my confeience of the 



King : I thinke hee would not wifh himfelfe any where, 
but where hee is. 
'Bates. Then I would he were here alone; fo fhould he be 
fure to be ranfomed,and a many poore mens liues faued. 

King. I dare fay, you loue him not fo ill, to wifh him 
here alone : howfoeuer you fpeake this to feele other 
mens minds, me thinks I could not dye any where fo con- 
tented, as in the Kings company; his Caufe being iuft,and 
his Qnarrell honorable. 

Williams. That's more then we know. 

'Bates. I, or more then wee fhould feeke after; for wee 
know enough, if wee know wee are the Kings Subie&s : 
if his Caufe be wrong, our obedience to the King wipes 
the Cryme of it out of vs. 

Williams. But if the Caufe be not good, the King him- 
felfe hath a heauie Reckoning to make , when all thofe 
Legges, and Armes, and Heads, chopt off in a Battaile, 
ftull ioyne together at the latter day, and cry all, Wee dy- 
ed at fuch a place, fome fwearing, fome crying for a Sur- 
gean ; fome vpon their Wiues, left poore behind them ; 
fome vpon the Debts they owe, fome vpon their Children 
rawly left : I am afear'd, there are few dye well, that dye 
in a Battaile : for how can they charitably difpofe of any 
thing, when Blood is their argument? Now, if thefe men 
doe not dye well, it will be a black matter for the King, 
that led them to it ; who to difobey, were againft all pro- 
portion of fubie&ion. 

King. So, if a Sonne that is by his Father fent about 
Merchandize, doe finfully mifcarry vpon the Sea; the im- 
putation of his wickedneffe, by your rule, fhould be im- 
pofed vpon his Father that fent him: or if a Seruant, vn- 
der his Matters command, tranfporting a fumme of Mo- 
ney, be afTayled by Robbers, and dye in many irreconcil'd 
Iniquities ; you may call the bufineffe of the Mailer the 
author of the Seruants damnation : but this is not fo : 
The King is not bound to anfwer the particular endings 
of his Souldiers, the Father of his Sonne, nor the Matter 
of his Seruant ; for they purpofe not their death , when 
they purpofe their feruices. Befides,there is no King, be 
his Caufe neuer fo fpotleffe, if it come to the arbitre- 
ment of Swords, can trye it out with all vnfpotted Soul- 
diers : fome ( peraduenture ) haue on them the guilt of 
premeditated and contriued Murther ; fome, of begui- 
ling Virgins with the broken Seales of Periurie ; fome, 
making the Warres their Bulwarke, that haue before go- 
red the gentle Bofome of Peace with Pillage and Robbe- 
rie. Now, if thefe men haue defeated the Law, and out- 
runne Natiue punifhment ; though they can out-ftrip 
men, they haue no wings to flye from God. Warre is 
his Beadle, Warre is his Vengeance : fo that here men 
are punifht, for before breach of the Kings Lawes, in 
now the Kings Quarrell : where they feared the death, 
they haue borne life away ; and where they would bee 
fafe, they perifh. Then if they dye vnprouided,no more 
is the King guiltie of their damnation, then hee was be- 
fore guiltie 'of thofe Impieties , for the which they are 
now vifited. Euery Subiedts Dutie is the Kings , but 
euery Subiedts Soule is his owne. Therefore fhould 
euery Souldier in the Warres doe as euery ficke man in 
his Bed, wafh euery Moth out of his Confeience : and 
dying fo, Death is to him aduantage ; or not dying, 
the time was bleffedly loft, wherein fuch preparation was 
gayned : and in him that efcapes, it were not finne to 
thinke, that making God fo free an offer,he let him out- 
liue that day, to fee his Greatneffe , and to teach others 
how they fhould prepare. 

Will. 'Tis 

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Will. 'Tis certaine, euery man that dyes ill, the ill vpon 
his owne head, the King is not to anfwer it. 

'Bates. I doe not defire hee mould anfwer for me, and 
yet I determine to fight luftily for him. 

King. I my felfe heard the King fay he would not be 
ranfom'd. 

Will. I, hee faid fo, to make vs fight chearefully : but 
when our throats are cut, hee may be ranfom'd, and wee 
ne're the wifer. 

King. If I liue to fee it, I will neuer truft his word af- 
ter. 

Will. You pay him then : that's a perillous fliot out 
of an Elder Gunne,that a poore and a priuate difpleafure 
can doe againft a Monarch : you may as well goe about 
to turne the Sunne to yce,with fanning in his face with a 
Peacocks feather : You'le neuer truft his word after ; 
come, 'tis a foolifh faying. 

King. Your reproofe is fomething too round, I mould 
be angry with you, if the time were conuenient. 

Will. Let it bee a Quarrell betweene vs , if you 
liue. 

King. I embrace it. 

Will. How mall I know thee againe ? 

King. Giue me any Gage of thine, and I will weare it 
in my Bonnet : Then if euer thou dar'ft acknowledge it, 
I will make it my Quarrell. 

Will. Heere's my Gloue : Giue mee another of 
thine. 

King. There. 

Will. This will I alfo weare in my Cap : if euer thou 
come to me, and fay,after to morrow, This is my Gloue, 
by this Hand I will take thee a box on the eare. 

King. If euer I liue to fee it, I will challenge it. 

Will. Thou dar'ft as well be hang'd. 

King. Well, I will doe it , though I take thee in the 
Kings companie. 

Will. Keepe thy word : fare thee well. 

'Bates. Be friends you Englifli fooles, be friends, wee 
haue French Quarrels enow, if you could tell how to rec- 
kon. Exit Souldiers. 

King. Indeede the French may lay twentie French 
Crownes to one, they will beat vs, for they beare them 
on their moulders : but it is no Englifli Treafon to cut 
French Crownes, and to morrow the King himfelfe will 
be a Clipper. 

Vpon the King, let vs our Liues,our Soules, 
Our Debts, our carefull Wiues, 
Our Children, and our Sinnes,lay on the King: 
We muft beare all. 

O hard Condition, Twin-borne with Greatnefle, 
Subiect to the breath of euery foo!e,whofe fence 
No more can feele,but his owne wringing. 
What infinite hearts-eafe muft Kings neglect, 
That priuate men enioy f 

And what haue Kings, that Priuates haue not too, 
Saue Ceremonie, faue generall Ceremonie ? 
And what art thou, thou Idoll Ceremonie? 
What kind of God art thou? that fuft'er'ft more 
Of mortall griefes, then doe thy worshippers. 
What are thy Rents? what are thy Commings in ? 
O Ceremonie, fliew me but thy worth. 
What ? is thy Soule of Odoration ? 
Art thou ought elfe but Place, Degree, and Forme, 
Creating awe and feare in other men ? 
Wherein thou art lefle happy, being fear'd, 
Then they in fearing. 



Whatdrink'ft thouoft,in ftead of Homage fweet, 

But poyfon'd flatterie ? O, be fick, great GreatnefTe, 

And bid thy Ceremonie giue thee cure. 

Thinks thou the fierie Feuer will goe out 

With Titles blowne from Adulation ? 

Will it giue place to flexure and low bending ? 

Canft thou, when thou command'ft the beggers knee, 

Command the health of it i No, thou prowd Dreame, 

That play'ft fo fubtilly with a Kings Repofe. 

I am a King that find thee : and I know, 

'Tis not the Balme,the Scepter, and the Ball, 

The Sword, the Mafe,the Crowne Imperiall, 

The enter-tiffued Robe of Gold and Pearle, 

The farfed Title running 'fore the King, 

The Throne he fits on : nor the Tyde of Pompe, 

That beates vpon the high more of this World : 

No, not all thefe, thrice-gorgeous Ceremonie ; 

Not all thefe, lay'd in Bed Maiefticall, 

Can fleepe fo foundly, as the wretched Slaue: 

Who with a body fiU'd,and vacant mind, 

Gets him to reft,cram'd with diftreflefull bread, 

Neuer fees horride Night, the Child of Hell : 

But like a Lacquey, from the Rife to Set, 

Sweates in the eye of Phebm ; and all Night 

Sleepes in Slixium : next day after dawne, 

Doth rife and helpe Hiperio to his Horfe, 

And followes fo the euer^running yeere 

With profitable labour to his Graue: 

And but for Ceremonie,fuch a Wretch, 

Winding vp Dayes with toyle,and Nights with fleepe, 

Had the fore-hand and vantage of a King. 

The Slaue, a Member of the Countreyes peace, 

Enioyes it ; but in grofle braine little wots, 

What watch the King keepes,to maintaine the peace; 

Whofe howres,the Pefant beft aduantages. 

Enter Srpingham. 

Erp. My Lord, your Nobles iealous of your abfence, 
Seeke through your Campe to find you. 

King. Good old Knight, collect them all together 
At my Tent : He be before thee. 

Erp. I fliall doo't,my Lord. Exit. 

King. O God of Battailes, fteele my Souldiers hearts, 
Poflefle them not with feare : Take from them now 
The fence of reckning of th'oppofed numbers : 
Pluck their hearts from them. Not to day, O Lord, 

not to day, thinke not vpon the fault 
My Father made, in comparting the Crowne. 

1 Richards body haue interred new, 

And on it haue beftowed more contrite teares, 
Then from it iflued forced drops of blood. 
Fiue hundred poore I haue in yeerely pay, 
Who twice a day their wither'd hands hold vp 
Toward Heauen,to pardon blood: 
And I haue built two Chauntries, 
Where the fad and folemne Priefts fing ftill 
For Richards Soule. More will I doe : 
Though all that I can doe, is nothing worth ; 
Since that my Penitence comes after all, 
Imploring pardon. 

Snter Gloucejler. 

Gloue. My Liege. 

King. My Brother Gloucefters voyce ? I : 
I know thy errand, I will goe with thee : 
The day, my friend, and all things ftay for me. 
Exeunt. 
i 3 Enter 



86 



T'he Life of 'Henry the Fift. 



Enter the Dolphin, Orleance, Ramburs, and 
=Beaumont. 

Orleance. The Sunne doth gild our Armour vp, my 
Lords. 

T)olph. Monte Cheual : My Horfe, Verlot Lacquay : 
Ha. 

Orleance. Oh braue Spirit. 

Dolph. Via let ewes & terre. 

Orleance. Rien puis le air & feu. 

T)olph. Cein, Coufin Orleance. Enter Conftable. 

Now my Lord Conftable? 

Confi. Hearke how our Steedes, for prefent Seruice 
neigh. 

Dolph. Mount them, and make incifion in their Hides, 
That their hot blood may fpin in Englifh eyes, 
And doubt them with fuperfluous courage : ha. 

.R<wK.What,wil you haue them weep our Horfes blood? 
How fhall we then behold their naturall teares? 
Enter tMeftfenger. 

<MeJJing. The Englifh are embattail'd, you French 
Peeres. 

Confi. To Horfe you gallant Princes, ftraight to Horfe. 
Doe but behold yond poore and ftarued Band, 
And your faire mew fhall fuck away their Soules, 
Leauing them but the males and huskes of men. 
There is not worke enough for all our hands, 
Scarce blood enough in all their fickly Veines, 
To giue each naked Curtleax a ftayne, 
That our French Gallants fhall to day draw out, 
And fheath for lack of fport. Let vs but blow on them, 
The vapour of our Valour will o're-turne them. 
'Tis pofitiue againft all exceptions, Lords, 
That our fuperfluous Lacquies,and our Pefants, 
Who in vnriecefTarie aftion fwarme 
About our Squares of Battaile, were enow 
To purge this field of fuch a hilding Foe ; 
Though we vpon this Mountaines Bafis by, 
Tooke ftand for idle fpeculation : 
But that our Honours muft not. What's to fay i 
A very little little let vs doe, 
And all is done : then let the Trumpets found 
The Tucket Sonuance,and the Note to mount : 
For our approach fhall fo much dare the field, 
That England fhall couch downe in feare,and yeeld. 

Enter Graundpree. 
Grandpree.Why do you ftay fo long,my Lords of France? 
Yond Hand Carrions, defperate of their bones, 
Ill-fauoredly become the Morning field: 
Their ragged Curtaines poorely are let loofe, 
And our Ayre makes them palling fcornefully. 
Bigge oTlfars feemes banqu'rout in their begger'd Hoaft, 
And faintly through a ruftie Beuer peepes. 
The Horfemen fit like fixed Candlefticks, 
With Torch-ftaues in their hand: and their poore lades 
Lob downe their heads, dropping the hides and hips : 
The gumme downe roping from their pale-dead eyes, 
And in their pale dull mouthes the Iymold Bitt 
Lyes foule with chaw'd-gra<Te,ftill and motionleffe. 
And their executors, the knauifh Crowes, 
Flye o're them all, impatient for their howre. 
Defcription cannot fute it felfe in words, 
To demonftrate the Life of fuch a Battaile, 
In life fo liuelefTe,as it fhewes it felfe. 

Confi. They haue faid their prayers, 
And they ftay for death. 
Dolph. Shall we goe fend them Dinners, and frefh Sutes, 



And giue their farting Horfes Prouender, 
And after fight with them ? 

Confi. I ftay but for my Guard : on 
To the field, I will the Banner from a Trumpet take, 
And vfe it for my hafte. Come, come away, 
The Sunne is high, and we out-weare the day. Exeunt. 

Enter Gloucefier, 'Bedford, Exeter, Srpingham 

with all his Hoaft : Salisbury, and 

Weftmerland. 

Glouc. Where is the King ? 

Bed/. The King himfelfe is rode to view their Bat- 
taile. 

Weft. Of fighting men they haue full threefcore thou- 
fand. 

Sxe. There's fiue to one,befides they all are frefh. 

Salisb. Gods Arme ftrike with vs,'tis a fearefull oddes. 
God buy' you Princes all ; He to my Charge: 
If we no more meet, till we meet in Heauen 5 
Then ioyfully,my Noble Lord of Bedford, 
My deare Lord Gloucefter,and my good Lord Exeter, 
And my kind Kinfman, Warriors all, adieu. 

Bed/. Far well good Salisbury, & good luck go with thee: 
And yet I doe thee wrong, to mind thee of it, 
For thou art fram'd of the firme truth of valour, 

Exe. Farwell kind Lord: fight valiantly to day. 

Bedf. He is as full of Valour as of Kindneffe, 
Princely in both. 

Enter the King. 

Weft. O that we now had here 
But one ten thoufand of thofe men in England, 
That doe no worke to day. 

King. What's he that wifhes fo ? 
My Coufin Weftmerland. No, my faire Coufin : 
If we are markt to dye, we are enow 
To doe our Countrey loffe : and if to liue, 
The fewer men, the greater fhare of honour. 
Gods will, I pray thee wifh not one man more. 
By hue, I am not couetous for Gold, 
Nor care I who doth feed vpon my coft : 
It yernes me not, if men my Garments weare ; . 
Such outward things dwell not in my defires. 
But if it be a finne to couet Honor, 
I am the moft offending Soule aliue. 
No 'faith, my Couze,wifh not a man from England : 
Gods peace, I would not loofe fo great an Honor, 
As one man more me thinkes would fhare from me, 
For the beft hope I haue. O, doe not wifh one more : 
Rather proclaime it [Weftmerland) through my Hoaft, 
That he which hath no ftomack to this fight, 
Let him depart, his Pafport fhall be made, 
And Crownes for Conuoy put into his Purfe : 
We would not dye in that mans companie, 
That feares his fellowfhip, to dye with vs. 
This day is call'd the Feaft of Crijpian : 
He that out-liues this day, and comes fafe home, 
Will ftand a tip-toe when this day is named, 
And rowfe him at the Name of Crijpian. 
He that fhall fee this day, and liue old age, 
Will yeerely on the Vigil feaft his neighbours, 
And fay, to morrow is Saint Qrijpian. 
Then will he ftrip his fleeue,and fhew his skarres : 
Old men forget ; yet all fhall be forgot : 
But hee'le remember, with aduantages, 
What feats he did that day. Then fhall our Names, 
Familiar in his mouth as houfehold words, 

Harry 



The Life of Henry the Fift. 



87 



Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter, 
Warwick^ and Talbot, Salisbury and Qloucefter, 
Be in their flowing Cups frefnly remembred. 
This ftory (hall the good man teach his fonne : 
And Crijpine Crijpian (hall ne're goe by, 
From this day to the ending of the World, 
But we in it /hall be remembred ; 
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers: 
For he to day that iheds his blood with me, 
Shall be my brother: be he ne're fo vile, 
This day (hall gentle his Condition. 
And Gentlemen in England, now a bed, 
Shall thinke themfelues accurft they were not here ; 
And hold their Manhoods cheape,whiles any fpeakes, 
That fought with vs vpon Saint Crijpines day. 
Enter Salisbury. 

Sal. My Soueraign Lord,beftow your felfe with fpeed: 
The French are brauely in their battailes fet, 
And will with all expedience charge on vs. 

King. All things are ready, if our minds be fo. 

Weft. Perifli theman,whofe mind is backward now. 

King. Thou do'ft not wi(h more helpe from England, 
Couze ? 

Weft. Gods will, my Liege, would you and I alone, 
Without more helpe, could fight this Royall battaile. 

King.*Why now thou haft vnwifht flue thoufand men: 
Which likes me better, then to wifli vs one. 
You know your places : God be with you all. 

Tucket. Enter Montioy. 
Mont. Once more I come to know of thee King Harry, 
If for thy Ranfome thou wilt now compound, 
Before thy moft affured Ouerthrow: 
For certainly, thou art fo neere the Gulfe, 
Thou needs muft be englutted. Befides,in mercy 
The Conftable defires thee, thou wilt mind 
Thy followers of Repentance ; that their Soules 
May make a peacefull and a fweet retyre 
From off thefe fields: where(wretches)their poore bodies 
Muft lye and fefter. 

King. Who hath fent thee now ? 

Mont. The Conftable of France. 

King. 1 pray thee beare my former Anfwer back : 
Bid them atchieue me, and then fell my bones. 
Good God, why (hould they mock poore fellowes thus ? 
The man that once did fell the Lyons skin 
While the beaft liu'd,was kill'd with hunting him. 
A many of our bodyes (hall no doubt 
Find Natiue Graues: vpon the which, I truft 
Shall witnefle liue in Brafle of this dayes worke. 
And thofe that leaue their valiant bones in France, 
Dying like men, though buryed in your Dunghills, 
They (hall be fam'd : for there the Sun (hall greet them, 
And draw their honors reeking vp to Heauen, 
Leauing their earthly parts to choake your Clyme, 
The fmell whereof (hall breed a Plague in France. 
Marke then abounding valour in our Englilh : 
That being dead,like to the bullets crafing, 
Breake out into a fecond courfe of mifchiefe, 
Killing in relapfe of Mortalitie. 
Let me fpeake prowdly : Tell the Conftable, 
We are but Warriors for the working day : 
Our Gayneffe and our Gilt are all befmyrcht 
With raynie Marching in the painefull field. 
There's not a piece of feather in our Hoaft: 
Good argument(I hope) we will not flye : 



And time hath worne vs into flouenrie. 
But by the Ma(Te,our hearts are in the trim : 
And my poore Souldiers tell me,yet ere Night, 
They'le be in freiher Robes, or they will pluck 
The gay new Coats o're the French Souldiers heads, 
And turne them out of feruice. If they doe this, 
As if God pleafe, they (hall ; my Ranfome then 
Will foone be leuyed. 
Herauld,faue thou thy labour : 
Come thou no more for Ranfome, gentle Herauld, 
They (hall haue none, I fweare, but thefe my ioynts: 
Which if they haue, as I will leaue vm them, 
Shall yeeld them little, tell the Conftable. 

'Mont. I (hall, King Harry. And fo fare thee well : 
Thou neuer (halt heare Herauld any more. Exit. 

King. I feare thou wilt once more come againe for a 
Ranfome. 

Enter Yor\e. 

Torl{e. My Lord, moft humbly on my knee I begge 
The leading of the Vaward. 

King. Take it, braue Yorfy. 
Now Souldiers march away, 
And how thou pleafeft God,difpofe the day. Exeunt. 

Alarum. Sxcurjions . 
Enter Piftoll, French Souldkr,Boy. 

Pift. Yeeld Curre. 

French. Ie penfe que voui eftes le Gentilhome de bon qua- 
litee. 

Pift. gualtitie calmie cufture me. Art thou a Gentle- 
man ? What is thy Name ? difcuffe. 

French. Seigneur Dieu. 

Pift. O Signieur Dewe (hould be a Gentleman : per- 
pend my words O Signieur Dewe,and marke: O Signieur 
Dewe, thou dyeft on point of Fox, except O Signieur 
thou doe giue to me egregious Ranfome. 

French. prennes miferecordie aye pitez de may. 

"Pift. Moy (hall not fer.ue, I will haue fortie Moyes: for 
I will fetch thy rymme out at thy Throat, in droppes of 
Crimfon blood. 

French. Eft il impoftible d'ejchapper le force de ton bras. 

Pift. Brafle, Curre? thou damned and luxurious Moun- 
taine Goat, offer'ft me Brafle ? 

French. perdonne moy. 

Pift. Say'ft thou me fo ? is that a Tonne of Moyes ? 
Come hither boy,aske me this (laue in French what is his 
Name. 

'Boy. Efcoute comment eftes vous appelle? 

French. Mounfteur le Fer. 

""Boy. He fayes his Name is M.Fer. 

Pift. M.Fer : He fer him, and firke him,and ferret him : 
difcufle the fame in French vnto him. 

'Boy. I doe not know the French for fer, and ferret,and 
firke. 

Tift. Bid him prepare,for I will cut his throat. 

French. 2)ue dit il Mounfteur ? 

'Boy. II me commande a vous dire que -vous faite -vous 
preft, car ce foldat icy eB difyafee tout afture de couppes voftre 
gorge. 

Pift. Owy, cuppele gorge permafoy pefant , vnleffe 
thou giue me Crownes, braue Crownesjor mangled (halt 
thou be by this my Sword. 

French. Ie vous fupplie pour [ 'amour de T>ieu : ma par- 
donner, Iefuis le Gentilhome de bon maf on, garde ma vie, & Ie 
vous donneray deux cent efcm. 

Pift. What are his words i 



The Life of Henry the Fift. 



Boy. He prayes you to faue his life, he is a Gentleman 
of a good houfe, and for his ranfom he will giue you two 
hundred Crownes. 

Fiji. Tell him my fury ihall abate,and I the Crownes 
will take. 

Fren.fetit zMonJeur que dit ilf 

Boy. Encore quil et contra Jon Iurement, de pardonner au- 
cune prijonner: neant-mons pour les efcues que -vous layt a pro- 
met s,il eft content a voui donnes le liber te le franchifement. 

Fre. Sur mes genoux Je voui donnes mii/es remercious, et 
le me eftime heurex que le intombe,entre les main, d'-vn Cbe- 
ualier le peufe le plus braue •valiant et tres diftinie Jignieur 
d'Angleterre. 

Pift. Expound vnto me boy. 

Boy. He giues you vpon his knees a thoufand thanks, 
and he efteemes himfelfe happy, that he hath falne into 
the hands of one (as he thinkes) the moft braue, valorous 
and thrice- worthy figneur of England. 

Pift. As I fucke blood, I will fome mercy lhew. Fol- 
low mee. 

'Boy. Saaue voui le grand Capitaine} 
I did neuer know fo full a voyce iffue from fo emptie a 
heart : but the faying is true, The empty vefTel makes the 
greateft found, 'Bardolfe and Nym had tenne times more 
valour, then this roaring diuell i'th olde play, that euerie 
one may payre his nayles with a woodden dagger, and 
they are both hang'd, and fo would this be, if hee durft 
fteale any thing aduenturoufly. I muft ftay with the 
Lackies with the luggage of our camp, the French might 
haue a good pray of vs, if he knew of it, for there is none 
to guard it but boyes. Exit. 



Enter Conftable , Orleance, L 
and Ramburs. 



rbon , Dolpbii 



Con. Diable. 

Orl. Ofigueur le tour et perdia, toute et perdie. 

Dol. <3V[or Dieu ma -vie, all is confounded all, 
Reproach, and euerlafting mame 

Sits mocking in our Plumes. Apart Alarum. 

mefcbante Fortune, do not runne away. 

Con. Why all our rankes are broke. 

Dol, O perdurable mame, let's ftab our felues : 
Be thefe the wretches that we plaid at dice for ? 

Orl. Is this the King we fent too, for his ranfome ? 

'Bur. Shame, and eternall mame, nothing but mame, 
Let vs dye in once more backe againe, 
And he that will not follow Burbon now, 
Let him go hence, and with his cap in hand 
Like a bafe Pander hold the Chamber doore, 
Whilft a bafe flaue, no gentler then my dogge, 
His faireft daughter is contaminated. 

Con. Diforder that hath fpoyl'd vs, friend vs now, 
Let vs on heapes go offer vp our Hues. 

Orl. We are enow yet liuing in the Field, 
To fmother vp the Englim in our throngs, 
If any order might be thought vpon. 

'Bur. The diuell take Order now, He to the throng; 
Let life be fhort, elfe mame will be too long. Exit. 

Alarum. Enter the King and his trayne, 
with Prisoners. 

King.WM haue we done, thrice-valiant Countrimen, 
But all's not done, yet keepe the French the field. 

Exe. The D. of York commends him to your Maiefty 



King. Liues he good Vnckle : thrice within this houre 
I faw him downe ; thrice vp againe, and fighting, 
From Helmet to the fpurre, all blood he was. 

Exe. In which array (braue Soldier) doth he lye, 
Larding the plaine : and by his bloody fide, 
(Yoake-fellow to his honour-owing-wounds) 
The Noble Earle of Suffolke alfo lyes. 
Suffolke firft dyed, and Yorke all hagled ouer 
Comes to him, where in gore he lay infteeped, 
And takes him by the Beard, kiffes the games 
That bloodily did yawne vpon his face. 
He cryes aloud; Tarry my Cofin Suffolke, 
My foule fhall thine keepe company to heauen : 
Tarry (fweet foule) for mine, then flye a-breft : 
As in this glorious and well-foughten field 
We kept together in our Chiuairie. 
Vpon thefe words I came, and cheer'd him vp, 
He fmil'd me in the face, raught me his hand, 
And with a feeble gripe, fayes : Deere my Lord, 
Commend my feruice to my Soueraigne, 
So did he turne, and ouer Suffblkes necke 
He threw his wounded arme, and kift his lippes, 
And fo efpous'd to death, with blood he feal'd 
A Teftament of Noble-ending-loue : 
The prettie and fweet manner of itforc'd 
Thofe waters from me, which I would haue ftop'd, 
But I had not fo much of man in mee, 
And all my mother came into mine eyes, 
And gaue me vp to teares. 

King. I blame you not, 
For hearing this, I muft perforce compound 
With mixtfull eyes, or they will iffue to. Alarum 

But hearke, what new alarum is this fame ? 
The French haue re-enforc'd their fcatter'd men : 
Then euery fouldiour kill his Prifoners, 
Giue the word through. Exit 



aASius Quartus. 



Enter Fluellen and .Gower. 

Flu. Kill the poyes and the luggage, 'Tis expreffely 
againft the Law of Armes, tis as arrant a peece of knaue- 
ry marke you now, as can bee offert in your Confcience 
now, is it not? 

Gow. Tis certaine, there's not a boy left aliue, and the 
Cowardly Rafcalls that ranne from the battaile ha' done 
this flaughter : befides they haue burned and carried a- 
way all that was in the Kings Tent, wherefore the King 
moft worthily hath caus'd euery foldiour to cut his pri- 
foners throat. O 'tis a gallant King. 

Flu. I, hee was porne at Monmouth Captaine Goner : 
What call you the Townes name where Alexander the 
pig was borne ? 

Gov. Alexander the Great. 

Flu. Why I pray you, is not pig , great ? The pig, or 
the grear, or the mighty, or the huge, or the magnani- 
mous, are all one reckonings,faue the phrafe is a litle va- 
riations. 

Goner. I thinke Alexander the Great was borne in 
cMacedon, his Father was called Phillip of Macedon, as I 
take it. 

Flu. I thinke it is in Macedon where ^Alexander is 
porn e . 
4*4 



The Life of Henry the Fift. 



porne : I tell you Captaine, if you looke in the Maps of 
the Orld, I warrant you fall finde in the comparifons be- 
tweene ^Atacedon & Monmouth, that the fituations looke 
you, is both alike. There is a Riuer in c^facedon,Sc there 
is alfo moreouer a Riuer at Monmouth, it is call'd Wye at 
Monmouth : but it is out of my praines, what is the name 
of the other Riuer : but 'tis all one, tis alike as my fingers 
is to my fingers, and there is Salmons in both. If you 
marke Alexanders life well, Harry of Monmouthes life is 
come after it indifferent well, for there is figures in all 
things. Alexander God knowes, and you know, in his 
rages, and his furies, and his wraths, and his chollers, and 
his moodes, and his difpleafures, and his indignations, 
and alfo being a little intoxicates in his praines, did in 
his Ales and his angers (looke you) kill his beft friend 
Clytus. 

Goto. Our King is not like him in that, he neuer kill'd 
any of his friends. 

Flu. It is not well done (marke you now) to take the 
tales out of my mouth, ere it is made and finiihed.I fpeak 
but in the figures, and comparifons of it : as Alexander 
kild his friend Qlytus, being in his Ales and his Cuppes; fo 
alfo Harry (^Monmouth being in his right wittes, and his 
good iudgements, turn'd away the fat Knight with the 
great belly doublet : he was full of iefts, and gypes, and 
knaueries, and mockes, I haue forgot his name. 

Goto. Sir lohn Falftaffe. 

Flu. That is he : He tell you, there is good men porne 
at cftfonmonth. 

Gorp. Heere comes his Maiefty. 

Alarum. Enter King Harry and Burton 
with prisoners. Flourijh. 

King. I was not angry fince I came to France, 
Vntill this inftant. Take a Trumpet Herald, 
Ride thou vnto the Horfemen on yond hill : 
If they will fight with vs, bid them come downe, 
Or voyde the field : they do offend our fight. 
If they'l do neither, we will come to them, 
And make them sker away, as fwift as ftones 
Enforced from the old A/Tynan flings: 
Befides, wee'l cut the throats of thofe we haue, 
And not a man of them that we (hall take, 
Shall tafte our mercy. Go and tell them fo. 
Enter Montioy. 

Exe. Here comes the Herald of the French, my Liege 

Glou. His eyes are humbler then they vs'd to be. 

King, How now, what meanes this Herald ? Knowft 
thou not, 
That I haue fin'd thefe bones of mine for ranfome? 
Com'ft thou againe for ranfome? 

Her. No great King ; 
I come to thee for charitable Licenfe, 
That we may wander ore this bloody field, 
To booke our dead, and then to bury them, 
To fort our Nobles from our common men. 
For many of our Princes fwoe the while) 
Lye drown'd and foak'd in mercenary blood : 
So do our vulgar drench their peafant limbes 
In blood of Princes, and with wounded fteeds 
Fret fet-locke deepe in gore, and with wilde rage 
Yerke out their armed heeles at their dead mafters, 
Killing them twice. O giue vs leaue great King, 
To view the field in fafety, and difpofe 
Of their dead bodies. 



Kin. I tell thee truly Herald, 
I know not if the day be ours or no, 
For yet a many of your horfemen peere, 
And gallop ore the field. 

Her. The day is yours. 

Kin. Praifed be God, and not our ftrength for it : 
What is this Caftle call'd that ftands hard by. 

Her. They call it Agincourt. 

King. Then call we this the field of Agincourt, 
Fought on the day of Crijpin Qrijpianus. 

Flu. Your Grandfather of famous memory (an't pleafe 
your Maiefty) and your great Vncle Edward the Placke 
Prince of Wales, as I haue read in the Chronicles, fought 
a moft praue pattle here in France. 

Kin. They did Fluellen. 

Flu. Your Maiefty fayes very true : If your Maiefties 
is remembred of it, the Welchmen did good feruice in a 
Garden where Leekes did grow, wearing Leekes in their 
Monmouth caps, which your Maiefty know to this houre 
is an honourable badge of the feruice : And I do beleeue 
your Maiefty takes no fcorne to weare the Leeke vppon 
S. Tauies day. 

King. I weare it for a memorable honor : 
For I am Welch you know good Countriman. 

Flu. All the water in Wye, cannot wafh your Maie- 
fties Welfh plood out of your pody, I can tell you that : 
God plefle it, and preferue it, as long as it pleafes his 
Grace, and his Maiefty too. 

Kin. Thankes good my Countrymen. 
Flu. By leihu, I am your Maiefties Countreyman, I 
care not who know it : I will confefle it to all the Orld, I 
need not to be alhamed of your Maiefty, praifed be God 
fo long as your Maiefty is an honeft man. 

King. Good keepe me fo. 

Enter Williams. 
Our Heralds go with him, 
Bring me iuft notice of the numbers dead 
On both our parts. Call yonder fellow hither. 

Exe. Souldier, you muft come to the King. 

Kin. Souldier, why wear'ft thou that Gloue in thy 
Cappe ? 

Will. And't pleafe your Maiefty, tis the gage of one 
that I fliould fight withall,if he be aliue. 

Kin. An Englifhman ? 

Wil. And't pleafe your Maiefty, a Rafcall that fwag- 
ger'd with me laft night : who if aliue, and euer dare to 
challenge this Gloue, I haue fworne to take him a boxe 
a'th ere : or if I can fee my Gloue in his cappe, which he 
fwore as he was a Souldier he would weare (if aliue_jl wil 
ftrike it out foundly. 

Kin. What thinke you Captaine Fluellen , is it fit this 
fouldier keepe his oath. 

Flu. Hee is a Crauen and a Villaine elfe, and't pleafe 
your Maiefty in my confcience. 

King. It may bee, his enemy is a Gentleman of great 
fort quite from the anfwer of his degree. 

Flu. Though he be as good a Ientleman as the diuel is, 
as Lucifer and Belzebub himfelfe, it is neceffary (looke 
your Grace) that he keepe his vow and his oath: If hee 
bee periur'd (fee you now) his reputation is as arrant a 
villaine and a Iacke fawce, as euer his blacke fhoo trodd 
vpon Gods ground, and his earth, in my confcience law 

King. Then keepe thy vow firrah, when thou meet'fl 
the fellow. 

Wil. So, I wil my Liege, as I liue. 

King. Who feru'ft thou vnder ? 



9° 



The Life of Henry the Fift. 



Will. Vnder Captaine Gorper, my Liege. 

Flu. Goner is a good Captaine , and is good know- 
ledge and literatured in the Warres. 

King. Call him hither to me, Souldier. 

Will. I will my Liege. Exit. 

King. Here Fluellen, weare thou this fauour for me, and 
fticke it in thy Cappe : when Alanjon and my felfe were 
downe together, I pluckt this Gloue from his Helme : If 
any man challenge this, hee is a friend to zAlanfon, and an 
enemy to our Perfon; if thou encounter any fuch, appre- 
hend him, and thou do'ft me loue. 

Flu. Your Grace doo's me as great Honors as can be 
defir'd in the hearts of his Subiects : I would faine fee 
the man, that ha's but two legges, that mall find himfelfe 
agreefd at this Gloue ; that is all : but I would faine fee 
it once, and pleafe God of his grace that I might fee. 

King. Know'ft thou Gower ? 

Flu. He is my deare friend, and pleafe you. 

King. Pray thee goe feeke him, and bring him to my 
Tent. 

Flu. I will fetch him. Exit. 

King. My Lord of Warmic{,anA my Brother Glojler , 
Follow Fluellen clofely at the heeles. 
The Gloue which I haue giuen him for a fauour, 
May haply purchafe him a box a'th'eare. 
It is the Souldiers : I by bargaine mould 
Weare it my felfe. Follow good Coufin Wartcic\ : 
If that the Souldier ftrike him, as I iudge 
By his blunt bearing, he will keepe his word; 
Some fodaine mifchiefe may arife of it : 
For I doe know Fluellen valiant, 
And toucht with Cho!er,hot as Gunpowder, 
And quickly will returne an iniurie. 
Follow, and fee there be no harme betweene them. 
Goe you with me,Vnckle of Exeter. Exeunt. 

Enter Goner and Williams. 

Will. I warrant it is to Knight you, Captaine. 
Enter Fluellen. 

Flu. Gods will, and his pleafure, Captaine, I befeech 
you now, come apace to the King : there is more good 
toward you peraduenture, then is in your knowledge to 
dreame of. 

Will. Sir, know you this Gloue? 

Flu. Know the Gloue? I know the Gloue is a Gloue. 

Will. I know this, and thus I challenge it. 

Strifes him. 

Flu. 'Sblud,an arrant Traytor as anyes in the Vniuer- 
fall World, or in France, or in England. 

Goiver. How now Sir? you Villaine. 

Will. Doe you thinke He be forfworne ? 

Flu. Stand away Captaine Gower,l will giue Treafon 
his payment into plowes, I warrant you. 

Will. I am no Traytor, 

Flu. That's a Lye in thy Throat. I charge you in his 
Miiefties Name apprehend him, he's a friend of the Duke 
Alanfons. 

Enter Warwick and Qloucefier. 
Warn. How now, how now, what's the matter? 
Flu. My Lord of Warwick, heere is, prayfed be God 
for it, a moft contagious Treafon come to light, looke 
you, as you /hall defire in a Summers day. Heere is his 
Maieftie. Enter King and Exeter. 

King. How now, what's the matter ? 

Flu. My Liege , heere is a Villaine, and a Traytor, 
that looke your Grace , ha's ftrooke the Gloue which 



your Maieftie is take out of the Helmet of tAlan- 

f°"- 

Will. My Liege, this was my Gloue, here is the fellow 

of it: and he that I gaue it to in change, promis'd to weare 

it in his Cappe : I promis'd to ftrike him, if he did : I met 

this man with my Gloue in his Cappe, and I haue been as 

good as my word. 

Flu. Your Maieftie heare now, fauing your Maiefties 
Manhood , what an arrant rafcally , beggerly , lowfie 
Knaue it is : I hope your Maieftie is peare me teftimonie 
and witneffe,and will auouchment, that this is the Gloue 
of Alanjon, that your Maieftie is giue me, in your Con- 
fcience now. 

King. Giue me thy Gloue Souldier ; 
Looke, heere is the fellow of it : 
'Twas I indeed thou promifed'ft to ftrike, 
And thou haft giuen me moft bitter termes. 

Flu. And pleafe your Maieftie, let his Neck anfwere 
for it, if there is any Marmall Law in the World. 

King. How canft thou make me fatisfaftion ? 

Will. All offences, my Lord, come from the heart: ne- 
uer came any from mine, that might offend your Ma- 
ieftie. 

King. It was our felfe thou didft abufe. 

Will. Your Maieftie came not like your felfe : you 
appear' d to me but as a common man: witneffe the 
Night , your Garments , your Lowlineffe : and what 
your Highneffe fuffer'd vnder that ftiape , I befeech you 
take it for your owne fault, and not mine : for had you 
beene as I tooke you for, I made no offence ; therefore I 
befeech your Highneffe pardon me. 

King.Here Vnckle Exeter, fill this Gloue with Crownes, 
And giue it to this fellow. Keepe it fellow, 
And weare it for an Honor in thy Cappe, 
Till I doe challenge it. Gine him the Crownes : 
And Captaine, you muft needs be friends with him. 

Flu. By this Day and this Light, the fellow ha's met- 
tell enough in his belly : Hold, there is twelue-pence for 
you, and I pray you to feme God, and keepe you out of 
prawles and prabbles, and quarrels and diffentions, and I 
warrant you it is the better for you. 

Will. I will none of your Money. 

Flu. It is with a good will : I can tell you it will ferue 
you to mend your mooes : come, wherefore mould you 
be fo painfull, your ftiooes is not fo good : 'tis a good 
filling I warrant you, or I will change it. 
Enter Herauld. 

King. Now Herauld, are the dead numbred ? 

Herald. Heere is the number of the flaugbt'red 
French. 

King. What Prifoners of good fort are taken, 
Vnckle ? 

Exe. Charles Duke of Orleance, Nephew to the King, 
Iohn Duke of Burbon,and Lord Bouchiquald : 
Of other Lords and Barons, Knights and Squires, 
Full fifteene hundred, befides common men. 

King. This Note doth tell me of ten thoufand French 
That in the field lye flaine : of Princes in this number, 
And Nobles bearing Banners, there lye dead 
One hundred twentie fix : added to thefe, 
Of Knights, Efquires, and gallant Gentlemen, 
Eight thoufand and foure hundred: of the which, 
Fiue hundred were but yefterday dubb'd Knights. 
So that in thefe ten thoufand they haue loft, 
There are but fixteene hundred Mercenaries : 
The reft are Princes, Barons, Lords, Knights, Squires, 

And 



The Life of Henry the Fift. 



9 1 



And Gentlemen of bloud and qualitie. 

The Names of thofe their Nobles that lye dead : 

Charles De/abreth,H\gh Conftable of France, 

Iaques of Chatilion, Admirall of France, 

The Mafter of the Crofle-bowes,Lord Rambures, 

Great Mafter of France, the braue Sir Guhhard Tlolfhin, 

lohn Duke of AUnfon, Anthonie Duke of Brabant, 

The Brother to the Duke of Burgundie, 

And Edward Duke of Barr : of luftie Earles, 

Grandfree and RouJJie, Fauconbridge and Foyes, 

Beaumont and Marie, Vandemont and Leftrale. 

Here was a Royall fellowship of death. 

Where is the number of our Engliih dead ? 

Edward the Duke of Yorke,the Earle of Suftblke, 

Sir Richard Ketly, Dauy Gam Efquire ; 

None elfe of name : and of all other men, 

But fiue and twentie. 

O God, thy Arme was heere : 
And not to vs, but to thy Arme alone, 
Afcribe we all : when, without ftratagem, 
But in plaine ftiock,and euen play of Battaile, 
Was euer knowne 10 great and little loflfe ? 
On one part and on th'other, take it God, 
For it is none but thine. 

Exet. 'Tis wonderfull. 

King. Come, goe me in proceffion to the Village : 
And be it death proclaymed through our Hoaft, 
To boaft of this, or take that prayfe from God, 
Which is his onely. 

Flu. Is it not lawfull and pleafe your Maieftie, to tell 
how many is kill'd ? 

King. Yes Captaine: but with this acknowledgement, 
That God fought for vs. 

Flu. Yes, my confcience,he did vs great good. 

King. Doe we all holy Rights : 
Let there be fung Non nobis,and Te Deum, 
The dead with charitie enclos'd in Clay : 
And then to Callice,and to England then, 
Where ne're from France arriu'd more happy men. 
Exeunt. 



<tA6tus Quintus. 



Sriter Chorus. 
Vouchfafe to thofe that haue not read the Story, 
That I may prompt them : and of fuch as haue, 
J humbly pray them to admit th'excufe 
Of time,of numbers,and due courfe of things, 
Which cannot in their huge and proper life, 
Be here prefented. Now we beare the King 
Toward Callice : Graunt him there ; there leene, 
Heaue him away vpon your winged thoughts, 
Athwart the Sea : Behold the Engliih beach 
Pales in the flood ; with Men,Wiues,and Boyes, 
Whofe ihouts & claps out-voyce the deep-mouth'd Sea, 
Which like a mightie Whiffler 'fore the King, 
Seemes to prepare his way : So let him land, 
And folemnly fee him let on to London. 
So fwift a pace hath Thought, that euen now 
You may imagine him vpon Black-Heath : 
Where, that his Lords defire him, to haue borne 
His bruifed Helmet, and his bended Sword 
Before him, through the Citie : he forbids it, 



Being free from vain-nefle,and felfe-glorious pride; 
Giuing full Trophee,Signall,and Oftent, 
Quite from himfelfe,to God. But now behold, 
In the quick Forge and working-houfe of Thought, 
How London doth powre out her Citizens, 
The Maior and all his Brethren in beft fort, 
Like to the Senatours of th 'antique Rome, 
With the Plebeians fwarming at their heeles, 
Goe forth and fetch their Conqu'ring Ciefar in : 
As by a lower, but by louing likelyhood, 
Were now the Generall of our gracious Emprefle, 
As in good time he may, from Ireland comming, 
Bringing Rebellion broached on his Sword ; 
How many would the peacefull Citie quit, 
To welcome him ? much more, and much more caufe, 
Did they this Harry. Now in London place him. 
As yet the lamentation of the French 
Inuites the King of Englands ftay at home : 
The Emperour's comming in behalfe of France, 
To order peace betweene them : and omit 
All the occurrences, what euer chanc't, 
Till Harryes backe returne againe to France: 
There muft we bring him ; and my felfe haue play'd 
The interim, by remembring you 'tis pail. 
Then brooke abridgement,and your eyes aduance, 
After your thoughts, ftraight backe againe to France. 
Exit. 

Enter Fluellen and Gower. 

Goner. Nay, that's right : but why weare you your 
Leeke to day i S. Dauies day is paft. 

Flu. There is occafions and caufes why and wherefore 
in all things: I will tell you afle my friend, Captaine 
Gower ; the rafcally, fcauld, beggerly, lowfie, pragging 
Knaue Tiftoll, which you and your felfe,and all the World, 
know to be no petter then a fellow, looke you now, of no 
merits : hee is come to me, and prings me pread and 
fault yefterday, looke you, and bid me eate my Leeke : 
it was in a place where I could not breed no contention 
with him ; but I will be fo bold as to weare it in my Cap 
till I fee him once againe, and then I will tell him a little 
piece of my defires. 

Enter Piftoll. 

Goner. Why heere hee comes, fwelling like a Turky- 
cock. 

Flu. 'Tis no matter for his fwellings, nor his Turky- 
cocks. God plefle you aunchient Pis~loll:you fcuruie low- 
fie Knaue, God plefle you. 

Fiji. Ha, art thou bedlam r doeft thou thirft, bafe 
Troian, to haue me fold vp Parcas fatall Web? Hence; 
I am qualmiih at the fmell of Leeke. 

Flu. I pefeech you heartily, fcuruie -lowfie Knaue, at 
my defires, and my requefts, and my petitions, to eate, 
looke you, this Leeke; becaufe, looke you, you doe not 
loue it, nor your aftecl:ions,and your appetites and your 
difgeftions doo's not agree with it, I would defire you 
to eate it. 

Pift. Not for Cadwallader and all his Goats. 

Flu. There is one Goat for you. Strifes him. 

Will you be fo good, fcauld Knaue,as eate it? 

Pift. Bafe Troian, thou lhalt dye. 

Flu. You fay very true , fcauld Knaue , when Gods 
will is : I will defire you to Hue in the meane time, and 
eate your Victuals : come, there is fawce for it. You 
call'd me yefterday Mountaine-Squier , but I will make 

you 



417 



9 2 



The Life of Henry theFift. 



you to day a fquire of low degree. I pray you fall too, if 
you can mocke a Leeke, you can eate a Leeke. 

Gour. Enough Captaine, you haue aftonifht him. 

Flu.l fay, I will make him eate fome part of my leeke, 
or I will peate his pate foure dayes : bite I pray you, it is 
good for your greene wound, and your ploodie Coxe- 
comfae. 

Tift. Mud I bite. 

Flu. Yes certainly, and out of doubt and out of que- 
ftion too, and ambiguities. 

Tift. By this Leeke, I will moft horribly reuenge I 
eate and eate I fweare. 

Flu. Eate I pray you, will you haue fome more fauce 
to your Leeke : there is not enough Leeke to fweare by. 

Fiji. Quiet thy Cudgell,thou doft fee I eate. 

Flu. Much good do you fcald knaue, heartily. Nay, 
pray you throw none away, the skinne is good for your 
broken Coxcombe ; when you take occafions to fee 
Leekes heereafter, I pray you mocke at 'em, that is all. 
Sift. Good. 

Flu. I, Leekes is good : hold you, there is a groat to 
heale your pate. 

Fiji. Me a gro at ? 

Flu Yes verily, and in truth you (hall take it, or I haue 
another Leeke in my pocket, which you lhall eate. 

Pift. I take thy groat in earneft of reuenge. 

Flu. If I owe you any thing, I will pay you in Cud- 
gels, you fhall be a Woodmonger, and buy nothing of 
me but cudgels: God bu'y you, and keepe you, & heale 
your pate. Exit 

Pift. All hell fhall ftirre for this. 

GW.Go, go, you are a counterfeit cowardly Knaue, 
will you mocke at an ancient Tradition began vppon an 
honourable refpeft, and worne as a memorable Trophee 
of predeceafed valor,and dare not auouch in your deeds 
any of your words. I haue feene you gleeking & galling 
at this Gentleman twice or thrice. You thought, becaufe 
he could not fpeake Engliih in the natiue garb, he could 
not therefore handle an Engliih Cudgell : you finde it o- 
therwife, and henceforth let a Welfh correction, teach 
you a good Engliih condition, fare ye well. Exit 

Pift. Doeth fortune play the hufwife with me now? 
Newes haue I that my Doll is dead i'th Spittle of a mala- 
dy of France, and there my rendeuous is quite cut oft": 
Old I do waxe, and from my wearie limbes honour is 
Cudgeld. Well, Baud He turne, and fomething leane to 
Cut-purfe of quicke hand : To England will I fteale, and 
there He fteale : 

And patches will I get vnto thefe cudgeld fcarres, 
And fwore 1 got them in the Gallia warres. Exit. 

Enter at one doore, King Henry, Exeter, Bedford, War-aicke, 
and other Lords. At another, Queene Ijabel , 
the King, the Duly of ' 'Bourgongne ,and 
other French. 
King. Peace to this meeting, wherefore we are met; 
Vnto our brother France, and to our Sifter 
Health and faire time of day : Ioy and good wilhes 
To our moft faire and Princely Cofine Katherine ; 
And as a branch and member of this Royalty, 
| By whom this great affembly is contriu'd, 
We do falute you Duke of Burgogne, 
And Princes French and Peeres health to you all. 

Fra. Right ioyousare we to behold your face, 
Moft worthy brother England, fairely met, 
So are you Princes (Engliih) euery one. 



Quee. So happy be the Iffue brother Ireland 
Of this good day, and of this gracious meeting, 
As we are now glad to behold your eyes, 
Your eyes which hitherto haue borne 
In them againft the French that met them in their bent, 
The fatall Balls of murthering Bafiliskes : 
The venome of fuch Lookes we fairely hope 
Haue loft their qualitie, and that this day 
Shall change all griefes and quarrels into loue. 

Eng. To cry Amen to that, thus we appeare. 

Quee. You Engliih Princes all, I doe falute you. 

'Burg. My dutie to you both, on equall loue. 
Great Kings of France and Englandithat I haue labour'd 
With all my wits, my paines,and ftrong endeuors, 
To bring your moft Imperiall Maiefties 
Vnto this Barre, and Royall enterview; 
Your Mightineffe on both parts beft can witneffe. 
Since then my Office hath fo farre preuayl'd, 
That Face to Face, and Royall Eye to Eye, 
You haue congreeted : let it not difgrace me, 
If I demand before this Royall view, 
What Rub, or what Impediment there is, 
Why that the naked, poore, and mangled Peace, 
Deare Nourfe of Arts, Plentyes,and ioyfull Births, 
Should not in this beft Garden of the World, 
Our fertile France, put vp her louely Vifage? 
Alas,lhee hath from France too long been chas'd, 
And all her Husbandry doth lye on heapes, 
Corrupting in it owne fertilitie. 
Her Vine, the merry chearer of the heart, 
Vnpruned,dyes : her Hedges euen pleach'd, 
Like Prifoners wildly ouer-growne with hayre, 
Put forth diforder'd Twigs : her fallow Leas, 
The Darnell, Hemlock, and ranke Femetary, 
Doth root vpon ; while that the Culter rufts, 
That fhould deracinate fuch Sauagery : 
The euen Meade, that erft brought fweetly forth 
The freckled Cowflip, Burnet, and greene Clouer, 
Wanting the Sythe, withall vncorrefted, ranke ; 
Conceiues by idleneffe, and nothing teemes, 
Buthatefull Docks, rough Thirties, Kekfyes, Burres, 
Loofing both beautie and vtilitie ; 
And all our Vineyards, Fallowes,Meades, and Hedges, 
Defeftiue in their natures, grow to wildnefle. 
Euen fo our Houfes,and our felues,and Children, 
Haue loft, or doe not learne, for want of time, 
The Sciences that Ihould become our Countrey; 
But grow like Sauages, as Souldiers will, 
That nothing doe, but meditate on Blood, 
, To Swearing, and fterne Lookes, defus'd Attyre, 
I And euery thing that feemes vnnaturall. 
Which to reduce into our former fauour, 
You are affembled : and my fpeech entreats, 
That I may know the Let, why gentle Peace 
Should not expell thefe inconueniences, 
And bleffe vs with her former qualities. 

Eng. If Duke of Burgonie,you would the Peace, 
Whole wantgiues growth to th'imperfe&ions 
Which you haue cited ; you mult buy that Peace 
With full accord to all our iuft demands, 
Whofe Tenures and particular effects 
You haue enfchedul'd briefely in your hands. 

<Burg. The King hath heard them: to the which, as jet 
There is no Anfwer made. 

Eng. Well then : the Peace which you before fo vrg'd, 
Lyes in his Anfwer. 

France. \ 

418 



The Life of Henry the Fift. 



93 



France. I haue but with a curfelarie eye 
O're-glanc't the Articles: Pleafeth your Grace 
To appoint fome of your Councell prefently 
To fit with vs once more, with better heed 
To re-furuey them; we will fuddenly 
Paffe our accept and peremptorie Anfwer. 

England. Brother we mall. Goe Vnckle Exeter, 
And Brother Clarence, and you Brother Gloucejier, 
Warmickj and Huntington, goe with the King, 
And take with you free power, to ratifie, 
Augment, or alter, as your Wifdomes beft 
Shall fee aduantageable for our Dignitie, 
Any thing in or out of our Demands, 
And wee'le configne thereto. Will you,faire Sifter, 
Goe with the Princes, or ftay here with vs ? 

Quee. Our gracious Brother, I will goe with them : 
Happily a Womans Voyce may doe fome good, 
When Articles too nicely vrg'd,be flood on. 

England. Yet leaue our Couiin Katherine here with vs, 
She is our capitall Demand, compris'd 
Within the fore-ranke of our Articles. 

Quee. She hath good leaue. Exeunt omnes. 

Manet King and Katherine. 

King. Faire Katherine,and moft faire, 
Will you vouchfafe to teach a Souldier tearmes, 
Such as will enter at a Ladyes eare, 
And pleade his Loue-fuit to her gentle heart. 

Kath.Yom Maieftie ihall mock at me, I cannot fpeake 
your England. 

King. O faire Katherine , if you will loue me foundly 
with your French heart, I will be glad to heare you con- 
feffe it brokenly with your Engliih Tongue. Doe you 
like me, Kate ? 

Kath. Pardonne moy, I cannot tell wat is like me. 

King. An Angell is like you Kate, and you are like an 
Angell. 

Kath. Que dit il que Ie Juts femblable a les Anget ? 

Lady. Ouy •verayment ffauf 'uoftre Grace) ainji dit il. 

King. I faid fo, deare Katherine, and I muft not bluih 
to affirme it. 

Kath. bon ^Dieu, les langues des hommes font flein de 
tromferies. 

King. What fayes fhe, faire one? that the tongues of 
men are full of deceits ? 

Lady. 0«y,dat de tongeus of de mans is be full of de- 
ceits : dat is de PrincefTe. 

King. The Princeffe is the better Engliih-woman : 
yfaith Kate,my wooing is fit for thy vnderftanding, I am 
glad thou canft fpeake no better Engliih,. for if thou 
could'ft, thou would'ft finde me fuch a plaine King, that 
thou wouldft thinke, I had fold my Farme to buy my 
Crowne. I know no wayes to mince it in loue, but di- 
rectly to fay, I loue you ; then if you vrge me farther, 
then to fay, Doe you in faith? I weare out my fuite : Giue 
me your anfwer, yfaith doe, and fo clap hands, and a bar- 
gaine : how fay you, Lady f 

Kath. Sauf-voftre honeur, me vnderftand well. 

King. Marry, if you would put me to Verfes, or to 
Dance for your fake, Kate, why you vndid me: for the one 
I haue neither words nor meafure ; and for the other, I 
haue no ftrength in meafure, yet a reafonable meafure in 
ftrength. If I could winne a Lady at Leape-frogge,or by 
vawting into my Saddle, with my Armour on my backe; 
vnder the correction of bragging be it fpoken, I fhould 
quickly leape into a Wife : Or if I might buffet for my 



Loue, or bound my Horfe for her fauours, I could lay on 
like a Butcher, and fit like a lack an Apes, neuer off". But 
before God Kate, I cannot looke greenely, nor gafpe out 
my eloquence , nor I haue no cunning in proteftation; 
onely downe-right Oathes, which I neuer vfe till vrg'd, 
nor neuer breake for vrging. If thou canft loue a fellow 
of this temper, Kate, whofe face is not worth Sunne-bur- 
ning i that neuer lookes in his Glaffe, for loue of any 
thing he fees there? let thine Eye be thy Cooke. I fpeake 
to thee plaine Souldier : If thou canft loue me for this, 
take me? if not? to fay to thee that I fhall dye, is true; but 
for thy loue, by the L. No : yet I loue thee too. And 
while thou liu'ft, deare Kate, take a fellow of plaine and 
vncoyned Conftancie, for he perforce muft do thee right, 
becaufe he hath not the gift to wooe in other places : for 
thefe fellowes of infinit tongue, that can ryme themfelues 
into Ladyes fauours, they doe alwayes reafon themfelues 
out againe. What f a fpeaker is but a prater, a Ryme is 
but a Ballad ; a good Legge will fall, a ftrait Backe will 
ftoope,a blacke Beard will turne white, a curl'd Pate will 
grow bald, a faire Face will wither, a full Eye will wax 
hollow : but a good Heart, Kate, is the Sunne and the 
Moone, or rather the Sunne, and not the Moone; for it 
mines bright, and neuer changes, but keepes his courfe 
truly. If thou would haue fuch a one, take me ? and 
take me ; take a Souldier : take a Souldier; take a King. 
And what fay'ft thou then to my Loue ? fpeake my faire, 
and fairely, I pray thee. 

Kath. Is it poflible dat I fould loue de ennemie of 
Fraunce ? 

King. No, it is not poffible you mould loue the Ene- 
mie of France, Kate ; but in louing me, you fhould loue 
the Friend of France : for I loue France fo well, that I 
will not part with a Village of it ; I will haue it all mine : 
and Kate, when France is mine, and I am yours; then yours 
is France, and you are mine. 

Kath. I cannot tell wat is dat. 

King. tio,KateP I will tell thee in French, which I am 
fure will hang vpon my tongue, like a new-married Wife 
about her Husbands Necke, hardly to be fliooke off; Ie 
quand fur le fojfejfion de Fraunce, & quand voui aues le fof- 
fejfion de moy. (Let mee fee, what then ? Saint Dennis bee 
my fpeede) Done -uojlre eft Fraunce, & -vous eftes mienne. 
It is as eafie for me, Kate, to conquer the Kingdome, as to 
fpeake fo much more French : 1 mail neuer moue thee in 
French, vnleffe it be to laugh at me. 

Kath. Sauf -voftre honeur, le Francois ques voui parleis, il 
& melieus que V Anglois le quel Ie parle . 

King. No faith is't not, Kate : but thy fpeaking of 
my Tongue , and I thine, moft truely falfely , muft 
needes be graunted to be much at one. But Kate, doo'ft 
thou vnderftand thus much Engliih? Canft thou loue 
mee ? 

Kath. I cannot tell. 

King. Can any of your Neighbours tell, Kate} lie 
aske them. Come, I know thou loueft me : and at night, 
when you come into your Clofet, you'le queftion this 
Gentlewoman about me ; and I know, Kate, you will to 
her difprayfe thofe parts in me, that you loue with your 
heart : but good Kate, mocke me mercifully, the rather 
gentle Princeffe, becaufe I loue thee cruelly. If euer thou 
beeft mine, Kate, as I haue a fauing Faith within me tells 
me thou ihalt ; I get thee with skambling , and thou 
mufl therefore needes proue a good Souldier-breeder : 
Shall not thou and I, betweene Saint Dennis and Saint 
George, compound a Boy, halfe French halfe Engliih, 
k that 



94 



The Life of Henry the Fift. 



that fhall goe to Conftantinople, and take the Turke by 
the Beard. Shall wee not ? what fay'ft thou, my faire 
Flower-de-Luce. 

Kate. I doe not know dat. 

King. No:'tis hereafter to know, but now to promife : 
doe but now promife Kate, you will endeauour for your 
French part of fuch a Boy ; and for my Englifh moytie, 
take the Word of a King, and a Batcheler. How anfwer 
you, La plus belle Katberine du monde man trejcher & deuin 
deejje. 

Kath. Your Maieftee aue faufe Frenche enough to 
deceiue de moft fage Damoifeil dat is en Fraunce. 

King. Now fye vpon my falfe French: by mine Honor 
in true Englifh, I loue thee Kate; by which Honor,Idare 
not fweare thou loueft me, yet my blood begins to flat- 
ter me, that thou doo'ft ; notwithftanding the poore and 
vntempering effecT: of my Vifage. Now befhrew my 
Fathers Ambition , hee was thinking of Ciuill Warres 
when hee got me , therefore was I created with a ftub- 
borne out-fide, with an afpeft of Iron, that when I come 
to wooe Ladyes, I fright them : but in faith Kate, the el- 
der I wax, the better I fhall appeare. My comfort is, that 
Old Age, that ill layer vp of Beautie, can doe no more 
fpoyle vpon my Face. Thou haft me, if thou haft me, at 
the worft ; and thou fhalt weare me, if thou weare me, 
better and better : and therefore tell me, moft faire Ka- 
tberine, will you haue me? Put off your Maiden Blufhes, 
auouch the Thoughts of your Heart with the Lookes of 
an Empreffe, take me by the Hand, and fay, Harry of 
England, I im thine : which Word thou (halt no fooner 
bleffe mine Eare withall, but I will tell thee alowd, Eng- 
land is thine, Ireland is thine, France is thine, and Henry 
Tlantaginet is thine ; who, though I fpeake it before his 
Face, if he be not Fellow with the beft King, thou ftialt 
finde the beft King of Good-fellowes. Come your An- 
iwer in broken Mufick ; for thy Voyce is Mufick, and 
thy Englifh broken: Therefore Queene of all, Katberine, 
breake thy minde to me in broken Englifh ; wilt thou 
haue me ? 

Katb. Dat is as it fhall pleafe de Roy mon fere. 

King. Nay, it will pleafe him well, Kate; it fhall pleafe 
him, Kate. 

Kath. Den it fall alfo content me. 

King. Vpon that I kiffe your Hand, and I call you my 
Queene. 

Kath. Laijfe mon Seigneur, laijfe , laijfe , may foy : Ie ne 
■veus point que -voui abbaijfe "voftre grandeui , en baijant le 
main d'une noslre Seigneur indignie Jeruiteur excuje moy. Ie 
■vou6 Jupplie mon trej-puijfant Seigneur. 

King. Then I will kiffe your Lippzs, Kate. 

Kath. Les Dames & Damoifels pour ejire baifee deuant 
leur nopceje il net pai le coftume de Fraunce. 

King. Madame,my Interpreter,what fayes fhee ? 

Lady. Dat it is not be de fafhon pour le Ladies of 
Fraunce ; I cannot tell wat is buiffe en Anglifh. 

King. To kiffe. 

Lady. Your Maieftee entendre bettre que moy. 

King. It is not a fafhion for the Maids in Fraunce to 
kiffe before they are marryed, would fhe fay? 

Lady. Ouy verayment. 

King. O Kate, nice Cuftomes curfie to great Kings. 
Deare Kate , you and I cannot bee confin'd within the 
weake Lyft of a Countreyes fafhion : wee are the ma- 
kers of Manners, Kate ; and the libertie that followes 
our Places, ftoppes the mouth of all findt— faults, as I 
will doe yours , for vpholding the nice fafhion of your 



Countrey, in denying me a Kiffe : therefore patiently, 
and yeelding. You haue Witch-craft in your Lippes, 
Kate : there is more eloquence in a Sugar touch of 
them, then in the Tongues of the French Councell ; and 
they fhould fooner perfwade Harry of England, then a 
generall Petition of Monarchs. Heere comes your 
Father'. 

Enter the French Potter, and the Englifh 
Lords. 

'Burg. God faue your Maieftie, my Royall Coufin , 
teach you our Princeffe Englifh ? 

King. I would haue her learne, my faire Coufin, how 
perfectly I loue her, and that is good Englifh. 

Burg. Is fhee not apt ? 

King. Our Tongue is rough, Coze, and my Conditi- 
on is not fmooth : fo that hauing neyther the Voyce nor 
the Heart of Flatterie about me, I cannot fo coniure vp 
the Spirit of Loue in her, that hee will appeare in his true 
likeneffe. 

'Burg, Pardon the frankneffe of my mirth, if I anfwer 
you for that. If you would coniure in her , you muft 
make a Circle : if coniure vp Loue in her in his true 
likeneffe, hee muft appeare naked, and blinde. Can you 
blame her then, being a Maid , yet ros'd ouer with the 
Virgin Crimfon of Modeftie, if fhee deny the apparance 
of a naked blinde Boy in her naked feeing felfe? It were 
(my Lord) a hard Condition for a Maid to configne 
to. 

King. Yet they doe winke and yeeld, as Loue is blind 
and enforces. 

'Burg. They are then excus'd,my Lord, when they fee 
not what they doe. 

King. Then good my Lord, teach your Coufin to 
confent winking. 

'Burg. I will winke on her to confent,my Lord, if you 
will teach her to know my meaning : for Maides well 
Summer'd, and warme kept, are like Flyes at Bartholo- 
mew-tyde, blinde, though they haue their eyes, and then 
they will endure handling, which before would not abide 
looking on. 

King. This Morall tyes me ouer to Time, and a hot 
Summer ; and fo I fhall catch the Flye , your Coufin, in 
the latter end, and fhee muft be blinde to. 

'Burg. As Loue is my Lord, before it loues. 

King. It is fo : and you may, fome of you, thanke 
Loue for my blindneffe , who cannot fee many a faire 
French Citie for one faire French Maid that ftands in my 
way. 

French King. Yes my Lord , you fee them perfpec- 
tiuely : the Cities turn'd into a Maid ; for they are 
all gyrdled with Maiden Walls, that Warre hath en- 
tred. 

England. Shall Kate be my Wife ? 

France. So pleafe you. 

England. I am content , fo the Maiden Cities you 
talke of, may wait on her : fo the Maid that ftood in 
the way for my Wifh , fhall fhew me the way to my 
Will. 

France. Wee haue confented to all tearmes of rea- 
fon. 

England. Is't fo,my Lords of England? 

Weft. The King hath graunted euery Article : 
His Daughter firft; and in fequele,all, 
According to their firme propofed natures. 

Exet. Onely 



The Life of Henry the Fift. 



95 



Exet. Onely he hath not yet fubfcribed this : 
Where your Maieftie demands, That the King of France 
hauing any occafion to write for matter of Graunt, fhall 
name your Highnefle in this forme, and with this additi- 
on, in French : Noflre trejcher jH% Henry Roy cT Angleterre 
Heretere de Fraunce : and thus in Latine ; Fraclarijjtmm 
Flliui nofler Henricm Rex Anglia & Heres Francia. 

France. Nor this I haue not Brother fo deny'd, 
But your requeft fliall make me let it pafte. 

England. I pray you then, in loue and deare allyance, 
Let that one Article ranke with the reft, 
And thereupon giue me your Daughter. 
France. Take her faire Sonne, and from her blood rayfe vp 
Iffue to me, that the contending Kingdomes 
Of France and England, whofe very ftioares looke pale, 
With enuy of each others happineffe, 
May ceafe their hatred ; and this deare Conjunction 
Plant Neighbour-hood and Chriftian-like accord 
In their fweet Bofomes : that neuer Warre aduance 
His bleeding Sword 'twixt England and faire France. 

Lords. Amen. 

King. Now welcome Kate: and beare me witneffe all, 
That here I kifle her as my Soueraigne Queene. 



Quee. God, the beft maker of all Marriages, 
Combine your hearts in one, your Realmes in one : 
As Man and Wife being two,are one in loue, 
So be there 'twixt your Kingdomes fuch a Spoufall, 
That neuer may ill Office, or fell Iealoufie, 



Which troubles oft the Bed of blefTed Marriage, 
Thruft in betweene the Pation of thefe Kingdomes, 
To make diuorce of their incorporate League : 
That Englifti may as French, French Engliihmen, 
Receiue each other. God fpeake this Amen. 

All. Amen. 

King. Prepare we for our Marriage : on which day, 
My Lord of Burgundy wee'le take your Oath 
And all the Peeres,for furetie of our Leagues. 
Then ftiall I fweare to Kate,znd you to me, 
And may our Oathes well kept and profp'rous be. 
Senet. Exeunt. 

Enter Chorus. 

Thus farre with rough, and all-vnable Pen, 

Our bending Author hath purfu'd the Story, 

In little roome confining mightie men, 

Mangling by ftarts the full courfe of their glory. 

Small time : but in that fmall,moft greatly liued 

This Starre of England. Fortune made his Sword; 

By which, the Worlds beft Garden he atchieued : 

And of it left his Sonne Imperiall Lord. 

Henry the Sixt,in Infant Bands crown'd King 

Of France and England, did this Kingfucceed: 

Whofe State fo many had the managing, 

That they loft France, and made his England bleed : 

Which oft our Stage hath fhowne ; and for their fake, 

In your faire minds lee this acceptance take. 



FINIS. 




k2 



The 



The firft Part of Henry the Sixt 



tASlus Primus. Scceha ^Prima. 



Dead oMarch. 

Enter the Funeral/ of King Henry the Fift, attended on by 

the Duke of Bedford, Regent of France ; the Duke 

of Glofler,Proteclor; the Duke of Exeter War- 

wicke, the 'Bifhop of Winchefier , and 

the T)uke of Somerfet. 

•"Bedford. 
|Bffi>ftg3j2 Vng be y heauenswith black, yield day to night; 
®ji~lfe Comets importing change of Times and States, 
Brandifh your cryftall TrefTes in the Side, 
And with them fcourge the bad reuolting Stars, 
That haue confented vnto Henries death : 
King Henry the Fift, too famous to liue long, 
England ne're loft a King of fo much worth. 

Gloft. England ne're had a King vntill his time: 
Vertue he had,deferuing to command, 
His brandifht Sword did blinde men with his beames, 
His Armes fpred wider then a Dragons Wings: 
His fparkling Eyes,repleat with wrathfull fire, 
More dazled and droue back his Enemies, 
Then mid-day Sunne, fierce bent againft their faces. 
What fhould I fay? his Deeds exceed all fpeech : 
He ne're lift vp his Hand, but conquered. 

Exe.We mourne in black, why mourn we not in blood? 
Henry is dead, and neuer fhall reuiue : 
Vpon a Woodden Coffin we attend; 
And Deaths difhonourable Victorie, 
We with our ftately prefence glorifie, 
Like Captiues bound to a Triumphant Carre. 
What? fhall we curfe the Planets of Mifhap, 
That plotted thus our Glories ouerthrow? 
Or fhall we thinke the fubtile-witted French, 
Coniurers and Sorcerers, that afraid of him, 
By Magick Verfes haue contriu'd his end. 

Winch. He was a King,bleft of the King of Kings. 
Vnto the French, the dreadfull Iudgement-Day 
So dreadfull will not be, as was his fight. 
The Battailes of the Lord of Holts he fought : 
The Churches Prayers made him fo profperous. 

Gloft. The Church ? where is it ? 
Had not Church-men pray'd, 
His thred of Life had not fo foone decay'd. 
None doe you like, but an effeminate Prince, 
Whom like a Schoole-boy you may ouer-awe. 

Winch. Glofter, what ere we like, thou art Protector, 
And looked: to command the Prince and Realme. 
Thy Wire is prow ', (he holdeth thee in awe, 
More then God or Religious Church-men may. 



Gloft. Name not Religion, for thou lou'ft the Flefti, 
And ne're throughout the yeere to Church thou go'ft, 
Except it be to pray againft thy foes. 

iW.Ceafe,ceafe thefe Iarres,& reft your minds in peace: 
Let's to the Altar: Heralds wayt on vs ; 
In ftead of Gold, wee'le offer vp our Armes, 
Since Armes auayle not, now that Henry's dead, 
Pofteritie await for wretched yeeres, 
When at their Mothers moiftned eyes, Babes fhall fuck, 
Our He be made a Nourifh of fait Teares, 
And none but Women left to wayle the dead. 
Henry the Fift, thy Ghoft I inuocate : 
Profper this Realme, keepe it from Ciuill Broyles, 
Combat with aduerfe Planets in the Heauens ; 
A farre more glorious Starre thy Soule will make, 
Then Iuliui Cafar, or bright 

Enter a Mejfenger. 

Mcff. My honourable Lords, health to you all: 
Sad tidings bring I to you out of France, 
Of loffe, offlaughter,and difcomfiture : 
Guyen, Champaigne, Rheimes, Orleance, 
Paris, Guyfors, Poic"tiers,are all quite loft. 

Bedf.VJhdX fay'ft thou man, before dead Henry s Coarfe? 
Speake foftly, or the loffe of thofe great Townes 
Will make him burft his Lead, and rife from death. 

GloB. Is Paris loft? is Roan yeelded vp ? 
If Henry were recall'd to life againe, 
Thefe news would caufe him once more yeeld the Ghoft. 

Exe. How were they loft* what trecherie was vs'dc 1 
Meff. No trecherie, but want of Men and Money. 
Amongft the Souldiers this is muttered, 
That here you maintaine feuerall Factions : 
And whil'ft a Field fhould be difpatcht and fought, 
You are difputing of your Generals. 
One would haue lingring Warres,with little coft ; 
Another would flye fwift,but wanteth Wings: 
A third thinkes, without expence at all, 
By guilefull faire words, Peace may be obtayn'd. 
Awake, awake, Englifh Nobilitie, 
Let not flouth dimme your Honors, new begot; 
Cropt are the Flower-de-Luces in your Armes 
Of Englands Coat, one halfe is cut away. 

Exe. Were our Teares wanting to this Funerall, 
Thefe Tidings would call forth her flowing Tides. 

c Bedf Me they concerne, Regent I am of France : 
Giue me my fteeled Coat, He fight for France. 
Away with thefe difgracefull wayling Robes ; 
Wounds will I lend the French, in ftead of Eyes, 
To weepe their intermiffiue Miferies. 

Enter 



The fir ft 'Part of Henry the Sixt. 



97 



Enter to them another MeJJenger. 

MeJJ. Lords view thefe Letters,full of bad mifchance. 
France is reuolted from the Englifh quite, 
Except fome petty Townes,of no import. 
The Dolphin Charles is crowned King in Rheimes : 
The Baftard of Orleance with him is ioyn'd : 
Reynold, Duke of Aniou, doth take his part, 
The Duke of Alanfon flyeth to his fide. Sxit. 

Bxe. The Dolphin crown'd King? all flye to him? 

whither fhall we flye from this reproach i 

Glofi. We will not flye, but to our enemies throats. 
'Bedford,'^ thou be flacke, He fight it out. 

Tied. Glojler, why doubtft thou of my forwardneffe? 
An Army haue I mufter'd in my thoughts, 
Wherewith already France is ouer-run. 

Enter another MeJJenger. 
vftTeJ. My gracious Lords, to adde to your laments, 
Wherewith you now bedew King Henries hearfe, 

1 muft informe you of a difmall fight, 
Betwixt the ftout Lord Talbot, and the French. 

Win, What?wherein Talbot ouercame, is't fo ? 

T,.zftfef.Q no : wherein Lord Talbot was o'rethrown : 
The circumftance He tell you more at large. 
The tenth of Auguft laft, this dreadfull Lord, 
Retyring from the Siege of Orleance, 
Hauing full fcarce fix thoufand in his troupe, 
By three and twentie thoufand of the French 
Was round incompaffed,and fet vpon : 
No leyfure had he to enranke his men. 
He wanted Pikes to fet before his Archers : 
Inftead whereof, fharpe Stakes pluckt out of Hedges 
They pitched in the ground confufedly, 
To keepe the Horfemen off,from breaking in. 
More then three houres the fight continued : 
Where valiant Talbot, aboue humane thought, 
Enacted wonders with his Sword and Lance. 
Hundreds he fent to Hell, and none durft ftand him: 
Here, there, and euery where enrag'd,he flew. 
The French exclaym'd, the Deuill was in Armes, 
All the whole Army flood agaz'd on him. 
His Souldiers fpying his vndaunted Spirit, 
A Talbot, a Talbot ,cry'd out amaine, 
And rufht into the Bowels of the Battaile. 
Here had the Conqueft fully been feal'd vp, 
If Sir Iohn Faljlaffe had not'play'd the Coward. 
He being in the Vauward, plac't behinde, 
With purpofe to relieue and follow them, 
Cowardly fled, not hauing ftruck one ftroake. 
Hence grew the generall wrack and maffacrej 
Enclofed were they with their Enemies. 
A bafe Wallon,to win the Dolphins grace, 
Thruft Talbot with a Speare into the Back, 
Whom all France, with their chiefe affembled ftrength, 
Durft not prefume to looke once in the face. 

Bed/. Is Talbot flaine then? I will (lay my felfe , 
For liuing idly here, in pompe and eafe, 
Whil'ft fuch a worthy Leader, wanting ayd, 
Vnto his daftard foe-men is betray'd. 

%.MeJJ. O no,heliues, but is tooke Prifoner, 
And Lord Scales with him, and Lord Hungerford : 
Moft of the reft flaughter'd,or tooke likewife. 

Bed/. His Ranfome there is none but I fhall pay. 
He hale the Dolphin headlong from his Throne, 
His Crowne fhall be the Ranfome of my friend: 
Foure of their Lords He change for one of ours. 



Farwell my Mafters,to my Taske will I, 
Bonfires in France forthwith I am to make, 
To keepe our great Saint Georges Feaft withall. 
Ten thoufand Souldiers with me I will take, 
Whofe bloody deeds fhall make all Europe quake. 

■^.zMeJT. So you had need, for Orleance is befieg'd, 
The Englifh Army is growne weake and faint : 
The Earle of Salisbury craueth fupply, 
And hardly keepes his men from mutinie, 
Since they fo few, watch fuch a multitude. 

Bxe. Remember Lords your Oathes to Henry fworne : 
Eyther to quell the Dolphin vtterly, 
Or bring him in obedience to your yoake. 

"Bedf. I doe remember it, and here take my leaue, 
To goe about my preparation. Exit Bedford. 

Glojl. He to the Tower with all the haft I can, 
To view th'Artillerie and Munition, 
And then I will proclayme young Henry King. 

Exit Glojler. 

Exe. To Eltam will I, where the young King is, • 
Being ordayn'd his fpeciall Gouernor, 
And for his fafetie there He beft deuife. Exit. 

Winch. Each hath his Place and Function to attend: 
I am left out ; for me nothing remaines : 
But long I will not be lack out of Office. 
The King from Eltam I intend to fend, 
And fit at chiefeft Sterne of publique Weale. 
Exit. 

Sound a Flourijh. 

Enter Charles, Alanfon, and Reigneir, marching 
■with Drum and Souldiers. 

Charles. Mars his true mouing,euen as in the Heauens, 
So in the Earth, to this day is not knowne. 
Late did he fhine vpon the Englifh fide : 
Now we are Victors, vpon vs he fmiles. 
What Townes of any moment, but we haue i 
At pleafure here we lye,neere Orleance : 
Otherwhiles,the familht Englifh, like pale Ghofts, 
Faintly befiege vs one houre in a moneth. 

uillan.They want their Porredge,& their fat Bui Beeues 
Eyther they muft be dyeted like Mules, 
And haue their Prouender ty'd to their mouthes, 
Or pitteous they will looke, like drowned Mice. 

Reigneir. Let's rayfe the Siege:why liue we idly here ? 
Talbot is taken, whom we wont to feare : 
Remayneth none but mad-brayn'd Salisbury, 
And he may well in fretting fpend his gall, 
Nor men nor Money hath he to make Warre. 

Charles. Sound, found Alarum, we will rufh on them. 
Now for the honour of the forlorne French : 
Him I forgiue my death, that killeth me, 
When he fees me goe back one foot, or flye. Exeunt. 
Here Alarum, they are beaten bac\ by the 
EngliJhyVsith great lojje. 



Enter Charles, Alanfon, and Reigneir. 
Charles.'Who euer faw the like?what men h 



Dogges, Cowards, Daftards : I would ne're haue fled, 
But that they left me 'midft my Enemies. 

Reigneir. Salisbury is a defperate Homicide, 
He fighteth as one weary of his life : 
The other Lords, like Lyons wanting foode, 
Doe rufh vpon vs as their hungry prey. 

k 3 Alanf. Froy- 



'The fir ft ^art of Henry tbeSixt. 



Alar.fton. Froyfard, a Countreyman of ours, records, 
I England all Ohuers and Rowlands breed, 
J During the time Edward the third did raigne : 
; More truly now may this be verified j 
i For none but Samjons and Goliajfes 
: It fendeth forth to skirmifh : one to tenne ? 

Leane raw-bon'd Rafcals, who would e're fuppofe, 
| They had fuch courage and audacitie ? 

Charles. Let's leaue this Towne, 
j For they are hayre-brayn'd Slaues, 
I And hunger will enforce them to be more eager: 
[ Of old I know them ; rather with their Teeth 
j The Walls they'le teare downe,then forfake the Siege. 

Reigneir. I thinke by fome odde Gimmors or Deuice 
Their Armes are fee, like Clocks, ftill to ftrike on ; 
! Elfe ne're could they hold out fo as they doe : 
! By my confent, wee'le euen let them alone. 

Alanjon. Be it fo. 

Enter the "Baftard of Orleance. 

'Baftard. Where's the Prince Dolphin ? I haue newes 

] for him. 

'Dolfh. Baftard of Orleance,thrice welcome to vs. 

Baft. Me thinks your looks are fad, your chear appal'd. 
Hath the late ouerthrow wrought this offence ? 
Be not difmay'd,for fuccour is at hand : 
A holy Maid hither with me I bring, 
Which by a Vifion fent to her from Heauen, 
Ordayned is to rayfe this tedious Siege, 
And driue the Englifh forth the bounds of France : 
The fpirit of deepe Prophecie fhe hath, 
Exceeding the nine Sibyls of old Rome: 
What's part, and what's to come, fhe can defcry. 
Speake, fhall I call her in? beleeue my words, 
For they are certaine,and vnfallible. 

Dolfh. Goe call her in: but firft, to try her skill, 
Reign' - 



ftand thou as Dolphin in my pla 



Queftion her prowdly, let thy Lookes be fterne, 
By this meanes fhall we found what skill fhe hath. 

Enter Ioane Puzel. 
Reigneir. Faire Maid, is't thou wilt doe thefe won- 
drous feats ? 



Puzel. Rek 



s't thou that thinkeft to beguile me i 



Where is the Dolphin ? Come, come from behinde, 

I know thee well, though neuer feene before. 

Be not amaz'd, there's nothing hid from me ; 

In priuate will I talke with thee apart : 

Stand back you Lords, and giue vs leaue a while. 

Reigneir. She takes vpon her brauely at firft daih. 

Puzel. Dolphin, I am by birth a Shepheards Daughter, 
My wit vntrayn'd in any kind of Art : 
Heauen and our Lady gracious hath it pleas'd 
To ihine on my rontemptible eftate. 
Loe,whiIeft I wayted on my tender Lambes, 
And to Sunnes parching heat difplay'd my cheekes, 
Gods Mother deigned to appeare to me, 
And in a Vifion full of Maieftie, 
Will'd me to leaue my bafe Vocation, 
And free my Countrey from Calamitie : 
Her ayde fhe promis'd,and affur'd fuccelTe. 
In compleat Glory fhee reueal'd her felfe : 
And whereas I was black and fwart before, 
With thofe cleare Rayes, which fhee infus'd on me, 
That beautie am I bleft with, which you may fee. 



Aske me what queftion thou canft poffible, 
And I will anfwer vnpremeditated : 
My Courage trie by Combat, if thou dar'ft, 
And thou fhaltfinde that I exceed my Sex. 
Refolue on this, thou (halt be fortunate, 
If thou receiue me for thy Warlike Mate. 

Dolfh. Thou haft aftoniiht me with thy high termes: 
Onely this proofe He of thy Valour make, 
In fingle Combat thou fhalt buckle with me ; 
And if thou vanquifheft, thy words are true, 
Otherwife I renounce all confidence. 



Tuzel. I am prepar'd : here is my keene-edg'd Sword, 
Deckt with fine Flower-de-Luces on each fide, 
The which at Touraine, in S.Katherines Church-yard, 
Out of a great deale of old Iron, I chofe forth. 

Dolfh. Then come a Gods name,l feare no woman. 

Puzel. And while I hue, He ne're flye from a man. 
Here they fight ,and Ioane de Tuzel ouer comes. 

Dolfh. Stay,ftay thy hands, thou art an Amazon, 
And fighteft with the Sword of Debora. 

Puzel. Chrifts Mother helpes me , elfe I were too 
weake. 

Dolfh.Who e're helps thee,'tis thou that muft help me : 
Impatiently I burne with thy defire, 
My heart and hands thou haft at once fubdu'd. 
! Excellent Puzel, if thy name be fo, 
j Let me thy feruant, and not Soueraigne be, 
'Tis the French Dolphin fueth to thee thus. 

Puzel. 1 muft not yeeld to any rights of Loue, 
For my Profefiion's fjcred from aboue : 
When I haue chafed all thy Foes from hence, 
Then will I thinke vpon a recompence. 

'Dolfh. Meane time looke gracious on thy proftrate 
Thrall. 

Reigneir. My Lord me thinkes is very long in talke. 

^/an/.Doubtleffe he fhriues this woman to her fmock, 
Elfe ne're could he fo long protradt his fpeech. 

Reigneir. Shall wee difiurbe him, fince hee keepes no 
meane ? 

Alan.He may meane more then we poor men do know, 
Thefe women are fhrewd tempters with their tongues. 
j Reigneir. My Lord, where are you? what deuife you on? 
Shall we giue o're Orleance, or no ? 

Puzel. Why no, I fay: diftruftfull Recreants, 
Fight till the laft gafpe : He be your guard. 

Dolfh. What fhee fayes , He confirme : wee'le fight 
it out. 

Puzel. Affign'd am I to be the Englifh Scourge. 
This night the Siege affuredly He rayfe : 
Expeft Saint dMartins Summer, Halcyons dayes, 
Since I haue entred into thefe Warres. 
Glory is like a Circle in the Water, 
Which neuer ceafeth to enlarge it felfe, 
Till by broad fpreading, it difperfe to naught. 
With Henries death, the Englifh Circle ends, 
Difperfed are the glories it included : 
Now am I like that prowd infulting Ship, 
Which Cajar and his fortune bare at once. 

Dolfh. Was Mahomet infpired with a Doue? 
Thou with an Eagle art infpired then. 
Helen, the Mother of Great Qonftantine, 
Nor yet S.'Philifs daughters were like thee. 
Bright Starre of Venus,(3.\ne downe on the Earth, 
How may I reuerently worfhip thee enough ? 

cAlanjon. Leaue off delayes , and let vs rayfe the 
Siege. 

Reigneir. Wo- 



The fir ft 'Part of Henry the Sixt. 



99 



Reigneir. Woman, do what thou canft to faue our honors, 
Driue them from Orleance, and be immortaliz'd. 

Dolph. Prefently wee'le try : come, let's away about it, 
No Prophet will I truft.if fhee proue falfe. Exeunt. 

Enter Glojier, with his Seruing-men. 

Glofi. I am come to furuey the Tower this day; 
Since Henries death, I feare there is Conueyance : 
Where be thefe Warders, that they wait not here? 
Open the Gates,'tis Glojier that calls. 

1. Warder. Who's there, that knocks fo imperioufly f 
Glofi. i. Man. It is the Noble Duke of Glofter. 

2. Warder. Who ere he be,you may not be let in. 
I.Man. Villaines, anfwer you fo the Lord Proteftor? 
I. Warder. The Lord protect him, fo we anfwer him, 

We doe no otherwife then wee are will'd. 

G7o.ff.Who willed you?or whofe will ftands but mine? 
There's none Proteftor of the Realme,but I : 
Breake vp the Gates, He be your warrantize ; 
Shall I be flowted thus by dunghill Groomes i 

Glojier s men rujh at the Tower Gates, and Wooduile 
the Lieuter.ant Jpeakes within. 
Wooduile. What noyfe is this ? what Traytors haue 
wee here ? 

Glosl. Lieutenant,isit you whofe voyce I heare? 
Open the Gates, here's glofter that would enter. 

Wooduile. Haue patience Noble Duke, I may not open, 
The Cardinall of Winchefter forbids : 
From him I haue expreffe commandement, 
That thou nor none of thine /hall be let in. 

Glofi. Faint-hearted Wooduile. prized him 'fore me? 
Arrogant Winchefier, that haughtie Prelate, 
Whom Henry our late Soueraigne ne're could brooke ? 
Thou art no friend to God, or to the King : 
Open the Gates, or He fhut thee out fhortly. 

Seruingmen. Open the Gates vnto the Lord Protector, 
Or wee'le burft them open, if that you come not quickly. 

Enter to the Protestor at the Tower Gates, Winchefier 
and his men in Tawney Coates. 

Winches!. How now ambitious Vmpbeir,vihat meanes 
this ? 

Glofi. Piel'd Prieft, doo'ft thou command me to be 
fhut out ? 

Winch. I doe, thou moft vfurping Proditor, 
And not Proteftor of the King or Realme. 

Glofi. Stand back thou manifeft Confpirator, 
Thou that contriued'ft to murther our dead Lprd, 
Thou that giu'ft Whores Indulgences to finne, 
He canuas thee in thy broad Cardinalls Hat, 
If thou proceed in this thy infolence. 

Winch. Nay,ftand thou back, I will not budge a foot : 
This be Damafcus, be thou curfed Cain, 
To (lay thy Brother Abel,\f thou wilt. 

Glofi. I will not flay thee, but He driue thee back : 
Thy Scarlet Robes, as a Childs bearing Cloth, 
lie vfe, to carry thee out of this place. 

Winch. Doe what thou dar'ft , I beard thee to thy 
face. 

Glofi. What ? am I dar'd, and bearded to my face i 
Draw men, for all this priuiledged place, 
Blew Coats to Tawny Coats. Prieft, beware your Beard, 
I meane to tugge it, and to cufFe you foundly. 
Vnder my feet I ftampe thy Cardinalls Hat: 



In fpight of Pope, or dignities of Church, 

Here by the Cheekes He drag thee vp and downe. 

Winch. Glojier , thou wilt anfwere this before the 
Pope. 

Glofi. Winchefter Goofe,I cry, a Rope, a Rope. 
Now beat them hence, why doe you let them ftay ? 
Thee He chafe hence, thou Wolfe in Sheepes array. 
Out Tawney.Coates,out Scarlet Hypocrite. 

' Here Glofiers men heat out the Cardinalls men, 

and enter in the hurly-burly the Maior 

of London, and his Officers. 

Maior. Fye Lords, that you being fupreme Magistrates, 
Thus contumelioufly fhould breake the Peace. 

Glofi. Peace Maior, thou know'ft little of my wrongs: 
Here's 'Beaufird, that regards nor God 'nor King, 
Hath here diftrayn'd the Tower to his vfe. 

Winch. Here's Glofter, a. Foe to Citizens, 
One that ftill motions Warre,and neuer Peace, 
O're-charging your free Purfes with large Fines ; 
That feekes to ouerthrow Religion, 
Becaufe he is Protestor of the Realme ; 
And would haue Armour here out of the Tower, 
To Crowne himfelfe King, and fupprefTe the Prince. 

Glofi. I r will not anfwer thee with words, but blowes. 

Here they skjrm'fh againe. 
Maior. Naught refts for me,in this tumultuous ftrife, 
But to make open Proclamation. 
Come Officer, as lowd as e're thou canft, cry : 

All manner of men, ajfembled here in Amies this day, 
againft Gods Peace and the Kings, wee charge and command 
you, in his Highneffe Name, to repayre to your feuerall dwel- 
ling places, and not to weare, handle, or -vfe any Sword, Wea- 
pon, or ^Dagger hence-forward,-vpon paine of death. 

Gloft. Cardinall, He be no breaker of the Law: 
But we fhall meer,and breake our minds at large. 

Winch. ,Glcfter,wee'le meet to thy coft, be fure : 
Thy heart-blood I will haue for this dayes worke. 

Maior. He call for Clubs,if you will not away: 
This Cardinall's more haughtie then the Deuill. 

Glofi . Maior farewell : thou doo'ft but what thou 
may 'ft. 

Winch. Abhominable Glofter, guard thy Head, 
For I intend to haue it ere long. Exeunt. 

Maior. See the Coaft clear'd, and then we will depart. 
Good God, thefe Nobles fhould fuch ftomacks beare, 
I my felfe fight not once in fortie yeere. Exeunt. 

Enter the Mafier Gunner of Orleance, and 
his Boy. 

M.Gunner .Sirrha,thou know'ft how Orleance is befieg'd, 
And how the Englifh haue the Suburbs.wonne. 

'Boy. Father I know, and oft haue fhot at them, 
How e're vnfortunate,I mifs'd my ayme. 

M.Gunner. But now thou fhalt not. Be thou rul'd by me: 
Chiefe Mafter Gunner am I of this Towne, 
Something I muft doe to procure me grace : 
The Princes efpyals haue informed me, 
How the Englifh, in the Suburbs dofe entrencht, 
Went through a fecret Grate of Iron Barres, 
In yonder Tower, to ouer-peere the Citie, 
And thence difcouer, how with moft aduantage 
They may vex vs with Shot or with AfTault. 
To intercept this inconuenience, 
A Peece of Ordnance 'gainft it I haue plac'd, 

And 



IOO 



<T he fir ft Tart of Henry the Sixt. 



And euen thefe three dayes hauel watcht, 

If I could fee them. Now doe thou watch, 

For I can flay no longer. 

If thou fpy'ft any, runne and bring me word, 

And thou (halt finde me at the Gouernors. Exit. 

Boy. Father,I warrant you, take you no care, 
He neuer trouble you, if I may fpye them. Exit. 

Enter Salisbury and Talbot on the Turrets, 
with others. 

Saliib. Talbot, my life, my ioy,againe return' d ? 
How wert thou handled, being Prifoner ? 
Or by what meanes got's thou to be releas'd ? 
Difcourfe I prethee on this Turrets top. 

Talbot. The Earle of Bedford had a Prifoner, 
Call'd the braue Lord Ponton de Santrayle, 
For him was I exchang'd,and ranfom'd. 
But with a bafer man of Armes by farre, 
Once in contempt they would haue barter'd me : 
Which I difdaining, fcorn'd,and craued death, 
Rather then I would be fo pil'd efteem'd : 
In fine, redeem'd I was as I defir'd. 
But 0,the trecherous Falftaffe wounds my heart, 
Whom with my bare fifts I would execute, 
If I now had him brought into my power. 

Saliib. Yet tell'ft thou not , how thou wert enter- 
tain'd. 

Tal. With fcofFes and fcornes, and contumelious taunts, 
In open Market-place produc't they me, 
To be a publique fpeftacle to all : 
Here,fayd they,is the Terror of the French, 
The Scar-Crow that affrights our Children fo. 
Then broke I from the Officers that led me, 
And with my nayles digg'd ftones out of the ground, 
To hurle at the beholders of my fhame. 
My grifly countenance made others flye, 
None durft come neere,for feare of (uddaine death. 
In Iron Walls they deem'd me not fecure : 
So great feare of my Name'mongft them were fpread, 
That they fuppos'd 1 could rend Barres of Steele, 
And fpurne in pieces Polls of Adamant. 
Wherefore a guard of chofen Shot I had, 
That walkt about me euery Minute while : 
And if I did but ftirre out of my Bed, 
Ready they were to fhoot me to the heart. 
Enter the Boy with a Linfioc\. 
Saliib. I grieue to heare what torments you endur'd, 
But we will be reueng'd fufficiently. 
Now it is Supper time in Orleance : 
Here, through this Grate,I count each one, 
And view the Frenchmen how they fortifie : 
Let vs looke in, the fight will much delight thee: 
Sir Thomas Gargraue, and Sir William Glanjdale, 
Let me haue your expreffe opinions, 
Where is beft place to make our Batt'ry next? 

Gargraue. I thinke at the North Gate, for there ftands 
Lords. 

Glanfdale. And I heere , at the Bulwarke of the 
Bridge. 

Talb. For ought I fee, this Citie muft be famiftit, 
Or with light Skirmilhes enfeebled. Here they pot, and 

Salisbury jails downe. 
Saliib. O Lord haue mercy on vs, wretched finners. 

Gargraue. O Lord haue mercy on me, wofull man. 
Talb.What chance is this, that fuddenly hath croft vs? 
Speake Salisbury; at leaft, if thou canft, fpeake: 



How far'ft thou, Mirror of all Martiall men? 

One of thy Eyes,and thy Cheekes fide ftruck off? 

Accurfed Tower, accurfed fatall Hand, 

That hath contriu'd this wofull Tragedie. 

In thirteene Battailes, Salisbury o'recame : 

Henry the Fift he firft trayn'd to the Warres. 

Whil'ft any Trumpe did found, or Drum ftruck vp, 

His Sword did ne're leaue ftriking in the field. 

Yet liu'ft thou Saliibury ? though thy fpeech doth fayle, 

One Eye thou haft to looke to Heauen for grace. 

The Sunne with one Eye vieweth all the World. 

Heauen be thou gracious to none aliue, 

If Salisbury wants mercy at thy hands. 

Beare hence his Body, I will helpe to bury it. 

Sir Thomas Gargraue, haft thou any life ? 

Speake vnto Talbot, nay, looke vp to him. 

Salisbury cheare thy Spirit with this comfort, 

Thou flialt not dye whiles 

He beckens with his hand, and fmiles on me : 
As who ftiould fay, When I am dead and gone, 
Remember to auenge me on the French. 
Plantaginet I will, and like thee, 
Play on the Lute, beholding the Townes burne : 
Wretched ftiall France be onely in my Name. 

Here an Alarum, and it Thunders and Lightens. 
What ftirre is this? what tumult's in theHeauens? 
Whence commeth this Alarum, and the noyfe? 
Enter a Mejfenger. 
MeJf.My Lord, my Lord, the French haue gather'd head. 
The Dolphin, with one Ioane de Puzel ioyn'd, 
A holy Propheteffe, new rifen vp, 
Is come with a great Power, to rayfe the Siege. 

Here Salisbury lifteth himfelfe vp, and groanes. 
Talb. Heare, heare, how dying Salisbury doth groane, 
It irkes his heart he cannot be reueng'd. 
Frenchmen, He be a Saliibury to you. 
Puzel or Puffel, Dolphin or Dog,fiih, 
Your hearts He ftampe out with my Horfes heeles, 
And make a Quagmire of your mingled braines. 
Conuey me Salisbury into his Tent, 

And then wee'le try what thefe daftard Frenchmen dare.. 
Alarum. Exeunt. 

Here an Alarum againe,and Talbot purfueth the Dolphin, 
and driueth him : Then enter Ioane de Puzel, 
driuing Englijhmen before her. 
Then enter Talbot. 
Ta/i.Where is my ftrength, my valour, and my force? 
Our Englilh Troupes retyre,I cannot ftay them, 
A Woman clad in Armour chafeth them. 

Enter Puzel. 
Here, here lhee comes. He haue a bowt with thee : 
Deuill,or Deuils Dam, He coniure thee : 
Blood will I draw on thee, thou aft a Witch, 
And ftraightway giue thy Soule to him thou feru'ft. 

fuzel. Come, come, 'tis onely I that muft difgrace 
thee. Here they fight. 

Talb. Heauens,can you fuffer Hell fo to preuayle f 
My breft He burft with draining of my courage, 
And from my fhoulders crack my Armes afunder, 
But I will chaftife this high-minded Strumpet. 
They fight againe. 
Puzel. Talbot farwell, thy houre is not yet come, 
I muft goe Viftuall Orleance forthwith : 

AJhort Alarum : then enter the Tonne 
■aith Souldiers. 

O're- 

436 



The firftcPartqf 'Henry the Sixt. 



01 



O're-take me if thou canft,I fcorne thy ftrength. 
Goe, goe, cheare vp thy hungry-ftarued men, 
Helpe Salisbury to make his Teftament, 
This Day is ours, as many more mail be. Exit. 

Tali. My thoughts are whirled like a Potters Wheele, 
I know not where I am, nor what I doe : 
A Witch by feare,not force, like Hannibal, 
Driues back our troupes, and conquers as me lifts: 
So Bees with fmoake,and Doues with noyfome ftench, 
Are from their Hyues and Houfes driuen away. 
They call'd vs, for our fierceneffe, Engliih Dogges, 
Now like to Whelpes, we crying runne away, 

AJhort Alarum. 
Hearke Countreymen, eyther renew the fight, 
Or teare the Lyons out of Englands Coat ; 
Renounce your Soyle, giue Sheepe in Lyons ftead : 
Sheepe run not halfe fo trecherous from the Wolfe, 
Or Horfe or Oxen from the Leopard, 
As you flye from your oft-fubdued flaues. 

cAlarum. Here another S^irmifb. 
It will not be, retyre into your Trenches : 
You all confented vnto Salisburies death, 
For none would ftrike a ftroake in his reuenge. 
PusseJ is entred into Orleance, 
In fpight of vs,or ought that we could doe. 
O would I were to dye with Salisbury, 
The fhame hereof, will make me hide my head. 

Exit Talbot. 
Alarum , Retreat, Flourijh. 

Enter on the Walls, Tussel, Dolphin, Reigneir, 
cAlanfon, and Souldiers. 

fuze!. Aduance our wauing Colours on the Walls, 
Refcu'd is Orleance from the Englifh. 
Thus Ioane de Puzel hath perform'd her word. 

Dolph. Diuineft Creature, Aftrea\ Daughter, 
How /hall I honour thee for this fucceffe ? 
Thy promifes are like Adonis Garden, 
That one day bloom'd,and fruitfull were the next. 
France, triumph in thy glorious Propheteffe, 
Recouer'd is the Towne of Orleance, 
More bleffed hap did ne're befall our State. 

Reigneir. Why ring not out the Bells alowd, 
Throughout the Towne ? 

Dolphin command the Citizens make Bonfires, 
And feaft and banquet in the open ftreets, 
To celebrate the ioy that God hath giuen vs. 

AlanJ. All France will be repleat with mirth and ioy, 
When they mall heare how we haue play'd the men. 

Dolph. 'Tis Ioane,not we, by whom the day is wonne : 
For which,I will diuide my Crowne with her, 
And all the Priefts and Fryers in my Realme, 
Shall in proceffion fing her endleffe prayfe. 
A ftatelyer Pyramis to her He reare, 
Then 'Rhodophe's or clfrftmpbis euer was. 
In memorie ofher,when (he is dead, 
Her Afhes,in an Vrne more precious 
Then the rich-iewel'd Coffer of Darius, 
Tranfported,fhall be at high Feftiuals 
Before the Kings and Queenes of France. 
No longer on Saint Dennis will we cry, 
But Ioane de Puzel fhall be France's Saint. 
Come in, and let vs Banquet Royally, 
After this Golden Day of Viftorie. 

Exeunt. 



ABus Secundus. Scena 'Prima. 



Enter a Sergeant of a Band, with two Sentinels. 

Ser. Sirs, take your places,and be vigilant: 
If any noyfe or Souldier you perceiue 
Neere to the walles, by fome apparant figne 
Let vs haue knowledge at the Court of Guard. 

Sent. Sergeant you fhall. Thus are poore Seruitors 
(When others fleepe vpon their quiet beds) 
Conftrain'd to watch in darkneffe, raine, and cold. 

Enter Talbot, 'Bedford, and Burgundy, with fcaling 
Ladders : Their Drummes beating a 
"Dead <^March. 

Tal. Lord Regent, and redoubted Burgundy, 
By whofe approach, the Regions of Artoys^ 
Wallon, and Picardy, are friends to vs : 
This happy night, the Frenchmen are fecure, 
Hauing all day carows'd and banquetted, 
Embrace we then this opportunitie, 
As fitting beft to quittance their deceite, 
Contriu'd by Art, and balefull Sorcerie. 

Bed. Coward of France, how much he wrongs his fame, 
Difpairing of his owne armes fortitude, 
To ioyne with Witches, and the helpe of Hell. 

Bur. Traitors haue neuer other company. 
But what's that Puzell whom they tearme fo pure? 

Tal. A Maid, they fay. 

'Bed. A Maid ? And be fo martiall ? 

Bur. Pray God fhe proue not mafculine ere long: 
If vnderneath the Standard of the French 
She carry Armour, as fhe hath begun. 

Tal. Well, let them praftife and conuerfe with fpirits. 
God is our FortrefTe, in whofe conquering name 
Let vs refolue to fcale their flinty bulwarkes. 

Bed. Afcend braue Talbot, we will follow thee. 

Tal. Not altogether : Better farre I gueffe, 
That we do make our entrance feuerall wayes : 
That if it chance the one of vs do faile, 
The other yet may rife againft their force. 

Bed. Agreed ; lie to yond corner. 

'Bur. And I to this. 

Tal. And heere will Talbot mount, or make his graue. 
Now Salisbury, for thee and for the right 
Of Englifh Henry, fhall this night appeare 
How much in duty, I am bound to both. 

Sent. Arme, arme, the enemy doth make afTault. 

* Cry, S. George, A Talbot. 

The French leape ore the walles in their Jhirts. Enter 

feuerall wayes, Bafiard, Alanjon, Reignier, 

halfe ready, and halfe -unready. 

Alan. How now my Lords? what all vnreadie fo^ 

'Baft. Vnready? I and glad we fcap'd fo well. 

ifafg-.'Twas time (I trow) to wake and leaue our beds, 
Hearing Alarums at our Chamber doores. 

Alan. Of all exploits fince firft I follow'd Armes, 
Nere heard I of a warlike enterprize 

More 



102 



The firft Tart of Henry the Sixt. 



More venturous, or defperate then this. 

Baft. I thinke this Talbot be a Fiend of Hell. 
Reig. If not of Hell, the Heauens fure fauour him. 
Alanj. Here commeth Charles,! maruell how he fped? 

Enter Charles and Ioane. 

Baft. Tut, holy Ioane was his defenfiue Guard. 

Char/. Is this thy cunning, thou deceitfull Dame? 
Didft thou at firft, to flatter vs withall, 
Make vs partakers of a little gayne, 
That now our lofle might be ten times fo much? 

Ioane. Wherefore is Charles impatient with his friend? 
At all times will you haue my Power alike? 
Sleeping or waking, muft I ftill preuayle, 
Or will you blame and lay the fault on me? 
Improuident Souldiors, had your Watch been good, 
This fudden Mifchiefe neuer could haue falne. 

Charl. Duke of Alanfon,this was your default, 
That being Captaine of the Watch to Night, 
Did looke no better to that weightie Charge. 

Alanj. Had all your Quarters been as fafely kept, 
As that whereof I had the gouernment, 
We had not beene thus fliamefully furpriz'd. 

Baft. Mine was fecure. 

Reig. And fo was mine, my Lord. 

Charl. And for my felfe, moft part of all this Night 
Within her Quarter,and mine owne Precinft, 
I was imploy'd in pafling to and fro, 
About relieuing of the Centinels. 
Then how, or which way,ihould they firft breake in ? 

Ioane. Queftion(my Lords) no further of the cafe, 
How or which way ; 'tis fure they found fome place, 
But weakely guarded, where the breach was made: 
And now there refts no other fhift but this, 
To gather our Souldiors, fcatter'd and difperc't, 
And lay new Plat-formes to endammage them. 
Exeunt. 

Alarum. Enter a Souldier, crying , a Talbot , a Talbot : 
they fife, leauing their Clothes behind. 

Sould. lie be fo bold to take what they haue left : 
The Cry of Talbot ferues me for a Sword, 
For I haue loaden me with many Spoyles, 
Vfing no other Weapon but his Name. Exit. 

Enter Talbot, 'Bedford, "Burgundie. 
c Bedf. The Day begins to breake, and Night is fled, 

Whofe pitchy Mantle ouer-vayl'd the Earth. 

Here found Retreat, and ceafe our hot purfuit. Retreat. 
Talb. Bring forth the Body of old Salisbury, 
I And here aduance it in the Market-Place, 
i The middle Centure of this curfed Towne. 

Now haue I pay'd my Vow vnto his Soule : 

For euery drop of blood was drawne from him, 

There hath at leaft flue Frenchmen dyed to night. 

And that hereafter Ages may behold 

Whatruine happened in reuenge of him, 

Within their chiefeft Temple He erea 
: A Tombe, wherein his Corps (hall be interr'd : 
, Vpon the which, that euery one may reade, 

Shall be engrau'd the facke of Orleance, 

The trecherous manner of his moumefull death, 
I And what a terror he had beene to France. 
' But Lords, in all cur bloudy Mafiacre, 

I mufe we met not with the Dolphins Grace, 



His new-come Champion, vertuous Ioane of Acre, 
Nor any of his falfe Confederates. 

lledf.'Tis thought Lord Talbot,when the fight began, 
Rows'd on the fudden from their drowfie Beds, 
They did amongft the troupes of armed men, 
Leape o're the Walls for refuge in the field. 

*Burg. My felfe, as farre as I could well difcerne, 
For fmoake-,and duskie vapours of the night, 
Am fure I fcar'd the Dolphin and his Trull, 
When Arme in Arme they both came fwiftly running, 
Like to a payre of louing Turtle-Doues, 
That could not Hue afunder day or night. 
After that things are fet in order here, 
Wee'le follow them with all the power we haue. 

Enter a zTlfeffenger. 
Meff. All hayle,my Lords: which of this Princely trayne 
Call ye the Warlike Talbot, for his Afts 
So much applauded through the Realme of France f 

Talb. Here is the Talbot, who would fpeak with him? 
Meff. The vertuous Lady, Countefle of Ouergne, 
With modeftie admiring thy Renowne, 
By me entreats (great Lord) thou would'ft vouchfafe 
To vifit her poore Caftle where (he lyes, 
That fhe may boaft ftie hath beheld the man, 
Whofe glory fills the World with lowd report. 

'Burg. Is it euen fo ? Nay, then I fee our Warres 
Will turne vnto a peacefull Comick fport, 
When Ladyes craue to be encountred with. 
You may not (my Lord) defpife her gentle fuit. 

Talb. Ne're truft me then: for when a World of men 
Could not preuayle with all their Oratorie, 
Yet hath a Womans kindnefle ouer-rul'd : 
And therefore tell her, I returne great thankes, 
And in fubmiffion will attend on her. 
Will not your Honors beare me company? 

Bedf. No,truly,'tis more then manners will : 
And I haue heard it fayd, Vnbidden Guefts 
Are often welcommeft when they are gone. 

Talb. Well then, alone (fince there's no remedie) 
I meane to proue this Ladyes courtefie. 
Come hither Captaine, you perceiue my minde. 

WBffers. 

Caft. I doe my Lord, and meane accordingly. 
Exeunt. 
Enter Counteffe. 

Qount. Porter, remember what I gaue in charge, 
And when you haue done fo, bring the Keyes to me. 

Port. Madame, I will. Sxit. 

Count. The Plot is layd, if all things fall out right, 
I lhall as famous be by this exploit, 
As Scythian Tomyris by Cyrus death. 
Great is the rumour of this dreadfull Knight, 
And his atchieuements of no leffe account: 
Faine would mine eyes be witneffe with mine eares, 
To giue their cenfure of thefe rare reports. 

Enter Mfffenger and Talbot. 

Meff. Madame, according as your Ladyihip defir'd, 
By Meflage crau'd, fo is Lord Talbot come. 

Qount. And he is welcome: what i is this the man ■? 

Meff. Madame, it is. 

Count. Is this the Scourge of France? 
Is this the Talbot,(o much fear'd abroad ? 
That with his Name the Mothers ftill their Babes? 
I fee Report is fabulous and falfe. 



43« 



Thefirjl 'Part of Henry the Sixt. 



103 



I thought I fhould haue feene fome Hercules, 

A fecond HeBor, for his grim afpeft, 

And large proportion of his ftrong knit Limbes. 

Alas, this is a Child, a filly Dwarfe : 

It cannot be, this weake and writhled fhrimpe 

Should ftrike fuch terror to his Enemies. 

Talb. Madame, I haue beene bold to trouble you: 
But fince your Ladyfhip is not at leyfure, 
lie fort fome other time to vifit you. 

Count. What meanes he now ? 
Goe aske him, whither he goes? 

Meff. Stay my Lord Talbot, for my Lady craues, 
To know the caufe of your abrupt departure? 

Talb. Marry, for that fhee's in a wrong beleefe, 
I goe to certifie her Talbot's here. 

Enter Porter with Keyes. 

Count. If thou be he, then art thou Prifoner. 

Talb. Prifoner? to whom? 

Count. To me, blood-thirftie Lord: 
And for that caufe I trayn'd thee to my Houfe. 
Long time thy fhadow hath been thrall to me, 
For in my Gallery thy Picture hangs : 
But now the fubftance fhall endure the like, 
And I will chayne thefe Legges and Armes of thine, 
That haft by Tyrannie thefe many yeeres 
Wafted our Countrey,flaine our Citizens, 
And fent our Sonnes and Husbands captiuate. 

Talb. Ha, ha, ha. 

Count. Laugheft thou Wretch ? 
Thy mirth mall turne to moane. 

Talb. I laugh to fee your Ladyfhip fo fond, 
To thinke,that you haue ought but Talbots fhadow, 
Whereon to practife your feueritie. 

Count. Why? art not thou the man? 

Talb. I am indeede. 

Count. Then haue I fubftance too. 

Talb. No, no, I am but fhadow of my felfe : 
I You are deceiu'd, my fubftance is not here ; 
! For what you fee, is but the fmalleft part, 
1 And leaft proportion of Humanitie : 
i I tell you Madame, were the whole Frame here, 
[ It is of fuch a fpacious loftie pitch, 
j Your Roofe were not fufficient to contayn't. 

Count. This is a Riddling Merchant for the nonce, 
He will be here, and yet he is not here : 
How can thefe contrarieties agree ? 

Talb. That will I fhew you prefently. 

Winds his Home, Drummes fir ike -vp, a Peale 
ofOrdenar.ee : Enter Souldiors. 
How fay you Madame ? are you now perfwade.d, 
That Talbot is but ihadow of himfelfe ? 
Thefe are his fubftance, fine wes, armes, and ftrength, 
With which he yoaketh your rebellious Neckes, 
Razeth your Cities, and fubuerts your Townes, 
And in a moment makes them defolate. 

Count. Victorious Talbot, pardon my abufe, 
I finde thou art no leffe then Fame hath bruited, 
And more then may be gathered by thy fhape. 
Let my prefumption not prouoke thy wrath, 
For I am forry, that with reuerence 
I did not entertaine thee as thou art. 

Talb. Be not difmay'd, faire Lady, nor mifconfter 
The minde of Talbot, as you did miftake 
The outward compofition of his body. 
What you haue done, hath not offended me : 
Nor other fatisfa&ion doe I craue, 



4 '.9 



But onely with your patience, that we may 
Tafte of your Wine, and fee what Cates you haue, 
For Souldiers ftomacks alwayes ferue them well. 

Count. With all my heart, and thinke me honored, 
To feaft fo great a Warrior in my Houfe. Exeunt. 

Enter Richard Plantagenet, Warwick^, Somerfet, 
Poole, and others. 

Yofke: Great Lords and Gentlemen, 
What meanes this filence ? 
Dare no man anfwer in a Cafe of Truth ? 

Stiff. Within the Temple Hall we were too lowd, 
The Garden here is more conuenient. 

Yor\. Then fay at once, if I maintain'd the Truth : 
Or elfe was wrangling Somerfet in th'error? 

Suff. Faith I haue beene a Truant in the Law, 
And neuer yet could frame my will to it, 
And therefore frame the Law vnto my will. 

Som. Iudge you, my Lord of Warwicke, then be- 
tweene vs. 

War. Between two Hawks, which flyes the higher pitch, 
Between two Dogs, which hath the deeper mouth, 
Between two Blades, which beares the better temper, 
Between two Horfes, which doth beare him beft, 
Between two Girles, which hath the merryeft eye, 
I haue perhaps fome fhallow fpirit of Iudgement : 
But in thefe nice fharpe Quillets of the Law, 
Good faith I am no wifer then a Daw. 

Tor\. Tut, tut, here is a mannerly forbearance : 
The truth appeares fo naked on my fide, 
That any purblind eye may find it out. 

Som. And on my fide it is fo well apparrell'd, 
So cleare,fo mining, and fo euident, 
That it will glimmer through a blind-mans eye. 

Yor\. Since you are tongue-ty'd,and fo loth to fpeake, 
In dumbe fignificants proclayme your thoughts: 
Let him that is a true-borne Gentleman, 
And ftands vpon the honor of his birth, 
If he fuppofe that I haue pleaded truth, 
From off this Bryer pluck a white Rofe with me. 

Som. Let him that is no Coward, nor no Flatterer, 
But dare maintaine'the partie of the truth, 
Pluck a red Rofe from off this Thome with me. . 
War. I loue no Colours : and without all colour 
Of bafe infinuating flatterie, 
I pluck this white Rofe with flantagenet. 

Suff. I pluck this red Rofe, with young Somerfet, 
And fay withall, I thinke he held the right. 

Vernon. Stay Lords and Gentlemen, and pluck no more 
Till you conclude, that he vpon whofe fide 
The feweft Rofes are cropt from the Tree, 
Shall yeeld the other in the right opinion. 

Som. Good Mafter Vernon,h is well objected : 
If I haue feweft, I fubferibe in filence. 

Tor{. And I. 

Vernon. Then for the truth, and plainneffe of the Cafe, 
I pluck this pale and Maiden Bloffome here, 
Giuing my Verdict on the white Rofe fide. 

Som. Prick not your finger as you pluck it off, 
Leaft bleeding, you doe paint the white Rofe red, 
And fall on my fide fo againft your will. 

Vernon. If I, my Lord, for my opinion bleed, 
Opinion fhall be Surgeon to my hurt, 
And keepe me on the fide where ftill I am. 

Som. Well, well, come on, who elfe ? 

Lawyer. Vn- 



104 



The firji ^Part of Henry the Sixt. 



Lawyer. VnlefTe my Studie and my Bookes be falfe, 
The argument you held, was wrong in you ; 
In figne whereof, I pluck a white Rofe too. 

Torke. Now Somerjet, where is your argument? 
Som. Here in my Scabbard, meditating, that 
Shall dye your white Rofe in a bloody red. 

Tori^. Meane time your cheeks do counterfeit our Rofes: 
For pale they looke with feare,as witneffing 
The truth on our fide. 

Som. No Plantagenet : 
'Tis not for feare, but anger, that thy cheekes 
Blufh for pure fhame,to counterfeit our Rofes, 
And yet thy tongue will not confefle thy error. 
Torke. Hath not thy Rofe a Canker, Somerjet} 
Som. Hath not thy Rofe a Thorne, Plantagenet ? 
Torke. I,fharpe and piercing to maintaine his truth, 
Whiles thy confuming Canker eates his falfehood. 

Som. Well, He find friends to weare my bleeding Rofes, 
That fhall maintaine what I haue faid is true, 
Where falfe Plantagenet dare not be feene. 

Torke. Now by this Maiden BlofTome in my hand, 
I fcorne thee and thy fafhion,peeuifh Boy. 

Suff. Turne not thy fcornes this way, Plantagenet. 
Torke. Prowd Toole, I will, and fcorne both him and 
thee. 

Suff. He turne my part thereof into thy throat. 
Som. Away, away , good William de la Poole, 
We grace the Yeoman, by conuerfing with him. 

Warw.Now by Gods will thou wrong 1 ft him, Somerjet : 
His Grandfather was Lyonel Duke of Clarence, 
Third Sonne to the third Edward King of England : 
Spring CreftlefTe Yeomen from fo deepe a Root ? 

Torke. He beares him on the place's Priuiledge, 
Or durft not for his crauen heart fay thus. 

Som, By him that made me, He maintaine my words 
On any Plot of Ground in Chriftendome. 
Was not thy Father, Richard, Earle of Cambridge, 
For Treafon executed in our late Kings dayes '. 
And by his Treafon, ftand'ft not thou attainted, 
Corrupted, and exempt from ancient Gentry i 
His Trefpas yet liues guiltie in thy blood, 
And till thou be reftor'd, thou art a Yeoman. 

Torke. My Father was attached, not attainted, 
Condemn'd to dye for Treafon, but no Traytor ; 
And that He proue on better men then Somerjet, 
Were growing time once ripened to my will. 
For your partaker Poole, and you your felfe, 
He note you in my Booke of Memorie, 
To fcourge you for this apprehenfion : 
Looke to it well, and fay you are well warn'd. 

Som. Ah, thou fhalt finde vs ready for thee ftill : 
And know vs by thefe Colours for thy Foes, 
For thefe, my friends in fpight of thee fhall weare. 

Torke. And by my Soule,this pale and angry Rofe, 
As Cognizance of my blood-drinking hate, 
Will I for euer,and my FacYion weare, 
Vntill it wither with me to my Graue, 
Or flourilh to the height of my Degree. 

Suff. Goe forward, and be choak'd with thy ambition : 
And fo farwell, vntill I meet thee next. Exit. 

Som. Haue with thee Poole: Farwell ambitious Ri* 
chard. Exit. 

Torke. How I am brau'd, and mull: perforce endure 
it? 

Warw. This blot that they obiect again ft your Houfe, 
Shall be whipt out in the next Parliament, 



Call'd for the Truce of Winchejter and Gloucefter : 
And if thou be not then created Torke, 
I will not liue to be accounted Warwick?. 
Meane time,in fignall of my loue to thee, 
Againft prowd Somerjet, and William Pooh, 
Will I vpon thy partie weare this Rofe. 
And here I prophecie: this brawle to day, 
Growne to this faction in the Temple Garden, 
Shall fend betweene the Red-Rofe and the White, 
A thoufand Soules to Death and deadiy Night. 

Torke. Good Mafter Vernon,l am bound to you, 
That you on my behalfe would pluck a Flower. 

Ver. In your behalfe ftill will I weare the fame. 

Lawyer. And fo will I. 

Torke. Thankes gentle. 
Come, let vs foure to Dinner : I dare fay, 
This Quarrell will drinke Blood another day. 

Exeunt. 



Enter Mortimer, brought 
and laylors. 



a Chayre , 



Mort. Kind Keepers of my weake decaying Age, 
Let dying ^Mortimer here reft himfelfe. 
Euen like a man new haled from the Wrack, 
So fare my Limbes with long Imprifonment : 
And thefe gray Locks, the Purfuiuants of death, 
NeJlor-l\ke aged, in an Age of Care, 
Argue the end of Edmund Mortimer. 
Thefe Eyes, like Lampes, whofe wafting Oyle is fpent, 
Waxe dimme,as drawing to their Exigent. 
Weake Shoulders, ouer.borne with burthening Griefe, 
And pyth-lefle Armes,like to a withered Vine, 
That droupes his fappe-leffe Branches to the ground. 
Yet are thefe Feet, whofe ftrength-lefle ftay is numme, 
(Vnable to fupport this Lumpe of Clay) 
Swift-winged with defire to get a Graue, 
As witting I no other comfort haue. 
But tell me, Keeper, will my Nephew come ? 

Keeper. Richard Plantagenet, my Lord, will come : 
We fent vnto the Temple, vnto his Chamber, 
And anfwer was return'd,that he will come. 

Mort. Enough : my Soule fhall then be fatisfied. 
Poore Gentleman, his wrong doth equall mine. 
Since Henry Monmouth firft began to reigne, 
Before whofe Glory I was great in Armes, 
This loathfome fequeftration haue I had ; 
And euen fince then, hath Richard beene obfeur'd, 
Depriu'd of Honor and Inheritance. 
But now, the Arbitrator of Defpaires, 
luft Death, kinde Vmpire of mens miferies, 
With fweet enlargement doth difmifTe me hence : 
I would his troubles likewife were expir'd, 
That fo he might recouer what was loft. 

Enter Richard. 

Keeper. My Lord, your louing Nephew now is cor 

Mor. Richard Plantagenet, my friend, is he come ? 

Rich. I,Noble Vnckle,thus ignobly vs'd, 
Your Nephew, late defpifed Richard, comes. 

Mort. Direcl mine Armes,I may embrace his Neck, 
And in his Bofome fpend my latter gafpe. 
Oh tell me when my Lippes doe touch his Cheekes, 
That I may kindly giue one fainting Kifle. 
And now declare fweet Stem from Tot \ei great Stock, 
Why didft thou fay of late thou wert defpis'd ? 

Rich. Firft 



^hefirft Tart of Henry the Sixt. 



105 



Rich. Firft,leane thine aged Back againft mine Arme, 
And in that eafe,Ile tell thee my Difeafe. 
This day in argument vpon a Cafe, 
Some words there grew'twixt Somerset and me : 
Among which tearmes,he vs'd his lauifli tongue, 
And did vpbrayd me with my Fathers death ; 
Which obloquie fet barres before my tongue, 
Elfe with the like I had requited him. 
Therefore good Vnckle, for my Fathers fake, 
In honor of a true Plantagenet, 
And for Alliance fake, declare the caufe 
My Father,Earle of Cambridge,loft his Head. 

Mort. That caufe(faire Nephew) that imprifon'd me, 
And hath detayn'd me all my flowring Youth, 
Within a loathfome Dungeon, there to pyne, 
Was curfed Inftrument of his deceafe. 

Rich. Difcouer more at large what caufe that was, 
For I am ignorant, and cannot guefTe. 

Mort. I will, if that my fading breath permit, 
And Death approach not, ere my Tale be done. 
Henry the Fourth, Grandfather to this King, 
Depos'd his Nephew "Richard, Edwards Sonne, 
The firft begotten, and the lawfull Heire 
Of Edward King, the Third of that Defcent. 
During whofe Reigne, the Percies of the North, 
Finding his Vfurpation moft vniuft, 
Endeuour'd my aduancement to the Throne. 
The reafon mou'd thefe Warlike Lords to this, 
Was,for that ('young Richard thus remou'd, 
Leauing no Heire begotten of his Body) 
I was the next by Birth and Parentage : 
For by my Mother, I deriued am 
From Lionel Duke of Clarence, third Sonne 
To King Edward the Third ; whereas hee, 
From Iohn of Gaunt doth bring his Pedigree, 
Being but fourth of that Heroick Lyne. 
But marke : as in this haughtie great attempt, 
They laboured, to plant the rightfull Heire, 
I loft my Libertie, and they their Liues. 
Long after this, when Henry the Fift 
(Succeeding his Father Bullingbrooke ) did reigne; 
Thy Father, Earle of Cambridge, then deriu'd 
From famous Edmund Langley, Duke of Yorke, 
Marrying my Sifter,that thy Mother was; 
Againe,in pitty of my hard diftreffe, 
Leuied an Army, weening to redeeme, 
And haue inftall'd me in the Diademe : 
But as the reft,fo fell that Noble Earle, 
And was beheaded. Thus the tjrfortimers, 
In whom the Title refted,were fuppreft. 

Rich. Of which, my Lord, your Honor is the laft. 

Mort. True; and thou feeft,that I no Iffue haue, 
And that my fainting words doe warrant death: 
Thou art my Heire; the reft, I wifh thee gather : 
But yet be wary in thy ftudious care. 

^Rjch. Thy graue admonifhments preuayle with me: 
But yet me thinkes,my Fathers execution 
Was nothing leffe then bloody Tyranny. 

Mort.With filence, Nephew, be thou pollitick, 
Strong fixed is the Houfe of Lancajier, 
And like a Mountaine,not to be remou'd. 
But now thy Vnckle is remouing hence, 
As Princes doe their Courts, when they are cloy'd 
With long continuance in a fetled place. 

Rich.O Vnckle, would fome part of my young yeeres 
Might but redeeme the paflage of your Age. 



44" 



Morf.Thou do'ft then wrong me,as y flaughterer doth, 
Which giueth many Wounds, when one will kill. 
Mourne not, except thou forrow for my good, 
Onely giue order for my Funerall. 
And fo farewell, and faire be all thy hopes, 
And profperous be thy Life in Peace and Warre. Dyes. 
Rich. And Peace, no Warre, befall thy parting Soule. 
In Prifon haft thou fpent a Pilgrimage, 
And like a Hermite ouer-paft thy dayes. 
Well, I will locke his Councell in my Breft, 
And what I doe imagine, let that reft. 
Keepers conuey him hence,and I my felfe 
Will fee his Buryall better then his Life. Exit. 

Here dyes the duskie Torch of zMortimer, 
Choakt with Ambition of the meaner fort. 
And for thofe Wrongs, thofe bitter Iniuries, 
Which Somerfet hath offer'd to my Houfe, 
I doubt not, but with Honor to redrefle. 
And therefore hafte I to the Parliament, 
Eyther to be reftored to my Blood, 
Or make my will th'aduantage of my good. Exit. 



ABus Tertius. Scena Trima. 



Enter King, Exeter, Gl after, Winchefter, Warwick 
Somerfet ,Suffollt_,Richard Plantagenet. Glofter offers 
to put -vf a Bill: Winchefter fnatches it, tear es it. 
Winch. Com'ft thou with deepe premeditated Lines? 
With written Pamphlets, ftudioufly deuis'd ? 
Humfrey of Glofter, if thou canft accufe, 
Or ought intend'ft to lay vnto my charge, 
Doe it without inuention,fuddenly, 
As I with fudden,and extemporall fpeech, 
Purpofe to anfwer what thou canft obiedl. 

G/o.Prefumptuous Prieft,this place comands my patiece, 
Or thou fhould'ft finde thou haft dis-honor'd me. 
Thinke not, although in Writing I preferr'd 
The manner of thy vile outragious Crymes, 
That therefore I haue forg'd,or am not able 
Verbatim to rehearfe the Methode of my Penne. 
No Prelate, fuch is thy audacious wickednefTe, 
Thy lewd, peftiferous, and dilTentious prancks, 
As very Infants prattle of thy pride. 
Thou art a moft pernitious Vfurer, 
Froward by nature, Enemie to Peace, 
Lafciuious, wanton, more then well befeemes 
A man of thy Profeffion,and Degree. ■ 
And for thy Trecherie, what's more manifeft? 
In that thou layd'ft a Trap to take my Life, 
As well at London Bridge, as at the Tower. 
Befide, I feare me,if thy thoughts were lifted, 
The King, thy Soueraigne,is not quite exempt 
From enuious mallice of thy fwelling heart. 

Winch. Glofter,! doe defie thee. Lords vouchfafe 
To giue me hearing what I fhall reply. 
If I were couetous, ambitious, or peruerfe, 
As he will haue me : how am I fo poore ? 
Or how haps it, I feeke not to aduance 
Or rayfe my felfe? but keepe my wonted Calling. 
And for Diffention,who preferreth Peace 
More then I doe ? except I be prouok'd. 
No, my good Lords, it is not that offends, 
It is not that, that hath incens'd the Duke: 
It is becaufe no one fhould fway but hee, 
No one, but hee, fhould be about the King; 
And that engenders Thunder in his breaft, 

1 And 

3 K 



io6 



1 'he fir -ft cPart of Henry the Sixt. 



And makes him rore thefe Accufations forth. 
But he ihall know I am as good. 

GloSt. As good? 
Thou Baftard of my Grandfather. 

Winch. I, Lordly Sir: for what are you, I pray, 
But one imperious in anothers Throne? 

Gloft. Am I not Proteftor.fawcie Prieft? 

Winch. And am not I a Prelate of the Church? 

Glosi. Yes, as an Out-law in a Caftle keepes, 
And vfeth it, to patronage his Theft. 

Winch. Vnreuerent Glocefier. 

Gloji. Thou art reuerent, 
Touching thy Spirituall Function, not thy Life. 

Winch. Rome ihall remedie this. 

Warn. Roame thither then. 
My Lord, it were your dutie to forbeare. 

Som. I, fee the Bifhop be not ouer-borne: 
Me thinkes my Lord fhould be Religious, 
And know the Office that belongs to fuch. 

Warn. Me thinkes his Lordfhip fhould be humbler, 
It fitteth not a Prelate fo to plead. 

Som. Yes, when his holy State is toucht fo neere. 

Warm. State holy, or vnhallow'd, what of that? 
Is not his Grace Proteftor to the King ? 

Rich. Plantagenet I fee muft hold his tongue, 
Leaft it be faid,Speake Sirrha when you fhould : 
Muft your bold Verdift enter talke with Lords? 
Elfe would I haue a fling at Winchefter. 

King. Vnckles of Glofter, m& of Winchefter, 
The fpeciall Watch-men of our Engliih Weale, 
I would preuayle, if Prayers might preuayle, 
To ioyne your hearts in loue and amide. 
Oh, what a Scandall is it to our Crowne, 
That two fuch Noble Peeres as ye fhould iarre ? 
Beleeue me, Lords, my tender yeeres can tell, 
Ciuill diffention is a viperous Worme, 
That gnawes the Bowels of the Common-wealth. 
A noyje within, Downe with the 
Tawny- Coats. 

King. What tumult's this? 

Warw. An Vprore, I dare warrant, 
Begun through malice of the Bifhops men. 

A noyje againe, Stones, Stones . 

Enter <iMaior. 
Maior. Oh my good Lords, and vertuous Henry, 
Pitty the Citie of London, pitty vs : 
The Bifhop,and the Duke of Glofters men, 
Forbidden late to carry any Weapon, 
Haue fill'd their Pockets full of peeble ftones; 
And banding themfelues in contrary parts, 
Doe pelt fo faft at one anothers Pate, 
That many haue their giddy braynes knockt out: 
Our Windowes are broke downe in euery Street, 
And we, for feare,compeH'd to fhut our Shops. 

Enter in sltirmijh with bloody Pates. - 

King. We charge you, on allegeance to our felfe, 
To hold your flaughtring hands, and keepe the Peace: 
Pray'VnckleG/o/?f>- mittigate this ftrife. 

l.Seruing. Nay,if we be forbidden Stones, wee'le fall 
to it with our Teeth. 

l.Seruing. Doe what ye dare, we are as refolute. 
Skjrmijh againe. 

Gloft. You of my houfehold, leaue this peeuifh broyle, 
And fe: this vnaccuftom'd fight afide. 



3. Seru. My Lord, we know your Grace to be a man 
Iuft,and vpright; and for your Royall Birth, 
Inferior to none, but to his Maieftie : 
And ere that we will fuffer fuch a Prince, 
So kinde a Father of the Common-weale, 
To be difgraced by an Inke-horne Mate, 
Wee and our Wiues and Children all will fight, 
And haue our bodyes flaughtred by thy foes. 

1 .Seru. I, and the very parings of our Nayles 
Shall pitch a Field when we are dead. 

'TSegin againe. 

Gloft. Stay,ftay,Ifay: 
And if you loue me, as you fay you doe, 
Let me perfwade you to forbeare a while. 

King. Oh,how this difcord doth afflict my Soule. 
Can you, my Lord of Winchefter, behold 
My fighes and teares, and will not once relent? 
Who fhould be pittifull,if you be not i 
Or who fhould ftudy to preferre a Peace, 
If holy Church-men take delight in broyles ? 

Warw. Yeeld my Lord Proteftor,yeeld Winchefter , 
Except you meane with obftinate repulfe 
To flay your Soueraigne,and deftroy the Realme. 
You fee what Mifchiefe,and what Murther too, 
Hath beene enacted through your enmitie : 
Then be at peace, except ye thirft for blood. 

Winch. He fhall fubmit, or I will neuer yeeld. 

Gloft. Compaffion on the King commands me ftoupe, 
Or I would fee his heart out, ere the Prieft 
Should euer get that priuiledge of me. 

Warw. Behold my Lord of Winchefter, the Duke 
Hath banifht moodie difcontented fury, 
As by his fmoothed Browes it doth appeare : 
Why looke you ftill fo fterne,and tragicall ? 

Gloft. Here Winchefter, I offer thee my Hand. 

King. F\eVnck\e c Beauford, I haue heard you preach, 
That Mallice was a great and grieuous finne : 
And will not you maintaine the thing you teach? 
But proue a chiefe offendor in the fame. 

Warw. Sweet King: the Bifhop hath a kindly gyrd : 
For fhame my Lord of Winchefter relent ; 
What.fhall a Child inftrucl you what to doe? 

Winch. Well, Duke of Glofter, I will yeeld to thee 
Loue for thy Loue, and Hand for Hand I giue. 

Gloft. I, but I feare me with a hollow Heart. 
See here my Friends and louing Countreymen, 
This token ferueth for a Flagge of Truce, 
Betwixt our felues,and all our followers : 
So helpe me God, as I diffemble not. 

Winch. So helpe me God, as I intend it not. 

King. Oh louing Vnckle,kinde Duke of Glofter, 
How ioyfull am I made by this Contract. 
Away my Mafters, trouble vs no more, 
But ioyne in friendship, as your Lords haue done. 

1. Seru. Content, He to the Surgeons. 

2. Seru. And fo will I. 

l-Seru. And I will fee what Phyfick the Taueme af- 
fords. Exeunt. 

Warw. Accept this Scrowle, moft gracious Soueraigne, 
Which in the Right of Richard flantagenet, 
We doe exhibite to your Maieftie. 

Glo.Wett vrg'd,my Lord of Warwick: for fweet Prince, 
And if your Grace marke euery circumftance, 
You haue great reafon to doe Richard right, 
Efpecially for thofe occafions 
At Eltam Place I told your Maieftie. 

King. And 

441 



The fir Ji ^Part of Henry the Sixt. 



107 



King. And thofe occafions,Vnckle, were of force : 
Therefore my louing Lords, our pleafure is, 
That Richard be reftored to his Blood. 

Warw. Let Richard be reftored to his Blood, 
So ftull his Fathers wrongs be recompenc't. 

Winch. As will the reft,fo willeth Wwchtfter. 

King. If Richard will be true, not that all alone, 
But all the whole Inheritance I giue, 
That doth belong vnto the Houfe of Yorke, 
From whence you fpring, by Lineall Defcent. 

Rich. Thy humble feruant vowes obedience, 
And humble feruice,till the point of death. 

King. Stoope then, and fet your Knee againft my Foot, 
And in reguerdon of that dutie done, 
I gyrt thee with the valiant Sword of Yorke ; 
Rile Richard, like a true Plantagenet, 
And rife created Princely Duke of Yorke. 

Rich. And fo thriue Richard, as thy foes may fall, 
And as my dutie fprings,fo periih they, 
That grudge one thought againft your Maiefty. 

All. Welcome high Prince, the mighty Duke of Yorke. 

Som. Periih bafe Prince, ignoble Duke of Yorke. 

Glojl. Now will it beft auaile your Maieftie, 
To erode the Seas,and to be Crown'd in France : 
The prefence of a King engenders loue 
Amongft his Subiec~ts,and his loyall Friends, 
As it dif-animates his Enemies. 

King. When Glojler fayes the word, King Henry goes, 
For friendly counfaile cuts off many Foes. 

Glojl. Your Ships alreadie are in readineffe. 
Senet. Flourijh. Exeunt. 

Manet Exeter. 
Exet. I, we may march in England, or in France, 
Not feeing what is likely to enfue: 
This late diffention growne betwixt the Peeres, 
Burnes vndcr fained alhes of forg'd loue, 
And will at laft breake out into a flame, 
As feftred members rot but by degree, 
Till bones and flefli and finewes fall away, 
So will this bafe and enuious difcord breed. 
And now I feare that fatall Prophecie, 
Which in the time of Henry, nam'd the Fift, 
Was in the mouth of euery fucking Babe, 
That Henry borne at Monmouth mould winne all, 
And Henry borne at Windfor,loofe all : 
Which is fo plaine, that Exeter doth wilh, 
His dayes may finim, ere that hapleffe time. Exit. 



Sccena Secunda. 



Enter Pucell dijguiid, with four e Souldiors with 
Sackj -upon their hacks. 
Pucell. Thefe are the Citie Gates, the Gates of Roan, 
Through which our Pollicy muft make a breach. 
Take heed, be wary how you place your words, 
Talke like the vulgar fort of Market men, 
That come to gather Money for their Come. 
If we haue entrance, as I hope we /hall, 
And that we finde the flouthfull Watch but weake, 
lie by a figne giue notice to our friends, 
That Charles the Dolphin may encounter them. 



Souldier. Our Sacks mall be a meane to fack the City, 
And we be Lords and Rulers ouer Roan, 
Therefore wee'le knock. Knocks 

Watch. Chela. 

Pucell. Peafauns la pouure gens de Fraunce, 
Poore Market folkes that come to fell their Corne. 

Watch. Enter, goe in, the Market Bell is rung. 

Pucell. Now Roan, He Ihake thy Bulwarkes to the 
ground. Exeunt. 

Enter Charles, Baftard, Alanjon. 

Charles. Saint Dennis bleffe this happy Stratageme, 
And once againe wee'le fleepe fecure in Roan. 

Baftard. Here entred Pucell, and her Praftifants : 
Now me is there, how will ftie fpecifie ? 
Here is the beft and fafeft pafiage in. 

Reig. By thrufting out a Torch from yonder Tower, 
Which once difcern'd,ihewes that her meaning is, 
No way to that(for weakneffe) which fhe entred. 
Enter Pucell on the top, thrufting out a 
Torch burning. 

Pucell. Behold, this is the happy Wedding Torch, 
That ioyneth Roan vnto her Countreymen, 
But burning fatall to the Talbonites. 

'Baftard. See Noble Charles the Beacon of our friend, 
The burning Torch in yonder Turret ftands. 

Charles. Now ihine it like a Commet of Reuenge, 
A Prophet to the fall of all our Foes. 

P,eig. Deferre no time,delayes haue dangerous ends, 
Enter and cry, the Dolphin, prefently, 
And then doe execution on the Watch. Alarum. 

An Alarum. Talbot in an Excurfion. 
Talb. France, thou malt rue this Treafon with thy teares, 
If Talbot but furuiue thy Trecherie. 
Pucell that Witch, that damned SorcerefTe, 
Hath wrought this Hellifti Mifchiefe vnawares, 
That hardly we efcap't the Pride of France. Exit. 

An Alarum : Excurjions. Bedford brought 
injicke in a Chayre. 

Enter Talbot and Burgonie without : within, Pucell, 
Charles,Baftard,andReigneir on the Walls. 
Pucell. God morrow Gallants, want ye Corn for Bread? 
I thinke the Duke of Burgonie will faft, 
Before hee'le buy againe at fuch a rate. 
'Twas full of Darnell : doe you like the tafte? 

Burg. Scoffe on vile Fiend, and ihamelefle Curtizan, 
I truft ere long to choake thee with thine owne, 
And make thee curfe the Harueft of that Corne. 

Charles. Your Grace may ftarue (perhaps) before that 
time. 

Bedf. Oh let no words, but deedes, reuenge this Trea- 
fon. 

'Pucell. What will you doe, good gray-Beard ? 
Breake a Launce, and runne a-Tilt at Death, 
Within a Chayre. 

Talb. Foule Fiend of France,and Hag of all defpight, 
Incompafs'd with thy luftfull Paramours, 
Becomes it thee to taunt his valiant Age, 
And twit with Cowardife a man halfe dead? 
Damfell,Ile haue a bowt with you againe, 
Or elfe let Talbot peri/h with this mame. 

Pucell. Are. ye fo hot, Sir: yet Pucell hold thy peace, 
If Talbot doe but Thunder, Raine will follow. 

They whijper together in counfell. 
God fpeed the Parliament: who mall be the Speaker? 

1 a Talb.Dzre 



10? 



Thejirft Tart of Henry the Sixt. 



Talb. Dare yee come forth,and meet vs in the field ? 

Pucell. Belike your Lordfhip takes vs then for fooles, 
To try if that our owne be ours, or no. 

Talb. I fpeake not to that rayling Hecate, 
But vnto thee Alanfon, and the reft. 
Will ye, like Souldiors,come and fight it out ? 

Alanf. Seignior no. 

Talb. Seignior hang:bafe Muleters of France, 
Like Pefant foot-Boyes doe they keepe the Walls, 
And dare not take vp Armes, like Gentlemen. 

Pucell. Away Captaines, let's get vs from the Walls, 
For Talbot meanes no goodnefle by his Lookes. 
God b'uy my Lord, we came but to tell you 
That wee are here. Exeunt from the Walls. 

Talb. And there will we be too, ere it be long, 
Or elfe reproach be Talbots greateft fame. 
Vow Burgonie, by honor of thy Houfe, 
Prickt on by publike Wrongs fuftain'd in France, 
Either to get the Towne againe, or dye. 
And I, as fure as Englilh Henry Hues, 
And as his Father here was Conqueror; 
As fure as in this late betrayed Towne, 
Great Cordelions Heart was buryed ; 
So fure I fweare,to get the Towne, or dye. 

'Burg. My Vowes are equall partners with thy 
Vowes. 

Talb. But ere we goe, regard this dying Prince, 
The valiant Duke of Bedford : Come my Lord, 
We will beftow you in fome better place, 
Fitter for ficknefie,and for crafie age. 

Bed/. Lord Talbot, doe not fo dishonour me : 
Here will I fit, before the Walls of Roan, 
And will be partner of your weale or woe. 

'Burg. Couragious "Bedford, let vs now perfwade you. 

'Bedf. Not to be gone from hence : for once I read, 
That flout Pendragon,\i\ his Litter fick, 
Came to the field, and vanquished his foes. 
Me thinkes I mould reuiue the Souldiors hearts, 
Becaufe I euer found them as my felfe. 

Talb. Vndaunted fpirit in a dying breaft, 
Then be it fo : Heauens keepe old Bedford fafe. 
And now no more adoe, braue 'Burgonie, 
But gather we our Forces out of hand, 
And fet vpon our boafting Enemie. Exit. 

tAn Alarum ; Excurftons . Enter Sir Iohn 
Faljlaffe, and a Captaine. 

Capt. Whither away Sir Iohn Falftaffe,'m fuch haftef 
Falft. Whither away ? to faue my felfe by flight, 
We are like to haue the ouerthrow againe. 

Capt. What? will you flye,and leaue Lord Talbot} 
Falft. I, all the Talbots in the World, to faue my life. 

Exit. 

Capt. Cowardly Knight, ill fortune follow thee. 

Exit. 

Retreat. Bxcurjions. Pucell, Alanjon, and 
Charles fye. 

'Bedf. Now quiet Soule, depart when Heauen pleafe, 
For I haue feene our Enemies ouerthrow. 
What is the truft or ftrength of foolifh man ? 
They that of late were daring with their fcofFes, 
Are glad and faine by flight to faue themfelues. 

Bedford dyes, and is carryed in by two in his Chair e. 



An Alarum. Enter Talbot, Burgonie, and 
the reft. 

Talb. Loft, and recouered in a day againe, 
This is a double Honor, Burgonie: 
Yet Heauens haue glory for this Vi&orie. 

'Burg. Warlike and Marriall Talbot, Burgonie 
In/hrines thee in his heart,and there erecTs 
Thy noble Deeds, as Valors Monuments. 

Talb. Thanks gentle Duke: but where is Pucel now i 
I thinke her old Familiar is afieepe. 

Now where's the Baftards braues, and Qharles his glikes i 
What all amort? Roan hangs her head for griefe, 
That fuch a valiant Company are fled. 
Now will we take fome order in the Towne, 
Placing therein fome expert Officers, 
And then depart to Paris, to the King, 
For there young Henry with his Nobles lye. 

Burg. What wills Lord Talbot, pleafeth Burgonie. 

Talb. But yet before we goe, let's not forget 
The Noble Duke of Bedford, late deceas'd, 
But fee his Exequies fulfill'd in Roan. 
A brauer Souldier neuer couched Launce, 
A gentler Heart did neuer fway in Court. 
But Kings and mightieft Potentates muft die, 
For that's the end of humane miferie. Exeunt. 



Sccena Tertia. 



Enter Charles, Baftard, Alanfon, Tucell. 

Pucell. Difmay not (Princes J at this accident, 
Nor grieue that Roan is fo recouered : 
Care is no cure, but rather corrofiue, 
For things that are not to be remedy'd. 
Let frantike Talbot triumph for a while, 
And like a Peacock fweepe along his tayle, 
Wee'le pull his Plumes, and take away his Trayne, 
If Dolphin and the reft will be but rul'd. 

Charles. We haue been guided by thee hitherto, 
And of thy Cunning had no diffidence, 
One fudden Foyle fhall neuer breed diftruft. 

Baftard. Search out thy wit for fecret pollicies, 
And we will make thee famous through the World. 

Alanj. Wee'le fet thy Statue in fome holy place, 
And haue thee reuerenc't like a blefled Saint. 
Employ thee then, fweet Virgin, for our good. 

2W//.Then thus it muft be, this doth Ioane deuife : 
By faire perfwafions, mixt with fugred words, 
We will entice the Duke of Burgonie 
To leaue the Talbot, and to follow vs. 

Charles . I marry Sweeting, if we could doe that, 
France were no place for Henryes Warriors, 
Nor mould that Nation boaft it fo with vs, 
But be extirped from our Prouinces. 

Alanf.For euer mould they be expuls'd from France, 
And not haue Title of an Earledome here. 

Tucell. Your Honors fhall perceiue how I will worke, 
To bring this matter to the wiflied end. 

T)rumme founds afarre off. 
Hearke,by the found of Drumme you may perceiue 
Their Powers are marching vnto Paris-ward. 

Here found an Englijh March. 
There goes the Talbot,w\th his Colours fpred, 
And all the Troupes of Englifh after him. 

French 



Thefirji Tart of Henry the Sixt. 



109 



French March. 
Now in the Rereward comes the Duke and his : 
Fortune in fauor makes him lagge behinde. 
Summon a Parley, we will talke with him. 

Trumpets, found a Parley. 

Charles. A Parley with the Duke of Burgonie. 

'Burg. Who craues a Parley with the Burgonie ? 

Pucell. The Princely Qharles of France, thy Countrey- 
man. 

'Burg. What fay'ft thou Charles ? for I am marching 
hence. 

Charles. Speake Pucell, and enchaunt him with thy 
words. 

Pucell. Braue *Burgonie ) vn&o-ahtz& hope of France, 
Stay, let thy humble Hand-maid fpeake to thee. 

^Burg. Speake on, but be not ouer-tedious. 

Pucell. Looke on thy Country, look on fertile France, 
And fee the Cities and the Townes defac't, 
By wafting Ruine of the cruell Foe, 
As lookes the Mother on her lowly Babe, . 
When Death doth clofe his tender-dying Eyes. 
See,fee the pining Maladie of France : 
Behold the Wounds, the moft vnnaturall Wounds, 
Which thou thy felfe haft giuen her wofull Breft. 
Oh turne thy edged Sword another way, 
Strike thofe that hurt,and hurt not thofe that helpe : 
One drop of Blood drawne from thy Countries Bofome, 
Should grieue thee more then ftreames of forraine gore. 
Returne thee therefore with a floud of Teares, 
And warn away thy Countries ftayned Spots. 

'Burg. Either me hath bewitcht me with her words, 
Or Nature makes me fuddenly relent. 

Pa«//.Befides,all French and France exclaimes on thee, 
Doubting thy Birth and lawfull Progenie. 
Who ioyn'ft tbou with, but with a Lordly Nation, 
That will not truft thee, but for profits fake? 
When Talbot hath fet footing once in France, 
And faihion'd thee that Inftrument of 111, 
Who then, but English Henry, will be Lord, 
And thou be thruft out, like a Fugitiue ? 
Call we to minde,and marke but this for proofe: 
Was not the Duke of Orleance thy Foe ? 
And was he not in England Prifoner ? 
But when they heard he was thine Enemie, 
They fet him free, without his Ranfome pay'd, 
In fpight of 'Burgonie and all his friends. 
See then, thou fight'ft againft thy Countreymen, 
And ioyn'ft with them will be thy (laughter-men. 
Come, come, returne ; returne thou wandering Lord, 
Charles and the reft will take thee in their armes. 

'Burg. I am vanquished : 
Thefe haughtie wordes of hers 
Haue batt'red me like roaring Cannon-fhot, 
And made me almoft yeeld vpon my knees. 
Forgiue me Countrey, and fweet Countreymen : 
And Lords accept this heartie kind embrace. 
My Forces and my Power of Men are yours. 
So farwell Talbot, lie no longer truft thee. 

Pucell. Done like a Frenchman : turne and turne a- 
gaine. 

Charles. Welcome braue Duke, thy friendship makes 
vs freih. 

'BaBard. And doth beget new Courage in our 
Breafts. 

Alanj. Pucell hath brauely play'd her part in this, 
And doth deferue a Coronet of Gold. 



Charles. Now let vs on, my Lords, 
And ioyne our Powers, 
And feeke how we may preiudice the Foe. Exeunt. 



Sccena Quart a. 



Enter the King , Gloucejler, Winchefler, Yorke, Suffolke, 

Somerjet, Warmicke, Exeter : To them, with 

hit Souldiors, Talbot. 

Talb. My gracious Prince, and honorable Peeres, 
Hearing of your arriuall in this Realme, 
I haue a while giuen Truce vnto my Warres, 
To doe my dutie to my Soueraigne. 
In figne whereof, this Arme, that hath reclaym'd 
To your obedience, fiftie Fortreffes, 
Twelue Cities,and feuen walled Townes of ftrength, 
Befide fiue hundred Prifoners of efteeme; 
Lets fall his Sword before your Highneffe feet : 
And with fubmiffiue loyaltie of heart 
Afcribes the Glory of his Conqueft got, 
Firft to my God, and next vnto your Grace. 

King. Is this the Lord Talbot, Vnckle Gloucejler, 
That hath fo long beene refident in France ? 

GloB. Yes, if it pleafe your Maieftie,my Liege. 

King. Welcome braue Captaine,and victorious Lord; 
When I was young (as yet I am not old) 
I doe remember how my Father faid, 
A ftouter Champion neuer handled Sword. 
Long fince we were refolued of your truth, 
Your faithfull feruice,and your toyle in Warre : 
Yet neuer haue you tafted our Reward, 
Or beene reguerdon'd with fo much as Thanks, 
Becaufe till now, we neuer faw your face. 
Therefore ftand vp,and for thefe good deferts, 
We here create you Earle of Shrewsbury, 
And in our Coronation take your place. 

Senet. Flourilh. Exeunt. 



cManet Vernon and Bajfet. 

Vern. Now Sir, to you that were fo hot at Sea, 
Difgracing of thefe Colours that I weare, 
In honor of my Noble Lord of Yorke 
Dar'St thou maintaine the former words thou fpak'ft? 

Bajf. Yes Sir, as well as you dare patronage 
The enuious barking of your fawcie Tongue, 
Againft my Lord the Duke of Somerfet. 

"Vern. Sirrha, thy Lord I honour as he is. • 

'Bajf. Why, what is he ? as good a man as Yorke. 

Vern. Hearke ye: not fo : in witneffe take ye that. 
Strikes him. 

'Bajf. Villaine , thou knoweft 
The Law of Armes is fuch, 
That who fo drawes a Sword, 'tis prefent death, 
Or elfe this Blow mould broach thy deareft Bloud. 
But He vnto his Maieftie, and craue, 
I may haue libertie to venge this Wrong, 
When thou (halt fee, He meet thee to thy coft. 

Vern. Well mifcreant,Ile be there as foone as you, 
And after meete you, fooner then you would. 
Exeunt. 
1 3 Enter 



The firji Part of Henry the Sixt. 



ABus Quart us. ScenaPrima. 



Enter King, Glocejier, Winchefter, Yorke, Suffolk?, Somer- 
J'et, Warmicke, Talbot, and Gouernor Exeter. 
Glo. Lord Bifhop fet the Crowne vpon his head. 

Win. God faue King Henry of that name the fixt. 
Glo. Now Gouernour of Paris take your oath, 
That you elect no other King but him; 
Efteeme none Friends, but fuch as are his Friends, 
And none your Foes, but fuch as fhall pretend 
Malicious pradtifes againft his State : 
This mall ye do, fo helpe you righteous God. 
Snter Falfmffe. 

Fal. My gracious Soueraigne,as I rode from Calice, 
To hafte vnto your Coronation : 
A Letter was deliuer'd to my hands, 
Writ to your Grace, from th Duke of Burgundy. 

Tal. Shame to the Duke of Burgundy, and thee : 
I vow'd ( bafe Knight) when I did meete the next, 
To teare the Garter from thy Crauens legge, 
Which I haue done, becaufe ( vnworthily) 
Thou was't installed in that High Degree. 
Pardon me Princely Henry, and the reft : 
This Daftard, at the battell of PoiBiers , 
When (but in all) 1 was fixe thoufand ftrong, 
And that the French were almoft ten to one, 
Before we met, or that a ftroke was giuen, 
Like to a truftie Squire, did run away. 
In which aflault, we loft twelue hundred men. 
My felfe, and diuers Gentlemen befide, 
Were thete furpriz'd, and taken prifoners. 
Then iudge (great Lords) if I haue done amiffe : 
Or whether that fuch Cowards ought to weare 
This Ornament of Knighthood, yea or no? 

Glo. To fay the truth, this fact was infamous, 
And ill befeeming any common man ; 
Much more a Knight, a Captaine, and a Leader. 

Tal. When firft this Order was ordain'd my Lords, 
Knights of the Garter were of Noble birth ; 
Valiant, and Vertuous, full of haughtie Courage, 
Such as were growne to credit by the warres : 
Not fearing Death, nor fhrinking for DiftrefTe, 
But alwayes refolute, in moft extreames. 
He then, that is not furnifti'd in this fort, 
Doth but vfurpe the Sacred name of Knight, 
Prophaning this moft Honourable Order, 
And ihould (if I were worthy to be Iudge) 
Be quite degraded, like a Hedge-borne Swaine, 
That doth prefume to boaft of Gentle blood. 

K. Staine to thy Countrymen, thou hear'ft thy doom: 
Be packing therefore, thou that was't a knight : 
Henceforth we banifh thee on paine of death. 
And now Lord Protector, view the Letter 
Sent from our Vnckle Duke of Burgundy. 

Glo. What meanes his Grace, that he hath chaung'd 
his Stile ? 
No more but plaine and bluntly? (To the King.) 
Hath he forgot he is his Soueraigne ? 
Or doth this churlifh Superfcription 
Pretend fome alteration in good will ? 
What's heere ? / haue ipon ejpeciall caufe, 
cfflou'd with companion of my Countries mracke, 
Together with the pittifml complaints 
Of fuch as your oppreffwn f cedes vpon, 



Forfa\en your pernitious Faclion, 

And ioynd with Charles, the rightfull king of France. 

monftrous Treachery : Can this be fo ? 
That in alliance, amity, and oathes, 

There ihould be found fuch falfe diffembling guile ? 

King. What? doth my Vnckle Burgundy reuolt? 

Glo. He doth my Lord, and is become your foe. 

King. Is that the worft this Letter doth containe ? 

Glo. It is the worft, and all (my Lord) he writes. 

King.Why then Lord Talbot there ftial talk with him, 
And giue him chafticement for this abufe. 
How fay you (my Lord) are you not content? 

Tal. Content, my Liege? Yes: But y I am preuented, 

1 ihould haue begg'd I might haue bene employd. 

King. Then gather ftrength, and march vnto him 
ftraight : 
Let him perceiue how ill we brooke his Treafon, 
And what offence it is to flout his Friends. 

Tal. I go my Lord, in heart defiring ftill 
You may behold confufion of your foes. 
Enter Vernon and "Baffit. 

Ver. Grant me the Combate, gracious Soueraigne. 

TSaf. And me (my Lord) grant me the Combate too. 

Yorke. This is my Seruant, heare him Noble Prince. 

Som. And this is mine (fweet Henry) fauour him. 

King. Be patient Lords, and giue them leaue to fpeak. 
Say Gentlemen, what makes you thus exclaime, 
And wherefore craue you Combate ? Or with whom ? 

^V.With him (my Lord) for he hath done me wrong. 

Baf.And I with him, for he hath done me wrong. 

King. What is that wrong, wherof you both complain 
Firft let me know, and then He anfwer you. 

'Baf. Crofting the Sea, from England into France, 
This Fellow heere with enuious carping tongue, 
Vpbraided me about the Rofe I weare, 
Saying, the fanguine colour of the Leaues 
Did repiefent my Mafters blufhing cheekes: 
When ftubbornly he did repugne the truth, 
About a certaine queftion in the Law, 
Argu'd betwixt the Duke of Yorke, and him: 
With other vile and ignominious tearmes. 
In confutation of which rude reproach, 
And in defence of my Lords worthinefle, 
I craue the benefit of Law of Armes. 

"Ver. And that is my petition ( Noble Lord:) 
For though he feeme with forged queint conceite 
To fet a gloffe vpon his bold intent, 
Yet knowfmy Lord) I was prouok'd by him, 
And he firft tooke exceptions at this badge, 
Pronouncing that the paleneffe of this Flower, 
Bewray'd the faintneffe of my Mafters heart. 

Yorke. Will not this malice Somerfet be left ? 

Som. Your priuate grudge my Lord of York,wil out, 
Though ne're fo cunningly you fmother it. 

King. Good Lord, what madnefle rules in braine- 
ficke men, 
When for fo flighr and friuolous a caufe, 
Such factious aemulations fhall arife ? 
Good Cofins both of Yorke and Somerfet, 
Qciiet your felues ( I pray ) and be at peace. 

Yorke. Let this diflention firft be tried by fight, 
And then your Highnefte fhall command a Peace. 

Som. The quarrell toucheth none but vs alone, 
Betwixt our felues let vs decide it then. 

Yorke. There is my pledge, accept it Somerfet. 

Ver. Nay , let it reft where it began at firft. 



The fir ft cPart of Henry theSixt. 



n: 



TSaJf. Confirme it fo, mine honourable Lord. 

Glo. Confirme it fo ? Confounded be your ftrife, 
And perifh ye with your audacious prate, 
Prefumptuous vaffals, are you not aiham'd 
With this immodeft clamorous outrage, 
To trouble and difturbe the King, and Vs i 
And you my Lords, me thinkes you do not well 
To beare with their peruerfe Obie&ions : 
Much lefTe to take occafion from their mouthes, 
To raife a mutiny betwixt your felues. 
Let me perfwade you take a better courfe. 

Exet. It greeues his HighnefTe, 
Good my Lords, be Friends. 

King. Come hither you that would be Combatants : 
Henceforth 1 charge you, as you loue our fauour, 
Quite to forget this Quarrell, and the caufe. 
And you my Lords : Remember where we are, 
In France, amongft a fickle wauering Nation : 
If they perceyue diflention in our lookes, 
And that within our felues we difagree j 
How will their grudging ftomackes be prouok'd 
To wilfull Difobedience, and Rebell ? 
Befide, What infamy will there arife, 
When Forraigne Princes mall be certified, 
That for a toy, a thing of no regard, 
King Henries Peeres, and cheefe Nobility, 
Deftroy'd themfelues, and loft the Realme of France? 
Oh thinke vpon the Conqueft of my Father, 
My tender yeares, and let vs not forgoe 
That for a trifle, that was bought with blood. 
Let me be Vmper in this doubtfull ftrife : 
I fee no reafon if I weare this Rofe, 
That any one mould therefore be fufpitious 
I more incline to Somerfet, than Yorke : 
Both are my kinfmen, and I loue them both. 
As well they may vpbray'd me with my Crowne, 
Becaufe (forfoothj the King of Scots is Crown'd. 
But your difcretions better can perfwade, 
Then I am able to inftrudt or teach : 
And therefore, as we hither came in peace, 
So let vs ftill continue peace, and loue. 
Cofin of Yorke, we inftitute your Grace 
To be our Regent in thefe parts of France : 
And good my Lord of Somerfet, vnite 
Your Troopes of horfemen, with his Bands of foote, 
And like true Subiects, fonnes of your Progenitors, 
Go cheerefully together, and digeft 
Your angry Choller on your Enemies. 
Our Selfe, my Lord Protector, and the reft, 
After fome refpit, will returne to Calice 5 
From thence to England, where I hope ere long 
To be prefented by your Victories, 
With Charles, Alanfon, and that Traiterous rout. 

Exeunt, oftfanet Tor \e,Warwk\_,Exeter, Vernon. 

War. My Lord of Yorke, I promife you the King 
Prettily (me thought) did play the Orator.) 

Tor\e. And fo he did, but yet I like it not, 
In that he weares the badge of Somerfet. 

War, Turn, that was but his fancie, blame him not, 
I dare prefume (fweet Prince) he thought no harme. 

Tor\. And if I wifh he did. But let it reft, 
Other affayres muft now be managed. Exeunt. 

Flourijh. Manet Exeter. 

Exet. Well didft thou %ichard to fupprefie thy voice : 
For had the paflions of thy heart burft out, 
I feare we mould haue feene decipherM there 



More rancorous fpight, more furious raging broyles, 

Then yet can be imagin'd or fuppos'd : 

But howfoere, no fimple man that fees 

This iarring difcord of Nobilitie, 

This mouldering of each other in the Court, 

This factious bandying of their Fauourites, 

But that it doth prefage fome ill euent. 

'Tis much, when Scepters are in Chiidrens hands: 

But more, when Enuy breeds vnkinde deuifion, 

There comes the ruine, there begins confufion. Exit. 

Enter Talbot with Trumpe and Drutnme, 
before Burdeaux. 

Talb. Go to the Gates of Burdeaux Trumpeter, 
Summon their Generall vnto the Wall. Sounds. 

Enter Generall aloft. 
Englifh Iohn Talbot (Captaines) call you forth, 
Seruant in Armes to Harry King of England, 
And thus he would. Open your Citie Gates, 
Be humble to vs, call my Soueraigne yours, 
And do him homage as obedient Subiects, 
And He withdraw me, and my bloody power. 
But if you frowne vpon this proffer'd Peace, 
You tempt the fury of my three attendants, 
Leane Famine, quartering Steele, and climbing Fire, 
Who in a moment, eeuen with the earth, 
Shall lay your ftately, and ayre-brauing Towers, 
If you forfake the offer of their loue. 

Cap. Thou ominous and fearefull Owle of death, 
Our Nations terror, and their bloody fcourge, 
The period of thy Tyranny approacheth, 
On vs thou canft not enter but by death : 
For I proteft we are well fortified, 
And ftrong enough to iffue out and fight. 
If thou retire, the Dolphin well appointed, 
Stands with the fnares of Warre to tangle thee. 
On either hand thee, there are fquadrons pitcht, 
To wall thee from the liberty of Flight ; 
And no way canft thou turne thee for redreffe, 
But death doth front thee with apparant fpoyle, 
And pale destruction meets thee in the face : 
Ten thoufand French haue tane the Sacrament, 
To ryue their dangerous Artillerie 
Vpon no Chriftian foule but Engliih Talbot : 
Loe, there thou ftandft a breathing valiant man 
Of an inuincible vnconquer'd fpirit : 
This is the lateft Glorie of thy praife, 
That I thy enemy dew thee withall : 
For ere the Glaffe that now begins to runne, 
Finifh the procefle of his fandy houre, 
Thefe eyes that fee thee now well coloured, 
Shall fee thee withered, bloody, pale, and dead. 

Drum afarre off. 
Harke, harke, the Dolphins drumme, a warning bell, 
Sings heauy Muficke to thy timorous foule, 
And mine lhall ring thy dire departure out. Exit 

Tal. He Fables not, I heare the enemie : 
Out fome light Horfemen, and perufe their Wings. 
O negligent and heedleffe Difcipline, 
How are we park'd and bounded in a pale? 
A little Heard of Englands timorous Deere, 
Maz'd with a yelping kennell of French Curres. 
If we be Engliih Deere, be then in blood, 
Not Rafcall-like to fall downe with a pinch, 
But rather moodie mad : And defperate Stagges, 

Turne 



112 



The firji ^Part of Henry the Sixt. 



Turne on the bloody Hounds with heads of Steele, 
And make the Cowards ftand aloofe at bay : 
Sell euery man his life as deere as mine, 
And they fliall finde deere Deere of vs my Friends. 
God, and S. Qeorge, Talbot and Englands right, 
Profper our Colours in this dangerous fight. 

Enter a <tAteJfenger that meets Yorke. Enter Yorl^e 
with Trumpet, and many Soldiers. 

Yorke. Are not the fpeedy fcouts return'd againe, 
That dog'd the mighty Army of the Dolphin ? 

Mejf. They are return'd my Lord, and giue it out, 
That he is march'd to Burdeaux with his power 
To fight with Talbot as he march'd along. 
By your efpyals were difcouered 
Two mightier Troopes then that the Dolphin led, 
Which ioyn'd with him, and made their march for 

(Burdeaux 

Yorke. A plague vpon that Villaine Somerfet, 
That thus delayes my promifed fupply 
Of horfemen, that were leuied for this fiege. 
Renowned Talbot doth expect my ayde, 
And I am lowted by a Traitor Villaine, 
And cannot helpe the noble Cheualier : 
God comfort him in this neceflity : 
If he mifcarry, farewell Warres in France. 

Enter another Mejfenger. 
z.Mef. Thou Princely Leader of our Englifh ftrength, 
Neuer fo needfull on the earth of France, 
Spurre to the refcue of the Noble Talbot, 
Who now is girdled with a wafte of Iron, 
And hem'd about with grim deftruction : 
To Burdeaux warlike Duke, to Burdeaux Yorke, 
Elfe farwell Talbot, France, and Englands honor. 

Yorke. O God, that Somerfet who in proud heart 
Doth flop my Cornets, were in Talbots place, 
So mould wee faue a valiant Gentleman, 
By forfeyting a Traitor, and a Coward : 
Mad ire,and wrathfull fury makes me weepe, 
That thus we dye, while remiffe Traitors fleepe. 

<tMef. O fend fome fuccour to the diftreft Lord. 

Yorke. He dies, we loofe : I breake my warlike word: 
We mourne, France fmiles : We loofe, they dayly get, 
All long of this vile Traitor Somerfet. 

cMef. Then God take mercy on braue Talbots foule, 
And on his Sonne yong Iohn, who two houres fince, 
I met in trauaile toward his warlike Father; 
This feuen yeeres did not Talbot fee his fonne, 
And now they meete where both their liues are done. 

Yorke. Alas, what ioy mall noble Talbot haue, 
To bid his yong fonne welcome to his Graue : 
Away, vexation almoft ftoppes my breath, 
That fundred friends greete in the houre of death. 
Lucie farewell, no more my fortune can, 
But curfe the caufe I cannot ayde the man. 
Maine, Bloys, foytiers, and Toures, are wonne away, 
Long all of Somerfet, and his delay. 

Mef. Thus while the Vulture of fedition, 
Feedes in the bofome of fuch great Commanders, 
Sleeping neglection doth betray to lofle : 
The Conqueft of our fcarfe-cold Conqueror, 
That euer-liuing man of Memorie, 
Henrie the fift : Whiles they each other croffe, 
Liues, Honours, Lands, and all, hurrie to lofle. 



Exit 



Enter Somerfet with his Armie. 

Som. It is too late, I cannot fend them now : 
This expedition was by Yorke and Talbot, 
Too ralhly plotted. All our generall force, 
Might with a faliy of the very Towne 
Be buckled with : the ouer-daring Talbot 
Hath fullied all his gloffe of former Honor 
By this vnheedfull, defperate, wilde aduenture : 
Yorke fet him on to fight, and dye in fhame, 
That Talbot dead, great Yorke might beare the name. 

Cap . Heere is Sir William Lucie, who with me 
Set from our ore-matcht forces forth for ayde. 

Som. How now Sir William, whether were you fent ? 
Lu. Whether my Lord, from bought & fold L.Talbot, 
Who ring'd about with bold aduerfitie, 
Cries out for noble Yorke and Somerfet, 
To beate affayling death from his weake Regions, 
And whiles the honourable Captaine there 
Drops bloody fwet from his warre-wearied limbes, 
And in aduantage lingring lookes for refcue, 
You his falfe hopes, the truft of Englands honor, 
Keepe off aloofe with worthleffe emulation : 
Let not your priuate difcord keepe away 
The leuied fuccours that ihould lend him ayde, 
While he renowned Noble Gentleman 
Yeeld vp his life vnto a world of oddes. 
Orleance the Baftard, Charles, Tiurgundie, 
Alanjon, Reignard, compaffe him about, 
And Talbot perifheth by your default. 

Som. Yorke fet him on, Yorke fhould haue fent him 
ayde. 

Luc. And Yorke as faft vpon your Grace exclaimes, 
Swearing that you with-hold his leuied hoaft, 
Collected for this expidition. 

Som. York lyes : He might haue fent, & had the Horfe: 
I owe him little Dutie, and lefle Loue, 
And take foule fcorne to fawne on him by fending. 

Lu. The fraud of England, not the force of France, 
Hath now intraptthe Noble-minded Talbot: 
Neuer to England lhall he beare his life, 
But dies betraid to fortune by your ftrife. 

Som. Come go, I will difpatch the Horfemen ftrait : 
Within fixe houres, they will be at his ayde. 

Lu. Too late comes refcue, he is tane or flaine, 
For flye he could not, if he would haue fled : 
And flye would Talbot neuer though he might. 

Som. If he be dead, braue Talbot then adieu. 

Lu. His Fame liues in the world . His Shame in you. 
Exeunt. 

Enter Talbot and his Sonne. 

Tal. O yong Iohn Talbot, I did fend for thee 
To tutor thee in ftratagems of Warre, 
That Talbots name might be in thee reuiu'd, 
When fapleffe Age, and weake vnable limbes 
Should bring thy Father to his drooping Chaire. 
But O malignant and ill-boading Starres, 
Now thou art come vnto a Feaft of death, 
A terrible and vnauoyded danger : 
Therefore deere Boy, mount on my fwifteft horfe, 
And He direct thee how thou lhalt efcape 
By fodaine flight. Come, dally not, be gone. 

Iohn. Is my name Talbot ? and am I your Sonne? 



The firft ''Tart of Henry the Sixt. 



IJ 3 



And fliall I flye ? O, if you loue my Mother, 
Diflionor not her Honorable Name, 
To make a Baftard, and a Slaue of me : 
The World will fay,he is not Talbots blood, 
That bafely fled, when Noble Talbot flood. 

Talb. Flye, to reuenge my death, if I be flaine. 

Iohn. He that flyes fo,will ne're returne againe. 

Talb. If we both flay, we both are fure to dye. 

Iohn. Then let me ftay,and Father doe you flye : 
Your lode is great, fo your regard fliould be ; 
My worth vnknowne, no lofle is knowne in me. 
Vpon my death, the French can little boaft; 
In yours they will, in you all hopes are loft. 
Flight cannot ftayne the Honor you haue wonne, 
But mine it will, that no Exploit haue done. 
You fled for Vantage, euery one will fweare : 
But if I bow, they'le fay it was for feare. 
There is no hope that euer I will flay, 
If the firft howre I flirinke and run away : 
Here on my knee I begge Mortalitie, 
Rather then Life,preferu'd with Infamie. 

Talb. Shall all thy Mothers hopes lye in one Tombe ? 

Iohn. I, rather then lie fliame my Mothers Wombe. 

Talb. Vpon my Blefling I command thee goe. 

Iohn. To fight I will, but not to flye the Foe. 

Talb. Part of thy Father may be fau'd in thee. 

Iohn. No part of him, but will be fliame in mee. 

Talb. Thou neuer hadft Renowne,nor canft not lofe it. 

Iohn. Yes, your renowned Name: fliall flight abufe it? 

Talb.Thy Fathers charge ihal cleare thee from y ftaine. 

Iohn. You cannot witnefle for me, being flaine. 
If Death be fo apparant, then both flye. 

Talb. And leaue my followers here to fight and dye i 
My Age was neuer tainted with fuch fliame. 

Iohn. And fliall my Youth be guiltie of fuch blame '. 
No more can I be feuered from your fide, 
Then can your felfe,your felfe in twaine diuide : 
Stay, goe, doe what you will, the like doe I ; 
For Hue I will not,if my Father dye. 

Talb. Then here I take my leaue of thee, faire Sonne, 
Borne to eclipfe thy Life this afternoone : 
Come, fide by fide, together Hue and dye, 
And Soule with Soule from France to Heauen flye. Exit. 

Alarum : Excurjions, wherein Talbots Sonne 
a hemmd about , and Talbot 
refcues him. 
Talb. Saint George, and Victory; fight Souldiers, fight: 
The Regent hath with Talbot broke his word, 
And left vs to the rage of France his Sword. • 
Where is Iohn Talbot} pawfe,and take thy breath, 
I gaue thee Life, and refcu'd thee from Death. 

Iohn. O twice my Father, twice am I thy Sonne : 
The Life thou gau'ft me firft, was loft and done, 
Till with thy Warlike Sword, defpight of Fate, 
To my determin'd time thou gau'ft new date. 

Talb.When fro the Dolphins Creft thy Sword ftruck fire, 
It warm'd thy Fathers heart with prowd defire 
Of bold-fac't Viftorie. Then Leaden Age, 
Quicken'd with Youthfull Spleene, and Warlike Rage, 
Beat downe Alanjon, Orleance^urgundie, 
And from the Pride of Gallia refcued thee. 
The irefull Baftard Orleance, that drew blood 
From thee my Boy, and had the Maidenhood 
Of thy firft fight, I foone encountred, 
And interchanging blowes,! quickly ihed 



Some of his Baftard blood, and in difgrace 

Befpoke him thus: Contaminated, bafe, 

And mis-begotten blood, I fpill of thine, 

Meane and right poore, for that pure blood of mine, 

Which thou didft force from Talbot, my braue Boy. 

Here purpofing the Baftard to deftroy, 

Came in ftrong refcue. Speake thy Fathers care: 

Art thou not wearie, Iohn ? How do'ft thou fare ? 

Wilt thou yet leaue the Battaile,Boy,and Hie, 

Now thou art feal'd the Sonne of Chiualrie ? 

Flye, to reuenge my death when I am dead, 

The helpe of one ftands me in little ftead. 

Oh, too much folly is it, well I wot, 

To hazard all our liues in one fmall Boat. 

If I to day dye not with Frenchmens Rage, 

To morrow I fliall dye with mickle Age. 

By me they nothing gaine, and if I ftay, 

'Tis but the fliortning of my Life one day. 

In thee thy Mother dyes, our Houfeholds Name, 

My Deaths Reuenge, thy Youth, and Englands Fame : 

All thefe,and more, we hazard by thy ftay; 

All thefe are fau'd, if thou wilt flye away. 

Iohn. The Sword of Orleance hath not made me fmart, 
Thefe words of yours draw Life-blood from my Heart. 
On that aduantage, bought with fuch a fliame, 
To faue a paltry Life, and flay bright Fame, 
Before young Talbot from old Talbot flye, 
The Coward Korfe that beares me, fall and dye : 
And like me to the pefant Boyes of France, 
To be Shames fcorne,and fubiecT: of Mifchance. 
Surely, by all the Glorie you haue wonne, 
And if I flye, I am not Talbots Sonne. 
Then talke no more offlight.it is no boot, 
If Sonne to Talbot, dye at Talbots foot. 

Talb. Then follow thou thy defp'rate Syre of Creet, 
Thou Icarm,thy Life to me is fweet : 
If thou wilt fight, fight by thy Fathers fide, 
And commendable prou'd, let's dye in pride. Sxit. 

cAlarum. Excurjions. Enter old 
Talbot led. 

Ta/i.Where is my other Life? mine owne is gone. 
O, where's young Talbot} where is valiant Iohn} 
Triumphant Death, fmear'd with Captiuitie, 
Young Talbots Valour makes me fmile at thee. 
When he perceiu'd meflirinke, and on- my Knee, 
His bloodie Sword he brandiflit ouer mee, 
And like a hungry Lyon did commence 
Rough deeds of Rage,and fterne Impatience : 
But when my angry Guardant flood alone, 
Tendring my ruine, and aflayl'd of none, 
Dizzie-ey'd Furie, and great rage of Heart, 
Suddenly made him from my fide to ftart 
Into the cluftring Battaile of the French : 
And in that Sea of Blood, my Boy did drench 
His ouer-mounting Spirit ; and there di'de 
My Icaru6, my Blo(Tome,in his pride. 

Enter with Iohn Talbot, borne. 
Seru.O my deare Lord,loe where your Sonne is borne. 
7V.Thou antique Death, which laugh'ft vs here to fcorn, 
Anon from thy infulting Tyrannie, 
Coupled in bonds of perpetuitie, 
Two Talbots winged through the lither Skie, 
In thy defpight fliall fcape Mortalitie. 

O 
. _____ 



H4 



Thejirji T'art of Henry the Sixt* 



thou whofe wounds become hard fauoured death, 
Speake to thy father, ere thou yeeld thy breath, 
Braue death by fpeaking, whither he will or no : 
Imagine him a Frenchman, and thy Foe. 

Poore Boy, he fmiles, me thinkes, as who mould fay, 

Had Death bene French, then Death had dyed to day. 

Come, come, and lay him in his Fathers armes, 

My fpirit can no longer beare thefe harmes. 

Souldiers adieu : I haue what I would haue, 

Now my old armes are yong John Talbot!, graue. Dyes 

Enter Qharles, Alan/on, <Burg U ndie, Baftard, 
and Puce//. 

Cbar. Had Yorke and Somerfet brought refcue in, 
We fhould haue found a bloody day of this. 

Baft. How the yong whelpe of Talbots raging wood, 
Did flefh his punie-fword in Frenchmens blood. 

Puc. Once I encountred him, and thus I faid : 
Thou Maiden youth, be vanquimt by a Maide. 
But with a proud Maiefticall high fcorne 
He anfwer'd thus : Yong Talbot was not borne 
To be the pillage of a Giglot Wench: 
So rufhing in the bowels of the French, 
He left me proudly, as vnworthy fight. 

Bur. DoubtlefTe he would haue made a noble Knight : 
See where he lyes inherced in the armes 
Of the moft bloody Nurffer of his harmes. 

'Baft. Hew them to peeces, hack their bones afiunder, 
Whofe life was Englands glory, Gallia's wonder. 

Char. Oh no forbeare : For that which we haue fled 
During the life, let vs not wrong it dead. 
Enter Lucie. 

Lu. Herald, conduct me to the Dolphins Tent, 
To know who hath obtain'd the glory of the day. 
Char. On what fubmiffiue meffage art thou lent? 

Lucy. Submiffion Dolphin? Tis a meere French word: 
We Engliih Warriours wot not what it meanes. 

1 come to know what Prifoners thou haft tane, 
And to furuey the bodies of the dead. 

Char. For prifoners askft thou? Hell our prifon is. 
But tell me whom thou feek'ft? 

Luc. But where 's the great Alcides of the field, 
Valiant Lord Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury i 
Created for his rare fuccefle in Armes, 
Great Earle of Wajhford, Waterford, and Valence, 
Lord Talbot of Goodrig and Vrchinfie/d, 
Lord Strange of Blacktnere, Lord Verdon of Alton, 
Lord Qronmell of Wingefield, Lord Furniuall of Sheffeild, 
The thrice victorious Lord of Falconbridge, 
Knight of the Noble Order of S. George, 
Worthy S. zMicbael, and the Qolden Fleece, 
Great Marmall to Henry the fixt, 
Of all his Warres within the Realme of France. 

Puc. Heere's a filly ftately ftile indeede : 
The Turke that two and fiftie Kingdomes hath, 
Writes not fo tedious a Stile as this. 
Him that thou magnifi'ft with all thefe Titles, 
Stinking and fly.blowne lyes heere at our feete. 

Lucy. Is Talbot flaine, the Frenchmens only Scourge, 
Your Kingdomes terror, and blacke Nemefist 
Oh were mine eye-balles into Bullets turn'd, 
That I in rage might fhoot them at your faces. 
Oh, that I could but call thefe dead to life, 
It were enough to fright the Realme of France. 
Were but his Picture left amongft you here, 



It would amaze the prowdeft of you all. 

Giue me their Bodyes,that I may beare them hence, 

And giue them Buriall,as befeemes their worth. 

Puce/. I thinke this vpftart is old Talbots Ghoft, 
He fpeakes with fuch a proud commanding fpirit: 
For Gods fake let him haue him, to keepe them here, 
They would but ftinke, and putrifie the ayre. 
Char. Go take their bodies hence. 

Lucy. He beare them hence:but from their allies fiial 
be reard 
A Phcenix that Ihall make all France affear'd. 

Char. So we be rid of them, do with him what y wilt. 
And now to Paris in this conquering vaine, 
All will be ours, now bloody Talbots flaine. Exit. 



Scenafecunda. 



SENNET. 
Enter King, Glocefter, and Exeter. 

King. Haue you perus'd the Letters from the Pope, 
The Emperor, and the Earle of Arminack ? 

Glo. I haue my Lord, and their intent is this, 
They humbly fue vnto your Excellence, 
To haue a godly peace concluded of, 
Betweene the Realmes of England, and of France. 

King, How doth your Grace affect their motion ? 

Glo. Well (my good Lord) and as the only meanes 
To flop effufion of our Chriftian blood, 
And ftabliih quietnefie on euery fide. 

King. I marry Vnckle, for I alwayes thought 
It was both impious and vnnaturall, 
That fuch immanity and bloody ftrife 
Should reigne among Profeffors of one Faith. 

Glo. Befide my Lord, the fooner to effect, 
And furer binde this knot of amitie, 
The Earle of Arminacke neere knit to Qharles, 
A man of great Authoritie in France, 
Proffers his onely daughter to your Grace, 
In marriage, with a large and fumptuous Dowrie. 

King. Marriage Vnckle? Alas my yeares are yong : 
And fitter is my ftudie, and my Bookes, 
Than wanton dalliance with a Paramour. 
Yet call th'Embafladors, and as you pleafe, 
So let them haue their anfweres euery one: 
I ihall be well content with any choyce 
Tends to Gods glory, and my Countries weale. 

Enter Winchefter, and three Ambajfadors. 

Exet. What, is my Lord of Winchefter inftali'd, 
And call'd vnto a Cardinalls degree ? 
Then I perceiue, that will be verified 
Henry the Fift did fometime prophefie. 
If once he come to be a Cardinall, 
Hee'l make his cap coequall with the Crowne. 

King. My Lords Ambanadors, your feuerall fuites 
Haue bin confider'd and debated on, 
Your purpofe is both good and reafonable : 
And therefore are we certainly refolu'd, 
To draw conditions of a friendly peace, 

Which 



Thefirfi^Part of Henry the Sixt. 



u 5 



Which by my Lord of Winchefter we meane 
Shall be tranfported prefently to France. 

Glo. And for the proffer of my Lord your Matter, 
I baue inform'd his Highneffe fo at large, 
As liking of the Ladies vertuous gifts, 
Her Beauty, and the valew of her Dower, 
He doth intend fhe fhall be Englands Queene. 

King. In argument and proofe of which contract, 
Beare her this Iewell, pledge of my affecYion. 
And fo my Lord Protestor fee them guarded, 
And fafely brought to Douer, wherein fhip'd 
Commit them to the fortune of the fea. Exeunt. 

Win. Stay my Lord Legate, you fhall firft receiue 
The fumme of money which i promifed 
Should be deliuered to his Holineffe, 
For cloathing me in thefe graue Ornaments. 

Legat, I will attend vpon your Lordfhipi leyfure. 

Win. Now Winchefter will not fubmit, I trow, 
Or be inferiour to the proudeft Peere; 
Humfrey of Glofter, thou fhalt well perceiue,' 
That neither in birth, or for authoritie, 
The Bifhop will be ouer-borne by thee : 
He either make thee ftoope, and bend thy knee, 
Or facke this Country with a mutiny. Exeunt 



Sc&na Tertia. 



Enter Charles, Burgundy, tAlanfon, 'Bafiard, 
Reignier, and lone. 

Char. Thefe newes (my Lords) may cheere our droo- 
ping fpirits : 
'Tis faid, the ftout Parifians do reuolt, 
And turne againe vnto the warlike French. 

Alan. Then march to Paris Royall Charles of France, 
And keepe not backe your powers in dalliance. 

Tucel. Peace be amongft them if they turne to vs, 
Elfe ruine combate with their Pallaces. 
Enter Scout. 

Scout. Succeffe vnto our valiant Generall, 
And happineffe to his accomplices. 

Char. What tidings fend our ScoutsPI prethee fpeak. 

Scout. The Englifh Army that diuided was 
Into two parties, is now conioyn'd in one, 
And meanes to giue you battell prefently. 

Char. Somewhat too fodaine Sirs, the warning is, 
But we will prefently prouide for them. 

'Bur. I truft the Ghoft of Talbot is not there : 
Now he is gone my Lord, you neede not feare. 

Pucel. Of all bale paffions, Feare is moft accurft. 
Command the Conqueft Charles, it fhall be thine : 
Let Henry fret, and all the world repine. 

Char. Then on my Lords, and France be fortunate. 

Exeunt. Alarum. Bxcurfions. 

Enter lone de Pucell. 

Puc. The Regent conquers, and the Frenchmen flye. 
Now helpe ye charming Spelles and Periapts, 
And ye choife fpirits that admonifh me, 
And giue me fignes of future accidents. Thunder. 

You fpeedy helpers, that are fubftitutes 



Vnder the Lordly Monarch of the North, 
Appeare, and ayde me in this enterprize. 

Enter Fiends. 
This fpeedy and quicke appearance argues proofe 
Of your accuftom'd diligence to me. 
Now ye Familiar Spirits, that are cull'd 
Out of the powerfull Regions vnder earth, 
Helpe me this once, that France may get the field. 

They wall^e, and Jpeake not. 
Oh hold me not with filenee ouer-Iong: 
Where I was wont to feed you with my blood, 
He lop a member off, and giue it you, 
In earneft of a further benefit : 
So you do condifcend to helpe me now. 

They hang their heads. 
No hope to haue redreffe? My body mall 
Pay recompence, if you will graunt my fuite. 

They pake their heads. 
Cannot my body, nor blood-facrifice, 
Intreate you to your wonted furtherance i 
Then take my foule ; my body, foule, and all, 
Before that England giue the French the foyle. 

They depart. 
See, they forfake me. Now the time is come, 
That France muft vale her lofty plumed Creft, 
And let her head fall into Englands Iappe. 
My ancient Incantations are too weake, 
And hell too ftrong for me to buckle with: 
Now France, thy glory droopcth to the duft. Exit. 

Excurjions . Burgundie and Yorke fight hand to 
hand. French fiye. 

Yorke. Damfell ofFrance, I thinke I haue you faft, 
Vnchaine your fpirits now with fpelling Charmes, 
And try if they can gaineyour liberty. 
A goodly prize, fit for the diuels grace. 
See how the vgly Witch doth bend her browes, 
As if with Circe, fhe would change my fhape. 

¥uc. Chang'd to a worfer fhape thou canft not be: 
Tor. Oh, Qharles the Dolphin is a proper man, 
No fhape but his can pleafe your dainty eye. 

Puc. A plaguing mifcheefe light on Charles, and thee, 
And may ye both be fodainly furpriz'd 
By bloudy hands, in fleeping on your beds. 

Yorke. Fell banning Hagge, Inchantreffe hold thy 

tongue. 
Puc. I prethee giue me leaue to curfe awhile. 
Yorke. Curfe Mifcreant, when thou comft to the ftake 
Exeunt. 
cAlarum. Enter Suffolke with Margaret 
in his hand. 

Suff. Be what thou wilt, thou art my prifoner. 

Gazes on her. 
Oh Faireft Beautie, do not feare, nor flye : 
For I will touch thee but with reuerend hands, 
I kiffe thefe fingers for eternall peace, 
And lay them gently on thy tender fide. 
Who art thou, fay ? that I may honor thee. 

<M^ar. Margaret my name, and daughter to a King, 
The King of Naples, who fo ere thou art. 

Suff. An Earle I am, and Suffolke am I call'd. 
Be not offended Natures myracle, 
Thou art alotted to be tane by me : 
So doth the Swan her downie Signets faue, 

Oh flay : 



n6 



"Thefirfi tPart of Henry the Sixt. 



Keeping them prifoner vnderneath his wings : 

Yet if this feruile vfage once offend, 

Go, and be free againe, as Suffollces friend. She « going 

Oh ftay : I haue no power to let her paffe, 

My hand would free her, but my heart fayes no. 

As playes the Sunne vpon the glaffie ftreames, 

Twinkling another counterfeited beame, 

So feemes this gorgeous beauty to mine eyes. 

Faine would I woe her, yet 1 dare not fpeake : 

He call for Pen and Inke, and write my minde : 

Fye De la Pole, difable not thy felfe : 

Haft not a Tongue ? Is fhe not heere ? 

Wilt thou be daunted at a Womans fight? 

I : Beauties Princely Maiefty is fuch, 

'Confounds the tongue, and makes the fenfes rough. 

«Mar. Say Earle of Suffolke, if thy name be fo, 
What ranfome muft I pay before I paffe ? 
For I perceiue I am thy prifoner. 

Suf. How canft thou tell fhe will deny thy fuite, 
Before thou make a triall of her loue ? 

M. Why fpeak'ft thou not? What ranfom muft I pay? 

Suf. She's beautifull ; and therefore to be Wooed : 
She is a Woman ; therefore to be Wonne. 

<JV[ar, Wilt thou accept of ranfome, yea or no ? 

Suf. Fond man, remember that thou haft a wife, 
Then how can Margaret be thy Paramour ? 

Mar. I werebeft to leaue him, for he will not heare. 

Suf. There all is marr'd : there lies a cooling card. 

Mar. He talkes at randon : fure the man is mad. 

Suf. And yet a difpenfation may bee had. 

Mar. And yet I would that you would anfwer me; 

Suf. He win this Lady Margaret. For whom ? 
Why for my King : Tufh, that's a woodden thing. 

Mar. He talkes of wood : It is fome Carpenter. 

Suf. Yet fo my fancy may be fatisfied, 
And peace eftablifhed betweene thefe Realmes. 
But there remaines a fcruple in that too : 
For though her Father be the King of Naples, 
Duke of Aniou and eftfaytie, yet is he poore, 
And our Nobility will fcorne the match. 

Mar. Heare ye Captaine ? Are you not at leyfure ? 

Suf. It fhall be fo, difdaine they ne're fo much: 
Henry is youthfull, and will quickly yeeld. 
Madam, I haue a fecret to reueale. 

Mar. What though I be inthral'd,he feems a knight 
And will not any way difhonor me. 

Suf. Lady, vouchfafe to Men what I fay. 

Mar. Perhaps I fhall be refcu'd by the French, 
And then I need not craue his curtefie. 

Suf. Sweet Madam, giue me hearing in a caufe. 

c^Mar. Tufh, women haue bene captiuate ere now. 
Suf. Lady, wherefore talke you fo ? 

Mar. I cry you mercy, 'tis but Quid for Quo. 

Suf. Say gentle Princeffe, would you not fuppofe 
Your bondage happy, to be made a Queene ? 

Mar. To be a Queene in bondage, is more vile, 
Than is a Haue, in bafe feruility : 
For Princes fhould be free. 

Suf. And fo fliall you, 
If happy Englands Royall King be free. 

Mar. Why what concernes his freedome vnto mee ? 

Suf. He vndertake to make thee Henries Queene, 
To put a Golden Scepter in thy hand, 
And fet a precious Crowne vpon thy head, 
If thou wilt condifcend to be my 

Mar. What? 



Suf. His loue. 

Mar. I am vnworthy to be Henries wife. 

Suf. No gentle Madam, I vnworthy am 
To woe fo faire a Dame to be his wife, 
And haue no portion in the choice my felfe. 
How fay you Madam, are ye fo content ? 

Mar. And if my Facher pleafe, I am content. 

Suf. Then call our Captaines and our Colours forth, 
And Madam, at your Fathers Caftle walles, 
Wee'l craue a parley, to conferre with him. 

Sound. Enter Reigmer on the Walles. 

See T^tignier fee, thy daughter prifoner. 

Reig. To whom ? 

Suf. To me. 

Reig. Suffolke, what remedy ? 
I am a Souldier, and vnapt to weepe, 
Or to exclaime on Fortunes fickleneffe. 

Suf Yes, there is remedy enough my Lord, 
Confent, and for thy Honor giue confent, 
Thy daughter fhall be wedded to my King, 
Whom I with paine haue wooed and wonne thereto : 
And this her eafie held imprifonment, 
Hath gain'd thy daughter Princely libertie. 

Reig. Speakes Suffolke as he thinkes ? 

Suf Faire Margaret knowes, 
That Suffolke doth not flatter, face, or faine. 

Reig. Vpon thy Princely warrant,I defcend, 
To giue thee anfwer of thyiuft demand. 

Suf. And heere I will expecT: thy comming. 



Trumpets found. 



Reignii 



%eig. Welcome braue Earle into our Territories, 
Command in Aniou what your Honor pleafes. 

Suf. Thankes Reigmer, happy for fo fvveet a Childe, 
Fit to be made companion with a King: 
What anfwer makes your Grace vnto my fuite ? 

Reig. Since thou doft daigne to woe her little worth, 
To be the Princely Bride of fuch a Lord : 
Vpon condition I may quietly 
Enioy mine owne, the Country Maine and Aniou, 
Free from opprsffion, or the ftroke of Warre, 
My daughter fhall be Henries, if he pleafe. 

Suf. That is her ranfome, I deliuer her, 
And thofe two Counties I will vndertake 
Your Grace fhall well and quietly enioy. 

Reig. And I againe in Henries Royall name, 
As Deputy vnto that gracious King, 
Giue thee her hand for figne of plighted faith. 

Suf. Reignier of France, I giue thee Kingly thankes, 
Becaufe this is in Trafficke of a King. 
And yet me thinkes I could be well content 
To be mine owne Atturney in this cafe. 
He ouer then to England with this newes. 
And make this marriage to be folemniz'd : 
So farewell Reignier, fet this Diamond fafe 
In Golden Pallaces as it becomes. 

Reig. I do embrace thee, as I would embrace 
The Chriftian Prince King Henrie were he heere. 

Mar. Farewell my Lord, good wifhes,praife, & praiers, 
Shall Suffolke euer haue of Margaret. Sbec is going. 

Suf. Farwell fweet Madam: but hearke you Margaret, 
No Princely commendations to my King? 

Mar. Such commendations as becomes a Maide, 
A Virgin, and his Seruant, fay to him. 

Suf. Words fweetly plac'd, and modeftie directed, 



Thefirji Part of Henry the Sixt. 



117 



But Madame, I muft trouble you againe, 
No louing Token to his Maieftie ? 

elMar. Yes, my good Lord, a pure vnfpotted heart, 
Neuer yet taint with loue, 1 fend the King. 

Suf. And this withall. Kiffe her. 

Mar. That for thy felfe, I will not fo prefume, 
To fend fuch peeuiih tokens to a King. 

Suf. Oh wert thou for my felfe : but Suffolk ftay, 
Thou mayeft not wander in that Labyrinth, 
There Minotaurs and vgly Treafons lurke, 
Solicite Henry with her wonderous praife. 
Bethinke thee on her Vertues that furmount, 
Mad naturall Graces that extinguish Art, 
Repeate their femblance often on the Seas, 
That when thou com'ft to kneele at Henries feete, 
Thou mayeft bereaue him of his wits with wonder. Exit 

Enter Yorke.Warwicke,Shepheard,Pucell. 
Tor. Bring forth that Sorcereffe condemn'd to burne. 

Sbep. Ah lone, this kils thy Fathers heart out-right, 
Haue I fought euery Country farre and neere, 
And now it is my chance to finde thee out, 
Muft I behold thy timeleffe cruell death : 
Ah lone, fweet daughter lone, He die with thee. 

"Pucel. Decrepit Mifer, bafe ignoble Wretch, 
I am defcended of a gentler blood . 
Thou art no Father, nor no Friend of mine. 

Shep. Out, out: My Lords,and pleafe you, 'tis not fo 
I did beget her, all the Pariih knowes : 
Her Mother liueth yet, can teftifie 
She was the firft fruite of my Bach'ler-fhip. 

War. Graceleffe, wilt thou deny thy Parentage? 

Yorke. This argues what her kinde of life hath beene, 
Wicked and vile, and fo her death concludes. 

Sbep. Fye lure, that thou wilt be fo obftacle: 
God knowes, thou art a collop of my flefh, 
And for thy fake haue I ftied many a teare: 
Deny me not, I prythee, gentle lone. 

Pucell. Pezant auant. You haue fuborn'd this man 
Of purpofe, to obfcure my Noble birth. 

Shep. 'Tis true, I gaue a Noble to the Prieft, 
The morne that I was wedded to her mother. 
Kneele downe and take my bleffing, good my Gyrle. 
Wilt thou not ftoope ? Now curfed be the time 
Of thy natiuitie : I would the Milke 
Thy mother gaue thee when thou fuck'ft her breft, 
Had bin a little Rats-bane for thy fake. 
Or elfe, when thou didft keepe my Lambes a-field, 
I wifh fome rauenous Wolfe had eaten thee. 
Doeft thou deny thy Father, curfed Drab ? 

burne her, burne her,hanging is too good.' Exit. 
Yorke. Take her away, for fhe hath liu'd too long, 

To fill the world with vicious qualities. 

Pac.Firft let me tell you whom you haue condemn'd; 
Not me, begotten of a Shepheard Swaine, 
But iffued from the Progeny of Kings. 
Vertuous and Holv, chofen from aboue, 
By infpiration of Celeftiall Grace, 
To worke exceeding myracles on earth. 

1 neuer had to do with wicked Spirits. 
But you that are polluted with your luftes, 
Stain'd with the guiltleffe blood of Innocents, 
Corrupt and tainted with a thoufand Vices : 
Becaufe you want the grace that others haue, 
You iudge it ftraight a thing impofsible 

To compaffe Wonders, but by helpe of diuels. 



455 



No mifconceyued, lone at Aire hath beene 
A Virgin from her tender infancie, 
Chafte, and immaculate in very thought, 
Whofe Maiden-blood thus rigoroufly efFus'd, 
Will cry for Vengeance, at the Gates of Heauen. 

Yorke. 1,1 : away with her to execution. 

War. And hearke ye firs: becaufe Ihe is a Maide, 
Spare for no Faggots, let there be enow : 
Place barrelles of pitch vpon the fatall ftake, 
That fo her tortute may be fhortned. 

Puc. Will nothing turne your vnrelenting hearts? 
Then lone difcouet thine infirmity, 
That wartanteth by Law, to be thy priuiledge. 
I am with childe ye bloody Homicides : 
Murther not then the Fruite within my Wombe, 
Although ye hale me to a violent death. 

Yor.Nov/ heauen forfend, the holy Maid with child? 
War. The greateft miracle that ere ye wrought. 
Is all your ftridt precifenefTe come to this ? 

Yorke. She and the Dolphin haue bin iugling, 
I did imagine what would be her refuge. 

War. Well go too, we'll haue no Baftards Hue, 
Efpecially fince Qharles muft Father it. 

Puc. You are deceyu'd, my childe is none of his, 
It was Alanjon that inioy'd my loue. 

Yorke. cAlanfon that notorious Macheuile ? 
It dyes, and if it had a thoufand liues. 

Pue. Oh giue me leaue, I haue deluded you, 
'Twas neyther Charles, nor yet the Duke 1 nam'd, 
But Reignier King of Naples that preuayl'd. 

War. A married man, that's moft intollerable. 

Yor. Why here's a Gyrle: I think fhe knowes not wel 
(There were fo many) whom fhe may accufe. 

War. It's figne fhe hath beene liberall and free. 

Yor. And yet forfooth fhe is a Virgin pure. 
Strumpet, thy words condemne thy Brat,and thee. 
Vfe no intreaty, for it is in vaine. 

Pa.Then lead me hence: with whom I leaue my curfe. 
May neuer glorious Sunne reflex his beames 
Vpon the Countrey where you make abode : 
But darkneffe, and the gloomy fhade of death 
Inuiron you, till Mifcheefe and Difpaire, 
Driue you to break your necks, or hang your {clues.Sxit 
Enter Cardinal/. 

Yorke. Breake thou in peeces, and confume to afhes, 
Thou fowle accurfed minifter of Hell. 

Car. Lord Regent, I do greete your Excellence 
With Letters of Commifiion from the King. 
For know my Lords, the States of Chriftendome, 
Mou'd with remorfe of thefe out-ragious broyles, 
Haue earneftly implor'd a generall peace, 
Betwixt our Nation, and the afpyring French ; 
And heere at hand, the Dolphin and his Traine 
Approacheth, to conferre about fome matter. 

Yorke. Is all our trauell turn'd to this effedt, 
After the (laughter of fo many Peeres, 
So many Captaines, Gentlemen,and Soldiers, 
That in this quarrell haue beene ouerthrowne, 
And fold their bodyes for their Countryes benefit, 
Shall we at laft conclude effeminate peace ? 
Haue we not loft moft part of all the Townes, 
By Treafon, Falfhood, and by Treacherie, 
Our great Progenitors had conquered: 
Oh Warwicke, Warwicke, I forefee with greefe 
The vtter loffe of all the Realme of France. 

War. Be patient Yorke, if we conclude a Peace 

m It 



Thejirjl 'Part of Henry the Sixt. 



It fhall be with fuch ftrict and feuere Couenants, 
As little fhall the Frenchmen gaine thereby. 

Enter Charles, Alanfon^aftard, Reignier. 

Char, Since Lords of England, it is thus agreed, 
That peacefull truce fhall be proclaim'd in France, 
We come to be informed by your felues, 
What the conditions of that league muft be. 

Tor^e. Speake Winchefter,for boyling choller chokes 
The hollow paffage of my poyfon'd voyce, 
By fight of thefe our balefull enemies. 

Win. Charles, and the reft, it is enacted thus : 
That in regard King Henry giues confent, 
Of meere compaffion, and of lenity, 
To eafe your Countrie of diftreffefull Warre, 
And fuffer you to breath in fruitfull peace, 
You fhall become true Liegemen to his Crowne. 
And Charles, vpon condition thou wilt fweare 
To pay him tribute, and fubmit thy felfe, 
Thou fhalt be plac'd as Viceroy vnder him, 
And ftill enioy thy Regall dignity. 

iAlan. Muft he be then as fhadow of himfelfe ? 
Adorne his Temples with a Coronet, 
And yet in fubftance and authority, 
Retaine but priuiledge of a priuate man ? 
This proffer is abfurd, and reafonleffe. 

Char. 'Tis knowne already that I am poffeft 
With more then halfe the Gallian Territories, 
And therein reuerenc'd for their lawfull King. 
Shall I for lucre of the reft vn-vanquiiht, 
Detract fo much from that prerogatiue, 
As to be call'd but Viceroy of the whole? 
No Lord Ambaffador, He rather keepe 
That which I haue, than coueting for more 
Be caft from pofsibility of all. 

Torke. Infulting Charles, haft thou by fecret meanes 
Vs'd interceffion to obtaine a league, 
And now the matter growes to compremize, 
Stand'ft thou aloofe vpon Comparifon. 
Either accept the Title thou vfurp'ft, 
Of benefit proceeding from our King, 
And not of any challenge of Defert, 
Or we will plague thee with inceffant Warres. 

Reig. My Lord, you do not well in obftinacy, 
To cauill in the courfe of this Contrail: 
If once it be neglected, ten to one 
We fhall not finde like opportunity. 

Alan. To fay the truth, it is your policie, 
To faue your Subiects from fuch maflacre 
And ruthleffe daughters as are dayly feene 
By our proceeding in Hoftility, 
And therefore take this compact of a Truce, 
Although you breake it, when your pleafure ferues. 

War. How fayft thou Charles ? 
Shall our Condition ftand ? 

Qhar. It Shall: 
Onely referu'd, you claime no intereft 
In any of our Townes of Garrifon. 

Tor. Then fweare Allegeance to his Maiefty, 
As thou art Knight, neuer to difobey, 
Nor be Rebellious to the Crowne of England, 
Thou nor thy Nobles, to the Crowne of England. 
So, now difmiffe your Army when ye pleafe : 
Hang vp your Enfignes, let your Drummes be ftill, 
For heere we entertaine a folemne peace. Exeunt 



ABus Quintus. 



Enter Suffolke in conference with the King, 
Glocefter ,and Exeter. 

King. Your wondrous rare defcription (noble Earle) 
Of beauteous Margaret hath aftonifh'd me : 
Her vertues graced with externall gifts, 
Do breed Loues fetled paffions in my heart, 
And like as rigour of tempeftuous guftes 
Prouokes the mightieft Hulke againft the tide, 
So am I driuen by breath of her Renowne, 
Either to fuffer Shipwracke, or arriue 
Where I may haue fruition of her Loue. 

Suf. Tufh my good Lord, this fuperficiall tale, 
Is but a preface of her worthy praife : 
The cheefe perfections of that louely Dame, 
(Had I fufficient skill to vtter them) 
Would make a volume of inticing lines, 
Able to rauifh any dull conceit. 
And which is more, fhe is not fo Diuine, 
So full repleate with choice of all delights, . 
But with as humble lowlineffe of minde, 
She is content to be at your command : 
Command I meane, of Vertuous chafte intents, 
To Loue, and Honor Henry as her Lord. 

King. And otherwife, will Henry ne're prefume : 
Therefore my Lord Protector, giue confent, 
That Margret may be Englands Royall Queene. 

Glo. So fhould I giue confent to flatter (inne, 
You know (my Lord,) your HighnefTe is betroath'd 
Vnto another Lady of efteeme, 
How fhall we then difpenfe with that contract, 
And not deface your Honor with reproach? 

Suf. As doth a Ruler with vnlawfull Oathes, 
Or one that at a Triumph, hauing vow'd 
To try his ftrength, forfaketh yet the Liftes 
By reafon of his Aduerfaries oddes. 
A poore Earles daughter is vnequall oddes, 
And therefore may be broke without offence. 

Gloucefter. Why what ( I pray ) is ^Margaret more 
then that? 
Her Father is no better than an Earle, 
Although in glorious Titles he excell. 

Suf. Yes my Lord, her Father is a King, 
The King of Naples, and lerufalem, 
And of fuch great Authoritie in France, 
As his alliance will confirme our peace, 
And keepe the Frenchmen in Allegeance. 

Glo. And fo the Eurle of Arminacke may doe, 
Becaufe he is neere Kinfman vnto Charles. 

£.m.Befide,his wealth doth warrant a liberal dower, 
Where Reignier fooner will receyue, than giue. 

Suf. A Dowre my Lords? Difgrace not fo your King, 
That he fhould be fo abiect, bale, and poore, 
To choofe for wealth, and not for perfect Loue. 
Henry is able to enrich his Queene, 
And not to feeke a Queene to make him rich, 
So worthleffe Pezants bargaine for their Wiues, 
As Market men for Oxen, Sheepe, or Horfe. 
Marriage is a matter of more worth, 
Then to be dealt in by Atturney-fhip : 
Not whom we will, but whom his Grace affects, 

Muft 



The fir ft cPart of Henry the Sixt. 



119 



Muft be companion of his Nuptiall bed. 

And therefore Lords, fince he affects her moft, 

Moft of all thefe reafons bindeth vs, 

In our opinions fhe ihould be preferr'd. 

For what is wedloeke forced? but a Hell, 

An Age of difcord and continuall ftrife, 

Whereas the contrarie bringeth bliffe, 

And is a patterne of Celeftiall peace. 

Whom Ihould we match with Henry being a King, 

But cPlfargaret, that is daughter to a King : 

Her peereleffe feature, ioyned with her birth, 

Approues her fit for none, but for a King. 

Her valiant courage, and vndaunted fpirit, 

(More then in women commonly is feene) 

Will anfwer our hope in iffue of a King. 

For Henry, fonne vnto a Conqueror, 

Is likely to beget more Conquerors, 

If with a Lady of fo high refolue, 

(As is faire Margaret) he be link'd in loue. 

Then yeeld my Lords, and heere conclude with mee, 

That Margaret fhall be Queene, and none but Ihee. 

King. Whether it be through force of your report, 
My Noble Lord of Suffolke : Or for that 
My tender youth was neuer yet attaint 
With any paffion of inflaming loue , 
I cannot tell : but this I am affur'd, 



I feele fuch ftiarpe diffention in my breaft, 

Such fierce alarums both of Hope and Feare, 

As I am ficke with working of my thoughts. 

Take therefore fliipping, pofte my Lord to France, 

Agree to any couenants, and procure 

That Lady Margaret do vouchfafe to come 

To croffe the Seas to England, and be crown'd 

King Henries faithfull and annointed Queene. 

For your expences and fufficient charge, 

Among the people gather vp a tenth. 

Be gone I fay, for till you do returne, 

I reft perplexed with a thoufand Cares. 

And you (good Vnckle) banilh all offence : 

If you do cenfure me, by what you were, 

Not what you are, I know it will excufe 

This fodaine execution of my will. 

And fo conduct me, where from company, 

I may reuolue and ruminate my greefe. Exit. 

Qlo. I greefe I feare me, both at firfl and laft. 

Exit GloceBer. 

Suf. Thus Suffolke hath preuaird,and thus he goes 
As did the youthfuil Paris once to Greece, 
With hope to finde the like euent in loue, 
But profper better than the Troian did : 
Margaret fhall now be Queene, and rule the King : 
But I will rule both her, the King, and Realme. Exit 



FINIS. 




The 




The fecond Part of Henry the Sixt, 

with the death of the Good Duke 



H V M F R E Y. 



zABus Primus. Sccena 'Prima. 



Flourijk of Trumpets : Then Hoboyes. 

Enter King, Du{e Humfrey, Salisbury ,Warwic{e, and Beau- 
ford on the one fide. 



The Queene, Suffolk, Tor fa Somerje 
i the other. 



nd Buckingham, 



Suffolfa 
S by your high Imperiall Maiefty, 

||}X*j£ I had in charge at my depart for France, 
* As Procurator to your Excellence, 

To marry Princes Margaret for your Grace ; 
So in the Famous Ancient City, Toures, 
In prefence of the Bangs of France, and Skill, 
The Dukes of Orleance, Calaber, 'Britaigne, and Alan/on, 
Seuen Earles,twelue Barons, & twenty reuerend Biihops 
I haue perform'd my Taske, and was efpous'd, 
And humbly now vpon my bended knee, 
In fight of England, and her Lordly Peeres, 
Deliuer vp my Title in the Queene 
To your moft gracious hands, that are the Subftance 
Of that great Shadow I did reprefent : 
The happieft Gift, that euer Marqueffe gaue, 
The Faireft Queene, that euer King receiu'd. 

King. Suffolke arife. Welcome Queene Margaret, 
I can expreffe no kinder figne of Loue 
Then this kinde kiffe : O Lord, that lends me life, 
Lend me a heart repleate with thankfulnefTe : 
For thou haft giuen me in this beauteous Face 
A world of earthly bleflings to my foule, 
If Simpathy of Loue vnite our thoughts. 

Queen. Great King of England, & my gracious Lord, 
The mutuall conference that my minde hath had, 
By day, by night; waking, and in my dreames, 
In Courtly company, or at my Beades, 
With you mine tAlder liefeft Soueraigne, 
Makes me the bolder to falute my King, 
With ruder termes, fuch as my wit affoords, 
And ouer ioy of heart doth minifter. 

King. Her fight did rauifh, but her grace in Speech, 
Her words yclad with wifedomes Maiefty, 
Makes me from Wondring. fall to Weeping ioyes, 
Such is the Fulneffe of my hearts content. 
Lords, with one cheerefull voice, Welcome my Loue. 

All faeel. Long Hue Qu. M<zrgw£?,Englands happines. 

Queene. We thanke you all. Florijh 



Suf. My Lord Protestor, fo it pleafe your Grace, 
Heere are the Articles of contracted peace, 
Betweene our Soueraigne, and the French King Charles, 
For eighteene moneths concluded by confent. 

Glo. Reads. Inprimis, It is agreed betweene the French K. 
Charles, and William de la Pole ^Marqueffe of 'Suffolfa Am- 
baffador for Henry King of England, That the/aid Henry fhal 
ejpouje the Lady Margaret, daughter iinto Reignier King of 
Naples, Sicillia, and lerufalem, and Crowne her Queene of 
England, ere the thirtieth of May next enjuing. 

Item, That the Dutchy of Aniou,and the County of Main, 
pall be releajed and deliuer ed to the King her father. 

King. Vnkle, how now? 

Qlo. Pardon me gracious Lord, 
Some fodaine qualme hath ftrucke me at the heart, 
And dim'd mine eyes, that I can reade no further. 

King. Vnckle of Winehefter, I pray read on. 

Win. Item, It is further agreed betweene them, That the 
Dutcbeffe of Aniou and Maine, Jhall be releajed and deliuered 
ouer to the King her Father, and pee fent ouer of the King of 
Englands owne proper Coft and Charges, without haumg any 
Dowry. 

King.They pleafe vs well. Lord Marques kneel down, 
We heere create thee the firft Duke of Suffolke, 
And girt thee with the Sword. Cofin of Yorke, 
We heere difcharge your Grace from being Regent 
I'th parts of France, till terme of eighteene Moneths 
Be full expyr'd. Thankes Vncle Winehefter, 
Glofter, Yorke, Buckingham, Somerfet, 
Salisburie, and Warwicke. 
We thanke you all for this great fauour done, 
In entertainment to my Princely Queene. 
Come, let vs in, and with all fpeede prouide 
To fee her Coronation be perform'd. 

Exit King, Queene, and Suffolfa 

Manet the reft. 
Glo. Braue Peeres of England, Pillars of the State, 
To you Duke Humfrey muft vnload his greefe : 
Your greefe, the common greefe of all the Land. 
What? did my brother Henry fpend his youth, 
His valour, coine, and people in the warres ? 
Did he fo often lodge in open field : 
In Winters cold, and Summers parching heate, 
To conquer France, his true inheritance ? 
And did my brother Bedford toyle his wits, 



The fecond^art of Henry the Sixt. 



To keepe by policy what Henrie got : 

Haue you your felues, Somerfet, 'Buckingham, 

Braue Torke, Salisbury, and victorious Warmck\e, 

Receiud deepefcarres in France and Normandie: 

Or hath mine Vnckle 'Beauford, and my felfe, 

With all the Learned Counfell of the Realme, 

Studied fo long, fat in the Councell houfe, 

Early and late, debating too and fro 

How France and Frenchmen might be kept in awe, 

And hath his HighnefTe in his infancie, 

Crowned in Paris in defpight of foes, 

And fhall thefe Labours, and thefe Honours dye? 

Shall Henries Conqueft, "Sedfords vigilance, 

Your Deeds of Warre, and all our Counfell dye ? 

Peeres of England, fhamefull is this League, 
Fatall this Marriage, cancelling your Fame, 
Blotting your names from Bookes of memoiy, 
Racing the Charrafters of your Renowne, 
Defacing Monuments of Conquer'd France, 
Vndoing all as all had neuer bin. 

Car. Nephew, what meanes this paffionate difcourfe? 
This preroration with fuch circumftance : 
For France, 'tis ours ; and we will keepe it ftill. 

Glo. I Vnckle, we will keepe it, if we can : 
But now it is impofsible we fhould. 
Suffolke, the new made Duke that rules the roft, 
Hath giuen the Dutchy of Anion and Mayne, 
Vnto the poore King Reignier, whofe large ftyle 
Agrees not with the leannefTe of his purfe. 

Sal. Now by the death of him that dyed for all, 
Thefe Counties were the Keyes of Normandie : 
But wherefore weepes Warwick, my valiant fonne? 

War. For greefe that they are paft recouerie. 
For were there hope to conquer them againe, 
My fword fhould fhed hot blood, mine eyes no teares. 
Aniou and Maine ? My felfe did win them both : 
Thofe Prouinces, thefe Armes of mine did conquer, 
And are the Citties that I got with wounds, 
Deliuer'd vp againe with peacefull words ? 
Mart Dieu. 

Yorke. For Suffolkes Duke, may he be fufFocate, 
That dims the Honor of this Warlike Ifle : 
France fhould haue torne and rent my very hart, 
Before I would haue yeelded to this League. 

1 neuer read but Englands Kings haue had 

Large fummes of Gold, and Dowries with their wiues, 
And our King Henry giues away his owne, 
To match with her that brings no vantages. 

Hum. A proper ieft, and neuer heard before, 
That Suffolke fhould demand a whole Fifteenth, 
For Cofts and Charges in tranfporting her : 
She fhould haue ftaid in France, and fteru'd in France 
Before 

Car. My Lord of Glofter, now ye grow too hot, 
It was the pleafure of my Lord the King. 

Hum. My Lord of Winchefter I know your minde. 
'Tis not my fpeeches that you do miflike : 
But 'tis my prefence that doth trouble ye, 
Rancour will out, proud Prelate, in thy face 
I fee thy furie : If I longer ftay, 
We fhall begin our ancient bickerings : 
Lordings farewell, and fay when I am gone, 
I prophefied, France will be loft ere long. Exit Humfrey. 

Car. So, there goes our Proteftor in a rage : 
'Tis knowne to you he is mine enemy : 
Nay more, an enemy vnto you all, 



And no great friend, I feare me to the King ; 
Confider Lords, he is the next of blood, 
And heyre apparant to the Englifh Crowne : 
Had Henrie got an Empire by his marriage, 
And all the wealthy Kingdomes of the Weft, 
There's reafon he fhould be difpleas'd at it : 
Looke to it Lords, let not his fmoothing words 
Bewitch your hearts, be wife and circumfpecl:. 
What though the common people fauour him, 
Calling him, Humfrey the good Duke of Glofter, 
Clapping their hands, and crying with loud voyce, 
Iefu maintaine your Royall Excellence, 
With God preferue the good Duke Humfrey. 
I feare me Lords, for all this flattering gloffe, 
He will be found a dangerous Protestor. 

Sue. Why fhould he then protect our Soueraigne ? 
He being of age to gouerne of himfelfe. 
Cofin of Somerfet, ioyne you with me, 
And altogether with the Duke of Suffolke, 
Wee'l quickly hoyfe Duke Humfrey from his feat. 

Car. This weighty bufinefTe will not brooke delay, 
He to the Duke of Suffolke prefently. Exit Cardinal/. 

Som. Cofin of Buckingham, though Humfries pride 
And greatnefTe of his place be greefe to vs, 
Yet let vs watch the haughtie Cardinall, 
His infolence is more intollerable 
Then all the Princes in the Land befide, 
If Glofter be difplac'd, hee'l be Proteftor. 

'Sue. Or thou, or I Somerfet will be Protestors, 
Defpite Duke Humfrey, or the Cardinall. 

Exit Suekjngbam, and Somerfet. 

Sal. Pride went before, Ambition followes him. 
While thefe do labour for their owne preferment, 
Behooues it vs to labor for the Realme. 
I neuer faw but Humfrey Duke of Glofter, 
Did bearehim like a Noble Gentleman: 
Oft haue I feene the haughty Cardinall. 
More like a Souldier then a man o'th'Church, 
As ftout and proud as he were Lord of all, 
Sweare like a Ruffian, and demeane himfelfe 
Vnlike the Ruler of a Common- weale. 
Warwicke my fonne, the comfort of my age, 
Thy deeds, thy plainneffe, and thy houfe-keeping, 
Hath wonne the greateft fauour of the Commons, 
Excepting none but good Duke Humfrey. 
And Brother Yorke, thy Afts in Ireland, 
In bringing them to ciuill Difcipline : . 
Thy late exploits done in the heart of France, 
When thou wert Regent for our Soueraigne, 
Haue made thee fear'd and honor'd of the people, 
Ioyne we together for the publike good, 
In what we can, to bridle and fuppreffe 
The pride of Suffolke, and the Cardinall, - 
With Somerfets and Buckinghams Ambition, 
And as we may, cherifh Duke Humfries deeds, 
While they do tend the profit of the Land. 

War. So God helpe Warwicke, as he loues the Land, 
And common profit of his Countrey. 

Tor. And fo fayes Yorke, 
For he hath greateft caufe. 

Salisbury. Then lets make haft away, 
And looke vnto the maine. 

Warwicke. Vnto the maine ? 
Oh Father, oMaine is loft, 

That Maine, which by maine force Warwicke did winne, 
And would haue kept, fo long as breath did laft: 

1 3 Main 



122 



Tbefecond'Part of Henry the Sixt. 



Main-chance father you meant, but I meant <^Maine, 
Which I will win from France, or elfe be flaine. 

Exit Warmcke,and Salisbury. Manet Yor\e. 

Yorke. Anion and Maine are giuen to the French, 
Paris is loft, the ftate of Normandie 
Stands on a tickle point, now they are gone : 
Suffolke concluded on the Articles, 
The Peeres agreed, and Henry was well pleas'd, 
To change two Dukedomes for a Dukes faire daughter. 
I cannot blame them all, what is't to them£ 
'Tis thine they giue away, and not their owne. 
Pirates may make cheape penyworths of their pillage, 
And purchafe Friends, and giue to Curtezans, 
Still reuelling like Lords till all be gone, 
While as the filly Owner of the goods 
Weepes ouer them, and wrings his hapleffe hands, 
And (hakes his head, and trembling ftands aloofe, 
While all is fhar'd, and all is borne away, 
Ready to fterue, and dare not touch his owne. 
So Yorke muft fit, and fret, and bite his tongue, 
While his owne Lands are bargain'd for, and fold : 
Me thinkes the Realmes of England, France, & Ireland, 
Beare that proportion to my fleih and blood, 
As did the fatall brand zAltbaa burnt, 
Vnto the Princes heart ofQalidon : 
Aniou and Maine both giuen vnto the French i 
Cold newes for me : for I had hope of France, 
Euen as I haue of fertile Englands foile. 
A day will come, when Yorke mail claime his owne, 
And therefore I will take the Neuih parts, 
And make a mew of loue to proud Duke Humfrey, 
And when I fpy aduantage, claime the Crowne, 
For that's the Golden marke I feeke to hit : 
Nor mall proud Lancafter vfurpe my right, 
Nor hold the Scepter in his childi/h Fift, 
Nor weare the Diadem vpon his head, 
Whofe Church-like humors fits not for a Crowne. 
Then Yorke be ftill a-while, till time do ferue : 
Watch thou, and wake when others be afleepe, 
To prie into the fecrets of the State, 
Till Henrie furfetting in ioyes of loue, 
With his new Bride, & Englands deere bought Queen, 
And Humfrey with the Peeres be falne at iarres : 
Then will I raife aloft the Milke-white-Rofe, 
With whofe fweet fmell the Ayre mail be perfum'd, 
And in in my Standard beare the Armes of Yorke, 
To grapple with the houfe of Lancafter, 
And force perforce He make him yeeld the Crowne, 
Whofe bookifh Rule, hath pull'd faire England downe. 
Exit Yor\e. 
Enter Duke Humfrey and bii wife Elianor. 

Elia.'Why droopes my Lord like ouer-ripen'd Corn, 
Hanging the head at Ceres plenteous load ? 
Why doth the Great Duke Humfrey knit his browes, 
As frowning at the Fauours of the world ? 
Why are thine eyes fixt to the fallen earth, 
Gazing on that which feemes to dimme thy fight? 
What feeft thou there? King Henries Diadem, 
Inchac'd with all the Honors of the world? 
If fo, Gaze on, and grouell on thy face, 
Vntill thy head be circled with the fame. 
Put forth thy hand, reach at the glorious Gold. 
What, is't too fhort ? He lengthen it with mine, 
And hauing both together heau'd it vp, 
Wee'l both together lift our heads to heauen, 
And neuer more abafe our fight fo low, 



As to vouchfafe one glance vnto the ground. 

Hum. O Nell, fweet Nell,\i thou doft loue thy Lord, 
Banifh the Canker of ambitious thoughts : 
And may that thought, when I imagine ill 
Againft my King and Nephew, vertuous Henry, 
Be my laft breathing in this mortall worid. 
My troublous dreames this night, doth make me fad. 

£/;.What dream'd my Lord, tell me, and lie requite it 
With fweet rehearfall of my mornings dreame? 

Hum. Me thought this ftaffe mine Office-badge in 
Court 
Was broke in twaine : by whom, I haue forgot, 
But as I thinke, it was by'th Cardinall, 
And on the peeces of the broken Wand 
Were plac'd the heads of Bdmond Duke of Somerfet, 
And William de la Pule firft Duke of Suffolke. 
This was my dreame, what it doth bode God knowes. 

Eli. Tut, this was nothing but an argument, 
That he that breakes a fticke of Glofters groue, 
Shall loofe his head for his prefumption. 
But lift to me my Humfrey, my fweete Duke : 
Me thought I fate in Seate of Maiefty, 
In the Cathedrall Church of Weftminfter, 
And in that Chaire where Kings & Queens wer crownd, 
Where Henrie and Dame Margaret kneel'd to me, 
And on my head did fet the Diadem. 

Hum. Nay Elinor, then muft I chide outright : 
Prefumptuous Dame, ill-nurter'd Elianor, 
Art thou not fecond Woman in the Realme? 
And the Protectors wife belou'd of him ? 
Haft thou not worldly pleafure at command, 
Aboue the reach or compaffe of thy thought? 
And wilt thou ftill be hammering Treachery, 
To tumble downe thy husband, and thy felfe, 
From top of Honor, to Difgraces feete ? 
Away from me, and let me heare no more. 

Elia. What, what, my Lord? Are you fo chollericke 
With Elianor, for telling but her dreame ? 
Next time He keepe my dreames vnto my felfe, 
And not be check'd. 

Hum. Nay be not angry, I am pleas'd againe. 
Enter Meffenger. 

Meff. My Lord Protestor, 'tis his Highnes pleafure, 
You do prepare to ride vnto S. Albons, 
Where as the King and Queene do meane to Hawke. 

Hu. I go. Come Nel thou wilt ride with vs? Ex. Hum 

EH. Yes my good Lord, He follow prefently. 
Follow I muft, I cannot go before, 
While Glofter beares this bafe and humble minde. 
Were I a Man, a Duke, and next of blood, 
I would remoue thefe tedious ftumbling blockes, 
And fmooth my way vpon their headleffe neckes. 
And being a woman, I will not be flacke 
To play my part in Fortunes Pageant. 
Where are you there? Sir John; nay feare not man, 
We are alone, here's none but thee,& 1. _ Enter Hume. 

Hume. Iefus preferue your Royall Maiefty. 

Elia. What faift thou? Maiefty : I am but Grace. 

Hume. But by the grace of God, and Humes aduice, 
Your Graces Title fhall be multiplied. 

Elia. What faift thou man? Haft thou as yet confer'd 
With Margerie Iordane the cunning Witch, 
With Roger ^Bollingbrooke the Coniurer ? 
And will they vndertake to do me good ? 

Hume. This they haue promifed to fliew your Highnes 
A Spirit rais'd from depth of vnder ground, 

That 

458 



Thefecond Part of Henry the Sixt. 



That fliall make anfwere to fuch Queftions, 
As by your Grace fliall be propounded him. 

Elianor. It is enough, He thinke vpon the Queftions: 
When from Saint Albones we doe make returne, 
Wee'le fee thefe things effected to the full. 
Here Hume,take this reward, make merry man 
With thy Confederates in this weightie caufe. 

Exit Elianor. 
Hume. Hume muft make merry with the Ducheffe Gold: 
Marry and fliall : but how now, Sir Iohn Hume ? 
Seale vp your Lips, and giue no words but Mum, 
The bufmeffe asketh filent fecrecie. 
Dame Elianor giues Gold, to bring the Witch : 
Gold cannot come amiffe,were flie a Deuill. 
Yet haue I Gold flyes from another Coaft : 
I dare not fay, from the rich Cardinal!, 
And from the great and new-made Duke of Suffolke; 
Yet I doe finde it fo : for to be plaine, 
They (knowing Dame Elianors afpiring humor) 
Haue hyred me to vnder-mine the Ducheffe, 
And buzze thefe Coniurations in her brayne. 
They fay, A craftie Knaue do's need no Broker, 
Yet am I Suffolke and the Cardinalls Broker. 
Hume, if you take not heed, you fliall goe neere 
To call them both a payre of craftie Knaues. 
WeU,fo it ftands: and thus I feare at laft, 
Humes Knauerie will be the Ducheffe Wracke, 
And her Attainture, will be Humphreyes fall : 
Sort how it will, I fliall haue Gold for all. Exit 

Enter three or four e Petitioners, the Armorers 
Man being one. 

I. Pet. My Mafters, let's ftand clofe, my Lord Pro- 
tector will come this way by and by, and then wee may 
deliuer our Supplications in the Quill. 

2. Pet. Marry the Lord protect him, for hee's a good 
man, Iefu bleffe him. 

Enter Suffolke, and Queene. 

Peter. Here a comes me thinkes,and the Queene with 
him: He be the firft fure. 

2. Pet. Come backe foole,this is the Duke of Suffolk, 
and not my Lord Protector. 

Suff. How now fellow: would'ft any thing with me? 

j. Pet. I pray my Lord pardon me, I tooke ye for my 
Lord Protector. 

Queene. To my Lord Protector? Are your Supplica- 
tions to his Lord/hip? Let me fee them: what ie thine? 

l. Pet. Mine is, and't pleafe your Grace, againft Iohn 
Goodman, my Lord Cardinals Man, for keeping my Houfe, 
and Lands, and Wife and all, from me, 

Suff. Thy Wife too? that's fome Wrong indeede. 
What's yours ■? What's heere i Againft the Duke of 
Suffolke, for enclofing the Commons of Melforde. How 
now, Sir Knaue ? 

2. Pet. Alas Sir, I am but a poore Petitioner of our 
whole Townefliip. 

Peter. Againft my Mafter Thomas Horner, for faying, 
That the Duke of Yorke was rightfull Heire to the 
Crown e. 

Queene. What fay'ft thou i Did the Duke of Yorke 
fay, hee was rightfull Heire to the Crowne? 

Peter. That my Miftreffe was? No forfoothimy Mafter 
faid,That he was, and that the King was an Vfurper. 



Suff. Who is there i 

Enter Seruant. 
Take this fellow in, and fend for his Mafter with a Purfe- 
uant prefently : wee'le heare more of your matter before 
the King. Exit. 

Queene. And as for you that loue to be protected 
Vnder the Wings of our Protectors Grace, 
Begin your Suites anew, and fue to him. 

Teare the Supplication . 
Away,bafe Cullions : Suffolke let them goe. 

All. Come, let's be gone. Exit. 

Queene. My Lord of Suffolke, fay, is this the guife ? 
Is this the Fafliions in the Court of England? 
Is this the Gouernment of Britaines He? 
And this the Royal tie of ' Albions King? 
What, fliall King Henry be a Pupill ftill, 
Vnder the furly Gloflers Gouernance ? 
Am I a Queene in Title and in Stile, 
And muft be made a Subiect to a Duke ? 
I tell thee Toole, when in the Citie Tours 
Thou ran'ft a-tilt in honor of my Loue, 
And ftol'ft away the Ladies hearts of France ; 
I thought King Henry had refembled thee, 
In Courage, Courtlhip, and Proportion: 
But all his minde is bent to Holineffe, 
To number Aue-Maries on his Beades : 
His Champions,are the Prophets and Apoftles, 
His Weapons, holy Sawes of facred Writ, 
His Studie is his Tilt-yard, and his Loues 
Are brazen Images of Canonized Saints. 
I would the Colledge of the Cardinalls 
Would chufe him Pope, and carry him to Rome, 
And fet the Triple Crowne vpon his Head ; 
That were a State fit for his Holineffe. 

Suff. Madame be patient : as I was caufe 
Your Highneffe came to England, fo will I 
In England worke your Graces full content. 

Queene . Befide the haughtie Protector, haue we Beauford 
The imperious Churchman; Somerfet, Buckingham, 
And grumbling Tor^e: and not the leaft of thefe, 
But can doe more in England then the King. 

Suff. And he of thefe, that can doe moft of all, 
Cannot doe more in England then the Neuils: 
Salisbury and Warwic\ are no fimple Peeres. 

Queene.'Not all thefe Lords do vex me halfe fo much, 
As that prowd Dame, the Lord Protectors Wife : 
She fweepes it through the Court with troups of Ladies, 
More like an Empreffe,then Duke Humphreyes Wife: 
Strangers in Court, doe take her for the Queene : 
She beares a Dukes Reuenewes on her backe, 
And in her heart flie fcornes our Pouertie : 
Shall I not hue to be aueng'd on her i 
Contemptuous bafe-borne Callot as flie is, 
She vaunted 'mongft her Minions t'other day, 
The very trayne of her worft wearing Gowne, 
Was better worth then all my Fathers Lands, 
Till Suffolke gaue two Dukedomes for his Daughter. 

Suff. Madame,my felfe haue lym'd a Bufti for her, 
And plac't a Quier of fuch enticing Birds, 
That flie will light to liften to the Layes, 
And neuer mount to trouble you againe. 
So let her reft : and Madame lift to me, 
For I am bold to counfaile you in this; 
Although we fancie not the Cardinall, 
Yet muft we ioyne with him and with the Lords, 
Till we haue brought Duke Humphrey in difgrace. 

As 



I2 4 



c Thefecond c Part of Henry the Sixt. 



As for the Duke of Yorke,this late Complaint 

Will make but little for his benefit : 

So one by one wee'le weed them all at laft, 

And you your felfe fhall fteere the happy Helme. Exit. 

Sound a Sennet. 

Enter the King, Duke Humfrey, Cardinal!, Bucking- 
ham, Torke, Salisbury, Warmcke, 
and the "Duchejfe. 

King. For my part, Noble Lords, I care not which, 
Or Somer jet, or Torke, all's one to me. 

Torke. If Torke haue ill demean'd himfelfe in France, 
Then let him be denay'd the Regent-fhip. 

Sotn. If Somerjet be vn worthy of the Place, 
Let Tor^e be Regent, I will yeeld to him. 

Warn. Whether your Grace be worthy, yea or no, 
Difpute not that, Torke is the worthyer. 

Card. Ambitious War-n'icke, let thy betters fpeake. 

Warm. The Cardinally not my better in the field. 

Buc\. All in this prefence are thy betters, Warwicke. 

Warn. Warwick? may liue to be the beft of all. 

&&£,Peace Sonne, and fhew fome reafon Buckingham 
Why Somerjet mould be preferr'd in this ? 

jgmwe.Becaufe the King forfooth will haue it fo, 

Humf. Madame, the King is old enough himfelfe 
To giue his Cenfure : Thefe are no Womens matters. 

Queene. If he be old enough, what needs your Grace 
To be Prote&or of his Excellence ? 

Humf. Madame, I am Protector of the Realme, 
And at his pleafure will refigne my Place, 

Suff. Refigne it then, and leaue thine infolence. 
Since thou wert King; as who is King, but thou? 
The Common-wealth hath dayly run to wrack, 
The Dolphin hath preuayl'd beyond the Seas, 
And all the Peeres and Nobles of the Realme 
Haue beene as Bond-men to thy Soueraigntie. 

Card. The Commons haft thou rackt, the Clergies Bags 
Are lanke and leane with thy Extortions. 

&»z.Thy fumptuous Buildings, and thy Wiues Attyre 
Haue coft a maffe of publique Treafurie. 

c Buc\. Thy Crueltie in execution 
Vpon Offendors,hath exceeded Law, 
And left thee to the mercy of the Law. 

S^ueene. Thy fale of Offices and Townes in France, 
If they were knowne, as the fufpeft is great, 
Would make thee quickly hop without thy Head. 

Exit Humfrey. 
Giue me my Fanne: what, Mynion, can ye not? 

She giues the DucheJJe a box on the eare. 
I cry you mercy, Madame: was it you ? 

Duch. Was't I? yea, I it was,prowd French-woman: 
Could I come neere your Beautie with my Nayles, 
I could fet my ten Commandements in your face. 

King. Sweet Aunt be quiet,'twas againft her will. 

"Duch. Againft her will, good King? looke to't in time, 
Shee'le hamper thee,and dandle thee like a Baby : 
Though in this place moft Mafter weare no Breeches, 
She /hill not ftrike Dame Elianor vnreueng'd. 

Exit Elianor. 

Buc\. Lord Cardinally will follow Elianor, 
And liften after Humfrey, how he proceedes : 
Shee's tickled now,her Fume needs no fpurres, 
Shee'le gallop farre enough to her deftru&ion. 

Exit Buckingham. 



Enter Humfrey. 

Humf. Now Lords, my Choller being ouer-blowne, 
With walking once about the Quadrangle, 
I come to talke of Common-wealth Affayres. 
As for your fpightfull falfe Obieftions, 
Proue them, and I lye open to the Law: 
But God in mercie fo deale with my Soule, 
As I in dutie loue my King and Countrey. 
But to the matter that we haue in hand : 
I fay, my Soueraigne, Torke is meeteft man 
To be your Regent in the Realme of France. 

Suff. Before we make election, giue me leaue 
To fhew fome reafon, of no little force, 
That Torke is moft vnmeet of any man. 

Torke. lie tell thee, Suffolke, why I am vnmeet. 
Firft,for I cannot flatter thee in Pride : 
Next, if I be appointed for the Place, 
My Lord of Somerfet will keepe me here, 
Without Difcharge, Money, or Furniture, 
Till France be wonne into the Dolphins hands: 
Laft time I danc't attendance on his will, 
Till Paris was befieg'd,famifht,and loft. 

Warw. That can I witneffe, and a fouler fa£t 
Did neuer Traytor in the Land commit. 

Suff. Peace head-ftrong War-wicke- 

Warn. Image of Pride, why fhould I hold my peace ? 

Enter Armorer and his Man, 

Suff. Becaufe here is a man accufed of Treafon, 
Pray God the Duke of Yorke excufe himfelfe. 

Torke. Doth any one accufe Torke for a Traytor? 

King. What mean'ft thou, Suffolke ? tell me, what are 
thefe i 

Suff. Pleafe it your Maieftie, this is the man 
That doth accufe his Mafter of High Treafon ; 
His words were thefe : That Richard, Duke of Yorke, 
Was rightfull Heire vnto the Engli/h Crowne, 
And that your Maieftie was an Vfurper. 

King. Say man, were thefe thy words? 

Armorer. And\ fhall pleafe your Maieftie, I neuer fayd 
nor thought any fuch matter : God is my witneffe, I am 
falfely accus'd by the Villaine. 

Peter. By thefe tenne bones, my Lords, hee did fpeake 
them to me in the Garret one Night, as wee were fcow- 
ring my Lord of Yorkes Armor. 

Torke. Bafe Dunghill Villaine, and Mechanicall, 
lie haue thy Head for this thy Traytors fpeech: 
I doe befeech your Royall Maieftie, 
Let him haue all the rigor of the Law. 

Armorer. Alas, my Lord, hang me if euer I fpake the 
words : my accufer is my Prentice, and when I did cor- 
rect him for his fault the other day, he did vow vpon his 
knees he would be euen with me : I haue good witneffe 
of this ; therefore I befeech your Maieftie, doe not caft 
away an honeft man for a Villaines accufation. 

King. Vnckle, what fhall we fay to this in law ? 

Humf. This doome,my Lord, if I may iudge : 
Let Somerjet be Regent o're the French, 
Becaufe in Torke this breedes fufpition ; 
And let thefe haue a day appointed them 
For fingle Combat,in conuenient place, 
For he hath witnefie of his feruants malice : 
This is the Law, and this Duke Humfrcyes doome. 

Som. I 



Thefecond 'Part of Henry the Szxt. 



I2 5 



Som. I humbly thanke your Royall Maieftie. 

Armorer. And I accept the Combat willingly. 

Peter. Alas, my Lord, I cannot fight ; for Gods fake 
pitty my cafe : the fpight of man preuayleth againft me. 
O Lord haue mercy vpon me , I mail neuer be able to 
fight a blow : O Lord my heart. 

Humf. Sirrha, or you muft fight, or elfe be hang'd. 

King. Away with them to Prifon : and the day of 
Combat, fhall be the laft of the next moneth. Come 
Somerfet, wee'le fee thee fent away. 

Fltmrijh. Exeunt. 

Enter the Witch, the two Priejls, and 'Bullingbrooke. 

Hume. Come my Matters, the Ducheffe I tell you ex- 
perts performance of your promifes. 

'Bulling. Mafter Hume,we are therefore prouided : will 
her Ladyfhip behold and heare our Exorcifmes? 
Hume. I, what elfe ? feare you not her courage, 
'Bulling. I haue heard her reported to be a Woman of 
an inuincible fpirit : but it fhall be conuenient, Mafter 
Hume, that you be by her aloft, while wee be bufie be- 
low ; and fo I pray you goe in Gods Name, and leaue vs. 

Exit Hume. 
Mother Iordan, be you proftrate, and grouell on the 
Earth ; Iohn Southwell reade you, and let vs to our worke. 



Enter Bin 



■ aloft. 



Elianor. Well faid my Matters, and welcome all : To 
this geere,the fooner the better. 

Bullin. Patience, good Lady, Wizards know their times: 
Deepe Night,darke Night, the filent of the Night, 
#The time of Night when Troy was fet on fire, 
The time when Screech-owles cry,and Bandogs howle, 
And Spirits walke,and Ghofts breake vp their Grauesj 
That time beft fits the worke we haue in hand. 
Madame, fit you,and feare not: whom wee rayfe, 
Wee will make faft within a hallow'd Verge. 



Here doe the Ceremonies belonging, and make the Circle, 

Bullingbrooke or Southwell reades, Coniuro 

te, &c. It Thunders and Lightens 

terribly : then the Spirit 

rijeth. 

Spirit. Adfum. 

Witch. Afmath, by the eternall God, 
Whofe name and power thou trembled: at, 
Anfwere that I fhall aske : for till thou fpeake, 
Thou fhalt not paffe from hence. 

Spirit. Aske what thou wilt; that I had fayd, and 
done. 

Bulling. Firft of the King : What fhall of him be- 
come? 

Spirit. The Duke yet liues, that Henry fhall depofe : 
But him out-liue,and dye a violent death. 

'Bulling. What fates await the Duke of Suffolke ? 
Spirit. By Water fhall he dye,and take his end. 
'Bulling. What fhall befall the Duke of Somerfet ? 
Spirit. Let him fhun Catties, 
Safer fhall he be vpon the fandie Plaines, 
Then where Catties mounted ftand. 
Haue done,for more I hardly can endure. 

Bulling. Difcend to Darkneffe, and the burning Lake : 
Falfe Fiend auoide. 

Thunder and Lightning. Exit Spirit. 



Bnter the Duke of Torke and the Duke of 'Buckingham 
■with their Guard,and breake in. 

Torke. Lay hands vpon thefe Traytors,and their trafh : 
Beldam I thinke we watcht you at an ynch. 
What Madame, are you there? the King & Commonweale 
Are deepely indebted for this peece of paines; 
My Lord Proteftor will, I doubt it not, 
See you well guerdon'd for thefe good deferts. 

Elianor. Not halfe fo bad as thine to Englands King, 
Iniurious Duke, that threateft where's nocaufe. 

Buck- True Madame, none at alhwhat call you this? 
Away with them, let them be clapt vp clofe, 
And kept afunder : you Madame fhall with vs. 
Stafford take her to thee. 

Wee'le fee your Trinkets here all forth-commlng. 
All away. Exit. 

Torke. Lord Buckingham, me thinks you watcht her well: 
A pretty Plot, well chofen to build vpon. 
Now pray my Lord, let's fee the Deuils Writ. 
What haue we here ? Reades. 

The Duke yet liues, that Henry pall depofe : 
But him out-Hue, and dye a -violent death. 
Why this is iuft, cAio oAZacida Romanes sincere poffo. 
Well, to the reft : 

Tell me what fate awaits the Duke of Suffolke ? 
By Water fhall he dye, and take his end. 
What fhall betide the Duke of Somerfet ? 
Let him fhunne CaBles, 
Safer fhall he be vpon the fandie Plaines, 
Then where Cafiles mounted fiand. 
Come, come, my Lords, 
Thefe Oracles are hardly attain'd, 
And hardly vnderftood. 

The King is now in progreffe towards Saint Albones, 
With him, the Husband of this louely Lady : 
Thither goes thefe Newes, 
As faft as Horfe can carry them : 
A forry Breakfaft for my Lord Proteftor. 

Sac^.Your Grace fhal giue me leaue, my Lord of York, 
To be the Pofte,in hope of his reward. 

Torke. At your pleafure,my good Lord. 
Who's within there, hoe f 

Enter a Seruingman. 
Inuite my Lords of Salisbury and Warwick 
To fuppe with me to morrow Night. Away. 

Exeunt. 

Enter the King, £>ueene, Prote&or, Cardinally and 
Suffolke, with Faulkner s hallowing. 

Queene. Beleeue me Lords, for flying at the Brooke, 
I faw not better fport thefe feuen yeeres day : 
Yet by your leaue, the Winde was very high, 
And ten to one, old loane had not gone out. 

King. But what a point,my Lord, your Faulcon made, 
And what a pytch fhe flew aboue the reft: 
To fee how God in all his Creatures workes, 
Yea Man and Birds are fayne of climbing high. 

Stiff. No maruell,and it like your Maieftie, 
My Lord Proteftors Hawkes doe towre fo well, 
They know their Matter loues to be aloft, 
And beares his thoughts aboue his Faulcons Pitch. 

Glojl. My Lord, 'tis but a bafe ignoble minde, 
That mounts no higher then a Bird can fore; 

Card. I 



126 



The fecond Tart of Henry the Sixt. 



Card. I thought as much, hee would be aboue the 
Clouds. 

Gloft. I my Lord Cardinall, how thinke you by that? 
Were it not good your Grace could flye to Heauen ? 

King. The Treafurie of euerlafting Ioy. 

Card.Thy Heauen is on Earth, thine Eyes & Thoughts 
Beat on a Crowne, the Treafure of thy Heart, 
Pernitious Protector, dangerous Peere, 
That fmooth'ft it fo with King and Common-weale. 

Gloft. What, Cardinall ? 
Is your Prieft-hood growne peremptorie ? 
Tanta?ne animis Cceleftibus ira, Church-men fo hot ? 
Good Vnckle hide fuch mallice : 
With fuch Holyneffe can you doe it ? 

Suff. No mallice Sir, no more then well becomes 
So good a Quarrell,and fo bad a Peere. 

Gloft. As who, my Lord ? 

Suff. Why, as you, my Lord, 
An't like your Lordly Lords Prote&or/hip. 

Gloft. Why Suffol\e, England knowes thine infolence. 

Queene. And thy Ambition, Glofter. 

King. I prythee peace, good Queene, 
And whet not on thefe furious Peeres, 
For bleffed are the Peace-makers on Earth. 

Card. Let me be bleffed for the Peace I make 
Againft this prowd Proteftor with my Sword. 

Gloft. Faith holy Vnckle, would't were come to that. 

Card. Marry, when thou dar'ft. 

Gloft. Make vp no factious numbers for the matter, 
In thine owne perfon anfwere thy abufe. 

Card. I, where thou dar'ft not peepe : 
And if thou dar'ft, this Euening, 
On the Eaft fide of the Groue. 

King. How now, my Lords ? 

Card. Beleeue me, Coufin Glofter, 
Had not your man put vp the Fowle fo fuddenly, 
We had had more fport. 
Come with thy two-hand Sword. 

Gloft. True Vnckle, are ye aduis'd ? 
The Eaft fide of the Groue : 
Cardinall, I am with you. 

King. Why how now, Vnckle Glofter ? 

G/c/?.Talking of Hawking; nothing elfe,my Lord. 
Now by Gods Mother, Prieft, 
He ftiaue your Crowne for this, 
Or all my Fence /hall fayle. 

Card. <JV[edice teipfum, Protestor fee to't well, protedt 
your felfe. 

King. The Windes grow high, 
So doe your Stomacks, Lords: 
How irkefome is this Mufick to my heart? 
When fuch Strings iarre, what hope of Harmony ? 
I pray my Lords let me compound this ftrife. 

Enter one crying a Miracle. 

Gloft. What meanes this noyfe* 
Fellow, what Miracle do'ft thou proclayme i 

One. A Miracle, a Miracle. 

Suffol^e. Come to the King, and tell him what Mi- 
racle. 

One. Forfooth, a blinde man at Saint Albones Shrine, 
Within this halfe houre hath receiu'd his fight, 
A man that ne're faw in his life before. 

King. Now God be prays'd,that to beleeuing Soules 
Giues Light in Darkneffe, Comfort in Defpaire. 



Enter the Maior of Saint Albones, and km ^Brethren, 
bearing the man befaeene two in a Chayre. 

Card. Here comes the Townef-men, on Proceflion, 
To prefent your Highne/Te with the man. 

King.Grezt is his comfort in this Earthly Vale, 
Although by his fight his finne be multiplyed. 

Gloft. Stand by, my Matters, bring him neere the King, 
His Highneffe pleafure is to talke with him. 

King. Good-fellow, tell vs here the circumftance, 
That we for thee may glorifie the Lord. 
What, haft thou beene long blinde, and now reftor'd ? 

Simpc. Borne blinde,and't pleafe your Grace. 

Wife. I indeede was he. 

Suff What Woman is this ? 

Wife. His Wife.and't like your Wor/hip. 

Gloft. Hadft thou been his Mother, thou could'ft haue 
better told. 

King. Where wert thou borne i 

Simpc. At Barwick in the North , and't like your 
Grace. 

King. Poore Soule, 
Gods goodne/Te hath beene great to thee : 
Let neuer Day nor Night vnhallowed paffe, 
But ftill remember what the Lord hath done. 

Queene. Tell me, good-fellow, 
Cam'ft thou here by Chance, or of Deuotion, 
To this holy Shrine 2 

Simpc. God knowes of pure Deuotion, 
Being call'd a hundred times, and oftner, 
In my fleepe, by good Saint Albon : 
Who faid; Symon, come; come offer at my Shrine, 
And I will helpe thee. % 

Wife. Moft true, forfooth : 
And many time and oft my felfe haue heard a Voyce, 
To call him fo. 

Card. What, art thou lame? 

Simpc. I, God Almightie helpe me. 

Suff. How cam'ft thou fo ? 

Simpc. A fall off of a Tree. 

Wfe. A Plum-tree, Mafter. 

Gloft. How long haft thou beene blinde ? 

Simpc. O borne fo, Mafter. 

Gloft. What, and would'ft climbe a Tree ? 

Simpc. But that in all my life, when I was a youth. 

Wife. Too true, and bought his climbing very deare. 

Gloft. 'Maffe, thou lou'dft Plummes well, that would'ft 
venture fo . 

Simpc. Alas, good Mafter, my Wife defired fome 
Damfons , and made me climbe , with danger of my 
Life. 

Gloft. A fubtill Knaue, but yet it /hall not ferue : 
Let me fee thine Eyes; winck now, now open them, 
In my opinion, yet thou feed not well. 

Simpc. Yes Mafter, cleare as day, I thanke God and 
Saint Albones. 

Gloft. Say'ft thou me fo : what Colour is this Cloake 
of? 

Simpc. Red Mafter, Red as Blood. 

Gloft. Why that's well faid : What Colour is my 
Gowne of? 

Simpc. Black forfooth, Coale-Black, as let. 

King. Why then, thou know'ft what Colour let is 
of? 

Suff. And yet I thinke,Iet did he neuer fee. 

Gloft. But 

— 46* 






Thefecond 'I? art of Henry the Sixt. 



27 



Glofi. But Cloakes and Gownes, before this day, a 
many. 

Wife. Neuer before this day, in all his life. 

Glofi. Tell me Sirrha, what's my Name ? 

Simpc. Alas Matter, I know not, 

Glofi. What's his Name ? 

Simpc. I know not. 

Glofi. Nor his? 

Simpc. No indeede, Matter. 

Glofi. What's thine owne Name ? 

Simpc. Sounder Simpcoxe,znd if it pleafe you, Matter. 

Glofi. Then Sounder, fit there, 
The lying'ft Knaue in Chriftendome. 
If thou hadft beene borne blinde, 
Thou might'ft as well haue knowne all our Names, 
As thus to name the feuerall Colours we doe weare. 
Sight may diftinguitti of Colours : 
But fuddenly to nominate them all, 
It is impoflible. 

My Lords, Saint Albone here hath done a Miracle : 
And would ye not thinke it, Cunning to be great, 
That could reftore this Cripple to his Legges againe. 
Simpc. O Matter, that you could ? 

Glofi. My Matters of Saint Albones, 
Haue you not Beadles in your Towne, 
And Things call'd Whippes ? 

Maior. Yes,my Lord, if it pleafe your Grace. 

Glofi. Then fend for one prefently. 

Maior. Sirrha, goe fetch the Beadle hither ftraight. 
Exit. 

Gloft. Now fetch me a Stoole hither by and by. 
Now Sirrha, if you meane to faue your felfe from Whip- 
ping, leape me ouer this Stoole, and runne away. 

Simpc. Alas Matter, I am not able to ftand alone : 
You goe about to torture me in vaine. 

Enter a Beadle with Whippes. 

Glofi. Well Sir, we mutt haue you finde your Legges. 
Sirrha Beadle, whippe him till he leape ouer that fame 
Stoole. 

^Beadle. I will, my Lord. 
Come on Sirrha, off with your Doublet, quickly. 

Simpc, Alas Matter, what ttiall I doe? I am not able to 
ftand. 

After the Beadle bath hit him once, he leapes ouer 

the Stoole, and runnes away : and they 

follow, and cry, A Miracle. 

King. O God,feeft thou this,and beareft fo long ? 

S^ueene. It made me laugh, to fee the Villaioe runne. 

Gloft. Follow the Knaue, and take this Drab away. 

Wife. Alas Sir, we did it for pure need. 

Glofi. Let the be whipt through euery Market Towne, 
Till they come to Bar wick, from whence they came. 
Exit. 

Card. Duke Humfrey ha's done a Miracle to day, 

Suff. True: made the Lame to leape and flye away. 

Glofi. But you haue done more Miracles then I : 
You made in a day, my Lord, whole Townes to flye. 

Enter ^Buckingham. 

King. What Tidings with our Coufin Buckingham ? 

Buc\. Such as my heart doth tremble to vnfold : 
A fort of naughtie perfons, lewdly bent, 
Vnder the Countenance and Confederacie 



Of Lady Elianor, the Proteftors Wife, 
The Ring-leader and Head of all this Rout, 
Haue practis'd dangeroufly againft your State, 
Dealing with Witches and with Coniurers, 
Whom we haue apprehended in the Fact, 
Rayfing vp wicked Spirits from vnder ground, 
Demanding of King Henries Life and Death, 
And other of your Highnefle Priuie Councell, 
As more at large your Grace ttiall vnderftand. 

Card. And fo my Lord Proteftor, by this meanes 
Your Lady is forth-comming,yet at London. 
This Newes I thinke hath turn'd your Weapons edge ; 
'Tis like, my Lord, you will not keepe your houre. 

Glofi. Ambitious Church-man, leaue to afflidl my heart: 
Sorrow and griefe haue vanquiftit all my powers ; 
And vanquittit as I am, I yeeld to thee, 
Or to the meaneft Groome. 

King. O God, what mifchiefes work the wicked ones? 
Heaping confufion on their owne heads thereby. 

Queene. giosJer,ke here the Tainfture of thy Neft, 
And looke thy felfe be faulflefie,thou wert beft. 

Glofi. Madame, for my felfe, to Heauen I doe appeale, 
How I haue lou'd my King, and Common-weale : 
And for my Wife, I know not how it ftands, 
Sorry I am to heare what I haue heard. 
Noble ttiee is: but if fhee haue forgot 
Honor and Vertue, and conuers't with fuch, 
As like to Pytch, defile Nobilitie ; 
I baniih her my Bed, and Companie, 
And giue her as a Prey to Law and Shame, 
That hath dis-honored Glofiers honeft Name. 

King. Well, for this Night we will repofe vs here : 
To morrow toward London, back againe, 
To looke into this Bufinefle thorowly, 
And call thefe foule Offendors to their Anfweres ; 
And poyfp, the Caufe in Iuftice equall Scales, 
Whofe Beame ftands fure,whofe rightful caufe preuailes. 
Exeunt. 



Enter Yorke,Salisbury,and Warwick]. 

Yorke. Now my good Lords of Salisbury & Warwick, 
Our fimple Supper ended, giue me leaue, 
In this clofe Walke, to fatisfie my felfe, 
In crauing your opinion of my Title, 
Which is infallible, to Englands Crowne. 

Saliib. My Lord, I long to heare it at full. 

Warn. Sweet Yorke begin: and if thy clayme be good, 
The Ncuilh are thy Subiefts to command. 

Yorke. Then thus: 
Edward the third, my Lords, had feuen Sonnes : 
The Bra, Edward the Black-Prince, Prince of Wales ; 
The fecond, William of Hatfield ; and the third, 
Lionel, Duke of Clarence ; next to whom, 
Was Iohn of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancafter ; 
The lift, was Edmond Langley, Duke of Yorke ; 
The fixt, was Thomas of Woodftock,Duke of Glofter; 
William of Windfor was the feuenth,and laft. 
Edward the Black-Prince dyed before his Father, 
And left behinde him Richard, his onely Sonne, 
Who after Edward the third's death, raign'd as King, 
Till Henry Bullingbrookj, Duke of Lancafter, 
The eldeft Sonne and Heire of Iohn of Gaunt, 
Crown'd by the Name of Henry the fourth, 
Seiz'd on the Realme, depos'd the rightfull King, 
Sent his poore Queene to France, from whence flie came, 

And 



I2( 



Thefecond^art of Henry the Sixt. 



And him to Pumfret ; where, as all you know, 
Harmelefle Richard was murthered traiteroufly. 

Wane. Father, the Duke hath told the truth ; 
Thus got the Houfe of Lancaster the Crowne. 

Yor\e. Which now they hold by force, and not by right: 
For Richard, the firft Sonnes Heire, being dead, 
The Iffue of the next Sonne mould haue reign'd. 

Saliib. But William of Hatfield dyed without an 
Heire. 

Yor\e. The third Sonne, Duke of Clarence, 
From whofe Line I clayme the Crowne, 
Had Iflue Phillip, a Daughter, 
Who marryed Edmond Mortimer,Earle of March: 
Edmond had Iflue, Roger,Ear\e of March ; 
Roger had Iflue, Edmond, Anne, and Elianor. 

Salitb. This Sdmond,'m the Reigne of Bullingbroo{e, 
As 1 haue read, layd clayme vnto the Crowne, 
And but for Owen Glendour, had beene King ; 
Who kept him in Captiuitie, till he dyed. 
But, to the reft. 

Yor\e. His eldeft Sifter, tAnne, 
My Mother, being Heire vnto the Crowne, 
Marryed Richard, Earle of Cambridge, 
Who was to Edmond Langley, 
Edward the thirds fift Sonnes Sonne ; 
By her I clayme the Kingdome : 
She was Heire to Roger, ~E.ar\e of March, 
Who was the Sonne of Edmond Mortimer, 
Who marryed Phillip, fole Daughter 
Vnto Lionel, Duke of Clarence. 
So, if the Iflue of the elder Sonne 
Succeed before the younger, I am King. 

Warn. What plaine proceedings is more plain then this? 
Henry doth clayme the Crowne from Iohn of Gaunt, 
The fourth Sonne, Yorke claymes it from the third : 
Till Lionels Iflue fayles,his mould not reigne. 
It fayles not yet, but flouriflies in thee, 
And in thy Sonnes, faire flippes of fuch a Stock. 
Then Father Salisbury, kneele we together, 
And in this priuate Plot be we the firft, 
That lhall falute our rightfull Soueraigne 
With honor of his Birth-right to the Crowne. 

'Both. Long liue our Soueraigne Richard, Englands 
King. 

Yorke. We thanke you Lords : 
But I am not your King, till I be Crown'd, 
And that my Sword be ftayn'd 
With heart-blood of the Houfe of Lancafter : 
And that's not fuddenly to be perform'd, 
But with aduice and filent fecrecie.. 
Doe you as I doe in thefe dangerous dayes, 
Winke at the Duke of Suffolkes infolence, 
At Beaufords Pride, at Somerfets Ambition, 
At Buckingham, and all the Crew of them, 
Till they haue fnar'd the Shepheard of the Flock, 
That vertuous Prince, the good Duke Humfrey ; 
'Tis that they feeke ; and they, in feeking that, 
Shall finde their deaths, if Yorl^e can prophecie. 

Salisb. My Lord, breake we off; we know your minde 
at full. 

Warw. My heart affures me, that the Earle of Warwick 
Shall one day make the Duke of Yorke a King. 

Yor\e. And Neuill, this I doe aflure my felfe, 
Richard lhall liue to make the Earle of Warwick 
The greateft man in England, but the King. 
Exeunt. 



Sound Trumpets. Enter the King and State, 
with Guard, to banijh the DucbeJJe. 

King. Stand forth Dame Elianor Cobham, 
Qloilers Wife : 

In fight of God, and vs,your guilt is great, 
Receiue the Sentence of the Law for finne, 
Such as by Gods Booke are adiudg'd to death. 
You foure from hence to Prifon,back againe; 
From thence, vnto the place of Execution : 
The Witch in Smithfield lhall be burnt to aflies, 
And you three lhall be ftrangled on the Gallowes. 
You Madame, for you are more Nobly borne, 
Defpoyled of your Honor in your Life, 
Shall, after three dayes open Penance done, 
Liue in your Countrey here, in Banilhment, 
With Sir Iohn Stanly,\n the He of Man. 

Elianor. Welcome is Banifhment, welcome were my 
Death. 

Gloft. Elianor, the Law thou feeft hath iudged thee, 
I cannot iuftifie whom the Law condemnes: 
Mine eyes are full of teares, my heart of griefe. 
Ah Humfrey, this dishonor in thine age, 
Will bring thy head with forrow to the ground. 
I befeech your Maieftie giue me leaue to goe ; 
Sorrow would follace,and mine Age would eafe. 

King. Stay Humfrey, Duke of Glofter, 
Ere thou goe, giue vp thy Staffe, 
Henry will to himfelfe Proteftor be, 
And God mall be my hope, my ftay,my guide, 
And Lanthorne to my feete : 
And goe in peace, Humfrey, no leffe belou'd, 
Then when thou wert Proteftor to thy King. 

Queene. I fee no reafon,why a King of yeeres 
Should be to be protected like a Child, 
God and King Henry gouerne Englands Realme : 
Giue vpyour Staffe, Sir, and the King his Realme. 

Gloft. My Staffe? Here, Noble Henry, is my Staffe : 
As willingly doe I the fame refigne, 
As ere thy Father Henry made it mine; 
And euen as willingly at thy feete I leaue it, 
As others would ambitioufly receiue it. 
Farewell good King: when I am dead, and gone, 
May honorable Peace attend thy Throne. 

Exit Glofter: 
Queene. Why now is Henry King.and Margaret Queen, 
And Humfrey, Duke of Glofter, fcarce himfelfe, 
That beares fo fhrewd a mayme : two Pulls at once ; 
His Lady banifht,and a Limbe lopt off. 
This Staffe of Honor raught, there let it ftand, 
Where it beft fits to be,in Henries hand. 

Sajf.Thus droupes this loftie Pyne,& hangs his fprayes, 
Thus Elianors Pride dyes in her youngeft dayes. 

Yor\e. Lords, let him goe.Pleafe it your Maieftie, 
This is the day appointed for the Combat, 
And ready are the Appellant and Defendant, 
The Armorer and his Man, to enter the Lifts, 
So pleafe your Highnefle to behold the fight. 

Queene. I, good my Lord: for purpofely therefore 
Left I the Court, to fee this Quarrell try'de. 

King. A Gods Name fee the Lyfts and all things fit, 
Here let them end it,and God defend the right. 

Yor^e. I neuer faw a fellow worfe beftead, 
Or more afraid to fight, then is the Appellant, 
The feruant of this Armorer, my Lords. 

Enter 

464 



Thefecond^art of Henry the Sixt. 



2 9 



Enter at one Doore the Armorer and his Neighbors, drinking 
to him Jo much, that bee is drun^e ; and he enters with a 
Drumme before him , and his Staffs, with a Sand-bagge 
faftened to it : and at the other Doore his Man, with a 
Drumme and Sand-bagge, and Prentices drinking to him. 

I. Neighbor. Here Neighbour Horner,! drinke to you 
in a Cup of Sack ; and feare not Neighbor, you fhall doe 
well enough. 

2. Neighbor. And here Neighbour, here's a Cuppe of 
Charneco. 

3. Neighbor. And here's a Pot of good Double-Beere 
Neighbor: drinke,and feare not your Man. 

Armorer. Let it come yfaith, and He pledge you all, 
and a figge for Peter. 

1. Prent. Here Peter, I drinke to thee, and be not a- 
fraid. 

2. Prent . Be merry Peter, and feare not thy Mafter, 
Fight for credit of the Prentices. 

Peter. I thanke you all:drinke,and pray for me, I pray 
you, for I thinke I haue taken my laft Draught in this 
World. Here Robin, and if I dye, I giue thee my Aporne ; 
and Will, thou fhalt haue my Hammer : and here Tom, 
take all the Money that I haue. O Lord bleffe me, I pray 
God, for I am neuer able to deale with my Mafter, hee 
hath learnt fo much fence already. 

Salisb. Come,leaue your drinking, and fall to blowes. 
Sirrha, what's thy Name* 

Peter. Peter forfooth. 

Salisb. Peter? what more ? 

Peter. Thumpe. 

Salisb. Thumpe? Then fee thou thumpe thy Mafter 
well. 

Armorer. Mafters, I am come hither as it were vpon 
my Mans inftigation, to proue him a Knaue,and my felfe 
an honeft man : and touching the Duke of Yorke, I will 
take my death, I neuer meant him any ill, nor the King, 
nor the Queene : and therefore Peter haue at thee with a 
downe-right blow. 

Tor^e. Difpatch,this Knaues tongue begins to double. 
Sound Trumpets, Alarum to the Combattants. 

They fight, and Peter firikes him downe. 

Armorer. Hold Peter, hold, 1 confeffe, I confeffe Trea- 
fon. 

Tor\e. Take away his Weapon : Fellow thanke God, 
and the good Wine in thy Mafters way. 

Teter. O God, haue I ouercome mine Enemies in this 
prefence ? O SWjthou haft preuayl'd in right. 

King. Goe, take hence that Traytor from ou,r fight, 
For by his death we doe perceiue his guilt, 
And God in Iuftice hath reueal'd to vs 
The truth and innocence of this poore fellow, 
Which he had thought to haue murther'd wrongfully. 
Come fellow, follow vs for thy Reward. 

Sound a flourijh. Exeunt. 

Enter T)u{e Humfrey and his Men in 
Mourning Cloakes. 

Glofi. Thus fometimes hath the brighteft day a Cloud : 
And after Summer, euermore fucceedes 
Barren Winter, with his wrathfull nipping Coldj 
So Cares and Ioyes abound, as Seafons fleet. 
Sirs, what's a Clock ? 
Seru. Tenne, my Lord. 



465 



Glojl. Tenne is the houre that was appointed me, 
To watch the comming of my puniiht Duchefle : 
Vnneath may fliee endure the Flintie Streets, ' 

To treade them with her tender-feeling feet. 
Sweet Nell,\\\ can thy Noble Minde abrooke 
The abieft People, gazing on thy face, 
With enuious Lookes laughing at thy ihame, 
That erft did follow thy prowd Chariot- Wheeles, 
When thou didft ride in triumph through the ftreets. 
But foft, I thinke flie comes,and He prepare 
My teare-ftayn'd eyes, to fee her Miferies. 

Enter the Ducheffe in a white Sheet, and a Taper 

burning in her hand, with the Sherife 

and Officers. 

Seru. So pleafe your Grace, wee'le take her from the 
Sherife. 

Glofter. No, ftirre not for your Hues, let her pafle 
by. 

Ehanor. Come you, my Lord, to fee my open ihame? 
Now thou do'ft Penance too. Looke how they gaze, 
See how the giddy multitude doe point, 
And nodde their heads,and throw their eyes on thee. 
Ah giofier,h\de thee from their hatefull lookes, 
And in thy Clofet pent vp, rue my ihame, 
And banne thine Enemies, both mine and thine. 
Glofi. Be patient, gentle Nell, forget this griefe. 
Elianor. Ah Gloiier, teach me to forget my felfe : 
For whileft I thinke I am thy married Wife, 
And thou a Prince, Proteftor of this Land; 
Me thinkes I mould not thus be led along, 
Mayl'd vp in ihame, with Papers on my back, 
And follow'd with a Rabble, that reioyce 
To fee my teares, and heare my deepe-fet groanes. 
The ruthlefle Flint doth cut my tender feet, 
And when I ftart,the enuious people laugh, 
And bid me be aduifed how I treade. 
Ah Humfrey, can I beare this ftiamefull yoake ? 
Troweft thou, that ere He looke vpon the World, 
Or count them happy, that enioyes the Sunne? 
No: Darke Ihall be my Light,and Night my Day. 
To thinke vpon my Pompe, fhall be my Hell. 
Sometime He fay, I am Duke Humfreyes Wife, 
And he a Prince, and Ruler of the Land : 
Yet fo he rul'd,and fuch a Prince he was, 
As he flood by, whileft I, his forlorne Duchefle, 
Was made a wonder,and a pointing ftock 
To euery idle Rafcall follower. 
But be thou milde,and blufh not at my ihame, 
Nor ftirre at nothing, till the Axe of Death 
Hang ouer thee, as fure it fhortly will. 
For Suffoll^e, he that can doe all in all 
With her, that hateth thee and hates vs all, 
And Yor\e,a.n& impious Beauford,that falfe Prieft, 
Haue all lym'd Buihes to betray thy Wings, 
And flye thou how thou canft, they'le tangle thee. 
But feare not thou, vntill thy foot be fnar'd, 
Nor neuer feeke preuention of thy foes. 

Glofi. Ah iVe//,forbeare:thou aymeft all awry. 
I muft offend, before I be attainted : 
And had I twentie times fo many fees, 
And each of them had twentie times their power, 
All thefe could not procure me any fcathe, 
So long as I am loyall,true,and crimelefie. 
Would'ft haue me refcue thee from this reproach ? 

n Why 



13° 



Thefecond cPart of Henry the Sixt. 



Why yet thy fcandall were not wipt away, 
But I in danger for the breach of Law. 
Thy greateft helpe is quiet, gentle Nell: 
I pray thee fort thy heart to patience, 
Thefe few dayes wonder will be quickly worne: 
Enter a Herald. 
Her. I fummon your Grace to his Maiefties Parliament, 
Holden at Bury, the firft of this next Moneth. 

Glofl. And my confent ne're ask'd herein before ? 
This is clofe dealing. Well, I will be there. 
My Nell, I take my leaue : and Mafter Sherife, 
Let not her Penance exceede the Kings Commiffion. 

ffi.And't pleafe your Grace, here my Commiffion ftayes: 
And Sir Iohn Stanly is appointed now, 
To take her with him to the He of Man. 

Glojl. Muft you, Sir Iohn, protect my Lady here? 

Stanly. So am I giuen in charge, may't pleafe your 
Grace. 

Glofl. Entreat her not the worfe,in that I pray 
You vfe her well : the World may laugh againe, 
And I may liue to doe you kindnefie,if you doe it her. 
And fo Sir Iohn, farewell. 

Elianor. What, gone my Lord, and bid me not fare- 
well i 

Glofl. WitnefTe my teares, I cannot ftay to fpeake. 

Exit Glofler. 
Elianor. Art thou gone to? all comfort goe with thee, 
For none abides with me : my Ioy, is Death ; 
Death, at whofe Name I oft haue beene afear'd, 
Becaufe I wiftTd this Worlds eternitie. 
Stanley, I prethee goe, and take me hence, 
I care not whither, for I begge no fauor; 
Onely conuey me where thou art commanded. 

Stanley. Why, Madame, that is to the He of Man, 
There to be vs'd according to your State. 

Elianor. That's bad enough, for I am but reproach : 
And mall I then be vs'd reproachfully i 

Stanley. Like to a Duche(Te,and Duke Humfreyes Lady, 
According to that State you (hall be vs'd. 

Slianor. Sherife farewell, and better then I fare, 
Although thou haft beene Conduct of my lhame. 

Sherife. It is my Office, and Madame pardon me. 

Elianor. I, I, farewell, thy Office is difcharg'd : 
Come Stanley, (hill we goe ? 

Stanley. Madame, your Penance done, 
Throw off this Sheet, 
And goe we to attyre you for our Iourney. 

Elianor. My ihame will not be miffed with my Sheet : 
No, it will hang vpon my richeft Robes, 
And (hew it felfe, attyre me how I can. 
Goe,leade the way, I long to fee my Prifon. Exeunt 

Sound a Senet. Enter King, S^ueene, Cardinal!, Suffolk, 
Yor\e, 'Buckingham, Salisbury, and War-wic\e, 
to the Parliament. 
King. I mufe my Lord of Glofter is not come: 
'Tis not his wont to be the hindmoft man, 
What e're occafion keepes him from vs now. 

Queene. Can you not fee? or will ye not obferue 
The ftrangenefTe of his alter'd Countenance ? 
With what a Maieftie he beares himfelfe, 
How infolent of late he is become, 
How prowd,how peremptorie,and vnlike himfelfe. 
We know the time fince he was milde and affable, 
And if we did but glance a farre-ofFLooke, 
Immediately he was vpon his Knee, 



That all the Court admir'd him for fubmiffion. 

But meet him now, and be it in the Morne, 

When euery one will giue the time of day, 

He knits his Brow, and fliewes an angry Eye, 

And pafieth by with ftiffe vnbowed Knee, 

Difdaining dutie that to vs belongs. 

Small Curres are not regarded when they grynne, 

But great men tremble when the Lyon rores, 

And Humfrey is no little Man in England. 

Firft note, that he is neere you in difcent, 

And mould you fall, he is the next will mount. 

Me feemeth then, it is no Pollicie, 

Refpefting what a rancorous minde he beares, 

And his aduantage following your deceafe, 

That he mould come about your Royall Perfon, 

Or be admitted to your Highnefle Councell. 

By flatterie hath he wonne the Commons hearts : 

And when he pleafe to make Commotion, 

'Tis to be fear'd they all will follow him. 

Now'tis the Spring, and Weeds are mallow-rooted, 

Suffer them now,and they'le o' re-grow the Garden, 

And choake the Herbes for want of Husbandry. 

The reuerent care I beare vnto my Lord, 

Made me collect thefe dangers in the Duke. 

If it be fond, call it a Womans feare : 

Which feare, if better Reafons can fupplant, 

I will fubfcribe,and fay I wrong'd the Duke. 

My Lord of Suffolke, Buckingham, and Yorke, 

Reproue my allegation, if you can, 

Or elfe conclude my words effeftuall. 

Suff. Well hath your Highnefle feene into this Duke: 
And had I firft beene put to fpeake my minde, 
I thinke I mould haue told your Graces Tale. 
The Duchefle,by his fubornation, 
Vpon my Life began her diuellifti pra&ifes : 
Or if he were not priuie to thofe Faults, 
Yet by reputing of his high difcent, 
As next the King, he was fucceffiue Heire, 
And fuch high vaunts of his Nobilitie, 
Did inftigate the Bedlam braine-fick Ducheffe, 
By wicked meanes to frame our Soueraignes fall. 
Smooth runnes the Water, where the Brooke is deepe, 
And in his fimple ftiew he harbours Treafon. 
The Fox barkes not, when he would fteale the Lambe. 
No, no,my Soueraigne, Gloufler is a man 
Vnfounded yet,and full of deepe deceit. 

Card. Did he not,contrary to forme of Law, 
Deuife ftrange deaths, for fmall offences done ? 

Yorke. And did he not, in his Proteftormip, 
Leuie great fummes of Money through the Realme, 
For Souldiers pay in France, and neuer fent it ? 
By meanes whereof, the Townes each day reuolted. 

<Buc\. Tut, thefe are petty faults to faults vnknowne, 
Which time will bring to light in fmooth Duke Humfrey. 

King. My Lords at once : the care you haue of vs, 
To mowe downe Thornes that would annoy our Foot, 
Is worthy prayfe: but mall I fpeake my confcience, 
Our Kinfman Glofter is as innocent, 
From meaning Treafon to our Royall Perfon, 
As is the fucking Lambe, or harmeleffe Doue : 
The Duke is vertuous, milde, and too well giuen, 
To dreame on euill,or to worke my downefall. 

Qu.Ah what's more dangerous, then this fond affiance? 
Seemes he a Doue? his feathers are but borrow'd, 
For hee's difpofed as the hatefull Rauen. 
Is he a Lambe? his Skinne is furely lent him, 

For 
tf6~ 



Tbefecond ^Part of Henry the Sixt. 



W 



For hee's enclin'd as is the rauenous Wolues. 
Who cannot fteale a fhape,that meanes deceit? 
Take heed, my Lord, the welfare of vs all, 
Hangs on the cutting fliort that fraudfull man. 

Enter Somerfet. 

Som. All health vnto my gracious Soueraigne. 

King. Welcome Lord Somerfet : What Newes from 
France ? 

Som. That all your Intereft in thofe Territories, 
Is vtterly bereft you : all is loft. 

King. Cold Newes,Lord Somerfet: but Gods will be 
done. 

Torkf. Cold Newes for me: for I had hope of France, 
As firmely as I hope for fertile England. 
Thus are my Bloffomes Wafted in the Bud, 
And Caterpillers eate my Leaues away : 
But I will remedie this geare ere long, 
Or fell my Title for a glorious Graue. 

Enter Gloucejier. 

Glofl. All happineffe vnto my Lord the King: 
Pardon, my Liege, that I haue ftay'd fo long. 

Stiff. Nay Glofler, know that thou art come too foone, 
Vnleffe thou wert more loyall then thou art: 
I doe arreft thee of High Treafon here. 

Glofl. Well Suffolk, thou malt not fee me Mum, 
Nor change my Countenance for this Arreft : 
A Heart vnfpotted,is not eafily daunted. 
The pureft Spring is not fo free from mudde, 
As I am cleare from Treafon to my Soueraigne. 
Who can accufe me ? wherein am I guiltie ? 

Torkf.' Tis thought, my Lord, 
That you tooke Bribes of France, 
And being Prote&or, ftay'd the Souldiers pay, 
By meanes whereof, his Highneffe hath loft France. 

Glofl. Is it but thought fo ? 
What are they that thinke it ? 
I neuer rob'd the Souldiers of their pay, 
Nor euer had one penny Bribe from France. 
So helpe me God, as I haue watcht the Night, 
I,Night by Night,in ftudying good for England. 
That Doyt that ere I wrefted from the King, 
Or any Groat I hoorded to my vfe, 
Be brought againft me at my Tryall day. 
No: many a Pound of mine owne proper ftore, 
Becaufe I would not taxe the needie Commons, 
Haue I dif-purfed to the Garrifons, 
And neuer ask'd for reftitution. 

Card. It ferues you well,my Lord, to fay fo much. 

Glofl. I fay no more then truth,fo helpe me God. 

Torkf. In your Prote&orfhip, you did deuife 
Strange Tortures for Offendors, neuer heard of, 
That England was defam'd by Tyrannie. 

Glofl. Why 'tis well known, that whiles I was Proteftor, 
Pittie was all the fault that was in me : 
For I mould melt at an Offendors teares, 
And lowly words were Ranfome for their fault : 
Vnleffe it were a bloody Murtherer, 
Or foule felonious Theefe,that fleec'd poore paffengers, 
I neuer gaue them condigne punilhment. 
Murther indeede,that bloodie finne, I tortur'd 
Aboue the Felon, or what Trefpas elfe. 

Suff. My Lord,thefe faults are eafie, quickly anfwer'd : 
But mightier Crimes are lay'd vnto your charge, 
Whereof you cannot eafily purge your felfe. 



467 



I doe arreft you in his Highneffe Name, 
And here commit you to my Lord Cardinall 
To keepe,vntill your further time of Tryall. 

King. My Lord of Glofter,'tis my fpeciall hope, 
That you will cleare your felfe from all fufpence, 
My Confcience tells me you are innocent. 

Glofl. Ah gracious Lord, thefe dayes are dangerous: 
Vertue is choakt with foule Ambition, 
And Charitie chas'd hence by Rancours hand j 
Foule Subornation is predominant, 
And Equitie exil'd your Highneffe Land. 
I know, their Complot is to haue my Life : 
And if my death might make this Hand happy, 
And proue the Period of their Tyrannie, 
I would expend it with all willingneffe. 
But mine is made the Prologue to their Play : 
For thoufands more, that yet fufpecl: no perill, 
Will not conclude their plotted Tragedie. 
Beaufords red fparkling eyes blab his hearts mallice, 
And Suffers cloudie Brow his ftormie hate ; 
Sharpe Buckingham vnburthens with his tongue, 
The enuious Load that lyes vpon his heart : 
And dogged Tor kf, that reaches at the Moone, 
Whofe ouer-weening Arme I haue pluckt back, 
By falfe accufe doth leuell at my Life. 
And you, my Soueraigne Lady, with the reft, 
Caufeleffe haue lay'd difgraces on my head, 
And with your beft endeuour haue ftirr'd vp 
My liefeft Liege to be mine Enemie : 
I, all of you haue lay'd your heads together, 
My felfe had notice of your Conuenticles, 
And all to make away my guiltleffe Life. 
I fhall not want falfe Witneffe,to condemne me, 
Nor ftore of Treafons, to augment my guilt : 
The ancient Prouerbe will be well effected, 
A Staffe is quickly found to beat a Dogge. 

Card. My Liege, his rayling is intolerable. 
If thofe that care to keepe your Royall Perfon 
From Treafons fecret Knife, and Tray tors Rage, 
Be thus vpbrayded, chid, and rated at, 
And the Offendor graunted fcope of fpeech, 
'Twill make them coole in zeale vnto your Grace. 

&^".Hath he not twit our Soueraigne Lady here 
With ignominious words, though Clarkely coucht? 
As if (he had fuborned fome to fweare 
Falfe allegations, to o'rethrow his ftate. 

Qu. But I can giue the lofer leaue to chide. 

G7o/?.Farre truer fpoke then meant : I lofe indeede, 
Befhrew the winners, for they play'd me falfe, 
And well fuch lofers may haue leaue to fpeake. 

Buck. Hee'le wreft the fence, and hold vs here all day. 
Lord Cardinall, he is your Prifoner. 

Card. Sirs, take away the Duke, and guard him fure. 

Glosl. Ah, thus King Henry throwes away his Crutch, 
Before his Legges be firme to beare his Body. 
Thus is the Shepheard beaten from thy fide, 
And Wolues are gnarling, who fhall gnaw thee firft. 
Ah that my feare were falfe, ah that it were ; 
For good King Henry,thy decay I feare. Exit Glcfler. 

King.My Lords, what to your wifdomes feemeth beft, 
Doe,or vndoe,as if our felfe were here. 

Sjueene. What, will your Highneffe leaue the Parlia- 
ment? 

King. I Margaret ; my heart is drown'd with griefe, 
Whofe floud begins to flowe within mine eyes; 
My Body round engyrt with miferie : 

n 2 For 



[ 3 2 



Tbefecond 'Part of Henry the Sixt. 



For what's more miferable then Difcontent ? 

Ah Vnckle Humfrey, in thy face I fee 

The Map of Honor,Truth,and Loyaltie : 

And yet, good Humfrey, is the houre to come, 

That ere I prou'd thee falfe,or fear'd thy faith. 

What lowring Starre now enuies thy eftate ? 

That thefe great Lords,and Margaret our Queene, 

Doe feeke fubuerfion of thy harmeleffe Life. 

Thou neuer didft them wrong, nor no man wrong: 

And as the Butcher takes away the Calfe, 

And binds the "Wretch, and beats it when it ftrayes, 

Bearing it to the bloody Slaughter-houfe ; 

Euen fo remorfeleffe haue they borne him hence : 

And as the Damme runnes lowing vp and downe, 

Looking the way her harmeleffe young one went, 

And can doe naught but wayle her Darlings loffe ; 

Euen fo my felfe bewayles good Glofters cafe 

With fad vnhelpefull teares, and with dimn'd eyes ; 

Looke after him, and cannot doe him good : 

So mightie are his vowed Enemies. 

Kis fortunes I will weepe, and'twixt each groane, 

Say, who's a Traytor ? Glosler he is none. Exit. 

Queene. Free Lords : 

Cold Snow melts with the Sunnes hot Beames : 

Henry, my Lord, is cold in great Affaires, 

Too full of foolifh pittie : and Glofters ihew 

Beguiles him, as themournefull Crocodile 

With forrow fnares relenting paffengers ; 

Or as the Snake, roll'd in a flowring Banke, 

With mining checker'd (lough doth fting a Child, 

That for the beautie thinkes it excellent. 

Beleeue me Lords, were none more wife then I, 

And yet herein I iudge mine owne Wit good ; 

This Glofter fhould be quickly rid the World, 

To rid vs from the feare we haue of him. 

Card. That he fhould dye, is worthie pollicie, 
But yet we want a Colour for his death : 
'Tis meet he be condemn'd by courfe of Law. 

Suff. But in my minde, that were no pollicie: 
The King will labour ftill to faue his Life, 
The Commons haply rife, to faue his Life ; 
And yet we haue but triuiall argument, 
More then miftruft,tbat fhewes him worthy death. 
Yorke. So that by this, you would not haue him dye. 
Suff. Ah Yorke, no man aliue,fo faine as I. 
Yorke. 'Tis Yorke that hath more reafon for his death. 
But my Lord Cardinall,and you my Lord of Suffolke, 
Say as you thinke,and fpeake it from your Soules : 
Wer't not all one, an emptie Eagle were fet, 
To guard the Chicken from a hungry Kyte, 
As place Duke Humfrey for the Kings Protector i 

Queene. So the poore Chicken mould be fure of death. 
Suff. Madame 'tis true : and wer't not madneffe then, 
To make the Fox furueyor of the Fold ? 
Who being accus'd a craftie Murtherer, 
His guilt mould be but idly pofted ouer, 
Becaufe his purpofe is not executed. 
No: let him dye, in that he is a Fox, 
By nature prou'd an Enemie to the Flock, 
Before his Chaps be fhyn'd with Crimfon blood, 
As Humfrey prou'd by Reafons to my Liege. 
And doe not ftand on Quillets how to Hay him : 
Be it by Gynnes, by Snares, by Subtletie, 
Sleeping,or Waking, 'tis no matter how, 
So he be dead ; for that is good deceit, 
Which mates him firft, that firft intends deceit. 



Queene. Thrice Noble Suffolke, 'tis refolutely fpoke. 

Suff. Not refolute, except fo much were done, 
For things are often fpoke, and feldome meant, 
But that my heart accordeth with my tongue, 
Seeing the deed is meritorious, 
And to preferue my Soueraigne from his Foe, 
Say but the word, and I will be his Pried. 

Card.But I would haue him dead, my Lord of Suffolke, 
Ere you can take due Orders for a Prieft : 
Say you confent,and cenfure well the deed, 
And He prouide his Executioner, . 
I tender fo the fafetie of my Liege. 

Suff. Here is my Hand, the deed is worthy doing. 

Queene. And fo fay I. 

Yorke. And I : and now we three haue fpoke it, 
It skills not greatly who impugnes our doome. 

Enter a Pofte. 

Toft.Great Lords, from Ireland am I come amaine, 
To fignifie, that Rebels there are vp, 
And put the Englishmen vnto the Sword. 
Send Succours( Lords )and flop the Rage berime, 
Before the Wound doe grow vncurable ; 
For being greene, there is great hope of helpe. 

Card. A Breach that craues a quick expedient ftoppe. 
What counfaile giue you in this weightie caufe? 

Yor\e. That Somerfet be fent as Regent thither: 
'Tis meet that luckie Ruler be imploy'd, 
Witneffe the fortune he hath had in France. 

Som. If Yorke, with all his farre-fet pollicie, 
Had beene the Regent there, in ftead of me, 
He neuer would haue ftay'd in France fo long. 

Yorke. No, not to lofe it all, as thou haft done. 
I rather would haue loft my Life betimes, 
Then bring a burthen of dis-honour home, 
By flaying there fo long, till all were loft. 
Shew me one skarre, charafter'd on thy Skinne, 
Mens fle/h preferu'd fo whole, doe feldome winne. 

Qu. Nay then, this fparke will proue a raging fire, 
If Wind and Fuell be brought, to feed it with : 
No more, good Yorke; fweet Somerfet be ftill. 
Thy fortune, Yor\c, hadft thou beene Regent there, 
Might happily haue prou'd farre worfe then- his. 

Yor\e. What, worfe then naught? nay, then a fhame 
take all. 

Somerfet. And in the number, thee, that wiiheft 
ftiame. 

Card. My Lord of Yorke, trie what your fortune is: 
Th'vnciuill Kernes of Ireland are in Armes, 
And temper Clay with blood of Englifhmen. 
To Ireland will you leade a Band of men, 
Collected choycely,from each Countie fome, 
And trie your hap againft the Iriihmen { 

Yorke. I will, my Lord,fo pleafe his Maieftie. 

Suff. Why, our Authoritie is his confent, 
And what we doe eftabliih,he confirmes: 
Then,Noble retake thou this Taske in hand. 

Yorke. I am content: Prouide me Souldiers, Lords, 
Whiles I take order for mine owne affaires. 

Suff. A charge, Lord Yorke, that I will fee perform 'd. 
But now returne we to the falfe Duke Humfrey. 

Card. No more of him : for I will deale with him, 
That henceforth he fhall trouble vs no more: 
And fo breake off,the day is almoft fpent, 
Lord Suffo/ke,you and I muft talke of that euent. 

Yor ke.My 

'468 



The fecond^P art of Henry the Sixt. 



*33 



Yorke- My Lord of Suffolke, within foureteene dayes 
At Briftow I expeft my Souldiers, 
For there He fliippe them all for Ireland. 

Suff. He fee it truly done, my Lord of Yorke. Exeunt. 
Manet Yorke. 

YorkeNovf Yorke, or neuer,fteele thy fearfull thoughts, 
And change mifdoubt to refolution ; 
Be that thou hop'ft to be, or what thou art; 
Refigne to death, it is not worth th'enioying: 
Let pale-fac't feare keepe with the meane-borne man, 
And finde no harbor in a Royall heart. 
Fafter the Spring-time fhowres, comes thoght on thoght, 
And not a thought, but thinkes on Dignitie. 
My Brayne,more bufie then the laboring Spider, 
Weaues tedious Snares to trap mine Enemies. 
Well Nobles, well : 'tis politikely done, 
To fend me packing with an Hoaft of men : 
I feare me, you but warme the ftarued Snake, 
Who cherifht in your breafts, will fting your hearts. 
"Twas men I lackt,and you will giue them me ; 
I take it kindly : yet be well affur'd, 
You put fharpe Weapons in a mad-mans hands. 
Whiles I in Ireland nourifh a mightie Band, 
I will ftirre vp in England fome black Storme, 
Shall blowe ten thoufand Soules to Heauen,or Hell : 
And this fell Tempeft (hall not ceafe to rage, 
Vntill the Golden Circuit on my Head, 
Like to the glorious Sunnes tranfparant Beames, 
Doe calme the furie of this mad-bred Flawe. 
And for a minifter of my intent, 
I haue feduc'd a head-ftrong Kentifhman, 
Iohn Cade of Afhford, 
To make Commotion, as full well he can, 
Vnder the Title of Iohn ^Mortimer. 
In Ireland haue I feene this ftubborne Cade 
Oppofe himfelfe againft a Troupe of Kernes, 
And fought fo long, till that his thighes with Darts 
Were almoft like a fharpe-quiU'd Porpentine : 
And in the end being refcued,I haue feene 
Him capre vpright,Iike a wilde Morifco, 
Shaking the bloody Darts, as he his Bells. 
Full often, like a fhag-hayr'd craftie Kerne, 
Hath he conuerfed with the Enemie, 
And vndifcouer'd,come to me againe, 
And giuen me notice of their Villanies. 
This Deuill here fhall be my fubftitute ; 
For that Iohn Mortimer,wh\ch now is dead, 
In face,in gate, in fpeech he doth refemble. 
By this,I fhall perceiue the Commons minde, 
How they affecT: the Houfe and Clayme of York/. 
Say he be taken, rackt, and tortured; 
I know, no paine they can infiicT: vpon him, 
Will make him fay, I mou'd him to thofe Armes. 
Say that he thriue,as 'tis great like he will, 
Why then from Ireland come I with my ftrength, 
And reape the Harueft which that Rafcall fow'd. 
For Humfrey ; being dead, as he fhall be, 
And Henry put apart: the next for me. Exit. 

Enter two or three running ouer the Stage, from the 
Murther of Duke Humfrey. 

1. Runne to my Lord of Suffolke : let him know 
We haue difpatcht the Duke, as he commanded. 

2. Oh, that it were to doe : what haue we done? 
Didft euer heare a man fo penitent ? Snter Suffolke. 

I. Here comes my Lord. 



469 



Suff. Now Sirs, haue you difpatcht this thing? 

I. I, my good Lord,hee's dead. 

Suff. Why that's well faid.Goe,get you to my Houfe, 
I will reward you for this venturous deed : 
The King and all the Peeres are here at hand. 
Haue you layd faire the Bed ? Is all things well, 
According as I gaue directions ? 

I . 'Tis,my good Lord. 

Suff. Away, be gone. Exeunt. 

Sound Trumpets. Enter the King, the Queene, 

Cardinal!, Suffolke, Somerfet, with 

Attendants. 

King. Goe call our Vnckle to our prefence ftraight: 
Say, we intend to try his Grace to day, 
If he be guiltie, as 'tis publifhed. 

Suff. He call him prefently,my Noble Lord. Exit. 

King. Lords take your places : and I pray you all 
Proceed no ftraiter 'gainft our Vnckle Glojier, 
Then from true euidence,of good efteeme, 
He be approu'd in practife culpable. 

Sueene.GoA forbid any Malice mould preuayle, 
That faultleffe may condemne a Noble man : 
Pray God he may acquit him of fufpition. 

King. I thanke thee Nell, thefe wordes content mee 
much. 

Enter Suffolke. 
How now? why look'ft thou pale? why trembled thou? 
Where is our Vnckle? what's the matter, Suffolke ? 

Suff. Dead in his Bed, my Lord: Glofter is dead. 

Queene. Marry God forfend. 

Card. Go&s fecret Iudgement: I did dreame to Night, 
The Duke was dumbe, and could not fpeake a word. 
King founds. 

S^u. How fares my Lord i Helpe Lords, the King is 
dead. 

Som. Rere vp his Body, wring him by the Nofe. 

^a.Runne,goe,helpe,helpe:Oh Henry ope thine eyes. 

Suff. He doth reuiue againe, Madame be patient. 

King. Oh Heauenly God. 

Sju. How fares my gracious Lord ? 

Suff. Comfort my Soueraigne ; gracious Henry com- 
fort. 

King. What, doth my Lord of Suffolke comfort me? 
Came he right now to fing a Rauens Note, 
Whofe difmall tune bereft my Vitall powres : 
And thinkes he, that the chirping of a Wren, 
By crying comfort from a hollow breafi, 
Can chafe away the firft-conceiued found ? 
Hide not thy poyfon with fuch fugred words, 
Lay not thy hands on me : forbeare I fay, 
Their touch affrights me as a Serpents fting. 
Thou balefull Meffenger,out of my fight: 
Vpon thy eye-balls, murderous Tyrannie 
Sits in grim Maieftie, to .fright the World. 
Looke not vpon me, for thine eyes are wounding ; 
Yet doe not goe away : come Bafiliske, 
And kill the innocent gazer with thy fight : 
For in the fhade of death, I fhall finde ioy ; 
In life, but double death, now Glofters dead. 

Queene. Why do you rate my Lord of Suffolke thus ? 
Although the Duke was enemie to him, 
Yet he moft Chriftian-like laments his death : 
And for my felfe,Foe as he was to me, 
Might liquid teares,or heart-offending groanes, 
Or blood-confuming fighes recall his Life ; 

n 3 I 



J 34 



The fecond ^art of Henry the Sixt. 



I would be blinde with weeping, ficke with grones, 

Looke pale as Prim-rofe with blood-drinking fighes, 

And all to haue the Noble Duke aliue. 

What know I how the world may deeme of me? 

For it is knowne we were but hollow Friends : 

It may be iudg'd I made the Duke away, 

So fliall my name with Slanders tongue be wounded, 

And Princes Courts be fill'd with my reproach : 

This get I by his death : Aye me vnhappie, 

To be a Queene, and Crown'd with infamie. 

King. Ah woe is me for Glofter, wretched man. 
Queen, Be woe for me, more wretched then he is. 
What, Doft thou turne away, and hide thy face ? 
I am no loathfome Leaper, looke on me. 
What? Art thou like the Adder waxen deafe ? 
Be poyfonous too, and kill thy forlorne Queene. 
Is all thy comfort fhut in Glofters Tombe ? 
Why then Dame Elianor was neere thy ioy. 
Eredt his Statue, and worfhip it, 
And make my Image but an Ale-houfe figne. 
Was I for this nye wrack'd vpon the Sea, 
And twice by aukward winde from Englands banke 
Droue backe againe vnto my Natiue Clime. 
What boaded this? but well fore-warning winde 
Did feeme to fay, feeke not a Scorpions Neft, 
Nor fet no footing on this vnkinde Shore. 
What did I then ? But curft the gentle gufts, 
And he that loos' d them forth their Brazen Caues, 
And bid them blow towards Englands bleffed fhore, 
Or turne our Sterne vpon a dreadfull Rocke : 
Yet .i'Eolus would not be a murtherer, 
But left that hatefull office vnto thee. 
The pretty vaulting Sea refus'd to drowne me, 
Knowing that thou wouldft haue me drown'd on fliore 
With teares as fait as Sea, through thy vnkindnefle. 
The fplitting Rockes cowr'd in the finking fands, 
And would not dafh me with their ragged fides, 
Becaufe thy flinty heart more hard then they, 
Might in thy Pallace, perilh Elianor. 
As farre as I could ken thy Chalky Cliffes, 
When from thy Shore, the Tempeft beate vs backe, 
I flood vpon the Hatches in the ftorme: 
And when the duskie sky, began to rob 
My earneft-gaping-fight of thy Lands view, 
I tooke a coftly Iewell from my necke, 
A Hart it was bound in with Diamonds, 
And threw it towards thy Land : The Sea receiu'd it, 
And fo I wifh'd thy body might my Heart : 
And euen with this, I loft faire Englands view, 
And bid mine eyes be packing with my Heart, 
And call'd them blinde and duskie Spectacles, 
For loofing ken of Albions wifhed Coaft. 
How often haue I tempted Suffolkes tongue 
(The agent of thy foule inconftancie) 
To fit and watch me as Ajcaniui did, 
When he to madding Dido would vnfold 
His Fathers Afts, commenc'd in burning Troy. 
Am I not witcht like her ? Or thou not falfe like him f 
Aye me, I can no more : Dye Elinor, 
For Henry weepes, that thou doft liue fo long. 

Noyfe within. Enter Warwicke, and many 
Commons. 

War. It is reported, mighty Soueraigne, 
That good Duke Humfrey Traiterouily is murdred 



By Suffblke, and the Cardinall Beaufords meanes : 
The Commons like an angry Hiue of Bees 
That want their Leader, fcatter vp and downe, 
And care not who they fting in his reuenge. 
My felfe haue calm'd their fpleenfull mutinie, 
Vntill they heare the order of his death. 

King. That he is dead good Warwick, 'tis too true, 
But how he dyed, God knowes, not Henry : 
Enter his Chamber, view his breathleffe Corpes, 
And comment then vpon his fodaine death. 

War. That mall I do my Liege ; Stay Salsburie 
With the rude multitude, till I returne. 

King.O thou that iudgeft all things, ftay my thoghts : 
My thoughts, that labour to perfwade my foule, 
Some violent hands were laid on Humfries life : 
If my fufpeft be falfe, forgiue me God, 
For judgement onely doth belong to thee : 
Faine would I go to chafe his palie lips, 
With twenty thoufand kifTes,and to draine 
Vpon his face an Ocean of fait teares, 
To tell myloue vnto his dumbe deafe trunke, 
And with my fingers feele his hand, vnfeeling : 
But all in vaine are thefe meane Obfequies, 

""Bed put forth. 
And to furuey his dead and earthy Image : 
What were it but to make my forrow greater i 

Warn. Come hither gracious Soueraigne, view this 
body. 

King. That is to fee how deepe my graue is made, 
For with his foule fled all my worldly folace : 
For feeing him, I fee my life in death. 

War. As furely as my foule intends to liue 
With that dread King that tooke our ftate vpon him, 
To free vs from his Fathers wrathfull curfe, 
I do beleeue that violent hands were laid 
Vpon the life of this thrice-famed Duke. 

Suf. A dreadfull Oath, fworne with a folemn tongue : 
What inftance giues Lord Warwicke for his vow. 

War. See how the blood is fetled in his face. 
Oft haue I feene a timely-parted Ghoft, 
Of afhy femblance, meager, pale, and bloodleffe, 
Being all defcended to the labouring heart, 
Who in the Conflict that it holds with death, 
Attrafts the fame for aydance 'gainft the enemy, 
Which with the heart there cooles, and ne're returneth, 
To blufli and beautifie the Cheeke againe. 
But fee, his face is blacke, and full of blood : 
His eye-balles further out, than when he liued, 
Staring full gaftly, like a ftrangled man : 
His hayre vprear'd, his noftrils ftretcht with ftrugling : 
His hands abroad difplay'd, as one that grafpt 
And tugg'd for Life, and was by ftrength fubdude. 
Looke on the fheets his haire (you fee) is flicking, 
His well proportioned Beard, made ruffe and rugged, 
Like to the Summers Corne by Tempeft lodged : 
It cannot be but he was murdred heere, 
The leaft of all thefe fignes were probable. 

Suf. Why Warwicke, who fhould do the D.to death? 
My felfe and Beauford had him in protection, 
And we I hope fir, are no murtherers. 

War. But both of you were vowed D. Humfries foes, 
And you (forfooth) had the good Duke to keepe : 
Tis like you would not feaft him like a friend, 
And 'tis well feene, he found an enemy. 

Queen. Than you belike fufpeft thefe Noblemen, 
As guilty of Duke Humfries timeleffe death. 

War. 



'Tbefecond cPart of Henry the Sixt. 



135 



Warn. Who finds the Heyfer dead,and bleeding frefh, 
And fees faft-by, a Butcher with an Axe, 
But will fufpeft,'twas he that made the flaughter? 
Who finds the Partridge in the Puttocks Neft, 
But may imagine how the Bird was dead, 
Although the Kyte foare with vnbloudied Beake? 
Euen fo fufpitious is this Tragedie. 

Qu. Are you the Butcher, Suffolk where's your Knife? 
Is Beauford tearm'd a Kyte? where are his Tallons? 
Suff. I weare no Knife, to (laughter fleeping men, 
But here's a vengefull Sword, rufted with eafe, 
That mail be fcowred in his rancorous heart, 
That flanders me with Murthers Crimfon Badge. 
Say, if thou dar'ft,prowd Lord of Warwickmire, 
That I am faultie in Duke Humfreyes death. 

_ Warn. What dares not Warwick,, if falfe Suffolk dare 
him ? 

Qu. He dares not calme his contumelious Spirit, 
Nor ceafe to be an arrogant Controller, 
Though Suffolk} dare him twentie thoufand times. 

Warn. Madame be ftill : with reuerence may I fay, 
For euery word you fpeake in his behalfe, 
Is flander to your Royall Dignitie. 

Suff. Blunt-witted Lord,ignoble in demeanor, 
If euer Lady wrong'd her Lord fo much, 
Thy Mother tooke into her blamefull Bed 
Some fterne vntutur'd Churle ; and Noble Stock 
Was graft with Crab.tree flippe, whofe Fruit thou art, 
And neuer of the Neuils Noble Race. 

Wam.But that the guilt of Murther bucklers thee, 
And I mould rob the Deaths-man of his Fee, 
Quitting thee thereby of ten thoufand lhames, 
And that my Soueraignes prefence makes me milde, 
I would, falfe murd'rous Coward, on thy Knee 
Make thee begge pardon for thy parted fpeech, 
And fay, it was thy Mother that thou meant'ft, 
That thou thy felfe waft borne in Baftardie 5 
And after all this fearefull Homage done, 
Giue thee thy hyre,and fend thy Soule to Hell, 
Pernicious blood-fucker of fleeping men. 

Suff. Thou /halt be waking, while I ftied thy blood, 
If from this prefence thou dar'ft goe with me. 

Warn. Away euen now,or I will drag thee hence: 
Vnworthy though thou art, He cope with thee, 
And doe fome feruice to Duke Humfreyes Ghoft. 

Exeunt. 
.King-. What ftronger Breft-plate then a heart vntainted? 
Thrice is he arm'd,that hath his Quarrell iuft; 
And he but naked, though lockt vp in Steele, 
Whofe Confcience with Iniuftice is corrupted. 
A noyje within. 

Queene. What noyfe is this ? 

Enter Suffolk} and Warwick}, nith their 
Weapons dranne. 

King. Why how now Lords i 

Your wrathfull Weapons drawne, 

Here in our prefence ? Dare you be fo bold ? 

Why what tumultuous clamor haue we here ? 

Suff. The trayt'rous Warwick^, with the men of Bury, 
Set all vpon me, mightie Soueraigne. 

Enter Salisbury. 
Salisb. Sirs ftand apart, the King mail know your 



Dread Lord, the Commons fend you word by me, 

Vnlefle Lord Suffolk} ftraight be done to death, 

Or banifhed faire Englands Territories, 

They will by violence teare him from your Pallace, 

And torture him with grieuous lingring death. 

They fay, by him the good Duke Humfrey dy'de : 

They fay, in him they feare your Highneffe death; 

And meere inftinct of Loue and Loyaltie, 

Free from a ftubborne oppofite intent, 

As being thought to contradict your liking, 

Makes them thus forward in his Baniihment. 

They fay, in care of your moft Royall Perfon, 

That if your Highneffe mould intend to fleepe, 

And charge, that no man mould difturbe your reft, 

In paine of your diflike, or paine of death ; 

Yet notwithstanding fuch a ftrait Edict, 

Were there a Serpent feene,with forked Tongue, 

That flyly glyded towards your Maieftie, 

It were but neceffarie you were wak't : 

Leaft being fuffer'd in that harmefull fiumber, 

The mortall Worme might make the fleepe eternall. 

And therefore doe they cry, though you forbid, 

That they will guard you, where you will, or no, 

From fuch fell Serpents as falfe Suffolk} is ; 

With whofe inuenomed and fatall fting, 

Your louing Vnckle, twentie times his worth, 

They fay is fhamefully bereft of life. 

Commons within. An anfwer from the King, my Lord 
of Salisbury. 

Suff.'Tis like the Commons,rude vnpolifht Hindes, 
Could fend fuch Meffage to their Soueraigne : 
But you, my Lord, were glad to be imploy'd, 
To mew how queint an Orator you are. 
But all the Honor Salisbury hath wonne, 
Is, that he was the Lord Embaffador, 
Sent from a fort of Tinkers to the King. 

Within. An anfwer from the King, or wee will all 
breake in. 

King. Goe Salisbury, and tell them all from me, 
I thanke them for their tender louing care ; 
And had I not beene cited fo by them, 
Yet did I purpofe as they doe entreat : 
For fure, my thoughts doe hourely prophecie, 
Mifchance vnto my State by Suffolk}s meanes. 
And therefore by his Maieftie I fweare, 
Whofe farre-vnworthie Deputie I am, 
He mail not breathe infection in thisayre, 
But three dayes longer,on the paine of death. 

Slu. Oh Henry, let me pleade for gentle Suffolk?. 

•fo'ng-.Vngentle Queene, to call him gentle Suffolk}. 
No more I fay : if thou do'ft pleade for him, 
Thou wilt but adde encreafe vnto my Wrath. 
Had I but fayd, I would haue kept my Word ; 
But when I fweare, it is irreuocable : 
If after three dayes fpace thou here bee'ft found, 
On any ground that I am Ruler of, 
The World mail not be Ranfome for thy Life. 
Come Warwick},come good Warwick}, goe with mee, 
I haue great matters to impart to thee. Exit. 

Qu. Mifchance and Sorrow goe along with you, 
Hearts Difcontent, and fowre Affliction, 
Be play-fellowes to keepe you companie : 
There's two of you, the Deuill make a third, 
And three-fold Vengeance tend vpon your fteps. 

Suff. Ceafe, gentle Queene, thefe Execrations, 
And let thy Suffolk} take his heauie leaue. 

Queene. Fye 



36 



The fecond T'art of Henry the Sixt, 



Queen. Fye Coward woman, and fofc harted wretch, 
Haft thou not fpirit to curfe thine enemy. 

Suf. A plague vpon them : wherefore mould I curffe 
them? 
Would curfes kill, as doth the Mandrakes grone, 
I would inuent as bitter fearching termes, 
As curft, as harfli, and horrible to heare, 
DeliuerM ftrongly through my fixed teeth, 
With full as many fignes of deadly hate, 
As leane-fac'd enuy in her loathiome caue. 
My tongue mould ftumble in mine earned: words, 
Mine eyes mould fparkle like the beaten Flint, 
Mine haire be fixt an end, as one diftracl : 
I, euery ioynt mould feeme to curfe and ban, 
And euen now my burthen'd heart would breake 
Should I not curfe them. Poyfon be their drinke. 
Gall, worfe then Gall, the daintieft that they tafte : 
Their fweeteft (hade, a groue of CyprefTe Trees: 
Their cheefeft Profpecl, murd'ring Bafiliskes: 
Their fofteft Touch, as fmart as Lyzards flings: 
Their Muficke, frightfull as the Serpents hifle, 
And boading Screech-Owles, make the Confort full. 
All the foule terrors in darke feated hell 

£K Enough fweet SufFolke,thou torment'ft thy felfe, 
And thefe dread curfes like the Sunne 'gainft glafie, 
Or like an ouer-charged Gun, recoile, 
And turnes the force of them vpon thy felfe. 

Suf. You bad me ban, and will you bid me leaue? 
Now by the ground that I am banift'd from, 
Well could I curfe away a Winters night, 
Though ftanding naked on a Mountaine top, 
Where byting cold would neuer let grafTe grow, 
And thinke it but a minute fpent in fport. 

Qu. Oh, let me intreat thee ceafe,giue me thy hand, 
That I may dew it with my mournfull teases : 
Nor let the raine of heauen wet this place, 
To waft away my wofull Monuments. 
Oh, could this kifTe be printed in thy hand, 
That thou might'ft thinke vpon thefe by the Seale, 
Through whom a thoufand fighes are breath'd for thee. 
So get thee gone, that I may know my greefe, 
'Tis but furmiz'd, whiles thou art ftanding by, 
As one that furfets, thinking on a want: 
I will repeale thee, or be well afTur'd, 
Aduenrure to be banifted my felfe : 
And banifted I am, if but from thee. 
Go, fpeake not to me ; euen now be gone. 
Oh go not yet. Euen thus, two Friends condemn'd, 
Embrace, and kifTe, and take ten thoufand leaues, 
Loather a hundred times to part then dye ; 
Yet now farewell, and farewell Life with thee. 

Suf. Thus is poore Suffblke ten times banifted, 
Once by the King, and three times thrice by thee. 
'Tis not the Land I care for, wer't thou thence, 
A Wildemeffe is populous enough, 
So SufFolke had thy heauenly company : 
For where thou art, there is the World it felfe, 
With euery feuerall pleafure in the World : 
And where thou art not, Defolation. 
I can no more : Liue thou to ioy thy life ; 
My felfe no ioy in nought, but that thou liu'ft. 



Vau 



Queene. Whether goes Vaux fo faft ? What newes I 
prethee ? 



Vaux. To fignifie vnto his Maiefty, 
That Cardinall c Beauford is at point of death : 
For fodainly a greeuous fickneife tooke him, 
That makes him gaspe, and ftare, and catch the aire, 
Blafpheming God, and curfing men on earth. 
Sometime he talkes, as if Duke Humfries Ghoft 
Were by his fide : Sometime, he calles the King, 
And whifpers to his pillow, as to him, 
The fecrets of his ouer-charged foule, 
And I am fent to tell his Maieftie, 
That euen now he cries alowd for him. 

£>u. Go tell this heauy Mefiage to the King. Exit 
Aye me I What is this World ? What newes are thefe ? 
But wherefore greeue I at an houres poore lofTe, 
Omitting Suffolkes exile, my foules Treafure? 
Why onely Suffblke mourrie I not for thee ? 
And with the Southerne clouds, contend in teares? 
Theirs for the earths encreafe, mine for my forrowes. 
Now get thee hence, the King thou know'ft is comming, 
If thou be found by me, thou art but dead. 

Suf. If I depart from thee, I cannot liue, 
And in thy fight to dye, what were it elfe, 
But like a pleafant flumber in thy lap ? 
Heere could I breath my foule into the ayre, 
As milde and gentle as the Cradle-babe, 
Dying with mothers dugge betweene it's lips. 
Where from thy fight, I ftould be raging mad, 
And cry out for thee to clofe vp mine eyes : 
To haue thee with thy lippes to flop my mouth : 
So ftould'ft thou eyther turne my flying foule, 
Or I ftould breathe it fo into thy body, 
And then it liu'd in fweete Elizium. 
To dye by thee, were but to dye in ieft, 
From thee to dye, were torture more then death : 
Oh let me flay, befall what may befall. 

S£ueen. Away : Though parting be a fretfull corofiue, 
Ir is applyed to a deathfull wound. 
To France fweet Suffblke : Let me heare from thee : 
For wherefoere thou art in this worlds Globe, 
He haue an Irk that ftall finde thee out. 

Suf. I go. 

Qu. And take my heart with thee. 

Suf. A Iewell lockt into the wofulft Caske, 
That euer did containe a thing of worth, 
Euen as a fplitted Barke, fo funder we : 
This way fall I to death. 

S^u. This way for me. Exeunt 

Enter the King, Salisbury, and Warwic\e, to the 
Cardinal in bed. 

King. How fare's my Lord ? Speake c Beauford to thy 
Soueraigne. 

Ca.If thou beeft death, He giue thee Englands Treafure, 
Enough to purchafe fuch another Ifland, 
So thou wilt let me liue, and feele no paine. 
King. Ah, what a figne it is of euill life, 
Where death's approach is feene fo terrible. 

War. Beauford, it is thy Soueraigne fpeakes to thee. 

'Beau. Bring me vnto my Triall when you will. 
Dy'de he not in his bed? Where ftould he dye ? 
Can I make men liue where they will or no ? 
Oh torture me no more, I will confefle. 
Aliue againe? Then ftew me where he is, 
He giue a thoufand pound to looke vpon him. 
He hath no eyes, the duft hath blinded them. 

Comb 



Tbefecond ^Part of Henry the Sixt. 



*37 



Combe downe his haire ; looke, looke, it ftands vpright, 
Like Lime-twigs fet to catch my winged foule : 
Giue me fome drinke, and bid the Apothecarie 
Bring the ftrong poyfon that I bought of him. 

King. Oh thou eternall mouer of the heauens, 
Looke with a gentle eye vpon this Wretch, 
Oh beate away the bufie medling Fiend, 
That layes ftrong fiege vnto this wretches foule, 
And from his bofome purge this blacke difpaire. 

War, See how the pangs of death do make him grin. 

Sal. Difturbe him not, let him pafle peaceably. 

King. Peace to his foule, if Gods good pleafure be. 
Lord Card'nall, if thou think'ft on heauens blifTe, 
Hold vp thy hand, make fignall of thy hope. 
He dies and makes no figne : Oh God forgiue him. 

War. So bad a death, argues a monftrous life. 

King. Forbeare to iudge, for we are finners all. 
Clofe vp his eyes, and draw the Curtaine clofe, 
And let vs all to Meditation. Exeunt. 



Ula 



Fight at Sea. Ordnance goes off. 



Enter Lieutenant, Suffolke, and others.. 

Lieu. The gaudy blabbing and remorfefull day, 
Is crept into the bofome of the Sea : 
And now loud houling Wolues aroufe the lades 
That dragge the Tragicke melancholy night: 
Who with their drowfie, flow,and flagging wings 
Cleape dead-mens graues, and from their mifty Iawes, 
Breath foule contagious darknefle in the ayre : 
Therefore bring forth the Souldiers of our prize, 
For whilft our Pinnace Anchors in the Downes, 
Heere /hall they make theit ranfome on the fand, 
Or with their blood ftaine this difcoloured fhore. 
Maifter, this Prifoner freely giue I thee, 
And thou that art his Mate, make boote of this : 
The other Walter Whitmore is thy fhare. 

I. Gent. What is my ranfome Mafter, let me know. 

Ma.A thoufand Crownes, or elfe lay down your head 

Mate. And fo much fhall you giue, or off goes yours. 

Lieu. What thinke you much to pay 200o.Crownes, 
And beare the name and port of Gentlemen ? 
Cut both the Villaines throats, for dy you' fliall : 
The liues of thofe which wehaueloft in fight, 
Be counter-poys'd with fuch a pettie fumme. 

I.Gent. He giue it fir, and therefore fpare my life. 

z.Gent. And fo will I, and write home for it ftraight. 

Whitm. I loft mine eye in laying the prize aboord, 
And therefore to reuenge it, ftialt thou dye, 
And fo fhould thefe, if I might haue my will. 

Lieu. Be not fo rafh, take ranfome, let him liue. 

Suf. Looke on my George, I am a Gentleman, 
Rate me at what thou wilt, thou fhalt be payed. 

Whit. And fo am I : my name is Walter Whitmore. 
How now?why ftarts thou?What doth death affright? 

Suf. Thy name affrights me, in whofe found is death: 
A cunning man did calculate my birth, 
And told me that by Water I fhould dye : 
Yet let not this make thee be bloody-minded, 
Thy name is Gualtier, being rightly founded. 

Whit. Gualtier or Walter, which it is 1 care not, 
Neuer yet did bafe difhonour blurre our name, 
But with our fword we wip'd away the blot. 
Therefore, when Merchant-like I fell reuenge, 
Broke be my fword, my Armes torne and defac'd, 
And I proclaim'd a Coward through the world. 



Suf. Stay Whitmore, for thy Prifoner is a Prince, 
The Duke of Suffolke, William de la Pole, 

Whit. The Duke of Suffolke, muffled vp in ragges? 
Suf. I, but thefe ragges are no part of the Duke. 
Lieu. But Ioue was neuer flaine as thou fhalt be, 
Obfcure and lowfie Swaine, King Henries blood. 

Suf. The honourable blood of Lancafter 
Muft not be fhed by fuch a iaded Groome : 
Haft thou not kift thy hand, and held my ftirrop? 
Bare-headed plodded by my foot-cloth Mule, 
And thought thee happy when I ftiooke my head. 
How often haft thou waited at my cup, 
Fed from my Trencher, kneel'd downe at the boord, 
When I haue feafted with Queene Margaret ? 
Remember it, and let it make thee Creft-falne, 
I, and alay this thy abortiue Pride : 
How in our voyding Lobby haft thou flood, 
And duly wayted for my comming forth ? 
This hand of mine hath writ in thy behalfe, 
And therefore fliall it charme thy riotous tongue. 

Whit. Speak Captaine, fhall I ftab the forlorn Swain. 
Lieu. Firft let my words ftab him, as he hath me. 
Suf. Bafe flaue, thy words are blunt, and fo art thou. 
Lieu. Conuey him hence, and on our long boats fide, 
Strike oft" his head. 5a/".Thou dar'ft not for thy owne. 

Lieu. Poole, Sir Poole? Lord, 
I kennell, puddle, finke, whofe filth and dirt 
Troubles the filuer Spring, where England drinkes: 

Now will I dam vp this thy yawning mouth, 
For f wallowing the Treafure of the Realme. 

Thy lips that kift the Queene, fhall fweepe the ground : 

And thou that fmil'dft at good Duke Humfries death, 
Againft the fenfeleffe windes fhall grin in vaine, 

Who in contempt fhall hiffe at thee againe. 

And wedded be thou to the Hagges of hell, 

For daring to affye a mighty Lord 

Vnto the daughter of a worthleffe King, 

Hauing neyther SubiecT', Wealth, nor Diadem : 

By diuellifh policy art thou growne great, 

And like ambitious Sylla ouer-gorg'd, 

With gobbets of thy Mother-bleeding heart. 

By thee Aniou and Maine were fold to France. 

The falfe reuolting Normans thorough thee, 

Difdaine to call vs Lord, and Ticcardie 

Hath flaine their Gouernors, furpriz'd our Forts, 

And fent the ragged Souldiers wounded home. 

The Princely Warwicke, and the Neuils all, 

Whofe dreadfull fwords were neuer drawne in vaine, 

As hating thee, and rifing vp in armes . 

And now the Houfe of Yorke thruft from the Crowne, 

By fhamefull murther of a guiltleffe King, 

And lofty proud incroaching tyranny, 

Burnes with reuenging fire, whofe hopefull colours 

Aduance our halfe-fac'd Sunne, ftriuing to fhine ; 

Vnder the which is writ, Liuitts nubibus. 

The Commons heere in Kent are vp in armes, 

And to conclude, Reproach and Beggerie, 

Is crept into the Pallace of our King, 

And all by thee : away, conuey him hence. 

Suf. O that I were a God, to fhoot forth Thunder 

Vpon thefe paltry, feruile,abie<£r. Drudges: 

Small things make bafe men proud. This Villaine heere, 

Being Captaine of a Pinnace, threatens more 

Then °Barguliu the ftrong Illyrian Pyrate. 

Drones fucke not Eagles blood, but rob Bee-hiues: 

It is impoffible that I fhould dye 

By 



■33 



Thefecond ^Part of Henry the Sixt. 



By fuch a lowly Vaffall as thy felfe. 
Thy words moue Rage, and not remorfe in me : 
I go of Meffage from the Queene to France : 
I charge thee waft me fafely croffe the Channell. 

Lieu. Water : W. Come Suffolke, I mutt waft thee 
to thy death. 

Suf. Pine gelidm timor occupat artus, it is thee I feare. 

JVal.ThoM fhalt haue caufe to feare before I leaue thee. 
What, are ye danted now? Now will ye ftoope. 

I.Gent. My gracious Lord intreat him, fpeak him fair. 

Suf. Suffolkes Imperiall tongue is fterne and rough: 
Vs'd to command, vntaught to pleade for fauour. 
Farre be it, we mould honor fuch as thefe 
With humble fuite : no, rather let my head 
Stoope to the blocke, then thefe knees bow to any, 
Saue to the God of heauen, and to my King : 
And fooner dance vpon a bloody pole, 
Then ftand vncouer'd to the Vulgar Groome. 
True Nobility, is exempt from feare : 
More can I beare, then you dare execute. 

Lieu. Hale him away, and let him talke no more : 
Come Souldiers, (hew what cruelty ye can. 

Suf. That this my death may neuer be forgot. 
Great men oft dye by vilde Bezonions. 
A Romane Sworder, and Bandetto flaue 
Murder'd fweet Tully. Brutm Baftard hand 
Stab'd luliui Ctzfar. Sauage Iflanders 
Pompey the Great, and Suffolke dyes by Pyrats. 

Exit Water with Suffolke. 

Lieu. And as for thefe whofe ranfome we haue fet, 
It is our pleafure one of them depart : 
Therefore come you with vs, and let him go. 

Exit Lieutenant, and the rejl. 

(^Manet the firft Gent. Enter Walter with the body. 

Wal. There let his head, and liueleffe bodie lye, 
Vntill the Queene his Miftris bury it. Exit Walter. 

I.Gent. O barbarous and bloudy fpeftacle, 
His body will I beare vnto the King : 
If he reuenge it not, yet will his Friends, 
So will the Queene, that liuing, held him deere. 

Enter 'Beuis, and Iohn Holland. 

Beuis. Come and get thee a fword, though made of a 
Lath, they haue bene vp thefe two dayes. 

Hoi. They haue the more neede to fleepe now then. 

Beuis. I tell thee, Iackf Cade the Cloathier, meanes to 
dreffe the Common-wealth and turne it, and fet a new 
nap vpon it. 

Hoi. So he had need, for 'tis th red-bare. Well, I fay, 
it was neuer merrie world in England, fince Gentlemen 
came vp. 

Beuis. O miferable Age : Vertue is not regarded in 
Handy-crafts men. 

Hoi. The Nobilitie thinke fcorne to goe in Leather 
Aprons. 

Beuis. Nay more, the Kings Councell are no good 
Workemen. 

Hoi. True : and yet it is faid, Labour in thy Vocati- 
on : which is as much to fay, as let the Magiftrates be la- 
bouring men, and therefore mould we be Magiftrates. 

Beuis. Thou haft hit it : for there's no better figne of a 
braue minde, then a hard hand. 

Hoi. I fee them, I fee them : There's =Befis Sonne, the 
Tanner of Wingham. 

'Beuis. Hee mail haue the skinnes of our 



make Dogges Leather of. 

Hoi. And Dicke the Butcher. 

'Beuis. Then is fin ftrucke downe like an Oxe, and ini- 
quities throate cut like a Calfe. 

Hoi. And Smith the Weauer. 

Beu. Argo, their thred of life is fpun. 

Hoi. Come, come, let's fall in with them. 

Drumme. Enter Cade, Dicke 'Butcher, Smith the Weauer, 
and a Sawyer, with infinite numbers. 

Cade. Wee lohn Cade, fo tearm'd of our fuppofed Fa- 
ther. 

But. Or rather of ftealing a Cade of Herrings. 

Cade. For our enemies (hall faile before vs, infpired 
with the fpirit of putting down Kings and Princes. Com- 
mand filence. 

'But. Silence. 

Cade. My Father was a Mortimer.. 

But. He was an honeft man, and a good Bricklayer. 

Cade. My mother a Plantagenet. 

Butch. I knew her well, me was a Midwife. 

Cade. My wife defcended of the Lacies. 

But. She was indeed a Pedlers daughter, & fold many 
Laces. 

Weauer. But now of late, not able to trauell with her 
furr'd Packe, ihe wafhes buckes here at home. 

Cade. Therefore am I of an honorable houfe. 

But. I by my faith, the field is honourable, and there 
was he borne, vnder a hedge : for his Father had neuer a 
houfe but the Cage. 

Cade. Valiant I am. 

Weauer A mutt needs, for beggery is valiant. 

Cade. I am able to endure much. 

But. No queftion of that : for I haue feene him whipt 
three Market dayes together. 

Cade. I feare neither fword, nor fire. 

Wea. He neede not feare the fword, for his Coate is of 
proofe. 

But. But me thinks he mould ftand in feare of fire, be- 
ing burnt i'th hand for ftealing of Sheepe. 

Cade. Be braue then, for your Captaine is Braue, and 
Vowes Reformation. There mail be in England, feuen 
halfe peny Loaues fold for a peny : the three hoop'd pot, 
mall haue ten hoopes, and I wil make it Fellony to drink 
fmall Beere. All the Realme mall be in Common, and in 
Cheapfide mail my Palfrey go to grafle : and when I am 
King, as King I will be. 

All, God faue your Maiefty. 

Cade, I thanke you good people. There mall bee no 
mony, all mall eate and drinke on my fcore, and I will 
apparrell them all in one Liuery, that they may agree like 
Brothers, and wormip me their Lord. 

But. The firft thing we do, let's kill all the Lawyers. 

Cade. Nay, that I meane to do. Is not this a lamenta- 
ble thing, that of the skin of an innocent Lambe mould 
be made Parchment ; that Parchment being fcribeld ore, 
mould vndoe a man. Some fay the Bee flings, but I fay, 
'tis the Bees waxe : for I did but feale once to a thing, and 
I was neuer mine owne man fince. How now i Who's 
there ? 

Enter a Qlear{e. 

Weauer. The Clearke of Chartam : hee can write and 
reade, and call: accompt. 

Cade. O monftrous. 

Wea. We tooke him fetting of boyes Copies. 

Cade, 



c thefecond^Part of Henry the Sixt. 



J 39 



Cade. Here's a Villaine. 

Wea. Ha's a Booke in his pocket with red Letters in't 

Qade. Nay then he is a Coniurer. 

But. Nay, he can make Obligations, and write Court 
hand. 

Cade. I am forry for't : The man is a proper man of 
mine Honour : vnlefle I finde him guilty,he ftiall not die. 
Come hither firrah, I muft examine thee : What is thy 
name? 

Clearly. Emanuell. 

'But. They vie to writ it on the top of Letters : 'Twill 
go hard with you. 

£Wf.Let me alone : Doft thou vfe to write thy name? 
Or haft thou a marke to thy felfe, like a honeft plain dea- 
ling man ? 

Qlearke. Sir I thanke God, I haue bin fo well brought 
vp, that I can write my name. 

All. He hath confeft : away with him : he's a Villaine 
and a Traitor. 

Cade. Away with him I fay : Hang him with his Pen 
and Inke-horne about his necke. 

Exit one with the Clearly 
Enter eMichael. 

Mich. Where's our Generall ? 

Cade. Heere I am thou particular fellow. 

Mich. Fly, fly, fly, Sir Humfrey Stafford and his brother 
are hard by, with the Kings Forces. 

Cade. Stand villaine, ftand, or lie fell thee downe : he 
ftiall be encountred with a man as good as himfelfe. He 
is but a Knight, is a? 

Mich. No. 

Cade. To equall him I will make my felfe a knight pre- 
fently ; Rife vp Sir Iohn oMortimer. Now haue at him. 



Sir Hu 



Drum and Soldiers. 



Staf. Rebellious Hinds, the filth and fcum of Kent, 
Mark'd for the Gallowes : Lay your Weapons downe, 
Home to your Cottages : forfake this Groome. 
The King is mercifull, if you reuolt. 

'Bro. But angry, wrathfull, and inclin'd to blood, 
If you go forward : therefore yeeld, or dye. 

Cade. As for thefe filken-coated flaues I pafle not, 
It is to you good people, that I fpeake, 
Ouer whom (in time to come) I hope to raigne: 
For I am rightfull heyre vnto the Crowne. 

Staff. Villaine, thy Father was a Playfterer, 
And thou thy felfe a Sheareman, art thou not? 

Cade. And Adam was a Gardiner. 

Bro. And what of that ? 

Cade. Marry, this Edmund Mortimer Earle of March, 
married the Duke of Clarence daughter, did he not ? 

Staf. I fir. 

Cade. By her he had two children at one birth. 

Bro. That's falfe. 

Cade. I, there's the queftion ; But I fay, 'tis true : 
The elder of them being put to nurfe, 
Was by a begger-woman ftolne away, 
And ignorant of his birth and parentage, 
Became a Bricklayer, when he came to age. 
His fonne am I, deny it if you can. 

'But. Nay, 'tis too true, therefore he ftiall be King. 

Wea. Sir, he made a Chimney in my Fathers houfe, & 
the brickes are aliue at this day to teftifie it : therefore 
deny it not. 



Staf. And will you credit this bafe Drudges Wordes, 
that fpeakes he knowes not what. 

cAll. I marry will we : therefore get ye gone. 
'Bro. Iacke Cade, the D.of York hath taught you this. 
Cade. He lyes, for I inuented it my felfe. Go too Sir- 
rah, tell the King from me, that for his Fathers fake Hen- 
ry the fift, (in whofe time, boyes went to Span-counter 
for French Crownes) I am content he ftiall raigne, but He 
be Protector ouer him. 

'Butcher. And furthermore, wee'l haue the Lord Sayes 
head, for felling the Dukedome of Maine. 

Cade And good reafon : for thereby is England main'd 
And faine to go with a ftaffe,but that my puifTance holds 
it vp. Fellow-Kings, I tell you, that that Lord Say hath 
gelded the Commonwealth, and made it an Eunuch : & 
more then that, he can fpeake French, and therefore hee is 
a Traitor. 

Staf. O groffe and miferable ignorance. 

Cade. Nay anfwer if you can : The Frenchmen are our 
enemies : go too then, I ask but this: Can he that fpeaks 
with the tongue of an enemy, be a good Councellour, or 
no? 

All. No, no, and therefore wee'l haue his head. 

Bro. Well, feeing gentle words will not preuayle, 
AfTaile them with the Army of the King. 

Staf. Herald away, and throughout euery Towne, 
Proclaime them Traitors that are vp with Cade, 
That thofe which flye before the battell ends, 
May euen in their Wiues and Childrens fight, 
Be hang'd vp for example at their doores : 
And you that be the Kings Friends follow me. Exit. 

Cade. And you that loue the Commons, follow me: 
Now ftiew your felues men, 'tis for Liberty. 
We will not leaue one Lord, one Gentleman: 
Spare none, but fuch as go in clouted ftiooen, 
For they are thrifty honeft men, and fuch 
As would (but that they dare not) take our parts. 

'But . They are all in order, and march toward vs. 

Cade. But then are we in order, when we are moft out 
of order. Come, march forward. 



Ala 



to the fight, wherein both the Staffords are Jlain 
Enter Cade and the reft. 



Cade. Where's Dicke, the Butcher of Aftiford ? 

'But. Heere fir. 

Cade. They fell before thee like Sheepe and Oxen, & 
thou behaued'ft thy felfe, as if thou hadft beene in thine 
owne Slaughter-houfe: Therfore thus will I reward thee, 
the Lent ftiall bee as long againe as it is , and thou flialt 
haue a Licenfe to kill for a hundred lacking one. 

But. I defire no more. 

Cade. And to fpeake truth, thou deferu'ft no lefTe. 
This Monument of the viftory will I beare, and the bo- 
dies ftiall be dragg'd at my horfe heeles, till I do come to 
London, where we will haue the Maiors fword born be- 
fore vs. 

But. If we meane to thriue,and do good, breake open 
the Gaoles, and let out the Prisoners. 

Cade. Feare not that I warrant thee. Come, let's march 
towards London. Exeunt . 

Enter the King with a Supplication, and the Queene with Suf- 
fices head, the Duke of Buckingham, and the 
Lord Say. 
Queene. Oft haue I heard that greefe foftens the mind, 

And 



140 



Thefecond 'Part of Henry the Sixt. 



And makes it fearefull and degenerate, 
Thinke therefore on reuenge, and ceafe to weepe. 
But who can ceafe to weepe, and looke on this. 
Heere may his head lye on my throbbing breft : 
But where's the body that I mould imbrace ? 

'Buc. What anfwer makes your Grace to the Rebells 
Supplication ? 

King. He fend fome holy Bi/hop to intreat : 
For God forbid, fo many fimple foules 
Should perifh by the Sword. And I my felfe, 
Rather then bloody Warre mall cut them fhort, 
Will parley with Iacke Cade their Generall. 
But ftay, He read it ouer once againe. 

Qu. Ah barbarous villaines : Hath this louely face, 
Rul'd like a wandering Plannet ouer me, 
And could it not inforce them to relent, 
That were vnworthy to behold the fame. 

King, Lord Say, lacke Cade hath fworne to huae thy 
head. 

Say. I, but I hope your HighnefTe mall haue his. 

King. How now Madam? 
Still lamenting and mourning for Suffolkes death? 
I feare me (Loue) if that I had beene dead, 
Thou would'ft not haue mourn'd fo much for me. 

£%u. No my Loue, I mould not mourne, but dye for 
thee. 

Enter a MeJJenger. 

King. How now? What newes ? Why com'ft thou in 
fuch hafte ? 

Mef. The Rebels are in Southwatke : Fly my Lord : 
Iacke Cade proclaimes himfelfe Lord Mortimer, 
Defcended from the Duke of Clarence houfe, 
And calles your Grace Vfurper, openly, 
And vowes to Crowne himfelfe in Weftminfter. 
His Army is a ragged multitude 
Of Hindes and Pezants, rude and mercilefle : 
Sir Humfrey Stafford, and his Brothers death, 
Hath giuen them heart and courage to proceede : 
All Schollers, Lawyers, Courtiers, Gentlemen, 
They call falfe Catterpillers, and intend their death. 

Kin. Oh graceleffe men: they know not what they do. 

Buck_. My gracious Lord, retire to Killingworth, 
Vntill a power be rais'd to put them downe. 

Qu. Ah were the Duke of Suffolke now aliue, 
Thefe Kenti/h Rebels would be foone appeas'd. 

King. Lord Say, the Traitors hateth thee, 
Therefore away with vs to Killingworth. 

Say. So might your Graces perfon be in danger : 
The fight of me is odious in their eyes : 
And therefore in this Citty will I ftay, 
And liue alone as fecret as I may. 



Enter another 



nger. 



Meff. Iacke C a(le hath gotten London-bridge. 
The Citiz ens flye and forfake their houfes : 
The Rafcall people, thirfting after prey, 
Ioyne with the Traitor, and they ioyntly fweare 
To fpoyle the City, and your Royall Court. 

Buc. Then linger not my Lord, away, take horfe. 

King. Come Margaret, God our hope will fuccor vs. 

Slu. My hope is gone, now Suffolke is deceaft. 

King. Farewell my Lord, truft not the Kentifh Rebels 

Buc. Truft no body for feare you betraid. 

Say. The truft I haue, is in mine innocence, 



And therefore am I bold and refolute. Exeunt. 

Enter Lord Scales -upon the Tower walking. Then enters 
two or three Qitizens below. 

, Scales. How now? Is Iacke Cade flaine ? 

l.Cit. No my Lord, nor likely to be flaine : 
For they haue wonne the Bridge, 
Killing all thofe that withftand them : 
The L. Maior craues ayd of your Honor from the Tower 
To defend the City from the Rebels. 

Scales. Such ayd as I can fpare you (hall command, 
But I am troubled heere with them my felfe, 
The Rebels haue affay'd to win the Tower. 
But get you to Smithfield, and gather head, 
And thither I will fend you Mathew Goffe. 
Fight for your King, your Countrey,and your Liues, 
And fo farwell, for I muft hence againe. Exeunt 

Enter lacl^e Cade and the reft, and ftrikes his 
Jlaffe on London ftone. 

Cade. Now is Mortimer Lord of this City, 
And heere fitting vpon London Stone, 
I charge and command, that of the Cities coft 
The piffing Conduit run nothing but Clarret Wine 
This firft yeare of our raigne. 

And now henceforward it fliall be Treafon for any, 
That calles me other then Lord Mortimer. 
Enter a Soldier running. 

Soul. Iacke Cade, Iacke Cade. 

Cade. Knocke him downe there. They \jll him. 

'But. If this Fellow be wife, hee'l neuer call yee Iacke 
Cade more, I thinke he hath a very faire warning. 

Dicke. My Lord, there's an Army gathered together 
in Smithfield. 

Cade. Come, then let's go fight with them : 
But firft, go and fet London Bridge on fire, 
And if you can, burne downe the Tower too. 
Come, let's away. Exeunt omnes. 

Alarums. <tM.athew Goffe is Jlain,and all the reft. 
Then enter Iacke Cade, with his Company. 

Cade. So firs : now go fome and pull down the Sauoy : 
Others to'th Innes of Court, downe with them all. 

Hut. I haue a fuite vnto your Lordfhip. 

Cade. Bee it a Lordihippe, thou flialt haue it for that 
word. 

'But. Onely that the Lawes of England may come out 
of your mouth. 

Iohn. Maffe 'twill be fore Law then, for he was thruft 
in the mouth with a Speare, and 'tis not whole yet. 

Smith. Nay Iohn, it wil be ftinking Law, for his breath 
ftinkes with eating toafted cheefe. 

Cade. I haue thought vpon it, it fliall bee fo. Away, 
burne all the Records of the Realme, my mouth fliall be 
the Parliament of England. 

Iohn. Then we are like to haue biting Statutes 
Vnleffe his teeth be pull'd out. 

Cade. And hence-forward all things fliall be in Com- 
mon. Enter a Mejfenger. 

Mef. My Lord, a prize, a prize, heeres the Lord Say, 
which fold the Townes in France. He that made vs pay 
one and twenty Fifteenes, and one fliilling to the pound, 
the laft Subfidie. 

Enter 



Thefecond ^Part of Henry the Sixt. 



141 



Enter George , with the Lord Say. 

Cade. Well, hee fliall be beheaded for it ten times : 
Ah thou Say, thou Surge, nay thou Buckram Lord, now 
art thou within point-blanke of our Iurifdi&ion Regall. 
What canft thou anfwer to my Maiefty, for giuing vp of 
Normandie vnto Mounfieur Bajimecu, the Dolphine of 
France ? Be it knowne vnto thee by thefe prefence, euen 
the prefence of Lord Mortimer, that I am the Beefome 
that muft fweepe the Court cleane of fuch filth as thou 
art : Thou haft moft traiteroufly corrupted the youth of 
the Realme, in erefting a Grammar Schoole : and where- 
as before, our Fore-fathers had no other Bookes but the 
Score and the Tally, thou haft caufed printing to be vs'd, 
and contrary to the King, his Crowne, and Dignity, thou 
haft built a Paper-Mill. It will be prooued to thy Face, 
that thou haft men about thee, that vfually talke of a 
Nowne and a Verbe, and fuch abhominable wordes, as 
no Chriftian eare can endure to heare. Thou haft appoin- 
ted Iuftices of Peace, to call poore men before them, a- 
bout matters they were not able to anfwer. Moreouer, 
thou haft put them in prifon, and becaufe they could not 
reade, thou haft hang'd them, when (indeede) onely for 
that caufe they haue beene moft worthy to liue . Thou 
doft ride in a foot-cloth, doft thou not? 

Say. What of that ? 

Cade. Marry, thou ought'ft not to let thy horfe weare 
a Cloake, when honefter men then thou go in their Hofe 
and Doublets. 

Dicfe. And worke in their fliirt to, as my felfe for ex- 
ample, that am a butcher. 

Say, You men of Kent. 

Die. What fay you of Kent. 

Say. Nothing but this : 'Xis bona terra, mala gens . 

Cade. Away with him, away with him, he fpeaks La- 
tine. 

Say. Heare me but fpeake, and beare mee wher'e you 
will: 
Kent, in the Commentaries Cafar writ, 
Is term'd the ciuel'ft place of all this Ifle : 
Sweet is the Covntry, becaufe full of Riches, 
The People Liberal!, Valiant, Adiue, Wealthy, 
Which makes me hopeypu are not void of pitty. 
I fold not nWaine, I loft not Normandie, 
Yet to recouer them would loofe my life : 
luftice with fauour haue I alwayes done, 
Prayres and Teares haue mou'd me, Gifts could neuer. 
When haue I ought exacled at your hands? 
Kent to maintaine, the King, the Realme and you, 
Large gifts haue I beftow'd on learned Clearkes, 
Becaufe my Booke preferr'd me to the King. 
And feeing Ignorance is the curfe of God, 
Knowledge the Wing wherewith we flye to heauen. 
Vnleffe you be poffeft with diuelliih fpirits, 
You cannot but forbeare to murther me : 
This Tongue hath parlied vnto Forraigne Kings 
For your behoofe. 

Cade. Tut, when ftruck'ft thou one blow in the field ? 

Say. Great men haue reaching hands:oft haue I ftruck 
Thofe that I neuer faw,and ftrucke them dead. 

Geo. O monftrous Coward! What, to come behinde 
Folkes ? 
Say. Thefe cheekes are pale for watching for your good 
Cade. Giue him a box o'th'eare, and that wil make 'em 
red againe. 



Say. Long fitting to determine poore mens caufes, 
Hath made me full of ficknefle and difeafes. 

Cade. Ye fliall haue a hempen Candle then,& the help 
of hatchet. 

Dicke. Why doft thou quiuer man ? 

Say, The Palfie, and not feare prouokes me. 

Cade. Nay, he noddes at vs, as who fliould fay, He be 
euen with you. He fee if his head will ftand fteddier on 
a pole, or no : Take him away, and behead him. 

Say. Tell me : wherein haue 1 offended moft? 
Haue I affefted wealth, or honor ? Speake. 
Are my Chefts fill'd vp with extorted Gold ? 
Is my Apparrell fumptuous to behold ? 
Whom haue I iniur'd, that ye feeke my death ? 
Thefe hands are free from guiltleffe bloodihedding, 
This bread: from harbouring foule deceitfull thoughts. 
O let me liue. 

Cade. I feele remorfe in my felfe with his words : but 
He bridle it : he fliall dye, and it bee but for pleading fo 
well for his life. Away with him, he ha's a Familiar vn- 
der his Tongue, he fpeakes not a Gods name. Goe, take 
him away I fay, and ftrike off his head prefently,and then 
breake into his Sonne in Lawes houfe, Sir lames Cromer, 
and ftrike oft' his head, and bring them both vppon two 
poles hither. 

All. It fliall be done. 

Say. Ah Countrimen : If when you make your prair's, 
God fliould be fo obdurate as your felues : 
How would it fare with your departed foules, 
And therefore yet relent, and faue my life. 

Cade. Away with him, and do as I command ye: the 
proudeft Peere in the Realme, fliall not weare a head on 
his flioulders, vnlefle he pay me tribute : there fliall not 
a maid be married, but flie fliall pay to me her Mayden- 
head ere they haue it : Men fliall hold of mee in Capite. 
And we charge and command, that their wiues be as free 
as heart can wifti, or tongue can tell. 

Dickf. My Lord, 
When fliall we go to Cheapfide, and take vp commodi- 
ties vpon our billes ? 

Cade. Marry prefently. 

All. O braue. 

Enter one with the heads . 

Cade. But is not this brauer : 
Let them kiffe one another : For they lou'd well 
When they were aliue. Now part them againe, 
Leaft they confult about the giuing vp 
Of fome moreTownesin France. Soldiers, 
Deferre the fpoile of the Citie vntill night: 
For with thefe borne before vs,in fteed of Maces, 
Will we ride through the ftreets,& at euery Corner 
Haue them kiffe. Away. Exit 

zAlarum, and Retreat. Enter againe Cade, 
and all his rabblement . 

Cade. Vp Fifli-ftreete, downe Saint Magnes corner, 
kill and knocke downe, throw them into Thames : 

Sound a parley. 

What noife is this I heare ? 

Dare any be fo bold to found Retreat or Parley 

When I command them kill? 



I 4 .2 



Tbefecond'Part of Henry the Sixt. 



Enter Buckingham, and old Clifford. 
'Buc. I heere they be, that dare and will difturb thee : 
Know Cade, we come Ambaffadors from the King 
Vnto the Commons, whom thou haft milled, 
And heere pronounce free pardon to them all, 
That will forfake thee, and go home in peace. 

Clif. What fay ye Countrimen, will ye relent 
And yeeld to mercy, whil'ft 'tis offered you, 
Or let a rabble leade you to your deaths. 
Who loues the King, and will imbrace his pardon, 
Fling vp his cap, and fay, God faue his Maiefty. 
Who hateth him, and honors not his Father, 
Henry the fift, that made all France to quake, 
Shake he his weapon at vs, and paffe by. 

tAll. God faue the King, God faue the King. 

Cade. What Buckingham and Clifford are ye fo braue ? 
And you bafe Pezants, do ye beleeue him, will you needs 
be hang'd with your Pardons about your neckes? Hath 
my fword therefore broke through London gates, that 
you Ihould leaue me at the White-heart in Southwarke. 
I thought ye would neuer haue giuen out thefe Armes til 
you had recouered your ancient Fteedome. But you are 
all Recreants and Daftards, and delight to liue in flauerie 
to the Nobility. Let them breake your backes with bur- 
thens, take your houfes ouer your heads, rauilh your 
Wiues and Daughters before your faces. For me, I will 
make Ihift for one, and fo Gods Curffe light vppon you 
all. 

All. Wee'l follow Cade, 
Wee'l follow Cade. 

Clif Is Qade the fonne of Henry the fift, 
That thus you do exclaime you'l go with him. 
Will he conduct you through the heart of France, 
And make the meaneft of you Earles and Dukes f 
Alas, he hath no home, no place to flye too : 
Nor knowes he how to liue, but by the fpoile, 
Vnleffe by robbing of your Friends, and vs. 
Wer't not a mame, that whilft you liue at iarre, 
The fearfull French, whom you late vanquished 
Should make a ftart ore-feas, and vanquilh you? 
Me thinkes alreadie in this ciuill broyle, 
I fee them Lording it in London ftreets, 
Crying Villiago vnto all they meete. 
Better ten thoufand bafe-borne Cades mifcarry, 
Then you Ihould floope vnto a Frenchmans mercy. 
To France, to France, and get what you haue loft : 
Spare England, for it is your Natiue Coaft: 
Henry hath mony, you are ftrong and manly : 
God on our fide, doubt not of Viftorie. 

All. A Clifford, a Clifford, 
Wee'l follow the King.and Clifford. 

Cade. Was euer Feather fo lightly blowne too & fro, 
as this multitude ? The name of Henry the fift, hales them 
to an hundred mifchiefes, and makes them leaue mee de- 
folate. I fee them lay their heades together to furprize 
me. My fword make way for me, for heere is no flaying: 
in defpight of the diuels and hell, haue through the verie 
middeft of you, and heauens and honor be witneffe, that 
no want of refolution in mee, but onely my Followers 
bafe and ignominious treafons, makes me betake mee to 
my heeles. Exit 

'Buck, What, is he fled? Go fome and follow him, 
And he that brings his head vnto the King, 
Shall haue a thoufand Crownes for his reward. 

Exeunt fome of them. 



Follow me fouldiers, wee'l deuife a meane, 

To reconcile you all vnto the King. Exeunt omnes. 

Sound Trumpets. Enter King ,Queene,and 
Somerfet on the Tarras. 

King. Was euer King that ioy'd an earthly Throne, 
And could command no more content then I? 
No fooner was I crept out of my Cradle, 
But I was made a King, at nine months olde. 
Was neuer Subiedt long'd to be a King, 
As I do long and wilh to be a Subiedt. 

Enter Buckingham and Qlifford. 

Buc. Health and glad tydings to your Maiefty. 
Kin. Why Buckingham, is the Traitor Cade furpris'd ? 
Or is he but retir'd to make him ftrong? 

Enter Multitudes with Halters about their 
Neckes. 

Clif He is fled my Lord, and all his powers do yeeld, 
And humbly thus with halters on their neckes, 
Expeft your HighnelTe doome of life,or death. 

King. Then heauen fet ope thy euerlafting gates, 
To entertaine my vowes of thankes and praife. 
Souldiers, this day haue you redeem'd your Hues, 
And (hew'd how well you loue your Prince & Countrey : 
Continue ftill in this fo good a minde, 
And Henry though he be infortunate, 
Affure your felues will neuer be vnkinde : 
And fo with thankes, and pardon to you all, 
I do difmiffe you to your feuerall Countries . 

cAll. God faue the King, God faue the King. 

Enter a Mejfenger. 
MeJ. Pleafe it your Grace to be aduertifed, 
The Duke of Yorke is newly come from Ireland, 
And with a puiffant and a mighty power 
Of Gallow-glaffes and flout Kernes, 
Is marching hitherward in proud array. 
And ftill proclaimeth as he comes along, 
His Armes are onely to remoue fr.om thee 
The Duke of Somerfet, whom he tearmes a Traitor. 

King. Thus Hands my ftate, 'twixt Cade and Yorke 
diftreft, 
Like to a Ship, that hauing fcap'd a Tempeft, 
Is ftraight way calme, and boorded with a Pyrate. 
But now is Cade driuen backe, his men difpierc'd, 
And now is Yorke in Armes, to fecond him. 
I pray thee Buckingham go and meete him, 
And aske him what's the reafon of thefe Armes : 
Tell him, He fend Duke Edmund to the Tower, 
And Somerfet we will commit thee thither, 
Vntill his Army be difmift from him. 

Somerfet. My Lord, 
lie yeelde my felfe to prifon willingly, 
Or vnto death, to do my Countrey good. 

King. In any cafe, be not to rough in termes, 
For he is fierce, and cannot brooke hard Language. 
Buc. I will my Lord, and doubt not fo to deale, 
As all things ihall redound vnto your good. 

King. Come wife, let's in, and learne to gouern better, 
For yet may England curfe my wretched raigne. 

Flourijh. Exeunt. 

Enter 

478 



Tbefecond^Part of Henry theSixt. 



m 



Cade. Fye on Ambitions : fie on my felfe, that haue a 
fword, and yet am ready to famiih. Thefe fiue daies haue 
I hid me in thefe Woods, and durft not peepe out, for all 
the Country is laid for me : but now am I fo hungry, that 
if I might haue a Leafe of my life for a thoufand yeares, I 
could ftay no longer. Wherefore on a Bricke wall haue 
I climb'd into this Garden, to fee if I can eate Grafle, or 
picke a Sallet another while, which is not amifie to coole 
a mans ftomacke this hot weather : and I think this word 
Sallet was borne to do me good : for many a time but for 
a Sallet, my braine-pan had bene cleft with a brown Bill; 
and many a time when I haue beene dry, & brauely mar- 
ching, it hath feru'd me infteede of a quart pot to drinke 
in : and now the word Sallet muft ferue me to feed on. 

Enter Iden, 

Iden. Lord, who would Hue turmoyled in the Court, 
And may enioy fuch quiet walkes as thefe? 
This fmall inheritance my Father left me, 
Contenteth me, and worth a Monarchy. 
I feeke not to waxe great by others warning, 
Or gather wealth I care not with what enuy : 
Sufficeth, that I haue maintaines my ftate, 
And fends the poore well pleafed from my gate. 

Cade. Heere's the Lord of the foile come to feize me 
for a ftray, for entering his Fee-fimple without leaue. A 
Villaine, thou wilt betray me, and get a iooo. Crownes 
of the King by carrying my head to him, but He make 
thee eate Iron like an Oftridge, and fwallow my Sword 
like a great pin ere thou and I part. 

Iden. Why rude Companion, whatfoere thou be, 
I know thee not, why then mould I betray thee? 
Is't not enough to breake into my Garden, 
And like a Theefe to come to rob my grounds : 
Climbing my walles infpight of me the Owner, 
But thou wilt braue me with thefe fawcie termes ? 

Cade. Braue thee ? I by the beft blood that euer was 
broach'd, and beard thee to. Looke on mee well, I haue 
eate no meate thefe fiue dayes, yet come thou and thy 
fiue men, and if I doe not leaue you all as dead as a doore 
naile, I pray God I may neuer eate grafTe more. 

Iden. Nay, it ihall nere be faid, while England ftands, 
That ^Alexander Iden an Efquire of Kent, 
Tooke oddes to combate a poore famiftit man. 
Oppofe thy ftedfaft gazing eyes to mine, 
See if thou canft out-face me with thy lookes : 
Set limbe to limbe, and thou art farre the lefTer : 
Thy hand is but a finger to my fift, 
Thy legge a fticke compared with this Truncheon, 
My foote ihall fight with all the ftrength thou haft, 
And ifmine.arme be heaued in the Ayre, 
Thy graue is digg'd already in the earth : 
As for words, whofe greatneffe anfwer's words, 
Let this my fword report what fpeech forbeares. 

Cade. By my Valour : the moft compleate Champi- 
on that euer I heard. Steele, if thou turne the edge, or 
cut not out the burly bon'd Clowne in chines of Beefe, 
ere thou fleepe in thy Sheath, I befeech Ioue on my knees 
thou mayft be turn'd to Hobnailes. 

Heere they Fight. 

O I am flaine, Famine and no other hath flaine me, let ten 



thoufand diuelles come againft me, and giue me but the 
ten meales I haue loft, and I'de defie them all. Wither 
Garden, and be henceforth a burying place to all that do 
dwell in this houfe, becaufe the vnconquered foule of 
Cade is fled. 

Iden. Is't Cade that I haue flain,that monftrous traitor? 
Sword, I will hallow thee for this thy deede, 
And hang thee o're my Tombe, when I am dead, 
Ne're ihall this blood be wiped from thy point, 
But thou malt weare it as a Heralds coate, 
To emblaze the Honor that thy Mafter got. 

Cade. Iden farewell, and be proud of thy vidlory: Tell 
Kent from me, (he hath loft her beft man, and exhort all 
the World to be Cowards : For I that neuer feared any, 
am vanquished by Famine, not by Valour. Dyes. 

Id.How much thou wrong'ft me,heauen be my iudge ; 
Die damned Wretch, the curfe of her that bare thee: 
And as I thruft thy body in with my fword, 
So wifli I, I might thruft thy foule to hell. 
Hence will I dragge thee headlong by the heeles 
Vnto a dunghill, which mall be thy graue, 
And there cut off thy moft vngracious head, 
Which I will beare in triumph to the King, 
Leauing thy trunke for Crowes to feed vpon. Exit. 

Enter Tor^e, and his tArmy of Irijh, tviih 
Drum and Colours. 

JV.From Ireland thus comes York to claim his right, 
And plucke the Crowne from feeble Henries head. 
Ring Belles alowd, burne Bonfires cleare and bright 
To entertaine great Englands lawfull King. 
Ah Sancla Maiefias ! who would not buy thee deere ? 
Let them obey, that knowes not how to Rule. 
This hand was made to handle nought but Gold. 
I cannot giue due action to my words, 
Except a Sword or Scepter ballance it. 
A Scepter mail it haue, haue I a foule, 
On which He toffe the Fleure-de-Luce of France. 

Enter Buckingham. 

Whom haue we heere ? Buckingham to difturbe me ? 
The king hath fent him fure : I muft diflemble. 

liuc. Yorke,if thou meaneft wel, I greet thee well. 

Tor. Humfrey of Buckingham, I accept thy greeting. 
Art thou a Meflenger, or come of pleafure. 

®ac. A MefTenger from Henry, our dread Liege, 
To know the reafon of thefe Armes in peace. 
Or why, thou being a Subiect, as I am, 
Againft thy Oath, and true Allegeance fworne, 
Should raife fo great a power without his leaue ? 
Or dare to bring thy Force fo neere the Court i 

Tor. Scarfe can I fpeake, my Choller is fo great. 
Oh I could hew vp Rockes, and fight with Flint, 
I am fo angry at thefe abiecT: tearmes. 
And now like Aiax Telamonim, 
On Sheepe or Oxen could I fpend my furie. 
I am farre better borne then is the king : 
More like a King, more Kingly in my thoughts. 
But I muft make faire weather yet a while, 
Till Henry be more weake,and I more ftrong. 
Buckingham, I prethee pardon me, 
That 1 haue giuen no anfwer all this while: 
My minde was troubled with deepe Melancholly. 
The caufe why I haue brought this Armie hither, 

02 Is 



144 



Thefecond ^Part of Henry the Sixt. 



Is to remoue proud Somerfet from the King, 
Seditious to his Grace, and to the State. 

'Buc. That is too much prelum ption on thy part : 
But if thy Armes be to no other end, 
The King hath yeelded vnto thy demand : 
The Duke of Somerfet is in the Tower. 

Torke. Vpon thine Honor is he Prifoner ? 

Buc\. Vpon mine Honor he is Prifoner. 

Torke. Then Buckingham I do difmiffe my Powres. 
Souldiers, I thanke you all : difperfe your felues : 
Meet me to morrow in S. Georges Field , 
You fhall haue pay, and euery thing you wifh. 
And let my Soueraigne, vertuous Henry, 
Command my eldeft fonne, nay all my formes, 
As pledges of my Fealtie and Loue, 
He fend them all as willing as I liue : 
Lands, Goods, Horfe, Armor, any thing I haue 
Is his to vfe, fo Somerfet may die. 

Buc. Yorke, I commend this kinde fubmiffion, 
We twaine will go into his Highnefle Tent. 

Enter King and ^Attendants. 
King. Buckingham, doth Yorke intend no harme to vs 
That thus he marcheth with thee arme in arme? 

Torke. In all fubmiffion and humility, 
Yorke doth prefent himfelfe vnto your Highnefle. 

K. Then what intends thefe Forces thou doft bring ? 
Tor. To heaue the Traitor Somerfet from hence, 
And fight againft that monftrous Rebell Cade, 
Who fince 1 heard to be difcomfited. 

Enter Iden with Cades head. 

Iden. If one fo rude, and of fo meane condition 
May paffe into the prefence of a King : 
Loe, I prefent your Grace a Traitors head, 
The head of Cade, whom I in combat flew. 

King.The head of CadeiGreat God, how iuft art thou ? 
Oh let me view his Vifage being dead, 
That liuing wrought me fuch exceeding trouble. 
Tell me my Friend, art thou the man that flew him ? 

Iden. I was, an't like your Maiefty. 

King. How art rhou call'd? And what is thy degree ? 

Iden. ^Alexander Iden, that's my name, 
A poore Efquire of Kent, that loues his King. 

Buc. So pleafe it you my Lord, 'twere not amiffe 
He were created Knight for his good feruice. 

King. Iden, kneele downe, rife vp a Knight : 
We giue thee for reward a thoufand Markes, 
And will, that thou henceforth attend on vs. 

Iden. May Iden liue to merit fuch a bountie, 
And neuer liue but true vnto his Liege. 

Enter Queene and Somerfet. 

K.See Buckingham, Somerfet comes with th'Queene, 
Go bid her hide him quickly from the Duke. 

Qu. For thoufand Yorkes he mail not hide his head, 
But boldly ftand, and front him to his face. 

Tor. How now? is Somerfet at libertie ? 
Then Yorke vnloofe thy long impvifoned thoughts, 
And let thy tongue be equall with thy heart. 
Shall I endure the fight of Somerfet? 
Falfe King, why haft thou broken faith with me, 
Knowing how hardly I can brooke abufe ? 
King did I call thee ? No: thou art not King : 
Not fit to gouerne and rule multitudes, 
Which dar'ft not, no nor canft not rule a Traitor. 



That Head of thine doth not become a Crowne : 
Thy Hand is made to graspe a Palmers ftaffe, 
And not to grace an awefull Princely Scepter. 
That Gold, muft round engirt thefe browes of mine, 
Whole Smile and Frowne, like to Achilles Speare 
Is able with the change, to kill and cure. 
Heere is a hand to hold a Scepter vp, 
And with the fame to a£te controlling Lawes : 
Giue place : by heauen thou fhalt rule no more 
O're him, whom heauen created for thy Ruler. 

Som. O monftrous Traitor ! I arreft thee Yorke 
Of Capitall Treafon ' gainft the King and Crowne : 
Obey audacious Traitor, kneele for Grace. 

Tor\. Wold'ft haue me kneele?Firft let me ask of thee, 
If they can brooke I bow a knee to man : 
Sirrah, call in my fonne to be my bale : 
I know ere they will haue me go to Ward, 
They'l pawne their fwords of my infranchifement. 

2)u. Call hither Clifford, bid him come amaine, 
To fay, if that the Baftard boyes of Yorke 
Shall be the Surety for their Traitor Father. 

Torke. O blood -befpotted Neopolitan, 
Out-caft of Naples, Englands bloody Scourge, 
The fonnes of Yorke, thy betters in their birth, 
Shall be their Fathers baile, and bane to thofe 
That for my Surety will refufe the Boyes. 

Enter Edward and Richard. 
See where they come, lie warrant they'l make it good. 
Enter Clifford. 

£}u. And here comes Clifford to deny their baile. 

Clif. Health, and all happineffe to my Lord the King. 

Tor.l thanke thee Clifford: Say, what newes with thee ? 
Nay, do not fright vs with an angry looke : 
We are thy Soueraigne Clifford, kneele againe ; 
For thy miftaking fo, We pardon thee. 

Clif. This is my King Yorke, I do not miftake, 
But thou miftakes me much to thinke I do, 
To Bedlem with him, is the man growne mad. 

King. I Clifford, a Bedlem and ambitious humor 
Makes him oppofe himfelfe againft his King. 

Clif. He is a Traitor, let him to the Tower, 
And chop away that facYious pate of his. 

Qu. He is atrefted, but will not obey : 
His fonnes(he fayes)mall giue their words for him. 

Tor. Will you not Sonnes ? 

Edw. I Noble Father, if our words will ferue. 

Rich. And if words will not, then our Weapons ihal. 

Clif. Why what a brood of Traitors haue we heere ? 

Torke. Looke in a Glaffe, and call thy Image fo. 
I am thy King, and thou a falfe-heart Traitor : 
Call hither to the ftake my two braue Beares, 
That with the very making of their Chaines, 
They may aftonifh thefe fell-lurking Curres, 
Bid Salsbury and Warwicke come to me. 

Enter the Earles of Warwicke, and 
Salisbury. 

Clif Are thefe thy Beares? Wee'l bate thy Bears to death, 
And manacle the Berard in their Chaines, 
If thou dar'ft bring them to the bayting place. 

%ich. Oft haue I feene a hot ore-weening Curre, 
Run backe and bite, becaufe he was with-held, 
Who being fuffer'd with the Beares fell paw, 
Hath clapt his taile, betweene his legges and cride, 
And fuch a peece of feruice will you do, 



Tbefecond ^Part of Henry the Sixt. 



H5 



If you oppofe your felues to match Lord Warwicke. 

Clif Hence heape of wrath, foule indigefted lumpe, 
As crooked in thy manners, as thy lhape. 

Tor. Nay we fhall heate you thorowly anon. 

Clif. Take heede leaft by your heate you burne your 
felues : 

King. Why Warwicke, hath thy knee forgot to bow? 
Old Salsbury, lhame to thy filuer haire, 
Thou mad mi/leader of thy brain-ficke fonne, 
What wilt thou on thy death-bed play the RufEanf 
And feeke for forrow with thy Spectacles? 
Oh where is Faith ?Oh, where is Loyalty ? 
If it be banifht from the froftie head, 
Where fhall it finde a harbour in the earth i 
Wilt thou go digge a graue to finde out Warre, 
And ftame thine honourable Age with blood ? 
Why art thou old, and want'ft experience 4 
Or wherefore doeft abufe it, if thou haft it? 
For fhame in dutie bend thy knee to me, 
That bowes vnto the graue with mickle age. 

Sal. My Lord, I haue confidered with my felfe 
The Title of this moft renowned Duke, 
And in my confcience, do repute his grace 
The rightfull heyre to Englands Royall feate. 

King. Haft thou not fworne Allegeance vnto me? 

Sal. I haue. 

Ki. Canft thou difpenfe with heauen for fuch an oath? 

Sal. It is great finne, to fweare vnto a fmne : 
But greater finne to keepe a finfull oath : 
Who can be bound by any folemne Vow 
To do a murd'rous deede, to rob a man, 
To force a fpotleffe Virgins Chaftitie, 
To reaue the Orphan of his Patrimonie, 
To wring the Widdow from her cuftom'd right, 
And haue no other reafon for this wrong, 
But that he was bound by a folemne Oath ? 

£?u. A fubtle Traitor needs no Sophifter. 

King. Call Buckingham, and bid him arme himfelfe. 

Tor\e. Call Buckingham, and all the friends thou haft, 
I am refolu'd for death and dignitie. 

Old Clif. The firft I warrant thee, if dreames proue true 

War. You were beft to go to bed, and dreame againe, 
To keepe thee from the Tempeft of the field. 

Old Clif I am refolu'd to beare a greater ftorme, 
Then any thou canft coniure vp to day : 
And that lie write vpon thy Burgonet, 
Might I but know thee by thy boufed Badge. 

War. Now by my Fathers badge, old Neuils Creft, 
The rampant Beare chain'd to the ragged ftaffe, 
This day He weare aloft my Burgonet, 
As on a Mountaine top, the Cedar ihewes, 
That keepes his leaues infpight of any ftorme, 
Euen io affright thee with the view thereof. 

Old Clif. And from thy Burgonet He rend thy Beare, 
And tread it vnder foot with all contempt, 
Defpigbt the Bearard, that protects the Beare. 

To. Clif. And fo to Armes victorious Father, 
To quell the Rebels, and their Complices. 

Rich. Fie, Charitie for lhame, fpeake not in fpight, 
For you fhall fup with lefu Chrift to night. 

To Clif. Foule ftygmaticke that's more then thou 
canft tell. 

Ric. If not in heauen, you'l furely fup in hell. Exeunt 
Enter Warwicke. 

War. Clifford of Cumberland, 'tis Warwicke calles : 
And if thou doft not hide thee from the Beare, 



Now when the angrie Trumpet founds alarum, 
And dead mens cries do fill the emptie ayre, 
Clifford I fay, come forth and fight with me, 
Proud Northerne Lord, Clifford of Cumberland, 
Warwicke is hoarfe with calling thee to armes. 
Enter Tor^e. 

War. How now my Noble Lord? What all a-foot. 

Tor. The deadly handed Clifford flew my Steed : 
But match to match I haue encountred him, 
And made a prey for Carrion Kytes and Crowes 
Euen of the bonnie beaft he loued fo well. 
Enter Clifford. 

War. Of one or both of vs the time is come. 

Tor. Hold Warwick: feek thee out fome other chace 
For I my felfe muft hunt this Deere to death. 

War. Then nobly Yorke, 'tis for a Crown thou fightft: 
As I intend Clifford to thriue to day, 
It greeues my foule to leaue theee vnaffail'd. Exit War. 

Clif. What feeft thou in me Yorke ? 
Why doft thou paufe ? 

Torke. With thy braue bearing fhould I be in loue, 
But that thou art fo faft mine enemie. 

Clif. Nor fhould thy proweffe want praife & efteeme, 
But that 'tis fhewne ignobly, and in Treafon. 

Tcrfe. So let it helpe me now againft thy fword, 
As I in iuftice, and true right expreffe it. 

Clif. My foule and bodie on the action both. 

Tor. A dreadfull lay, addreffe thee inftantly. 

CUf La fin Corrone les eumenes. 

Tor. Thus Warre hath giuen thee peace, for y art ftill, 
Peace with his foule, heauen if it be thy will. 
Enter yong Clifford. 

Clif. Shame and Confufion all is on the rout, 
Feare frames diforder, and diforder wounds 
Where it fhould guard. O Warre, thou fonne of hell, 
Whom angry heauens do make their minifter, 
Throw in the frozen bofomes of our part, 
Hot Coales of Vengeance. Let no Souldier flye. 
He that is truly dedicate to Warre, 
Hath no felfe-loue : nor he that loues himfelfe, 
Hath not effentially, but by circumftance 
The name of Valour. O let the vile world end, 
And the premifed Flames of the Laft day, 
Knit earth and heauen together. 
Now let the generall Trumpet blow his blaft, 
Particularities, and pettie founds 
To ceafe. Was't thou ordain'd (deere Father) 
To loofe thy youth in peace, and to atcheeue 
The Siluer Liuery of aduifed Age, 
And in thy Reuerence, and thy Chaire-dayes, thus 
T o die in Ruffian battell ? Euen at this fight, 
My heart is turn'd to ftone : and while 'tis mine, 
It fhall be ftony. Yorke, not our old men fpares : 
No more will I their Babes, Teares Virginall, 
-Shall be to me, euen as the Dew to Fire, 
And Beautie, that the Tyrant oft reclaimes, 
Shall to my flaming wrath, be Oyle and Flax : 
Henceforth, I will not haue to do with pitty. 
Meet I an infant of the houfe of Yorke, 
Into as many gobbits will I cut it 
As wilde <LMedea yong Abfirm did. 
In cruelty, will I feeke out my Fame. 
Come thou new ruine of olde Cliffords houfe : 
As did n/Eneas old Ancbyfes beare, 
So beare I thee vpon my manly fhoulders : 
But then, ^Eneas bare a liuing loade ; 

o 3 Nothing 



146 



The fecond Part of Henry the Sixt. 



Nothing fo heauy as thefe woes of mine. 

Enter Richard, and Somerfet to fight. 

Rich. So lye thou there : 
For vnderneath an Ale-houfe paltry figne, 
The Caftle in S. *Albons, Somerfet 
Hath made the Wizard famous in his death : 
Sword, hold thy temper ; Heart, be wrathfull ftill : 
Priefts pray for enemies, but Princes kill. 
Fight. Excurfions. 

Enter King, S^ueene, and others. 

Ou. Away my Lord, you are flow, for fliame away. 
King. Can we outrun the Heauens ? Good Margaret 
ftay. 

Qu. What are you made of? You'l nor fight nor fly: 
Now is it manhood, wifedome,and defence, 
To giue the enemy way, and to fecure vs 
By what we can, which can no more but flye. 

zAlarum a farre off. 
If you be tane, we then ihould fee the bottome 
Of all our Fortunes : but if we haply fcape, 
( 'As well we may, if not through your neglect) 
We fhall to London get, where you are lou'd, 
And where this breach now in our Fortunes made 
May readily be ftopt. 

Enter Clifford. ' 

Qlif. But that my hearts on future mifcheefe fet, 
I would fpeake blafphemy ere bid you flye : 
But flye you muft : Vncureable difcomfite 
Reignes in the hearts of all our prefent parts. 
Away for your releefe, and we will liue 
To fee their day, and them our Fortune giue. 
Away my Lord, away. Exeunt 



Alarum. %etreat. Enter Yorfy?, Richard, Warwic'ke, 
and Soldiers, with Drum & Colours. 

Yor\e. Of Salsbury, who can report of him, 
That Winter Lyon, who in rage forgets 
Aged contufions, and all brufti of Time : 
And like a Gallant, in the brow of youth, 
Repaires him with Occafion. This happy day 
Is not it felfe, nor haue we wonne one foot, 
If Salsbury be loft. 

Rich. My Noble Father : 
Three times to day I holpe him to his horfe, 
Three times beftrid him : Thrice I led him off, 
Perfwaded him from any further a£t: 
But ftill where danger was, ftill there I met him, 
And like rich hangings in a homely houfe, 
So was his Will, in his old feeble body, 
But Noble as he is, looke where he comes. 
Enter Salisbury, 

Sal. Now by my Sword, well haft thou fought to day : 
By'th'Maffe fo did we all. I thanke you Richard. 
God knowes how long it is I haue to liue : 
And it hath pleas' d him that three times to day 
You haue defended me from imminent death. 
Well Lords, we haue not got that which we haue, 
'Tis not enough our foes are this time fled, 
Being oppofites of fuch repayring Nature. 

Yor\e. I know our fafety is to follow them, 
For (as I heare) the King is fled to London, 
To call a prefent Court of Parliament : 
Let vs purfue him ere the Writs go forth. 
What fayes Lord Warwicke,ihall we after them? 

War. After them : nay before them if we can : 
Now by my hand (Lords) 'twas a glorious day. 
Saint Albons battell wonne by famous Yorke, 
Shall be eterniz'd in all Age to come. 
Sound Drumme and Trumpets, and to London all, 
And more fuch dayes as thefe, to vs befall. Exeunt. 



FINIS. 




i 4 7 




The third Part of Henry the Sixt, 

with the death of the Duke of 
YORKE. 

oASins Primus. Sccena Prima. 



Enter flantagenet , Edward, Richard, Norfolk^, Mount- 
ague, Warrcic\e, and Souldiers. 

Warreicke. 
[Wonder how the King efcap'd our hands? 

P/.While we purfu'd the Horfmen of y North, 
'He flyly ftole away, and left his men : 
'Whereat the great Lord of Northumberland, 
Whofe Warlike eares could neuer brooke retreat, 
Chear'd vp the drouping Army, and himfelfe. 
Lord Clifford and Lord Stafford all a-breft 
Charg'd ourmaine Battailes Front: and breaking in, 
Were by the Swords of common Souldiers flaine. 

Sdw. Lord Staffords Father, Duke of •"Buckingham, 
Is either flaine or wounded dangerous. 
I cleft his Beauer with a down-right blow : 
That this is true (Father) behold his blood. 

Mount. And Brother, here's the Earle of Wiltihires 
Whom I encountred as the Battels ioyn'd. (blood, 

Rich. Speake thou for me, and tell them what I did. 

Plan. Richard hath beft deferu'd of all myfonnes: 
But is your Grace dead, my Lord of Somerfet? 

Nor. Such hope haue all the line of Iohn of Gaunt. 

Rich. Thus do I hope to fliake King Henries head. 

Warm. And fo doe I, victorious Prince of Yor^e. 
Before I fee thee feated in that Throne, 
Which now the Houfe of Lancafter vfurpes, 
I vow by Heauen,thefe eyes fliall neuer clofe. 
This is the Pallace of the fearefull King, 
And this the Regall Seat : poffeffe it Yor\e, 
For this is thine, and not King Henries Heires. 

"Slant. Aflift me then,fweet Warwick, and I will, 
For hither we haue broken in by force. 

Norf. Wee'le all aflift you: he that flyes, fliall dye: 

Plant. Thankes gentle Norfolk, flay by me my Lords, 
And Souldiers ftay and lodge by me this Night. 

They goe vp. 
Warn. And when the King comes, offer him no violence, 
Vnlefle he feeke to thruftyou out perforce. 

Plant.The Queene this day here holds her Parliament, 
But little thinkes we fliall be of her counfaile, 
By words or blowes here let vs winne our right. 

Rich. Arm'd as we are, let's ftay within this Houfe. 

War-to. The bloody Parliament fliall this be call'd, 
Vnlefle Plantagenet,t)uke of Yorke,be King, 



4S; 



And baflifull Henry depos'd, whofe Cowardize 
Hath made vs by-words to our enemies. 

Plant. Then leaue nre not, my Lords be refolute, 
I meane to take pofleflion of my Right. 

Warw. Neither the King, nor he that loues him beft, 
The prowdeft hee that holds vp Lancafter, 
Dares ftirre a Wing, if Warmk\ fliake his Bells. 
He plant Plantagenet, root him vp who dares : 
Refolue thee Richard, clayme the Englifli Crowne. 

Flourifh. Enter King Henry, Clifford, Northumberland, 
Weftmerland, Exeter, and the reft. 

Henry. My Lords, looke where the fturdie Rebell fits, 
Euen in the Chayre of State: belike he meanes, 
Backt by the power of Warn>ic{e, that falfe Peere, 
To afpire vnto the Crowne, and reigne as King. 
Earle of Northumberland, he flew thy Father, 
And thine, Lord Qlifford,Sc you both haue vow'd reuenge 
On him, his fonnes,his fauorites,and his friends. 

Northumb. If I be not,Heauens be reueng'd on me. 

Clifford. The hope thereof, makes Clifford mourne in 
Steele. 

Weftm. What, fliall we fuffer this? lets pluck him down, 
My heart for anger burnes, I cannot brooke it. 

Henry. Be patient, gentle Earle of Weftmerland. 
Clifford. Patience is for Poultroones,fuch as he : 
He durft not fit there, had your Father liu'd. 
My gracious Lord, here in the Parliament 
Let vs aflayle the Family of Yor\e. 

NortLVfell haft thou fpoken,Coufin be it fo. 

Henry. Ah, know you not the Citie fauours them, 
And they haue troupes of Souldiers at their beck ? 

Weftm. But when the Duke is flaine, they'le quickly 
flye. 

Henry. Farre be the thought of this from Henries heart, 
To make a Shambles of the Parliament Houfe. 
Coufin of Exeter, frownes, words, and threats, 
Shall be the Warre that Henry meanes to vfe. 
Thou factious Duke of Yorke defcend my Throne, 
And kneele for grace and mercie at my feet, 
I am thy Soueraigne. 
Yorfe. I am thine. 

Exet. For fliame come downe, he made thee Duke of 
Yorke. 

Tor^e. It was my Inheritance, as the Earledome was. 

Exet. Thy 



The third ^ art of Henry the Sixt. 



Exet.Thy Father was a Traytor to the Crowne. 

Warw.Sxeter thou art a Traytor to the Crowne, 
In following this vfurping Henry. 

Clifford. Whom fliould hee follow, but his naturall 
King ? 

Warn. True Clifford, &**?* Richard Duke of Yorke. 

Henry. And fliall I ftand,and thou fit in my Throne? 

Yorke. It muft and fliall be fo, content thy felfe. 

Warw. Be Duke of Lancafter,let him be King. 

Weftm. He is both King,and Duke of Lancafter, 
And that the Lord of Weftmerland fliall maintaine. 

Warm. And Warmc\ fliall difproue it. You forget, 
That we are thofe which chas'd you from the field, 
And flew your Fathers, and with Colours fpread 
Marfht through the Citie to the Pallace Gates. 

Northumb Y 'e.%Warwic\e,\ remember it to my griefe, 
And by his Soule, thou and thy Houfe fliall rue it. 

Weftm. Plantagenet, of thee and thefe thy Sonnes, 
Thy Kinfmen,and thy Friends, He haue more liues 
Then drops of bloud were in my Fathers Veines. 

Cliff. Vrge it no more, left that in ftead of words, 
I fend thee, Warwic\e, fuch a Meffenger, 
As fliall reuenge his death, before 1 ftirre. 

War-a. Poore Clifford, how I fcorne his worthleffe 
Threats. 

Tlant. Will you we ftiew our Title to the Crowne ? 
If not, our Swords fliall pleade it in the field. 

Henry. What Title haft thou Traytor to the Crowne? 
My Father was as thou art, Duke of Yorke, 
Thy Grandfather Roger Mortimer, Earle of March. 
I am the Sonne of Henry the Fift, 
Who made the Dolphin and the French to ftoupe, 
And feiz'd vpon their Townes and Prouinces. 

Warw. Talke not of France, fith thou haft loft it all. 

Henry. The Lord Proteftor loft it, and not I : 
When I was crown'd,I was but nine moneths old. 

Rich. You are old enough now, 
And yet me thinkes you loofe : 
Father teare the Crowne from the Vfurpers Head. 

Edward. Sweet Father doe fo,fet it on your Head. 

Mount. Good Brother, 
As thou lou'ft and honored: Armes, 
Let's fight it out, and not ftand cauilling thus. 

'Richard. Sound Drummes and Trumpets , and the 
King will fiye. 

Plant. Sonnes peace. 

Henry. Peace thou , and giue King Henry leaue to 
fpeake. 

Warw. Plantagenet flial fpeake firft: Heare him Lords, 
And be you filent and attentiue too, 
For he that interrupts him, fliall not liue. 

ftK.Think'ft thou, that I will leaue my Kingly Throne, 
Wherein my Grandfire and my Father fat? 
No:firft fliall Warre vnpeople this my Realme ; 
I, and their Colours often borne in France, 
And now in England, to our hearts great forrow, 
Shall be my Winding-flieet. Why faint you Lords? 
My Title's good, and better farre then his. 

Warw. Proue it Henry, and thou flialt be King. 

Hen. Henry the Fourth by Conqueft got the Crowne. 

Plant. 'Twas by Rebellion againit his King. 

Henry. I know not what to fay, my Titles weake: 
Tell me, may not a King adopt an Heire? 

Plant. What then i 

Henry. And if he may, then am I lawfull King : 
For Pichard,\t\ the view of many Lords, 



Refign'd the Crowne to Henry the Fourth, 
Whofe Heire my Father was, and I am his. 

flam. He rofe againft him, being his Soueraigne, 
And made him to refigne his Crowne perforce. 

Warw. Suppofe,my Lords, he did it vnconftrayn'd, 
Thinke you 'twere preiudiciall to his Crowne ? 

Exet . No : for he could not fo refigne his Crowne, 
But that the next Heire fliould fucceed and reigne. 

Henry. Art thou againft vs,Duke of Exeter? 

Exet. His is the right,and therefore pardon me. 

Plant. Why whifper you, my Lords, and anfwer not? 

.E^ff.My Confcience tells me he is lawfull King. 

Henry. All will reuolt from me,and turne to him. 

Northumb. Plantagenet, for all the Clayme thou lay'ft, 
Thinke not, that Henry fliall be fo depos'd. 

Warw. Depos'd he fliall be, in defpight of all. 

Northumb. Thou art deceiu'd : 
'Tis not thy Southerne power 
Of Effex, Norfolke, Suffolke, nor of Kent, 
Which makes thee thus prefumptuous and prowd, 
Can fet the Duke vp in defpight of me. 

Clifford. King Hcnry,be thy Title right or wrong, 
Lord Clifford vowes to fight in thy defence : 
May that ground gape,and fwallow me aliue, 
Where I fliall kneele to him that flew my Father. 

Henry. Oh Clfford,how thy words reuiue my heart. 

Plant. Henry of Lancafter, refigne thy Crowne: 
What mutter you, or what confpire you Lords ? 

Warw. Doe right vnto this Princely Duke of Yorke, 
Or I will fill the Houfe with armed men, 
And ouer the Chayre of State, where now he fits, 
Write vp his Title with vfurping blood. 

He Jlampes with his foot, and the Souldiers 
Jhew themjelues. 

Henry. My Lord of Warwick, heare but one word, 
Let me for this my life time reigne as King. 

P/anf.Confirme the Crowne to me and to mine Heires, 
And thou flialt reigne in quiet while thou liu'ft. 

Henry. I am content : Rjchard Plantagenet 
Enioy the Kingdome after my deceafe. 

Clifford. What wrong is this vnto the Prince, your 
Sonne i 

Warw. What good is this to England.and himfelfe ? 

Weftm. Bafe, fearefull,and defpayring Henry. 

Clifford. How haft thou iniur'd both thy felfe and vs? 

Weftm. I cannot ftay to heare thefe Articles. 

Northumb. Nor I. 

Clifford. Come Coufin , let vs tell the Queene thefe 
Newes. 

Weftm. Farwell faint-hearted and degenerate King, 
In whofe cold blood no fparke of Honor bides. 

Northumb.Be thou a prey vnto the Houfe of Tor\e, 
And dye in Bands, for this vnmanly deed. 

Cliff. In dreadr'ull Warre may'ft thou be ouercome, 
Or liue in peace abandon'd and defpis'd. 

Warw. Turne this way Henry, and regard them not. 

Exeter. They feeke reuenge, and therefore will not 
yeeld. 

Henry. Ah Exeter. 

Warw. Why fliould you figh,my Lord? 

Henry. Not for my felfe Lord Warwicl{,but my Sonne, 
Whom I vnnaturally fliall dif-inherite. 
But be it as it may: I here entayle 
The Crowne to thee and to thine Heires for euer, 
Conditionally, that heere thou take an Oath, 
To ceafe this Ciuill Warre : and whil'ft I liue, 

To 



The third ^Part of Henry the Sixt. 



49 



To honor me as thy King, and Soueraigne: 

And neyther by Treafon nor Hoftilitie, 

To feeke to put me downe,and reigne thy felfe. 

Plant. This Oath I willingly take, and will performe. 

Warw. Long liue King Henry : Plantagenet embrace 
him, 

Henry. And long liue thou , and thefe thy forward 
Sonnes. 

Plant. Now Yorke and Lancajler are reconcil'd. 

Exet. Accurft be he that feekes to make them foes. 
Senet. Here they come downe. 

Plant. Farewell my gracious Lord, He to my Cattle. 

Warw. And He keepe London with my Souldiers. 

Norf. And I to Norfolke with my followers. 

Mount. And I vnto the Sea, from whence I came. 

Henry. And I with griefe and forrow to the Court. 

Enter the Queene. 

Exeter. Heere comes the Queene, 
Whofe Lookes bewray her anger: 
He fteale away. 

Henry. Exeter fo will I. 

Queene. Nay,goe not from me, I will follow thee. 

Henry. Be patient gentle Queene, and I will ftay. 

Queene. Who can be patient in fuch extreames f 
Ah -wretched man, would I had dy'de a Maid ? 
And neuer feene thee,neuer borne thee Sonne, 
Seeing thou haft prou'd fo vnnaturall a Father. 
Hath he deferu'd to loofe his Birth-right thus? 
Hadft thou but lou'd him halfe fo well as I, 
Or felt that paine which I did for him once, 
Or nourifht him, as I did with my blood; 
Thou would'ft haue left thy deareft heart-blood there, 
Rather then haue made that fauage Duke thine Heire, 
And dif-inherited thine onely Sonne. 

Prince. Father, you cannot dif-inherite me: 
If you be King, why Ihould not I fucceede ? 

Henry. Pardon me Margaret, pardon me fweet Sonne, 
The Earle of Warwick and the Duke enforc't me. 

Quee. Enforc't thee? Art thou King, and wilt be forc't? 
I fhame to heare thee fpeake: ah timorous Wretch, 
Thou haft vndone thy felfe, thy Sonne, and me, 
And giu'n vnto the Houfe of Torke fuch head, 
As thou Jhalt reigne but by their fufferance. 
To entayle him and his Heires vnto the Crowne, 
What is it, but to make thy Sepulcher, 
And creepe into it farre before thy time ? 
Warwick's Chancelor, and the Lord of Callice, 
Sterne Falconbridge commands the Narrow Seas, 
The Duke is made Protector of the Realme, 
And yet {halt thou be fafe? Such fafetie findes 
The trembling Lambe, inuironned with Wolues. 
Had I beene there, which am a filly Woman, 
The Souldiers ihould haue tofs'd me on their Pikes, 
Before I would haue granted to that Aft. 
But thou preferr'ft thy Life, before thine Honor. 
And feeing thou do' ft, I here diuorce my felfe, 
Both from thy Table Henry, and thy Bed, 
Vntill that Aft of Parliament be repeafd, 
Whereby my Sonne is dif-inherited. 

The Northerne Lords, that haue forfworne thy Colours, 
Will follow mine, if once they fee them fpread : 
And fpread they mail be, to thy foule difgrace, 
And vtter ruine of the Houfe of Yorke. 
Thus doe I leaue thee: Come Sonne, let's away, 
Our Army is ready; come, wee'le after them. 



4*5 



Henry. Stay gentle Margaret, and heare me fpeake. 

Queene. Thou haft fpoke too much already: get thee 
gone. 

Henry. Gentle Sonne Edward, thou wilt ftay me? 

Queene. I, to be murther'd by his Enemies. 

Prince. When I returne with viftorie to the field, 
He fee your Grace : till then, He follow her. 

Queene. Come Sonne away, we may not linger thus. 

Henry. Poore Queene, 
How loue to me, and to her Sonne, 
Hath made her breake out into termes of Rage. 
Reueng'd may me be on that hatefull Duke, 
Whofe haughtie fpirit, winged with defire, 
Will coft my Crowne, and like an emptie Eagle, 
Tyre on the fle/h of me,andof my Sonne, 
The loffe of thofe three Lords torments my heart : 
He write vnto them, and entreat them faire ; 
Come Coufin, you mall be the MefTenger. 
Exet. And 1,1 hope, mall reconcile them all. Exit. 

Flourijh. Enter Richard, Edward, and 
cjvfountague. 
Richard. Brother, though I bee youngeft, giue mee 
leaue. 

Edward. No, I can better play the Orator. 
Mount. But I haue reafons ftrong and forceable. 

Enter the Dulte of Yorke. 

Yorke. Why how now Sonnes, and Brother, at a ftrife ? 
What is your Quarrell ? how began it firft ? 

Edward. No Quarrell, but a flight Contention. 

Yorke. About what i 

Rich. About that which concernes your Grace and vs, 
The Crowne of England, Father, which is yours. 

Yorke. Mine Boy? not till King Henry be dead. 

Richard. Your Right depends not on his life,or death. 

Edward.Now you are Heire, therefore enioy it now: 
By giuing the Houfe of Lancajler leaue to breathe, 
It will out-runne you, Father,in the end. 

Yorke. I tooke an Oath , that hee mould quietly 
reigne. 

Sdward.But for a Kingdome any Oath may be broken: 
I would breake a thoufand Oathes,to reigne one yeere. 

Richard. No: God forbid your Grace mould be for- 
fworne. 

Yorke. I mall be , if I clayme by open Warre. 

Richard. He proue the contrary, if you'le heare mee 
fpeake. 

Yorke. Thou canft not, Sonne : it is impoffible. 

Richard. An Oath is of no moment, being not tooke 
Before a true and lawfull Magiftrate, 
That hath authoritie ouer him that fweares. 
Henry had none, but did vfurpe the place. 
Then feeing 'twas he that made you to depofe, 
Your Oath, my Lord, is vaine and friuolous. 
Therefore to Armes : and Father doe but thinke, 
How fweet a thing it is to weare a Crowne, 
Within whofe Circuit is Elizium, 
And all that Poets faine of Bliffe and Ioy. 
Why doe we linger thus? I cannot reft, 
Vntill the White Rofe that I weare, be dy'de 
Euen in the luke-warme blood of Henries heart. 

Yorke. Richard ynough: I will be King, or dye. 
Brother, thou lhalt to London prefently, 
And whet on Warwick to this Enterprife. 

Thou 



I 5° 



The third ^Part of Henry the Sixt. 



Thou Richard {halt to the Duke of Norfolke, 

And tell him priuily of our intent. 

You Edward fliall vnto my Lord Cobham, 

With whom the Kenti/hmen will willingly rife. 

In them I truft: for they are Souldiors, 

Wittie,courteous,liberall,full of fpirit. 

While you are thus imploy'd, what refteth more ? 

But that I feeke occafion how to rife, 

And yet the King not priuie to my Drift, 

Nor any of the Houfe of Lancajicr. 

Enter Gabriel. 

But ftay, what Newes ? Why comm'ft thou in fuch 
pofte ? 

Gabriel. The Queene, 
With all the Northerne Earles and Lords, 
Intend here to befiege you in your Caftle. 
She is hard by, with twentie thoufand men: 
And therefore fortifie your Hold, my Lord. 

Torl^e. I, with my Sword. 
What ? think'ft thou, that we feare them ? 
Edward and Richard, you /hall ftay with me, 
My Brother Mountague mall pofte to London. 
Let Noble Warwicke,Qobham,ani the reft, 
Whom we haue left Protestors of the King, 
With powrefull Pollicie ftrengthen themfelues, 
And truft not fimple Henry , nor his Oathes. 

Mount. Brother, I goe: He winne them, feare it not. 
And thus moft humbly I doe take my leaue. 

Exit oPlfountague. 

Enter eMc 



_ and his Brother. 

Tor\. Sir Iohn, and Sir Hugh Mortimer, mine Vnckles, 
You are come to Sandall in a happie houre. 
The Armie of the Queene meane to befiege vs. 

Iohn. Shee fliall not neede, wee'le meete her in the 
field. 

Tor\e. What, with fiue thoufand men ? 

Richard. I, with fiue hundred, Father, for a neede. 
A Woman's generall: what mould we feare ? 

A March afarre off. 

Edward. I heare their Drummes : 
Let's fet our men in order, 
And iffue forth, and bid them Battaile ftraight. 

Yorlse.Fiue men to twentie : though the oddes be great, 
I doubt not, Vnckle,of our Vidlorie. 
Many a Battaile haue I wonne in France, 
When as the Enemie hath beene tenne to one: 
Why mould I not now haue the like fucceffe ? 

Alarum. Exit. 

Enter Rutland, and his Tutor. 

Rutland. Ah, whither ihall I flye,to fcape their hands? 
Ah Tutor, looke where bloody Clifford comes. 



Enter 

Clifford. Chaplaine away, thy Priefthood faues thy life. 
As for the Brat of this accurfed Duke, 
Whofe Father flew my Father, he mall dye. 

Tutor. And I,my Lord, will beare him company. 

Clifford. Souldiers,away with him. 

Tutor. Ah Clifford, murther not this innocent Child, 
Leaft thou be hated both of God and Man. Exit. 



Clifford. How now? is he dead alreadie i 
Or is it feare, that makes him clofe his eyes i 
He open them. 

Rutland. So looks the pent-vp Lyon o're the Wretch, 
That trembles vnder his deuouring Pawes: 
And fo he walkes,infulting o're his Prey, 
And fo he comes, to rend his Limbes afunder. 
Ah gentle Clifford,ki\l me with thy Sword, 
And not with fuch a cruell threatning Looke. 
Sweet Clifford heare me fpeake, before I dye: 
I am too meane a fubieft for thy Wrath, 
Be thou reueng'd on men, and let me liue. 

Clifford. In vaine thou fpeak'ft,poore Boy : 
My Fathers blood hath ftopt the paffage 
Where thy words fhould enter. 

Rutland. Then let my Fathers blood open it againe, 
He is a man, and Qlifford cope with him. 

Clifford. Had I thy Brethren here, their liues and thine 
Were not reuenge fufficient for me : 
No, if I digg'd vp thy fore-fathers Graues, 
And hung their rotten Coffins vp in Chaynes, 
It could not flake mine ire,noreafe my heart. 
The fight of any of the Houfe of Ybrfa 
Is as a furie to torment my Soule : 
And till I root out their accurfed Line, 
And leaue not one aliue, I liue in Hell. 
Therefore— 

Rutland. Oh let me pray, before I take my death : 
To thee I prayjfweet Clifford pitty me. 

Clifford. Such pitty as my Rapiers point affords. 

Rutland. I neuer did thee harme: why wilt thou flay 

Clifford. Thy Father hath. 
Rutland. But 'twas ere I was borne. 
Thou haft one Sonne, for his fake pitty me, 
Leaft in reuenge thereof, fith God is iuft, 
He be as miferably flaine as I. 
Ah, let me liue in Prifon all my dayes, 
And when I giue occafion of offence, 
Then let me dye, for now thou haft no caufe. 

Clifford. No caufe? thy Father flew my Fathenthere-. 
fore dye. 

Rutland. Dij faciant laudis Jumma fit ifia tua. 

Clifford. Plantagenet, I come Plantagenet : 
And this thy Sonnes blood cleauing to my Blade, 
Shall ruft vpon my Weapon, till thy blood 
Congeal'd with this, doe make me wipe off both. Exit. 

tAlarum. Enter Richard, L>u\e of Tor\e. 

Tcr\e.Th& Army of the Queene hath got the field: 
My Vnckles both are flaine, in refcuing me; 
And all my followers, to the eager foe 
Turne back, and flye,like Ships before the Winde, 
Or Lambes purfu'd by hunger-ftarued Wolues. 
My Sonnes, God knowes what hath bechanced them: 
But this I know, they haue demean'd themfelues 
Like men borne to Renowne, by Life or Death. 
Three times did %icbard make a Lane tome, 
And thrice cry'de, Courage Father, fight it out : 
And full as oft came Edward to my fide, 
With Purple Faulchion, painted to the Hilt, 
In blood of thofe that had encountred him : 
And when the hardyeft Warriors did retyre, 
Richard cry'de, Charge, and giue no foot of ground, 
And cry'de, A Crowne,or elfe a glorious Tombe, 



The third 'Part of Henry the Sixt. 



*5 ] 



A Scepter, or an Earthly Sepulchre. 
With this we charg'd agairre : but out alas, 
We bodg'd againe, as I haue feene a Swan 
With bootleffe labour fwimme againft the Tyde, 
And fpend her ftrength with ouer-matching Waues. 

A jhort Alarum within. 
Ah hearke, the fatall followers doe purfue, 
And I am faint, and cannot flye their furie : 
And were I ftrong, I would not fhunne their furie. 
The Sands are numbred,that makes vp my Life, 
Here muft I ftay,and here my Life muft end. 

Enter the SZueene, Clifford, Northumberland, 
the young Prince, and Souldiers. 

Come bloody Clifford, rough Northumberland, 
I dare your quenchlefle furie to more rage : 
I am your Butt,and I abide your Shot. 

Northumb. Yeeld to our mercy, proud Plantagenet. 

Clifford. I, to fuch mercy, as his ruthlefle Arme 
With downe-right payment, fhew'd vnto my Father. 
Now Phaeton hath tumbled from his Carre, 
And made an Euening at the Noone-tide Prick. 

Yorke. My aflies,as the Phcenix,may bring forth 
A Bird, that will reuenge vpon you all : 
And in that hope, I throw mine eyes to Heauen, 
Scorning what ere you can afflict me with. 
Why come you not ? what, multitudes, and feare i 

Cliff. So Cowards fight, when they can flye no further, 
So Doues doe peck the Faulcons piercing Tallons, 
So defperateTheeues, all hopeleffe of their Liues, 
Breathe out Inuectiues 'gainft the Officers. 

Yorke. Oh Qlifford, but bethinke thee once againe, 
And in thy thought ore-run my former time : 
And if thou canft, for blufhing, view this face, 
And bite thy tongue, that flanders him with Cowardice, 
Whofe frowne hath made thee faint and flye ere this. 

Clifford. I will not bandie with thee word for word, 
But buckler with thee blowes twice two for one. 

Queene. Hold valiant Clifford, for a thoufand caufes 
I would prolong a while the Tray tors Life: 
Wrath makes him deafe; fpeake thou Northumberland. 

Northumb. Hold Clifford, doe not honor him fo much, 
To prick thy finger,though to wound his heart. 
What valour were it, when a Curre doth grinne, 
For one to thruft his Hand betweene his Teeth, 
When he might fpurne him with his Foot away ? 
It is Warres prize, to take all Vantages, 
And tenne to ohe,is no impeach of Valour. 

Clifford. I, I, fo ftriues the Woodcocke with the 
Gynne. 

Northumb. So doth the Connie ftruggle in the 
Net. 

Tor\. So triumph Theeues vpon their conquer' d Booty, 
So True men yeeld with Robbers, fo o're-matcht. 

Northumb. What would your Grace haue done vnto 
him now ? 

Queene. Braue Warriors, Clifford and Northumberland, 
Come make him ftand vpon this Mole-hill here, 
That raught at Mountaines with out-ftretched Armes, 
Yet parted but the fhadow with his Hand. 
What, was it you that would be Englands King? 
Was't you that reuell'd in our Parliament, 
And made a Preachment of your high Defcent ? 
Where are your Mefle of Sonnes, to back you now ? 
The wanton Edward, and the luftie George f 



And where 's that valiant Crook-back Prodigie, 

Dickie, your Boy, that with his grumbling voyce 

Was wont to cheare his Dad in Mutinies ? 

Or with the reft, where is your Darling, Jutland? 

Looke Yorke ,1 ftayn'd this Napkin with the blood 

That valiant Clifford, with his Rapiers point, 

Made iflue from the Bofome of the Boy : 

And if thine eyes can water for his death, 

I giue thee this to drie thy Cheekes withall. 

Alas poore Yorke, but that I hate thee deadly, 

I mould lament thy miferable ftate. 

I prythee grieue, to make me merry, Yorke. 

What, hath thy fierie heart fo parcht thine entrayles, 

That not a Teare can fall, for Rutlands death ? 

Why art thou patient, man ? thou fhould'ft be mad: 

And I, to make thee mad, doe mock thee thus. 

Stampe,raue,and fret, that I may fing and dance. 

Thou would'ft be fee'd,I fee, to make me fport: 

Yorke cannot fpeake, vnlefle he weare a Crowne. 

A Crowne for Yorke ; and Lords, bow lowe to him : 

Hold you his hands, whileft I doe fet it on. 

I marry Sir, now lookes he like a King : 

I, this is he that tooke King Henries Chaire, 

And this is he was his adopted Heire. 

But how is it, that great Plantagenet 

Is crown'd fo foone, and broke his folemne Oath ? 

As I bethinke me, you ihould not be King, 

Till our King Henry had ftiooke hands with Death. 

And will you pale your head in Henries Glory, 

And rob his Temples of the Diademe, 

Now in his Life,againft your holy Oath ? 

Oh 'tis a fault too too vnpardonable. 

Off with the Crowne; and with the Crowne, his Head, 

And whileft we breathe, take time to doe him dead. 

Clifford. That is my Office, for my Fathers fake. 

Queene. Nay ftay , let's heare the Orizons hee 
makes. 

Yorke. Shee- Wolfe of France, 
But worfe then Wolues of France, 
Whofe Tongue more poyfons then the Adders Tooth : 
How ill-befeeming is it in thy Sex, 
To triumph like an Amazonian Trull, 
Vpon their Woes, whom Fortune captiuates ? 
But that thy Face is Vizard-like, vnchanging, 
Made impudent with vfe of euill deedes. 
I would afl*ay,prowd Queene, to make thee blum. 
To tell thee whence thou cam'ft,of whom deriu'd, 
Were fhame enough, to mame thee, 
Wert thou not ihamelefle. 
Thy Father beares the type of King of Naples, 
Of both the Sicils,and Ierufalem, 
Yet not fo wealthie as an Englifh Yeoman. 
Hath that poore Monarch taught thee to infult ? 
It needes not,nor it bootes thee not,prowd Queene, 
Vnleffe the Adage muft be verify'd, 
That Beggers mounted,runne their Horfe to death. 
'Tis Beautie that doth oft make Women prowd, 
But God he knowes, thy mare thereof is fmall. 
'Tis Vertue, that doth make them moft admir'd, 
The contrary, doth make thee wondred at. 
'Tis Gouernment that makes them feeme Diuine, 
The want thereof,makes thee abhominable. 
Thou art as oppofite to euery good, 
As the Antipodes are vnto vs, 
Or as the South to the Septentrion. 
Oh Tygres Heart, wrapt in a Womans Hide, 

How 



152 



The third 'Part of Henry the Sixt. 



How could'ft thou drayne the Life-blood of the Child, 
To bid the Father wipe his eyes withall, 
And yet be feene to beare a Womans face ? 
Women are foft,milde,pittifull,and flexible} 
Thou, fterne, obdurate, flintie, rough, remorfeleffe. 
Bidft thou me rage ? why now thou haft thy wilh. 
Would'ft haue me weepe? why now thou haft thy will. 
For raging Wind blowes vp inceffant fliowers, 
And when the Rage allayes,the Raine begins, 
Thefe Teares are my fweet Rut lands Ob fequies, 
And euery drop cryes vengeance for his death, 
'Gainft thee fell Clifford, and thee falfe French-woman. 

Northumb. Befhrew me, but his paffions moues me fo, 
That hardly can I check my eyes from Teares. 

Yorke. That Face of his, 
The hungry Caniballs would not haue toucht, 
Would not haue ftayn'd with blood: 
But you are more inhumane, more inexorable, 
Oh, tenne times more then Tygers of Hyrcania. 
See,ruthleffe Queene, a hapleffe Fathers Teares: 
This Cloth thou dipd'ft in blood of my fweet Boy, 
And I with Teares doe waft the blood away. 
Keepe thou the Napkin, and goe boaft of this, 
And if thou tell'ft the heauie ftorie right, 
Vpon my Soule, the hearers will flied Teares : 
Yea,euen my Foes will ftied faft-falling Teares, 
And fay, Alas, it was a pittious deed. 

There, take the Crowne, and with the Crowne,my Curfe, 
And in thy need,fuch comfort come to thee, 
As now I reape at thy too cruell hand. 
Hard-hearted Clifford,take me from the World, 
My Soule to Heauen,my Blood vpon your Heads. 

Northumb.Had he been flaughter-man to all my Kinne, 
I ftiould not for my Life but weepe with him, 
To fee how inly Sorrow gripes his Soule. 

Queen. What, weeping ripe, my Lord Northumberland f 
Thinke but vpon the wrong he did vs all, 
And that will quickly drie thy melting Teares. 

Clifford. Heere's for my Oath, heere's for my Fathers 
Death. 

Queene. And heere's to right our gentle-hearted 
King. 

Yorke. Open thy Gate of Mercy, gracious God, 
My Soule flyes through thefe wounds, to feeke out thee. 

Queene. Off with his Head, and fet it on Yorke Gates, 
So Yorke may ouer-looke the Towne of Yorke. 
Flourijh. Exit. 

A March. Enter Edward, Richard, 
and their power. 

Edward. I wonder how our Princely Father fcap't : 
Or whether he be fcap't away, or no, 
From Cliffords and Northumberlands purfuit ? 
Had he been ta'ne, we ftiould haue heard the newes; 
Had he beene flaine, we ftiould haue heard the newes: 
Or had he fcap't, me thinkes we ftiould haue heard 
The happy tidings of his good efcape. 
How fares my Brother? why is he fo fad? 

Richard. I cannot ioy,vntill I be refolu'd 
Where our right valiant Father is become. 
I faw him in the Battaile range about, 
And watcht him how he fingled Clifford forth. 
Me thought he bore him in the thickeft troupe, 
As doth a Lyon in a Heard of Neat, 
Or as a Beare encompafs'd round with Dogges : 



Who hauing pincht a few, and made them cry, 
The reft ftand all aloofe,and batke at him. 
So far'd our Father with his Enemies, 
So fled his Enemies my Warlike Father: 
Me thinkes 'tis prize enough to be his Sonne. 
See how the Morning opes her golden Gates, 
And takes her farwell of the glorious Sunne. 
How well refembles it the prime of Youth, 
Trimm'd like a Yonker, prauncing to his Loue ? 

Ed. Dazle mine eyes, or doe I fee three Sunnes ? 

Rich.Three glorious Sunnes,each one a perfect Sunne, 
Not feperated with the racking Clouds, 
But feuer'd in a pale cleare-ftiining Skye. 
See, fee, they ioyne,embrace,and feeme to kiffe, 
As if they vow'd fome League inuiolable. 
Now are they but one Lampe,one Light, one Sunne : 
In this, the Heauen figures fome euent. 

Edward. 'Tis wondrous ftrange, 
The like yet neuer heard of. 
I thinke it cites vs(Brother)to the field, 
That wee, the Sonnes of braue Plantagenet, 
Each one alreadie blazing by our meedes, 
Should notwithstanding ioyne our Lights together, 
And ouer-ftiine the Earth, as this the World. 
What ere it bodes, hence-forward will I beare 
Vpon my Targuet three faire ftiining Sunnes. 

Richard. Nay, beare three Daughters : 
By your leaue, I fpeake it, 
You loue the Breeder better then the Male. 

Enter one blowing. 

But what art thou,whofe heauie Lookes fore-tell 
Some dreadfull ftory hanging on thy Tongue f 

Meff. Ah, one that was a wofull looker on, 
When as the Noble Duke of Yorke was flaine, 
Your Princely Father, and my louing Lord. 

Edward. Oh fpeake no more, for I haue heard too 
much. 

Richard. Say how he dy'de,for I will heare it all. 

Meff. Enuironed he was with many foes, 
And flood againft them, as the hope of Troy 
Againft the Greekes,that would haue entred Troy. 
But Hercules himfelfe muft yeeld to oddes : 
And many ftroakes, though with a little Axe, 
Hewes downe and fells the hardeft-tymber'd Oake. 
By many hands your Father was fubdu'd, 
But onely flaught'red by the irefull Arme 
Of vn-relenting Clifford,znd the Queene : 
Who crown'd the gracious Duke in high defpight, 
Laugh'd in his face : and when with griefe he wept, 
The ruthleffe Queene gaue him, to dry his Cheekes, 
A Napkin, fteeped in the harmeleffe blood 
Of fweet young Rutland,by rough Clifford flaine : 
And after many fcornes, many foule taunts, 
They tooke his Head,and on the Gates of Yorke 
They fet the fame, and there it doth remaine, 
The faddeft fpeftacle that ere I view'd. 

Edward.Svteet Duke of Yorke,our Prop to leane vpon, 
Now thou art gone, wee haue no Staffe,no Stay. 
Oh Clifford, boyft'rous Clifford,tho\i haft flaine 
The flowre of Europe, for his Cheualrie, 
And trecheroufly haft thou vanquiftit him, 
For hand to hand he would haue vanquiftit thee. 
Now my Soules Pallace is become a Prifon: 
Ah, would ftie breake from hence, that this my body 

Might 



The third 'Part ofI{jng Henry the Sixt. 



J 53 



Might in the ground be clofed vp in reft : 
For neuer henceforth mail I ioy againe : 
Neuer, oh neuer fhall I fee more ioy. 

"Rjch. I cannot weepe: for all my bodies moyfture 
Scarfe ferues to quench my Furnace-burning hart : 
Nor can my tongue vnloade my hearts great burthen, 
For felfe-fame winde that I fhould fpeake withal], 
Is kindling coales that fires all my breft, 
And burnes me vp with flames, that tears would quench. 
To weepe, is to make lefTe the depth of greefe: 
Teares then for Babes; Blowes, and Reuenge for mee. 
Richard, I beare thy name, He venge thy death, 
Or dye renowned by attempting it. 

Ed. His name that valiant Duke hath left with thee: 
His Dukedome, and his Chaire with me is left. 

Rich. Nay, if thou be that Princely Eagles Bird, 
Shew thy defcent by gazing 'gainft the Sunne: 
For Chaire and Dukedome, Throne and Kingdome fay, 
Either that is thine, or elfe thou wer't not his. 

March. Enter Warwic\e,MarqueJJ'e Mount acute, 
and their Army. 
Warwick. How now faire Lords ? What faire? What 

newes abroad ? 
Rich. Great Lord of Warwicke,if we fhould recompt 
Our balefull newes, and at each words deliuerance 
Stab Poniards in our flefh, till all were told, 
The words would adde more anguifh then the wounds. 

valiant Lord, the Duke of Yorke is flaine. 

Edw. O Warwicke, Warwicke, that Plantagenet 
Which held thee deerely, as his Soules Redemption, 
Is by the fterne Lord Clifford done to death. 

War. Ten dayes ago, I drown'd thefe newes in teares. 
And now to adde more meafure to your woes, 
Icome to tell you things fith then befalne. 
After the bloody Fray at Wakefield fought, 
Where your braue Father breath'd his lateft gaspe, 
Tydings, as fwiftly as the Poftes could runne, 
Were brought me of your LofTe, and his Depart. 

1 then in London, keeper of the King, 
Mufter'd my Soldiers, gathered flockes of Friends, 
Marcht toward S. Albons,to intercept the Queene, 
Bearing the King in my behalfe along : 

For by my Scouts, I was aduertifed 

That fhe was comming with a full intent 

To dafh our late Decree in Parliament, 

Touching King Henries Oath, and your Succefsion : 

Short Tale to make, we at S. Al bons met, 

Our Battailes ioyn'd, and both fides fiercely fought : 

But whether 'twas the coldnefle of the King, 

Who look'd full gently on his warlike Queene, 

That robb'd my Soldiers of their heated Spleene. 

Or whether 'twas report of her fucceffe, 

Or more then common feare of Cliffords Rigour, 

Who thunders to his Captiues,Blood and Death, 

I cannot iudge : but to conclude with truth, 

Their Weapons like to Lightning, came and went : 

Our Souldiers like the Night-Owles lazie flight, 

Or like a lazie Threfher with a Flaile, 

Fell gently downe, as if they ftrucke their Friends. 

I cheer'd them vp with iuftice of our Caufe, 

With promife of high pay, and great Rewards: 

But all in vaine, they had no heart to fight, 

And we (in them) no hope to win the day, 

So that we fled : the King vnto the Queene, 

Lord George, your Brother, Norfolke, and my Selfe, 



489 



In hafte, poft hafte, are come to ioyne with you : 
For in the Marches heere we heard you were, 
Making another Head, to fight againe. 

Ed. Where is the Duke of Norfolke, gentle Warwick? 
And when came George from Burgundy to England? 

War. Some fix miles off the Duke is with the Soldiers, 
And for your Brother he was lately fent 
From your kinde Aunt DutchefTe of Burgundie, 
With ayde of Souldiers to this needfull Warre. 

iJ/cA.'Twas oddes belike, when valiant Warwick fled; 
Oft haue I heard his praifes in Purfuite, 
But ne're till now, his Scandall of Retire. 

War. Nor now my Scandall Richard, doft thou heare: 
For thou flialt know this ftrong right hand of mine, 
Can plucke the Diadem from faint Henries head, 
And wring the awefull Scepter from his Fift, 
Were he as famous, and as bold in Warre, 
As he is fam'd for Mildneffe, Peace, and Prayer. 

Rich. I know it well Lord Warwick, blame me not, 
'Tis loue I beare thy glories make me fpeake : 
But in this troublous time, what's to be done ? 
Shall we go throw away our Coates of Steele, 
And wrap our bodies in blacke mourning Gownes, 
Numb'ring our Aue-Maries with our Beads ? , 

Or fhall we on the Helmets of our Foes 
Tell our Deuotion with reuengefull Armes ? 
If for the laft, fay I, and to it Lords. 

War. Why therefore Warwick came to feek you out, 
And therefore comes my Brother Mountague : 
Attend me Lords, the proud infulting Queene, 
With Clifford, and the haught Northumberland, 
And of their Feather, many moe proud Birds, 
Haue wrought the eafie-melting King, like Wax. 
He fwore confent to your Succeffion, 
His Oath enrolled in the Parliament. 
And now to London all the crew are gone, 
To fruftrate both his Oath, and what befide 
May make againft the houfe of Lancafter. 
Their power ( I thinke) is thirty thoufand ftrong : 
Now, if the helpe of Norfolke, and my felfe, 
With all the Friends that thou braue Earle of March, 
Among'ft the louing Welfhmen can'ft procure, 
Will but amount to fiue and twenty thoufand, 
Why Via, to London will we march, 
And once againe, beftrideour foaming Steeds, 
And once againe cry Charge vpon our Foes, 
But neuer once againe turne backe and flye. 

Rich. I, now me thinks I heare great Warwick fpeak; 
Ne're may he Hue to fee a Sun-fhine day, 
That cries Retire, if Warwicke bid him ftay. 

Ed. Lord Warwicke, on thy moulder will I leane, 
And when thou failft( as God forbid the houre) 
Muft Edward fall, which perill heauen forefend. 

War. No longer Earle of March, but Duke of Yorke: 
The next degree, is Englands Royall Throne : 
For King of England fhalt thou be proclaim'd 
In euery Burrough as we paffe along, 
And he that throwes not vp his cap for ioy, 
Shall for the Fault make forfeit of his head. 
King Sdward, valiant Richard Mountague : 
Stay we no longer, dreaming of Renowne, 
But found the Trumpets, and about our Taske. 

Rich. Then Clifford, were thy heart as hard as Steele, 
As thou haft fhewne it flintie by thy deeds, 
I come to pierce it, or to giue thee mine. 

£</.Then ftrike vp Drums, God and S.George for vs. 
p War. 



54 



The third ^P art offing Henry the Sixt. 



Enter a oMcffinger. 
War. How now? what newes ? 

Mef. The Duke of Norfolke fends you word by me, 
The Queene is comming with a puiflant Hoaft, 
And craues your company, for fpeedy counfell. 

War. Why then it forts, braue Warriors, let's away. 
Exeunt Omnes. 

Flourijh, Enter the King, the Queene, Clifford, Northum- 

andTong Prince, with Drumme and 

Trumpettes. 

2}u. Welcome my Lord, to this braue town of Yorke, 
Yonders the head of that Arch-enemy, 
That fought to be incompaft with your Crowne. 
Doth not the obiecT: cheere your heart, my Lord. 

K. I,as the rockescheare them that feare their wrack, 
To fee this fight, it irkes my very foule: 
With-hold reuenge (deere God) 'tis not my fault, 
Nor wittingly haue I infring'd my Vow. 

Clif My gracious Liege, this too much lenity 
And harmfull pitty muft be layd afide : 
To whom do Lyons caft their gentle Lookes? 
Not to the Beaft, that would vfurpe their Den. 
Whofe hand is that the Forreft Beare doth licke ? 
Not his that fpoyles her yong before her face. 
Who fcapes the lurking Serpents mortall fting? 
Not he that fets his foot vpon her backe. 
The fmalleft Worme will turne, being tioden on, 
And Doues will pecke in fafegard of their Brood. 
Ambitious Yorke, did leuell at thy Crowne, 
Thou fmiling, while he knit his angry browes. 
He but a Duke, would haue his Sonne a King, 
And raife his iflue like a louing Sire. 
Thou being a King, bleft with a goodly fonne, 
Did'ft yeeld confent to difinherit him : 
Which argued thee a mod vnlouing Father. 
Vnreafonable Creatures feed their young, 
And though mans face be fearefull to their eyes, 
Yet in protection of their tender ones, 
Who hath not feene them euen with thofe wings, 
Which fometime they haue vs'd with fearfull flight, 
Make warre with him that climb'd vnto their neft, 
Offering their owne liues in their yongs defence? 
For ihame,my Liege, make them your President : 
Were it not pitty that this goodly Boy 
Should loofe his Birth-right by his Fathers fault, 
And long heereafter fay vnto his childe, 
What my great Grandfather, and Grandfire got, 
My careleffe Father fondly gaue away. 
Ah, what a fliame were this? Looke on the Boy, 
And let his manly face, which promifeth 
Succeflefull Fortune fteele thy melting heart, 
To hold thine owne,and leaue thine owne with him. 

King. Full well hath Clifford plaid the Orator, 
Inferring arguments of mighty force : 
But Clifford tell me, did'ft thou neuer heare, 
That things ill got, had euer bad fuccefle. 
And happy alwayes was it for that Sonne, 
Whofe Father for his hoording went to hell : 
He leaue my Sonne my Vertuous deeds behinde, 
And would my Father had left me no more : 
For all the reft is held at fuch a Rate, 
As brings a thoufand fold more care to keepe, 
Then in pofleflion any iot of pleafure. 
Ah Cofin Yorke, would thy beft Friends did know, 



How it doth greeue me that thy head is heere. 

QuMy Lord cheere vp your fpirits, our foes are nye, 
And this foft courage makes your Followers faint : 
You promift Knighthood to our forward fonne, 
Vnfheath your fword,and dub him prefently. 
Edward, kneele downe. 

King. Edward Plantagenet, arife a Knight, 
And learne this Lerfon; Draw thy Sword in right. 

Prin, My gracious Father, by your Kingly leaue, 
He draw it as Apparant to the Crowne, 
And in that quarrell, vfe it to the death. 

Clif. Why that is fpoken like a toward Prince. 

Enter a Meffenger. 

Meff. Royall Commanders, be in readinefle, 
For with a Band of thirty thoufand fnen, 
Comes Warwicke backing of the Duke of Yorke, 
And in the Townes as they do march along, 
Proclaimes him King, and many flye to him, 
Darraigne your battell,for they are at hand. 

Clif. I would your Highnefle would depart the field, 
The Queene hath beft fucceffe when you are abfent. 

^u. I good my Lord, and leaue vs to our Fortune. 

King. Why, that's my fortune too, therefore He ftay. 

North. Be it with refolution then to fight. 

Prin. My Royall Father, cheere thefe Noble Lords, 
And hearten thofe that fight in your defence: 
Vniheath your Sword, good Father: Cry S.George. 

March. Enter Edward, Warwicke, Richard, Clarence, 
Norfolke ,Mountague,and Soldiers. 

Edw. Now periur'd Henry, wilt thou kneel for grace? 
And fet thy Diadem vpon my head? 
Or bide the mortall Fortune of the field. 

Qu. Go rate thy Minions, proud infulting Boy, 
Becomes it thee to be thus bold in termes, 
Before thy Soueraigne,and thy lawfull King? 

Sd. I am his King, and he fhould bow his knee : 
I was adopted Heire by his confent. 

Cla. Since when, his Oath is broke: for as I heare, 
You that are King, though he do weare the Crowne, 
Haue caus'd him by new Acl: of Parliament, 
To blot out me, and put his owne Sonne in. 

Clif. And reafon too, 
Who mould fucceede the Father, but the Sonne. 

Rich. Are you there Butcher? 0,1 cannot fpeake. 

Clif. I Crooke-back,here I ftand to anfwer thee, 
Or any he, the proudeft of thy fort. 

Rich, "iwas you that kill'd yong Rutland, was it not? 

Clif I, and old Yorke, and yet not fatisfied. 

Rich. For Gods fake Lords giue fignall to the fight. 

War. What fay'ft thou Henry, 
Wilt thou yeeld the Crowne? (you fpeak? 

Qu. Why how now long-tongu'd Warwicke, dare 
When you and I, met at S.zAlbons laft, 
Your legges did better feruice then your hands. 

War, Then 'twas my turne to fly, and now 'tis thine : 

Clif. You faid fo much before, and yet you fled. 

War. 'Twas not yout valor Clifford droue me thence. 

iW.No,nor your manhood that durft make you ftay. 

Rich. Northumberland,! hold thee reuerently, 
Breake off the parley, for fcarfe I can refraine 
The execution of my big-fwolne heart 
Vpon that Clifford.that cruell Child-killer. 

Clif. I flew thy Father, cal'ft thou him a Child ? 

Rich. 



The third "Fart ofT^ing Henry the Sixt. 



l SS 



Rich. I like a Daftard,and a treacherous Coward, 
As thou didd'ft kill our tender Brother Rutland, 
But ere Sunfet, He make thee curfe the deed. 

King. Haue done with words (my Lords) and heare 
me fpeake. 

Qu. Defie them then, or els hold clofe thy lips. 

King. I prythee giue no limits to my Tongue, 
I am a King, and priuiledg'd to fpeake. 

Clif.My Liege, the wound that bred this meeting here, 
Cannot be curM by Words, therefore be ftill. 

Rich. Then Executioner vnfheath thy fword : 
By him that made vs all, I am refolu'd, 
That Cliffords Manhood, lyes vpon his tongue. 

Ed. Say Henry,(haU I haue my right, or no: 
A thoufand men haue broke their Fafts to day, 
That ne're fhall dine, vnleffe thou yeeld the Crowne. 

War. If thou deny, their Blood vpon thy head, 
For Yorke in iuftice put's his Armour on. 

Pr.Ed. If that be right, which Warwick faies is right, 
There is no wrong, but euery thing is right. 

War. Who euer got thee, there thy Mother ftands, 
For well I wot, thou haft thy Mothers tongue. 

S%u. But thou art neyther like thy Sire nor Damme, 
But like a foule mi/hapen Stygmaticke, 
Mark'd by the Deftinies to be auoided, 
As venome Toades, or Lizards dreadfull ftings. 

c Rjch. Iron of Naples, hid with Englifh gilt, 
Whofe Father beares the Title of a King, 
(As if a Channell ftiould be call'd the Sea) 
Sham'ft thou not, knowing whence thou art extraught, 
To let thy tongue detect thy bafe-borne heart. 

Ed. A wifpe of ftraw were worth a thoufand Crowns, 
To make this ftiameleffe Callet know her felfe : 
Helen of Greece was fayrer farre then thou, 
Although thy Husband may be Menelaiu ; 
And ne're was Agamemnons Brother wrong'd 
| By that falfe Woman, as this King by thee. 
His Father reuel'd in the heart of France, 
And tam'd the King,and made the Dolphin ftoope : 
And had he match'd according to his State, 
He might haue kept that glory to this day. 
But when he tooke a begger to his bed, 
And grac'd thy poore Sire with his Bridall day, 
Euen then that Sun-fhine brew'd a ftiowre for him, 
That waflit his Fathers fortunes forth of France, 
And heap'd fedition on his Crowne at home : 
For what hath broach'd this tumult but thy Pride ? 
Had'ft thou bene meeke,our Title ftill had flept, 
And we in pitty of the Gentle King, 
Had flipt our Claime, vntill another Age. 

C/tf.But when we faw, our Sunftiine made thy Spring, 
And that thy Summer bred vs no increafe, 
We fet the Axe to thy vfurping Roote : 
And though the edge hath fomething hit our felues, 
Yet know thou, fince we haue begun to ftrike, 
Wee'l neuer leaue, till we haue hewne thee downe, 
Or bath'd thy growing, with our heated bloods. 

Edw. And in this refolution, I defie thee, 
Not willing any longer Conference, 
Since thou denied'ft the gentle King to fpeake. 
Sound Trumpets, let our bloody Colours waue, 
And either Victorie, or elfe a Graue. 

£}u. Stay Edward. 

Ed. No wrangling Woman, wee'l no longer ftay, 
Thefe words will coft ten thoufand liues this day. 
Exeunt omnes. 



Alarum. Excurjions. Enter Warwicke. 

War. Fore-fpent with Toile, as Runners with a Race, 
I lay me downe a little while to breath : 
For ftrokes receiu'd,and many blowes repaid, 
Haue robb'd my ftrong knit finewes of their ftrength, 
And fpight of fpight, needs muft I reft a-while. 

Enter Edward running. 

Ed. Smile gentle heauen, or ftrike vngentle death, 

For this world frownes, and Edwards Sunne is clowded. 

War, How now my Lord, what happe? what hope of 
good? 

Enter Clarence. 
Cla. Our hap is lofie, our hope but fad difpaire, 
Our rankes are broke, and ruine followes vs. 
What counfaile giue you? whether fhall we flye ? 

Ed. BootlefTe is flight, they follow vs with Wings, 
And weake we are,and cannot fhun purfuite. 

Enter Richard. 

Rich. Ah Warwicke, why haft y withdrawn thy felfe? 
Thy Brothers blood the thirfty earth hath drunk, 
Broach'd with the Steely point of Cliffords Launce : 
And in the very pangs of death, he cryde, 
Like to a difmall Clangor heard from farre, 
Warwicke, reuenge; Brother, reuenge my death. 
So vnderneath the belly of their Steeds, 
That ftain'd their Fetlockes in his fmoaking blood, 
The Noble Gentleman gaue vp the ghoft. 

War. Then let the earth be drunken with our blood: 
He kill my Horfe,becaufe I will not flye : 
Why ftand we like foft-hearted women heere, 
Wayling our lofles, whiles the Foe doth Rage, 
And looke vpon, as if the Tragedie 
Were plaid in ieft, by counterfetting Actors. 
Heere on my knee, I vow to God aboue, 
He neuer pawfe againe, neuer ftand ftill, 
Till either death hath clos'd thefe eyes of mine, 
Or Fortune giuen me meafure ofReuenge. 

Ed. Oh Warwicke, I do bend my knee with thine, 
And in this vow do chaine my foule to thine : 
And ere my knee rife from the Earths cold face, 
I throw my hands, mine eyes, my heart to thee, 
Thou fetter vp, and plucker downe of Kings: 
Befeeching thee (if with thy will it ftands) 
That to my Foes this body muft be prey, 
Yet that thy brazen gates of heauen may ope, 
And giue fweet pafTage to my finfull foule. 
Now Lords, take leaue vntill we meete againe, 
Where ere it be, in heauen, or in earth. 

Rich. Brother, 
Giue me thy hand, and gentle Warwicke, 
Let me imbrace thee in my weary armes : 
I that did neuer weepe, now melt with wo, 
That Winter fhould cut off our Spring-time fo. 

War. Away, away : 
Once more fweet Lords farwell. 

Cla. Yet let vs altogether to our Troopes, 
And giue them leaue to flye, that will not ftay: 
And call them Pillars that will ftand to vs : 
And if we thriue, promife them fuch rewards 
As Victors weare at the Olympian Games. 
This may plant courage in their quailing breafts, 
For yet is hope of Life and Victory : 

p a Fore- 



156 



The third Part ofJ^Jng Henry the Sixt. 



Foreflow no longer, make we hence amaine. Exeunt 

Sxcurjions. Enter Richard and Clifford. 

Rich. Now Clifford,! haue Tingled thee alone, 
Suppofe this arme is for the Duke of Yorke, 
And this for Rutland, both bound to reuenge, 
Wer't thou inuiron'd with a Brazen wall. 

C/if, Now Richard, I am with thee heere alone, 
This is the hand that ftabb'd thy Father Yorke, 
And this the hand, that (lew thy Brother Rutland, 
And here's the heart, that triumphs in their death", 
And cheeres thefe hands, that flew thy Sire and Brother, 
To execute the like vpon thy felfe, 
And fo haue at thee. 

They Fight, Warxcic\e comet, Clifford flies. 

Rich. Nay Warwicke, Angle out lome other Chace, 
For I my felfe will hunt this Wolfe to death. Exeunt. 

zAlarum. Enter King Henry alone. 
Hen. This battell fares like to the mornings Warre, 
When dying clouds contend, with growing light, 
What time the Shepheard blowing of his nailes, 
Can neither call it perfect day, nor night. 
Now fwayes it this way, like a Mighty Sea, 
Forc'd by the Tide, to combat with the Winde : 
Now fwayes it that way, like the felfe-fame Sea, 
Forc'd to retyre by furie of the Winde. 
Sometime, the Flood preuailes; and than the Winde : 
Now, one the better : then, another belt ; 
Both tugging to be Victors, breft to breft: 
Yet neither Conqueror, nor Conquered. 
So is the equall poife of this fell Warre. 
Heere on this Mole-hill will I fit me downe, 
To whom God will, there be the Vi&orie: 
For ^Margaret my Queene,and Clifford too 
Haue chid me from the Battell : Swearing both, 
They profper beft of all when I am thence. 
Would I were dead, if God? good will were fo ; 
For what is in this world, but Greefe and Woe. 
Oh God! me thinkes it were a happy life, 
To be no better then a homely Swaine, 
To fit vpon a hill, as I do now, 
To carue out Dialls queintly, point by point, 
Thereby to fee the Minutes how they runne: 
How many makes the Koure full compleate, 
How many Houres brings about the Day, 
How many Dayes will finiih vp the Yeare, 
How many Yeares, a Mortall man may liue. 
When this is knowne, then to diuide the Times: 
So many Houres, muft I tend my Flocke; 
So many Houres, muft I take my Reft : 
So many Houres, muft I Contemplate : 
So many Houres, muft I Sport my felfe: 
So many Dayes, my Ewes haue bene with yong: 
So many weekes, ere the poore Fooles will Eane: 
So many yeares, ere I ftiall iheere the Fleece : 
So Minutes, Houres, Dayes, Monthes, and Yeares, 
Paft ouer to the end they were created, 
Would bring white haires, vnto a Quiet graue. 
Ah! what a life were this? How fweet? hqwlouely? 
Giues not the Hawthorne bufh a fweerer ftiade 
To Shepheards, looking on their filly Sheepe, 
Then doth a rich Imbroider'd Canopie 
To Kings, that feare their Subiedts treacherie ? 
Oh ye;, it doth; a thoufand fold it doth. 
And to conclude, the Shepherds homely Curds, 



His cold thinne drinke out of his Leather Bottle, 

His wonted fleepe, vnder a frefh trees fhade, 

All which fecure, and fweetly he enioyes, 

Is farre beyond a Princes Delicates : 

His Viands fparkling in a Golden Cup, 

His bodie couched in a curious bed, 

When Care, Miftruft, and Treafon waits on him. 

Alarum. Enter a Sonne that hath /(tll'd his Father, at 

one dobre : and a Father that hath kjltd ha Sonne at ano- 
ther doore. 

Son. Ill blowes the winde that profits no body, 
This man whom hand to hand I flew in fight, 
May be pofiefled with fome ftore of Crownes, 
And I that (haply) take them from him now, 
May yet (ere night) yeeld both my Life and them 
To fome man elfe, as this dead man doth me. 
Who's this? Oh God! It is my Fathers face, 
Whom in this Conflict, I (vnwares)haue kill'd : 
Oh heauy timesl begetting fuch Euents. 
From London, by the King was I preft forth, 
My Father being the Earle of Warwickes man, 
Came on the part of Yorke, preft by his Matter : 
And I, who at his hands receiu'd my life, 
Haue by my hands, of Life bereaued him. 
Pardon me God, I knew not what I did : 
And pardon Father, for I knew not thee. 
My Teares fhall wipe away thefe bloody markes : 
And no more words, till they haue flow'd their fill. 

King. O pitteous fpecfiacle! O bloody Times ! 
Whiles Lyons Warre, and battaile for their Dennes, 
Poore harmlefle Lambes abide their enmity. 
Weepe wretched man : He ayde thee Teare for Teare, 
And let our hearts and eyes, like Ciuill Warre, 
Be blinde with teares,and break ore-charg'd with griefe 
Enter Father, hearing of his Sonne. 

Fa. Thou that fo ftoutly hath refilled me, 
Giue me thy Gold, if thou haft any Gold : 
For I haue bought it with an hundred blowes. 
But let me fee : Is this our Foe-mans face ? 
Ah, no, no, no, it is mine onely Sonne. 
Ah Boy, if any life be left in thee, 
Throw vp thine eye : fee, fee, what Ihowres arife, 
Blowne with the windie Tempeft of my heart, 
Vpon thy wounds, that killes mine Eye,and Heart. 
O pitty God, this miferable Age! 
What Stragemsf how fell? how Butcherly? 
Erreoneous, mutinous, and vnnaturall, 
This deadly quarrell daily doth beget? 
O Boy! thy Father gaue thee life too foone, 
And hath bereft thee of thy life too late. 

King.Vfo aboue wo: greefe, more the common greefe 
O that my death would ftay thefe ruthfull deeds : 
O pitty, pitty, gentle heauen pitty: 
The Red Role and the White are on his face, 
The fatall Colours of our ftriuing Houfes : 
The one, his purple Blood right well refembles, 
The other his pale Cheekes (me thinkes (prefenteth : 
Wither one Rofe,and let the other flouriih : 
If you contend, a thoufand hues muft wither. 

Son. How will my Mother, for a Fathers death 
Take on with me, and ne're be fatisfi'd ? 

Fa. How will my Wife, for Daughter of my Sonne, 
Shed feas of Teares. and ne're be fatisfi'd ? 

King.How will the Country, for thefe woful chances, 
Mif-thinke 



The third^Part of I\Jng Henry the Sixt. 



I 57 



Mif-thinke the King, and not be fatisfied ? 

Son. Was euer fonne, fo rew'd a Fathers death ? 

Fath. Was euer Father fo bemoan'd his Sonne ? 

Hen. Was euer King fo greeu'd tor Subietts woe ? 
Much is your forrow; Mine, ten times fo much. 

Son. lie beare thee hence, where I may weepe my fill. 

■Far^.Thefe armes of mine fhall be thy winding fheet : 
My heart (fweet Boy) mail be thy Sepulcher, 
For from my heart, thine Image ne're mall go. 
My fighing breft, /hall be thy Funerall bell ; 
And fo obfequious will thy Father be, 
Men for the loffe of thee, hauing no more, 
As Priam was for all his Valiant Sonnes, 
He beare thee hence, and let them fight that will, 
For I haue murthered where I fhould not kill. Exit 

Hen. Sad-hearted-men, much ouergone with Care ; 
Heere fits a King, more wofull then you are. 

Alarums. Excurjions. Enter the S}ueen,the 
Prince,and Exeter. 

Prin. Fly Father, flye : for all your Friends are fled. 
And Warwicke rages like a chafed Bull : 
Away, for death doth hold vs in purfuke. 

Qu. Mount you my Lord, towards Barwicke poft a- 
maine : 
Edward and Richard like a brace of Grey-hounds, 
Hauing the fearfull flying Hare in fight, 
With fiery eyes,fparkling for very wrath, 
And bloody fteele grafpt in their yrefull hands 
Are at our backes, and therefore hence amaine. 

Sxet. Away : for vengeance comes along with them. 
Nay, ftay not to expoftulate, make fpeed, 
Or elfe come after, He away before. 

Hen. Nay take me with thee,good fweet Exeter: 
Not that I feare to ftay, but loue to go 
Whether the Queene intends. Forward, away. Exeunt 



cA lowd alar 



«. En 



Clifford Wounded. 



Clif. Heere burnes my Candle out; I, heere it dies, 
Which whiles it lafted, gaue King Henry light. 
O Lancafter! I feare thy ouerthrow, 
More then my Bodies parting with my Soule : 
My Loue and Feare, glew'd many Friends to thee, 
And now I fall. Thy tough Commixtures melts, 
Impairing Henry, ftrength'ning mifproud Yorke ; 
And whether flye the Gnats, but to the Sunne? 
And who fhines now, but Henries Enemies? 
O Phoebus' had'ft thou neuer giuen confent, 
That Phaeton mould checke thy fiery Steeds, 
Thy burning Carre neuer had fcorch'd the earth. 
And Henry, had'ft thou fway'd as Kings fhould do, 
Or as thy Father, and his Father did, 
Giuing no ground vnto the houfe of Yorke, 
They neuer then had fprung like Sommer Flyes : 
I, and ten thoufand in this luckleffe Realme, 
Hed left no mourning Widdowes for our death, 
And thou this day, had'ft kept thy Chaire in peace. 
For what doth cherrifh Weeds, but gentle ayre? 
And what makes Robbers bold, but too much lenity ? 
Bootlefle are Plaints, and CurelefTe are my Wounds : 
No way to flye, nor ftrength to hold out flight : 
The Foe is mercileffe, and will not pitty : 
For at their hands I haue deferu'd no pitty. 
The ayre hath got into my deadly Wounds, 



And much effufe of blood, doth make me faint : 
Come Torl(e,and Richard, War-aicke, and the reft, 
I ftab'd your Fathers bofomes; Split my breft. 

Alarum & Retreat. Enter Edward, Warwicke, Richard, and 
Soldiers, Montague, & Clarence. 
Si.Now breath we Lords, good fortune bids vs paufe, 
And fmooth the frownes of War, with peacefull lookes : 
Some Troopes purfue the bloody-minded Queene, 
That led calme Henry, though he were a King, 
As doth a Saile, fill'd with a fretting Guft 
Command an Argofie to ftemme the Waues. 
But thinke you(Lords)that Clifford fled with them? 

War. No, 'tis impossible he fhould efcape: 
(For though before his face I fpeake the words) 
Your Brother Richard markt him for the Graue, 
And wherefoere he is, hee's furely dead. Qlifford grones 

Sich.WhoCe foule is that which takes hir heauy leaue? 
A deadly grone, like life and deaths departing. 
See who it is. 

Ed. And now the Battailes ended, 
If Friend or Foe, let him be gently vfed. 

Rich. Reuoke that doome of mercy, for 'tis Clifford, 
Who not contented that he lopp'd the Branch 
In hewing Rutland, when his leaues put forth, 
But fet his murth'ring knife vnto the Roote, 
From whence that tender fpray did fweetly fpring, 
I meane our Princely Father,Duke of Yorke. 

War. From off the gates of Yorke, fetch down y head, 
Your Fathers head, which Clifford placed there : 
In ftead whereof, let this fupply the roome, 
Meafure for meafure, muft be anfwered. 

.E^.Bring forth that fatall Schreechowle to our houfe, 
That nothing fung but death, to vs and c.urs : 
Now death fhall flop his difmall threatning found, 
And his ill-boading tongue, no more fhall fpeake. 

War. I thinke is vnderftanding is bereft : 
Speake Clifford,dott thou know who fpeakes to thee? 
Darke cloudy death ore-fhades his beames of life, 
And he nor fees, nor heares vs,what we fay. 

Rich. O would he did, and fo ( perhaps )he doth, 
'Tis but his policy to counterfet, 
Becaufe he would auoid fuch bitter taunts 
Which in the time of death he gaue our Father. 

Cla. If fo thou think'ft, 
Vex him with eager Words. • 

Rich. Clifford, aske mercy, and obtaine no grace. 

Ed. Clifford, repent in bootleffe penitence. 

War. Clifford, deuife excufes for thy faults. 

Cla. While we deuife fell Tortures for thy faults. 

Rich. Thou didd'ft loue Yorke, and I am fon to Yorke. 

Edw. Thou pittied'ft Rutland,! will pitty thee; 

Cla. Where's Captaine (^Margaret, .to fence you now? 

War. They mocke thee Clifford, 
Sweare as thou was't wont. 

Sic. What, not an Oath? Nay then the world go's hard 
When Clifford cannot fpare his Friends an oath : 
I know by that he's dead, and by my Soule, 
If this right hand would buy two houres life, 
That I(in all deipight) might rayle at him, 
This hand fhould chop it oft': & with the iffuing Blood 
Stifle the Villaine, whofe vnftanched thirft 
Yorke, and yong Rutland could not fatisfie 

War. I, but he's dead. Of with the Traitors head, 
And reare it in the place your Fathers ftands. 
And now to London with Triumphant march, 

p 3 There 



The third 'Part offing Henry the Sixt. 



There to be crowned Englands Royall King : 

From whence, fhall Warwicke cut the Sea to France, 

And aske the Ladie Bona for thy Queene : 

So fhalt thou finow both thefe Lands together, 

And hauing France thy Friend, thou (halt not dread 

The fcattred Foe, that hopes to rife againe : 

For though they cannot greatly fting to hurt, 

Yet looke to haue them buz to offend thine eares : 

Firft, will I fee the Coronation, 

And then to Britanny He croffe the Sea, 

To effect this marriage, fo it pleafe my Lord. 

Ed. Euen as thou wilt fweet Warwicke, let it bee : 
For in thy flioulder do I builde my Seate; 
And neuer will I vndertake the thing 
Wherein thy counfaile and confent is wanting: 
%ichard, I will create thee Duke of Gloucefter, 
And George of Clarence ; Warwicke as our Selfe, 
Shall do, and vndo as him plealeth beft. 

Rich. Let me be Duke of Clarence, George of Glofter, 
For Glofters Dukedome is too ominous. 

War. Tut, that's a foolifh obferuation : 
~Richard, be Duke of Glofter : Now to London, 
To fee thefe Honors in poffeffion. Exeunt 

Enter Sinido, and Humfrey, with CroJJe-bowes 
in their hands. 

(our felues: 

Sin\. Vnder this thicke growne brake, wee'l ftirowd 
For through this Laund anon the Deere will come, 
And in this couert will we make our Stand, 
Culling the principall of all the Deere. 

Hum. He ftay aboue the hill, fo both may moot. 

Sink_. That cannot be, the noife of thy Croffe-bow 
Will fcarre the Heard, and fo my fhoot is loft: 
Heere ftand we both, and ayme we at the beft : 
And for the time fhall not feeme tedious, 
He tell thee what befell me on a day, 
In this felfe-place, where now we meane to ftand. 

Sin^. Heere comes a man, let's ftay fill he be paft: 
Enter the King with a Prayer boo\e. 

Hen. From Scotland am I ftolne euen of pure loue, 
To greet mine owne Land with my wifhfull fight : 
No Harry, Harry, 'tis no Land of thine, 
Thy place is fill'd, thy Scepter wrung from thee, 
Thy Balme wafht off, wherewith thou was Annointed : 
No bending knee will call thee Ca?Jar now, 
No humble futers preafe to fpeake for right : 
No, not a man comes for redreffe of thee : 
For how can I helpe them, and not my felfe ? 

Sin^. I, heere's a Deere, whofe skin's a Keepers Fee : 
This is the quondam King ; Let's feize vpon him. 

Hen. Let me embrace the fower Aduerfaries, 
For Wife men fay, it is the wifeft courfe. 

Hum. Why linger we? Let vs lay hands vpon him. 

Sin\. Forbeare a-while, wee'l heare a little more. 

Hen. My Queene and Son are gone to France for aid: 
And (as I heare )the great Commanding Warwicke 
I: thither gone, to craue the French Kings Sifter 
To wife for Edward. If this newes be true, 
Poore Queene, and Sonne, your labour is but loft: 
For Warwicke is a fubtle Orator : 

And Lewis a Prince foone wonne with mouing words: 
By this account then, Margaret may winne him, 
For fhe's a woman to be pittied much : 
Her fighes will make a batt'ry in his breft, 
Her teares will pierce into a Marble heart : 



The Tyger will be milde, whiles fhe doth mourne ; 

And Nero will be tainted with remorfe, 

To heare and fee her plaints, her Brinilh Teares. 

I, but ftiee's come to begge, Warwicke to giue : 

Shee on his left fide, crauing ayde for Henrie ; 

He on his right, asking a wife for Edward. 

Shee Weepes, and fayes, her Henry is depos'd: 

He Smiles, and fayes, his Edward is inftaul'd; 

That me (poore Wretch) for greefe can fpeake no more: 

Whiles Warwicke tels his Title, fmooths the Wrong, 

Inferreth arguments of mighty ftrength, 

And in conclufion winnes the King from her, 

With promife of his Sifter, and what elfe, 

To ftrengthen and fupport King Edwards place. 



O Ma 



'gare, 



i thus 'twill be, and thou (poore foule) 



Oath. 



Art then forfaken,as thou went'ft forlorne. 

Hum. Say, what art thou talk'ft of Kings & Queei 

King.More then I feeme, and leffe then I was born t 
A man at leaft, for leffe I fhould not be : 
And men may talke of Kings, and why not I? 

Hum. I, but thou talk'ft, as if thou wer't a King. 

King. Why fo I am (in Minde)and that's enough. 

Hum. But if thou be a King, where is thy Crowne? 

King, My Crowne is in my heart, not on my head : 
Not deck'd with Diamonds,and Indian ftones : 
Nor to be feene : my Crowne, is call'd Content, 
A Crowne it is, that fildome Kings enioy. 

Hum. Well, if you be a King crown'd with Content, 
Your Crowne Content,and you,muft be contented 
I To go along with vs. For (as we thinke) 
You are the king King Edward hath depos'd : 
And we his fubiedls, fworne in all Allegeance, 
Will apprehend you, as his Enemie. 

King. But did you neuer fweare,and breake 

Hum. No, neuer fuch an Oath, nor will not now. 

King.Wheie did you dwell when I was K. of England? 

Hum. Heere in this Country, where we now remaine. 

King. I was annointed King at nine monthes old, 
My Father,and my Grandfather were Kings: 
I And you were fworne true Subiecls vnto me: 
And tell me then, haue you not broke your Oathes? 

An. No, for we were Subie£b,but while you wer king 

King. Why ? Am I dead? Do I not breath a Man? 
Ah fimple men, you know not what you fweare : 
Looke, as I blow this Feather from my Face, 
And as the Ayre blowes it to me againe, 
Obeying with my winde when I do blow, 
And yeelding to another, when it blowes, 
Commanded alwayes by the greater guft : 
Such is the lightneffe of you, common men. 
But do not breake your Oathes, for of that finne, 
My milde intreatie fhall not make you guiltie. 
Go where you will, the king mall be commanded, 
And be you kings, command, and He obey. 

S'wkjo. We are true Subjects to the king, 
King Edward. 

King. So would you be againe to Henrie, 
If he were feated as king Edward is. 

Sinkjo. We charge you in Gods name & the Kings, 
To go with vs vnto the Officers. 

King. In Gods name lead, your Kings name be obeyd, 
And what God will, that let your King performe, 
And what he will, I humbly yeeld vnto. Exeunt 

Enter K.Edward,GloJler,Clarence,Lady Gray. 
King. Brother of Glofter,at S. Albons field 



The third ^Part of lining Henry the Sixt. 



l 59 



This Ladyes Husband, Sir Richard Grey, was flaine, 
His Land then feiz'd on by the Conqueror, 
Her fuit is now, to repoffeffe thofe Lands, 
Which wee in Iuftice cannot well deny, 
Becaufe in Quarrell of the Houfe of Yor^e, 
The worthy Gentieman did lofe his Life. 

2yd). Your Highneffe fhall doe well to graunt her fuit : 
It were difhonor to deny it her. 

King. It were no leffe,but yet He make a pawfe. 

""Rich. Yea,isitfo: 
I fee the Lady hath a thing to graunt, 
Before the King will graunt her humble fuit. 

Qlarence. Hee knowes the Game, how true hee keepes 
the winde ? 

Rich. Silence. 

King. Widow, we will confider of your fuit, 
And come fome other time to know our minde. 

Wid. Right gracious Lord, I cannot brooke delay: 
May it pleafe your Highneffe to refolue me now, 
And what your pleafure is, (hall fatisfie me. 

Rich. I Widow? then He warrant you all your Lands, 
And if what pleafes him, fhall pleafure you : 
Fight clofer,or good faith you'le catch a Blow. 

Clarence. I feare her not,vnlefTe fhe chance to fall. 

Rich. God forbid that, for hee'le take vantages. 

King. How many Children haft thou, Widow? tell 
me. 

Clarence. I thinke he meanes to begge a Child of her. 

Rich. Nay then whip me : hee'le rather giue her two. 

Wid. Three, my moft gracious Lord. 

Rich. You mall haue foure, if you'le be rul'd by him. 

King. 'Twere pittie they Ihould lofe their Fathers 
Lands. 

Wid. Be pittifull, dread Lord,and graunt it then. 

King. Lords giue vs leaue , He trye this Widowes 
wit. 

Rich. I, good leaue haue you, for you will haue leaue, 
Till Youth take leaue, and leaue you to the Crutch. 

King. Now tell me , Madame , doe you loue your 
Children ? 

Wid. I, full as dearely as I loue my felfe. 

King. And would you not doe much to doe them 



Wid. 
harme. 

King. 
good. 

Wid. 

King. 

Wid. 

King. 

Wid. 

King. 

Wid. 

King. 

Wid. 

mands. 

Rich. 
Marble. 

Clar. 

Wid. 

Taske ? 

King. 

Wid. 

King. 
thee. 



To doe them good, I would fuftayne fome 
Then get your Husbands Lands, to doe them 

Therefore I came vnto your Maieftie. 

He tell you how thefe Lands are to be got. 

So mall you bind me to your Highneffe feruice. 

What feruice wilt thou doe me, if 1 giue them? 
What you command, that refts in me to doe. 

But you will take exceptions to my Boone. 
No, gracious Lord, except I cannot doe it. 

I, but thou canftdoe what I meane to aske. 
Why then I will doe what your Grace com- 

Hee plyes her hard, and much Raine weares the 

As red as fire ? nay then, her Wax muft melt. 
Why ftoppes my Lord ? lhall I not heare my 

An eafie Taske,'tis but to loue a King. 
That's foone perform'd, becaufe I am a SubiedT:. 
Why then, thy Husbands Lands I freely giue 



Wid. I take my leaue with many thoufand thankes. 

Rich. The Match is made, fhee feales it with a Curfie. 

King. But flay thee,'tis the fruits of loue I meane. 

Wid. The fruits of Loue, I meane,my louing Liege. 

King. I, but I feare me in another fence. 
What Loue, think'ft thou, I fue fo much to get? 

Wid. My loue till death, my humble thanks, my prayers, 
That loue which Vertue begges,and Vertue graunts. 

King. No, by my troth, I did not meane fuch loue. 

Wid. Why then you meane not,as I thought you did. 

King. But now you partly may perceiue my minde. 

Wid. My minde will neuer graunt what I perceiue 
Your Highneffe aymes at, if I ayme aright. 

King. To tell thee plaine, I ayme to lye with thee. 

Wid. To tell you plaine, I had rather lye in Prifon. 

King. Why then thou fhalt not haue thy Husbands 
Lands. 

Wid. Why then mine Honeftie /hall be my Dower, 
For by that loffe, I will not purchafe them. 

King. Therein thou wrong'ft thy Children mightily. 

Wid. Herein your Highneffe wrongs both them & me: 
But mightie Lord, this merry inclination 
Accords not with the fadneffe of my fuit : 
Pleafe you difmiffe me,eyther with I, or no. 

King. I, if thou wilt fay I to my requeft : 
No, if thou do'ft fay No to my demand. 

Wid. Then No, my Lord: my fuit is at an end. 

Rich. The Widow likes him not , fhee knits her 
Browes. 

Clarence. Hee is the blunteft Wooer in Chriften- 
dome. 

King. Her Looks doth argue her replete with Modefty, 
Her Words doth fhew her Wit incomparable, 
All her perfections challenge Soueraigntie, 
One way, or other, fhee is for a King, 
And fhee fhall be my Loue, or elfe my Queene. 
Say, that King Edward take thee for his Queene ? 

Wid. 'Tis better faid then done, my gracious Lord: 
I am a fubieft fit to ieaft withall, 
But farre vnfit to be a Soueraigne. 

King. Sweet Widow, by my State I fweare to thee, 
I fpeake no more then what my Soule intends, 
And that is,to enioy thee for my Loue, 

Wid. And that is more then I will yeeld vnto : 
I know, I am too meane to be your Queene, 
And yet too good to be your Concubine. 

King. You cauill, Widow, I did meane my Queene. 

Wid. 'Twill grieue your Grace, my Sonnes fhould call 
you Father. 

King. No more, then when my Daughters 
Call thee Mother. 

Thou art a Widow, and thou haft fome Children, 
And by Gods Mother, I being but a Batchelor, 
Haue other-fome. Why,'tis a happy thing, 
To be the Father vnto many Sonnes: 
Anfwer no more, for thou fhalt be my Queene. 

Rich. The Ghoftly Father now hath done his Shrift. 

Clarence. When hee was made a Shriuer, 'twas for fhift. 

King. Brothers, you mufe what Chat wee two haue 
had. 

Rich. The Widow likes it not, for fhee lookes very 
fad. 

King. You'ld thinke it ftrange, if I fhould marrie 
her. 

Clarence. To who, my Lord ? 

King. Why Clarence,to my felfe. 

"Rich. That 



i6o 



The third ^Part offing Henry the Sixt. 



Rich. That would be tenne dayes wonder at the leaft. 
Clarence. That's a day longer then a Wonder lafts. 
Rich. By fo much is the Wonder in extremes. 
King. Well,ieaft on Brothers: I can tell you both, 
Her fuit is graunted for her Husbands Lands. 

Enter a Noble man. 

Nob. My gracious Lord, Henry your Foe is taken, 
And brought your Prifoner to your Pallace Gate. 

King. See that he be conuey'd vnto the Tower : 
And goe wee Brothers to the man that tooke him, 
To queftion of his apprehenfion. 
Widow goe you along: Lords vfe her honourable. 
Exeunt. 
Manet Richard. 

Rich. I, Edward will vfe Women honourably: 
Would he were wafted, Marrow, Bones, and all, 
That from his Loynes no hopefull Branch may fpring, 
To croffe me from the Golden time I looke for : 
And yet,betweene my Soules defire,and me, 
The luftfull Edwards Title buryed, 
Is Clarence, Henry, and his Sonne young Edward, 
And all the vnlook'd-for IfTue of their Bodies, 
To take their Roomes, ere I can place my felfe: 
A cold premeditation for my purpofe. 
Why then I doe but dreameon Soueraigntie, 
Like one that ftands vpon a Promontorie, 
And fpyes a farre-off fhore, where hee would tread, 
Wifliing his foot were equall with his eye, 
And chides the Sea, that funders him from thence, 
Saying, hee'le lade it dry, to haue his way : 
So doe I wifli the Crowne, being fo farre off, 
And fo I chide the meanes that keepes me from it, 
And fo (I fay) lie cut the Caufes off, 
Flattering me with impoffibilities : 
My Eyes too quicke,my Heart o're-weenes too much, 
Vnlefie my Hand and Strength could equall them. 
Well, fay there is no Kingdome then for Richard: 
What other Pleafure can the World affoord ? 
He make my Heauen in a Ladies Lappe, 
And decke my Body in gay Ornaments, 
And 'witch fweet Ladies with my Words and Lookes. 
Oh miferable Thought! and more vnlikely, 
Then to accomplish twentie Golden Crownes. 
Why Loue forfwore me in my Mothers Wombe: 
And for I fhould not deale in her foft Lawes, 
Shee did corrupt frayle Nature with fome Bribe, 
To fhrinke mine Arme vp like a wither'd Shrub, 
To make an enuious Mountaine on my Back, 
Where fits Deformitie to mocke my Body; 
To fhape my Legges of an vnequall fize, 
To dif-proportion me in euery part: 
Like to a Chaos, or an vn-lick'd Beare-whelpe, 
That carryes no imprefiion like the Damme. 
And am I then a man to be belou'd ? 
Oh monftrous fault, to harbour fuch a thought. 
Then fince this Earth affoords no Ioy to me, 
But to command, to check, to o're-beare fuch, 
As are of better Perfon then my felfe : 
He make my Heauen, to dreame vpon the Crowne, 
And whiles 1 liue,t'account this World but Hell, 
Vntill my mis-fhap'd Trunke, that beares this Head, 
Be round impaled with a glorious Crowne. 
And yet I know not how to get the Crowne, 
For many Liues ftand betweene me and home : 



And I, like one loft in a Thornie Wood, 

That rents the Thornes,and is rent with the Thornes, 

Seeking a way, and ftraying from the way, 

Not knowing how to finde the open Ayre, 

But toyling defperately to finde it out, 

Torment my felfe, to catch the Englifh Crowne : 

And from that torment I will free my felfe, 

Or hew my way out with a bloody Axe. 

Why I can fmile,and murther whiles I fmile, 

And cry, Content, to that which grieues my Heart, 

And wet my Cheekes with artificiall Teares, 

And frame my Face to all occafions. 

He drowne more Saylers then the Mermaid ihall, 

He flay more gazers then the Bafiliske, 

He play the Orator as well as Neflor, 

Deceiue more flyly then Vliffes could, 

And like a Synon, take another Troy. 

I can adde Colours to the Camelion, 

Change fliapes with Proteus, for aduantages, 

And let the murtherous oMacheuill to Schoole. 

Can I doe this,and cannot get a Crowne? 

Tut, were it farther off, He plucke it downe. Exit. 

Flourijh. 

Enter Lewis the French King, his Sislcr 'Bona, his 

zAdmirall, calPd "Bourbon : Prince Edward, 

S^ueene Margaret, and the Earle of Oxford. 

Lewis fits, and rifeth -up againe. 

Lewis. Faire Queene of England, worthy Margaret, 
Sit downe with vs : it ill befits thy State, 
And Birth, that thou fhould'ft ftand, while Lewis doth fit. 

Marg. No,mightie King of France : now Margaret 
Muft ftrike her fayle,and learne a while to ferue, 
Where Kings command. I was (I muft confeffe) 
Great Albions Queene, in former Golden dayes : 
But now mifchance hath trod my Title downe, 
And with dif-honor layd me on the ground, 
Where I muft take like Seat vnto my fortune, 
And to my humble Seat conforme my felfe. 

Lewis. Why fay, faire Queene, whence fprings this 
deepe defpaire ? 

Mjrg.From fuch a caufe,as fills mine eyes with teares, 
And flops my tongue, while heart is drown'd in cares. 

Lewis. What ere it be, be thou ftill like thy felfe, 
And fit thee by our fide. Seats her by him. 

Yeeld not thy necke to Fortunes yoake, 
But let thy dauntleffe minde ftill ride in triumph, 
Ouer all mifchance. 

Be plaine, Queene Margaret, and tell thy griefe, 
It fhall be eas'd, if France can yeeld reliefe. 

Marg. Thofe gracious words 
Reuiue my drooping thoughts, 
And giue my tongue-ty'd forrowes leaue to fpeake. 
Now therefore be it knowne to Noble Lewis, 
That Henry, fole pofTeflbr of my Loue, 
Is, of a King, become a baniflit man, 
And forc'd to liue in Scotland a Forlorne ; 
While prowd ambitious Edward,Duke of Yorke, 
Vfurpes the Regall Title, and the Seat 
OfEnglands true anoynted lawfull King. 
This is the caufe that I, poore ^Margaret, 
With this my Sonne, Prince Edward, Henries Heire, 
Am come to craue thy iuft and lawfull ayde : 
And if thou faile vs,all our hope is done. 
Scotland hath will to helpe,but cannot helpe : 

Our 



The third 'Part offing Henry the Sixt. 



161 



Our People,and our Peeres,are both mis-led, 
Our Treafure feiz'd,our Souldiors put to flight, 
And (as thou feed) our felues in heauie plight. 

Lewis. Renowned Queene, 
With patience calme the Storme, 
While we bethinke a meanes to breake it off. 

Marg. The more wee ftay, the ftronger growes our 
Foe. 

Lewis. The more I ftay, the more lie fuccour thee. 

Marg. 0,but impatience waiteth on true forrow. 
And fee where comes the breeder of my forrow. 

Enter Warwicke. 

Lewis. What's hee approacheth boldly to our pre- 
fence ? 

Marg. Our Earle of Warwicke, Edwards greateft 
Friend. 

Lena. Welcome braue Warwicke, what brings thee 
to France ? Hee defends. Shee arifetb. 

Marg. I now begins a fecond Storme to rife, 
For this is hee that moues both Winde and Tyde. 

Warw. From worthy Edward,K.ing of Albion, 
My Lord and Soueraigne,and thy vowed Friend, 
I come (in Kindneffe, and vnfayr.ed LoueJ 
Firft, to doe greetings to thy Royall Perfon, 
And then to craue a League of Amitie : 
And laftly,to confirme that Amitie 
With Nuptiall Knot,if thou vouchfafe to graunt 
That vertuous Lady Sora,thy faire Sifter, 
To Englands King, in lawfull Marriage. 

Marg. If that goe forward, Henries hope is done. 

Warn. And gracious Madame, Speaking to 'Bona. 

In our Kings behalfe, 

I am commanded, with your leaue and fauor, 
Humbly to kiffe your Hand, and with my Tongue 
To tell the paffion of my Soueraignes Heart; 
Where Fame, late entring at his heedfull Eares, 
Hath plac'd thy Beauties Image, and thy Vertue. 

Marg. King Lewis,a.nd Lady 'Bora, heare me fpeake, 
Before you anfwer Warwicke. His demand 
Springs not from Edwards well-meant honeft Loue, 
But from Deceit, bred by Neceflitie : 
For how can Tyrants fafely gouerne home, 
Vnlefle abroad they purchafe great allyance? 
To proue him Tyrant, this reafon may fuffice, 
That Henry liueth ftill : but were hee dead, 
Yet here Prince Edward ftands,King Henries Sonne. 
Looke therefore Lewis, that by this League and Manage 
Thou draw not on thy Danger,and Dis-honor: 
For though Vfurpers fway the rule a while, 
Yet Heau'ns are iuft,and Time fuppreffeth Wrongs, 

Warw. Iniurious (^Margaret. 

Edw. And why not Queene? 

Warw. Becaufe thy Father Henry did vfurpe, 
And thou no more art Prince, then ftiee is Queene. 

Oxf. Then Warwicke difanulls great Iohn of Gaunt, 
Which did fubdue the greateft part of Spaine; 
And after Iohn of Gaunt, Henry the Fourth, 
Whofe Wifdome was a Mirror to the wifeft: 
And after that wife Prince, Henry the Fift, 
Who by his Proweffe conquered all France : 
From thefe,our Henry lineally defcends. 

Warw. Oxford,how haps it in this fmooth difcourfe, 
You told not,how Henry the Sixt hath loft 
All that, which Henry the Fift had gotten : 



Me thinkes thefe Peeres of France fliould fmile at that. 
But for the reft; you tell a Pedigree 
Of threefcore and two yeeres,a filly time 
To make prefcription for a Kingdomes worth. 

Oxf. Why Warwicke, canft thou fpeak againft thy Liege, 
Whom thou obeyd'ft thirtie and fix yeeres, 
And not bewray thy Treafon with a Blufli ? 

Warw. Can Oxford, that did euer fence the right, 
Now buckler Falsehood with a Pedigree ? 
For ftiame leaue Henry, and call Edward King. 

Oxf. Call him my King, by whofe iniurious doome 
My elder Brother, the Lord ^Aubrey Vere 
Was done to death ? and more then fo,my Father, 
Euen in the downe-fall of his mellow'd yeeres, 
When Nature brought him to the doore of Death? 
No Warwicke, no: while Life vpholds this Arme, 
This Arme vpholds the Houfe of Lancafter. 

Warw. And I the Houfe of Tor he. 

Lewis. Queene Margaret, Prince Sdward,a.ni Oxford, 
Vouchfafe at our requeft,to ftand afide, 
While I vfe further conference with Warwick^. 
They ftand aloof e. 

Marg. Heauens graunt, that Warwickes wordes be- 
witch him not. 

Lew. Now Warwicke,tz\\ me euen vpon thy confcience 
Is Edward your true King ? for I were loth 
To linke with him, that were not lawfull chofen, 

Warw. Thereon I pawne my Credit, and mine Ho- 
nor. 

Lewis. But is hee gracious in the Peoples eye ? 

Warw. The more, that Henry was vnfortunate. 

Lewis. Then further : all diffembling fet afide, 
Tell me for truth, the meafure of his Loue 
Vnto our Sifter Bona. 

War. Such it feemes, 
As may befeeme a Monarch like himfelfe. 
My felfe haue often heard him fay, and fweare, 
That this his Loue was an externall Plant, 
Whereof the Root was fixt in Vertues ground, 
The Leaues and Fruit maintain'd with Beauties Sunne, 
Exempt from Enuy,but not from Difdaine, 
Vnlefle the Lady 'Bona quit his paine. 

Lewis. Now Sifter, let vs heare your firme refolue. 

Bona. Your graunt,or your denyall, fliall be mine. 
Yet I confefle, that often ere this day, Speaks to War. 
When I haue heard your Kings defert recounted, 
Mine eare hath tempted iudgement to defire. 

Lewis. Then Warwicke, thus : 
Our Sifter fliall be Edwards. 
And now forthwith fliall Articles be drawne, 
Touching the Ioynture that your King muft make, 
Which with her Dowrie fliall be counter-poys'd: 
Draw neere, Queene Margaret, and be a witneffe, 
That Bora fliall be Wife to the Englifli King. 

Pr.Edw. To Edward, but not to the Englifli King. 

Marg. Deceitfull Warwicke,\t was thy deuice, 
By this alliance to make void my fuit : 
Before thy comming, Lewis was Henries friend. 

Lewis. And ftill is friend to him, and Margaret. 
But if your Title to the Crowne be weake, 
As may appeare by Edwards good fucceffe : 
Then 'tis but reafon, that I be releas'd 
From giuing ayde, which late I promifed. 
Yet fliall you haue all kindneffe at my hand, 
That your Eftate requires, and mine can yeeld. 

Warw. Henrv now liues in Scotland, at his eafe; 

Where 



162 



The third 'Part offing Henry the Sixt. 



Where hauing nothing, nothing can he lofe. 
And as for you your felfe (our quondam Queene) 
You haue a Father able to maintaine you, 
And better 'twere, you troubled him, then France. 

Mar. Peace impudent, and Ihameleffe Warwicke, 
Proud fetter vp, and puller downe of Kings, 
I will not hence, till with my Talke and Teares 
(Both full of Truth) I make King Levis behold 
Thy (lye conueyance,and thy Lords falfe loue, 

loft blowing a borne Within. 
For both of you are Birds of felfe-fame Feather. 

Lewes. Warwicke, this is fome pofte to vs, or thee. 
Enter the Pofte. 

Poft. My Lord Ambaffador, 
Thefe Letters are for you. Spea\es to Warwick , 

Sent from your Brother Marqueffe Montague. 
Thefe from our King, vnto your Maiefty. To Lewis. 

And Madam, thefe for you: To Margaret 

From whom, I know not. 

They all reade their Letters. 

Oxf. I like it well, that our faire Queene and Miftris 
Smiles at her newes, while fVarwWke frownes at his. 

Prince Ed. Nay marke how LewU ftampes as he were 
netled. I hope, all's for the beft. 

Lew. Warwicke, what are thy Newes? 
And yours, faire Queene. 

Mar. Mine fuch,as fill my heart with vnhop'd ioyes. 

War. Mine full of forrow, and hearts difcontent. 

Lew. What? has your King married the Lady Grey? 
And now to footh your Forgery, and his, 
Sends me a Paper to perfwade me Patience ? 
Is this th'Alliance that he feekes with France ? 
Dare he prefume to fcorne vs in this manner? 

Mar. I told your Maiefty as much before : 
This proueth Edwards Loue, and Warwickes honefty. 

War. King Lewis, I heere proteft in fight of heauen, 
And by the hope I haue of heauenly blifie, 
That I am cleere from this mifdeed of Edwards; 
No more my King, for he dishonors me, 
But moft himfelfe, if he could fee his fhame. 
Did I forget, that by the Houfe of Yorke 
My Father came vntimely to his death ? 
Did I let paffe th'abufe done to my Neece ? 
Did I impale him with the Regall Crowne f 
Did I put Henry from his Natiue Right? 
And am I guerdon'd at the laft, with Shame ? 
Shame on himfelfe, for my Defert is Honor. 
And to repaire my Honor loft for him, 
I heere renounce him, and returne to Henry. 
My Noble Queene, let former grudges paffe, 
And henceforth, I am thy true Seruitour : 
I will reuenge his wrong to Lady 'Bona, 
And replant Henry in his former ftate. 

i^Mar. Warwicke, 
Thefe words haue turn'd my Hate, to Loue, 
And I forgiue, and quite forget old faults, 
And ioy that thou becom'ft King Henries Friend. 

War. So much his Friend, I,his vnfained Friend, 
That if King Lewis vouchfafe to furnifh vs 
With fome few Bands of chofen Soldiours, 
He vndertake to Land them on our Coaft, 
And force the Tyrant from his feat by Warre. 
'Tis not his new-made Bride (hall fuccour him. 
And as for Clarence, as my Letters tell me, 
Hee's very likely now to fall from him, 
For matching more for wanton Luft, then Honor, 



Or then for ftrength and fafety of our Country. 

'Bona. Deere Brother, how mail Bona be reueng'd, 
But by thy helpe to this diftreffed Queene ? 

Mar. Renowned Prince, how fhall Poore Henry liue, 
Vnleffe thou refcue him from foule difpaire ? 

Bona. My quarrel, and this Englifh Queens, are one. 

War. And mine faire Lady 'Bona, ioynes with yours. 

Lew. And mine, with hers, and thine, and Margarets. 
Therefore, at laft, I firmely am refolu'd 
You ftiall haue ayde. 

Mar. Let me giue humble thankes for all,at once. 

Lew. Then Englands Meffenger, returne in Pofte, 
And tell falfe Edward, thy fuppofed King, 
That Lewis of France, is lending ouer Maskers 
To reuell it with him, and his new Bride. 
Thou feeft what's paft, go feare thy King withall. 

Bona. Tell him, in hope hee'l proue a widower fhortly, 
I weare the Willow Garland for his fake. 

Mar. Tell him, my mourning weeds are layde afide, 
And I am ready to put Armor on. 

War. Tell him from me, that he hath done me wrong, 
And therefore lie vn-Crowne him, er't be long. 
There's thy reward, be gone. Exit Poft. 

Lew. But Warwicke, 
Thou and Oxford, with fiue thoufand men 
Shall croffe the Seas, and bid falfe Edward battaile: 
And as occafion ferues, this Noble Queen 
And Prince, fhall follow with a frefh Supply. 
Yet ere thou go, but anfwer me one doubt : 
What Pledge haue we of thy firme Loyalty ? 

War. This fhall affure my conftant Loyalty, 
That if our Queene, and this young Prince agree, 
He ioyne mine eldeft daughter, and my Ioy, 
To him forthwith, in holy Wedlocke bands. 

Mar. Yes, I agree, and thanke you for your Motion. 
Sonne Edward, me is Faire and Vertuous, 
Therefore delay not, giue thy hand to Warwicke, 
And with thy hand, thy faith irreuocable, 
That onely Warwickes daughter fhall be thine. 

Trin.Ed. Yes, I accept her, for Ihe well deferues it, 
And heere to pledge my Vow, I giue my hand. 

He giues his hand to Warm. 

Lew. Why ftay we now? Thefe foldiers fhalbe leuied, 
And thou Lord Bourbon, our High Admirall 
Shall waft them ouer with our Royall Fleete. 
I long till Edward fall by Warres mifchance, 
For mocking Marriage with a Dame of France. 

Exeunt. Manet Warwicke. 

War. I came from Edward as Ambaffador, 
But I returne his fworne and mortall Foe : 
Matter of Marriage was the charge he gaue me, 
But dreadfull Warre mall anfwer his demand. 
Had he none elfe to make a ftale but me? 
Then none but I, fhall turne his left to Sorrow. 
I was the Cheefe that rais'd him to the Crowne, 
And He be Cheefe to bring him downe againe : 
Not that I pitty Henries mifery, 
But feeke Reuenge on Edwards mockery. Exit. 

Enter Richard, Clarence, Somerfet, and 
Mountague. 

'Rich. Now tell me Brother Clarence, what thinke you 
Of this new Marriage with the Lady Gray} 
Hath not our Brother made a worthy choice? 

Cla. Alas, you know, tis farre from hence to France, 

How 



The third Vart offing Henry the Sixt. 



63 



How could he ftay till Warwiche made returne ? 

Som. My Lords, forbeare this talke : heere comes the 
King. 

Flourip . 
Enter King Ed-ward, Lady Grey , Peniroo^e , Staf- 
ford, Haftings : foure ftand on one fide , 
andfoure on the other. 

Rich. And his well-chofen Bride. 

Clarence. I minde to tell him plainly what I thinke. 

King. Now Brother of Clarence, 
How like you our Choyce, 
That you ftand penfiue,as halfe malecontent ? 

Clarence. As well as Lewis of France, 
Or the Earle of Warwicke, 

Which are fo weake of courage, and in iudgement, 
That they'le take no offence at our abufe. 

King. Suppofe they take offence without a caufe : 
They are but Lewis and Warwic%e,\ am Edward, 
Your King and Warwic\es , and muft haue my will. 

Rich. And fhall haue your will, becaufe our King : 
Yet haftie Marriage feldome proueth well. 

King. Yea, Brother Richard, are you offended too ? 

Rich. Not I : no : 
God forbid, that I fhould wiih them feuer'd, 
Whom God hath ioyn'd together : 
I, and 'twere pittie, to funder them, 
That yoake fo well together. 

King. Setting your skornes,and your millike afide, 
Tell me fome reafon, why the Lady Grey 
Should not become my Wife, and Englands Queene ? 
And you too, Somerfet ,and <zMountague , 
Speake freely what you thinke. 

Clarence. Then this is mine opinion : 
That King Lewis becomes your Enemie, 
For mocking him about the Marriage 
Of the Lady Bona. 

Rich. And Warwicke, doing what you gaue in charge, 
Is now dis-honored by this new Marriage. 

King. What, if both Lewis and Warwick^ be appeas'd, 
By fuch inuention as I can deuife ? 

Mount. Yet, to haue ioyn'd with France in fuch alliance, 
Would more haue ftrength'ned this our Commonwealth 
'Gainft forraine ftormes, then any home-bred Marriage. 

Hail. Why,knowes not Mountague, that of it felfe, 
England is fafe,if true within it felfe ? 

Mount. But the fafer, when 'tis back'd with France. 

Hail . 'Tis better vfing France,then trailing France : 
Let vs be back'd with God, and with the Seas, 
Which he hath giu'n for fence impregnable, ■ 
And with their helpes,onely defend our felues : 
In them, and in our felues, our fafetie lyes. 

Clar . For this one fpeech, Lord Haftings well deferues 
To haue the Heire of the Lord Hungerford. 

King. I, what of that ? it was my will, and graunt, 
And for this once,my Will fhall ftand for Law. 
Rich. And yet me thinks,your Grace hath not done well, 
To giue the Heire and Daughter of Lord Scales 
Vnto the Brother of your louing Bride ; 
Shee better would haue fitted me,or Clarence : 
But in your Bride you burie Brotherhood. 

Clar. Or elfe you would not haue beftow'd the Heire 
Of the Lord "Bonuill on your new Wiues Sonne, 
And leaue your Brothers to goe fpeede elfewhere. 

King. Alas,poore Clarence : is it for a Wife 
That thou art malecontent f I will prouide thee. 



Clarence. In chufing for your felfe, 
You fhew'd your iudgement : 
Which being fhallow, you fhall giue me leaue 
To play the Broker in mine owne behalfe ; 
And to that end, I fhortly minde to leaue you. 

King. Leaue me, or tarry, Edward will be King, 
And not be ty'd vnto his Brothers will. 

Lady Grey. My Lords, before it pleas'd his Maieftie 
To rayfe my State to Title of a Queene, 
Doe me but right, and you muft all confeffe, 
That I was not ignoble of Defcent, 
And meaner then my felfe haue had like fortune. 
But as this Title honors me and mine, 
So your diflik.es, to whom I would be pleafing, 
Doth cloud my ioyes with danger, and with forrow. 

King. My Loue, forbeare to fawne vpon their f jwnes: 
What danger, or what forrow can befall thee, 
So long as Edward is thy conftant friend, 
And their true Soueraigne, whom they muft obey? 
Nay, whom they fhall obey,and loue thee too, 
Vnleffe they feeke for hatred at my hands : 
Which if they doe, yet will I keepe thee fafe, 
And they fhall feele the vengeance of my wrath. 

Rich. I heare, yet fay not much, but thinke the more. 

Enter aPofte. 

King. Now Meffenger, what Letters, or what Newes 
from France i 

Poft. My Soueraigne Liege, no Letters, & few words, 
But fuch, as I (without your fpeciall pardon) 
Dare not relate. 

King. Goe too, wee pardon thee : 
Therefore, in briefe,tell me their words, 
As neere as thou canft gueffe them. 
What anfwer makes King Lewis vnto our Letters ? 

Posl. At my depart, thefe were his very words: 
Goe tell falfe Edward, the fuppofed King, 
That Lewis of France is fending ouer Maskers, 
To reuell it with him, and his new Bride. 

King. Is Lewis fo braue ? belike he thinkes me Henry. 
But what faid Lady Bona to my Marriage ? 
Poft. Thefe were her words, vtt'red with mild difdaine : 
Tell him, in hope hee'le proue a Widower fhortly, 
He weare the Willow Garland for his fake. 

King. I blame not her ; fhe could fay little leffe : 
She had the wrong. But what faid Henries Queene ? 
For I haue heard, that fhe was there in place. 

Poft. Tell him(quoth fhe) 
My mourning Weedes are done, 
And I am readie to put Armour on. 

King. Belike fhe minds to play the Amazon. 
But what faid Warwicke to thefe iniuries ? 

Toft. He,more incens'd againft your Maieftie, 
Then all the reft, difcharg'd me with thefe words : 
Tell him from me, that he hath done me wrong, 
And therefore He vncrowne him,er't be long. 

AT/n^-.Ha?durft the Traytor breath out fo prowd words? 
Well, I will arme me,being thus fore-warn'd : 
They fhall haue Warres,and pay for their prefumption. 
But fay, is Warwiche friends with Margaret? 

Poft. I, gracious Soueraigne, 
They are fo link'd in friendfhip, 
That yong Prince Edward marryes Warwic\s Daughter. 

Clarence. Belike, the elder ; 
Clarence will haue the younger. 

Now 



164 



The third Tart offing Henry the Sixt 



Now Brother King farewell, and fit you faft, 
For I will hence to Warwic\es other Daughter, 
That though I want a Kingdome, yet in Marriage 
I may not proue inferior to your felfe. 
You that loue me,and Warwick^, follow me. 

Exit Clarence , and Somer Jet folio-wet. 

Rich. Not I : 
My thoughts ayme at a further matter : 
I ftay not for the loue of Edward,but the Crowne. 

King. Clarence and Somerjet both gone to Warwic\e ? 
Yet am I arm'd againft the worft can happen : 
And hafte is needfull in this defp'rate cafe. 
Pembrool^e and Stafford, you in our behalfe 
Goe leuie men, and make prepare for Warre ; 
They are alreadie,or quickly will be landed: 
My felfe in perfon will ftraight follow you. 

Exeunt Pembroo^e and Stafford. 
But ere I goe, Hajlings and Mountague 
Refolue my doubt : you twaine,of all the reft, 
Are neere to Warwicke,hy bloud,and by allyance : 
Tell me,ifyou loue Warwick^ more then me j 
If it be lb, then both depart to him : 
I rather wifli you foes, then hollow friends. 
But if you minde to hold your true obedience, 
Giue me aflurance with fome friendly Vow, 
That I may neuer haue you in fufpedt. 

cfflount. So God helpe <£vfountague, as hee proues 
true. 

HaB. And HaBings, as hee fauours Edwards caufe. 

King. Now, Brother Richard, will you ftand by vs? 

Rich. I, in defpight of all that mall withftand you. 

King. "Why fo : then am I fure of Viclorie. 
Now therefore let vs hence, and lofe no howre, 
Till wee meet Warnic l(e,mth his forreine powre. 

Exeunt. 

Enter Warwic\e and Oxford in England, 
■with French Souldiors. 

Warw. Truft me, my Lord, all hitherto goes well, 
The common people by numbers fwarme to vs. 

Enter Clarence and Somerjet. 
But fee where Somerjet and Clarence comes : 
Speake fuddenly, my Lords, are wee all friends? 

Clar. Feare not that, my Lord. 

Warn. Then gentle Clarence, welcome vnto Warwic\e, 
And welcome Somerjet : I hold it cowardize, 
To reft miftruftfull, where a Noble Heart 
Hath pawn'd an open Hand, in figne of Loue ; 
Elfe might I thinke,that Qlarence,Edwards Brother, 
Were but a fained friend to our proceedings : 
But welcome fweet Qlarence, my Daughter ftiall be thine. 
And now, what refts ? but in Nights Couerture, 
Thy Brother being careleffely encamp'd, 
His Souldiors lurking in the Towne about, 
And but attended by a fimple Guard, 
Wee may furprize and take him at our pleafure, 
Our Scouts haue found the aduenture very eafie : 
That as Vlyffes, and ftout Diomede, 
With Height and manhood ftole to Rhejus Tents, 
And brought from thence the Thracian fatall Steeds 5 
So wee, well couer'd with the Nights black Mantle, 
At vnawares may beat downe Edwards Guard, 
And feize himfelfe : I fay not, (laughter him, 
For I intend but onely to furprize him. 
You that will follow me to this attempt, 



Applaud the Name of Henry, with your Leader. 

They all cry, Henry. 
Why then, let's on our way in filent fort, 
For Warwick and his friends, God and Saint George. 
Exeunt. 

Enter three Watchmen to guard the Kings Tent. 

I. Watch. Come on my Matters, each man take his ftand, 
The King by this, is fet him downe to fleepe. 
2. Watch. What, will he not to Bed? 

1. Watch. Why, no : for he hath made a folemne Vow, 
Neuer to lye and take his natural! Reft, 

Till Warwic^e, or himfelfe, be quite fuppreft. 

2. Watch. To morrow then belike fhall be the day, 
If Warwick be fo neere as men report. 

3. Watch. But fay, I pray, what Noble man is that, 
That with the King here refteth in his Tent? 

1. Watch. 'Tis the Lord Hajlings, the Kings chiefeft 
friend. 

3. Watch. 0,is it fo ? but why commands the King, 
That his chiefe followers lodge in Townes about him, 
While he himfelfe keepes in the told field? 

2. Watch. 'Tis the more honour, becaufe more dange- 
rous. 

3. Watch. I, but giue me worfliip, and quietneffe, 
I like it better then a dangerous honor. 
If Warwicke knew in what eftate he ftands, 
'Tis to be doubted he would waken him. 

1. Watch. Vnlefle our Halberds did fliut vp his paf- 
fage. 

2. Watch. I: wherefore elfe guard we his Royall Tent, 
But to defend his Perfon from Night-foes ? 

Enter Warwic^e, Clarence, Oxford, Somerjet , 
and French Souldiors, filent all. 

Warn. This is his Tent, and fee where ftand his Guard: 
Courage my Matters: Honor now, or neuer: 
But follow me,and Edward mail be ours, 

1 . Watch. Who goes there ? 

2. Watch. Stay, or thou dyeft. 

Warwick? and the rejl cry all ,Warwicke ,Warwic\e, 
and Jet -upon the Guard, who fiye , crying, Arme,Arme, 
Warwicke and the rejl following them. 

The Drumme playing, and Trumpet founding. 

Enter Warwick?, Somerjet, and the reft, bringing the King 

out in his Gowne , fitting in a Chair e : Richard . 

and Hajlings jlyes ouer the Stage. 

Som. What are they that flye there? 

Warw. Richard and Hajlings : let them goe, heere is 
the Duke. 

K.Edw. The Duke? 
Why Warwicke, when wee parted, 
Thou call'dft me King. 

Warw. I, but the cafe is alter'd. 
When you difgrac'd me in my Embaflade, 
Then I degraded you from being King, 
And come now to create you Duke of Yorke. 
Alas, how fhould you gouerne any Kingdome, 
That know not how to vfe Embaffadors, 
Nor how to be contented with one Wife, 
Nor how to vfe your Brothers Brotherly, 
Nor how to ftudie for the Peoples Welfare, 
Nor how to ftirowd your felfe from Enemies ? 

K:Edw. Yea, 



The third Part offing Henry the Sixt. 



167 



K. Edw. Yea, Brother of Clarence, 
Art thou here too ? 

Nay then I fee, that Edward needs muft downe. 
Yet Warwicke, in defpight of all mifchance, 
Of thee thy felfe,and all thy Complices, 
Edward will alwayes beare himfelfe as King : 
Though Fortunes mallice ouerthrow my State, 
My minde exceedes the compaffe of her Wheele. 
Warw. Then for his minde, be Edward Englands King, 

Takes off his Crowne. 

But Henry now mall weare the Englilh Crowne, 
And be true King indeede: thou but the fhadow. 
My Lord of Somerfet, at my requeft, 
See that forthwith Duke Edward be conuey'd 
Vnto my Brother Arch-Bifhop of Yorke : 
When I haue fought with Pembroo\e,znd his fellowes, 
He follow you, and tell what anfwer 
Lewis and the Lady 'Bona fend to him. 
Now for a-while farewell good Duke of Yorke. 
They leade him out forcibly. 

AT.£(/.What Fates impofe, that men muft needs abide; 
It boots not to refift both winde and tide. Exeunt. 

Oxf. What now remaines my Lords for vs to do, 
But march to London with our Soldiers? 

War. I, that's the firft thing that we haue to do, 
To free King Henry from imprifonment, 
And fee him feated in the Regall Throne. exit. 



Enter Riuers, and Lady Gray, 

T{iu. Madam, what makes you in this fodain change? 

Gray. Why Brother Riuers, are you yet to learne 
What late misfortune is befalne King Edward? 

Riu. What lofle of fome pitcht battell 
Againft Warwicke? 

Gray. No, but the loffe of his owne Royall perfon. 

Riu. Then is my Soueraigne flaine? 

Gray. Ialmoft flaine, for he is taken prifoner, 
Either betrayd by falfhood of his Guard, 
Or by his Foe furpriz'd at vnawares : 
And as I further haue to vnderftand, 
Is new committed to the Bifhop of Yorke, 
Fell Warwickes Brother, and by that our Foe. 

Riu. Thefe Newes I muft confeffe are full of greefe, 
Yet gracious Madam, beare it as you may, 
Warwicke may loofe, that now hath wonne the day. 
Gray. Till then,faire hope muft hinder liues.decay: 
And I the rather waine me from difpaire 
For loue of Edwards Off-fpring in my wombe: 
This is it that makes me bridle paffion, 
And beare with Mildneffe my misfortunes croffe : 
I, I, for this I draw in many a teare, 
And ftop the rifing of blood-fucking fighes, 
Leaft with my fighes or teares, I blaft or drowne 
King Edwards Fruite, true heyre to th'Englifh Crowne. 

Riu. But Madam, 
Where is Warwicke then become ? 

Gray. I am inform'd that he comes towards London, 
To fet the Crowne once more on Henries head, 
Gueffe thou the reft, King Edwards Friends muft downe. 
But to preuent the Tyrants violence, 
(For truft not him that hath once broken Faith) 
lie hence forthwith vnto the Sanctuary, 



To faue (at leaft; the heire of Edwards right : 

There fliall I reft fecure from force and fraud : 

Come therefore let vs flye, while we may flye, 

If Warwicke take vs,we are fure to dye. exeunt. 

Enter Richard, Lord Haftings,and Sir William 
Stanley. 

Rich. Now my Lord Haftings, and Sir William Stanley 
Leaue off to wonder why I drew you hither, 
Into this cheefeft Thicket of the Parke. 
Thus ftand the cafe : you know our King, my Brother, 
Is prifoner to the Bifhop here, at whofe hands 
He hath good vfage,and great liberty, 
And often but attended with weake guard, 
Come hunting this way to difport himfelfe. 
I haue aduertis'd him by fecret meanes, 
That if about this houre he make this way, 
Vnder the colour of his vfuall game, 
He mall heere finde his Friends with Horfe and Men, 
To fet him free from his Captiuitie. 

Enter King Edward, and a Huntjman 
with him. 

Huntjman. This way my Lord, 
For this way lies the Game. 

King Edw. Nay this way man, 
See where the Huntfmen ftand. 
Now Brother of Glofter,Lord Haftings, and the reft, 
Stand you thus clofe to fteale the Bifhops Deere ? 

Rich. Brother, the time and cafe, requireth haft, 
Your horfe ftands ready at the Parke-corner. 

King Ed. But whether mail we then ? 

Haft. To Lyn my Lord, 
And fhipt from thence to Flanders. 

"Rich. Wei gueft beleeue me, for that was my meaning 

K.Ed. Stanley,! will requite thy forwardnefle. 

'Rich. But wherefore ftay we? 'tis no time to talke. 

K.Ed. Huntfman, what fay'ft thou ? 
Wilt thou go along ? 

Hunt/. Better do fo, then tarry and be hang'd. 

Rich. Come then away, lets ha no more adoo. 

K.Ed. Bifhop fanvell, 
Sheeld thee from Warwickes frowne, 
And pray that I may re-poffeffe the Crowne. exeunt 

Flourifh. Enter King Henry the ftxt, Clarence, Warwicke, 
Somerfet, young Henry, Oxford, Mountague, 
and Lieutenant. 

K.Hen. M. Lieutenant, now that God and Friends 
Haue fhaken Edward from the Regall feate, 
And turn'd my captiue ftate to libertie, 
My feare to hope, my forrowes vnto ioyes, 
At our enlargement what are thy due Fees ? 

Lira.Subiefts may challenge nothing of their Sou'rains 
But,if an humble prayer may preuaile, 
I then craue pardon of your Maieftie. 

K.Hen. For what, Lieutenant? For well vfing me ? 
Nay, be thou fure, He well requite thy kindneffe. 
For that it made my imprifonment, a pleafure : 
I, fuch a pleafure,as incaged Birds 
Conceiue; when after many moody Thoughts, 
At laft, by Notes of Houfhold harmonie, 
They quite forget their loffe of Libertie. 



i68 



The third Vart ofl^ing Henry the Sixt. 



But Warwicfy, after God, thou fet'ft me free, 
And chiefely therefore, I thanke God, and thee, 
He was the Author, thou the Inftrument. 
Therefore that I may conquer Fortunes fpight, 
By liuing low, where Fortune cannot hurt me, 
And that the people of this bleffed Land 
May not be punilht with my thwarting ftarres, 
Warwic\e, although my Head ftill weare the Crowne, 
I here refigne my Gouernment to thee, 
For thou art fortunate in all thy deeds. 

Warm. Your Grace hath ftill beene fam'd for vertuous, 
And now may feeme as wife as vertuous, 
By fpying and auoiding Fortunes malice, 
For few men rightly temper with the Starres : 
Yet in this one thing let me blame your Grace, 
For chufing me, when Clarence is in place. 

Clar. No Warwicke, thou art worthy of the fway, 
To whom the Heau'ns in thy Natiuitie, 
Adiudg'd an Oliue Branch, and Lawrell Crowne, 
As likely to be bleft in Peace and Warre : 
And therefore I yeeld thee my free confent. 

Warm. And I chufe Clarence onely for Protector. 

King.Warwic\ and Clarence, giue me both your Hands: 
Now ioyne your Hands, & with your Hands your Hearts, 
That no diflention hinder Gouernment : 
I make you both Protectors of this Land, 
While I my felfe will lead a priuate Life, 
And in deuotion fpend my latter dayes, 
Tofinnes rebuke,and my Creators prayfe. 

Warw. What anfweres Clarence to his Soueraignes 
will ? 

Clar. That he confents, if Warwick^ yeeld confent, 
For on thy fortune I repofe my felfe. 

Warw. Why then, though loth, yet muft I be content : 
Wee'le yoake together,like a double ftiadow 
To Henries Body, and fupply his place; 
I meane,in bearing weight of Gouernment, 
While he enioyes the Honor, and his eafe. 
And Clarence,now then it is more then needfull, 
Forthwith that Edward be pronoune'd a Traytor, 
And all his Lands and Goods confifcate. 

Clar. What elfe ? and that Succeffion be determined. 

Warw. I, therein Clarence ftiall not want his part. 

King. But with the firft,of all your chiefs affaires, 
Let me entreat (for I command no more) 
That Margaret your Queene, and my Sonne Edward, 
Be fent for, to returne from France with fpeed : 
For till I fee them here, by doubtfull feare, 
My ioy of libertie is halfe eclips'd. 

Clar. It /hall bee done, my Soueraigne , with all 
fpeede. 

King. My Lord of Somerfet, what Youth is that, 
Of whom you feeme to haue fo tender care ? 

Somerf. My Liege, it is young Henry, Earle of Rich- 
mond. 

King. Come hither,Englands Hope: 

Layes his Hand on bid Head. 
If fecret Powers fuggeft but truth 
To my diuining thoughts, 

This prettie Lad will proue our Countries bliffe. 
His Lookes are full of peacefull Maieftie, 
His Head by nature fram'd to weare a Crowne, 
His Hand to wield a Scepter, and himfelfe 
Likely in time to bleffe a Regall Throne : 
Make much of him, my Lords; for this is hee 
Muft helpe you more, then you are hurt by mee. 



Enter a Pojle. 

Warw. What newes, my friend ? 

Pojle. That Edward is efcaped from your Brother, 
And fled (as hee heares fince) to Burgundie. 

Warw. Vnfauorie newes : but how made he efcape ? 

Tofte. He was conuey'd by Richard, Duke of Glofter, 
And the Lord HaJ}ings,v/ho attended him 
In fecret ambufti,on the Forreft fide, 
And from the Bifhops Huntfmen refcu'd him : 
For Hunting was his dayly Exercife. 

Warw. My Brother was too careleffe of his charge. 
But let vs hence, my Soueraigne, to prouide 
A falue for any fore, that may betide. Exeunt. 

z/rfanet Somerset, Richmond, and Oxford. 

Som.My Lord, I like not of this flight of Edwards: 
For doubtleffe,'Bwr£jW/<? will yeeld him helpe, 
And we ftiall haue more Warres befor't be long. 
As Henries late prefaging Prophecie 
Did glad my heart, with hope of this young Richmond: 
So doth my heart mif-giue me, in thefe Conflicts, 
What may befall him, to his harme and ours. 
Therefore, Lord Oxford, to preuent the worft, 
Forthwith wee'le fend him hence to Brittanie, 
Till ftormes be paft of Ciuill Enmitie. 

Oxf. I : for if Edward re-poflefle the Crowne, 
'Tis like that Richmond, with the reft,lhall downe. 

Som. It ftiall be fo : he ftiall to Brittanie. 
Come therefore, let's about it fpeedily. Exeunt. 

Flourip. Enter Edward, Richard, Haftings, 
and Souldiers. 

Edw. Now Brother Richard, Lord Haftings,and the reft, 
Yet thus farre Fortune maketh vs amends, 
And fayes,that once more I fhall enterchange 
My wained ftate,for Henries Regall Crowne. 
Well haue we pafs'd, and now re-pafs'd the Seas, 
And brought defired helpe from Burgundie. 
What then remaines,we being thus arriu'd 
From Rauenfpurre Hauen, before the Gates of Yorke, 
But that we enter, as into our Dukedome ? 

Rich. The Gates made faft ? 
Brother, I like not this. 

For many-men that (tumble at the Threftiold, 
Are well fore-told, that danger lurkes within. 

Edw.Tufh man, aboadments muft not now affright vs : 
By faire or foule meanes we muft enter in, 
For hither will our friends repaire to vs. 

Hail. My Liege, lie knocke once more,to fummon 
them. 

Enter on the Walls, the cMaior of Tor\e, 
and his 'Brethren. 
eMaior. My Lords, 
We were fore-warned of your comming, 
And ftiut the Gates, for fafetie of our felues ; 
For now we owe allegeance vnto Henry. 

Edw. But,Mafter Maior, if Henry be your King, 
Yet Edward,at the leaft,is Duke of Yorke. 

cMaior. True, my good Lord, I know you for no 
lefle. 

g^w.Why, and I challenge nothing but my Dukedome, 
As being well content with that alone. 

Rich. But 



The third Vart ofl^ing Henry the Sixt. 



167 



Rich. But when the Fox hath once got in his Nofe, 
Hee'le foone finde meanes to make the Body follow. 

Has!. Why,Mafter Maior,why ftand you in a doubt? 
Open the Gates, we are King Henries friends. 

Maior. I, fay you fo ? the Gates fhall then be opened. 
He defcends. 

%ich. A wife ftout Captaine,and foone perfwaded. 

Haft.The good old man would faine that all were wel, 
So 'twere not long of him : but being entred, 
I doubt not I, but we mail foone perfwade 
Both him, and all his Brothers, vnto reafon. 

Enter the <iMaior,and two ^Aldermen. 
Edw. So, Matter Maior : thefe Gates muft not be fhut, 
But in the Night, or in the time of Warre. 
What, feare not man, but yeeld me vp the Keyes, 

Tafes his Keyes. 
For Edward will defend the Towne,and thee, 
And all thofe friends, that deine to follow mee. 

March. Enter Mountgomerie,witb Drumme 
and Souldiers. 

Rich. Brother, this is Sir Iohn Mountgomerie, 
Our truftie friend, vnleffe I be deceiu'd. 

Edw. Welcome Sir Iohn : but why come you in 
Armes ? 

Mount. To helpe King Edward in his time of ftorme, 
As euery loyall SubiecT: ought to doe. 

Sdw. Thankes good aMountgomerie : 
But we now forget our Title to the Crowne, 
And onely clayme our Dukedome, 
Till God pleafe to fend the reft. 

Mount. Then fare you well, for I will hence againe, 
I came to ferue a King, and not a Duke : 
Drummer ftrike vp,and let vs march away. 

The Drumme begins to march. 

Edw. Nay ftay,Sir Iohn, a. while, and wee'le debate 
By what fafe meanes the Crowne may be recouer'd. 

Mount. What talke you of debating ? in few words, 
If you'le not here proclaime your felfe our King, 
He leaue you to your fortune, and be gone, 
To keepe them back, that come to fuccour you. 
Why fhall we fight, if you pretend no Title ? 

Rich. Why Brother, wherefore ftand you on nice 
points ? 

Edw. When wee grow ftronger, 
Then wee'le make our Clayme : 
Till then,'tis wifdome to conceale our meaning. 

Haft. Away with fcrupulous Wit, now Armes muft 
rule. 

Rich. And feareleffe minds clyme fooneft vnto Crowns. 
Brother, we will proclaime you out of hand, 
The bruit thereof will bring you many friends. 

Edw. Then be it as you will: for 'tis my right, 
And Henry but vfurpes the Diademe. 

Mount. I, now my Soueraigne fpeaketh like himfelfe, 
And now will I be Edwards Champion. 

Haft.SouM Trumpet, Edward fttal be here proclaim'd: 
Come, fellow Souldior, make thou proclamation. 
Flourijh. Sound. 

Soul. Edward the Fourth, by the Grace of God, King of 
England and France, and Lord of Ireland, &c. 

Mount. And whofoe're gainfayes King Edwards right, 
By this I challenge him to fingle fight. 

Tbrowes downe his Gauntlet. 

All. Long liue Edward the Fourth. 



Edw. Thankes braue Mountgomery, 
And thankes vnto you all : 
If fortune ferue me, He requite this kindneffe. 
Now for this Night, let's harbor here in Yorke: 
And when the Morning Sunne fhall rayfe his Carre 
Aboue the Border of this Horizon, 
Wee'le forward towards Warwicfe, and his Mates; 
For well I wot, that Henry is no Souldier. 
Ah froward Clarence,how euill it befeemes thee, 
To flatter Henry, and forfake thy Brother ? 
Yet as wee may, wee'le meet both thee and Warwic\e. 
Come on braue Souldiors : doubt not of the Day, 
And that once gotten, doubt not of large Pay. Exeunt. 

Flourijh. Enter the King,Warwic\e, Mount ague, 
Clarence, Oxford, and Somerfet. 

War. What counfaile, Lords? Edward from Belgia, 
With haftie Germanes,and blunt Hollanders, 
Hath pafs'd in fafetie through the Narrow Seas, 
And with his troupes doth march amaine to London, 
And many giddie people flock to him. 

King. Let's leuie men, and beat him backe againe. 

Clar. A little fire is quickly trodden out, 
Which being fuffer'd, Riuers cannot quench. 

War. In Warwickshire I haue true-hearted friends, 
Not mutinous in peace, yet bold in Warre, 
Thofe will I mufter vp : and thou Sonne Clarence 
Shalt ftirre vp in SufFolke,Norfolke,and in Kent, 
The Knights and Gentlemen, to come with thee. 
Thou Brother Mountague,'m Buckingham, 
Northampton, and in Leicefterfhire, fhalt find 
Men well enclin'd to heare what thou command'ft. 
And thou, braue Oxford, wondrous well belou'd, 
In Oxford/hire fhalt mufter vp thy friends. 
My Soueraigne, with the louing Citizens, 
Like to his lland,gyrtin with the Ocean, 
Or modeft Dyan, circled with her Nymphs, 
Shall reft in London, till we come to him : 
Faire Lords take leaue, and ftand not to reply. 
Farewell my Soueraigne. 

King. Farewell my Hetlor, and my Troyes true hope. 

Clar. In figne of truth, I kiffe your HighnefTe Hand. 

King. Well-minded Clarence, be thou fortunate. 

Mount. Comfort, my Lord, and fo I take my leaue. 

Oxf. And thus I feale my truth, and bid adieu. 

King. Sweet Oxford, and my louing Mountague, 
And all at once, once more a happy farewell. 

War. Farewell, fweet Lords, let's meet at Couentry. 
Exeunt. 

King. Here at the Pallace will I reft a while. 
Coufin of Exeter, what thinkes your Lordfhip ? 
Me thinkes, the Power that Edward hath m field, 
Should not be able to encounter mine. 

Exet. The doubt is, that he will feduce the reft. ■ 

King. That's not my feare, my meed hath got me fame: 
I haue not ftopt mine eares to their demands, 
Nor pofted off their fuites with flow delayes, 
My pittie hath beene balme to heale their wounds, 
My mildneffe hath allay'd their fwelling griefes, 
My mercie dry'd their water-flowing teares. 
I haue not been defirous of their wealth, 
Nor much oppreft them with great Subfidies, 
Nor forward of reuenge, though they much err'd. 
Then why fhould they loue Edward more then me? 
No Exeter, thefe Graces challenge Grace : 

q 2 And 



i68 



The third Vart ofKJng Henry the Sixt 



And when the Lyon fawnes vpon the Lambe, 
The Lambe will neuer ceafe to follow him. 

Shout within, A Lancafter, A Lancafter. 
Exet. Hearke, hearke, my Lord , what Shouts are 
thefe? 

Enter Edward and his Souldiers. 

Edw. Seize on the fhamefac'd Henry, beare him hence, 
And once againe proclaime vs King of England. 
You are the Fount, that makes fmall Brookes to flow, 
Now flops thy Spring, my Sea (hall fuck them dry, 
And fwell fo much the higher, by their ebbe. 
Hence with him to the Tower, let him not fpeake. 

Exit with King Henry. 
And Lords, towards Couentry bend we our courfe, 
Where peremptorie Warwick now remaines : 
The Sunne Ihines hot, and if we vfe delay, 
Cold biting Winter marres our hop'd-for Hay. 

Rich. Away betimes, before his forces ioyne, 
And take the great-growne Traytor vnawares : 
Braue Warriors, march amaine towards Couentry. 
Exeunt. 

Enter Warwicke, the Maior of Couentry, two 
Meffengers,and others vpon the Walls. 

War. Where is the Poft that came from valiant Oxford? 
How farre hence is thy Lord, mine honeft fellow? 

Meff.i. By this at Dunfmore, marching hitherward. 

War. How farre off is our Brother Mountague ? 
Where is the Poft that came from Mountague ? 

Meff.i. By this at Daintry, with a puiffant troope. 
Enter Someruile. 

War. Say Someruile,v/hat fayes my louing Sonne? 
And by thy gueffe,how nigh is Clarence now? 

Someru. At Southam I did leaue him with his forces, 
And doe expect him here fome two howres hence. 

War. Then Clarence is at hand, I heare his Drumme. 

Someru. It is not his, my Lord, here Southam lyes: 
The Drum your Honor heares,marcheth from Warwicke. 

War. Who fhould that be? belike vnlook'd for friends. 

Someru. They are at hand, and you mall quickly know. 

March. Flourijh. Enter Edward, Richard, 
and Souldiers. 

Edw. Goe, Trumpet, to the Walls, and found a Parle. 

Rich. See how the furly Warwicke mans the Wall. 

War. Oh vnbid fpight,is fportfull Edward come? 
Where flept our Scouts, or how are they feduc'd, 
That we could heare no newes of his repayre. 

<Sdw. Now Warwicke, wilt thou ope the Citie Gates, 
Speake gentle words,and humbly bend thy Knee, 
Call Edward King,and at his hands begge Mercy, 
And he fhall pardon thee thefe Outrages? 

War. Nay rather, wilt thou draw thy forces hence, 
Confeffe who fet thee vp, and pluckt thee downe, 
Call Warwick? Patron, and be penitent, 
And thou malt ftill remaine the Duke of Yorke. 

Rich. I thought at leaft he would haue faid the King, 
Or did he make the leaft againft his will ? 

War. Is not a Dukedome, Sir, a goodly gift? 

Rich. I, by my faith, for a poore Earle to giue, 
lie doe thee feruice for fo good a gift. 

War. 'Twas I that gaue the Kingdome to thy Bro- 
ther. 

Edw. Why then 'tis mine, if but by Warwicke: gift. 



War. Thou art no Atlas for fo great a weight : 
And Weakeling, Warwick takes his gift againe, 
And Henry is my King, Warwick? his Subieft. 

Edw. But Warwickes King is Edwards Prifoner : 
And gallant Warwick?, doe but anfwer this, 
What is the Body, when the Head is off? 

Rich. Alas, that Warwicke had no more fore-caft, 
But whiles he thought to fteale the fingle Ten, 
The King was flyly finger'd from the Deck : 
You left poore Henry at the Bifhops Pallace, 
And tenne to one you'le meet him in the Tower. 

Edw. 'Tis euen fo,yet you are Warwick ftill. 

Rich. Come Warwicke, 
Take the time, kneele downe, kneele downe : 
Nay when ? ftrike now,or elfe the Iron cooles. 

War. I had rather chop this Hand off at a blow, 
And with the other, fling it at thy face, 
Then beare fo low a fayle,to ftrike to thee. 

Edw. Sayle how thou canft, 
Haue Winde and Tyde thy friend, 
This Hand,faft wound about thy coale-black hayre, ■ 
Shall, whiles thy Head is warme, and new cut off, 
Write in the duft this Sentence with thy blood, 
Wind-changing Warwicke now can change no more. 

Enter Oxford, with Drumme and Colours. 

War. Oh chearefull Colours, fee where Oxford comes. 

Oxf. Oxford, Oxford, for Lancajier. 

Rich. The Gates are open, let vs enter too. 

Edw. So other foes may fet vpon our backs. 
Stand we in good array : for they no doubt 
Will iffue out againe, and bid vs battaile ; 
If not, the Citie being but of fmall defence, 
Wee'le quickly rowze the Traitors in the fame. 

War. Oh welcome Oxford, for we want thy helpe. 

Enter Mountague, with Drumme and Colours. 

Mount. Mountague, Mountague, for Lancafter. 

Rich.Tnow and thy Brother both fhall buy this Treafon. 
Euen with the deareft blood your bodies beare. 

Edw. The harder matcht,the greater Victorie, 
My minde prefageth happy gaine,and Conqueft. 

Enter Somerset, with Drumme and Colours. 

Som. Somerfet,Somerfet, for Lancafter. 

Rich. Two of thy Name, both Dukes of Somerfet, 
Haue fold their Liues vnto the Houfe of Yorke, 
And thou flialt be the third, if this Sword hold. 

Enter Clarence, with Drumme and Colours. 

War. And loe, where George of Clarence fweepes along, 
Of force enough to bid his Brother Battaile : 
With whom, in vpright zeale to right, preuailes 
More then the nature of a Brothers Loue. 
Come Clarence, come : thou wilt, if Warwicke call. 

Clar. Father of Warwick, know you what this meanes? 
Looke here, I throw my infamie at thee : 
I will not ruinate my Fathers Houfe, 
Who gaue his blood to lyme the ftones together, 
And fet vp Lancafter. Why, troweft thou, Warwicke, 
That Clarenceh fo harfh,fo blunt, vnnaturall, 
To bend the fatall Inftruments of Warre 

Againft 



The third Part ofXJng Henry the Sixt. 



169 



Againft his Brother, and his lawfull King. 
Perhaps thou wilt obieft my holy Oath : 
To keepe that Oath, were more impietie, 
Then Iephab, when he facrifk'd his Daughter. 
I am fo forry for my Trefpas made, 
That to deferue well at my Brothers hands, 
I here proclayme my felfe thy mortall foe : 
With refolution, wherefoe're I meet thee, 
(As I will meet thee, if thou ftirre abroad,) 
To plague thee,for thy foule mis-leading me. 
And fo,prowd-hearted Warwick?,^ defie thee, 
And to my Brother turne my bluihing Cheekes. 
Pardon me Edward, I will make amends : 
And Richard, doe not frowne vpon my faults, 
For I will henceforth be no more vnconftant. 

Edw.Now welcome more, and ten times more belou'd, 
Then if thou neuer hadft deferu'd our hate. 

Rich. Welcome good Clarence, this is Brother-like. 

Warn. Oh paffingTraytor,periur'd and vniuft. 

Edw. What Warwick?, 
Wilt thou leaue the Towne,and fight? 
Or fhall we beat the Stones about thine Eares ? 

Warn. Alas,I am not coop'd here for defence: 
I will away towards Barnet prefently, 
And bid thee Battaile, Edward,\f thou dar'ft. 

Edw. Yes Warwick?, Edward dares, and leads the way: 
Lords to the field: Saint George, and Victorie. Sxeunt. 
March. Warwick? and his companie followes. 

cAlarum, and Excurjions. Enter Edward bringing 
forth Warwick? wounded. 

Edw. So,lye thou there: dye thou,and dye our feare, 
For Warwick? was a Bugge that fear'd vs all. 
Now Mountague fit faft, I feeke for thee, 
That Warwic\es Bones may keepe thine companie. 
Exit. 

Warw. Ah, who is nigh? come to me,friend,or foe, 
And tell me who is Victor, York?, or Warwick? f 
Why aske I that? my mangled body fhewes, 
My blood, my want of ftrength,my ficke heart ihewes, 
That I muft yeeld my body to the Earth, 
And by my fall, the conqueft to my foe. 
Thus yeelds the Cedar to the Axes edge, 
Whofe Armes gaue ihelter to the Princely Eagle, 
Vnder whofe ftiade the ramping Lyon flept, 
Whofe top-branch ouer-peer'd hues fpreading Tree, 
And kept low Shrubs from Winters pow'rfull Winde. 
Thefe Eyes, that now are dim'd with Deaths black Veyle, 
Haue beene as piercing as the Mid-day Sunne,. 
To fearch the fecret Treafons of the World : 
The Wrinckles in my Browes, now fill'd with blood, 
Were lik'ned oft to Kingly Sepulchers: 
For who liu'd King, but I could digge his Graue ? 
And who durft fmile, when Warwick? bent his Brow ? 
Loe, now my Glory fmear'd in duft and blood. 
My Parkes,my Walkes,my Mannors that I had, 
Euen now forfake me ; and of all my Lands, 
Is nothing left me, but my bodies length. 
Why, what is Pompe, Rule, Reigne, but Earth and Duft? 
And Hue we how we can, yet dye we muft. 

Enter Oxford and Somerjet. 

Som. Ah Warwick?, Warwicke,wert thou as we are, 
We might recouer all our Loffe againe : 



The Queene from France hath brought a puiffant power. 
Euen now we heard the newes: ah,could'ft thou flye. 

Warw. Why then I would not flye. Ah Mountague, 
If thou be there, fweet Brother, take my Hand, 
And with thy Lippes keepe in my Soule a while. 
Thou lou'ft me not : for, Brother,if thou didft, 
Thy teares would walh this cold congealed blood, 
That glewes my Lippes, and will not let me fpeake. 
Come quickly Mountague,or I am dead. 

Som. Ah Warwick?, Mountague hath breath'd his laft, 
And to the lateft gafpe,cry'd out for Warwick?: 
And faid, Commend me to my valiant Brother. 
And more he would haue faid, and more he fpoke, • 
Which founded like a Cannon in a Vault, 
That mought not be diftinguifht : but at laft, 
I well might heare, deliuered with a groane, 
Oh farewell Warwick?. 

Warw. Sweet reft his Soule : 
Flye Lords, and faue your felues, 
For Warwick? bids you all farewell, to meet in Heauen. 

Oxf. Away, away, to meet the Queenes great power. 
Here they beare away his "Body. Exeunt. 

F/ouriJh. Enter King Edward in triumph, with 
Richard, Clarence, and the reft. 
Af/»g-.Thus farre our fortune keepes an vpward courfe, 
And we are grac'd with wreaths of Victorie : 
But in the midft of this bright-fhining Day, 
I fpy a black fufpicious threatning Cloud, 
That will encounter with our glorious Sunne, 
Ere he attaine his eafefull Wefterne Bed : 
I meane,my Lords, thofe powers that the Queene 
Hath rays'd in Gallia, haue arriued our Coaft, 
And, as we heare, march on to fight with vs. 

Clar. A little gale will foone difperfe that Cloud, 
And blow it to the Source from whence it came, 
Thy very Beames will dry thofe Vapours vp, 
For euery Cloud engenders not a Storme. 

Rich. The Queene is valued thirtie thoufand ftrong, 
And Somerjet, with Oxford, Red to her: 
If (he haue time to breathe, be well affur'd 
Her faction will be full as ftrong as ours. 

King. We are aduertis'd by our louing friends, 
That they doe hold their courfe toward Tewksbury. 
We hauing now the beft at Barnet field, 
Will thither ftraight, for willingneffe rids way, 
And as we march, our ftrength will be augmented : 
In euery Countie as we goe along, 
Strike vp the Drumme,cry courage, and away. Exeunt. 

Flour ifh. March. Enter the Queene, young 
Edward, Somerjet, Oxford, and 
Souldiers. 
Qu. Great Lords, wife men ne'r fit and waile their loffe, 
But chearely feeke how to redreffe their harmes. 
What though the Maft be now blowne ouer-boord, 
The Cable broke,the holding-Anchor loft, 
And halfe our Saylors fwallow'd in the flood ? 
Yet liues our Pilot ftill. Is't meet, that hee 
Should leaue the Helme,and like a fearefull Lad, 
With tearefull Eyes adde Water to the Sea, 
And giue more ftrength to that which hath too much, 
Whiles in his moane,the Ship fplits on the Rock, 
Which Induftrie and Courage might haue fau'd ? 
Ah what a ftiame,ah what a fault were this. 
Say Warwick? was our Anchor : what of that f 

q 3 And 



170 



The thirds art of 'Kjng Henry the Sixt 



And Mountague our Top-Maft: what of him ? 

Our flaught'red friends, the Tackles: what of thefe? 

Why is not Oxford here, another Anchor ? 

And Somerfet, another goodly Maft ? 

The friends of France our Shrowds and Tacklings? 

And though vnskilfull, why not Ned and I, 

For once allow'd the skilfull Pilots Charge? 

We will not from the Helme,to fit and weepe, 

But keepe our Courfe ( though the rough Winde fay no) 

From Shelues and Rocks, that threaten vs with Wrack. 

As good to chide the Waues,as fpeake them faire. 

And what is Edward, but a ruthlefTe Sea ? 

What Clarence, but a Qujck-fand of Deceit ? 

And %ichard, but a raged fatall Rocke ? 

All thefe, the Enemies to our poore Barke. 

Say you can fwim,alas 'tis but a while: 

Tread on the Sand, why there you quickly finke, 

Beftride the Rock, the Tyde will waft you ofF, 

Or elfe you famift, that's a three-fold Death. 

This fpeake I ( Lords) to let you vnderftand, 

If cafe fome one of you would flye from vs, 

That there's no hop'd-for Mercy with the Brothers, 

More then with ruthlefTe Waues, with Sands and Rocks. 

Why courage then, what cannot be auoided, 

'Twere childift weakeneffe to lament, or feare. 

Prince. Me thinkes a Woman of this valiant Spirit, 
Should, if a Coward heard her fpeake thefe words, 
Infufe his Breaft with Magnanimitie, 
And make him, naked, foyle a man at Armes. 
I fpeake not this, as doubting any here : 
For did I but fufpect a fearefull man, 
He ftould haue leaue to goe away betimes, 
Leaft in our need he might infecl another, 
And make him of like fpirit to himfelfe. 
If any fuch be here, as God forbid, 
Let him depart, before we neede his helpe. 

Oxf. Women and Children of fo high a courage, 
And Warriors faint, why 'twere perpetuall ftame. 
Oh braue young Prince : thy famous Grandfather 
Doth liue againe in thee ; long may'ft thou liue, 
To beare his Image, and renew his Glories. 

Som. And he that will not fight for fuch a hope, 
Goe home to Bed, and like the Owle by day, 
If he arife,be mock'd and wondred at. 

S^u. Thankes gentle Somerfet, fweet Oxford thankes. 

Irince. And take his thankes, that yet hath nothing 
elfe. 

Enter a oMeffenger. 

Meff. Prepare you Lords, for Edward is at hand, 
Readie to fight: therefore be refolute. 

Oxf. I thought no leffe : it is his Policie, 
To hafte thusfaft, to finde vs vnprouided. 

Som. But hee's deceiu'd, we are in readinefTe. 

Qu. This cheares my heart, to fee your forwardnefTe. 

Oxf. Here pitch our Battaile, hence we will not budge. 

FlouriJb,and march. Enter Edward, Richard, 
Clarence, and Souldiers. 

Edw. Braue followers, yonder ftands the thornie Wood, 
Which by the Heauens afliftance,and your ftrength, 
Mult by the Roots be hew'ne vp yet ere Night. 
I need not adde more fuell to your fire, 
For well I wot, ye blaze, to burne them out : 
Giue fignall to the fight,and to it Lords. 



£>u, Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen, what I ftould fay, 
My teares gaine-fay : for euery word I fpeake, 
Ye fee I drinke the water of my eye. 
Therefore no more but this : Henry your Soueraigne 
Is Prifoner to the Foe, his State vfurp'd, 
His Realme a flaughter-houfe, his Subiefts flaine, 
His Statutes canceird,and his Treafure fpent : 
And yonder is the Wolfe, that makes this fpoyle. 
You fight in Iuftice : then in Gods Name, Lords, 
Be valiant,and giue fignall to the fight. 

Alarum, Retreat, Excurjions. Exeunt. 

Flourifh. Enter Edward, Richard, Queene, Clarence, 
Oxford, Somerfet. 

Edw. Now here a period of tumultuous Broyles. 
Away with Oxford to Hames Caftle ftraight : 
For Somerfet, off with his guiltie Head. 
Goe beare them hence, I will not heare them fpeake. 

Oxf. For my part, He not trouble thee with words. 

Som. Nor I, but ftoupe with patience to my fortune. 
Exeunt. 

S^u. So part we fadly in this troublous World, 
To meet with Ioy in fweet Ierufalem. 

Edw. Is Proclamation made, That who finds Edward, 
Shall haue a high Reward, and he his Life? 

%ich. It is, and loe where youthfull Edward comes. 

Enter the Prince. 

Edw. Bring forth the Gallant, let vs heare him fpeake. 
What? can fo young a Thorne begin to prick f 
Edward, what fatisfacYion canft thou make, 
For bearing Armes, for ftirring vp mySubiedls, 
And all the trouble thou haft turn'd me to ? 

Prince. Speake like a Subieft, prowd ambitious Torke . 
Suppofe that I am now my Fathers Mouth, 
Refigne thy Chayre, and where I ftand,kneele thou, 
Whil'ft I propofe the felfe-fame words to thee, 
Which (Traytor) thou would'ft haue meanfwer to. 

Qu. Ah, that thy Father had beene fo refolu'd. 

Rich. That you might ftill haue worne the Petticoat, 
And ne're haue ftolne the Breech from Lancafler. 

Prince. Let <L&fop fable in a Winters Night, 
His Currift Riddles forts not with this place. 

'Rich. By Heauen,Brat, He plague ye for that word. 

Siu. I, thou waft borne to be a plague to men. 

Rich. For Gods fake, take away this Captiue Scold. 

Prince. Nay, take away this fcolding Crooke-backe, 
rather. 

Edw. Peace wilfull Boy,orIwill charme your tongue. 

Clar. Vntutor'd Lad, thou art too malapert. 

Prince. I know my dutie,you are all vndutifull : 
Lafciuious Edward, and thou periur'd George, 
And thou mif-ftapen Dicke,l tell ye all, 
I am your better, Tray tors as ye are, 
And thou vfurp'ft my Fathers right and mine. 
Edw. Take that, the likeneffe of this Rayler here. 
Stabs him. 

Rich. Sprawl'ft thou ? take that, to end thy agonie. 
Rich, ftabs him. 

Clar. And ther's for twitting me with periurie. 
Clar. ftabs him. 

Siu. Oh, kill me too. 

Rich. Marry, and ftall. Offers to {ill her. 

Edw. Hold, Richard, hold, for we haue done too much. 

Rich. Why 

~lo6~" 



The third 'Part offing Henry the Sixt. 



171 



Rich. Why mould fhee liue, to fill the World with 
words. 

Edw. What? doth fhee fwowne ? vfe meanes for her 
recouerie. 

Rich. Clarence excufe me to the King my Brother : 
lie hence to London on a ferious matter, 
Ere ye come there, be fure to heare fome newes. 

Cla. What? what? 

Rich Tower, the Tower. Exit. 

Qu. Oh Afe/, fweet AW, fpeake to thy Mother Boy. 
Can'ft thou not fpeake? O Traitors, Murtherers ! 
They that ftabb'd Cafar, flied no blood at all : 
Did not offend, nor were not worthy Blame, 
If this foule deed were by, to equall it. 
He was a Man; this (in refpect)a Childe, 
And Men, ne're fpend their fury on a Childe. 
What's worfe then Murtherer, that I may name it ? 
No, no, my heart will burft,and if I fpeake, 
And I will fpeake, that fo my heart may burft. 
Butchers and Villaines, bloudy Caniballes, 
How fweet a Plant haue you vntimely cropt : 
You haue no children (Butchers) if you had, 
The thought of them would haue ftjrr'd vp remorfe, 
But if you euer chance to haue a Childe, 
Looke in his youth to haue him fo cut off. 
As deathfmen you haue rid this fweet yong Prince. 

King. Away with her, go beare her hence perforce. 
£>u. Nay, neuer beare me hence, difpatch me heere : 
Here iheath thy Sword, He pardon thee my death: 
What? wilt thou not? Then Clarence do it thou. 

Cla. By heauen, I will not do thee fo much eafe. 

2{u. Good Clarence do: fweet Qlarence do thou do it. 

Cla. Did'ft thou not heare me fweare J would not do it? 

£}u. I, but thou vfeft to forfweare thy felfe. 
'Twas Sin before, but now 'tis Charity. 
What wilt y not? Where is that diuels butcher Richard? 
Hard fauor'd Richard? Richard, where art thou ? 
Thou art not heere; Murther is thy Almef-deed : 
Petitioners for Blood, thou ne're put'ft backe. 

Ed. Away I fay, I charge ye beare her hence, 

£}u. So come to you, and yours, as to this Prince. 
Exit SZueene. 

Ed. Where's Richard gone. 

Cla. To London all in poft, and as I guefTe, 
To make a bloody Supper in the Tower. 

Ed. He's fodaine if a thing comes in his head. 
Now march we hence, difcharge the common fort 
With Pay and Thankes, and let's away to London, 
And fee our gentle Queene how well Ihe fares, 
By this (I hope) me hath a Sonne for me. • Exit. 

Enter Henry the fixt, and Richard,mith the Lieutenant 
on the Walks. 

Rich. Good day, my Lord, what at your Booke fo 
hard ? 

Hen. I my good Lord : my Lord I mould fay rather, 
Tis finne to flatter, Good was little better : 
'Good Glofter,and good Deuill, were alike, 
And both prepofterous : therefore, not Good Lord. 

Rich. Sirra, leaue vs to our felues, we muft conferre. 

Hen. So flies the wreaklefTe fhepherd from y Wolfe : 
So firft the harmleffe Sheepe doth yeeld his Fleece, 
And next his Throate, vnto the Butchers Knife. 
What Scene of death hath Rofsius now to A&e ? 

Rich. Sufpition alwayes haunts the guilty minde, 



The Theefe doth feare each bulh an Officer, 

Hen. The Bird that hath bin limed in a bufli, 
With trembling wings mifdoubteth euery bulb. ; 
And I the hapleffe Male to one fweet Bird, 
Haue now the fatall Obieft in my eye, 
Where my poore yong was lim'd, was caught, and kill'd. 

Rich. Why what a peeuifh Foole was that of Creet, 
That taught his Sonne the office of a Fowle, 
And yet for all his wings, the Foole was drown'd. 

Hen. I Dedalus, my poore Boy Icarus, 
Thy Father Minos, that deni'de our courfe, 
The Sunne that fear'd the wings of my fweet Boy. 
Thy Brother Edward, and thy Selfe, the Sea 
Whofe enuious Gulfe did fwallow vp his life : 
Ah, kill me with thy Weapon, not with words, 
My breft can better brooke thy Daggers point, 
Then can my eares that Tragicke Hiftory. 
But wherefore doft thou come ? Is't for my Life ? 

Rich. Think'ft thou I am an Executioner ? 

Hen. A Perfecutor I am fure thou art, 
If murthering Innocents be Executing, 
Why then thou art an Executioner. 

Rich. Thy Son I kill'd for his prefumption. 

Hen. Hadft thou bin kill'd, when firft y didft prefume, 
Thou had'ft not liu'd to kill a Sonne of mine : 
And thus I prophefie, that many a thoufand, 
Which now miftruft no parcell of my feare, 
And many an old mans fighe, and many a Widdowes, 
And many an Orphans water-ftanding-eye, 
Men for their Sonnes, Wiues for their Husbands, 
Orphans, for their Parents timeles death, 
Shall rue the houre that euer thou was't borne. 
The Owle fhriek'd at thy birth, an euill figne, 
The Night-Crow cry'de, aboding lucklefle time, 
Dogs howl'd, and hiddeous Tempeft fhook down Trees : 
The Rauen rook'd her on the Chimnies top, 
And chatt'ring Pies in difmall Difcords fung : 
Thy Mother felt more then a Mothers paine, 
And yet brought forth lefTe then a Mothers hope, 
To wit, an indigefted and deformed lumpe, 
Not like the fruit of fuch a goodly Tree. 
Teeth had'ft thou in thy head, when thou was't borne, 
To fignifie, thou cam'ft to bite the world : 
And if the reft be true, which I haue heard, 
Thou cam'ft . 

Rich. He heare no more : 
Dye Prophet in thy fpeech, St abbes him. 

For this (among'ft the reft) was I ordain'd. 

Hen. I, and for much more Daughter after this, 
O God forgiue my finnes, and pardon thee. Dyes. 

Rich. What? will the afpiring blood of Lancafter 
Sinke in the ground? I thought it would haue mounted. 
See how my fword weepes for the poore Kings death. 

may fuch purple teares be alway flied 

From thofe that wifli the downfall of our houfe. 

If any fparke of Life be yet remaining, 

Downe, downe to hell, and fay I fent thee thither. 

Stabs him againe. 

1 that haue neyther pitty,loue,nor feare, 
Indeed 'tis true that Henrie told me of: 
For I haue often heard my Mother fay, 

I came into the world with my Legges forward. 
Had I not reafon (thinke ye) to make haft, 
And feeke their Ruine, that vfurp'd our Right ? 
The Midwife wonder'd, and the Women cri'de 
O Iefus bleffe vs, he is borne with teeth, 

And 



I 7 2 



The thirds art offing Henry the Sixt 



And fo I was, which plainly fignified, 

That I mould fnarle, and bite, and play the dogge: 

Then fince the Heauens haue fhap'd my Body fo, 

Let Hell make crook'd my Minde to anfwer it. 

I haue no Brother, I am like no Brother : 

And this word [Loue] which Gray-beards call Diuine, 

Be refident in men like one another, 

And not in me : I am my felfe alone. 

Clarence beware, thou keept'ft me from the Light, 

But I will fort a pitchy day for thee : 

For I will buzze abroad fuch Prophefies, 

That Edward mail be fearefull of his life, 

And then to purge his feare, He be thy death. 

King Henry, and the Prince his Son are gone, 

Clarence thy turne is next, and then the reft, 

Counting my felfe but bad, till I be beft. 

He throw thy body in another roome, 

And Triumph Henry, in thy day of Doome. Exit. 

Flourijh. Enter King , Queene, Clarence , Richard, Hajliugs 
Nurje, and (■Attendants . 

King. Once more we fit in Englands Royall Throne, 
Re-purchac'd with the Blood of Enemies : 
What valiant Foe-men, like to Autumnes Corne, 
Haue we mow'd downe in tops of all their pride ? 
Three Dukes of Somerfet, threefold Renowne, 
For hardy and vndoubted Champions : 
Two Cliffords, as the Father and the Sonne, 
And two Northumberlands : two brauer men, 
Ne're fpurr'd their Courfers at the Trumpets found. 
With them, the two braue Beares, Warwick & Montague, 
That in their Chaines fetter'd the Kingly Lyon, 
And made the Forreft tremble when they roar'd. 



Thus haue we fwept Sufpition from our Seate, 
And made our Footftoole of Security. 
Come hither *Beffe, and let me kilfe my Boy : 
Yong Ned, for thee, thine Vnckles, and my felfe, 
Haue in our Armors watcht the Winters night, 
Went all afoote in Summers fcalding heate, 
That thou might'ft repofiefle the Crowne in peace, 
And of our Labours thou malt reape the gaine. 

Rich. He blaft his Harueft, if your head were laid, 
For yet I am not look'd on in the world. 
This ihoulder was ordain'd fo thicke, to heaue, 
And heaue it ftiall fome waight, or breake my backe, 
Worke thou the way, and that malt execute. 

King. Clarence and Glojler, loue my louely Queene, 
And kis your Princely Nephew Brothers both. 

Cla. The duty that I owe vnto your Maiefty, 
I Seale vpon the lips of this fweet Babe. 

Cla. Thanke Noble Clarence, worthy brother thanks. 

"Rjch. And that I loue the tree fro whence y fprang'ft : 
WitnefTe the louing kifTe I giue the Fruite, 
To fay the truth, fo Iudas kift his mafter, 
And cried all haile,when as he meant all harme. 

King, Now am I feated as my foule delights, 
Hauing my Countries peace, and Brothers loues. 

Cla. What will your Grace haue done with Margaret, 
Reynardher Father, to the King of France 
Hath pawn'd the Sicils and Ierufalem, 
And hither haue they fent it for her ranfome. 

King. Away with her, and waft her hence to France : 
And now what refts, but that we fpend the time 
With ftately Triumphes, mirthfull Comicke lhewes, 
Such as befits the pleafure of the Court. 
Sound Drums and, Trumpets, farwell fowre annoy, 
For heere I hope begins our lafting ioy. Exeunt omnes 



FINIS. 




x 73 




The Tragedy of Richard the Third 

with the Landing of Earle Richmond, and the 



Battell at Bofworth Field. 



<tA5ius Primus. Sccena IPrima. 



Enter Richard T>u\e ofGlofter,folu6. 

Ow is the Winter of our Difcontent, 
Made glorious Summer by this Son of Yorke: 
And all the clouds that lowr'd vpon our houfe 
In the deepe bofome of the Ocean buried. 

Now are our browes bound with Victorious Wreathes, 

Our bruifed armes hung vp for Monuments ; 

Our fterne Alarums chang'd to merry Meetings ; 

Our dreadfull Marches, to delightfull Meafures. 

Grim-vifag'd Warre, hath fmooth'd his wrinkled Front: 

And now, in ftead of mounting Barbed Steeds, 

To fright the Soules of fearfull Aduerfaries, 

He capers nimbly in a Ladies Chamber, 

To the lafciuious pleafing of a Lute. 

But I, that am not (hap'd for fportiue trickes, 

Nor made to court an amorous Looking-glaffe : 

I, that am Rudely ftampt, and want loues Maiefty, 

To ftrut before a wonton ambling Nymph: 

I, that am curtail'd of this faire Proportion, 

Cheated of Feature by diffembling Nature, 

Deform'd, vn-finiih'd, fent before my time 

Into this breathing World, fcarfe halfe made vp, 

And that fo lamely and vnfafhionable, 

That dogges barke at me, as I halt by them. 

Why I (in this weake piping time of Peace) 

Haue no delight to pafie away the time, 

VnlefTe to fee my Shadow in the Sunne, 

And defcant on mine owne Deformity. 

And therefore, fince I cannot proue a Louer, . 

To entertaine thefe faire well fpoken dayes, 

I am determined to proue a Villaine. 

And hate the idle pleafures of thefe dayes. 

Plots haue I laide, Inductions dangerous, 

By drunken Prophefies, Libels, and Dreames, 

To fet my Brother Clarence and the King 

In deadly hate, the one againft the other : 

And if King Sdwardhe as true and iuft, 

As I am Subtle, Falfe,and Treacherous, 

This day mould Clarence clofely be mew'd vp : 

About a Prophefie, which fayes that G, 

Of Edwards heyres the murtherer mall be. 

Diue thoughts downe to my foule, here Clarence comes. 



Enter Clarence, and c Bra^enhury,j_ 
Brother,good day : What meanes this armed 



That waites vpon your Grace? 

Cla. His Maiefty tendring my perfons fafety, 
Hath appointed this Conducl,to conuey me to th'Tower 

Rich. Vpon what caufe ? 

Cla. Becaufe my name is George. 

^Rjch. Alacke my Lord, that fault is none of yours : 
He mould for that commit your Godfathers. 
O belike, his Maiefty hath fome intent, 
That you mould be new Chriftned in the Tower. 
But what's the matter Clarence, may I know ? 

Cla. Yea Richard, when I know : but I proteft 
As yet I do not : But as I can learne, 
He hearkens after Prophefies and Dreames, 
And from the CrofTe-row pluckes the letter G : 
And fayes, a Wizard told him, that by G, 
His iffue disinherited mould be. 
And for my name of George begins with G, 
It followes in his thought, that I am he. 
Thefe (as I learne) and fuch like toyes as thefe, 
Hath moou'd his Highnefle to commit me now. 

Rich. Why this it is, when men are rul'd by Women: 
'Tis not the King that fends you to the Tower, 
My Lady Grey his Wife, Clarence 'tis fliee. 
That tempts him to this harm Extremity. 
Was it not fliee, and that good man of Worlhip, 
Anthony Woodeulle her Brother there, 
That made him fend Lord Hajlings to .the Tower ? 
From whence this prefent day he is deliuered ? 
We are not fafe Qlarence, we are not fafe. 

Cla. By heauen, I thinke there is no man fecure 
But the Queenes Kindred, and night-walking Heralds, 
That trudge betwixt the King, and Miftris Shore. 
Heard you not what an humble Suppliant 
Lord Hajlings was, for her deliuery ? 

Rich. Humbly complaining to her Deitie, 
Got my Lord Chamberlaine his libertie. 
He tell you what, I thinke it is our way, 
If we will keepein fauour with the King, 
To be her men, and weare her Liuery. 
The iealous' ore-worne Widdow,and her felfe, 
Since that our Brother dub'd them Gentlewomen, 
Are mighty Gofsips in our Monarchy. 

Bra. I befeech your Graces both to pardon me, 
His Maiefty hath ftraightly giuen in charge, 
That no man fhall haue priuate Conference 
(Of what degree foeuer) with your Brother. 

%ich. 



i74 



The Life and Death of ^c hard the Third. 



Rich. Euen fo,and pleafe your Worship Brakenbury, 
You may partake of any thing we fay : 
We fpeake no Treafon man ; We fay the King 
Is wife and vertuous, and his Noble Queene 
Well ftrooke in yeares, faire,and not iealious. 
We fay, that Shores Wife hath a pretty Foot, 
A cherry Lip, a bonny Eye, a pafsing pleafing tongue : 
And that the Queenes Kindred are made gentle Folkes. 
How fay you fir? can you deny all this ? 

'Bra. With this ( my Lord) my felfe haue nought to 
doo. 

Rich, Naught to do with Miftris Shore ? 
I tell thee Fellow, he that doth naught with her 
(Excepting one) were beft to do it fecretly alone. 

*Bra. What one, my Lord? 

Rich. Her Husband Knaue, would'ft thou betray me? 

'Bra. I do befeech your Grace 
To pardon me, and withall forbeare 
Your Conference with the Noble Duke. 

Qla. We know thy charge 'Brakenbury, and wil obey. 

Rich. We are the Queenes abiefts,and muft obey. 
Brother farewell, I will vnto the King, 
And whatfoe're you will imploy me in, 
Were it to call King Edwards Widdow,Sifter, 
I will performe it to infranchife you. 
Meane time, this deepe difgrace in Brotherhood, 
Touches me deeper then you can imagine. 

Qla. I know it pleafeth neither of vs well. 

Rich. Well, your imprifonment fhall not be long, 
I will deliuer you, or elfe lye for you : 
Meane time, haue patience. 

Cla. I muft perforce : Farewell. Exit Clar. 

Rich Go treade the path that thou fhalt ne're return: 
Simple plaine Qlarence, I do loue thee fo, 
That I will fhortly fend thy Soule to Heauen, 
If Heauen will take the prefent at our hands. 
But who comes heere? the new deliuered Hajiings ? 

Enter Lord Hajiings. 

Haft. Good time of day vnto my gracious Lord. 

Rich. As much vnto my good Lord Chamberlaine : 
Well are you welcome to this open Ayre, 
How hath your Lordfhip brook'd imprifonment? 

Haft. With patience (Noble Lord) as prifoners muft: 
But I fhall liue (my Lord) to giue them thankes 
That were the caufe of my imprifonment. 

Rich. No doubt, no doubt, and fo fhall Clarence too, 
For they that were your Enemies,are his, 
And haue preuail'd as much on him, as you, 

Haft. More pitty,that the Eagles mould be mew'd, 
Whiles Kites and Buzards play at liberty. 

Rich. What newes abroad ? 

Haft. No newes fo bad abroad, as this at home : 
The King is fickly, weake,and melancholly, 
And his Phyfitians feare him mightily. 

Rich. Now by S.Iohn, that Newes is bad indeed. 
O he hath kept an euill Diet long, 
And ouer-much confum'd his Royall Perfon: 
'Tis very greeuous to be thought vpon. 
Where is he, in his bed ? 

Haft. He is. 

Rich. Go you before, and I will follow you. 

Sxit Hajiings. 
He cannot liue I hope, and muft not dye, 
Till George be pack'd with poft-horfe vp to Heauen. 



He in to vrge his hatred more to Clarence, 

With Lyes well fteel'd with weighty Arguments, 

And if I faile not in my deepe intent, 

Clarence hath not another day to liue : 

Which done, God take King Edward to his mercy, 

And leaue the world for me to bufsle in. 

For then, He marry Warwickes yongeft daughter. 

What though I kill'd her Husband, and her Father, 

The readieft way to make the Wench amends, 

Is to become her Husband, and her Father : 

The which will I, not all fo much for loue, 

As for another fecret clofe intent, 

By marrying her, which I muft reach vnto. 

But yet I run before my horfe to Market : 

Clarence ftill breathes, Sdward ftill liues and raignes, 

When they are gone, then muft I count my gaines. Exit 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter the Coarfe of Henrie theftxt with Halberds to guard it, 
Lady Anne being the <3\>tourner. 

sAnne. Set downe, fet downe your honourable load, 
If Honor may be fhrowded in a Herfe ; 
Whirft I a-while obfequioufly lament 
Th'vntimely fall of Vertuous Lancafter. 
Poore key-cold Figure of a holy King, 
Pale Afhes of the Houfe of Lancafter; 
Thou bloodleffe Remnant of that Royall Blood, 
Be it lawfull that I inuocate thy Ghoft, 
To heare the Lamentations of poore Anne, 
Wife to thy Edward, to thy flaughtred Sonne, 
Stab'd by the felfefame hand that made thefe wounds, 
Loe,in thefe windowes that let forth thy life, 
I powre the helpleffe Balmeof my poore eyes. 
O curfed be the hand that made thefe holes : 
Curfed the Heart, that had the heart to do it : 
Cnrfed the Blood, that let this blood from hence : 
More direfull hap betide that hated Wretch 
That makes vs wretched by the death of thee, 
Then I can wifh to Wolues,to Spiders, Toades, 
Or any creeping venom'd thing that liues. 
If euer he haue Childe, Abortiue be it, 
Prodigeous, and vntimely brought to light, 
Whofe vglyand vnnaturall Afpedt 
May fright the hopefull Mother at the view, 
And that be Heyre to his vnhappinefTe. 
If euer he haue Wife, let her be made 
More miferable by the death of him, 
Then I am made by my young Lord, and thee. 
Come now towards Chertfey with your holy Lode, 
Taken from Paules, to be interred there. 
And ftill as you are weary of this waight, 
Reft you, whiles I lament King Henries Coarfe. 

Snter Richard Du\e ofGlofter. 

*Rjch. Stay you that beare the Coarfe, & fet it down. 

An. What blacke Magitian coniures vp this Fiend, 
To flop deuoted charitable deeds? 

Rich. Villaines fet downe the Coarfe, or by S. Paul, 
He make a Coarfe of him that difobeyes. 

Gen. 



The Life and Death of ^c hard the Third. 175 



Gen. My Lord ftand backe, and let the Coffin paffe. 

Rich. Vnmanner'd Dogge, 
Stand'ft thou when I commaund : 
Aduance thy Halbert higher then my breft, 
Or by S. Paul He ftrike thee to my Foote, 
And fpurne vpon thee Begger for thy boldneffe. 

Anne. What do you tremble? are you all affraid ? 
Alas, I blame you not, for you are Mortall, 
And Mortall eyes cannot endure the Diuell. 
Auant thou dreadfull minifter of Hell ; 
Thou had'ft but power ouer his Mortall body, 
His Soule thou canft not haue: Therefore be gone. 

Rich. Sweet Saint, for Charity, be not fo curft. 

An. Foule Diuell, 
For Gods fake hence, and trouble vs not, 
For thou haft made the happy earth thy Hell : 
Fill'd it with curfing cries, and deepe exclaimes : 
If thou delight to view thy heynous deeds, 
Behold this patterne of thy Butcheries. 
Oh Gentlemen, fee, fee dead Henries wounds, 
Open their congeaFd mouthes, and bleed afrefh. 
Blufh,blufh, thou lumpe of fowle Deformitie: 
For 'tis thy prefence that exhales this blood 
From cold and empty Veines where no blood dwels. 
Thy Deeds inhumane and vnnaturall, 
Prouokes this Deluge moft vnnaturall. 
O God! which this Blood mad'ft, reuenge his death: 
O Earth! which this Blood drink'ft, reuenge his death. 
Either Heau'n with Lightning ftrike the murth'rer dead : 
Or Earth gape open wide, and eate him quicke, 
As thou doft fwallow vp this good Kings blood, 
Which his Hell-gouern'd arme hath butchered. 

Rich. Lady, you know no Rules of Charity, 
Which renders good for bad, Bleffings for Curfes. 

An. Villaine,thou know'ft nor law of God nor Man, 
No Beaft fo fierce, but knowes fome touch of pitty. 

Rich. But I know none, and therefore am no Beaft. 

An. O wonderful!, when diuels tell the truth ! 

Rich. More wonderfull, when Angels are fo angry: 
Vouchfafe (diuine perfection of a Woman) 
Of thefe fuppofed Crimes, to giue me leaue 
By circumftance, but to acquit my felfe. 

An. Vouchfafe (defus'd infection of man) 
Of thefe knowne euils, but to giue me leaue 
By circumftance, to curfe thy curfed Selfe. 

Rich. Fairer then tongue can name thee, let me haue 
Some patient leyfure to excufe my felfe. 

An. Fouler then heart can thinke thee, 
Thou can'ft make no excufe currant, 
But to hang thy felfe. 

Rich. By fuch difpaire, I mould accufe my felfe. 

An. And by difpairing (halt thou ftand excufed, 
For doing worthy Vengeance on thy felfe, 
That did'ft vnworthy flaughter vpon others. 

Rich. Say that I flew them not. 

An. Then fay they were not flaine : 
But dead they are, and diuellifh flaue by thee. 

Rich. I did not kill your Husband. 

An. Why then he is aliue. 

Rich. Nay, he is dead, and flaine by Edwards hands. 

An. In thy foule throat thou Ly'ft, 
Queene ^Margaret faw 

Thy murd'rous Faulchion fmoaking in his blood : 
The which, thou once didd'ft bend againft her breft, 
But that thy Brothers beate afide the point. 

Rich. I was prouoked by her fland'rous tongue, 



That laid their guilt, vpon my guiltleffe Shoulders. 

An. Thou was't prouoked by thy bloody minde, 
That neuer dream'ft on ought but Butcheries: 
Did'ft thou not kill this King ? 

Rich. I graunt ye. 
An. Do'ft grant me Hedge-hogge, 
Then God graunt me too 

Thou may'ft be damned for that wicked deede, 
O he was gentle, milde,and vertuous. 

Rich. The better for the King of heauen that hath him. 

An. He is in heauen, where thou lhalt neuer come. 

Rich. Let him thanke me, that holpe to fend him thi- 
ther : 
For he was fitter for that place then earth. 

An. And thou vnfit for any place, but hell. 

Rich. Yes one place elfe, if you will heare me name it. 

An. Some dungeon. 

Rich. Your Bed-chamber. 

cAn. Ill reft betide the chamber where thou lyeft. 

Rich. So will it Madam, till I lye with you. 

An. I hope fo. 

Rich. I know fo. But gentle Lady Anne, 
To leaue this keene encounter of our wittes, 
And fall fomething into a flower method. 
Is not the caufer of the timelefTe deaths 
Of thefe Plantagenets , Henrie and Sdward, 
As blamefull as the Executioner. 

An. Thou was't the caufe, and moft accurft effect. 

Rich. Your beauty was the caufe of that effect : 
Your beauty, that did haunt me in my fleepe, 
To vndertake the death of all the world, 
So I might liue one houre in your fweet bofome. 

An. If I thought that, I tell thee Homicide, 
Thefe Nailes fhould rent that beauty from my Cheekes. 

Rich. Thefe eyes could not endure y beauties wrack, 
You fhould not blemifh it, if I flood by ; 
As all the world is cheared by the Sunne, 
So I by that : It is my day, my life. 

An. Blacke night ore-fhade thy day, & death thy life. 

Rich. Curfe not thy felfe faire Creature, 
Thou art both. 

An, I would I were, to be reueng'd on thee. 
Rich. It is a quarrell moft vnnaturall, 
To be reueng'd on him that 1 oueth thee. 

An. It is a quarrell iuft and reafonable, 
To be reueng'd on him that kill'd my Husband. 

Rich. He that bereft the Lady of thy Husband, 
Did it to helpe thee to a better Husband. 

An. His better doth not breath vpon the earth. 

Rich. He Hues, that loues thee better then he could. 

An. Name him. 

Rich. Rlantagenet. 

An. Why that was he. 

Rich. The felfefame name, but one of better Nature. 

An. Where is he ? 

"Rich. Heere : Spits at him. 

Why doft thou fpit at me. 

An. Would it were mortall poyfon, for thy fake. 

Rich. Neuer came poyfon from fo fweet a place. 

An. Neuer hung poyfon on a fowler Toade. 
Out of my fight, thou doft infect mine eyes. 

Rich. Thine eyes (fweet Lady) haue infected mine. 

An. Would they were Bafiliskes, to ftrike thee dead. 

Rich. I would they were, that I might dye at once : 
For now they kill me with a liuing death. 
Thofe eyes of thine, from mine haue drawne fait Teares ; 

For 



176 



The Life and Death of ^c hard the Third. 



Sham'd their Afpefts with ftore of childiih drops : 
Thefe eyes, which neuer fhed remorfefull teare, 
No, when my Father Yorke, and Edward wept, 
To heare the pittious moane that Rutland made 
When black-fac'd Clifford fhooke his fword at him. 
Nor when thy warlike Father like a Childe, 
Told the fad ftorie of my Fathers death, 
And twenty times, made paufe to fob and weepe: 
That all the ftanders by had wet their cheekes 
Like Trees bedafh'd with raine. In that fad time, 
My manly eyes did fcorne an humble teare : 
And what thefe forrowes could not thence exhale, 
Thy Beauty hath, and made them blinde with weeping. 
I neuer fued to Friend, nor Enemy : 
My Tongue could neuer learne fweet fmoothing word. 
But now thy Beauty is propos'd my Fee, 
My proud heart fues, and prompts my tongue to fpeake. 
She looses Jcornfully at tiim. 
Teach not thy lip fuch Scorne ; for it was made 
For kiffing Lady, not for fuch contempt. 
If thy reuengefull heart cannot forgiue, 
Loe heere I lend thee this lharpe-pointed Sword, 
Which if thou pleafe to hide in this true breft, 
And let the Soule forth that adoreth thee, 
I lay it naked to the deadly ftroke, 
And humbly begge the death vpon my knee. 

He layes his breft ofen,Jhe offers at with his /word. 
Nay do not paufe : For I did kill King Henrie, 
But 'twas thy Beauty that prouoked me. 
Nay now difpatch : 'Twas I that ftabb'd yong 'Edward, 
But 'twas thy Heauenly face that fet me on. 

Shefah the Sword. 
Take vp the Sword againe, or take vp me. 

An. Arife Diffembler, though I wifh thy death, 
I will not be thy Executioner. 

Rich. Then bid me kill my felfe, and I will do it. 

An. I haue already. 

Rich. That was in thy rage : 
Speake it againe, and euen with the word, 
This hand, which for thy loue, did kill thy Loue, 
Shall for thy loue, kill a farre truer Loue, 
To both their deaths (halt thou be acceffary. 

tAn. I would I knew thy heart. 

%ich. 'Tis figur'd in my tongue. 

An. I feare me, both are falfe. 

^Rich. Then neuer Man was true. 

An. Well, well, put vp your Sword. 

c Rich. Say then my Peace is made. 

*An, That (halt thou know heereafter. 

Rich. But mall I Hue in hope. 

An. All men I hope liue fo. 

Vouchfafe to weare this Ring. 

Rich. Looke how my Ring incompaffeth thy Finger, 
Euen fo thy Breft inclofeth my poore heart : 
Weare both of them, for both of them are thine. 
And if thy poore deuoted Seruant may 
But beg one fauour at thy gracious hand, 
Thou doft confirme his happineffe for euer. 

An. What is it? 

Rich. That it may pleafe you leaue thefe fad defignes, 
To him that hath moft caufe to be a Mourner, 
And prefently repayre to Crosbie Houfe : 
Where (after I haue folemnly interr'd 
At Chertfey Monaft'ry this Noble King, 
And wet his Graue with my Repentant Teares) 
I will with all expedient duty fee you, 



For diuers vnknowne Reafons, I befeech you, 
Grant me this Boon. 

An. With all my heart, and much it ioyes me too, 
To fee you are become fo penitent. 
TreJJel and Hartley, go along with me. 
.Rich. Bid me farwell. 

An. 'Tis more then you deferue : 
But fince you teach me how to flatter you, 
Imagine I haue faide farewell already. 

Exit two with Anne. 

Gent. Towards Chertfey, Noble Lord? 

Rich. No: to White Friars, there attend my comming 
Exit Qoarfe 
Was euer woman in this humour woo'd ? 
Was euer woman in this humour wonne? 
He haue her, but I will not keepe her long. 
What? I that kill'd her Husband, and his Father, 
To take her in her hearts extreameft hate, 
With curfes in her mouth, Teares in her eyes, 
The bleeding witnefl'e of my hatred by, 
Hauing God, her Confcience,and thefe bars againft me, 
And I, no Friends to backe mv fuite withall, 
But the plaine Diuell, and diffembling lookes ? 
And yet to winne her? All the world to nothing. 
Hah! 

Hath fhe forgot alreadie that braue Prince, 
Edward,her Lord, whom I(fome three monthes fince) 
Stab'd in my angry mood, at Tewkesbury? 
A fweeter, and a louelier Gentleman, 
Fram'd in the prodigallity of Nature : 
Yong, Valiant, Wife, and (no doubt)right Royal, 
The fpacious World cannot againe affoord : 
And will fhe yet abafe her eyes on me, 
That cropt the Golden prime of this fweet Prince, 
And made her Widdow to a wofull Bed ? 
On me, whofe All not equals Edwards Moytie ? 
On me, that halts, and am miihapen thus? 
My Dukedome, to a Beggerly denier ! 
I do miftake my perfon all this while : 
Vpon my life (he findes (although I cannot,) 
My felfe to be a maru'llous proper man. 
He be at Charges for a Looking-glaffe, 
And entertaine a fcore or two of Taylors, 
To ftudy fafhions to adorne my body : 
Since I am crept in fauour with my felfe, 
I will maintaine it with fome little coft. 
But firft He turne yon Fellow in his Graue, 
And then returne lamenting to my Loue. 
Shine out faire Sunne, till 1 haue bought a glaffe, 
That I may fee my Shadow as I paffe. exit. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter the Queene Mother, Lord Riuers, 
and Lord Gray. 

TJzH.Haue patience Madam, ther's no doubt his Maiefty 
Will foone recouer his accuftom'd health. 

Gray. In that you brooke it ill, it makes him worfe, 
Therefore for Gods fake entertaine good comfort, 
And cheere his Grace with quicke and merry eyes 

Qu. If he were dead, what would betide on me? 

Gray. 



The Life and Death of ^c hard the Third. 1 7 7 



I If he were dead, what would betide on me ? 

Gray. No other harme, but loffe of fuch a Lord. 

S^u. The lofTe of fuch a Lord, includes all harmes. 

Gray. The Heauens haue bleft you with a goodly Son, 
To be your Comforter, when he is gone. 

Qu. Ah! he is yong ; and his minority 
Is put vnto the truft of Richard Gloujler, 
A man that loues not me, nor none of you. 

%iu. Is it concluded he mall be Protector ? 

$Zu. It is determin'd, not concluded yet: 
But 10 it muft be, if the King mifcarry. 

Enter Buckingham and Derby. 

Gray. Here comes the Lord of Buckingham & Derby. 

Buc. Good time of day vnto your Royall Grace. 

T)er. God make your Maiefty ioyful,as you haue bin 

Qu. The Countefie "^Richmond, good my L.of Derby. 
To your good prayer, will fcarfely fay, Amen. 
Yet Derby, notwithstanding fhee's your wife, 
And loues not me, be you good Lord affur'd, 
I hate not you for her proud arrogance. 

c Der. I do befeech you, either not beleeue 
The enuious flanders of her falfe Accufers : 
Or if me be accus'd on true report, 
Beare with her weakneffe, which I thinke proceeds 
From wayward ficknefie,and no grounded malice. 

Qu. Saw you the King to day my Lord of Derby \ 

Der. But now the Duke of Buckingham and I, 
Are come from vifiting his Maiefty. 

Que. What likelyhood of his amendment Lords. 

"Buc. Madam good hope, his Grace fpeaks chearfully. 

Qu. God grant him health, did you confer with him? 

Buc. I Madam, he defires to make attonement 
Betweene the Duke of Gloufter,and your Brothers, 
And betweene them, and my Lord Chamberlaine, 
And fent to warne them to his Royall prefence. 

2}u. Would all were well, but that will neuer be, 
Ifeare our happinefie is at the height. 

Enter Richard. 

Rich. They do me wrong, and I will not indure it, 
Who is it that complaines vnto the King, 
Thar I(forfooth) am fterne,and loue them not? 
By holy Paul, they loue his Grace but lightly, 
That fill his eares with fuch diflentious Rumors. 
Becaufe I cannot flatter, and looke faire, 
Smile in mens faces, fmooth,deceiue, and cogge, 
Ducke with French nods, and Apifh curtelie, 
I muft be held a rancorous Enemy. 
Cannot a plaine man liue,and thinke no harme, 
But thus his fimple truth muft be abus'd, * 

With filken, flye,infinuating Iackes? 

Grey. To who in all this prefence fpeaks your Grace ? 

Rich. To thee, that haft nor Honefty,nor Grace : 
When haue I iniur'd thee? When done thee wrong? 
Or thee? or thee? or any of your Faction ? 
A plague vpon you all. His Royall Grace 
(Whom God preferue better then you would wiih) 
Cannot be quiet fcarfe a breathing while, 
But you muft trouble him with lewd complaints. 

S^u. Brother of Gloufter.you miftake the matter : 
The King on his owne Royall difpofition, 
(And not prouok'd by any Sutor elfe) 
Ayming (belike )at your interiour hatred, 



That in your outward action fhewes it felfe 
Againft my Children, Brothers, and my Selfe, 
Makes him to fend, that he may learne the ground. 

'Rich. I cannot tell, the world is growne fo bad, 
That Wrens make prey, where Eagles dare not pearch. 
Since euerie Iaeke became a Gentleman, 
There's many a gentle perfon made a Iacke. 

Qu. Come, come, we know your meaning Brother 
You enuy my aduancement, and my friends: (Glofter 

God grant we neuer may haue neede of you. 

Rich.Meane time, God grants that I haue need of you. 
Our Brother is imprifon'd by your meanes, 
My felfe difgrac'd, and the Nobilitie 
Held in contempt, while great Promotions 
Are daily giuen to ennoble thofe 
That fcarfe fome two dayes fince were worth a Noble. 

Qu. By him that rais'd me to this carefull height, 
From that contented hap which I inioy'd, 
I neuer did incenfe his Maieftie 
Againft the Duke of Clarence, but haue bin 
An earneft aduocate to plead for him. 
My Lord you do me fliamefull iniurie, 
Falfely to draw me in thefe vile fufpects. 

Rich\ You may deny that you were not the meane 
Of my Lord Hajiings late imprifonment. 

Riu. She may my Lord,for 

Rich. She may Lord Riuers, why who knowes not fo? 
She may do more fir then denying that : 
She may helpe you to many faire preferments, 
And then deny her ayding hand therein, 
And lay thofe Honors on your high defert. 
What may ihe not, fhe may, I marry may me. 

Riu. What marry may fhe ? 

Ric. What marrie may lhe ? Marrie with a King, 
A Batcheller, and a handfome {tripling too, 
I wis your Grandam had a worfer match. 

S^u. My Lord of Gloufter,I haue too long borne 
Your blunt vpbraidings,and your bitter fcoffes : 
By heauen, I will acquaint his Maieftie 
Of thofe grofle taunts that oft I haue endur'd. 
I had rather be a Countrie feruant maide 
Then a great Queene, with this condition, 
To be fo baited, fcorn'd, and ftormed at, 
Small ioy haue I in being Englands Queene. 

Enter old <$ueene Margaret. 

Mar. And lefned be that fmall, God I befeech him, 
Thy honor, ftate, and feate,is due to me. 

Rich. What? threat you me with telling of the King ? 
I will auouch't in prefence of the King: 
I dare aduenture to be fent to th'Towre. 
'Tis time to fpeake, 
My paines are quite forgot. 

Margaret. Out Diuell, 
I do remember them too well : 
Thou killd'ft my Husband Henrie in the Tower, 
And Edward my poore Son, at Tewkesburie. 

Rich. Ere you were Queene, 
I, or your Husband King : 
I was a packe-horfe in his great affaires : 
A weeder out of his proud Aduerfaries, 
A liberall rewarder of his Friends, 
To royalize his blood, I fpent mine owue. 

Margaret. I and much better blood 
Then his, or thine. 

r Rich. 



i 7 8 



The LifeandDeatb of\RJchardthe Third. 



Rich. In all which time, you and your Husband Grey 
Were faaious,for the Houfe of Lancafter ; 
And Riuers,io were you : Was not your Husband, 
In ^Margarets Battaile,at Saint Albons.Mne. ? 
Let me put in your mindes, if yiyu forget 
What you haue beene ere this, and what you are : 
Withall,what I haue beene,and what I am. 

S^M. A murth'rous Villaine, and fo ftill thou art. 

Rich. Poore Qlarence did forfake his Father Warwicke, 
I,and forfwore himfelfe (which Iefu pardon.) 

Q^M. Which God reuenge. 

Rich. To fight on Edwards partie, for the Crowne, 
And for his meede, poore Lord, he is mewed vp : 
I would to God my heart were Flint, like Edwards, 
Or Edwards foft and pittifull,like mine ; 
I am too childifli foolifh for this World. 

£<\MH\%\\ thee to Hell for mame,&leaue this World 
Thou Cacodemon, there thy Kingdome is. 

Riu. My Lord of Glofter: in thofe bufie dayes, 
Which here you vrge,to proue vs Enemies, 
We follow'd then our Lord, our Soueraigne King, 
So mould we you, if you mould be our King. 

Rich. If I mould be ? I had rather be a Pedler : 
Farre be it from my heart, the thought thereof. 
Qu. As little ioy (my Lord,) as you fuppofe 
You ihould enioy,were you this Countries King, 
As little ioy you may fuppofe in me, 
That I enioy, being the Queene thereof. 

Q^M. A little ioy enioyes the Queene thereof, 
For I am fhee,and altogether ioyleffe : 
I can no longer hold me patient. 
Heare me, you wrangling Pyrates, that fall out, 
In fharing that which you haue pill'd from me : 
Which off you trembles not, that lookes on me ? 
If not, that I am Oueene, you bow like Subiefts ; 
Yet that by you depos'd,you quake like Rebells. 
Ah gentle Villaine, doe not turne away. (fight ? 

Rich. Foule wrinckled Witch, what mak'ft thou in my 

S^M. But repetition of what thou haft marr'd, 
That will I make, before I let thee goe. 

Rich. Wert thou not banifhed, on paine of death ? 

QJM. I was : but I doe find more paine in banilhment, 
Then death can yeeld me here, by my abode. 
A Husband and a Sonne thou ow'ftto me, 
And thou a Kingdome; all of you, allegeance : 
This Sorrow that I haue, by right is yours, 
And all the Pleafures you vfurpe,are mine. 

Rich. The Curfe my Noble Father layd on thee, 
When thou didft Crown his Warlike Brows with Paper, 
And with thy fcornes drew'ft Riuers from his eyes, 
And then to dry them.gau'ft the Duke a Clowt, 
Steep'd in the faultleffe blood of prettie Rutland; 
His Curfes then, from bitterneffe of Soule, 
Denounc'd againft thee, are all falne vpon thee : 
And God, not we, hath plagu'd thy bloody deed. 

£Zu. So iuft is God, to right the innocent. 

Haft. 0,'twas the fouleft deed to flay that Babe, 
And the moft mercileffe,that ere was heard of. 

.Ri'a.Tyrants themfelues wept when it was reported. 

■Dor/iNo man but prophecied reuenge for it. 

^Buc\. Northumberland, then prefent, wept to fee it. 

S^.M. What ? were you fnarling all before I came, 
Ready to catch each other by the throat, 
And turne you all your hatred now on me ? 
Did Tories dread Curfe preuaile fo much with Heauen, 
That Henries death, my louely Edwards death, 



Their Kingdomes loffe, my wofull Banilhment, 
Should all but anfwer for that peeuifli Brat ? 
Can Curfes pierce the Clouds, and enter Heauen? 
Why then giue way dull Clouds to my quick Curfes. 
Though not by Warre, by Surfet dye your King, 
As ours by Murther,tomake him a King. 
Edward thy Sonne, that now is Prince of Wales, 
For Edward our Sonne, that was Prince of Wales, 
Dye in his youth, by like vntimely violence. 
Thy felfe a Queene, for me that was a Queene, 
Out-liue thy glory, like my wretched felfe: 
Long may'ft thou liue,to wayle thy Childrens death, 
And fee another, as I fee thee now, 
Deck'd in thy Rights, as thou art ftall'd in mine. 
Long dye thy happie dayes, before thy death, 
And after many length'ned howres of griefe, 
Dye neyther Mother, Wife, nor Englands Queene. 
'Riuers and Dorset, you were ftanders by, 
And fo waft thou, Lord Haftings, when my Sonne 
Was ftab'd with bloody Daggers:God,I pray him, 
That none of you may liue his naturall age, 
But by fome vnlook'd accident cut off. 
Ricb.Haae done thy Charme,y hateful wither'd Hagge. 
QJVL. And leaue out thee? ftay Dog, for y malt heare me. 
If Heauen haue any grieuous plague in ftore, 
Exceeding thofe that I can wifli vpon thee, 
O let them keepe it, till thy finnes be ripe, 
And then hurle downe their indignation 
On thee, the troubler of the poore Worlds peace. 
The Worme of Confcience ftill begnaw thy Soule, 
Thy Friends fufpeft for Traytors while thou liu'ft, 
And take deepe Traytors for thy deareft Friends: 
No fleepe clofe vp that deadly Eye of thine, 
Vnleffe it be while fome tormenting Dreame 
Affrights thee with a Hell of ougly Deuills. 
Thou eluifli mark'd, abortiue rooting Hogge, 
Thou that waft feal'd in thy Natiuitie 
The flaue of Nature, and the Sonne of Hell: 
Thou flander of thy heauie Mothers Wombe, 
Thou loathed Iffue of thy Fathers Loynes, 
Thou Ragge of Honor, thou detefted— 

RJch. cMargaret. 

Q^M. Richard. Rich. Ha. 

Q^M. I call thee not. 

Rich. I cry thee mercie then : for I did thinke, 
That thou hadft call'd me all thefe bitter names. 

QJii. Why fo I did, but look'd for no reply. 
Oh let me make the Period to my Curfe. 

Rich. 'Tis done by me, and ends in ^Margaret. 

£)a.Thus haue you breath'd your Curfe againft your felf. 

QM. Poore painted Queen, vain flourifh of my fortune, 
Why ftrew'ft thou Sugar on that Bottel'd Spider, 
Whofe deadly Web enfnareth thee about ? 
Foole, foole,thou whet'ft a Knife to kill thy felfe : 
The day will come, that thou lhalt wifli for me, 
To helpe thee curfe this poyfonous Bunch-backt Toade. 

Haft.TaKe boding Woman, end thy frantick Curfe, 
Leaft to thy harme,thou moue our patience. 

^M.Foule fhame vpon you, you haue all mou'd mine. 

U/.Were you wel feru'd,you would be taught your duty. 

^.MTo ferue me well, you all mould do me duty, 
Teach me to be your Queene, and you my Subiefts : 
O ferue me well, and teach your felues that duty. 

DorJ. Difpute not with her,ihee is lunaticke. 

Q^M. Peace Mafter Marqueffe,you are malapert, 
Your fire-new ftampe of Honor is icarce currant. 

O 



5M 



The Life and Death of Richard the Third. 1 7 9 



O that your yong Nobility could iudge 

What 'twere to lofe it, and be miferable. 

They that ftand high, haue many blafts to fhake them, 

And if they fall, they dam tbemfelues to peeces. 

Rich. Good counfaile marry, learne it, learne it Mar- 
queffe. 

Dor. It touches you my Lord, as much as me. 
Rich. I, and much more : but I was borne fo high: 
Our ayerie buildeth in the Cedars top, 
And dallies with the winde, and fcornes the Sunne. 

Mar. And turnes the Sun to fhade : alas,alas, 
WitnefTe my Sonne, now in the made of death, 
Whofe bright out-mining beames, thy cloudy wrath 
Hath in eternall darkneffe folded vp. 
Your ayery buildeth in our ayeries Neft : 
O God that feeft it, do not fuffer it, 
As it is wonne with blood, loft be it fo. 

Buc. Peace, peace for ftiame : If not, for Charity. 
Mar. Vrge neither charity, nor lhame to me : 
Vncharitably with me haue you dealt, 
And /hamefully my hopes (by you) are butcher'd. 
My Charity is outrage, Life my fhame, 
And in that ftiame, ftill liue my forrowes rage. 

"Buc. Haue done, haue done. 

Mar. O Princely Buckingham, He kifle thy hand, 
In figne of League and amity with thee : 
Now faire befall thee, and thy Noble houfe : 
Thy Garments are not fpotted with our blood : 
Nor thou within the eompaffe of my curfe. 

'Buc. Nor no one heere : for Curfes neuer paffe 
The lips of thofe that breath them in the ayre. 

Mar. I will not thinke but they afcend the sky, 
And there awake Gods gentle fleeping peace. 
O Buckingham, take heede of yonder dogge : 
Looke when he fawnes, he bites; and when he bites, 
His venom tooth will rankle to the death. 
Haue not to do with him, beware of him, 
Sinne, death, and hell haue fet their markes on him, 
And all their Minifters attend on him. 

'Rjch. What doth ftie fay, my Lord of Buckingham. 

Buc. Nothing that I refpeft my gracious Lord. 

Mar. What doft thou fcorne me 
For my gentle counfell ? 
And footh the diuell that I warne thee from. 

but remember this another day : 

When he mail fplit thy very heart with forrow : 

And fay(poore Margaretjwas a Propheteffe : 

Liue each of you the fubie&s to his hate, 

And he to yours, and all of you to Gods. Exit. 

Buc. My haire doth ftand an end to heare her curfes. 

Riu. And fo doth mine, I mufe why ftie's at libertie. 

Rich. I cannot blame her, by Gods holy mother, 
She hath had too much wrong, and I repent 
My part thereof, that I haue done to her. 

Mar. I neuer did her any to my knowledge. 

Rich. Yet you haue all the vantage of her wrong: 

1 was too hot, to do fomebody good, 
That is too cold in thinking of it now : 
Marry as for Clarence, he is well repayed : 
He is frank'd vp to fatting for his paines, 
God pardon them, that are the caufe thereof. 

Riu. A vertuous,and a Chriftian-like conclufion 
To pray for them that haue done fcath to vs. 

Rich. So do I euer, being well aduis'd. 

Speaks to himfelfe. 
For had I curft now, I had curft my felfe. 



Enter Catesby. 

Cates. Madam, his Maiefty doth call for you, 
And for your Grace, and yours my gracious Lord. 

22u. Catesby I come, Lords will you go with mee. 

Riu. We wait vpon your Grace. 

Exeunt all but Glofier. 

Rich. I do the wrong, and firft begin to brawle. 
The fecret Mifcheefes that I fet abroach, 
I lay vnto the greeuous charge of others. 
Clarence, who I indeede haue caft in darkneffe, 
I do beweepe to many fimple Guiles, 
Namely to Derby, Hajiings, Buckingham, 
And tell them 'tis the Queene,and her Allies, 
That ftirre the King agamft the Duke my Brother. 
Now they beleeue it, and withall whet me 
To be reueng'd on Riuers, Dorj'et,Grey. 
But then I figh, and with a peece of Scripture, 
Tell them that God bids vs do good for euill : 
And thus I cloath my naked Villanie 
With odde old ends, ftolne forth of holy Writ, 
And feeme a Saint, when raoft I play the deuill. 

Enter two murtherert. 
But foft, heere come my Executioners, 
How now my hardy ftout refolued Mates, 
Are you now going to difpatch this thing? 

Vil.We are my Lord, and come to haue the Warrant, 
That we may be admitted where he is. 

Ric. Well thought vpon, I haue it heare about me : 
When you haue done, repayre to Crosby place ; 
But firs be fodaine in the execution, 
Withall obdurate, do not heare him pleade ; 
For Clarence is well fpoken, and perhappes 
May moue your hearts to pitty, if you marke him. 

Vil. Tut, tut, my Lord, we will not ftand to prate, 
Talkers are no good dooers, be affur'd: 
We go to vfe our hands,and notour tongues. 

Rich. Your eyes drop Mill-ftones, when Fooles eyes 
fall Teares : 

I like you Lads, about your bufineffe ftraight. 
Go, go, difpatch. 

Vil. We will my Noble Lord. 



Scena Quart a. 



Enter Clarence and Keeper. 

Keep. Why lookes your Grace fo heauily to day. 

Cla. 0,1 haue paft a miferable night, 
So full of fearefull Dreames, of vgly fights, 
That as I am a Chriftian faithfull man, 
I would not fpend another fuch a night 
Though 'twere to buy a world of happy daies: 
So full of difmall terror was the time. 
ATfef.What was your dream my Lord, I pray you tel me 

C/a.Me thoughts that I had broken from the Tower, 
And was embark'd to croffe to Burgundy, 
And in my company my Brother Gloufter, 
Who from my Cabin tempted me to walke, 
Vpon the Hatches : There we look'd toward England, 
And cited vp a thoufand heauy times, 

r 2 During 



1 8o 



The Life and Death of T{ichard the Third. 



During the warres of Yorke and Lancafter 

That had befalne vs.As we pac'd along 

Vpon the giddy footing of the Hatches, 

Me thought that Gloufter {tumbled, and in falling 

Strooke me (that thought to ftay him)ouer-boord, 

Into the tumbling billowes of the maine. 

O Lord, me thought what paine it was to drowne, 

What dreadfull noife of water in mine eares, 

What fights of vgly death within mine eyes. 

Me thoughts, I faw a thoufand fearfull wrackes : 

A thoufand men that Fifties gnaw'd vpon : 

Wedges of Gold,great Anchors, heapes of Pearle, 

Ineftimable Stones, vnvalewed Iewels, 

AH fcattred in the bottomeof the Sea, 

Some lay in dead-mens Sculles,and in the holes 

Where eyes did once inhabit, there were crept 

(As 'twere in fcorne of eyes) reflecting Gemmes, 

That woo'd the flimy bottome of the deepe, 

And mock'd the dead bones that lay fcattred by. 

Keep. Had you fuch leyfure in the time of death 
To gaze vpon thefe fecrets of the deepe ? 

Cla. Me thought I had, and often did I ftriue 
To yeeld the Ghoft : but ftill the enuious Flood 
StopM in my foule, and would not let it forth 
To find the empty, vaft, and wand'ring ayre : 
But fmother'd it within my panting bulke, 
Who almoft burft, to belch it in the Sea. 
Keep. Awak'd you not in this fore Agony ? 
Clar. No,no, my Dreame was lengthen'd after life. 

then, began the Temped: to my Soule. 

1 paft fine thought) the Melancholly Flood, 
With that fowre Ferry-man which Poets write of, 
Vnto the Kingdome of perpetuall Night. 

The firft that there did greet my Stranger-foule, 
Was my great Father-in-Law, renowned Warwicke, 
Who fpake alowd : What fcourge for Periurie, 
Can this darke Monarchy affoord falfe Qlarence ? 
And fo he vanifti'd. Then came wand'ring by, 
A Shadow like an Angell, with bright hayre 
Dabbel'd in blood, and he ihriek'd out alowd 
Clarence is come, falfe, fleeting, periur'd Clarence, 
That ftabb'd me in the field by Tewkesbury : 
Seize on him Furies, take him vnto Torment. 
With that (me thought) a Legion of foule Fiends 
Inuiron'd me, and howled in mine eares 
Such hiddeous cries, that with the very Noife, 
I (trembling) wak'd, and for a feafon after, 
Could not beleeue, but that I was in Hell, 
Such terrible Imprefsion made my Dreame. 

Keep. No maruell Lord, though it affrighted you, 
I am" affraid (me thinkes) to heareyou tell it. 

Cla. Ah Keeper, Keeper, I haue done thefe things 
(That now giue euidence againft my Soule). 
For Edwards fake, and fee how he requits mee. 
O God! if my deepe prayres cannot appeafc thee, 
But thou wilt be aueng'd on my mifdeeds, 
Yet execute thy wrath in me alone : 
O fpare myguiltleffe Wife, and my poore children. 
Keeper, I prythee fit by me a-while, 
My Soule is heauy,and I faine would fieepe. 

Keep.l will my Lord, God giue your Grace good reft. 

Enter Brakenbury the Lieutenant. 

'Bra. Sorrow breakes Seafons,and repofing houres, 
Makes the Night Morning,and the Noon-tide night: 



Princes haue but their Titles for their Glories, 
An outward Honor, for an inward Toyle, 
And for vnfelt Imaginations 
They often feele a world of reftlefle Cares : 
So that betweene their Titles, and low Name, 
There's nothing differs, but the outward fame. 

Enter tiro <tMurtberers. 

l.Mur. Ho, who's heere? 

'Bra. What would'ft thou Fellow ? And how camm'ft 
thou hither. 

2. <&£ur. I would fpeak with Clarence, and I came hi- 
ther on my Legges. 

Bra. What fo breefe? 

i . 'Tis better (Sir) then to be tedious : 
Let him fee our Commifiion,and talke no more. Reads 

'Bra. I am in this, commanded to deliuer 
The Noble Duke of Clarence to your hands. 
I will not reafon what is meant heereby, 
Becaufe I will be guiltleffe from the meaning. 
There lies the Duke afteepe,and there the Keyes. 
lie to the King, and fignifie to him, 
That thus I haue refign'd to you my charge. Exit. 

1 You may fir, 'tis a point of wifedome : 
Far you well. 

2 What, fhall we flab him as he fieepes. 

1 No : hee'l fay 'twas done cowardly, when he wakes 

2 Why he fhall neuer wake, vntill the great Iudge- 
ment day. 

1 Why then hee'l fay, we ftab'd him fleeping. 

2 The vrging of that word ludgement, hath bred a 
kinde of remorfe in me. 

1 What? art thou affraid ? 

2 Not to kill him, hauing a Warrant, 

But to be damn'd for killing him, from the which 
No Warrant can defend me. 

1 I thought thou had'ft bin refolute. 

2 So I am, to let him hue. 

1 lie backe to the Duke of Gloufter, and tell him fo. 

2 Nay, I prythee ftay a little : 

I hope this paftionate humor of mine, will change, 
It was wont to hold me but while one tels twenty. 

1 How do'ft thou feele thy felfe now ? 

2 Some certaine dregges of confeience are yet with- 
in mee. 

1 Remember our Reward, when the deed's done. 

2 Come, he dies : I had forgot the Reward. 

1 Where's thy confeience now. 

2 O, in the Duke of Gloufters purfe. 

1 When hee opens his purfe to giue vs our Reward, 
thy Confeience flyes out. 

2 'Tis no matter, let it goe : There's few or none will 
entertaine it. 

1 What if it come to thee againe ? 

2 He not meddle with it, it makes a man a Coward : 
A man cannot fteale, but it accufeth him : A man cannot 
Sweare, but it Checkes him : A man cannot lye with his 
Neighbours Wife, but it detects him. 'Tis a blufhing 
fhamefae'd fpirit, that mutinies in a mans bofome : It 
filles a man full of Obftacles. It made me once reftore a 
PuriTe of Gold that (by chance) I found : It beggars any 
man that keepes it : It is turn'd out of Townes and Cit- 
ties for a dangerous thing, and euery man that means to 
liue well, endeuours to truft: to himfelfe, and liue with- 
out it. 

i 'Tis 



1 "Tis euen now at my elbow, perfwading me not to 
kill the Dkue. 

2 Take the diuell in thy minde,and beleeue him not : 
He would infinuate with thee but to make thee figh, 

1 I am ftrong fram'd,he cannot preuaile with me. 

a Spoke like a tall man, that refpe&s thy reputation. 
Come, (hall we fall to worke? 

i Take him on the Coftard, with the hikes of thy 
Sword, and then throw him into the Malmefey-Butte in 
the nextroome. 

2 O excellent deuice ; and make a fop of him. 
i Soft, he wakes. 

2 Strike. 

1 No, wee'l reafon with him. 

Cla. Where art thou Keeper? Giue me a cup of wine. 

2 You mail haue Wine enough my Lord anon. 
Cla. In Gods name, what art thou ? 

I A man, as you are. 

Cla. But not as I am Royall. 

I Nor you as we are, Loyall. 

Cla. Thy voice is Thunder, but thy looks are humble. 

1 My voice is now the Kings, my lookes mine owne. 
Cla. How darkly, and how deadly doft thou fpeake ? 

Your eyes do menace me : why looke you pale ? 
Who fent you hither? Wherefore do you come ? 

2 To, to, to 

Cla. To murther me ? 
"Both. 1,1. 

Cla. You fcarfely haue the hearts to tell me fo, 
And therefore cannot haue the hearts to do it. 
Wherein my Friends haue I offended you f 

1 Offended vs you haue not, but the King. 
Cla. I mall be reconcil'd to him againe. 

2 Neuer my Lord, therefore prepare to dye. 

Cla. Are you drawne forth among a world of men 
To ilay the innocent? What is my offence ? 
Where is the Euidence that doth accufe me? 
What lawfull Queft haue giuen their VerdicT: vp 
Vnto the frowning Iudge? Or who pronounc'd 
The bitter fentence of poore Clarence death, 
Before I be conuidl by courfe of Law ? 
To threaten me with death, is moft vnlawfull. 
I charge you, as you hope for any goodneffe , 
That you depart, and lay no hands on me ! 
The deed you vndertake is damnable. 

1 What we will do, we do vpon command. 

2 And he that hath commanded, is our King. 
Cla. Erroneous Vaffals, the great King of Kings 

Hath in the Table of his Law commanded 
That thou /halt do no murther. Will you then 
Spume at his Edi&,and fulfill a Mans ? 
Take heed : for he holds Vengeance in his hand, 
To hurle vpon their heads that breake his Law. 

2 And that fame Vengeance doth he hurle on thee, 
For falfe Forfwearing,and for murther too: 
Thou did'ft receiue the Sacrament, to fight 
In quarrell of the Houfe of Lancafter. 

1 And like a Traitor to the name of God, 

Did'ft breake that Vow, and with thy treacherous blade, 
Vnrip'ft the Bowels of thy Sou'raignes Sonne. 

2 Whom thou was't fworne to cherifh and defend. 
I How canft thou vrge Gods dreadfull Law to vs, 

When thou haft broke it in fuch deere degree ? 

Cla. Alas! for whofe fake did I that ill deede ? 
For Edward, for my Brother, for his fake. 
He fends you not to murther me for this: 



5>7 



For in that finne, he is as deepe as I. 
If God will be auenged for the deed, 

know you yet, he doth it publiquely, 

Take not the quarrell from his powrefull arme : 
He needs no indirect, or lawleffe courfe, 
To cut off thofe that haue offended him. 

i Who made thee then a bloudy minifter, 
When gallant fpringing braue Plantagenet, 
That Princely Nouice was ftrucke dead by thee ?, 

Cla. My Brothers loue, the Diuell, and my Rage. 

1 Thy Brothers Loue, our Duty, and thy Faults, 
Prouoke vs hither now, to Daughter thee. 

Cla. If you do loue my Brother, hate not me: 

1 am his Brother, and I loue him well. 

If you are hyr'd for meed, go backe againe, 
And I will fend you to my Brother Gloufter : 
Who Ihall reward you better for my life, 
Then Edward will for tydingsof my death. 

2 You are deceiu'd, 

Your Brother Gloufter hates you. 

Cla. Oh no, he loues me, and he holds me deere : 
Go you to him from me. 

I I fo we will. 

Cla. Tell him, when that our Princely Father Yorke, 
Bleft his three Sonnes with his viftorious Arme, 
He little thought of this diuided Friend/hip : 
Bid Gloufter thinke on this, and he will weepe. 

I I Milftones, as he leffoned vs to weepe. 

Cla. O do not flander him, for he is kinde. 

1 Right,as Snow in Harueft : 
Come, you deceiue your felfe, 

'Tis he that fends vs to deftroy you heere. 

Cla. It cannot be, for he bewept my Fortune, 
And hugg'd me in his armes,and fwore with fobs, 
That he would labour my deliuery. 

I Why fo he doth, when he deliuersyou 
From this earths thraldome, to the ioyes of heauen. 

2 Make peace with God, for you muft die my Lord. 
Cla. Haue you that holy feeling in your foules, 

To counfaile me to make my peace with God, 
And are you yet to your owne foules fo blinde, 
That you will warre with God, by murd'ring me. 
O firs confider, they thatfetyou on 
To do this deede, will hate you for the deede. 
2 What Ihall we do ? 
Clar. Relent, and faue your foules : 
Which of you, if you were a Princes Sonne, 
Being pent from Liberty, as I am now, 
If two fuch murtherers as your felues came to you, 
Would not intreat for life, as you would begge 
Were you in my diftreffe. 

1 Relent? no: 'Tis cowardly and womanifh. 
Cla. Not to relent, is beaftly,fauage,diuellim : 

My Friend, I fpy fome pitty in thy lookes : 
O, if thine eye be not a Flatterer, 
Come thou on my fide, and intreate for mee, 
A begging Prince, what begger pitties not. 

2 Looke behinde you, my Lord. 

1 Take that,and that,if all this will not do, Stabs him. 
He drowne you in the Malmefey-But within. Exit. 

2 A bloody deed, and defperately difpatcht : 
How faine (like Pilate) would I wain my hands 

Of this moft greeuous murther. Enter i.Murtherer 

I How now? what mean'ft thou that thou help'ft me 
not ? By Heauen the Duke lhall know how flacke you 
haue beene. 

r 3 2 I 



152 



The Life andDeatb of ^Ric hard the Third. 



z.efflur.l would he knew that I had fau'd his brother, 
Take thou the Fee, and tell him what I fay, 
For I repent me that the Duke is flaine. Exit. 

I .Mur. So do not I : go Coward as thou art. 
Well, He go hide the body in fome hole, 
Till that the Duke giue order for his burial! : 
And when I haue my meede,I will away, 
For this will out, and then I muft not ftay. Exit 



ABusSecundus. Sccena^Prima. 



Flourilh. 

Enter the King Jlcke , the 0ueene, Lord cMarqueJfe 

'Dorfet, Riuers, Hajiings, Catesby, 

'Buckingham, Wooduill. 

King. Why fo : now haue I done a good daies work. 
You Peeres,continue this vnited League: 
I, euery day expect an Embaffage 
From my Redeemer, to redeeme me hence. 
And more to peace my foule lhall part to heauen, 
Since I haue made my Friends at peace on earth. 
Dorfet and Riuers, take each others hand, 
Diflemble not your hatred, Sweare your loue. 

Riu.By heauen, my foule is purg'd from grudging hate 
And with my hand I feale my true hearts Loue. 
Haft. So thriue I, as I truly fweare the like. 

King. Take heed you dally not before your King, 
Left he that is the fupreme King of Kings 
Confound your hidden falfhood,and award 
Either of you to be the others end. 

Haft, So profper I, as I fweare perfect loue. 

Ri. And I, as I loue Hajiings with my heart, 

King. Madam, your felfe is not exempt from this : 
Nor you Sonne Dorfet, 'Buckingham nor you ; 
You haue bene factious one againft the other. 
Wife,loue Lord Hajiings ,let him kifle your hand, 
And what you do, do it vnfeignedly. 

Sju. There Hajiings,! will neuer more remember 
Our former hatred, fo thriue I, and mine. 

King. Dorfet, imbrace him: 
Hajiings, loue Lord Marquefle. 

"Dor. This interchange of loue, I heere proteft 
Vpon my part, mall be inuiolable. 

Haft. And fo fweare I. 

King. Now Princely 'Buckingham, feale y this league 
With thy embracements to my wiues Allies, 
And make me happy in your vnity. 

Buc. When euer Buckingham doth turne his hate 
Vpon your Grace, but with all dutious loue, 
Doth cherifh you, and yours, God punifti me 
With hate in thofe where I expect moft loue, 
When I haue moft need to imploy a Friend, 
And moftaffured that he is a Friend, 
Deepe, hollow, treacherous, and full of guile, 
Be he vnto me : This do I begge of heauen, 
When I am cold in loue, to you, or yours. Embrace 

King. A pleafing Cordiall, Princely Buckingham^ 
Is this thy Vow, vnto my fickely heart: 
There wanteth now our Brother Glofter heere, 
To make the blefied period of this peace. 

Buc. And in good time, 
Heere comes Sir Richard Ratcliffe, and the Duke. 



Enter Ratcliffe, and Glofter. 

Rich.Good morrow to my Soueraigne King & Queen 
And Princely Peeres,a happy time of day. 

King, Happy indeed, as we haue fpent the day: 
Glofter, we haue done deeds of Charity, 
Made peaee of enmity, faire loue of hate, 
Betweene thefe fwelling wrong incenfed Peeres. 

Rich. A blefled labour my moft Soueraigne Lord: 
Among this Princely heape, if any heere 
By falfe intelligence, or wrong furmize 
Hold me a Foe : If I vn willingly, or in my rage, 
Haue ought committed that is hardly borne, 
To any in this prefence, I defire 
To reconcile me to his Friendly peace : 
'Tis death to me to be at enmitie : 
I hate it,and defire all good mens loue, 
Firft Madam, I intreate true peace of you, 
Which I will purchafe with my dutious feruice. 
Of you my Noble Cofin Buckingham, 
If euer any grudge were lodg'd betweene vs. 
Of you and you, Lord Riuers and of 'Dorfet, 
That all without defert haue frown'd on me : 
Of you Lord Wooduill, and Lord Scales of you, 
Dukes, Earles, Lords, Gentlemen, indeed of all. 
I do not know that Englifnman aliue, 
With whom my foule is any iot at oddes, 
More then the Infant that is borne to night: 
I thanke my God for my Humility. 

Qu. A holy day mall this be kept heereafter : 
I would to God all ftrifes were well compounded. 
My Soueraigne Lord, I do befeech your Highneffe 
To take our Brother Clarence to your Grace. 

Rich. Why Madam, haue I offred loue for this, 
To be fo flowted in this Royall prefence? 
Who knowes not that the gentle Duke is dead? They 
You do him iniurieto fcorne his Coarfe. allftart. 

King. Who knowes not he is dead f 
Who knowes he is ? 

Qu. All-feeing heauen, what a world is this? 

Buc. Looke I fo pale Lord "Dorfet, as the reft? 

Dor. I my good Lord, and no man in the prefence, 
But his red colour hath forfooke his cheekes. 

King. Is Clarence dead i The Order was reuerft. 

Rich. But he (poore man) by your firft order dyed, 
And that a winged Mercurie did beare : 
Some tardie Cripple bare the Countermand, 
That came too lagge to fee him buried. 
God grant, that fome leife Noble, and lefle Loyall, 
Neerer in bloody thoughts, and not in blood, 
Deferue not worfe then wretched Clarence did, 
And yet go currant from Sufpition. 

Enter Earle of Derby. 

Der. A boone my Soueraigne for my feruice. done. 

King. I prethee peace, my foule is full of forrow. 

"Der. I will not rife, vnleffe your Highnes heare me. 

King. Then fay at once, what is it thou requefts. 

"Der. The forfeit (Soueraigne) of my feruants life, 
Who flew to day a Riotous Gentleman, 
Lately attendant on the Duke of Norfolke. 

King. Haue I a tongue to doome my Brothers death? 
And mall that tongue giue pardon to a flaue ? 
My Brother kill'd no man, his fault was Thought, 
And yet his punifhment was bitter death. 

Who 



The Life and Death of Richard the Third. 1 8 3 



Who fued to me for him ? Who (in my wrath) 

Kneel'd and my feet, and bid me be aduis'd ? 

Who fpoke of Brother-hood? who fpoke of loue ? 

Who told me how the poore foule did forfake 

The mighty Warwicke,and did fight for me? 

Who told me in the field at Tewkesbury, 

When Oxford had me downe, he refcued me : 

And faid deare Brother Hue, and be a King? 

Who told me, when we both lay in the Field, 

Frozen(almoft)to death, how he did lap me 

Euen in his Garments, and did giue himfelfe 

(All thin and naked) to the numbe cold night ? 

All this from my Remembrance, brutifh wrath 

Sinfully pluckt, and not a man of you 

Had fo much grace to put it in my minde. 

But when your Carters, or your wayting Vaffalls 

Haue done a drunken Slaugh4er,and defac'd 

The precious Image of our deere Redeemer, 

You ftraight are on your knees for Pardon, pardon, 

And I fvniuftly too) muft grant it you. 

But for my Brother, not a man would fpeake, 

Nor I (vngracious) fpeake vnto my felfe 

For him poore Soule. The proudeft of you all, 

Haue bin beholding to him in his life : 

Yet none of you, would onee begge for his life. 

O God! I feare thy iuftice will take hold 

On me, and you; and mine, and yours for this. 

Come Haftings helpe me to my Cloffet. 

Ah poore Clarence. Exeunt feme with K.& Qneen, 

Rich. This is the fruits of rafhnes: Markt you not, 
How that the guilty Kindred of the Queene 
Look'd pale, when they did heare of Clarence death. 
O! they did vrge it ftill vnto the King, 
God will reuenge it. Come Lords will you go, 
To comfort Edward with our company. 

Buc. We wait vpon your Grace. exeunt, 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter the old Dutcheffe of Torke, with the two 
children of Clarence. 

Edw. Good Grandam tell vs,is our Father dead? 

Dutch. No Boy. 

T)augb. Why do weepe fo oft? And beate your Breft? 
And cry, O Clarence, my vnhappy Sonne. 

Boy. Why do you looke on vs,and /hake your head, 
And call vs Orphans, Wretches, Caftawayes, 
If that our Noble Father were aliue ? 

Dut. My pretty Cofins,you miftake me both, 
I do lament the fickneffe of the King, 
As loath to lofe him, not your Fathers death: 
It were loft forrow to waile one that's loft. 

'Boy. Then you conclude, (my Grandam) he is dead: 
The King mine Vnckle is too blame for it. 
God will reuenge it, whom I will importune 
With earneft prayers, all to that effecl:. 

Daugh. And fo will I. 

Dut. Peace children peace, the King doth loue you wel. 
Incapeable, and {hallow Innocents, 
You cannot gueffe who caus'd your Fathers death. 

Boy. Grandam we can: for my good Vnkle Glofter 



Told me, the King prouok'd to it by the Queene, 
Deuis'd impeachments to imprifon him ; 
And when my Vnckle told me fo, he wept, 
And pittied me, and kindly kift my cheeke: 
Bad me rely on him, as on my Father, 
And he would loue me deerely as a childe. 

Dut. Ah! that Deceit mould fteale fuch gentle fhape, 
And with a vertuous Vizor hide deepe vice. 
He is my fonne, I, and therein my fhame, 
Yet from my dugges,he drew not this deceit. 

Boy. Thinke you my Vnkle did diffemble Grandam? 

Dut. I Boy. 

Boy. I cannot thinke it. Hearke, what noife is this ? 

Enter the Queene with her haire about her ears, 
Riuers & Dorfet after her. 

2}u. Ah 1 who mail hinder me to waile and weepe ? 
To chide my Fortune, and torment my Selfe. 
He ioyne with blacke difpaire againft my Soule, 
And to my felfe, become an enemie. 

Dut. What meanes this Scene of rude impatience i 
Qu. To make an aft of Tragicke violence. 
Edward my Lord, thy Sonne, our King is dead. 
Why grow the Branches, when the Roote is gone? 
Why wither not the leaues that want their fap ? 
If you will liue, Lament : if dye, be breefe, 
That our fwift-winged Soules may catch the Kings, 
Or like obedient Subie&s follow him, 
To his new Kingdome of nere-changing night. 

Dut. Ah fo much intereft haue in thy forrow, 
As I had Title in thy Noble Husband : 
I haue be wept a worthy Husbands death, 
And liu'd with looking on his Images: 
But now two Mirrors of his Princely femblance, 
Are crack'd in pieces, by malignant death, 
And I for comfort, haue but one falfe Glaffe, 
That greeues me, when I fee my ihame in him. 
Thou art a Widdow: yet thou art a Mother, 
And haft the comfort of thy Children left, 
But death hath fnatch'd my Husband from mine Armes, 
And pluckt two Crutches from my feeble hands , 
Clarence, and Edward. O, what caufe haue I, 
(Thine being but a moity of my moane_) 
To ouer-go thy woes, and drowne thy cries. 

'Boy. Ah Aunt! you wept not for our Fathers death : 
How can we ayde you with our Kindred teares ? 

Daugh. Our fatherleffe diftreffe was left vnmoan'd, 
Your widdow-dolour, likewife be vnwept. 

Qu. Giue me no helpe in Lamentation, 
I am not barren to bring forth complaints: 
All Springs reduce their currents to mine eyes, 
That I being gouern'd by the waterie Moone, 
May fend forth plenteous teares to drowne the World. 
Ah, for my Husband, for my deere Lord Edward. 

Chil. Ah for our Father, for our deere Lord Clarence. 

Dut. Alas for both, both mine Edward and Clarence. 

Qu. What ftay had I but Edward,and hee's gone? 

Chil. What ftay had we but Clarence? and he's gone. 

Dut. What ftayes had I, but they? and they are gone. 

Qu. Was neuer widdow had fo deere a loffe . 

Chil. Were neuer Orphans had fo deere a loffe. 

Dut. Was neuer Mother had fo deere a loffe. 
Alas! I am the Mother of thefe Greefes, 
Their woes are parcell'd, mine is generall. 
She for an Edward weepes,and fo do I : 



The Life and 'Death of Richard the Third. 



I for a Clarence weepes, fo doth not ftiee : 
Thefe Babes for Clarence weepe, fo do not they. 
Alas! you three, on me threefold diftreft : 
Power all your teares, I am your forrowes Nurfe, 
And I will pamper it with Lamentation. 

Dor. Comfort deere Mother, God is much difpleas'd, 
That you take with vnthankfulnefle his doing. 
In common worldly things, 'tis call'd vngratefull, 
With dull vnwillingnefle to repay a debt, 
Which with a bounteous hand was kindly lent : 
Much more to be thus oppofite with heauen, 
For it requires the Royall debt it lent you. 

Riuers. Madam, bethinke you like a carefull Mother 
Of the young Prince your fonne: fend ftraight for him, 
Let him be Crown'd, in him your comfort Hues. 
Drowne defperate forrow in dead Edwards graue, 
And plant your ioyes in liuing Edwards Throne. 

Enter 'Richard, 'Buckingham, Derbie, Ha- 
ftings,and Ratcliffe. 

Rich. Sifter haue comfort, all of vs haue caufe 
To waile the dimming of our mining Starre : 
But none can helpe our harmes by wayling them. 
Madam, my Mother, I do cry you mercie, 
I did not fee your Grace. Humbly on my knee, 
I craue your Bleffing. 

Dut. God blefle thee, and put meeknes in thy breaft, 
Loue Charity, Obedience, and true Dutie. 

Rich. Amen, and make me die a good old man, 
That is the butt-end of a Mothers bleffing ; 
I maruell that her Grace did leaue it out. 

Buc. You clowdy-Princes, & hart-forowing-Peeres, 
That beare this heauie mutuall loade of Moane, 
Now cheere each other, in each others Loue : 
Though we hauefpent our Harueft of this King, 
We are to reape the Harueft of his Sonne. 
The broken rancour of your high.fwolne hates, 
But lately fplinter'd, knit, and ioyn'd together, 
Muft gently be preferu'd,cheriftit.and kept : 
Me feemeth good, that with fome little Traine, 
Forthwith from Ludlow, the young Prince be fet 
Hither to London, to be crown'd our King. 

Riuers. Why with fome little Traine, 
My Lord ofBuckingham ? 

'Buc. Marrie my Lord,leaft by a multitude, 
The new-heal'd wound of Malice ftiould breake out, 
Which would be fo much the more dangerous, 
By how much the eftate is greene, and yet vngouern'd. 
Where euery Horfe beares his commanding Reine, 
And may direct his courfe as pleafe himfelfe, 
As well the feare of harme, as harme apparant, 
In my opinion, ought to be preuented. 

Rich. I hope the King made peace with all of vs, 
And the compact is firme,and true in me. 

Riu. And fo in me, and fo (I thinke)in all. 
Yet fince it is but greene, it ftiould be put 
To no apparant likely-hood of breach, 
Which haply by much company might be vrg'd : 
Therefore I fay with Noble Buckingham, 
That it is meete fo few ftiould fetch the Prince. 

Haft. And fo fay I. 

Rich. Then be it fo, and go we to determine 
Who they ftiall be that ftrait ftiall pofte to London. 
Madam, and you my Sifter, will you go 
To giue your cenfures in this bufinefle. Exeunt. 



Manet Buckingham, and %ichard. 

'Buc. My Lord, who euer iournies to the Prince, 
For God fake let not vs two ftay at home : 
For by the way, He fort occafion, 
As Index to the ftory we late talk'd of, 
To part the Queenes proud Kindred from the Prince. 

Rich. My other felfe, my Counfailes Confiftory, 
My Oracle, My Prophet, my deere Cofin, 
I,as a childe, will go by thy direction, 
Toward London then, for wee'l not flay behinde. Exeunt 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter one Citizen at one doore, and another , 
the other. 



l.Qit. Good morrow Neighbour, whether away fo 
faft? 

z.Cit. I promife you, I fcarfely know my felfe : 
Heare you the newes abroad ? 

1. Yes, that the King is dead. 

2. Ill newes byrlady, feldome comes the better : 
I feare, I feare, 'twill proue a giddy world. 

Enter another Citizen. 

3. Neighbours, God fpeed. 

1. Giue you good morrow fir. 

3. Doth the newes hold of good king Edwards death? 

2. I fir, it is too true, God helpe the while. 

3. Then Matters looke to fee a troublous world. 

1. No, no, by Gods good grate, his Son ftiall reigne. 
3. Woe to that Land that's gouern'd by a Childe. 

2. In him there is a hope of Gouernment, 
Which in his nonage, counfell vnder him, 
And in his full and ripened yeares, himfelfe 
No doubt ftiall then, and till then gouerne well. 

I. So ftood the State, when Henry the fixt 
Was crown'd in Paris, but at nine months old. 

3. Stood the State fo ? No,no,good friends,God wot 
For then this Land was famoufly enrich'd 

With politike graue Counfell; then the King 
Had vertuous Vnkles to protect his Grace. 

1. Why fo hath this, both by his Father and Mother. 

3. Better it were they all came by his Father: 
Or by his Father there were none at all : 
For emulation, who ftiall now be neereft, 
Will touch vs all too neere,if God preuent not. 
O full of danger is the Duke of Gloufter, 
And the Queenes Sons,and Brothers, haught and proud: 
And were they to be rul'd,and not to rule, 
This fickly Land, might folace as before. 

1. Come, come, we feare the worft : all will be well. 
3. When Clouds are feen,wifemen put on their clokes; 

j When great leaues fall, then Winter is at hand ; 
i When the Sun fets, who doth not looke for night ? 

Vntimely ftormes, makes men expect a Dearth : 

All may be well ; but if God fort it fo, 

'Tis more then we deferue,or I expect. 

2. Truly, the hearts of men are full of feare: 
You cannot reafon (almoft)with a man, 
That lookes not heauily,and full of dread. 

3. Before the dayes of Change, (till is it fo, 
By a diuine inftinft, mens mindesmiftruft 

Enfuing 



\The Life and Death of^ichard the Third. 



185 



Purfuing danger : as by proofe we fee 

The Water fwell before a boyft'rous ftorme : 

But leaue it all to God. Whither away ? 

2 Marry we were fent for to the Iuftices. 

3 And fo was I : He beare you company. 



Scena Quarta. 



Snter Arch-hi/hop ,yong Tor\e , the Queene, 
and the Dutcheffe. 

Arch. Laft night I heard they lay at Stony Stratford, 
And at Northampton they do reft to night: 
To morrow, or next day, they will be heere. 

Dut. I long with all my heart to fee the Prince : 
I hope he is much growne fince laft I faw him. 

Qu. But I heare no, they fay my fonne of Yorke 
Ha's almoft ouertane him in his growth. 

Torke. I Mother, but I would not haue it fo. 

Dut. Why my good Co(in,it is good to grow. 

Tor. Grandam, one night as we did fit at Supper, 
My Vnkle Riuers talk'd how I did grow 
More then my Brother. I, quoth my Vnkle Gloufter, 
Small Herbes haue grace, great Weeds do grow apace. 
And fince, me thinkes I would not grow fo faft, 
Becaufe fweet Flowres are flow, and Weeds make haft. 

Dut. Good faith, good faith, the faying did not hold 
In him that did obiect the fame to thee. 
He was the wretched'ft thing when he was yong, 
So long a growing, and fo leyfurely, 
That if his rule were true, he fliould be gracious. 

Tor. And fo no doubt he is, my gracious Madam. 

Dut. I hope he is, but yet let Mothers doubt. 

Tor. Now by my troth, if I had beene remembred, 
I could haue giuen my Vnkles Grace, a flout, 
To touch his growth, neerer then he toucht mine. 

Dut. How my yong Yorke, 
I prythee let me heare it. 

Tor. Marry (they fay) my Vnkle grew fo faft, 
That he could gnaw a cruft at two houres old, 
'Twas full two yeares ere I could get a tooth. 
Grandam, this would haue beene a byting left. 

Dut. I prythee pretty Yorke, who told thee this? 

Tor. Grandam, his NurfTe. 

T>ut. His Nurfe? why lhe was dead, ere y waft borne. 

Tor. IPtwere not (he, I cannot tell who told me. 

Qu. A parlous Boy:go too, you are too ftirew'd. 

Dut. Good Madam, be not angry with the Childe. 

Qu. Pitchers haue eares. 



Arch. Heere comes a Meflenger: What Newes? 

Mej. Such newes my Lord, as greeues me to report. 

Qu. How doth the Prince ? 

cMef. Well Madam, and in health. 

Dut. What is thy Newes f 

Meff. Lord Riuers, and Lord Grey, 
Are fent to Pomfret, and with them, 
Sir Thomas Vaughan, Prifoners. 

Dut. Who hath committed them ? 

Mej. The mighty Dukes, Gloufter and ""Buckingham. 



Arch. For what offence ? 

eMef. The fumme of all I can, I haue difclos'd : 
Why, or for what, the Nobles were committed, 
Is all vnknowne to me, my gracious Lord. 

Qu. Aye me] I fee the ruine of my Houfe : 
The Tyger now hath feiz'd the gentle Hinde, 
Infulting Tiranny beginnes to Iutt 
Vpon the innocent and aweleffe Throne : 
Welcome Deftruftion, Blood, and Maflacre, 
I fee ( as in a Map ) the end of all. 

Dut. Accurfed,and vnquiet wrangling dayes, 
How many of you haue mine eyes beheld? 
My Husband loft his life, to get the Crowne, 
And often vp and downemy fonnes were toft 
For me to ioy,and weepe, their gaine and loflfe. 
And being feated, and Domefticke broyles 
Cleane ouer-blowne, themfelues the Conquerors, 
Make warre vpon themfelues, Brother to Brother; 
Blood to blood, felfe againft felfe : O prepoftorous 
And franticke outrage, end thy damned fpleene, 
Or let me dye, to looke on earth no more. 

Qu. Come, come my Boy, we will to Sanctuary. 
Madam, farwell. 

Dut. Stay, I will go with you. 

Qu. You haue no caufe. 

Arch. My gracious Lady go, 
And thether beare your Treafure and your Goodes, 
For my part, He refigne vnto your Grace 
The Seale I keepe,and fo betide to me, 
As well I tender you, and all of yours. 
Go, He conduct you to the Sanctuary. Exeunt 



ABus Tertius. Sccena^Prima. 



The Trumpets found. 
Enter yong Prince, the T>ukes of Glocefter, and Buckingham, 
Lord Qardinall, with others. 

'Buc. Welcome fweete Prince to London, 
To your Chamber. 

Rich. Welcome deere Cofin, my thoughts Soueraign 
The wearie way hath made you Melancholly. 

Trin. No Vnkle, but our croffes on the way, 
Haue made it tedious, wearifome, and .heauie. 
I want more Vnkles heere to welcome me. 

Rich. Sweet Prince, the vntainted vertue of your yeers 
Hath not yet diu'd into the Worlds deceit : 
No more can you diftinguifti of a man, 
Then of his outward fliew, which God he knowes, 
Seldome or neuer iumpeth with the heart. 
Thofe Vnkles which you want, were dangerous : 
Your Grace attended to their Sugred words, 
But look'd not on the poyfon of their hearts : 
God keepe you from, them, and from fuch falfe Friends. 

Prin. God keepe me from falfe Friends, 
But they were none. 

Rich. My Lord, the Maior of London comes to greet 
you. 

Enter Lord Maior. 

Lo.zMaior. God bleffe your Grace, with health and 
happie dayes. 

Prin. I thanke you, good my Lord, and thank you all : 



i86 



The Life and Death of ^c hard the Third. 



I thought my Mother,and my Brother Yorke, 
Would long, ere this, haue met vs on the way. 
Fie, what a Slug is Haftings, that he comes not 
To tell vs, whether they will come, or no. 

Enter Lord Haftings. 

'Buckj And in good time, heere comes the fweating 
Lord. 

Prince. Welcome, my Lord : what, will our Mother 
come? 

Haft. On what occafion God he knowes, not I ;] 
The Queene your Mother, and your Brother Yorke, 
Haue taken Sandtuarie : The tender Prince 
Would faine haue come with me, to meet your Grace, 
But by his Mother was perforce with-held. 

Buc\. Fie, what an indirect and peeuifh courfe 
Is this of hers? Lord Cardinall, will your Grace 
Perfwade the Queene, to fend the Duke ofYorke 
Vnto his Princely Brother prefently ? 
If fhe denie, Lord Haslings goe with him, 
And from her iealous Armes pluck him perforce. 

Card. My Lord of Buckingham, if my weake Oratorie 
Can from his Mother winne the Duke ofYorke, 
Anon expeft him here : but if fhe be obdurate 
To milde entreaties, God forbid 
We fhould infringe the holy Priuiledge 
Of bleffed San&uarie : not for all this Land, 
Would I be guiltie of fo great a finne. 

'Buc^. You are too fenceleffe obftinate,my Lord, 
Too ceremonious, and traditionall. 
Weigh it but with the groffeneffe of this Age, 
You breake not Sandtuarie, in feizing him : 
The benefit thereof is alwayes granted 
To thofe, whofe dealings haue deferu'd the place, 
And thofe who haue the wit to clayme the place : 
This Prince hath neyther claym'd it, nor deferu'd it, 
And therefore, in mine opinion, cannot haue it. 
Then taking him from thence, that is not there, 
You breake no Priuiledge, nor Charter there : 
Oft haue I heard of Sandtuarie men, 
But Sandtuarie children, ne're till now. 

Card. My Lord, you fhall o're-rule my mind for once. 
Come on, Lord Haftings, will you goe with me ? 

Haft. I goe, my Lord. Exit Cardinall and Haftings. 

Prince.Good Lords, make all the fpeedie haft you may. 
Say, Vnckle Glocefter, if our Brother come, 
Where fhall we foiourne, till our Coronation ? 

G/o. Where it think'ft beft vnto your Royall felfe. 
If 1 may counfaile you,fome day or two 
Your Highneffe fhall repofe you at the Tower : 
Then where you pleafe,and fhall be thought molt fit 
For your beft health, and recreation. 

Prince. I doe not like the Tower, of any place : 
Did Iulius defar build that place, my Lord ? 

1Suc\. He did, my gracious Lord, begin that place, 
Which fince, fucceeding Ages haue re-edify'd. 

Prince. Is it vpon record ? or elfe reported 
Succeffiuely from age to age, he built it ? 

'Buckj Vpon record, my gracious Lord. 

Prince. But fay, my Lord, it were not regiftred, 
Me thinkes the truth fhould liue from age to age, 
As 'twere retayl'd to all pofteritie, 
Euen to the generall ending day. 

Glo. So wife,fo young, they fay doe neuer liue long. 

Prince. What fay you, Vnckle ? 



Glo. I fay, without Characters, Fame liues long. 
Thus, like the formall Vice,Iniquitie, 
I morallize two meanings in one word. 

"Prince. That Iulius Cafar was a famous man, 
With what his Valour did enrich his Wit, 
His Wit fet downe, to make his Valour liue : 
Death makes no Conqueft of his Conqueror, 
For now he liues in Fame, though not in Life. 
He tell you what, my Coufin ^Buckingham. 

Buck- What, my gracious Lord ? 

Prince. And if I liue vntill I be a man, 
He win our ancient Right in France againe, 
Or dye a Souldier,as I liu'd a King. 

Glo. Short Summers lightly haue a forward Spring. 

Enter young Yorke, Haftings ,and Cardinall. 

'Buck- Now in good time, heere comes the Duke of 
Yorke. 

Prince. Richard of Yorke, how fares our Noble Bro- 
ther ? 

Yorke. Well, my deare Lord, fo muft I call you now. 

Prince. I, Brother, to our griefe,as it is yours: 
Too late he dy'd,that might haue kept that Title, 
Which by his death hath loft much Maieftie. 

Glo. How fares our Coufm, Noble Lord ofYorke? 

Yorke. I thanke you, gentle Vnckle. O my Lord, 
You faid,that idle Weeds are faft in growth : 
The Prince, my Brother, hath out-growne me farre. 

Glo. He hath, my Lord. 

Yorke. And therefore is he idle ? 

Glo. Oh my faire Coufin, I muft not fay fo. 

Yorke. Then he is more beholding to you, then I. 

Glo. He may command me as my Soueraigne, 
But you haue power in me, as in a Kinfman. 

Yorke. I pray you, Vnckle, giue me this Dagger. 

Glo. My Dagger, little Coufin? with all my heart. 

Prince. A Begger, Brother ? 

Yorke. Of my kind Vnckle, that I know will giue, 
And being but a Toy, which is no griefe to giue. 

Glo. A greater gift then that, He giue my Coufin. 

Yorke. A greater gift? O, that's the Sword to it. 

Glo. I, gentle Coufin, were it light enough. 

Yorke. O then I fee, you will part but with light gifts, 
In weightier things you'le fay a Begger nay. 

Glo. It is too weightie for your Grace to weare. 

Yorke. I weigh it lightly, were it heauier. 

Glo. What, would you haue my Weapon, little Lord? 

Yorke. I would that I might thanke you, as, as, you 
call me. 

Glo. How? 

Yorke. Little. 

Prince. My Lord of Yorke will ftill be croffe in talke : 
Vnckle, your Grace knowes how to beare with him. 

Yorke. You meane to beare me, not to beare with me : 
Vnckle, my Brother mockes both you and me, 
Becaufe that I am little,likean Ape, 
He thinkes that you fhould beare me on your moulders. 

Buck- With what a fharpe prouided wit he reafons : 
To mittigate the fcorne he giues his Vnckle, 
He prettily and aptly taunts himfelfe : 
So cunning, and fo young, is wonderfull. 

Glo. My Lord, wilt pleafe you paffe along? 
My felfe,and my good Coufin Buckingham, 
Will to your Mother, to entreat of her 
I To meet you at the Tower, and welcome you. 

Yorke. What, 



The Life and "Death of^ichardthe Third. 



.87 



Yorke. What, will you goe vnto the Tower, my Lord? 

Prince. My Lord Prote&or will haue it fo. 

Yorke. I ftiall not fleepe in quiet at the Tower. 

Glo. Why, what ftiould you feare f 

Yorke. Marry, my Vnckle Clarence angry Ghoft : 
My Grandam told me he was murther'd there. 

Prince. I feare no Vnckles dead. 

Glo. Nor none that liue, I hope. 

Prince. And if they liue, I hope I need not feare. 
But come my Lord : and with a heauie heart, 
Thinking on them, goe I vnto the Tower. 

A Senet. Exeunt Prince, Yorfy, Haftings, and Dorfet. 

Manet Richard, Buckingham, and Catesiy. 

'Buck; Thinke you, my Lord, this little prating Yorke 
Was not incenfed by his fubtile Mother, 
To taunt and fcorne you thus opprobrioufly ? 

Qlo. No doubt, no doubt : Oh 'tis a perillous Boy, 
Bold, quicke, ingenious, forward, capable : 
Hee is all the Mothers, from the top to toe. 

"Buck. Well, let them reft : Come hither Catesby, 
Thou art fworne as deepely to effect what we intend, 
As clofely to conceale what we impart : 
Thou know'ft our reafons vrg'd vpon the way. 
What think'ft thou ? is it not an eafie matter, 
To make William Lord Hafiings of our minde, 
For the inftallment of this Noble Duke 
In the Seat Royall of this famous He ? 

Cates. He for his fathers fake fo loues the Prince, 
That he will not be wonne to ought againft him. 

'Buck: What think'ft thou then of Stanley* Will 
not hee ? 

Cates. Hee will doe all in all as Haftings doth. 

'Buck,. Well then, no more but this : 
Goe gentle Catesby, and as it were farre off, 
Sound thou Lord Hafiings, 
How he doth ftand affected to our purpofe, 
And fummon him to morrow to the Tower, 
To fit about the Coronation. 
If thou do'ft finde him tractable to vs, 
Encourage him, and tell him all our reafons : 
If he be leaden, ycie, cold, vn willing, 
Be thou fo too, and fo breake off the talke, 
And giue vs notice of his inclination : 
For we to morrow hold diuided Counco,, 
Wherein thy felfe malt highly be employ'd. 

Rich. Commend me to Lord William: tell him Catesby, 
His ancient Knot of dangerous Aduerfaries 
To morrow are let blood at Pomfret Caftle, 
And bid my Lord, for ioy of this good newes, 
Giue Miftreffe Shore one gentle Kiffe the more. 

'Buck- Good Catesby, goe effect this bufineffe foundly. 

Cates. My good Lords both, with all the heed I can. 

Rich. Shall we heare from you, Catesby, ere we lleepe? 

Cates. You mall, my Lord. 

Rich. At Crosby Houfe, there fhall you find vs both. 
Exit Catesby. 

Buc\. Now, my Lord, 
What ftiall wee doe, if wee perceiue 
Lord Haftings will not yeeld to our Complots ? 

Rich. Chop off his Head : 
Something wee will determine : 
And lookewhen I am King, clayme thou of me 
The Earledome of Hereford, and all the moueables 
Whereof the King, my Brother, was poffeft. 



Buck- He clayme that promife at your Graces hand. 

Rich. And looke to haue it yeelded with all kindneffe. 
Come, let vs fuppe betimes, that afterwards 
Wee may digeft our complots in fome forme. 

Exeunt. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter a t^MeJfenger to the Doore of Haftings. 

zMeJf. My Lord, my Lord. 
Hast. Who knockes f 
(^Mejj'. One from the Lord Stanley. 
Haft. What is't a Clocke ? 
Mejf. Vpon the ftroke of foure. 

Enter Lord. Haftings. 

Hast. Cannot my Lord Stanley fleepe thefe tedious 
Nights? 

Mejf. So it appeares, by that I haue to fay : 
Firft, he commends him to your Noble felfe. 
Haft. What then? 

Mt£~. Then certifies your Lordfhip, that this Night 
He dreamt, the Bore had rafed off his Helme : 
Befides, he fayes there are two Councels kept j 
And that may be determin'd at the one, 
Which may make you and him to rue at th'other. 
Therefore he fends to know your Lordfttips pleafure, 
If you will prefently take Horfe with him, 
And with ail fpeed poft with him toward the North, 
To ftiun the danger that his Soule diuines. 

Has!. Goe fellow, goe, returne vnto thy Lord, 
Bid him not feare the feperated Councell : 
His Honor and my felfe are at the one, 
And at the other, is my good friend Catesby ; 
Where nothing can proceede, that toucheth vs, 
Whereof I ftiall not haue intelligence : 
Tell him his Feares are {hallow, without inftance. 
And for his Dreames, I wonder hee's fo fimple, 
To truft the mock'ry of vnquiet (lumbers. 
To flye the Bore, before the Bore purfues, 
Were to incenfe the Bore to follow vs, 
And make purfuit, where he did meane.no chafe. 
Goe, bid thy Mafter rife, and come to me, 
And we will both together to the Tower, 
Where he ftiall fee the Bore will vfe vs kindly. 

Mejf. He goe, my Lord, and tell him what you fay. 
Exit. 
Enter Catesby. 

Cates. Many good morrowes to my Noble Lord. 
Hall. Good morrow Catesby, yon are early ftirring: 
What newes, what newes, in this our tott'ring State ? 

Cates. It is a reeling World indeed, my Lord : 
And I beleeue will neuer ftand vpright, 
Till Richard weare the Garland of the Realme. 

Haft. How weare the Garland ? 
Doeft thou menne the Crowne ? 
Cates. I, my good Lord. 
Haft.l\e haue this Crown of mine cut fro my fhoukkirs, 
Before He fee the Crowne fo foule mif-plac'd : 
But canft thou guefle, that he doth ayme at it ? 

Cates. I, 



The Life and Death of ^c hard the Third. 



Cates. I, on my life, and hopes to find you forward, 
Vpon his partie, for the gaine thereof: 
And thereupon he fends you this good newes, 
That this fame very day your enemies, 
The Kindred of the Queene,muft dye at Pomfret. 

Haft. Indeed I am no mourner for that newes, 
Becaufe they haue beene ftill my aduerfaries : 
But, that He giue my voice on Richards fide, 
To barre my Mafters Heires in true Defcent, 
God knowes I will not doe it, to the death. 

Cates. God keepe your Lordfhip in that gracious 
minde. 

Haft. But I mall laugh at this a twelue-month hence, 
That they which brought me in my Mafters hate, 
I liue to looke vpon their Tragedie. 
Well Catesby, ere a fort-night make me older, 
He fend fome packing, that yet thinke not on't. 

Cates. 'Tis a vile thing to dye, my gracious Lord, 
When men are vnprepar'd, and looke not for it. 

Haft. O monftrous, monftrous ! and fo falls it out 
With Riuers, Vaughan, Grey ; and fo 'twill doe 
With fome men elfe, that thinke themfelues as fafe 
As thou and I, who (as thou know'ft) are deare 
To Princely Richard, and to Buckingham. 

Cates. The Princes both make high account of you, 
For they account his Head vpon the Bridge. 

Haft. I know they doe, and I haue well deferu'd it. 

Enter Lord Stanley. 

Come on, come on, where is your Bore-fpeare man ? 
Feare you the Bore, and goe fo vnprouided ? 

Stan. My Lord good morrow, good morrow Qatesby : 
You may ieaft on, but by the holy Rood, 
I doe not like thefe feuerall Councels, I. 

Haft. My Lord, I hold my Life as deare as yours, 
And neuer in my dayes, I doe proteft, 
Was it fo precious to me, as 'tis now : 
Thinke you, but that I know our ftate fecure, 
I would be fo triumphant as I am ? 

Sta.The Lords at Pomfret, whe they rode from London, 
Were iocund, and fuppos'd their ftates were fure, 
And they indeed had no caufe to miftruft : 
But yet you fee, how foone the Day o're-caft. 
This fudden ftab of Rancour I mifdoubt : 
Pray God (I fay) I proue a needlefTe Coward. 
What, fliall we toward the Tower? the day is fpent. 

Haft. Come, come, haue with you : 
Wot you what, my Lord, 
To day the Lords you talke of, are beheaded. 

Sta/They, for their truth, might better wear their Heads, 
Then fome that haue accus'd them, weare their Hats. 
But come, my Lord, let's away. 

Enter a Purfuiuant. 

Haft. Goe on before, He talke with this good fellow. 
Exit Lord Stanley, and Catesby. 
How now,Sirrha ? how goes the World with thee ? 

Purf. The better, that your Lord/hi p pleafe to aske. 

Haft. I tell thee man, 'tis better with me now, 
Then when thou met'ft me laft, where now we meet : 
Then was I going Prifoner to the Tower, 
By the fuggeftion of the Queenes Allyes. 
But now I tell thee (keepe it to thy felfe) 
This day thofe Enemies are put to death, 



And I in better ftate then ere I was. 

Purf. God hold it, to your Honors good content. 
Haft. Gramercie fellow : there, drinke that for me. 

Throwes him his Purje. 
Purf. I thanke your Honor. Exit Purfuiuant. 

Enter a Prieft. 

Iriefl. Well met, my Lord, I am glad to fee your Ho- 
nor. 

Hail. I thanke thee, good Sir lohn, with all my heart. 
I am in your debt, for your laft Exercife : 
Come the next Sabboth, and I will content you. 

Prieft. He wait vpon your Lordfliip. 

Enter "Buckingham. 

'Buc. What, talking with a Prieft, Lord Chamberlaine ? 
Your friends at Pomfret, they doe need the Prieft, 
Your Honor hath no fhriuing worke in hand. 

Haft. Good faith, and when I met this holy man, 
The men you talke of, came into my minde. 
What, goe you toward the Tower ? 

Buc. I doe, my Lord, but long I cannot ftay there : 
I fliall returne before your Lord/hip, thence. 

Haft. Nay like enough, for I ftay Dinner there. 

Buc. And Supper too, although thou know'ft it not. 
Come, will you goe ? 

Haft. He wait vpon your Lord/hip. Exeunt. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Sir Richard Ratcliffe, with Halberds, carrying 
the Nobles to death at Tom/ret. 

Riuers. Sir Richard Ratcliffe, let me tell thee this, 
To day /halt thou behold a SubiecT. die, 
For Truth, for Dutie, and for Loyaltie. 

Grey. God blefTe the Prince from all the Pack of you, 
A Knot you are, of damned Blood-fuckers. 

Vaugh. You liue, that mail cry woe for this heere- 
after. 

Rat. Difpatch, the limit of your Liues is out. 

Riuers. O Pomfret, Pomfret ! O thou bloody Prifon ! 
Fatall and ominous to Noble Peeres : 
Within the guiltie Clofure of thy Walls, 
%ichard the Second here was hackt to death : 
And for more flander to thy difmall Seat, 
Wee giue to thee our guiltlefie blood to drinke. 

Grey. Now Margarets Curfe is falne vpon our Heads, 
When fliee exclaim'd on Hastings, you, and I, 
For ftanding by, when Richard ftab'd her Sonne. 

Riuers. Then curs'd fliee Richard, 
Then curs'd fliee 'Buckingham, 
Then curs'd mee Haslings . Oh remember God, 
To heare her prayer for them, as now for vs : 
And for my Sifter, and her Princely Sonnes, 
Be fatisfy'd, deare God, with our true blood, 
Which, as thou know'ft, vniuftly muft be fpilt. 

Rat. Make hafte, the houre of death is expiate. 

Riuers. Come Grey, come Vaughan, let vs here embrace. 
Farewell, vntill we meet againe in Heauen. 

Exeunt. 

Scena 



The Life and Death of ^c hard the Third. 



Sc<zna Quarta. 



Enter <Bucl(wgham,Darby,HaBings, i BiJhop of Ely, 

Norfol^e, Ratcliffe, Louell,mth others, 

at a Table. 

Haft. Now Noble Peeres, the caufe why we are met, 
Is to determine of the Coronation : 
In Gods Name fpeake, when is the Royall day ? 

Buc\. Is all things ready for the Royall time ? 

Darb. It is, and wants but nomination. 

Ely. To morrow then I iudge a happie day. 

Buc\.~Who knowes the Lord Protectors mind herein? 
Who is moft inward with the Noble Duke ? 

Sly. Your Grace, we thinke, mould fooneft know his 
minde. 

"Buc^. We know each others Faces : for our Hearts, 
He knowes no more of mine, then I of yours, 
Or I of his, my Lord, then you of mine : 
Lord Haftings, you and he are neere in loue. 

Haft. I thanke his Grace, I know he loues me well : 
But for his purpofe in the Coronation, 
I haue not founded him, nor he deliuer'd 
His gracious pleafure any way therein : 
But you, my Honorable Lords, may name the time, 
And in the Dukes behalfe He giue my Voice, 
Which I prefume hee'le take in gentle part. 

Enter Gloucefter. 

Ely. In happie time, here comes the Duke himfelfe. 

Rich. My Noble Lords,and Coufins all, good morrow: 
I haue beene long a fleeper: but I truft, 
My abfence doth neglect no great defigne, 
Which by my prefence might haue beene concluded. 

Bucl{. Had you not come vpon your Q^my Lord, 
William, Lord Haftings, had pronounc'd your part; 
I meane your Voice, for Crowning of the King. 

Rich.Then my Lord Haftings,no man might be bolder, 
His Lord/hip knowes me well, and loues me well. 
My Lord of Ely, when I was laft in Holborne, 
I faw good Strawberries in your Garden there, 
I doe befeech you, fend for fome of them. 

Ely. Mary and will, my Lord, with all my heart. 
Exit Bifhop. 

'Rich. Coufin of Buckingham, a word with you. 
Catesby hath founded HaBings in our bufinefTe, 
And findes the teftie Gentleman fo hot, 
That he will lofe his Head, ere giue confent 
His Matters Child, as worihipfully he tearmes it, 
Shall lofe the Royaltie of Englands Throne. 

Buc\. Withdraw your felfe a while, He goe with you. 
Exeunt. 

Darb.We haue not yet fet downe this day of Triumph: 
To morrow, in my iudgement, is too fudden, 
For I my felfe am not fo well prouided, 
As elfe I would be, were the day prolong'd. 



Enter the . 



of Sly. 



Ely. Where is my Lord, the Duke of Glofter ? 
I haue fent for thefe Strawberries. 

ifo.His Grace looks chearfully & fmooth this morning, 



There's fome conceit or other likes him well, 
When that he bids good morrow with fuch fpirit. 
I thinke there's neuer a man in Chriftendome 
Can leffer hide his loue, or hate, then hee, 
For by his Face ftraight mall you know his Heart. 

Darb.Whzt of his Heart perceiue you in his Face, 
By any liuelyhood he lhew'd to day ? 

Haft. Mary, that with no man here he is offended: 
For were he, he had lhewne it in his Lookes. 

Enter Richard, and Buckingham. 

Rich. I pray you all, tell me what they deferue, 
That doe confpire my death with diuellifh Plots 
Of damned Witchcraft, and that haue preuail'd 
Vpon my Body with their Hellifh Charmes. 

Haft. The tender loue I beare your Grace, my Lord, 
Makes me moft forward, in this Princely prefence, 
To doome th'Offendors, whofoe're they be : 
I fay, my Lord, they haue deferued death. 

Rich. Then be your eyes the witneffe of their euilL 
Looke how I am bewitch'd : behold, mine Arme 
Is like a blafted Sapling, wither' d vp : 
And this is Edwards Wife, that monftrous Witch, 
Conforted with that Harlot, Strumpet Shore, 
That by their Witchcraft thus haue marked me. 

Haft. If they haue done this deed, my Noble Lord. 

Rich. If? thou Protector of this damned Strumpet, 
Talk'ft thou to me of Ifs : thou art a Traytor, 
Off with his Head ; now by Saint Taul I fweare, 
I will not dine, vntill I fee the fame. 
Louell and "Ratcliffe, looke that it be done : Exeunt. 

The reft that loue me, rife, and follow me. 

oManet Louell and Ratcliffe, with the 
Lord Haftings. 

Haft. Woe, woe for England, not a whit for me, 
For I, too fond, might haue preuented this: 
Stanley did dreame, the Bore did rowfe our Helmes, 
And I did fcorne it, and difdaine to flye : 
Three times to day my Foot-Cloth-Horfe did ftumble, 
And ftarted, when he look'd vpon the Tower, 
As loth to beare me to the flaughter-houfe. 

now I need the Prieft, that fpake to me : 

1 now repent I told the Purfuiuant, 

As too triumphing, how mine Enemies 
To day at Pomfret bloodily were butcher'd, 
And I my felfe fecure, in grace and fauour. 
Oh Margaret, Margaret, now thy heauie Curfe 
Is lighted on poore HaBings wretched Head. 

ica.Come,come, difpatch, the Duke would be at dinner: 
Make a mort Shrift, he longs to fee your Head. 
Haft. O momentarie grace of mortall men, 
Which we more hunt for, then the grace of God ! 
Who builds his hope in ayre of your good Lookes, 
Liues like a drunken Sayleron a Maft, 
Readie with euery Nod to tumble downe, 
Into the fatall Bowels of the Deepe. 

Lou. Come, come, difpatch, 'tis bootlelfe to exclaime. 

HaB. O bloody Richard: miferable England, 
I prophecie the fearefuH'ft time to thee, 
That euer wretched Age hath look'd vpon. 
Come,lead me to the Block, beare him my Head, 
They fmile at me, who fhortly mail be dead. 
Exeunt. 
f Enter 



190 



The Life and Death of^chardthe Third. 



Enter Richard, and 'Buckingham, in rotten Armour, 
maruelhut ill-fauoured. 

Richard. Come Coufin, 
Canft thou quake,and change thy colour, 
Murther thy breath in middle of a word, 
And then againe begin, and flop againe, 
As if thou were diftraught,and mad with terror? 

Buc\. Tut, I can counterfeit the deepe Tragedian, 
Speake,and looke backe,and prie on euery fide, 
Tremble and ftart at wagging of a Straw : 
Intending deepe fufpition, gaftly Lookes 
Are at my feruice, like enforced Smiles ; 
And both are readie in their Offices, 
At any time to grace my Stratagemes. 
But what, is Catesby gone ? 

%ich. He is, and fee he brings the Maior along. 

Enter the Maior, and Catesby. 

c Buc\. Lord Maior. 

Rich. Looke to the Draw-Bridge there. 

Buck. Hearke,a Drumme. 

Rich. Catesby, o're-looke the Walls. 

*Buc\. Lord Maior, the reafon we haue fent. 

Rich. Looke back, defend thee, here are Enemies. 

*Buc\. God and our Innocencie defend, and guard vs. 



Enter Louell and Ratcliffe, with Haftings Head. 

Rich. Be patient, they are friends: Ratcliffe, and Louell. 

Louell. Here is the Head of that ignoble Traytor, 
The dangerous and vnfufpected Haftings. 

Rich. So deare I lou'd the man, that I muft weepe : 
I tooke him for the plaineft harmeleffe Creature, 
That breath'd vpon the Earth, a Chriftian. 
Made him my Booke, wherein my Soule recorded 
The Hiftorie of all her fecret thoughts. 
So fmooth he dawb'd his Vice with fhew of Vertue, 
That his apparant open Guilt omitted, 
I meane.his Conuerfation with Shores Wife, 
He liu'd from all attainder of fufpefts. 

*Buc{. Well, well, he was the couertft fheltred Traytor 
That euer liu'd. 

Would you imagine, or almoft beleeue, 
Wert not, that by great preferuation 
We liue to tell it, that the fubtill Traytor 
This day had plotted, in the Councell-Houfe, 
To murther me, and my good Lord of Glofter. 

Maior. Had he done fo ? 

Rich. What? thinke you we are Turkes,or Infidels? 
Or that we would, againft the forme of Law, 
Proceed thus raflily in the Villaines death, 
But that the extreme perill of the cafe, 
The Peace of England, and our Perfons fafetie, 
Enforc'd vs to this Execution. 

Maior. Now faire befall you, he deferu'd his death, 
And your good Graces both haue well proceeded, 
To warne falfe Traytors from the like Attempts. 

*Buck_. I neuer look'd for better at his hands, 
After he once fell in with Miftrefle Shore : 
Yet had we not determin'd he mould dye, 
Vntill your Lordftiip came to fee his end, 
Which now the louing hafte of thefe our friends, 
Something againft our meanings, haue preuented ; 
Becaufe,my Lord, I would haue had you heard 
The Traytor fpeake, and timoroufly confeffe 
The manner and the purpofe of his Treafons : 



That you might well haue fignify'd the fame 
Vnto the Citizens, who haply may 
Mifconfter vs in him, and wayle his death. 

Ma.But,my good Lord, your Graces words lhal ferue, 
As well as I had feene,and heard him fpeake : 
And doe not doubt, right Noble Princes both, 
But He acquaint our dutious Citizens 
With all your iuft proceedings in this cafe. 

Rich. And to that end we wilh'd your Lordftiip here, 
T'auoid the Cenfures of the carping World. 

Buck- Which fince you come too late of our intent, 
Yet witneffe what you heare we did intend : 
And fo,my good Lord Maior, we bid farwell. 

Exit Maior. 

Rich. Goe after, after, Coufin Buckingham. 
The Maior towards Guild-Hall hyes him in all pofte : 
There, at your meeteft vantage of the time, 
Inferre the Baftardie of Edwards Children : 
Tell them, how Edward put to death a Citizen, 
Onely for faying, he would make his Sonne 
Heire to the Crowne, meaning indeed his Houfe, 
Which, by the Signe thereof, was tearmed fo. 
Moreouer, vrge his hatefull Luxurie, 
And beaftiall appetite in change of Luft, 
Which ftretcht vnto their Seruants,Daughters, Wiues, 
Euen where his raging eye, or fauage heart, 
Without contrail, lufted to make a prey. 
Nay, for a need, thus farre come neere my Perfon : 
Tell them, when that my Mother went with Child 
Of that infatiate Edward; Noble Torfye, 
My Princely Father, then had Warres in France, 
And by true computation of the time, 
Found, that the IfTue was not his begot : 
Which well appeared in his Lineaments, 
Being nothing like the Noble Duke, my Father : 
Yet touch this fparingly,as'twere farre off, 
Becaufe,my Lord, you know my Mother liues. 

<Buc\. Doubt not, my Lord, lie play the Orator, 
As if the Golden Fee, for which I plead, 
Were for my felfe : and fo, my Lord,adue. 

Sjcb.lf you thriue wel,bring them to Baynards Caftle, 
Where you (hall finde me well accompanied 
With reuerend Fathers, and well-learned Bilhops. 

Buck. I goe, and towards three or foure a Clocke 
Looke for the Newes that the Guild-Hall affoords. 
Exit Buckingham. 

Rich. Goe Louell with all fpeed to Doctor Shaw, 
Goe thou to Fryer Peukjr, bid them both 
Meet me within this houre at Baynards Caftle. Exit. 
Now will I goe to take fome priuie order, 
To draw the Brats of Clarence out of fight, 
And to giue order, that no manner perfon 
Haue any time recourfe vnto the Princes. Exeunt. 



Enter a Sc 

Scr. Here is the Indictment of the good Lord Haftings, 
Which in a fet Hand fairely is engrofs'd, 
That it may be to day read o're in faults. 
And marke how well the fequell hangs together : 
Eleuen houres I haue fpent to write it ouer, 
For yefter-night by Catesby was it fent me, 
The Precedent was full as long a doing, 
And yet within thefe fiue houres Haftings liu'd, 
Vntainted, vnexamin'd, free, at libertie. 
Here's a good World the while. 

Who is fo groffe, that cannot fee this palpable deuice ? 

Yet 



The Life and Death of Richard the Third. 



19: 



Yet who fo bold, but fayes he fees it not? 

Bad is the World, and all will come to nought, 

When fuch ill dealing muft be feene in thought. Exit. 

Enter Richard and 'Buckingham at Jeuerall Doores. 

Rich. How now, how now, what fay the Citizens ? 

c Buc^. Now by the holy Mother of our Lord, 
The Citizens are mum, fay not a word. 

Rich. Toucht you the Baftardie of Edwards Children ? 

'Buck I did, with his Contract with Lady Lucy, 
And his Contraft by Deputie in France, 
Th'vnfatiate greedineife of his defire, 
And his enforcement of the Citie Wiues, 
His Tyrannie for Trifles, his owne Baftardie, 
As being got, your Father then in France, 
And his refemblance, being not like the Duke. 
Withall, I did inferre your Lineaments, 
Being the right Idea of your Father, 
Both in your forme, and Nobleneffe of Minde : 
Layd open all your Victories in Scotland, 
Your Difcipline in Warre, Wifdome in Peace, 
Your Bountie, Vertue, faire Humilitie : 
Indeed, left nothing fitting for your purpofe, 
Vntoucht, or fleightly handled in difcourfe. 
And when my Oratorie drew toward end, 
I bid them that did loue their Countries good, 
Cry, God faue Richard, Englands Royall King. 

%ich. And did they fo ? 

Buc\. No, fo God helpe me, they fpake not a word, 
But like dumbe Statues, or breathing Stones, 
Star'd each on other, and look'd deadly pale : 
Which when I faw, I reprehended them, 
And ask'd the Maior, what meant this wilfull filence ? 
His anfwer was, the people were not vfed 
To be fpoke to, but by the Recorder. 
Then he was vrg'd to tell my Tale againe : 
Thus fayth the Duke, thus hath the Duke inferr'd, 
But nothing fpoke, in warrant from himfelfe. 
When he had done, fome followers of mine owne, 
At lower end of the Hall, hurld vp their Caps, 
And fome tenne voyces cry'd, God faue King Richard: 
And thus I tooke the vantage of thofe few. 
Thankes gentle Citizens, and friends, quoth I, 
This generall applaufe, and chearefull ihowt, 
Argues your wifdome, and your loue to Richard : 
And euen here brake off, and came away. 

Rich. What tongue-Ieffe Blockes were they, 
Would they not fpeake ? 
Will not the Maior then, and his Brethren, come ? 

Buc\. The Maior is here at hand : intend fome feare, 
Be not you fpoke with, but by mightie fuit : 
And looke you get a Prayer-Booke in your hand, 
And ftand betweene two Church-men, good my Lord, 
For on that ground He make a holy Defcant : 
And be not eafily wonne to our requefts, 
Play the Maids part, ftill anfwer nay, and take it. 

Rich. I goe : and if you plead as well for them, 
As I can fay nay to thee for my felfe, 
No doubt we bring it to a happie iffue. 
'Buck- Go, go vp to the Leads, the Lord Maior knocks. 

Enter the vMaior, and Citizens. 

Welcome, my Lord, I dance attendance here, 
I thinke the Duke will not be fpoke withall. 



Enter Catesby. 

'Buck- Now Catesby, what fayes your Lord to my 
requeft ? 

Catesby. He doth entreat your Grace, my Noble Lord, 
To vifit him to morrow, or next day : 
He is within, with two right reuerend Fathers, 
Diuinely bent to Meditation, 
And in no Worldly fuites would he be mou'd, 
To draw him from his holy Exercife. 

'Buck. Returne,good Catesby, to the gracious Duke, 
Tell him, my felfe, the Maior and Aldermen, 
In deepe defignes, in matter of great moment, 
No lefle importing then our generall good, 
Are come to haue fome conference with his Grace. 

Catesby. He fignifie fo much vnto him ftraight. Exit. 

'Buck,. Ah ha, my Lord, this Prince is not an Edward, 
He is not lulling on a lewd Loue-Bed, 
But on his Knees, at Meditation : 
Not dallying with a Brace of Curtizans, 
But meditating with two deepe Diuines : 
Not fleeping, to engrofie his idle Body, 
But praying, to enrich his watchfull Soule. 
Happie were England, would this vertuous Prince 
Take on his Grace the Soueraigntie thereof. 
But fure I feare we ftiall not winne him to it. 

Maior. Marry God defend his Grace mould fay vs 
nay. 

Buc\. I feare he will : here Catesby comes againe. 

Enter Catesby. 
Now Catesby, what fayes his Grace ? 

Catesby. He wonders to what end you haue aflembled 
Such troopes of Citizens, to come to him, 
His Grace not being warn'd thereof before : 
He feares, my Lord, you meane no good to him. 
Buc\. Sorry I am, my Noble Coufin ihould 
Sufpedt me, that I meane no good to him : 
By Heauen, we come to him in perfit loue, 
And fo once more returne,and tell his Grace. Exit. 

When holy and deuout Religious men 
Are at their Beades,'tis much to draw them thence, 
So fweet is zealous Contemplation. 

Enter Richard aloft, betweene two 'Bijhops. 
Maior. See where his Grace ftands, tweene two Clergie 
men. 

*Buc\. Two Props of Vertue, for a Chriftian Prince, 
To ftay him from the fall of Vanitie : 
And fee a Booke of Prayer in his hand, 
True Ornaments to know a holy man. 
Famous Plantagenet, moft gracious Prince, 
Lend fauourable eare to our requefts, 
And pardon vs the interruption 
Of thy Deuotion, and right Chriftian Zeale. 

Rich. My Lord, there needes no fuch Apologie : 
I doe befeech your Grace to pardon me, 
Who earneft in the feruice of my God, 
Deferr'd the vifitation of my friends. 
But leauing this, what is your Graces pleafure ? 

Buc\. Euen that (I hopej which pleafeth God aboue, 
And all good men, of this vngouern'd He. 

Rich. I doe fufpeft I haue done fome offence, 
That feemes difgracious in the Cities eye, 
And that you come to reprehend my ignorance. 

f 2 Buck. You 



192 



The Life and "Death qf^ichardthe Third. 



s Bucl{. You haue, my Lord : 
Would it might pleafe your Grace, 
On our entreaties, to amend your fault. 

Rich. Elfe wherefore breathe I in a Chriftian Land. 

11uc{. Know then, it is your fault, that you refigne 
The Supreme Seat, the Throne Maiefticall, 
The Sceptred Office of your Anceftors, 
Your State of Fortune, and your Deaw of Birth, 
The Lineall Glory of your Royall Houfe, 
To the corruption of a blemiftit Stock ; 
Whiles in the mildneffe of your fleepie thoughts, 
Which here we waken to our Countries good, 
The Noble He doth want his proper Limmes : 
His Face defac'd with skarres of Infamie, 
His Royall Stock grafft with ignoble Plants, 
And almoft ftiouldred in the fwallowing Gulfe 
Of darke Forgetfulnefle, and deepe Obliuion. 
Which to recure, we heartily folicite 
Your gracious felfe to take on you the charge 
And Kingly Gouernment of this your Land : 
Not as Protector, Steward, Subftitute, 
Or lowly Factor, for anothers gaine ; 
But as fuccefliuely, from Blood to Blood, 
Your Right of Birth, your Empyrie, your owne. 
For this, conforted with the Citizens, 
Your very Worfhipfull and louing friends, 
And by their vehement inftigation, 
In this iuft Caufe come I to moue your Grace. 

'Rjcb. I cannot tell, if to depart in filence, 
Or bitterly to fpeake in your reproofe, 
Beft fitteth my Degree, or your Condition. 
If not to anfwer, you might haply thinke, 
Tongue-ty'd Ambition, not replying, yeelded 
To beare the Golden Yoake of Soueraigntie, 
Which fondly you would here impofe on me. 
If to reproue you for this fuit of yours, 
So feafon'd with your faithfull loue to me, 
Then on the other fide I check'd my friends. 
Therefore to fpeake, and to auoid the firft, 
And then in fpeaking, not to incurre the laft, 
Definitiuely thus I anfwer you. 
Your loue deferues my thankes, but my defert 
Vnmeritable, fhunnes your high requeft. 
Firft, if all Obftacles were cut away, 
And that my Path were euen to the Crowne, 
As the ripe Reuenue, and due of Birth : 
Yet {o much is my pouertie of fpirit, 
So mightie, and fo manie my defects, 
That I would rather hide me from my Greatnefle, 
Being a Barke to brooke no mightie Sea ; 
Then in my Greatnefle couet to be hid, 
And in the vapour of my Glory fmofher'd. 
But God be thank'd, there is no need of me, 
And much I need to helpe you, were there need : 
The Royall Tree hath left vs Royall Fruit, 
Which mellow'd by the ftealing howres of time, 
Will well become the Seat of Maieftie, 
And make (no doubt) vs happy by his Reigne. 
On him I lay that, you would lay on me, 
The Right and Fortune of his happie Starres, 
Which God defend that I ftiould wring from him. 

Buck^. My Lord, this argues Confcience in your Grace, 
But the refpects thereof are nice, and triuiall, 
All circumftances well confidered. 
You fay, that Edward is your Brothers Sonne, 
So fay we too, but not by Edwards Wife : 



For firft was he contract to Lady Lucie, 

Your Mother liues a Witnefle to his Vow ; 

And afterward by fubftitute betroth'd 

To 'Bona, Sifter to the King of France. 

Thefe both put off, a poore Petitioner, 

A Care-cras'd Mother to a many Sonnes, 

A Beautie-waining, and diftrefled Widow, 

Euen in the after-noone of her beft dayes, 

Made prize and purchafe of his wanton Eye, 

Seduc'd the pitch, and height of his degree, 

To bafe declenfion,and loath'd Bigamie. 

By her, in his vnlawfull Bed, he got 

This Edward, whom our Manners call the Prince. 

More bitterly could I expoftulate, 

Saue that for reuerence to fome aliue, 

I giue a fparing limit to my Tongue. 

Then good, my Lord, take to your Royall felfe 

This proffer' d benefit of Dignitie : 

If not to blefle vs and the Land withall, 

Yet to draw forth your Noble Anceftrie 

From the corruption of abufing times, 

Vnto a Lineall true deriued courfe. 

Maior. Do good my Lord, your Citizens entreat you. 

c Buc\. Refufe not, mightie Lord, this proffer'd loue. 

Cateib. O make them ioyfull, grant their lawfull fuit. 

Rich. Alas, why would you heape this Care on me ? 
I am vnfit for State,and Maieftie : 
I doe befeech you take it not amifle, 
I cannot, nor I will not yeeld to you. 

Buc\.. If you refufe it, as in loue and zeale, 
Loth to depofe the Child, your Brothers Sonne, 
As well we know your tendernefie of heart, 
And gentle, kinde, effeminate remorfe, 
Which we haue noted in you to your Kindred, 
And egally indeede to all Eftates : 
Yet know, where you accept our fuit, or no, 
Your Brothers Sonne fhall neuer reigne our King, 
But we will plant fome other in the Throne, 
To the difgrace and downe-fall of your Houfe : 
And in this refolution here we leaue you. 
Come Citizens, we will entreat no more. Exeunt. 

Qatesb.Catt him againe, fweet Prince, accept their fuit : 
If you denie them, all the Land will rue it. 

Rich. Will you enforce me to a world of Cares. 
Call them againe, I am not made of Stones, 
But penetrable to your kinde entreaties, 
Albeit againft my Confcience and my Soule. 

Enter 'Buckingham, and the reft. 
Coufin of Buckingham, and fage graue men, 
Since you will buckle fortune on my back, 
To beare her burthen, where I will or no. 
I muft haue patience to endure the Load : 
But if black Scandall,or foule-fac'd Reproach, 
Attend the fequell of your Impofition, 
Your meere enforcement mall acquittance me 
From all the impure blots and ftaynes thereof 5 
For God doth know, and you may partly fee, 
How farrel am from the defire of this. 

Maior. God blefle your Grace, wee fee it, and will 
fay it. 

Rich. In faying fo, you fhall but fay the truth. 

'Buck- Then I falute you with this Royall Title, 
Long Hue King Richard, Englands worthie King. 

All. Amen. 

Buc^.To morrow may it pleafe you to be Crown'd. 

Rich. Euen when you pleafe, for you will haue it fo. 

"Bucks To 
5*8 



The Life and Death of c Ric hard the Third. 



*93 



'Buck. To morrow then we will attend your Grace, 
And fo moft ioyfully we take our leaue. 

'Rich. Come, let vs to our holy Worke againe. 
Farewell my Coufins, farewell gentle friends. Sxeunt. 



ABus Quart us. Scena 'Prima. 



Enter the Queene, Anne Ducheffe of Gloucefter, the 
Ducheffe of Yorke, and Marqueffe Dorjet. 

Duch.Yor\e. Who meetes vs heere? 
My Neece Tlantagenet, 

Led in the hand of her kind Aunt of Glofter ? 
Now, for my Life, fhee's wandring to the Tower, 
On pure hearts loue, to greet the tender Prince. 
Daughter, well met. 

Anne. God giue your Graces both, a happie 
And a ioyfull time of day. 

Qu. As much to you, good Sifter: whither away? 

Anne. No farther then the Tower,and as I gueffe, 
Vpon the like deuotion as your felues, 
To gratulate the gentle Princes there. 

Qu. Kind Sifter thankes, wee'le enter all together : 

Enter the Lieutenant. 

And in good time, here the Lieutenant comes. 

Mafter Lieutenant, pray you, by your leaue, 

How doth the Prince, and my young Sonne of Yorke} 

Lieu. Right well, deare Madame : by your patience, 
I may not fuffer you to vifit them, 
The King hath ftridtly charg'd the contrary. 

Qu. The King ? who's that ? 

Lieu. I meane,the Lord Protector. 

Qu. The Lord protect: him from that Kingly Title. 
Hath he fet bounds betweene their loue, and me ? 
I am their Mother, who ftiall barre me from them ? 

T>uch. Yorke. I am their Fathers Mother, 1 will fee 
them. 

Anne.The'ir Aunt I am in law,in loue their Mother: 
Then bring me to their fights, lie beare thy blame, 
And take thy Office from thee, on my perill. 

Lieu. No,Madame, no; I may not leaue it fo : 
I am bound by Oath, and therefore pardon me. 

Sxit Lieutenant. 

Enter Stanley. 

Stanley. Let me but meet you Ladies one howre hence, 
And He falute your Grace of Yorke as Mother, 
And reuerend looker on of two faire Queenes. 
Come Madame, you muft ftraight to Weftminfter, 
There to be crowned Richards Royall Queene. 

Qu. Ah, cut my Lace afunder, 
That my pent heart may haue fome fcope to beat, 
Or elfe I fwoone with this dead-killing newes. 

Anne. Defpightfull tidings, O vnpleafing newes. 

Dorf. Be of good cheare : Mother, how fares your 
Grace ? 

Qu. O Dorfet, fpeake not to me, get thee gone, 
Death and Deftrurftion dogges thee at thy heeles, 
Thy Mothers Name is ominous to Children. 



If thou wilt out-ftrip Death, goe croffe the Seas, 
And Hue with Richmond, from the reach of Hell. 
Goe hye thee,hye thee from this flaughter-houfe, 
Left thou encreafe the number of the dead, 
And make me dye the thrall of Margarets Curfe, 
Nor Mother, Wife, nor Englands counted Queene, 

Stanley.YuM of wife care,is this your counfaile, Madame: 
Take all the fwift aduantage of the howres : 
You /hall haue Letters from me to my Sonne, 
In your behalfe, to meet you on the way : 
Be not ta'ne tardie by vnwife delay. 

Duch. Yorke. O ill difperfing Winde of Miferie, 
O my accurfed Wombe,the Bed of Death : 
A Cockatrice haft thou hatcht to the World, 
Whofe vnauoided Eye is murtherous. 

Stanley. Come, Madame, come, I in all hafte was fent. 

Anne. And I with all vnwillingneffe will goe. 

would to God, that the inclufiue Verge 

Of Golden Mettall,that muft round my Brow, 
Were red hot Steele, to feare me to the Braines, 
Anoynted let me be with deadly Venome, 
And dye ere men can fay, God faue the Queene. 

Qu. Goe, goe, poore foule, I enuie not thy glory, 
To feed my humor, wifh thy felfe no harme. 

Anne. No: why? When he that is my Husband now, 
Came to me, as I follow'd Henries Corfe, 
When fcarce the blood was well wafht from his hands, 
Which iffued from my other Angell Husband, 
And that deare Saint, which then I weeping follow'd : 
0,when I fay I look'd on Richards Face, 
This was my Wiih : Be thou ( quoth I ) accurft, 
For making me,fo young, fo old a Widow : 
And when thou wed'ft,let forrow haunt thy Bed ; 
And be thy Wife, if any befo mad, 
More miferable, by the Life of thee, 
Then thou haft made me, by my deare Lords death. 
Loe, ere I can repeat this Curfe againe, 
Within fo fmall a time, my Womans heart 
Groffely grew captiue to his honey words, 
And prou'd the fubiecT: of mine owne Soules Curfe, 
Which hitherto hath held mine eyes from reft : 
For neuer yet one howre in his Bed 
Did I enioy the golden deaw of fleepe, 
But with his timorous Dreames was (till awak'd, 
Befides, he hates me for my Father Warwick?, 
And will (no doubt) fhortiy be rid of me. 

Qu. Poore heart adieu, I pittie thy complaining. 

tAnne. No more, then with my foule I mourne for 
yours. 

Dorf. Farewell, thou wofull welcommer of glory. 

cAnne. Adieu , poore foule , that tak'ft thy leaue 
of it. 

Du.Y.Go thou to Richmond, & good fortune guide thee, 
Go thou to Richard, and good Angels tend thee, 
Go thou to Sanftuarie,and good thoughts pofftffe thee, 

1 to my Graue, where peace and reft lye with mee. 
Eightie odde yeeres of forrow haue I feene, 

And each howres ioy wrackt with a weeke of teene. 

Qu. Stay, yet looke backe with me vnto the Tower. 
Pitty,you ancient Stones, thofe tender Babes, 
Whom Enuie hath immur'd within your Walls, 
Rough Cradle for fuch little prettie ones, 
Rude ragged Nurfe,old fullen Play-fellow, 
For tender Princes : vfe my Babies well; 
So fooli/h Sorrowes bids your Stones farewell. 
Exeunt. 
f 3 Sound 



i 9 4 



TheLife andDeath of %ic hard the Third. 



Scena Secunda. 



Sound a Sennet. Enter Richard in fompe, Buc- 
kingham, Catesby, Ratcliffe, Louel. 

Rich. Stand all apart. Coufin of Buckingham. 
Buc\. My gracious Soueraigne. 
Rich. Giue me thy hand. Sound. 

Thus high, by thy aduice,and thy affiftance, 
Is King Richard feated : 
But fhall we weare thefe Glories for a day ? 
Or fhall they laft,and wereioyce in them ? 

'Buck s Still liue they, and for euer let them laft. 
Rich. Ah Buckingham, now doe I play the Touch, 
To trie if thou be currant Gold indeed : 
Young Edward hues, thinke now what I would fpeake. 
'Buck- Say on my louing Lord. 
Rich. Why 'Buckingham, I fay I would be King. 
'Buck- Why fo you are, my thrice-renowned Lord. 
Rich. Ha ? am I King ? 'tis fo : but Edward liues. 
'Buck, True, Noble Prince. 
Rich. O bitter confequence ! 
That Edward ftill fhould liue true Noble Prince. 
Coufin, thou waft not wont to be fo dull. 
Shall I be plaine? I wifh the Baftards dead, 
And I would haue it fuddenly perform'd. 
What fay'ft thou now ? fpeake fuddenly, be briefe. 
'Buck. Your Grace may doe your pleafure. 
Rich. Tut, tut, thou art all Ice, thy kindneffe freezes : 
Say, haue I thy confent,that they fhall dye ? 

Buc.Gme me fome litle breath, fome pawfe,deare Lord, 
Before I pofitiuely fpeake in this : 
I will refolue you herein prefently. Exit Buck; 

Catesby. The King is angry, fee he gnawes his Lippe. 
Rich. I will conuerfe with Iron-witted Fooles, 
And vnrefpecliue Boyes : none are for me, 
That looke into me with confiderate eyes, 
High-reaching 'Buckingham growes circumfpeft. 
Boy. 

Page. My Lord. 

Rich. Know'ft thou not any, whom corrupting Gold 
Will tempt vnto a clofe exploit of Death ? 

Page. I know a difcontented Gentleman, 
Whofe humble meanes match not his haughtie fpirit : 
Gold were as good as twentie Orators, 
And will (no doubt) tempt him to any thing. 
RJch. What is his Name ? 
Page. His Name, my Lord, is Tirrell. 
'Rich. I partly know the man : goe call him hither 
Boy. Exit. 

The deepe reuoluing wittie 'Buckingham, 
No more fhall be the neighbor to my counfailes. 
Hath he fo long held out with me,vntyr'd, 
And flops he now for breath ? Well, be it fo. 

Enter Stanley. 

How now, Lord Stanley, what's the newes ? 

Stanley. Know my louing Lord, the MarquefTe Dorfet 
As I heare, is fled to Richmond, 
In the parts where he abides. 

Rich. Come hither Catesby, rumor it abroad, 
That Anne my Wife is very grieuous iicke, 



I will take order for her keeping clofe. 

Inquire me out fome meane poore Gentleman, 

Whom I will marry ftraight to Clarence Daughter : 

The Boy is foolifh,and I feare not him. 

Looke how thou dream'ft : I fay againe, giue out, 

That Anne, my Queene,is ficke,and like to dye. 

About it, for it ftands me much vpon 

To flop all hopes, whofe growth may dammage me. 

I muft be marryed to my Brothers Daughter, 

Or elfe my Kingdome ftands on brittle GlafTe : 

Murther her Brothers, and then marry her, 

Vncertaine way of gaine. But I am in 

So farre in blood, that finne will pluck on finne, 

Teare-falling Pittie dwells not in this Eye. 

Enter Tyrrel. 

Is thy Name Tyrrel ? 

Tyr. lames Tyrrel, and your moft obedient fubieft. 

Rich. Art thou indeed ? 

Tyr. Proue me, my gracious Lord. 

Rich. Dar'ft thou refolue to kill a friend of mine ? 

Tyr. Pleafe you : 
But I had rather kill two enemies. 

Rich. Why then thou haft it: two deepe enemies, 
Foes to my Reft, and my fweet fleepes difturbers, 
Are they that I would haue thee deale vpon : 
Tyrrel, I meane thofe Baftards in the Tower. 

Tyr. Let me haue open meanes to come to them, 
And foone He rid you from the feare of them. 

Rich. Thou fing'ft fweet Mufique : 
Hearke,come hither Tyrrel, 

Goe by this token : rife,and lend thine Eare, Wbifyers. 
There is no more but fo : fay it is done, 
And I will loue thee, and preferre thee for it. 

Tyr. I will difpatch it ftraight. Exit. 

Enter 'Buckingham. 

'Buck; My Lord, I haue confider'd in my minde, 
The late requeft that you did found me in. 

Rich. Well, let that reft: Dorjet is fled to Richmond. 

'Buck,- I heare the newes, my Lord. 

Rich. Stanley, hee is your Wiues Sonne : well, looke 
vnto it. 

Buck,. My Lord, I clayme the gift, my due by promife, 
For which your Honor and your Faith is pawn'd, 
Th'Earledome of Hertford, and the moueables, 
Which you haue promifed I fhall poffefle. 

'Rich. Stanley looke to your Wife : if fhe conuey 
Letters to Richmond,you fhall anfwer it. 

'Buck; What fayes your Highneffe to my iuft requeft f 

Rich. I doe remember me, Henry the Sixt 
Did prophecie, that Richmond fhould be King, 
When Richmond was a little peeuifh Boy. 
A King perhaps. 

'Buck; May it pleafe you to refolue me in my fuit. 
Rich. Thou troubled: me, I am not in the vaine. Exit. 

Buck; And is it thus? repayes he my deepe feruice 
With fuch contempt ? made I him King for this ? 
O let me thinke on Hajlings,ani be gone 
To Brecnock, while my fearefull Head is on. Exit. 

Enter Tyrrel. 
Tyr. The tyrannous and bloodie Aft is done, 
The moft arch deed of pittious maffacre 



The Life and Death of ^c hard the Third. 1 9 5 



That euer yet this Land was guilty of: 

Digbton and Forrejl, who I did fu borne 

To do this peece of ruthfull Butchery, 

Albeit they were fleflit Villaines, bloody Dogges, 

Melted with tendernefle, and milde companion, 

Wept like to Children, in their deaths fad Story. 

O thus (quoth Dighton) lay the gentle Babes : 

Thus, thus (quoth ForreJT) girdling one another 

Within their Alablafler innocent Armes : 

Their lips were foure red Rofes on a ftalke, 

And in their Summer Beauty kift each other. 

A Booke of Prayers on their pillow lay, 

Which one (quoth ForreB) almoft chang'd my minde : 

But oh the Diueil, there the Villaine ftopt : 

When T)igbton thus told on, we fmothered 

The moft replenished fweet worke of Nature, 

That from the prime Creation ere fte framed. 

Hence both are gone with Confcience and Remorfe, 

They could not fpeake, and fo I left them both, 

To beare this tydings to the bloody King. 

Enter Richard. 

And heere he comes. All health my Soueraigne Lord. 

Ric. Kinde Tirrell, am I happy in thy Newes. 

Tir. If to haue done the thing you gaue in charge, 
Beget your happinefle, be happy then, 
For it is done. 

Rich. But did'ft thou fee them dead. 

Tir. I did my Lord. 

Rich. And buried gentle Tirrell. 

Tir. The Chaplaine of the Tower hath buried them, 
But where (to fay the truth) I do not know. 

Rich. Come to me Tirrel foone, and after Supper, 
When thou ftalt tell the proceffe of their death. 
Meane time, but thinke how I may do the good, 
And be inheritor of thy defire. 
Farewell till then. 

Tir. I humbly take my leaue. 

Rich. The Sonne of Clarence haue I pent vp clofe, 
His daughter meanly haue I matcht in marriage, 
The Sonnes of Edward fleepe in Abrahams bofome, 
And Anne my wife hath bid this world good night. 
Now for I know the Britaine Richmond aymes 
At yong Elizabeth my brothers daughter, 
And by that knot lookes proudly on the Crowne, 
To her go I, a iolly thriuing wooer. 

Enter Ratcliffe. 

Rat. My Lord. 

Rich. Good or bad newes, that thou com'ft in fo 
bluntly ? 

Rat . Bad news my Lord, zMourton is fled to Richmond, 
And Buckingham backt with the hardy Welftmen 
Is in the field, and ftill his power encreafeth. 

Rich. Ely with Richmond troubles me more neere, 
Then Buckingham and his raft leuied Strength. 
Come, I haue learn'd, that fearfull commenting 
Is leaden feruitor to dull delay. 
Delay leds impotent and Snaile-pac'd Beggery : 
Then fierie expedition be my wing, 
Ioues Mercury, and Herald for a King : 
Go mufter men : My counfaile is my Sheeld, 
We muft be breefe, when Traitors braue the Field. 
Exeunt. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter old Queene Margaret. 

Mar. So now profperity begins to mellow, 
And drop into the rotten mouth of death : 
Heere in thefe Confines flily haue I lurkt, 
To watch the waining of mine enemies. 
A dire induction, am I witnefle to, 
And will to France, hoping the confequence 
Will proue as bitter, blacke, and Tragicall. 
Withdraw thee wretched Margaret, who comes heere ? 



Enter <Du 



and Que 



Qu. Ah my poore Princes! ah my tender Babes : 
My vnblowed Flowres, new appearing fweets : 
If yet your gentle foules fiye in the Ayre, 
And be not fixt in doome perpetual], 
Houer about me with your ayery wings, 
And heare your mothers Lamentation. 

Mar, Houer about her, fay that right for right 
Hath dim'd your Infant morne, to Aged night. 

Dut. So many miferies haue craz'd my voyce, 
That my woe-wearied tongue is ftill and mute. 
Edward Plantagenet, why art thou dead ? 

Mar. Plantagenet doth quit Plantagenet, 
Edward for Edward, payes a dying debt. 

SZu. Wilt thou, O God, flye from fuch gentle Lambs, 
And throw them in the intrailes of the Wolfe ? 
When didft thou fleepe, when fuch a deed was done ? 

Mar. When holy Harry dyed, and my fweet Sonne. 

Dut Dead life, blind fight, poore mortall liuing ghoft, 
Woes Scene, Worlds ftame, Graues due, by life vfurpt, 
Breefe abftraft and record of tedious dayes, 
Reft thy vnreft on Englands lawfull earth, 
Vnlawfully made drunke with innocent blood. 

Qu. Ah that thou would'ft afloone afFoord a Graue, 
As thou canft yeeld a melancholly feate : 
Then would I hide my bones, not reft them heere, 
Ah who hath any caufe to mourne but wee ? 

oMar. If ancient forrow be moft reuerent, 
Giue mine the benefit of figneurie, 
And let my greefes frowne on the vpper iand 
If forrow can admit Society. 
I had an Edward, till a Richard kill'd him : 
I had a Husband, till a Richard kill'd him : 
Thou had'ft an Edward, till a Richard kill'd him ; 
Thou had'ft a Richard, till a Richard kill'd him. 

Dut. I had a Richard too, and thou did'ft kill him ; 
I had a Rutland too, thou hop'ft to kill him. 

Mar. Thou had'ft a Clarence too, 
And Richard kill'd him. 

From forth the kennell of thy wombe hath crept 
A Hell-hound that doth hunt vs all to death : 
That Dogge, that had his teeth before his eyes, 
To worry Lambes, and lap their gentle blood : 
That foule defacer of Gods handy worke : 
That reignes in gauied eyes of weeping foules : 
That excellent grand Tyrant of the earth, 
Thy wombe let loofe to chafe vs to our graues. 
O vpright, iuft, and true-difpofing God, 
How do I thanke thee, that this carnall Curre 

Prayes 



196 



The Life andDeath of Richard the'L bird. 



Prayes on the iffue of his Mothers body, 
And makes her Pue-fellow with others mone. 

Dut. Oh Harries wife, triumph not in my woes : 
God witneffe with me, I haue wept for thine. 

Mar. Beare with me : I am hungry for reuenge, 
And now I cloy me with beholding it. 
Thy Edward he is dead, that kill'd my Edward, 
The other Edward dead, to quit my Edward: 
Yong Yorke, he is but boote, becaufe both they 
Matcht not the high perfection of my loffe. 
Thy Clarence he is dead, that ftab'd my Edward, 
And the beholders of this franticke play, 
Th'adulterate Hajlings, Riuers ,X)aughan,Gray, 
Vntimely fmother'd in their dusky Graues. 
Richard yet liues, Hels blacke Intelligencer, 
Onely referu'd their Faftor, to buy foules, 
And fend them thither : But at hand, at hand 
Infues his pittious and vnpittied end. 
Earth gapes, Hell burnes, Fiends roare, Saints pray, 
To haue him fodainly conuey'd from hence : 
Cancell his bond of life, deere God I pray, 
That I may Hue and fay, The Dogge is dead. 

£>u. O thou did'ft prophefie, the time would come, 
That I fhould wifh for thee to helpe me curfe 
That bottefd Spider, that foule bunch-back'd Toad. 

Mar. I call'd thee then, vaine flourifh of my fortune: 
I call'd thee then,poore Shadow, painted Queen, 
The prefentation of but what I was ; 
The flattering Index of a direfull Pageant ; 
One heau'd a high, to be hurl'd downe below : 
A Mother onely mockt with two faire Babes ; 
A dreame of what thou waft, a garifh Flagge 
To be the ayme of euery dangerous Shot j 
A figne of Dignity, a Breath, a Bubble'; 
A Queene in ieaft, onely to fill the Scene. 
Where is thy Husband now? Where be thy Brothers? 
Where be thy two Sonnes? Wherein doft thou Ioy ? 
Who fues, and kneeles, and fayes, God faue the Queene ? 
Where be the bending Peeres that flattered thee? 
Where be the thronging Troopes that followed thee? 
Decline all this, and fee what now thou art. 
For happy Wife, a moft diftrefled Widdow : 
For ioyfull Mother, one that wailes the name : 
For one being fued too, one that humbly fues : 
For Qu_eene, a very Caytiffe, crown'd with care : 
For (he that icorn'd at me, now fcorn'd of me : 
For me being feared of all, now fearing one : 
For ftie commanding all, obey'd of none. 
Thus hath the courfe of Iuftice whirl'd about, 
And left thee but a very prey to time, 
Hauing no more but Thought of what thou waft. 
To torture thee the more, being what thou art, 
Thou didft vfurpe my place, and doft thou not 
Vfurpe the iuft proportion of my Sorrow ? 
Now thy proud Necke, beares halfe my burthen'd yoke, 
From which, euen heere I flip my wearied head, 
And leaue the burthen of it all, on thee. 
Farwell Yorkes wife, and Queene of fad mifchance, 
Thefe Englifh woes, mail make me fmile in France. 

£}u. O thou well skill'd in Curfes,ftay a-while, 
And teach me how to curfe mine enemies. 

Mar. Forbeare to fleepe the night, and faft the day : 
Compare dead happinefle, with liuing woe : 
Thinke that thy Babes were fweeter then they were, 
And he that flew them fowler then he is : 
Bett'ring thy loffe, makes the bad caufer worfe, 



Reuoluing this, will teach thee how to Curfe. 

£>u. My words are dull, O quicken them with thine. 

Mar. Thy woes will make them fharpe, 
And pierce like mine. Exit Margaret. 

Dut. Why fhould calamity be full of words ? 

Qu. Windy Atturnies to their Clients Woes, 
Ay'ery fucceeders of inteftine ioyes, 
Poore breathing Orators of miferies, 
Let them haue fcope, though what they will impart, 
Helpe nothing els, yet do they eafe the hart. 

Dut. If fo then, be not Tongue-ty'd : go with me, 
And in the breath of bitter words, let's fmother 
My damned Son, that thy two fweet Sonnes fmother'd. 
The Trumpet founds, be copious in exclaimes. 

Enter King Richard, and his Traine. 

Rich. Who intercepts me in my Expedition ? 

Dut. O flie, that might haue intercepted thee 
By ftrangling thee in her aceurfed wombe, 
From all the (laughters (Wretch) that thou haft done. 

Qu. Hid'ft thou that Forhead with a Golden Crowne 
Where't fhould be branded, if that right were right ? 
The flaughter of the Prince that ow'd that Crowne, 
And the dyre death of my poore Sonnes, and Brothers. 
Tell me thou Villaine-flaue, where are my Children ? 

Dut. Thou Toad, thou Toade, 
Where is thy Brother Clarence ? 
And little Ned Plantagenet his Sonne ? 

Qu. Where is the gentle %iucrs,Vaughan, Gray i 

Dut. Where is kinde Hajlings ? 

Rich. A flourifli Trumpets, ftrike Alarum Drummes : 
Let not the Heauens heare thefe Tell-tale women 
Raile on the Lords Annointed. Strike I fay. 
Flourijh. tAlarums. 

Either be patient, and intreat me fayre, 
Or with the clamorous report ofWarre, 
Thus will I drowne your exclamations. 

Dut. Art thou my Sonne ? 

Rich. I, I thanke God, my Father, and your felfe. 

Dut. Then patiently heare my impatience. 

Rich. Madam, I haue a touch of your condition, 
That cannot brooke the accent of reproofe. 

Dut. O let me fpeake. 

Rich. Do then, but He not heare. 

Dut: I will be milde, and gentle in my words. 

Rich. And breefe ('good Mother) for I am in haft. 

'Dut. Art thou fo hafty? I haue ftaid for thee 
(God knowes)in torment and in agony. 

Rich, And came I not at laft to comfort you ? 

'Dut. No by the holy Rood, thou know'ft it well, 
Thou cam'ft on earth, to make the earth my Hell. 
A greeuous burthen was thy Birth to me, 
Tetchy and wayward was thy Infancie. 
Thy School-daies frightfull, defp'rate, wilde, and furious, 
Thy prime of Manhood, daring, bold, and venturous: 
Thy Age confirm'd, proud, fubtle, flye, and bloody, 
More milde, but yet more harmfull ; Kinde in hatred : 
What comfortable houre canft thou name, 
That euer grac'd me with thy company ? 

Rich. Faith none, but Humfrey Hower, 
That call'd your Grace 
To Breakefaft once, forth of my company. 
If I be fo difgracious in your eye, 
Let me march on, and not offend you Madam. 
Strike vp the Drumme. 

Dut. I prythee heare me fpeake. 

Rich. 



'The Life and'Death of c R s ic hard the 'Third. 



197 



Rich. You fpeake too bitterly. 

Dut. Heare me a word : 
For I (hall neuer fpeake to thee againe. 

Rich. So. 

Dut. Either thou wilt dye, by Gods iuft ordinance 
Ere from this warre thou turne a Conqueror : 
Or I with greefe and extreame Age fhall perilh, 
And neuer more behold thy face againe. 
Therefore take with thee my moft greeuous Cuvfe, 
Which in the day of Battell tyre thee more 
Then all the compleat Armour that thou wear'ft. 
My Prayers on the aduerfe party fight, 
And there the little foules of Edwards Children, 
Whifper the Spirits of thine Enemies, 
And promife them Succeffe and Victory : 
Bloody thou art, bloody will be thy end : 
Shame ferues thy life, and doth thy death attend. Exit. 
Slu. Though far more caufe,yet much leffe fpirit to curfe 
Abides in me, I fay Amen to her. 

Rich. Stay Madam, I muft talke a word with you. 

S^u. I haue no more fonnes of the Royall Blood 
For thee to (laughter. For my Daughters (Richard) 
They fhall be praying Nunnes,not weeping Queenes : 
And therefore leuell not to hit their Hues. 

Rich. You haue a daughter call'd Elizabeth, 
Vertuous and Faire, Royall and Gracious? 

Qu. And muft (he dye for this? O let her liue, 
And lie corrupt her Manners, ftaine her Beauty, 
Slander my Selfe, as falfe to Edwards bed : 
Throw ouer her the vaile of Infamy, 
So (he may liue vnfcarr'd of bleeding flaughter, 
I will confeffe ihe was not Edwards daughter. 

Rich. Wrong not her Byrth,fhe is a Royall PrinceiTe. 

Qu. To faue her life, He fay Ihe is not fo. 

"RJcb. Her life is fafeft onely in her byrth. 

Qu, And onely in that fafety,dyed her Brothers. 

Rich. Loe at their Birth, good ftarres were oppofite. 

Qu. No, to their Hues, ill friends were contrary. 

"Rjchl All vnauoyded is the doome of Deftiny. 

Qu. True : when auoyded grace makes Deftiny. 
My Babes were deftin'd to a fairer death, 
If grace had bleft thee with a fairer life. 

Rich, You fpeake as if that I had flainemy Cofins? 

£>u. Cofins indeed, and by their Vnckle couzend, 
Of Comfort, Kingdome, Kindred, Freedome, Life, 
Whofe hand foeuer lanch'd their tender hearts, 
Thy head (all indire&ly) gaue direction. 
No doubt the murd'rous Knife was dull and blunt, 
Till it was whetted on thy (tone-hard heart, 
To reuell in the Intrailes of my Lambes. 
But that ftill vfe of greefe, makes wilde greefe tame, 
My tongue mould to thy eares not name my Boyes, 
Till that my Nayles were anchor'd in thine eyes : 
And I in fuch a defp'rate Bay of death, 
Like a poore Barke, of failes and tackling reft, 
Rufh all to peeces on thy Rocky bofome. 

Rich. Madam, fo thriue I in my enterprize 
And dangerous fuccefTe of bloody warres, 
As I intend more good to you and yours, 
Then euer you and yours by me were harm'd. 

22u. What good is couer'd with the face of heauen, 
To be difcouered,that can do me good. 

Rich. Th'aduancement of your children, gentle Lady 

Qu. Vp to fome Scaffold, there to lofe their heads. 

'Rich. Vnto the dignity and height of Fortune, 
The high Imperiall Type of this earths glory. 



Qu. Flatter my forrow with report of it: 
Tell me, what State, what Dignity, what Honor, 
Canft thou demife to any childe of mine. 

Rich. Euen all I haue; I, and my felfe and all, 
Will I withall indow a childe of thine: 
So in the Lethe of thy angry foule, 
Thou drowne the fad remembrance of thofe wrongs, 
Which thou fuppofeft I haue done to thee. 

£>u. Be breefe,leaft that the proceffe of thy kindneffe 
Laft longer telling then thy kindneffe date. 

Rich. Then know, 
That from my Soule, I loue thy Daughter. 

Qu. My daughters Mother thinkes it with her foule. 

Rich. What do you thinke ? 

£>u. That thou doft loue my daughter from thy foule 
So from thy Soules loue didft thou loue her Brothers, 
And from my hearts loue, I do thanke thee for it. 

Rich. Be not fo hafty to confound my meaning : 
I meane that with my Soule I loue thy daughter, 
And do intend to make her Queene of England. 

Slu- Well then, who doft y meane (hallbe her King. 

Rich. Euen he that makes her Queene : 
Who elfe mould bee ? 

£>». What, thou ? 

Rich. Euen fo: How thinke you of it? 

Qu. How canft thou woo her ? 

Rich. That I would learneofyou, 
As one being beft acquainted with her humour. 

Qu. And wilt thou learne of me f 

Rich. Madam, with all my heart. 

Qu. Send to her by the man that flew her Brothers, 
A paire of bleeding hearts : thereon ingraue 
Edward and Torl^e, then haply will (he weepe : 
Therefore prefent to her, as fometime Margaret 
Did to thy Father, fteept in Rutlands blood, 
A hand-kercheefe, which fay to her did dreyne 
The purple fappe from her fweet Brothers body, 
And bid her wipe her weeping eyes withall. 
If this inducement moue her not to loue, 
Send her a Letter of thy Noble deeds : 
Tell her, thou mad'ft away her Vnckle Clarence, 
Her Vnckle Riuers, I (and for her fake) 
Mad'ft quicke conueyance with her good Aunt Anne. 

Rich. You mocke me Madam, this not the way 
To win your daughter. 



£>u. There is no other way, 
fnlefte tho 



Vnleffe thou could'ft put on fome other Ihape, 
And not be Richard, that hath done all this. 

Ric. Say that I did all this for loue of her. 

Qu. Nay then indeed Ihe cannot choofe but hate thee 
Hauing bought loue, with fuch a bloody fpoyle. 

SJch. Looke what is done, cannot be now amended : 
Men mall deale vnaduifedly fometimes, _ 
Which after-houres giues leyfure to repent. 
If I did take the Kingdome from your Sonnes, 
To make amends, He giue it to your daughter : 
If I haue kill'd the iffue of your wombe, 
To quicken your encreafe, 1 will beget 
Mine yffue of your blood, vpon your Daughter: 
A Grandams name is little leffe in loue, 
Then is the doting Title of a Mother; 
They are as Children but one fteppe below, 
Euen of your mettall,of your very blood : 
Of all one paine, faue for a night of groanes 
Endur'd of her, for whom you bid like forrow. 
Your Children were vexation to your youth, 

But 



The Life andT)eathof' r Richardthe 'Third. 



But mine fhall be a comfort to your Age, 

The loffe you haue, is but a Sonne being King, 

And by that loffe, your Daughter is made Queene. 

I cannot make you what amends I would, 

Therefore accept fuch kindnefle as I can. 

Dor jet your Sonne, that with a fearfull foule 

Leads difcontented fteppes in Forraine foyle, 

This faire Alliance, quickly fhall call home 

To high Promotions, and great Dignity. 

The King that calles your beauteous Daughter Wife, 

Familiarly mall call thy T>orJet, Brother : 

Againe mall you be Mother to a King : 

And all the Ruines of diftreffefull Times, 

Repayr'd with double Riches of Content. 

What? we haue many goodly dayes to fee : 

The liquid drops of Teares that you haue fhed, 

Shall come againe, transform'd to Orient Pearle, 

Aduantaging their Loue,with intereft 

Often-times double gaine of happineffe. 

Go then (my Mother) to thy Daughter go, 

Make bold her bafhfull yeares, with your experience, 

Prepare her eares to heare a Woers Tale. 

Put in her tender heart, th'afpiring Flame 

Of Golden Soueraignty : Acquaint the Princeffe 

With the fweet filent houres of Marriage ioyes : 

And when this Arme of mine hath chaftifed 

The petty Rebell, dull-brain'd 'Buckingham, 

Bound with Triumphant Garlands will I come, 

And leade thy daughter to a Conquerors bed : 

To whom I will retaile my Conqueft wonne, 

And me fhalbe fole Viftoreffe, Cafars Caafar. 

Qu. What were I beft to fay, her Fathers Brother 
Would be her Lord ? Or lhall I fay her Vnkle ? 
Or he that flew her Brothers, and her Vnkles ? 
Vnder what Title fhall I woo for thee, 
That God, the Law, my Honor, and her Loue, 
Can make feeme pleating to her tender yeares? 

Rich. Inferre faire Englands peace by this Alliance. 

Qu Which fhe fhall purchafe with ftil lading warre. 

Rich. Tell her, the King that may command, intreats. 

Qu. That at her hands, which the kings King forbids. 

Rich. Say me fhall be a High and Mighty Queene. 

Qu. To vaile the Title, as her Mother doth. 

Rich. Say I will loue her euerlaftingly. 

Qu. But how long fhall that title euer laft ? 

Rich. Sweetly in force, vnto her faire liues end. 

Qu. But how long fairely fhall her fweet life laft ? 

Rich. As long as Heauen and Nature lengthens it. 

Qu. As long as Hell and Richard likes of it. 

Rich. Say . I her Soueraigne,am her Subiedt low. 

Qu. But fhe your Subie£t,lothes fuch Soueraignty. 

Rjch. Be eloquent in my behalfe to her. 

Qu. An honeft tale fpeeds beft, being plainly told. 

Rich. Then plainly to her, tell my louing tale. 

Qu. Plaine and not honeft, is too harfh a ftyle. 

Rich. Your Reafons are too fhallow,and to quicke. 

Qu. O no, my Reafons are too deepe and dead, 
Too deepe and dead (poore Infants ) in their graues, 
Harpe on it ftill fhall I, till heart-firings breake. 

Rich. Harpe not on that firing Madam, that is paft. 
Now by my George, my Garter, and my Crowne. 

Qu. Prophan'd, difhonor'd,and the third vfurpt. 

Rich. I fweare. 

Qu. By nothing, for this is no Oath : 
Thy George prophan'd, hath loft his Lordly Honor; 
Thy Garter blemifh'd, pawn'd his Knightly Vertue 5 



Thy Crowne vfurp'd, difgrac'd his Kingly Glory : 
If fomething thou would'ft fweare to be beleeu'd, 
Sweare then by fomething, that thou haft not wrong'd. 
Rich. Then by my Selfe. 

Qu. Thy Selfe, is felfe-mifvs'd. 
Rich. Now by the World. 
Qu. 'Tis full of thy foule wrongs. 
Rich. My Fathers death. 
Qu. Thy life hath it difhonor'd. 
%ich. Why then, by Heauen. 
Qu. Heanens wrong is moft of all : 
If thou didd'ft feare to breake an Oath with him, 
The vnity the King my husband made, 
Thou had'ft not broken, nor my Brothers died. 
If thou had'ft fear'd to breake an oath by him, 
Th'Imperiall mettall, circling now thy head, 
Had grac'd the tender temples of my Child, 
And both the Princes had bene breathing heere, 
Which now two tender Bed-fellowes for duft, 
Thy broken Faith hath made the prey for Wormes. 
What can'ft thou fweare by now. 

Rich. The time to come. 

Qu. That thou haft wronged in the time ore-paft: 
For I my felfe haue many teares to wafh 
Heereafter time, for time paft, wrong'd by thee. 
The Children liue, whofe Fathers thou haft flaughter'd, 
Vngouern'd youth, to waile it with their age : 
The Parents liue, whofe Children thou haft butcher'd, 
Old barren Plants, to waile it with their Age. 
Sweare not by time to come, for that thou haft 
Mifvs'd ere vs'd, by times ill-vs'd repaft. 

Rich. As I en tend to profper,and repent: 
So thriue I in my dangerous AfFayres 
Of hoftile Armes : My felfe, my felfe confound : 
Heauen, and Fortune barre me happy houres: 
Day,yeeld me not thy light; nor Night, thy reft. 
Be oppofite all Planets of good lucke 
To my proceeding, if with deere hearts loue, 
Immaculate deuotion,holy thoughts, 
I tender not thy beautious Princely daughter. 
In her, confiftsmy Happineffe, and thine : 
Without her, followes to my felfe, and thee ; 
Her felfe, the Land, and many a Chriftian foule, 
Death, Defolation, Ruine, and Decay : 
It cannot be auo yded, but by this : 
It will not be auoyded, but by this. 
Therefore deare Mother ( I muft call you fo) 
Be the Atturney of my loue to her : 
Pleade what I will be, not what I haue beene ; 
Not my deferts, but what I will deferue : 
Vrge the Neceffity and ftate of times, 
And be not peeuifh found, in great Defignes. 

Qu. Shall I be tempted of the Diuel thus? 

Rich. I, if the Diuell tempt you to do good. 

Qu. Shall I forget my felfe, to be my felfe. 

Rich. I, if your felfes remembrance wrong your felfe. 

Qu. Yet thou didft kil my Children. 

Rich. But in your daughters wombe I bury them. 
Where in that Neft of Spicery they will breed 
Selues of themfelues, to your recomforture. 

Qu. Shall I go win my daughter to thy will ? 

Rich. And be a happy Mother by the deed. 

Qu. I go, write to me very fhortly, 
And you fhal vnderftand from me her mind. Exit Q. 

Rich. Beare her my true loues kiffe,and fo farewell. 
Relenting Foole,and fhallow-changing Woman. 

How 



The Life andDeatboftychardthe Third. 



199 



.mow now , wnat newes r 

Enter Ratcliffe. 

Rat. Moft mightie Soueraigne, on the Wefterne Coaft 
Rideth a puiffant Nauie : to our Shores 
Throng many doubtfull hollow-hearted friends, 
Vnarm'd,and vnrefolu'd to beat them backe. 
"Tis thought, that Richmond is their Admirall : 
And there they hull,expecT:ing but the aide 
Of Buc^ingham,to welcome them afhore. 

Rich. Some light-foot friend poft to y Duke of Norfolk : 
Ratcliffe thy felfe, or Catesby, where is hee? 

Cat. Here, my good Lord. 

%ich. Catesby, flye to the Duke. 

Cat. I will, my Lord, with all conuenient hafte. 

Rich. Catesby come hither, pofte to Salisbury : 
When thou com'ft thither: Dull vnmindfull Villaine, 
Why ftay'ft thou here, and go'ft not to the Duke? 

Car.Firft, mighty Liege, tell me your Highneffe pleafure, 
What from your Grace I fhall deliuer to him. 

Rich. O true, good Qatesby, bid him leuie ftraight 
The greateft ftrength and power that he can make, 
And meet me fuddenly at Salisbury. 

Cat. I goe. Exit. 

Rat. What, may it pleafe you, mall I doe at Salis- 
bury ? 

Rich. Why, what would'ft thou doe there, before I 
goe? 

%at. Your Highneffe told me I mould pofte before. 

%ich. My minde is chang'd : 

Enter Lord Stanley. 

Stanley, what newes with you ? 

&<z.None,good my Liege, to pleafe you with y hearing, 
Nor none fo bad, but well may be reported. 

Rich. Hoyday,a Riddle, neither good nor bad: 
What need'ft thou runne fo many miles about, 
When thou mayeft tell thy Tale the neereft way ? 
Once more, what newes? 

Stan. Richmond is on the Seas. 

Rich. There let him finke,and be the Seas on him, 
White-liuer'd Runnagate, what doth he there? 

Stan. I know not, mightie Soueraigne, but by gueffe. 

Rich. Well, as you gueffe. 

Stan. Stirr'd vp by Dorfet,'Buc\ingham, and Morton, 
He makes for England, here to clayme the Crowne. 

Rich. Is the Chayre emptie ? is the Sword vnfway'd ? 
Is the King dead ? the Empire vnpoffeft ? 
What Heire of Torfy is there aliue,but wee ? 
And who is Englands King, but great Tories Heire ? 
Then tell me, what makes he vpon the Seas ? 

Stan. Vnleffe for that,my Liege, I cannot gueffe. 

Rich. Vnleffe for that he comes to be your Liege, 
You cannot gueffe wherefore the Welchman comes. 
Thou wilt reuolt,and flye to him, I feare. 

Stan. No, my good Lord, therefore miftruft me not. 

Rich. Where is thy Power then, to beat him back ? 
Where be thy Tenants,and thy followers? 
Are they not now vpon the Wefterne Shore, 
Safe-conducting the Rebels from their Shippes ? 

Stan. No , my good Lord , my friends are in the 
North. 

Rich. Cold friends to me : what do they in the North, 
When they ihould ferue their Soueraigne in the Weft ? 



Stan. They haue not been commanded, mighty King: 
Pleafeth your Maieftie to giue me leaue, 
He mufter vp my friends, and meet your Grace, 
Where,and what time your Maieftie mail pleafe. 

Rich. I, thou would'ft be gone, to ioyne with Richmond: 
But He not truft thee. 

Stan. Moft mightie Soueraigne, 
You haue no caufe to hold my friendfhip doubtfull, 
I neuer was, nor neuer will be falfe. 

Rich. Goe then,and mufter men:but leaue behind 
Your Sonne George Stanley ; looke your heart be firme, 
Or elfe his Heads affurance is but fraile. 

Stan. So deale with him, as I proue true to you. 
Exit Stanley, 

Enter a cMeffenger. 

Meff. My gracious Soueraigne, now in Deuonfhire, 
As I by friends am well aduertifed, * 
Sir Edward Qourtney, and the haughtie Prelate, 
Biihop of Exeter, his elder Brother, 
With many moe Confederates, are in Armes. 

Enter another iiATeJfenger. 

Meff. In Kent, my Liege, the Guilfords are in Armes, 
And euery houre more Competitors 
Flocke to the Rebels, and their power growes ftrong. 

Enter another (tMeffenger. 

Meff. My Lord, the Armie of great Buckingham. 

"Rich. Out on ye, Owles, nothing but Songs of Death, 
Heftriketh him. 
There, take thou that, till thou bring better newes. 

Meff. The newes I haue to tell your Maieftie, 
Is,that by fudden Floods,and fall of Waters, 
'Buclyngbams Armie is difpers'd and fcatter'd, 
And he himfelfe wandred away alone, 
No man knowes whither. 

Rich. I cry thee mercie : 
There is my Purfe,to cure that Blow of thine. 
Hath any well-aduifed friend proclaym'd 
Reward to him that brings the Traytor in ? 

Meff. Such Proclamation hath been made, my Lord. 

Enter another t^Meffengeri 

Meff. Sir Thomas Louell,a.n& Lord Marqueffe Dor jet, 
'Tis faid,my Liege, in Yorkeihire are in Armes : 
But this good comfort bring I to your Highneffe, 
The Brittaine Nauie is difpers'd by Tempeft. 
Richmond in Dorfetmire Tent out a Boat 
Vnto the ftiore,to aske thofe on the Banks, 
If they were his Afliftants, yea, or no ? 
Who anfwer'd him, they came from 'Buckingham, 
Vpon his partie : he miftrufting them, 
Hoys'd fayle,and made his courfe againe for Brittaine. 

Rich. March on,march on,fince we are vp in Armes, 
If not to fight with forraine Enemies, 
Yet to beat downe thefe Rebels here at home. 

Enter Catesby. 

Cat. My Liege, the Duke of Buckingham is taken, 
That is the beft newes : that the Earle of Richmond 



200 



The Life andT>eath of 'Richard the Third. 



Is with a mighty power Landed at Milford, 
Is colder Newes, but yet they muft be told. 

Ricb. Away towards Salsbury, while we reafon here, 
A Royall batteil might be wonne and loft: 
Some one take order Buckingham be brought 
To Salsbury, the reft march on with me. Florijh. Exeunt 



Scena Quart a. 



Enter Derby , and Sir Chriflofher. 

Der. Sir Chriflofher,te\l Richmond this from me, 
That in the ftye of the moft deadly Bore, 
My Sonne George Stanley is frankt vp in hold : 
If I reuolt, off goes yong Georges head, 
The feare of that, holds off my prefent ayde. 
So get thee gone : commend me to thy Lord. 
Withall fay, that the Queene hath heartily confented 
He fhould efpoufe Elizabeth hir daughter. 
But tell me, where is Princely Richmond now? 

Chri. At Penbroke,or at Hertford Weft in Wales. 

Der. What men of Name refort to him. 

Chri, Sir Walter Herbert, a renowned Souldier, 
Sir Gilbert Talbot, Sir William Stanley, 
Oxford, redoubted Pembroke, Sir lames Blunt, 
And Rice ap Thomas, with a valiant Crew, 
And many other of great name and worth: 
And towards London do they bend their power, 
If by the way they be not fought withall. 

Der. Well hye thee to thy Lord : I kiffe his hand, 
My Letter will refolue him of my minde. 
Farewell. Exeunt 



ABusQuintus. Scena Prima. 



Enter 'Buckingham with Halberds, led 
to Execution. 

Buc. Will not King Richard let me fpeake with him? 

Sher. No my good Lord, therefore be patient. 

'Buc. Haftings, and Edwards children, Gray & 'RJuers, 
Holy King Henry, and thy faire Sonne Edward, 
Vaughan, and all that haue mifcarried 
By vnder-hand corrupted foule iniuftice, 
If that your moody difcontented foules, 
Do through the clowds behold this prefent houre , 
Euen for reuenge mocke my deftrucYion. 
This is All-foules day (Fellow) is it not? 
Sher. It is. 

Sac. Why then Al-foules day, is my bodies doomfday 
This is the day, which in King Edwards time 
I wifh'd might fall on me, when I was found 
Falfe to his Children, and his Wiues Allies. 
This is the day, wherein I wiftit to fall 
By the falfe Faith of him whom moft I trufted. 
This, this All-foules day to my fearfull Soule, 
Is the determin'd refpit of my wrongs : 
That high All-feer, which I dallied with, 



Hath turn'd my fained Prayer on my head, 
And giuen in eameft,what I begg'd in ieft. 
Thus doth he force the fwords of wicked men 
To turne their owne points in their Mafters bofomes. 
Thus Margarets curfe falles heauy on my necke : 
When he (quoth ihe)lhall fplit thy heart with forrow, 
Remember Margaret was a Propheteffe : 
Come leade me Officers to the blocke of (name, 
Wrong hath but wrong, and blame the due of blame. 
Exeunt Buckingham with Officers. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Richmond, Oxford, Blunt, Herbert, and 
others, with drum and colours . 

Richm Fellowes in Armes,and my moft louing Frends 
Bruis'd vnderneath the yoake of Tyranny, 
Thus farre into the bowels of the Land, 
Haue we marcht on without impediment; 
And heere receiue we from our Father Stanley 
Lines of faire comfort and encouragement : 
The wretched, bloody, and vfurping Boare, 
(That fpoyl'd your Summer Fields,and fruitfull Vines,! 
Swilles your warm blood like warn, & makes his trough 
In your embowel'd bofomes : This foule Swine 
Is now euen in the Centry of this Iile, 
Ne're to the Towne of Leicefter,as we learne : 
From Tarn worth thither, is but one dayes march. 
In Gods name cheerely on, couragious Friends, 
To reape the Harueft of perpetuall peace, 
By this one bloody tryall of iharpe Warre. 

Oxf. Euery mans Confcience is a thoufand men, 
To fight againft this guilty Homicide. 

Her. I doubt not but his Friends will turne to vs. 

Blunt.He hath no friends, but what are friends for fear, 
Which in his deereft neede will flye from him. 

Richm. AW for our vantage, then in Gods name march, 
True Hope is fwift, and flyes with Swallowes wings, 
Kings it makes Gods, and meaner creatures Kings. 

Exeunt Omnes. 

Enter King Richard in tArmes, with Norfolke, Ratcliffe, 
' and the Earle of Surrey. 

Rich.Here pitch our Tent, euen here in Bofworth field, 
My Lord of Surrey, why looke you fo fad ? 

Sur. My heart is ten times lighter then my lookes. 

Rich. My Lord of Norfolke. 

Nor. Heere moft gracious Liege. 

Rich. Norfolke, we muft haue knockes : 
Ha, muft we not ? 

Nor. We muft both giue and take my louing Lord. 

Rich. Vp with my Tent, heere wil I lye to night, 
But where to morrow ? Well, all's one for that. 
Who hath defcried the number of the Traitors ? 

Nor. Six or feuen thoufand is their vtmoft power. 

Rich. Why our Battalia trebbles that account: 
3efides,the Kings name is a Tower of ftrength, 
Which they vpon the aduerfe Faction want. 
Vp with the Tent : Come Noble Gentlemen, 
Let vs furuey the vantage of the ground. 
Call for fome men of found direction : 

Let's 

~«6~ 



The Life and death of ^c hard the Third. 



201 



Let's lacke no Difcipline, make no delay, 
For Lords, to morrow is a bufie day. 



Exeunt 



Enter Richmond, Sir William Brandon, Ox- 
ford, and Dorfet. 

Ricbm. The weary Sunne, hath made a Golden fet, 
And by the bright Tract of his fiery Carre, 
Giues token of a goodly day to morrow. 
Sir William Brandon, you fhall beare my Standard : 
Giue me fome Inke and Paper in my Tent : 
lie draw the Forme and Modell of our Battaile, 
Limit each Leader to his feuerall Charge,^ 
And part in iuft proportion our fmall Power. 
My Lord of Oxford, you Sir William 'Brandon, 
And your Sir Walter Herbert flay with me : 
The Earle of Pembroke keepes his Regiment ; 
Good Captaine 'Blunt, beare my goodnight to him, 
And by the ftcond houre in the Morning, 
Defire the Earle to fee me in my Tent : 
Yet one thing more (good Captaine) do for me : 
Where is Lord Stanley quarter'd, do you know? 

'Blunt. Vnleffe I haue miftane his Colours much, 
(Which well I am aflur'd I haue not done) 
His Regiment lies halfe a Mile at lead 
South, from- the mighty Power of the King. 

Richm. If without perill it be pofiible, 
Sweet Blunt, make fome good meanes to fpeak with him 
And giue him from me, this molt needfull Note. 

Blunt. Vpon my life, my Lord, lie vndertake it, 
And fo God giue you quiet reft to night. 

Ricbm. Good night good Captaine "Blunt : 
Come Gentlemen, 

Let vs confult vpon to morrowes Bufinefle ; 
Into my Tent, the Dew is rawe and cold. 

Tbey withdraw into the Tent. 

Enter %icbard,Ratcliffe,Norfol\e,& frtesby. 

Rich. What is't a Clocke ? 

Cat. It's Supper time my Lord, it's nine a clocke. 

King. I will not fup to night, 
Giue me fome Inke and Paper : 
What, is my Beauer eafier then it was f 
And all my Armour laid into my Tent ? 

Cat. It is my Liege : and all things are in readineffe. 

Rich. Good Norfolke, hye thee to thy charge, 
Vfe carefull Watch, choofe trufty Centinels, 

Nor. I go my Lord. 

'Rich. Stir with the Larke to morrow, gentle Norfolk. 

Nor. I warrant you my Lord. • Exit 

Rich. Ratcliffe. 

Rat. My Lord. 

Rich. Send out a Purfuiuant at Armes 
To Stanleys Regiment : bid him bring his power 
Before Sun-rifing, leaft his Sonne George fall 
Into the blinde Caue of eternall night. 
Fill me a Bowie of Wine : Giue me a Watch, 
Saddle white Surrey for the Field to morrow : 
Look that my Staues be found, & not too heauy. Ratcliff. 
Rat. My Lord. 

Rich. Saw'ft the melancholly Lord Northumberland? 
Rat. Thomas the Earle of Surrey, and himfelfe, 
Much about Cockfhut time, from Troope to Troope 
Went through the Army, chearing vp the Souldiers. 

King. So, I am fatisfied : Giue me a Bowie of Wine, 
1 haue not that Alacrity of Spirit, 



537 



Nor cheere of Minde that I was wont to haue. 
Set it downe. Is Inke and Paper ready ? 

Rat. It is my Lord. 

Rich. Bid my Guard watch. Leaue me, 
Ratcliffe, about the mid of night come to my Tent 
And heipe to arme me. Leaue me I fay. Exit Ratclif. 

Enter Derby to 'Richmond in his Tent. 

Der. Fortune, and Victory fit on thy Helme. 

Rich. All comfort that the darke night can affoord, 
Be to thy Perfon, Noble Father in Law. 
Tell me, how fares our Noble Mother? 

Der. I by Attourney, bleffe thee from thy Mother, 
Who prayes continually for Richmonds good : 
So much for that. The filent houres fteale on, 
And flakie darkenefTe breakes within the Eaflr. 
In breefe, for fo the feafon bids vs be, 
Prepare thy Battell early in the Morning, 
And put thy Fortune to th'Arbitrement 
Of bloody ftroakes,and mortall flaring Warre : 
I, as I may, that which I would. I cannot, 
With beft aduantage will deceiue thetime, 
And ayde thee in this doubtfull fhocke of Armes. 
But on thy fide I may not be too forward, 
Leaft being feene, thy Brother, tender George 
Be executed in his Fathers fight. 
Farewell : the leyfure, and the fearfull time 
Cuts off the ceremonious Vowes of Loue, 
And ample enterchange of fweet Difcourfe, 
Which fo long fundred Friends ihould dwell vpon: 
God giue vs leyfure for thefe rites of Loue. 
Once more Adieu, be valiant,and fpeed well. 

Ricbm. Good Lords conduct him to his Regiment : 
He ftriue with troubled noife, to take a Nap, 
Left leaden flumber peize me downe to morrow, 
When I fliould mount with wings of Victory : 
Once more, good night kinde Lords, and Gentlemen. 

Exeunt. Manet Richmond. 
O thou, whofe Captaine 1 account my felfe, 
Looke on my Forces with a gracious eye : 
Put in their hands thy bruifing Irons of wrath, 
That they may crufti downe with a heauy fall, 
Th'vfurping Helmets of our Aduerfaries : 
Make vs thy minifters of Chafticement, 
That we may praife thee in thy victory : 
To thee I do commend my watchfull foule, 
Ere I let fall the windowes of mine eyes : 
Sleeping,and waking, oh defend me ftiil. 

Enter the Ghoft ofprince Edward, Sonne to 
Henry thefixt. 

Gh.toRi. Let me fit heauy on thy foule to morrow : 
Thinke how thou ftab'ft me in my prime of youth 
At Teukesbury : Difpaire therefore, and dye. 

Ghoft to Richm. Be chearefull Richmond, 

For the wronged Soules 

Of butcher'd Princes, fight in thy behalfe : 

King Henries ifiue Richmond comforts thee. 

Enter the Qboft of Henry thefixt. 

Ghoft. When I was mortall, my Annointed body 
By thee was punched full of holes ; 
Thinke on the Tower, and me : Difpaire, and dye, 
Harry the fixt, bids thee difpaire, and dye. 

To Ricbm. Vertuous and holy be thou Conqueror : 
Harry that prophefied thou fliould'ft be King, 
Doth comfort thee in fleepe : Liue,and flourish. 

t Enter 

I v 



Sleeps 



202 



The Life and death of 'Richard the Third. 



Enter the Gboft of Clarence. 

Ghojl. Let me fit heauy in thy foule to morrow. 
I that was wafh'd to death with Fulfome Wine : 
Poore Qlarcnce by thy guile betray' d to death : 
To morrow in the battell thinke on me, 
And fall thy edgeleffe Sword, difpaire and dye. 

To Ricbm. Thou off-fpring of the houfe of Lancafter 
The wronged heyres of Yorke do pray for thee, 
Good Angels guard thy battell, Liue and Flourifh. 
Enter the Ghofts of Riuers, Gray, and Vaughan. 

Riu. Let me fit heauy in thy foule to morrow, 
Riuers,that dy'de at Pom fret : difpaire, and dye. 

Grey. Thinke vpon Grey, and let thy foule difpaire. 

Vaugh. Thinke vpon Vaughan, unci with guilty feare 
Let fall thy Lance, difpaire and dye. 

All to Rkhm. Awake, 
And thinke our wrongs in Richards Bofome, 
Will conquer him. Awake,and win the day. 
Enter the Ghoft of Lord Haftings. 

Gho. Bloody and guilty : guiltily awake, 
And in a bloody Battell end thy dayes. 
Thinke on Lord Haftings : difpaire, and dye. 

Haft, to Rich. Quiet vntroubled foule, 
Awake, awake : 

Arme, fight,and conquer, for faire Engbnds fike. 
Enter t he Ghoils of the two yong Princes . 

Ghofts. Dreame on thy Coufins 
Smothered in the Tower : 
Let vs be laid within thy bofome Richard, 
And weigh thee downe to ruine, (hame, and death, 
Thy Nephewes foule bids thee difpaire and dye. 

Ghofts to Richm. Sleepe Richmond, 
Sleepe in Peace, and wake in Ioy, 
Good Angels guard thee from the Boares annoy, 
Liue, and beget a happy race of Kings, 
Edrvards vnhappy Sonnes, do bid thee flourifh. 
Enter the Ghosl oftAnne, his Wife. 

Ghoft to Rich. Richard, thy Wife, 
That wretched Anne thy Wife, 
That neuer flept a quiet houre with thee, 
Now filles thy fleepe with perturbations, 
To morrow in the Battaile, thinke on me, 
And fall thy edgeleffe Sword, difpaire and dye : 

Ghoft to Richm. Thou quiet foule, 
Sleepe thou a quiet fleepe : 
Dreame of Succeffe, and Happy Vi&ory, 
Thy Aduerfaries Wife doth pray for thee. 
Enter the Ghost of Buckingham. 

Ghoft to Rich. The firft was I 
That help'd thee to the Crowne : 
The laft was I that felt thy Tyranny. 
O, in the Battaile think on Buckingham, 
And dye in terror of thy guiltineffe. 
Dreame on, dreame on, of bloody deeds and death, 
Fainting difpaire; difpairing yeeld thy breath. 

Qhoft to Richm. I dyed for hope 
Ere I could lend thee Ayde; 
But cheere thy heart, and be thou not difmayde : 
God, and good Angels fight on Richmonds fide, 
And Richard fall in height of all his pride. 

Richard ftarts out of his dreame. 
Rich. Giue me another Horfe, bind vp my Wounds : 
Haue mercy Iefu. Soft, I did but dreame. 
O coward Confcience! how doft thou afflict me? 
The Lights burne blew. It is not dead midnight. 
Cold fearefull drops (land on my trembling fleih. 



What? do I feare my Selfe ? There's none elfe by, 

Richard loues Richard, that is, I am I. 

Is there a Murtherer heere?No ; Yes, I am : 

Then flye ; What from my Selfe f Great reafon : why i 

Left I Reuenge. What? my Selfe vpon my Selfe? 

Alacke, I loue my Selfe. Wherefore ? For any good 



That I my Selfe, haue done i 



■Selfe? 



no. Alas, I rather hate my Selfe, 

For hatefull Deeds committed by my Selfe. 

1 am a Vlllaine : yet I Lye, I am not. 

Foole, of thy Selfe fpeake well : Foole, do not flatter. 

My Confcience hath a thoufand feuerall Tongues, 

And euery Tongue brings in a feuerall Tale, 

And euerie Tale condemnes me for a Villaine ; 

Periurie, in the high'ft Degree, 

Murther, fterne murther, in the dyr'ft degree, 

All feuerall finnes, all vs'd in each degree, 

Throng all to'th'Barre, crying all, Guilty, Guilty. 

I (hall difpaire, there is no Creature loues me ; 

And if I die, no foule (hall pittie me. 

Nay, wherefore (hould they ? Since that I my Selfe, 

Finde in my Selfe, no pittie to my Selfe. 

Me thought, the Soules of all that I had murther'd 

Came to my Tent, and euery one did threat 

To morrowes vengeance on the head of Richard. 



Enter Ratcliffe. 

Rat. My Lord. 

King. Who's there ? 

Rat. Ratcliffe my Lord,'tis I : the early Village Cock 
Hath twice done falutation to the Morne, 
Your Friends are vp, and buckle on their Armour. 

King. O Ratcliffe, I feare, I feare. 

Rat. Nay good my Lord, be not affraid of Shadows. 

King. By the Apoftle Paul, (hadowes to night 
Haue ftroke more terror to the foule of Richard, 
Then can the fubftance often thoufand Souldiers 
Armed in proofe, and led by (hallow Richmond. 
'Tis not yet neere day. Come go with me, 
Vnder our Tents He play the Eafe-dropper, 
To heare if any meane to (hrinke from me. 

Sxeunt Richard & Rat life, 

Enter the Lords to Richmond filing 
in his Tent. 

Richm. Good morrow Richmond. 

Rich, Cry mercy Lords, and watchfull Gentlemen, 
That you haue tane a tardie fluggard heere ? 

Lords. How haue you flept my Lord ? 

Rich. The fweeteft fleepe, 
And faireft boading Dreames, 
That euer entred in a drowfie head, 
Haue I fince your departure had my Lords. 
Me thought their Soules, whofe bodies Rich. murther'd, 
Came to my Tent, and cried on Victory : 
I promife you my Heart is very iocond, 
In the remembrance of fo faire a dreame, 
How farre into the Morning is it Lords ? 

Lor. Vpon the ftroke of foure. 

Rich. Why then 'tis time to Arme, and giue direction. 
His Oration to his Souldiers. 
More then I haue faid, louing Countrymen, 
The leyfure and inforcement of the time 
Forbids to dwell vpon : yet remember this, 

God 



The Life and death of 'Richard the Third. 



203 



God, and our good caufe, fight vpon our fide, 

The Prayers or' holy Saints and wronged foules, 

Like high rear'd Bulwarkes, ftand before our Faces, 

( Richard except ; thofe whom we fight againft, 

Had rather haue vs win, then him they follow. 

For, what is he they follow ? Truly Gentlemen, 

A bloudy Tyrant, and a Homicide : 

One rais'd in blood, and one in blood eftablifh'd ; 

One that made meanes to come by what he hath, 

And flaughter'd thofe that were the meanes to help him : 

A bafe foule Stone, made precious by the foyle 

Of Englands Chaire, where he is falfely fet .- 

One that hath euer beene Gods Enemy. 

Then if you fight againft Gods Enemy, 

God will in iuftice ward you as his Soldiers. 

If you do fweare to put a Tyrant downe, 

You fleepe in peace, the Tyrant being flaine : 

If you do fight againft your Countries Foes, 

Your Countries Fat fhall pay your paines the hyre. 

If you do fight in fafegard of your wiues, 

Your wiues fhall welcome home the Conquerors. 

If you do free your Children from the Sword, 

Your Childrens Children quits it in your Age. 

Then in the name of God and all thefe rights, 

Aduance your Standards, draw your willing Swords. 

For me, the ranfome of my bold attempt, 

Shall be this cold Corpes on the earth's cold face. 

But if I thriue, the gaine of my attempt, 

The leaft of you fhall fhare his part thereof. 

Sound Drummes and Trumpets boldly, and cheerefully, 

God, and Saint George, Richmond, and Viftory. 

Enter King Richard, Ratcliffe ,and Catesby. 

K. What faid Northumberland as touching Richmond? 
Rat. That he was neuer trained vp in Armes. 
King. He faid the truth : and what faid Surrey then? 
Rat. He fmil'd and faid, the better for our purpofe. 
King. He was in the right, and fo indeed it is. 
Tell the clocke there. C loc k e ft r 'K"- 

Giue me a Kalender : Who faw the Sunne to day ? 
Rat. Not I my Lord. 

King. Then he difdaines to fhine : for by the Booke 
He fhould haue brau'd the Eaft an houre ago, 
A blacke day will it be to fomebody. Ratcliffe. 
Rat. My Lord. 

King. The Sun will not be feene to day, 
The sky doth frowne, and lowre vpon our Army. 
I would thefe dewy teares were from the ground. 
Not fhine to day? Why, what is that to me ' 
More then to Richmond? For the felfe-fame Heauen 
That frownes on me, lookes fcdly vpon him. 

Enter Norfolke. 

Nor. Arme,arme,my Lord: the foe vaunts in the field. 

King. Come, buftle, buftle. Caparifon my horfe. 
Call vp Lord Stanley, bid him bring his power, 
I will leade forth my Soldiers to the plaine, 
And thus my Battell flul be ordred. 
My Foreward fhall be drawne in length, 
Confiding equally of Horfe and Foot: 
Our Archers fhall be placed in the mid'ft ; 
lohn Duke of Norfolke, Thomas Earle of Surrey, 
Shall haue the leading of the Foot and Horfe. 
They thus directed, we will fllow 



In the maine Battell, whofe puiffance on either fide 
Shall be well-winged with our cheefeft Horfe : 
This, and Saint George to boote. 
What think'ft thou Norfolke. 

Nor. A good direction warlike Soueraigne, 
This found I on my Tent this Morning. 
Ioc\ey of Norfolke, be not jo bold, 
For Dickon thy maijler u bought and fold. 

King. A thing deuifed by the Enemy. 
Go Gentlemen, euery man to his Charge, 
Let not our babling Dreames affright our foules: 
For Confcience is a word that Cowards vfe, 
Deuis'd at firft to keepe the ftrong in awe, 
Our ftrong armes be our Confcience, Swords our Law. 
March on, ioyne brauely, let vs too't pell mell, 
If not to heauen, then hand in hand to Hell. 
What fhall I fay more then I haue inferr'd ? 
Remember whom you are to cope withall, 
A fort of Vagabonds, Rafcals, and Run-awayes, 
A fcum of Brittaines,and bafe Lackey Pezants, 
Whom their o're-cloyed Country vomits forth 
To defperate Aduentures,and affur'd Deftruftion. 
You fleeping fafe, they bring you to vnreft : 
You hauing Lands, and bleft with beauteous wiues, 
They would reftraine the one, diftaine the other, 
And who doth leade them, but a paltry Fellow ? 
Long kept in Britaine at our Mothers coft, 
A Milke-fop, one that neuer in his life 
Felt fo much cold, as ouer fhooes in Snow : 
Let's whip thefe ftraglers o're the Seas againe, 
Lafh hence«thefe ouer-weening Ragges of France, 
Thefe famifh'd Beggers, weary of their Hues, 
Who (but for dreaming on this fond exploit) 
For want of meanes (poore Rats) had hang'd themfelues. 
If we be conquered, let men conquer vs, 
And not thefe baftard Britaines, whom our Fathers 
Haue in their owne Land beaten, bobb'd,and thump'd, 
And on Record, left them the heires of fhame. 
Shall thefe enioy our Lands? lye with our Wiues ? 
Rauifh our daughters? Drum afarre off 

Hearke, I heare their Drumme, 
Right Gentlemen of England, fight boldly yeomen, 
Draw Archers draw your Arrowes to the head, 
Spurre your proud Horfes hard, and ride in blood, 
Amaze the welkin with your broken ftaues. 

Enter a Meffenger. 
What fayes Lord Stanley, will he bring his power? 

Mef. My Lord, he doth deny to come. 

King. Off with his fonne Georges head. 

Nor. My Lord, the Enemy is paft the Marfh : 
After the battaile, let George Stanley dye. 

King. A thoufand hearts are great within my bofom. 
Aduance our Standards, fet vpon our Foes, 
Our Ancient word of Courage, faire S. George 
Infpire vs with the fpleene of fiery Dragons : 
Vpon them, Viftorie fits on our helpes. 

Alarum,excurfions. Enter Catesby. 

Cat, Refcue my Lord of Norfolke, 
Refcue, Refcue : 

The King enacls more wonders then a man, 
Daring an oppofite to euery danger : 
His horfe is flaine, and all on foot he fights, 
Seeking for Richmond in the throat of death : 
Refcue faire Lord, or elfe the day is loft. 

Alarums. t 2. Enter 



204 



The Life and death of Richard the Third. 



Enter Richard. 
Rich. A Horfe, a Horfe, my Kingdome for a Horfe. 
Cans. Withdraw my Lord, He helpe you to a Horfe 
Rich. Slaue, I haue let my life vpon a caft, 

And I will ftand the hazard of the Dye : 

I thinke there be fixe Richmonds in the field, 

Fiue haue I fiaine to day, in ftead of him. 

A Horfe, a Horfe, my Kingdome for a Horfe. 

Alaturn, Enter Richard end Richmond, they fight, Richard 
is fiaine. 

Retreat ,and Flouri/h . Enter Richmond, Derby bearing the 
Cronne, with diuers other Lords. 

Richm. God, and your Armes 
Be prais'd Viftorious Friends ; 
The day is ours, the bloudy Dogge is dead. 

Der. Couragious Richmond, 
Well haft thou acquit thee : Loe, 
Heere thefe long vfurped Royalties, 
From the dead Temples of this bloudy Wretch, 
Haue I pluck'd off, to grace thy Browes withall. 
Weare it,and make much ofit. 

Richm. Great God of Heauen, fay Amen to all; 
But tell me, is yong George Stanley liuing? 

Der. He is my Lord, and fafe in Leicefter Towne, 
Whither (if you pleafe) we may withdraw vs. 

Richm. What men of name are fiaine on either fide? 



Der. Iohn Duke of Norfolke, Walter Lord Ferris, 
Sir Robert Brokenbury, and Sir William Brandon. 

Richm. Interre their Bodies, as become their Births, 
Proclaime a pardon to the Soldiers fled, 
That in fubmifsion will returne to vs, 
And then as we haue tane the Sacrament, 
We will vnite the White Rofe^and the Red. 
Smile Heauen vpon this faire Coniun&ion, 
That long haue frown' d vpon their Enmity : 
What Traitor heares me, and fayes not Amen ? 
England hath long beene mad, and fcarr'd her felfe ; 
The Brother blindely fired the Brothers blood ; 
The Father, rafhly flaughtered his owne Sonne; 
The Sonne compell'd, beene Butcher to the Sire ; 
All this diuided Yorke and Lancafter, 
Diuided, in their dire Diuifion. 
O now, let Richmond and Elizabeth, 
The true Succeeders of each Royall Houfe, 
By Gods faire ordinance, conioyne together : 
And let thy Heires (God if thy will be fo) 
Enrich the time to come, with Smooth-fac'd Peace, 
With fmiling Plenty, and faire Profperous dayes. 
Abate the edge of Traitors, Gracious Lord, 
That would reduce thefe bloudy dayes againe, 
And make poore England weepe in Streames of Blood ; 
Let them not Hue to tafte this Lands increafe^ 
That would with Treafon, wound this faire Lands peace. 
Now Ciuill wounds are ftopp'd, Peace liues agen ; 
That Ihe may long liue heere, God fay, Amen. Exeunt 



FINIS. 




2 °5 




The Famous Hiftory of the Life of 

King HENRY the Eight. 



THS <P%0L0gV8. 



— ^gS$Come no more to make you laugh, Things now, 
\ loaf beare a Weighty, and a Serious Brow, 
<Sad,bigh, and working, full of State and Woe : 
Such Noble Sccenes, as draw the Eye to flow 
We now prefent. Thofe that can Pitty, heere 
May [if they thinke it well) let fall a Teare, 
The SubieEl will deferue it. Such as giue 
Their Money out of hope they may beleeue, 
May heere finde Truth too. Thofe that come to fee 
Onely a Jhow or two, and fo a gree, 
The Play may paffe : If they be fill, and willing, 
lie -undertake may fee away their fhilling 
Richly in two port houres. Onely they 
That come to heare a Merry, Bandy Play, 
A noyfe of Targets : Or to fee a Fellow 
In a long Motley Coate,garded with Telkw, 



Will be deceyud. For gentle Hearers, know 

To ranke our chofen Truth with fuch a Jhow 

As Foole, and Fight is , befde forfeyting 

Our owne Braines, and the Opinion that we bring 

To make that onely true, we now intend, 

Will leaue vs neuer an -vnderftanding Friend. 

Therefore, for Goodneffe fake, and as you are knowne 

The Firfi and Happies! Hearers of the Towne, 

Be fad, as we would make ye. Thinke ye fee 

The -very Perfons of our Noble Story, 

As they were Liuing : Thinke you fee them Great, 

And followed with the generall throng, and fweat 

Of thoufand Friends : Then, in a moment, fee 

How foone this Mightineffe, meets Mifery : 

And if you can be merry then, He fay, 

A Man may weepe -upon his Wedding day. 



qABus Primus. Sccena Trima. 



Enter the Duke of Norfolke at 
the Duke of-Buckingha 



1 doore. At the other, 
and the Lord 



Abu 



■gauenny. 



Buckingham. 
Ood morrow, and well met. How haue ye done 
Since laft we faw in France ? 

Norf. I thanke your Grace : 
Healthfull, and euer fioee a frefh Admirer 
Of what I faw there. 

'Bucks An vntimely Ague 
Staid me a Prifoner in my Chamber, when 
Thofe Sunnes of Glory, thofe two Lights of Men 
Met in the vale of Andren. 

Nor. 'Twixt Guynes and Arde, 
I was then prefent, faw them falute on Horfebacke, 
Beheld them when they lighted, how they clung 
In their Embracement,as they grew together, 
Which had they, 

What foure Thron'd ones could haue weigh'd 
Such a compounded one? 

Buc\. All the whole time 
I was my Chambers Prifoner. 



54i 



Nor. Then you loft 
The view of earthly glory : Men might fay 
Till this time Pompe was fingle, but now married 
To one aboue it felfe. Each following- day 
Became the next dayes mafter, till the laft 
Made former Wonders, it's. To day the French, 
All Clinquant all in Gold, like Heathen Gods 
Shone downe the Englifh ; and to morrow, they 
Made Britaine, India : Euery man that flood, 
Shew'd like a Mine. Their Dwarfiih Pages were 
As Cherubins, all gilt : the Madams too, 
Not vs'd to toyle, did almoft fweat to beare 
The Pride vpon them, that their very labour 
Was to them, as a Painting. Now this Maske 
Was cry'de incompareable ; and th'enfuing night 
Made it a Foole, and Begger. The two Kings 
Equall in luftre, were now beft, now worft 
As prefence did prefent them : Him in eye, 
Still him in praife, and being prefent both, 
'Twas faid they faw but one, and no Difcerner 
Durft wagge his Tongue in cenfure, when thefe Sunnes 
(For fo they phrafe'em) by their Heralds challenged 
The Noble Spirits to Armes, they did performe 

t 3 Beyond 



2o6 



The Life ofl^Jng Henry the Right, 



Beyond thoughts CompafTe, that former fabulous Storie 
Being now feene, poffible enough, got credit 
That 'Beuu was beleeu'd. 
'Buc. Oh you go farre. 
Nor. As I belong to worfhip,and affect 
In Honor, Honefty, the tract of eu'ry thing, 
Would by a good Difcourfer loofe fome life, 
Which Actions felfe,was tongue too, 

'Buc. All was Royall, 
To the difpofing of it nought rebell'd, 
Order gaue each thing view. The Office did 
Diftinctly his full Function : who did guide, 
I meane who fet the Body, and the Limbes 
Of this great Sport together? 

Nor. As you guefTe: 
One certes, that promifes no Element 
In fuch a bufineffe. 

Buc. I pray you who, my Lord ? 
Nor. All this was ordred by the good Difcretion 
Of the right Reuerend Cardinall of Yorke. 

Buc. The diuell fpeed him : No mans Pye is freed 
From his Ambitious finger. What had he 
To do in thefe fierce Vanities? I wonder, 
That fuch a Keech can with his very bulke 
Take vp the Rayes o'th'beneficiall Sun, 
And keepe it from the Earth. 

Nor. Surely Sir, 
There's in him ftuffe, that put's him to thefe ends : 
For being not propt by Aunceftry, whofe grace 
Chalkes Succefiors their way 5 norcall'd vpon 
For high feats done to'th'Crowne ; neither Allied 
To eminent Affiftants ; but Spider-like 
Out of his Selfe-drawing Web. O giues vs note, 
The force of his owne merit makes his way 
A guift that heauen giues for him, which buyes 
A place next to the King. 

cAbur. I cannot tell 
What Heauen hath giuen him : let fome Grauer eye 
Pierce into that, but I can fee his Pride 
Peepe through each part of him : whence ha's he that, 
If not from Hell ? The Diuell is a Niggard, 
Or ha's giuen all before, and he begins 
A new Hell in himfelfe. 

"Buc. Why the Diuell, 
Vpon this French going out, tooke he vpon him 
(Without the priuity o'th'King) t'appoint 
Who fhould attend on him? He makes vp the File 
Of all the Gentry; for the moft part fuch 
To whom as great a Charge, as little Honor 
He meant to lay vpon : and his owne Letter 
The Honourable Boord of Councell, out 
Muft fetch him in, he Papers. 

Abur. I do know 
Kinfmen of mine, three at the leaft, that haue 
By this, fo ficken'd their Eftates, that neuer 
They fhall abound as formerly. 

'Buc. O many 
Haue broke their backes with laying Mannors on 'em 
For this great Iourney. What did this vanity 
But minifter communication of 
A moft poore iffue. 

Nor. Greeuingly I thinke, 
The Peace betweene the French and vs, not valewes 
The Coft that did conclude it. 

Buc. Euery man, 
After the hideous ftorme that follow'd, was 



A thing Infpir'd, and not confulting, broke 
Into a generall Prophefie; That this Tempeft 
Dafhing the Garment of this Peace, aboaded 
The fodaine breach on't. 

Nor. Which is budded out, 
For France hath flaw'd the League, and hath attach'd 
Our Merchants goods at Burdeux. 

Abur. Is it therefore 
Th'AmbafTador is filenc'd ? 

Nor. Marry is't. 

Abur. A proper Title of a Peace, and purchas'd 
At a fuperfluous rate. 

•Buc. Why all this Bufineffe 
Our Reuerend Cardinall carried. 

Nor. Like it your Grace, 
The State takes notice of the priuate difference 
Betwixt you, and the Cardinall. I aduife you 
(And take it from a heart, that wifhes towards you 
Honor, and plenteous fafety) that you reade 
The Cardinals Malice, and his Potency 
Together ; To confider further, that 
What his high Hatred would effect, wants not 
A Minifter in his Power. You know his Nature, 
That he's Reuengefull ; and I know, his Sword 
Hath a fharpe edge : It's long, and't may be faide 
It reaches farre, and where 'twill not extend, 
Thither he darts it, Bofome vp my counfell, 
You'l finde it wholefome. Loe, where comes that Rock 
That I aduice your fhunning. 

Enter Cardinall Wolfey, the Purfe borne before him, certaine 

of the Guard, and two Secretaries -with Papers : The 

Cardinall in his fajfage, fixeth his eye on Bucl^- 

ham,and Buckingham on him, 

both full of dijdaine. 

Car. The Duke of Buckjnghams Surueyor? Ha ? 
Where's his Examination? 

Seer. Heere fo pleafe you. 

Qar. Is he in perfon r ready ? 

Seer. I, pleafe your Grace. 

Car. Well, we fhall then know more, & Buckingham 
Shall leflen this bigge looke. 

Exeunt Cardinall, and his Traine. 
Buc. This Butchers Curre is venom'd-mouth'd, and I 
Haue not the power to muzzle him, therefore beft 
Not wake him in his (lumber. A Beggers booke, 
Out-worths a Nobles blood. 

Nor. What are you chaff'd ? 
Aske God for Temp'rance, that's th'appliance onely 
Which your difeafe requires. 

Buc. I read in's looks 
Matter againft me, and his eye reuil'd 
Me as his abiect obiect, at this inftant 
He bores me with fome tricke ; He's gone to'th'King : 
He follow, and out-ftare him. 

Nor. Stay my Lord, 
And let yourReafon with your Choller queftion 
What 'tis you go about : to climbe fteepe hilles 
Requires flow pace at firft. Anger is like 
A full hot Horfe, who being allow'd his way 
Selfe-mettle tyres him : Not a man in England 
Can aduife me like you : Be to your felfe, 
As you would to your Friend. 

Buc. He to the King, 
And from a mouth of Honor, quite cry downe 

This 



The Life ofJ^Jng Henry the Bight. 



2oj 



This Ipfwich fellowes infolence; or proclaime, 
There's difference in no perfons. 

Norf. Be aduif'd; 
Heat not a Furnace for your foe fo hot 
That it do findge your felfe. We may out-runne 
By violent fwiftneffe that which we run at; 
And lofe by ouer-running : know you not, 
The fire that mounts the liquor til't run ore, 
In feeming to augment it, wafts it: be aduif'd; 
I fay againe there is no Englifh Soule 
More ftronger to direcl you then your felfe ; 
If with the fap of reafon you would quench, 
Or but allay the fire of paffion. 

<Buck. Sir, 
I am thankfull to you, and Ilegoe along 
By your prefcription : but this top-proud fellow, 
Whom from the flow of gall I name not, but 
From fincere motions, by Intelligence, 
And proofes as cleere as Founts in Inly , when 
Wee fee each graine of grauell; I doe know 
To be corrupt and treafonous. 

Norf. Say not treafonous. 

•Bac^.To tb'Kinglle fay't, & make my vouch as ftrong 
As ftiore of Rocke: attend. This holy Foxe, 
Or Wolf" or both (for he is equall rau'nous 
As he " lubtile, and as prone to mifchiefe, 
As .c to perform't) his minde, and place 
.ceding one another, yea reciprocally, 
Only to fhew his pompe, as well in France, 
As here at home,fuggefts the King our Matter 
To this laft coftly Treaty. Th'enteruiew, 
That fwallowed fo much treafure, and like a glafle 
Did breake ith'wrenching. 

Norf. Faith, and fo it did. 

.Bar^.Pray giue me fauour Sir: This cunning Cardinall 
The Articles o'th' Combination drew 
As himfelfe pleas'djand they were ratified 
As he cride thus let be, to as much end, 
As giue a Crutch to th'dead. But our Count-Cardinall 
Has done this, and tis well: for worthy Wolfey 
(Who cannot erre) he did it. Now this followes, 
(Which as I take it, is a kinde of Puppie 
To th'old dam Treafon) Charles the Emperour, 
Vnder pretence to fee the Queene his Aunt, 
(For twas indeed his colour, but he came 
To whifper Wolfey)\\<zxz makes vifitation, 
His feares were that the Interview betwixt 
England and France, might through their amity 
Breed him fome preiudice; for from this League, 
Peep'd harmes thatmenac'd him. Priuily 
Deales with our Cardinal, and as I troa 
Which I doe well; for I am fure the Emperour 
Paid ere he promis'd, whereby his Suit was granted 
Ere it was ask'd. But when the way was made 
And pau'd with gold : the Emperor thus defir'd, 
Tha: he would pleafe to alter the Kings courfe, 
And breake the forefaid peace. Let the King know 
(As foone he /hall by me) that thus the Cardinall 
Does buy and fell his Honour as he pleafes, 
And for his owne aduantage. 

Norf I am forry 
To heare this of him; and could wifh he were 
Somthing miftaken in't. 

■B«4. No, not a fillable: 
I doe pronounce him in that very fhape 
He ftiall appeare in proofe. 



Enter Brandon , a Sergeant at tArmes before him, and 
two or tbeee of the Guard. 

Brandon. Your Office Sergeant : execute it. 

Sergeant. Sir, 
My Lord the Duke of Buckingham, and Earle 
Of Hertford, Stafford and Northampton, I 
Arreft thee of High Treafon, in the name 
Of our moft Soueraigne King. 

'Buck- Lo you my Lord, 
The net has falne vpon me, I fhall perifh 
Vnder deuice, and pradtife: 

Bran. I am forry, 
To fee you tane from liberty, to looke on 
The bufines prefent. Tis his Highnes pleafure 
You mail to th' Tower. 

Buc\. It will helpe me nothing 
To plead mine Innocence; for that dye is on me 
Which makes my whit'ft part,black. The will of Heau'n 
Be done in this and all things: I obey. 

my Lord Aburgany : Fare you well. 

Bran. Nay , he muft beare you company. The King 
Is pleas'd you mail to th'Tower,till you know 
How he determines further. 

Abur. As the Duke faid, 
The will of Heauen be done, and the Kings pleafure 
By me obey'd. 

'•Bran. Here is a warrant from 
The King,t'attach Lord Mountacute, and the Bodies 
Of the Dukes Confeffor, Iohn de la Car, 
One Gilbert Pe<%,his Councellour. 

Buck. So, fo; 
Thefe are the limbs o'th' Plot: no more I hope. 
Bra. A Monke o\h' Chartreux. 
•%uc{: O Michael! Hopkins* 

Bra. He. 

'Buck- My Surueyor is fake : The ore-great Cardinall 
Hath fhew'd him gold; my life is fpand already: 

1 am the fhadow of poore Buckingham, 
Whofe Figure euen this inftant Clowd puts on, 

By Darkning my cleere Sunne.My Lords farewell. Exe. 



Scena Secunda. 



Cornets . Enter King Henry, leaning on the Cardinals fboul- 

der, the Nobles, and Sir Thoma6 Louell: the Cardinall 

places himfelfe -vnder the Kings feete on 

his right fide. 

King. My life it felfe, and the beft heart of it, 
Thankes you for this great care: I flood i'th' leuell 
Of a full-charg'd confederacie, and giue thankes 
To you that choak'd it. Let be cald before vs 
That Gentleman of Buckinghams , in perfon, 
He heare him his confefTions iuftifie, 
And point by point the Treafons of his Maifter, 
He fhall againe relate. 

A noyje within crying roome for the Queene, •vfher'd by the 
1>uke of Norfolke. Enter the Queene, Norfol{e and 
Snffolke-.jhe {"eels. King rifeth from his State, 
takes her -up, {iffes and placeth 
her by him. 
Queen. Nay, we muft longer kneelejl am a Suitor. 
King. Arife,and take place by vs; halfe your Suit 
Neuer name to vs; you haue halfe our power : 

The 



The Life ofKJng Henry the Sight. 



The other moity ere you aske is giuen, 
Repeat your will, and take it. 

Queen. Thanke your Maiefty 
That you would loue your felfe,and in that loue 
Not vnconfidered leaue your Honour, nor 
The dignity of your Office; is the poynt 
Of my Petition. 

Kin. Lady mine proceed- 

Queen. I am folicited not by a few, 
And thofe of true condition; That your Subiects 
Are in great grieuance: There haue beene Commiflions 
Sent downe among 'em, which hath flaw'd the heart 
Of all their Loyalties; wherein, although 
My good Lord Cardinall, they vent reproches 
Moft bitterly on you,as putter on 

Of thefe exactions: yet the King, our Maifter (not 

Whofe Honor Heauen fhield from foile;euen he efcapes 
Language vnmannerly ;yea,fuch which breakes 
The fides of loyalty,and almoft appeares 
In lowd Rebellion. 

Norf. Not almoft appeares, 
It doth appeare; for, vpon thefe Taxations, 
The Clothiers all not able to maintaine 
The many to them longing, haue put oft" 
The Spinfters, Carders, Fullers, Weauers, who 
Vnfit for other life, compeld by hunger 
And lack of other meanes, in defperate manner 
Daring th'euent too th'teeth,are all in vprore, 
And danger ferues among them. 

Kin. Taxation? 
Wherein? and what Taxation? My Lord Cardinall, 
You that are blam'd for it alike with vs, 
Know you of this Taxation? 

Card. Pleafe you Sir, 
I know but of a fingle part in ought 
Pertaines to th'State; and front but in that File 
Where others tell fteps with me. 

Queen. No, my Lord ? 
You know no more then others? But you frame 
Things that are knowne alike, which are not wholfome 
To thofe which would not know them, and yet muft 
Perforce be their acquaintance. Thefe exactions 
(Whereof my Soueraigne would haue note) they are 
Moft peftilent to th'hearing,and to beare 'em, 
The Backe is Sacrifice to th'load ; They fay 
They are deuis'd by you, er elfe you fuffer 
Too hard an exclamation. 

Kin. Still Exaftion: 
The nature of it, in what kinde let's know, 
Is this Exaction? 

Queen. I am much too venturous 
In tempting of your patience, but am boldned 
Vnder your promis'd pardon. The Subiects griefe 
Comes through Commiflions, which compels from each 
The fixt part of his Subftance,to be leuied 
Without delay; and the pretence for this 
Is nam 'd, your warres in France: this makes bold mouths, 
Tongues fpit their duties out, and cold hearts freeze 
Allegeance in them ; their curfes now 
Liue where their prayers did: and it's come to paffe, 
This tractable obedience is a Slaue 
To each incenfed Will: I would your Highnefle 
Would giue it quicke confederation; for 
There is no primer bafenefle. 

Kin. By my life, 
This is againft our pleafure . 



Card. And for me, 
I haue no further gone in this, then by 
A fingle voice, and that not paft me, but 
By learned approbation of the Judges: If I am 
Traduc'd by ignorant Tongues, which neither know 
My faculties nor perfon,yet will be 
The Chronicles of my doing : Let me fay, 
'Tis but the fate of Place, and the rough Brake 
That Vertue muft goe through : we muft not ftint 
Our neceffary actions, in the feare 
To cope malicious Cenfurers, which euer, 
As rau'nous Fifhes doe a VefTell follow 
That is new trim'd ; but benefit no further 
Then vainly longing. What we oft doe beft, 
By ficke Interpreters (once weake ones) is 
Not ours, or not allow'd; what worft,as oft 
Hitting a groffer quality, is cride vp 
For our beft Act : if we fhall ftand ftill, 
In feare our motion will be mock'd,or carp'd at, 
We fhould take roote here, where we fit; 
Or fit State- Statues onely. 
Kin. Things done well, 
And with a care, exempt themfelues from feare : 
Things done without example, in their iffue 
Are to be fear'd. Haue you a Prefident 
Of this Commiflion? I beleeue,not any. 
We muft not rend our Subiects from our Lawes, 
And fticke them in our Will. Sixt part of each ? 
A trembling Contribution; why we take 
From euery Tree, lop, barke,and part o'th' Timber: 
And though we leaue it with a roote thus hackt, 
The Ayre will drinke the Sap. To euery County 
Where this is queftion'd, fend our Letters, with 
Free pardon to each man that hasdeny'de 
The force of this Commiflion: pray looke too't; 
I put it to your care. 

Card. A word with you. 
Let there be Letters writ to euery Shire, 
Of the Kings grace and pardon : the greeued Commons 
Hardly conceiue of me. Let it be nois'd, 
That through our Interceflion, this Reuokement 
And pardon comes : I fhall anon aduife you 
Further in the proceeding. Exit Secret. 

Enter Surueyor. 

Queen. I am forry, that the Duke of^uc^ingham 
Is run in your dilpleafure. 

Kin. It grieues many .- 
The Gentleman is Learn'd,and a moft rare Speaker, 
To Nature none more bound ; his trayning fuch, 
That he may furnifh and inftruct great Teachers, 
And neuer ieeke for ayd out of himfelfe : yet fee, 
When thefe fo Noble benefits fhall proue 
Not well difpos'd, the minde growing once corrupt, 
They turne to vicious formes, ten times more vgly 
Then euer they were faire. This man fo compleat, 
Who was enrold 'mongft wonders; and when we 
Almoft with rauifh'd liftning, could not finde 
His houre of fpeech,a minute: He, (my Lady) 
Hath into monftrous habits put the Graces 
That once were his, and is become as blacke, 
As if befmear'd in hell. Sit by Vs,you fhall heare 
(This was his Gentleman in truft) of him 
Things to ftrike Honour fad. Bid him recount 
The fore-recited practifes, whereof 
We cannot feele too little, heare too much. 



- - ... 
The Life of Kjng Henry the Eight. 209 


Card. Stand forth, & with bold fpirit relate what you 


Should haue gone off. 


Moft like a carefull Subieft haue collected 


Kin. Ha? What, fo rancke ? Ah, ha, 


Out of the Duke of 'Buckingham. 


There's mifchiefe in this man; canft thou fay further? 


Kin. Speake freely. 


Sur. I can my Liedge. 


Sur. Firft, it was vfuall with him ; euery day 


Kin. Proceed. 


It would infeft his Speech: That if the King 


Sur; Being at Greenwich, 


Should without hTue dye; hee'l carry it fo 


After your HighnefTe had reprou'd the Duke 


To make the Scepter his. Thefe very words 


About Sir William 'Blumer. (uant, 


I'ue heard him vtter to his Sonne in Law, 


Kin. I remember of fuch a time, being my fworn fer- 


Lord Aburgany, to whom by oth he menac'd 


The Duke rerein'd him hi-,. But on: what hence? 


Reuenge vpon the Cardinal). 


Sur, If (quoth he) I for this had beene committed, 


Card. Pleafe your HighnefTe note 


As to the Tower, I thought; I would haue plaid 


This dangerous conception in this point, 


The Part my Father meant to aft vpon 


Not frended by his wim to your High perfon ; 


Th'Vfurper Richard,who being at Salsbury, 


His will is moft malignant, and it ftretches 


Made fuit to come in's prefence; which if granted, 


Beyond you to your friends. 


(As he made femblance of his duty) would 


Sluten. My learn'd Lord Cardinal!, 


Haue put his knife into him. 


Deliuer all with Charity. 


Kin. A Gyant Traytor. 


Kin. Speake on ; 


Card. Now Madam, may his Highnes Hue in freedome, 


How grounded hee his Title to the Crowne 


And this man out of Prifon. 


Vpon our faile; to this poynt haft thou heard him, 


2>ueen. God mend all. (fay'ft ? 


At any time fpeake ought? 


Kin. Ther's fomthing more would out of thee ; what 


Sur. He was brought to this, 


Sur. After the Duke his Father, with the knife 


By a vaine Prophefie of Nicholas Henton. 


He ftretch'd him, and with one hand on his dagger, 


Kin, What was that Henton} 


Another fpread on's breaft, mounting his eyes, 


Sur. Sir, a Cbartreux Fryer, 


He did difcharge a horrible Gath,whofe tenor 


His Confeflbr, who fed him euery minute 


Was, were he euill vs'd,he would outgoe 


With words of Soueraignty. 


His Father, by as much as a performance 


Kin. How know'ft thou this ? 


Do's an irrefolute purpofe. 


Sur. Not long before your HignefTe fped to France, ' 


Kin. There's his period, 


The Duke being at the Rofe, within the Parifh 


To fheath his knife in vs : he is attach'd, 


Saint Laurence Pouhney, did of me demand 


Call him to prefent tryall : if he may 


What was the fpeech among the Londoners, 


Finde mercy in the Law, 'tis his; if none, 


Concerning the French Iourney. I replide, 


Let him not feek't of vs : By day and night 


Men feare the French would proue perfidious 


Hee's Traytor to th' height. Exeunt. 


To the Kings danger : prefently, the Duke 




Said, 'twas the feare indeed, and that he doubted 




'T would proue the verity of certaine words 
Spoke by a holy Monke, that oft, fayeshe, 


Sccena Tertia. 


Hath fent to me, wi/hingme to permit 

Iohn de la Car, my Chaplaine,a choyce howre 






Tohearefrom him a matter of fome moment: 


Enter L. Chamberlaine, and L . Sandys. 


Whom after vnder the Commiffions Seale, 


L. Ch. Is't poffible the fpels of France fhould iuggle 


He follemnly had fworne, that what he fpoke 


Men into fuch ftrange myfteries ? 


My Chaplaine to no Creature liuing, but 


L.San. New cuftomes, 


To me, ftiould vtter, with demure Confidence, 


Though they be neuer fo ridiculous, 


This paulingly enfu'de; neither the King, nor's Heyres 


(Nay let 'em be vnmanly) yet are follow'd. 


(Tell you the Duke) fhall profper, bid him ftriue 


L. Ch. As farre as I fee,all the good our Englifh 


To the loue o'th'Commonalty, the Duke 


Haue got by the late Voyage, is but meerely 


Shall gouerne England. 


A fit or two o'th' face, (but they are fhrewd ones) 


Queen. If I know you well, 


For when they hold 'em, you would fweare direftly 


You were the Dukes Surueyor,and loft your Office 


Their very nofes had been Councellours 


On the complaint o'th' Tenants; take good heed 


To Pepin or Clotbariui,they keepe State fo. ' 


You charge not in your fpleene a Noble perfon, 


L. San, They haue all new legs, 


And fpoyle your nobler Soule; I fay, take heed; 


And lame ones ; one would take it, 


Yes, heartily befeech you,. 


That neuer fee 'em pace before, the Spauen 


Kin. Let him on : Goe forward. 


A Spring-halt rain'd among 'em. 


Sur. On my Soule, He fpeake but truth. 


L. Ch. Death my Lord, 


I told my Lord the Duke, by th'Diuels illufions 


Their cloathes are after fuch a Pagan cut too't, 


The Monke might be deceiu'd, and that 'twas dangerous 


That fure th'haue worne out Ch iftendome:how now? 


For this to ruminate on this fo farre, vntill 


What newes, Sir Thomas Lcuell? 


It forg'd him fome defigne, which being beleeu'd 




It was much like to doe: He anfwer'd,Tufh, 


Enter Sir Thomas Louell. 


It can doe me no damage; adding further, 


Loitell. Faith my Lord, 


That had the King in his laftSickneffe faild, 


I heare of none but the new Proclamation, 


The Cardinals and Sir Thomas Louels heads 


That's clapt vpon the Court Gate. 




L. Cham. 



2IO 



The Life ofl^ing Henry the Eight. 



L. Cham. What is't for? 

Lou. The reformation of our trauel'd Gallants, 
That fill the Court with quarrels, talke,and Taylors. 

L. Cham. I'm glad 'tis there; 
Now I would pray our Monfieurs 
To thinke an Englifh Courtier may be wife, 
And neuer fee the Louure. 

Lou: They muft either 
(For fo run the Conditions) leaue thofe remnants 
Of Foole and Feather, that they got in France, 
With all their honourable points of ignorance 
Pertaining thereunto ; as Fights and Fire-workes, 
Abufing better men then they can be 
Out of a forreigne wifedome, renouncing cleane 
The faith they haue in Tennis and tall Stockings, 
Short bliftred Breeches, and thofe types of Trauell; 
And vnderftand againe like honeft men, 
Or pack to their old Playfellowes; there, I take it, 
They may Cum Prutilegio, wee away 
The lag end of their lewdneffe,and be laugh'd at. 

L.San. Tis time to giue 'em Phyficke, their difeafes 
Are growne fo catching. 

L . Cham What a loffe our Ladies 
Will haue of thefe trim vanities? 

Louell. I marry, 
There will be woe indeed Lords, the flye whorfons 
Haue got a fpeeding tricke to lay downe Ladies. 
A French Song, and a Fiddle, ha's no Fellow. 

L. San. The Diuell fiddle 'em, 
I am glad they are going, 
For fure there's no conuerting of 'em: now 
An honeft Country Lord as I am, beaten 
A long time out of play, may bring his plaine fong, 
And haue an houre of hearing,and by'r Lady 
Held currant Muficke too. 

L. Cham. Well faid Lord Sands, 
Your Colts tooth is not caft yet? 

L.San. No my Lord, 
Nor fhall not while I haue a ftumpe. 

L. Cham. Sir Thomas, 
Whither were you a going? 

Lou. To the Cardinals ; 
Your Lordfhip is a gueft too. 

L. Cham. 6,'tis true; 
This night he makes a Supper,and a great one, 
To many Lords and Ladies ; there will be 
The Beauty of this Kingdome He affure you. 

Lou. That Churchman 
Beares a bounteous minde indeed, 
A hand as fruitfull as the Land that feeds vs, 
His dewes fall euery where. 

L. Cham. No doubt hee's Noble ; 
He had a blacke mouth that faid other of him. 

L. San. He may my Lord, 
Ha's wherewithall in him ; 

Sparing would fhew a worfe finne,then ill Doclrine, 
Men of his way, fhould be moft liberall, 
They are fet heere for examples. 

L. Cham. True, they are fo; 
But few now giue fo great ones: 
My Barge ftayes ; 

Your Lordlhip mall along : Come, good Sir Thomas, 
We fhall be late elfe, which I would not be, 
For I was fpoke to, with Sir Henry Guilford 
This night to be Comptrollers. 

L.San. I am your Lordfhips. Exeunt. 



Scena Quarta. 



Hoboies. A jmall Table -under a State for the Cardinal!, a 

longer Table for the Guejh. Then Enter cAnne Bullen, 

and diuers other Ladies,& Gentlemen, as Quejls 

at one T)oore ; at an other Doore enter 

Sir Henry Guilford. 

S. Hen. Guilf Ladyes, 
A generall welcome from his Grace 
Salutes ye all; This Night he dedicates 
To faire content, and you : None heere he hopes 
In all this Noble Beuy, has brought with her 
One care abroad : hee would haue all as merry: 
As firft, good Company, good wine, good welcome, 
Can make good people. 

Enter L. Chamberlaine L. Sands,and Louell. 

my Lord, y'are tardy ; 

The very thought of this faire Company, 
Clapt wings to me. 

Cham. You are young Sir Harry Guilford. 

San. Sir Thomas Louell, had the Cardinall 
But halfe my Lay-thoughts in him, fome of thefe 
Should finde a running Banket, ere they refted, 

1 thinke would better pleafe 'em : by my life, 
They are a fweet fociety of faire ones. 

Lou. O that your Lordfhip were but now Confeffor, 
To one or two of thefe. 

San. I would I were, 
They fhould finde eafie pennance, 

Lou. Faith how eafie ? 
San. As eafie as a downe bed would affoord it. 

Cham. Sweet Ladies will it pleafe you fit; Sir Harry 
Place you that fide, He take the charge of this: 
His Grace is entring. Nay, you muft not freeze, 
Two women plac'd together, makes cold weather: 
My Lord Sands,yon are one will keepe 'em waking: 
Pray fit betweene thefe Ladies. 

San. By my faith, 
And thanke your Lordfhip : by your leaue fweet Ladies, 
If I chance to talke a little wilde,forgiue me: 
I had it from my Father. 

An. 'Bui. Was he mad Sir ? 

San. O, very mad, exceeding mad, in loue too; 
But he would bite none, iuft as I doe now, 
He would Kiffe you Twenty with a breath. 

Cham. Well faid my Lord : 
So now y'are fairely feated : Gntlemen, 
The pennance lyes on you; if thefe faire Ladies 
•Paffe away frowning. 

San. For my little Cure, 
Let me alone. 

Hoboyes. Enter Cardinal I Wolf ey, and ta\es his State. 

Card Y'are wel ome my faire Gueftsjthat noble Lady 
Or Gentleman that is not freely merry 
Is not my Friend. This to confirme my welcome, 
And to you all good health. 

San. Your Grace is Noble, 
Let me hauefuch a Bowie may hold my thankes, 
And faue me fo much talking. 

Card. My Lord Sands, 

546 



The Life ofj^jng Henry the Eight. 



211 



I am beholding to you : cheere your neighbours : 
Ladies you are not merry ; Gentlemen, 
Whofe fault is this? 

San. The red wine firft muft rife 
In their faire cheekes my Lord, then wee mall haue 'em, 
Talke vs to filence. 

An. IS. You are a merry Gamfter 
My Lord Sands. 

San. Yes, if I make my play : 
Heer's to your Ladifliip, and pledge it Madam: 
For tis to fuch a thing. 

An.'B. You cannot mew me. 

Drum and Trumpet, Chambers difchargd. 

San. I told your Grace, they would talke anon. 

Card. What's that ? 

Cham. Looke out there,fome of ye. 

Card. What warlike voyce, 
And to what end is this? Nay, Ladies, feare not; 
By all the lawes of Warre y'are priuiledg'd. 

Enter a Seruant. 

Qham. How now, what is't ? 

Seru. A noble troupe of Strangers, 
For fo they feeme ; th'haue left their Barge and landed, 
And hither make, as great Embaffadors 
From forraigne Princes. 

Card. Good Lord Chamberlaine, 
Go,giue'em welcomejyou can fpeake the French tongue 
And pray receiue 'em Nobly, and conduct 'em 
Into our prefence, where this heauen of beauty 
Shall mine at full vpon them. Some attend him. 

All rife, and Tables remould. 
You haue now a broken Banket, but wee'l mend it. 
A good digeftion to you all ; and once more 
I ihowre a welcome on yee : welcome all. 

Hoboyes. Enter King and others as Masters, habited like 
Shepheards, vjheSd by the Lord Chamberlaine. They 
pajfe direElly before the Cardinal/, and gracefully fa- 
lute him. 

A noble Company : what are their pleafures ? 

Cham. Becaufe they fpeak no Englifh,thus they praid 

To tell your Grace : That hauing heard by fame 

Of this fo Noble and fo faire affembly, 

This night to meet heere they could doe no lefTe, 

(Out of the great refpect they beare to beauty) 

But leaue their Flockes,and vnder your faire Conduct 

Craue leaue to view thefe Ladies, and entreat 

An houre of Reuels with 'em. 
Card. Say, Lord Chamberlaine, 

They haue done my poore houfe grace: 

For which I pay'em a thoufand thankes, 

And pray 'em take their pleafures. 

Choofe Ladies, King and An. Bullen. 
King. The faireft hand I euer touch'd: O Beauty, 

Till now I neuer knew thee. 

Muftckf, Dance. 
Card. My Lord. 
Cham. Your Grace. 
Card. Pray tell 'em thus much from me : 

There mould be one amongft'em by his perfon 

More worthy this place then my felfe, to whom 

(If I but knew him) with my loue aud duty 

I would furrender it. Wbiffer. 

Cham. I will my Lord. 
Card. What fay they.? 



Cham. Such a one, they all confeffe 
There is indeed, which they would haue your Grace 
Find out, and he will take it. 

Card. Let me fee then, 
By all your good leaues Gentlemen ; heere He make 
My royall choyce. 

Kin. Ye haue found him Cardinall, 
You hold a faire Affembly ; you doe well Lord: 
You are a Churchman,or He tell you Cardinall, 
I mould iudge now vnhappily. 

Card. I am glad 
Your Grace is growne fo pleafant. 

Kin. My Lord Chamberlaine, 
Prethee come hither, what faire Ladie's that? 

Cham, An't pleafe your Grace, 
Sir Thomas Tiullens Daughter, the Vifcount %ochford, 
One of her Highneffe women. 

Kin. By Heauen me is a dainty one. Sweet heart, 
I were vnmannerly to take you out, 
And not to kiffe you. A health Gentlemen, 
Let it goe round. 

Card. Sir Thomas Louell,\% the Banket ready 
I'th' Priuy Chamber ? 

Lou. Yes, my Lord. 

Card. Your Grace 
I feare, with dancing is a little heated. 

Kin. I feare too much. 

Card. There's fremer ayre my Lord, 
In the next Chamber. 

Kin, Lead in your Ladies eu'ry one : Sweet Partner, 
I muft not yet forfake you : Let's be merry, 
Good my Lord Cardinall : I haue halfe a dozen healths, 
To drinke to thefe faire Ladies, and a meafure 
To lead 'em once againe,and then let's dreame 
Who's beft in fauour. Let the Muficke knock it. 
Exeunt with Trumpets. 



ASius Secundus. Scena Trima. 



Enter two Gentlemen at f euer all Doores. 

1. Whether away fo faft? 

2. O, God faue ye : 

Eu'n to the Hall, to heare what mail become 
Of the great Duke of Buckingham. 

1. He faue you 

That labour Sir. All's now done but the Ceremony 
Of bringing backe the Prifoner. 

2. Were you there ? 

1 . Yes indeed was I. 

2. Pray fpeake what ha's happen'd. 

1. You may gueffe quickly what. 

2. Is he found guilty ? 

1. Yes truely is he, 
And condemn'd vpon't. 

2. I am forry fort. 

1. So are a number more. 

2. But pray how paft it ? 

I. He tell you in a little. The great Duke 
Came to the Bar; where, to his accufations 
He pleaded ftill not guilty, and alleadged 
Many fliarpe reafons to defeat the Law. 
The Kings Atturney on the contrary, 
Vrg'd on the Examinations, proofes, confeflions 



212 



The Life ofKjng Henry the TLight. 



Of diuers witneffes, which the Duke defir'd 
To him brought i>iua -voce to his face ; 
At which appear'd againft him, his Surueyor 
Sir Gilbert Pecke his Chancellour,and lohn Car, 
Confeffor to him, with that Diuell Monke, 
Hopkins, that made this mifchiefe. 

2. That was hee 
That fed him with his Prophecies. 

l. The fame, 
All thefe accus'd him ftrongly, which he faine 
Would haue flung from him; but indeed he couldnotj 
And fo his Peeres vpon this euidence, 
Haue found him guilty of high Treafon. Much 
He fpoke,and learnedly for life: But all 
Was either pittied in him, or forgotten. 
2. After all this, how did he beare himfelfe? 

1. When he was brought agen to th' Bar, to heare 
His Knell rung out, his Iudgement, he was ftir'd 
With fuch an Agony, he fweat extreamly, 

And fomthing fpoke in choller, ill, and hafty: 
But he fell to himfelfe againe, and fweetly, 
In all the reft fhew'd a moft Noble patience. 

2. I doe not thinke he feares death. 

1. Sure he does not, 

He neuer was fo womaniih, the caufe 
He may a little grieue at. 

2. Certainly, 

The Cardinall is the end of this. 

i. Tis likely, 
By all conjectures : Firft Kildares Attenduref 
Then Deputy of Ireland, who remou'd 
Earle Surrey, was fent thither, and in haft too, 
Leaft he fhould helpe his Father. 

2. That tricke of State 
Was a deepe enuious one, 

1. At his returne, 

No doubt he will requite it ; this is noted 
(And generally ) who euer the King fauours, 
The Cardnall inftantly will finde imployment, 
And farre enough from Court too. 

2. All the Commons 

Hate him pernicioufly,and o'ray Confcience 
Wifli him ten faddom deepe: This Duke as much 
They loue and doate on: call him bounteous Buckingham, 
The Mirror of all courtefie. 

Enter Buckingham from his Arraignment , Tipftaues before 
him, the Axe with the edge towards him, Halberds on each 
fide, accompanied with Sir Thomas Louell, Sir Nicholas 
Vaux, Sir W'alter Sands, and common people, &c. 

1. Stay there Sir, 

And fee the noble ruin'd man you fpeake of. 

2. Let's ftand clofe and behold him. 
c Buc\. All good people, 

You that thus farre haue come to pitty me; 

Heare what I fay, and then goe home and lofe me. 

I haue this day receiu'd a Traitors iudgement, 

And by that name muft dye; yet Heauen beare witnes, 

And if I haue a Confcience, letitfincke me, 

Euen as the Axe!falis, if I be not faithfull. 

The Law I beare no mallice for my death, 

T'has done vpon ithe 'premifes, but luftice : 

But thofe that fought! it, I could wi/h more Chriftians: 

(Be what they will) I heartily forgiue 'em; 

Yet let '.enx look eJthey glory not in mifchiefe; 

V) 



Nor build their euils on the graues of great men ; 

For then, my guiltlcffe blood muft cry againft'em. 

For further life in this world I ne're hope, 

Nor will I fue,although the King haue mercies 

More then I dare make faults. 

You few that lou'd me, 

And dare be bold to weepe for Buckingham, 

His Noble Friends and Fellowes; whom to leaue 

Is only bitter to him, only dying : 

Goe with me like good Angels to my end, 

And as the long diuorce of Steele fals on me, 

Make of your Prayers one fweet Sacrifice, 

And lift my Soule to Heauen. 

Lead on a Gods name. 

Louell. I doe befeech your Grace, for charity 
If euer any malice in your heart 
Were hid againft me, now to forgiue me frankly. 

'Bucks Sir Thomas Louell, I as free forgiue you 
As I would be forgiuen : I forgiue all. 
There cannot be thofe numberleffe offences 
Gainft me, that I cannot take peace with: 
No blacke Enuy fhall make my Graue. 
Commend mee to his Grace : 
And if he fpeake of Buckingham; pray tell him, 
You met him halfe in Heauen: my vowes and prayers 
Yet are the Kings; and till my Soule forfake, 
Shall cry for bleffings on him. May he Hue 
Longer then I haue time to tell his yeares ; 
Euer belou'd and louing, may his Rule be ; 
And when old Time (hall lead him to his end, 
Goodneffe and he, fill vp one Monument. 

Lou. To th' water fide I muft conduct your Grace; 
Then giue my Charge vp to Sir Nicholas Vaux, 
Who vndertakes you to your end. 

Vaux. Prepare there, 
The Duke is comming : See the Barge be ready; 
And fit it with fuch furniture asfuites 
The Greatneffe of his Perfon. 

Buc{. Nay, Sir Nicholas, 
Let it alone; my State now will but mocke me. 
When I came hither, I was Lord High Conftable, 
And Duke of 'Buckingham : now,poore Edward Bohun; 
Yet I am richer then my bafe Accufers, 
That neuer knew what Truth meant : I now feale it ; 
And with that bloud will make 'em one day groane for't. 
My noble Father Henry of 'Buckingham, 
Who firft rais'd head againft Vfurping Richard, 
Flying for fuccour to his Seruant <Banifter, 
Being diftreft; was by that wretch betraid, 
And without Tryall, fell; Gods peace bewith him. 
Henry the Seauenth fucceeding, truly pittying 
My Fathers loife; like a moft Royall Prince 
Reftor'd me to my Honours : and out of mines 
Made my Name once more Noble. Now his Sonne, 
Henry the Eight, Life, Honour, Name and all 
That made me happy; at one ftroake ha's taken 
For euer from the World. I had my Tryall, 
And muft needs fay a Noble one; which makes me 
A little happier then my wretched Father: 
Yet thus farre we are one in Fortunes; both 
Fell by our Seruants, by thofe Men we lou'd moft : 
A moft vnnaturall and faithlefle Seruice. 
Heauen ha's an end in all : yet, you that heare me, 
This from a dying man receiue as certaine : 
Where you are liberall of your loues and Councels, 
Be fure vou be not loofe : for thofe you make friends, 

3 And 

— — 548 



The Life offing Henry the Eight. 



213 



And giue your hearts to; when they once perceiue 

The leaft rub in your fortunes, fall away 

Like water from ye, neuer found againe 

But where they meane to finite ye : all good people 

Pray for me, I muft now forfake ye; the iaft houre 

Of my long weary life is come vpon me : 

Farewell; and when you would fay fomthing that is fad, 

Speakehow I fell. 

I haue done;and God forgiue me. 

Exeunt Duke and Traine. 

1. O, this is full of pitty ; Sir, it cals 
I feare, too many curfes on their heads 
That were the Authors. 

2. If the Duke be guiltlefle, 

'Tis full of woe : yet I can giue you inckling 
Of anenfuingeuill, if it fall, 
Greater then this. 

1. Good Angels keepe it from vs: 

What may it be? you doe not doubt my faith Sir? 

2. This Secret is fo weighty, 'twill require 
A ftrong faith to conceale it. 

1: Let me haue it : 
I doe not talke much. 

2. I am confident; 
You fhall Sir : Did you not of late dayes heare 
A buzzing of a Separation 
Betweene the King and Katherwel 

1. Yes, but it held not; 

For when the King once heard it, out of anger 
He fent command to the Lord Mayor ftraight 
To flop the rumor; and allay thofe tongues 
That durft difperfe it. 

2. But that flander Sir, 

Is found a truth now: for it growes agen 
Fremer then e're it was; and held for certaine 
The King will venture at it. Either the Cardinall, 
Or fome about him neere, haue out of malice 
To the good Queene, poffeft him with a fcruple 
That will vndoe her: To confirme this too, 
Cardinall Campehu is arriu'd, and lately, 
As all thinke for this bufines. 

1. Tis the Cardinall; 

And meerely to reuenge him on the Emperour, 

For not beftowing on him at his asking, 

The Archbilhopricke of Toledo, this is purpos'd. 

2. I thinke 

You haue hit the marke ; but is't not cruell, 

That ftie Ihould feele the fmart of this : the Cardinall 

Will haue his will, and flie muft fall. 

I. 'Tis wofull. 
Wee are too open heere to argue this : 
Let's thinke in priuate more. Exeunt. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Lord Chamberlaine, reading this Letter. 

MY Lord, the Horfes your Lor dfhip fent for, with all the 
care I had, 1 fare well chofen, ridden, and furnifh'd. 
They were young and handfome, and of the beft breed in the 
North. When they were ready to fet out for London, a man 
of my Lord Cardinalls,by Commiffion, and maine power tooke 
V« from me, with this reafon-.his maifter would bee feru'd be- 



549 



fore a Subiec7,if not before the King, which flop* dour mouthes 
Sir. 

I feare he will indeede ; well, let him haue them ; hee 
will haue all I thinke. 

Enter to the Lord Qhamberlaine, the Dukes of Nor- 
folk/ and Suffolk/. 
Norf. Well met my Lord Chamberlaine. 
Cham. Good day to both your Graces. 

Suff. How is the King imployd ? 
Cham. I left him priuate, 
Full of fad thoughts and troubles. 
Norf. What's the caufe? 

Cham. It feemes the Marriage with his Brothers Wife 
Ha's crept too neere his Confcience. 

Suff. No, his Confcience 
Ha's crept too neere another Ladie. 

Norf. Tis fo; 
This is the Cardinals doing : The King-Cardinall, 
That blinde Prieft, like the eldeft Sonne of Fortune, 
Turnes what he lift. The King will know him one day. 

Suff. Pray God he doe, 
Hee'l neuer know himfelfe elfe. 

Norf. How holily he workes in all his bufineffe, 
And with what zeale? For now he has crackt the League 
Between vs & the Emperor (the Queens great Nephew) 
He diues into the Kings Soule, and there fcatters 
Dangers, doubts, wringing of the Confcience, 
Feares, and defpaires, and all thefe for his Marriage. 
And out of all thefe, to reftore the King, 
He counfels a Diuorce, a loffe of her 
That like a Iewell, ha's hung twenty yeares 
About his necke, yet neuer loft her luftre ; 
Of her that loues him with that excellence, 
That Angels loue good men with : Euen of her, 
That when the greateft ftroake of Fortune falls 
Will blefle the King : and is not this courfe pious ? 

Cbam.Heanen keep me from fuch councehtis moft true 
Thefe newes are euery where, euery tongue fpeaks 'em, 
And euery true heart weepes for't. All that dare 
Looke into thefe affaires, fee this maine end, 
The French Kings Sifter. Heauen will one day open 
The Kings eyes, that fo long haue flept vpon 
This bold bad man. 

Suff. And free vs from his flauery. 

Norf. We had need pray, 
And heartily, for our deliuerance; 
Or this imperious man will worke vs all 
From Princes into Pages : all mens honours 
Lie like one lumpe before him, to be fafhion'd 
Into what pitch he pleafe. 

Suff. For me, my Lords, 
I loue him not, nor feare him, there's my Creede: 
As I am made without him,fo He ftand, 
If the King pleafe : his Curfes and his bleffings 
Touch me alike: th'are breath I not beleeue in. 
I knew him, and I know him : fo I leaue him 
To him that made him proud ; the Pope. 

Norf. Let's in; 
And with fome other bufines, put the King 
From thefe fad thoughts, that work too much vpon him: 
My Lord, youle beare vs company? 

Cham. Excufe me, 
The King ha's fent me otherwhere : Befides 
You'l finde a moft vnfit time to difturbe him: 
Health to your Lordlhips. 

v Nor. 



214 



The Life offing Henry the Eight. 



Norfol\e. Thankes my good Lord Chamberlaine. 

Exit Lord Chamberlaine, and the King drawes the Curtaine 

and fits reading penftuely. 

Stiff. How fad he lookes; fure he is much afflicted. 

Kin. Who's there ? Ha ? 

Norff. Pray God he be not angry. (felues 

Kin. Who's there I fay ? How dare you thruft your 
Into my priuate Meditations ? 
Who am I ? Ha ? 

Norff. A gracious King, that pardons all offences 
Malice ne're meant : Our breach of Duty this way, 
Is bufinefTe of Eftate; in which, we come 
To know your Royall pleafure. 

Kin. Ye are too bold : 
Go too; lie make ye know your times of bufineffe : 
Is this an howre for temporall affaires? Ha ? 

Enter Wolfey and Campeitu with a Qommiffion. 
Who's there ? my good Lord Cardinall ? O my Wolfey, 
The quiet of my wounded Confcience ; 
Thou art a cure fit for a King; you'r welcome 
Mod learned Reuerend Sir, into our Kingdome, 
Vfe vs,and it: My good Lord, haue great care, 
I be not found a Talker. 
Wol. Sir, you cannot; 
I would your Grace would giue vs but an houre 
Of priuate conference. 

Kin. We are bufie; goe. 

Norff. This Prieft ha's no pride in him ? 

Suff. Not to fpeake of: 
I would not be fo ficke though for his place: 
But this cannot continue. 

Norff. If it doe, He venture one; haue at him. 
Suff I another . 

Exeunt Norfolk? and Suffolk?. 

Wol. Your Grace ha's giuen a Prefident of wifedome 
Aboue all Princes,in committing freely 
Your fcruple to the voyce of Chriftendome : 
Who can be angry now ? What Enuy reach you ? 
The Spaniard tide by blood and fauour to her, 
Muft now confeffe, if they haue any goodnefTe, 
The Tryall.iuft and Noble. All the Clerkes, 
(I meane the learned ones in Chriftian Kingdomes) 
Haue their free voyces. Rome (the Nurfe of Iudgement) 
Inuited by your Noble felfe,hath fent 
One generall Tongue vnto vs. This good man, 
This iuft and learned Prieft, Cardnall Campeitu, 
Whom once more, I prefent vnto your Highneffe. 

Kin. And once more in mine armes I bid him welcome, 
And thanke the holy Conclaue for their loues, 
They haue fent me fuch a Man, I would haue wifti'd for. 
Cam. Your Grace muft needs deferue all ftrangers loues, 
You are fo Noble : To your Highneffe hand 
I tender my Commiffion; by whofe vertue, 
The Court of Rome commanding. You my Lord 
Cardinall of Torkf, are ioyn'd with me their Seruant, 
In the vnpartiall iudging of this Bufineffe. (ted 

Kin. Two equall men : The Queene fhall be acquain- 
Forthwith for what you come. Where's Gardiner} 

Wol. I know your Maiefty, ha's alwayes lou'd her 
So deare in heart, not to deny her that 
A Woman of leffe Place might aske by Law ; 
Schollers allow'd freely to argue for her. 

Kin. I, and the beft ihe fhall haue ; and my fauour 
To him that does beft, God forbid els : Cardinall, 
Prethee call Gardiner to me, my new Secretary. 
Ifind him a fit fellow. 



Enter Gardiner. 

Wol. Giue me your hand: much ioy & fauour to you; 
You are the Kings now. 

Gard. But to be commanded 
For euer by your Grace, whofe hand ha's rais'd me. 

Kin. Come hither Gardiner. 

Waives and whijpers. 

Camp. My Lord of Yorke, was not one Doctor lace 
In this mans place before him ? 

fVol. Yes, he was. 

Camp. Was he not held a learned man ? 

Wol. Yesfurely. 

Camp. Beleeue me, there's an ill opinion fpread then, 
Euen of your felfe Lord Cardinall. 

Wol. How? of me? 

Camp They will not fticke to fay, you enuide him; 
And fearing he would rife ( he was fo vertuous) 
Kept him a forraigne man ftill, which fo greeu'd him, 
That he ran mad, and dide. 

Wol, Heau'ns peace be with him: 
That's Chriftian care enough : for liuing Murmurers, 
There's places of rebuke. He was a Foole; 
For he would needs be vertuous. That good Fellow, 
If I command him followes my appointment, 
I will haue none fo neere els. Learne this Brother, 
We liue not to be grip'd by meaner perfons. 

Kin. Deliuer this with modefty to th' Queene. 

Sxit Gardiner. 
The moft conuenient place, that I can thinke of 
For fuch receipt of Learning, is Black-Fryers : 
There ye fhall meete about this waighty bufines. 
My Wo/fey, fee it furniih'd, O my Lord, 
Would it not grieue an able man to leaue 
So fweet a Bedfellow? But Confcience, Confcience ; 
O 'tis a tender place, and I muft leaue her. Exeunt. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Anne Mullen, and an old Lady. 

An. Not for that neither; here's the pang that pinches. 
His HighnefTe,hauing liu'd fo long with her, and fhe 
So good a Lady, that no Tongue could euer 
Pronounce difhonour of her; by my life, 
She neuer knew harme-doing : Oh, now after 
So many courfes of the Sun enthroaned, 
Still growing in a Maiefty and pompe, the which 
To leaue, a thoufand fold more bitter, then 
'Tis fweet at firft t'acquire. After this Proceffe. 
To giue her the auaunt, it is a pitty 
Would moue a Monfter. 

Old La. Hearts of moft hard temper 
Melt and lament for her. 

An. Oh Gods will, much better 
She ne're had knowne pompe ; though't be temporall, 
Yet if that quarrell. Fortune, do diuorce 
It from the bearer, 'tis a fufferance, panging 
As foule and bodies feuering. 

Old L. Alas poore Lady, 
Shee's a ftranger now againe. 

An. So much the more 
Muft pitty drop vpon her ; verily 
I fweare,tis better to be lowly borne, 

And 



The Life ofl^ing Henry the Eight. 



215 



And range with humble liuers in Content, 
Then to be perk'd vp in a gliftring griefe, 
And weare a golden forrow. 

Old L. Our content 
Is our beft hauing. 

Anne. By my troth, and Maidenhead, 
I would not be a Queene. 

Old. L. Belhrew me, I would, 
And venture Maidenhead for't, and fo would you 
For all this fpice of your Hipocrilie: 
You that haue fo faire parts of Woman on you, 
Haue (too) a Womans heart, which euer yet 
Affefted Eminence, Wealth, Soueraignty ; 
Which, to fay footh, are Bleffings ; and which guifts 
(Sauing your mincing) the capacity 
Of your foft Chiuerell Confcience, would receiue, 
If you might pleafe to ftretch it. 

Anne. Nay, good troth. 

Old L. Yes troth, & troth; you would not be a Queen? 

Anne. No, not for all the riches vnder Heauen . 

Old.L.Th ftrange; a threepence bow'd would hire me 
Old as I am, to Queene it : but I pray you, 
What thinke you of a Dutcheffe ? Haue you limbs 
To beare that load of Title? 

An. No in truth. 

Old. L. Then you are weakly made ; plucke off a little, 
I would not be a young Count in your way, 
For more then bluming comes to : If your backe 
Cannot vouchfafe this burthen, tis too weake 
Euer to get a Boy. 

*An. How you doe talke; 
I fweare againe, I would not be a Queene, 
For all the world : 

Old. L. In faith, for little England 
You'ld venture an em balling : I my felfe 
Would for Carnaruanjhire, although there long'd 
No more to th' Crowne but that : Lo, who comes here f 

Enter Lord Qhamberlaine. (know 

L.Cham. Good morrow Ladies; what wer't worth to 
The fecret of your conference? 

An. My good Lord, 
Not your demand; it values not your asking : 
Our Miftris Sorrowes we were pittying. 

Cham. It was a gentle bufineffe, and becomming 
The aftion of good women, there is hope 
All will be well. 

An. Now I pray God, Amen. 

Cham. You beare a gentle minde, & heau'nly bleflings 
Follow fuch Creatures. That you may, faire Lady 
Perceiue I fpeake fincerely, and high notes 
Tane of your many vertues; the Kings Maiefty 
Commends his good opinion of you, to you; and 
Doe's purpofe honour to you no leffe flowing, 
Then Marcbioneffe of Pembrooke; to which Title, 
A Thoufand pound a yeare, Annuall fupport, 
Out of his Grace, he addes. 

An. I doe not know 
What kinde of my obedience, I mould tender; 
More then my All, is Nothing : Nor my Prayers 
Are not words duely hallowed; nor my Wifties 
More worth, then empty vanities : yet Prayers & Wilhes 
Are all I can returne. 'Befeech your Lordlhip, 
Vouchfafe to fpeake my thankes, and my obedience, 
As from a blufh ng Handmaid, to his Highneffe; 
Whofe health and Royalty I pray for. 



Cham. Lady ; 
I mall not faile t'approue the faire conceit 
The King hath of you. I haue perus'd her well, 
Beauty and Honour in her are fo mingled, 
That they haue caught the King : and who knowes yet 
But from this Lady, may proceed a Iemme, 
To lighten all this He. I'le to the King, 
And fay I fpoke with you. 

Exit Lord Chamberlaine. 

An. My honour'd Lord. 

Old. L. Why this it is : See, fee, 
I haue beene begging fixteene yeares in Court 
(Am yet a Courtier beggerly) nor could 
Come pat betwixt too early, and too late 
For anyfuit of pounds: and you, (oh fate) 
A very frefli Filh heere ; fye, fye, fye vpon 
This compel'd fortune : haue your mouth fild vp, 
Before you open it. 

An. This is ftrange to me. 

Old L. How tafts it? Is it bitter ? Forty pence, no : 
There was a Lady once (tis an old Story) 
That would not be a Queene, that would me not 
For all the mud in Egypt ; haue you heard it ? 
An. Come you are pleafant. 

Old.L. With your Theame, I could 
O're-mount the Larke : The Marchioneffe of Pembrooke? 
A thoufand pounds a yeare, for pure refpeft ? 
No other obligation ? by my Life, 
That promifes mo thoufands : Honours traine 
Is longer then his fore-skirt; by this time 
I know your backe will beare a Dutcheffe. Say, 
Are you not ftronger then you were? 

An. Good Lady, 
Make your felfe mirth with your particular fancy, 
And leaue me out on't. Would I had no being 
If this falute my blood a iot ; it faints me 
To thinke what followes. 

The Queene is comfortleffe, and wee forgetfull 
In our long abfence : pray doe not deliuer, 
What heere y'haue heard to her. 

OldL. What doe you thinke me ■ Exeunt. 



Scena Quarta. 



Trumpets , Sennet, and Cornets. 
Enter two Vergers, with fho-t filuer wands ; next them two 
Scribes in the habit e of DoBors; after them, the 'Bifhop of 
Canterbury alone ; after him, the Bijkops of Lincolne, Ely, 
Rochefter, and S. Afaph : Next them, with fome fmall 
diftance, followes a Gentleman bearing the Pur je, with the 
great Seale, and a Cardinals Hat : Then two Priefts, bea- 
ring each a Siluer Croffe : Then a Gentleman Vfher bare- 
headed ,accompanyed with a Sergeant at Ames, bearing a 
Siluer Mace : Then two Gentlemen bearing two great 
Siluer Fillers : After them, fide by fide, the two Cardinals, 
two Noblemen,with the Sword and Mace. The King takes 
place -under the Cloth of State. The two Cardinalls fit 
vnder him as Iudges. Ihe Queene takes place fome di- 
ftance from the King. The "Bijhops place themjelues on 
each fide the Court in manner of a Confiftory : 'Below them 
the Scribes. The Lords fit next the Bijhops. The reft of the 
Attendants ftand in conuenient order about the Stage. 



21 



The Life of Kjng Henry the Eight. 



Car. Whirft our Commiffion from Rome is read, 
Let filence be commanded. 
King. What's the need ? 
It hath already publiquely bene read, 
And on all fides th'Authority allow'd, 
You may then fpare that time. 

Car. Bee't fo, proceed. 

Scri. Say, Henry K. of England, come into the Court. 
■ Crier. Henry King of England, &c. 

King, Heere. 

Scribe. Say, Katherine Queene of England, 
Come into the Court. 

Crier. Katherine Queene of England, &c. 

The Queene makes no anfwer, rifes out of her Qhaire, 
goes about the Court, comes to the King, and \neeles at 
his Feete. Then ff>ea\es . 
Sir, I defire you do me Right and Iuftice, 
And to bellow your pitty on me ; for 
I am a moft poore Woman, and a Stranger, 
Borne out of your Dominions : hauing heere 
No Iudge indifferent, nor no more affurance 
Of equall Friend/hip and Proceeding. Alas Sir : 
In what haue I offended you ? What caufe 
Hath my behauiour giuen to your difpleafure, 
That thus you fhould proceede to put me off, 
And take your good Grace from me? Heauen witneffe, 
I haue bene to you, a true and humble Wife, 
At all times to your will conformable : 
Euer in feare to kindle your Diflike, 
Yea, fubieft to your Countenance : Glad, or forry, 
As I faw it inclin'd ? When was the houre 
I euer contradicted your Defire ? 
Or made it not mine too ? Or which of your Friends 
Haue I not ftroue to loue, although I knew 
He were mine Enemy? What Friend of mine, 
That had to him deriu'd your Anger, did I 
Continue in my Liking? Nay, gaue notice 
He was from thence difcharg'd ? Sir, call to minde, 
That I haue beene your Wife, in this Obedience, 
Vpward of twenty yeares, and haue bene bleft 
With many Children by you. If in the courfe 
And procefTe of this time, you can report, 
And proue it too, againft mine Honor, aught; 
My bond to Wedlocke, or my Loue and Dutie 
Againft your Sacred Perfon ; in Gods name 
Turne me away : and let the fowl'ft Contempt 
Shut doore vpon me, and fo giue me vp 
To the fharp'ft kinde of Iuftice. Pleafe you, Sir, 
The King your Father, was reputed for 
A Prince moft Prudent; of an excellent 
And vnmatch'd Wit, and ludgement. Ferdinand 
My Father, King of Spaine, was reckon'd one 
The wifeft Prince, that there had reign'd, by many 
A yeare before. It is not to be queftion'd, 
That they had gather'd a wife Councell to them 
Of euery Realme, that did debate this Bufineffe, 
Who deem'd our Marriage lawful. Wherefore I humbly 
Befeech you Sir, to fpare me, till I may 
Be by my Friends in Spaine, aduis'd ; whofe Counfaile 
I will implore. If not,i'th'name of God 
Your pleafure be fulfill'd. 

Wol. You haue heere Lady, 
(And of your choice) thefe Reuerend Fathers, men 
Of fmgular Integrity, and Learning ; 
Yea, the elect o'th'Land, who are aflembled 
To pleade your Caufe. It fhall be therefore bootlefle, 



That longer you defire the Court, as well 
For your owne quiet, as to reffifie 
What is vnfetled in the King. 

Camp. His Grace 
Hath fpoken well, and iuftly : Therefore Madam, 
It's fit this Royall Seffion do proceed, 
And that (without delay,) their Arguments 
Be now produc'd, and heard. 

Qu. Lord Cardinall, to you I fpeake. 

Wol. Your pleafure, Madam. 

S^u. Sir, I am about to weepe ; but thinking that 
We are a Queene (or long haue dream'd fo) certaine 
The daughter of a King, my drops of teares, 
lie turne to fparkes of fire. 

Wol, Be patient yet. 

Qu. I will, when you are humble; Nay before, 
Or God will puniih me. I do beleeue 
(Induc'd by potent Circumftances) that 
You are mine Enemy, and make my Challenge, 
You fhall not be my Iudge. For it is you 
Haue blowne this Coale, betwixt my Lord, and me ; 
(Which Gods dew quench) therefore, I fay againe, 
I vtterly abhorre ; yea, from my Soule 
Refufe you for my Iudge, whom yet once more 
I hold my moft malicious Foe, and thinke not 
At all a Friend to truth. 

Wol. I do profeffe 
You fpeake not like your felfe : who euer yet 
Haue flood to Charity, and difplayd th'effe&s 
Of difpofition gentle, and of wifedome, 
Ore-topping womans powre. Madam, you do me wrong 
I haue no Spleene againft you, nor iniuftice 
For you, or any : how farre I haue proceeded, 
Or how farre further (Shall) is warranted 
By a Commiffion from the Confiftorie, 
Yea, the whole Confiftorie of Rome. You charge me, 
That I haue blowne this Coale : I do deny it, 
The King is prefent : If it be knowne to him, 
That I gainfay my Deed, how may he wound, 
And worthily my Falfehood, yea, as much 
As you haue done my Truth. If he know 
That I am free of your Report, he knowes 
I am not of your wrong. Therefore in him 
It lies to cure me, and the Cure is to 
Remoue thefe Thoughts from you. The which before 
His Highnefte fhall fpeake in, I do befeech 
You (gracious Madam) to vnthinke your fpeaking, 
And to fay fo no more. 

S^ueen. My Lord, my Lord, 
I am a fimple woman, much too weake 
T'oppofe your eunning. Y'are meek, & humble-mouth'd 
You figne your Place, and Calling, in full feeming, 
With MeekenefTe and Humilitie : but your Heart 
Is cramm'd with Arrogancie, Spleene, and Pride. 
You haue by Fortune, and his HighnefTe fauors, 
Gone flightly o're lowe fteppes,and now are mounted 
Where Powres are your Retainers, and your words 
(Domeftickes to you) ferue your will, as't pleafe 
Your felfe pronounce their Office. I muft tell you, 
You tender more your perfons Honor, then 
Your high profeffion Spirituall. That agen 
I do refufe you for my Iudge, and heere 
Before you all, Appeale vnto the Pope, 
To bring my whole Caufe 'fore his Holinefle, 
And to be iudg'd by him. 

She Curtjies to the King, and offers to depart. 

Camp. 



The Life ofJ^ijtg Henry the Right. 



217 



Camp. The Queene is obftinate, 
Stubbome to Iuftice, apt to accufe it, and 
Difdainfull to be tride by't; tis not well. 
Shee's going away. 
Kin. Call her againe. 

Crier. Katherine l Q_ of England, come into the Court. 
Gent.VJh. Madam, you are cald backe. 
Que. What need you note it? pray you keep your way, 
When you are cald returne. Now the Lord helpe, 
They vexe me pair, my patience, pray you paffe on; 
I will not tarry: no, nor euer more 
Vpon this bufinefie my appearance make, 
In any of their Courts. 

Exit S^ueene, and her Attendants. 

Kin. Goe thy wayes Kate, 
That man i'th' world, who (hall report he ha's 
A better Wife, let him in naught be trufted, 
For fpeaking falfe in that ; thou art alone 
(If thy rare qualities, fweet gentlenefie, 
Thy meekneffe Saint-like, Wife-like Gouernment, 
Obeying in commanding, and thy parts 
Soueraigne and Pious els, could fpeake thee out) 
The Queene of earthly Queenes : Shee's Noble borne ; 
And like her true Nobility, me ha's 
Carried her lelfe towards me. 

Wol. Moft gracious Sir, 
In humbleft manner I require your Highnes, 
That it ftiall pleafe you to declare in hearing 
Of all thefe eares(for where I am rob'dand bound, 
There muft I be vnloos'd, although not there 
At once, and fully fatisfide) whether euer I 
Did broach this bufines to your Highnes,or 
Laid any fcruple in your way, which might 
Induce you to the queftion on't:or euer 
Haue to you, but with thankes to God for fuch 
A Royall Lady, fpake one, the leaft word that might 
Be to the preiudice of her prefent State, 
Or touch of her good Perfon ? 

Kin. My Lord Cardinall, 
I doe excufe you ; yea, vpon mine Honour, 
I free you from't : You are not to be taught 
That you haue many enemies, that know not 
Why they are fo; but like to Village Curres, 
Barke when their fellowes doe. By fome of thefe 
The Queene is put in anger; y'are excus'd : 
But will you be more iuftifi'de ? You euer 
Haue wifh'd the fleeping of this bufines, neuer delir'd 
It to be ftir'd; but oft haue hindred,oft 
The paflages made toward it; on my Honour, 
I fpeake my good Lord Cardnall, to this point; ' 
And thus farre cleare him. 
Now, what mou'd me too't, 

I will be bold with time and your attention : (too't: 

Then marke th'inducement. Thus it came ; giue heede 
My Confcience firft receiu'd a tendernes, 
Scruple, and pricke,on certaine Speeches vtter'd 
By th'Bifhop of Bayon, then French EmbafTador, 
Who had beene hither fent on the debating 
And Marriage 'twixt the Duke of Orleance, and 
Our Daughter Mary : I'th'Progrefie of this bufines, 
Ere a determinate refolution, hee 
(I meane the Biihop) did require a refpite, 
Wherein he might the King his Lord aduertife, 
Whether our Daughter were legitimate, 
Refpe&ing this our Marriage with the Dowager, 
Sometimes our Brothers Wife. This refpite fhooke 



The bofome of my Confcience, enter'd me; 

Yea, with a fpitting power, and made to tremble 

The region of my Breaft, which forc'd fuch way, 

That many maz'd confiderings, did throng 

And preft in with this Caution. Firft, me thought 

I flood not in the fmile of Heauen, who had 

Commanded Nature, that my Ladies wombe 

If it conceiu'd a male-child by me, mould 

Doe no more Offices of life too't; then 

The Graue does to th' dead : For her Male Iflue, 

Or di'de where they were made, or lhortly after 

This world had ayr'd them. Hence I tooke a thought, 

This was a Iudgement on me, that my Kingdome 

('Well worthy the beft Heyre o'th' World ) ihould not 

Be gladded in't by me. Then followes,that 

I weigh'd the danger which my Realmes ftood in 

By this my Iflues faile, and that gaue to me 

Many a groaning throw : thus hulling in 

The wild Sea of my Confcience, I did fteere 

Toward this remedy, whereupon we are 

Now prefent heere togethenthat's to fay, 

I meant to reclifie my Confcience, which 

I then did feele full ficke,and yet not well, 

By all theReuerend Fathers of the Land, 

And Doctors learn'd. Firft I began in priuare, 

With you my Lord of Lincolne; you remember 

How vnder my oppreflion I did reeke 

When I firft mou'd you. 

B. Lin. Very well my Liedge. 

Kin. I haue fpoke long, be pleas'd your felfe to fay 
How farre you fatisfide me. 

Lin. So pleafe your Highnes, 
The queftion did at firft fo ftagger me, 
Bearing a State of mighty moment in't, 
And confequence of dread, that I committed 
The daringft Counfaile which I had to doubt, 
And did entreate your Highnes to this courfe, 
Which you are running heere. 

Kin. I then mou'd you, 
My Lord of Canterbury, and got your leaue 
To make this prefent Summons vnfolicited. 
I left no Reuerend Perfon in this Court; 
But by particular confent proceeded 
Vnder your hands and Seales; therefore goe on, 
For no diflike i'th' world againft the perfon 
Of the good Queene ; but the iharpe thorny points 
Of my alleadged reafons, driues this forward: 
Proue but our Marriage lawfull, by my Life 
And Kingly Dignity, we are contented 
To weare our mortall State to come, with her, 
{Katherine our Queene) before the primeft Creature 
That's Parragon'd o'th' World 

Camp. So pleafe your Highnes, 
The Queene being abfent, 'tis a needfull fitneiTe, 
That we adiourne this Court till further day; 
Meane while, muft be an earneft motion 
Made to the Queene to call backe her Appeale 
She intends vnto his Holinefle. 

Kin. I may perceiue 
Thefe Cardinals trifle with me : I abhorre 
This dilatory floth, and trickes of Rome. 
My learn'd and welbeloued Seruant Cranmer, 
Prethee returne, with thy approch: I know, 
My comfort comes along : breake vp the Court; 
I fay, fet on. 

Exeunt, in manner as they enter d. 

v 3 Aam 



21 



The Life ofI\ing Henry the Ei 



ABus Tertius. Scena 'Prima. 



Enter S\ueene and her Women as at wor\e. 
Queen. Take thy Lute wench, 
My Soule growes fad with troubles, 
Sing, and difperfe 'em if thou canft: leaue working: 

Song. 

ORpheus with his Lute made Trees, 
And the Mount aine tops that freeze, 
'Bow themjelues when he didjing. 
To his Muftc\e, Plants and Flowers 
Euer Jprung ; as Sunne and Showers, 
There had made a lafiing Spring. 
Euery thing that heard him play , 
Euen the Billowes of the Sea, 
Hung their heads, & then lay by. 
Injweet Mufic\e is Juch Art, 
Killing care, & grief e of heart, 
Fall afteepe, or hearing dye. 

Enter a Gentleman. 

SZueen. How now? 

Gent. And't pleafe your Grace, the two great Cardinals 
Wait in the prefence. 

£>ueen. Would they fpeake with me ? 

Gent. They wil'd me fay fo Madam. 

Queen. Pray their Graces 
To come neere ; what can be their bufines 
With me, a poore weake woman, falne from fauour? 
I doe not like their comming; now I thinke on't, 
They fhould bee good men, their affaires as righteous : 
But all Hoods, make not Monkes. 

Snter the two Cardinalls, W'olfey & Campian. 

Wolf. Peace to your Highneffe. 

Queen. Your Graces find me heere part of a Houfwife, 
(I would be all) againft the worft may happen : 
What are your pleafures with me, reuerent Lords ? 

Wol. May it pleafe you Noble Madam, to withdraw 
Into your priuate Chamber ; we fhall giue you 
The full caufe of our comming. 

S\ueen. Speake it heere. 
There's nothing I haue done yet o' my Confcience 
Deferues a Corner : would all other Women 
Could fpeake this with as free a Soule as I doe. 
My Lords, I care not (fo much I am happy 
Aboue a number) if my aftions 
Were tri'de by eu'ry tongue, eu'ry eye faw 'em, 
Enuy and bafe opinion fet againft 'em, 
I know my life fo euen. If your bufines 
Seeke me out, and that way I am Wife in ; 
Out with it boldly : Truth loues open dealing. 
Card. Tanta eft erga te mentis integritas Regina JereniJJima. 

Queen. O good my Lord, no Latin ; 
T am not fuch a Truant fince my comming, 
As not to know the Language I haue liu'd in : (ous : 

A ftrange Tongue makes my caufe more ftrange, fufpiti- 
Pray fpeake in Englilh ; heere are fome will thanke you, 
If you fpeake truth, for their poore Miftris fake ; 
Beleeue me (he ha's had much wrong. Lord Cardinall, 
The willing'ft finne 1 euer yet committed, 
May be abfolu'd in Englifli. 

Card. Noble Lady, 



I am forry my integrity fhoul breed, 

(And feruice to his Maiefty and you) 

So deepe fufpition, where all faith was meant; 

We come not by the way of Accufation, 

To taint that honour euery good Tongue bleffes; 

Nor to betray you any way to forrow; 

You haue too much good Lady : But to know 

How you ftand minded in the waighty difference 

Betweene the King and you, and to deliuer 

(Like free and honeft men) our iuft opinions, 

And comforts to our caufe. 

Camp. Moft honour'd Madam, 
My Lord of Yorke, out of his Noble nature, 
Zealeand obedience he ftill bore your Grace, 
Forgetting (like a good man) your late Cenfure 
Both of his truth and him (which was too farre) 
Offers, as I doe, in a figne of peace, 
His Seruice, and his Counfell. 

Queen. To betray me. 
My Lords, I thanke you both for your good wills, 
Ye fpeake like honeft men, (pray God ye proue fo) 
But how to make ye fodainly an Anfwere 
In fuch a poynt of weight, fo neere mine Honour, 
(More neere my Life I feare) with my weake witj 
And to fuch men of grauity and learning; 
In truth I know not. I was fet at worke, 
Among my Maids, full little (God knowes) looking 
Either for fuch men, or fuch bufineffe; 
For her fake that I haue beene, for I feele 
The laft fit of my Greatneffe ; good your Graces 
Let me haue time and Councell for my Caufe : 
Alas, I am a Woman frendleffe, hopeleffe. 

Wol. Madam, 
You wrong the Kings loue with thefe feares, 
Your hopes and friends are infinite. 

Queen. In England, 
But little for my profit can you thinke Lords, 
That any Englilh man dare giue me Councell? 
Or be a knowne friend 'gainft his Highnes pleafure, 
(Though he be growne fo defperate to be honeft) 
And liue a Subieft? Nay forfooth, my Friends, 
They that muft weigh out my afflliftions, 
They that my truft muft grow to, liue not heere, 
They are (as all my other comforts) far hence 
In mine owne Countrey Lords. 

Camp. I would your Grace 
Would leaue your greefes, and take my Counfell. 

Siueen. How Sir? 

Camp. Put your maine caufe into the Kings protection, 
Hee's louing and moft gracious. 'Twill be much, 
Both for your Honour better, and your Caufe : 
For if the tryall of the Law o'retake ye, 
You'l part away difgrac'd. 
Wol. He tels you rightly. 

Siueen. Ye tell me what ye wifh for both, my ruine : 
Is this your Chriftian Councell ? Out vpon ye. 
Heauen is aboue all yet ; there fits a Iudge. 
That no King can corrupt. 

Camp. Your rage miftakes vs. 

Siueen. The more fhame for ye; holy men I thought ye, 
Vpon my Soule two reuerend Cardinall Vertsues: 
But Cardinall Sins, and hollow hearts I feare ye ; 
Mend 'em for fhame my Lords : Is this your comfort ? 
The Cordiall that ye bring a wretched Lady? 
A woman loft among ye, laugh't at, fcornd ? 
I will not wilh ye halfe my miferies, 

I 



The Life offing Henry the Eight. 



219 



I haue more Charity. But fay I warn'd ye ; 

Take heed, for heauens fake take heed, leaft at once 

The burthen of my forrowes, fall vpon ye. 

Car. Madam, this is a meere diftraclion, 
You turne the good we offer, into enuy. 

■ Quee. Ye turne me into nothing. Woe vpon ye, 
And all fuch falfe Profeffors. Would you haue me 
(If you haue any luftice,any Pitty, 
If ye be any thing but Churchmens habits) 
Put my ficke caufe into his hands, that hates me? 
Alas, ha's baniih'd me his Bed already, 
His Loue, too long ago. I am old my Lords, 
And all the Fellowfhip I hold now with him 
Is onely my Obedience. What can happen 
To me, aboue this wretchedneffe ? All your Studies 
Make me a Curfe, like this. 

Camp. Your feares are worfe. 

Qu Haue I liu'd thus long (let me fpeake my felfe, 
Since Vertue findes no friends)a Wife, a true one? 
A Woman (I dare fay without Vainglory) 
Neuer yet branded with Sufpition? 
Haue I, with all my full Affedlions 

Still met the King ?Lou'd him next Heau'nfObey'd him? 
Bin (out of fondneffe) fuperftitious to him ? 
Almoft forgot my Prayres to content him ? 
And am I thus rewarded ? 'Tis not well Lords. 
Bring me a conftant woman to her Husband, 
One that ne're dream'd a Ioy, beyond his pleafure ; 
And to that Woman fwhen fhe has done moft) 
Yet will I adde an Honor ; a great Patience. 

Car. Madam, you wander from the good 
We ayme at. 

Qu. My Lord, 
I dare not make my felfe fo guiltie, 
To giue vp willingly that Noble Title 
Your Mafter wed me to : nothing but death 
Shall e're diuorce my Dignities. 

Car. Pray heare me. 

£>u. Would I had neuer trod this Englifh Earth, 
Or felt the Flatteries that grow vpon it : 
Ye haue Angels Faces; but Heauen knowes your hearts. 
What will become of me now, wretched Lady ? 
I am the moft vnhappy Woman liuing. 
Alas (poore Wenches) where are now your Fortunes ? 
Shipwrack'd vpon a Kingdome, where no Pitty, 
No Friends, no Hope, no Kindred weepe for me? 
Almoft no Graue aliow'd me ? Like the Lilly 
That once was Miftris of the Field, and flouriih'd, 
He hang my head, and perifh. 

Car. If your Grace 
Could but be brought to know, our Ends are honeft, 
Youl'd feele more comfort. Why mold wefgood Lady) 
Vpon what caufe wrong you? Alas, our Places, 
The way of our Profeffion is againft it ; 
We are to Cure fuch forrowes, not to fowe'em. 
For Goodneffe fake, confider what you do, 
How you may hurt your felfe : I, vtterly 
Grow from the Kings Acquaintance, by this Carriage. 
The hearts of Princes kiffe Obedience, 
So much they loue it. But to ftubborne Spirits, 
They fwell'and grow, as terrible as ftormes. 
I know you haue a Gentle, Noble temper, 
A Soule as euen as a Calme ; Pray thinke vs, 
Thofe we profeffe, Peace-makers, Friends, and Seruants. 

Camp. Madam, you'l finde it fo : 
You wrong your Vertues 



555 



With thefe weake Womens feares. A Noble Spirit 

As yours was, put into you, euer cafts 

Such doubts as falfe Coine from it. The King loues you 

Beware you loofe it not : For vs(if you pleafe 

To truft vs in your bufineffe)we are ready 

To vfe our vtmoft Studies, in your feruice. 

Qu. Do what ye will, my Lords : 
And pray forgiue me ; 
If I haue vs'd my felfe vnmannerly, 
You know I am a Woman, lacking wit 
To make a feemely anfwer to fuch perfons. 
Pray do my feruice to his Maieftie, 
He ha's my heart yet, and fhall haue my Prayers 
While I fhall haue my life. Come reuerend Fathers, 
Beftow your Councels on me. She now begges 
That little thought when me fet footing heere, 
She ihould haue bought her Dignities fo deere. Exeun 



Seen a Secunda. 



Enter the Du\eof Norfol\e, Du\e of Suffolk, Lord Surrey, 
and Lord Chamberlaine. 

Norf. If you will now vnite in your Complaints, 
And force them with a Conftancy, the Cardinall 
Cannot ftand vnder them. If you omit 
The offer of this time, I cannot promife, 
But that you fhall fuftaine moe new difgraces, 
With thefe you beare alreadie. 

Sur. I am ioyfull 
To meete the leaft occafion, that may giue me 
Remembrance of my Father-in-Law, the Duke, 
To be reueng'd on him. 

Suf. Which of the Peeres 
Haue vncontemn'd gone by him, or at leaft 
Strangely neglefted? When did he regard 
The ftampe of Nobleneffe in any perfori 
Out of himfelfe ? 

Cham. My Lords, you fpeake your pleafures : 
What he deferues of you and me, I know : 
What we can do to him (though now the time 
Giues way to vs) I much feare. If you cannot 
Barre his accefTe to'th'King, neuer attempt 
Any thing on him : for he hath a Witchcraft 
Ouer the King in's Tongue. 

Nor. O feare him not, 
His fpell in that is out : the King hath found 
Matter againft him, that for euer marres 
The Hony of his Language. No, he's fetled 
(Not to come off) in his difpleafure. 

Sur. Sir, 
I fhould be glad to heare fuch Newes as this 
Once euery houre. 

Nor. Beleeue it, this is true. 
In the Diuorce, his contrarie proceedings 
Are all vnfolded : wherein he appeares, 
As I would wifh mine Enemy. 

Sur. How came 
His praftifes to light? 

Suf. Moft ftrangely. 

Sur. O how? how f 

Suf. The Cardinals Letters to the Pope mifcarried, 

And 



220 



The Life of I\ing Henry the Eight. 



And came to th'eye o'th'King, wherein was read 
How that the Cardinall did intreat his Holinefie 
To ftay the Iudgement o'th'Diuorce ; for if 
It did take place, I do (quoth he) perceiue 
My King is tangled in affeftion, to 
A Creature of the Qu_eenes, Lady Anne 'Bulleny 
Sur. Ha's the King this ? 
Suf. Beleeueit. 

Sur. Will this worke ? 

Cham. The King in this perceiues him, how he coafts 
And hedges his owne way. But in this point, 
All his trickes founder, and he brings his Phyficke 
After his Patients death; the King already 
Hath married the fiire Lady. 

Sur. Would he had. 

Suf. May you be happy in your wifh my Lord, 
For I profeffe you haue it. 

Sur. Now all my ioy 
Trace the Conjunction. 

Suf. My Amen too't. 

Nor. All mens. 

Suf. There's order giuen for her Coronation : 
Marry this is yet but yong, and may be left 
To fome eares vnrecounted. But my Lords 
She is a gallant Creature, and compleate 
In minde and feature. I perfwade me, from her 
Will fall fome bleffing to this Land, which fhaH 
In it be memoriz'd. 

Sur. But will the King 
Digeft this Letter of the Cardinals ? 
The Lord forbid. 

Nor. Marry Amen. 

Suf No, no : 
There be moe Wafpes that buz about his Nofe, 
Will make this fting the fooner. Cardinall Campeius, 
Is ftolne away to Rome, hath 'tane no leaue, 
Ha's left the caufe o'th'King vnhandled, and 
Is pofted as the Agent of our Cardinall, 
To fecond all his plot. I do allure you, 
The King cry'deHa,at this. 

Qham. Now God incenfe him, 
And let him cry Ha,lowder. 

Norf But my Lord 
When returnes Cranmerf 

Suf. He is return'd in his Opinions, which 
Haue fatisfied the King for his Diuorce, 
Together with all famous Colledges 
Almoft in Chriftendome : fliortly(I beleeue) 
His fecond Marriage flail be publiihd,and 
| Her Coronation. Katherine no more 
| Shall be call'd Queene, but Princeffe Dowager, 
I And Widdow to Prince Arthur. 

Nor. This fame Cranmers 
i A worthy Fellow, and hath tane much paine 
| In the Kings bufineffe. 

Suf. He ha's,and we fhall fee him 
For it,an Arch-by/hop. 

Nor. So I heare. 

Suf. 'Tis fo. 

Enter Woljey and Cromwell. 
The Cardinall. 

Nor. Ob ferue, obferue, hee's moody. 
Car. The Packet Cromwell, 
Gau't you the King ? 

Crom. To his owne hand,in's Bed-chamber. 

Card. Look'd he o'th'infide of the Paper ? 



Crom. Prefently 
He did vnfeale them, and the firft he view'd, 
He did it with a Serious minde ; a heede 
Was in his countenance. You he bad 
Attend him heere this Morning. 
Card. Is he ready to come abroad f 
Crom. I thinke by this he is. 

Card. Leaue me a while. Exit Cromwell. 

It mail be to the Dutches of Alanfon, 
The French Kings Sifter ; He fhall marry her. 
Anne Bulled No : He no Anne Bullens for him, 
There's more in't then faire Vifage. Sullen ? 
No, wee'l no Mullens : Speedily I wifh 
To heare from Rome. The Marchioneffe of Penbroke ? 

Nor. He's difcontented. 

Suf. May be he heares the King 
Does whet his Anger to him. 

Sur. Sharpe enough, 
Lord for thy Iuftice. 

Car. The late Queenes Gentlewoman ? 
A Knights Daughter 

To be her M iftris Miftris ? The Queenes, Queene ? 
This Candle burnes not cleere, 'tis 1 muft fnuffeit, 
Then out it goes. What though I know her vertuous 
And well deferuing ? yet I know her for 
A fpleeny Lutheran, and not wholfome to 
Our caufe, that Ihe mould lye i'th'bofome of 
Our hard rul'd King. Againe, there is fprung vp 
An Heretique, an Arch-one; Cranmer, one 
Hath crawl'd into the fauourof the King, 
And is his Oracle. 

Nor. He is vex'd at fomething. 

Enter King, reading of a Scedule. 

Sur. I would 'twer fomthing y would fret the ftring, 
The Mafter-cord on's heart. 

Suf. The King, the King. 

King. What piles of wealth hath he accumulated 
To his owne portion ? And what expence by'th'houre 
Seemes fo flow from him? How, i'th'name of Thrift 
Does he rake this together? Now my Lords, 
Saw you the Cardinall? 

Nor. My Lord, we haue 
Stood heere obferuing him. Some ftrange Commotion 
Is in his braine : He bites his lip, and ftarts, 
Stops on a fodaine, lookes vpon the ground, 
Then layes his finger on his Temple : ftraight 
Springs out into hA gate, then flops againe, 
Strikes his breft hard, and anon, he cafts 
His eye againft the Moone : in moft ftrange Poftures 
We haue feene him fet himfelfe. 

King. It may well be, 
There is a mutiny in's minde. This morning, 
Papers of State he lent me, to perufe 
As I requir'd : and wot you what I found 
There (on my Confcience put vn wittingly) 
Forfooth an Inuentory, thus importing 
The feuerall parcels of his Plate.his Tveafure, 
Rich Stuffes and Ornaments of Houftiold, which 
I finde at fuch proud Rate, that it out-fpeakes 
Poffeffion of a Subieft. 

Nor. It's Heauens will, 
Some Spirit put this paper in the Packet, 
To bleffe your eye withall. 

King. If we did thinke 



The Life of Kjng Henry the Eight. 



221 



His Contemplation were aboue the earth, 
And fixt on Spirituall obieft, he fhould ftill 
Dwell in hisMufings, but I am aftraid 
His Thinkings are below the Moone, not worth 
His ferious confidering. 

King takes bid Seat, whijpers Louell, roho goes 
to the Cardinall. 

Car. Heauen forgiue me, 
Euer God bleffe your Highneffe. 

King. Good my Lord, 
You are full of Heauenly ftuffe, and beare the Inuentory 
Of your beft Graces, in your minde ; the which 
You were now running o're : you haue fcarfe time 
To fteale from Spirituall leyfure, a briefe fpan 
To keepe your earthly Audit, fure in that 
I deeme you an ill Husband, and am gald 
To haue you therein my Companion. 

Car. Sir, 
For Holy Offices I haue a time ; a time 
To thinke vpon the part of bufinefle, which 
I beare i'th'State : and Nature does require 
Her times of preferuation, which perforce 
I her fraile fonne, among'ft my Brethren mortal!, 
Muft giue my tendance to. 

King. You haue faid well. 

Car. And euer may your Highnefle yoake together, 
( As I will lend you caufej my doing well, 
With my well faying. 

King. 'Tis well laid agen, 
And 'tis a kinde of good deede to fay well, 
And yet words are no deeds. My Father lou'd you, 
He faid he did, and with his deed did Crowne 
His word vpon you. Since I had my Office, 
I haue kept you next my Heart, haue not alone 
Imploy'd you where high Profits might come home, 
But par'd my prefent Hauings, to beftow 
My Bounties vpon you. 

Car. What fhould this meane ? 

Sur. The Lord increafe this bufinefle. 

King. Haue I not made you 
The prime man of the State ? I pray you tell me, 
If what I now pronounce, you haue found true : 
And if you may confeffe it, fay withall 
If you are bound to vs, or no. What fay you ? 

Car. My Soueraigne, 1 confeffe your Royall graces 
Showr'd on me daily, haue bene more then could 
My ftudied purpofes requite, which went 
Beyond all mans endeauors. My endeauors, 
Haue euer come too fhort of my Defires, 
Yet fill'd with my Abilities : Mine owne ends 
Haue beene mine fo, that euermore they pointed 
To'th'good of your moft Sacred Perfon, and 
The profit of the State. For your great Graces 
Heap'd vpon me(poore Vndeferuer) I 
Can nothing render but Allegiant thankes, 
My Prayres to heauen for you ; my Loyal tie 
Which euer ha's, and euerlhall be growing, 
Till death ( that Winter) kill it. 

King. Fairely anfwer'd : 
A Loyall, and obedient Subieft is 
Therein illuftrated, the Honor of it 
Does pay the Aft of it, as i'th'contrary 
The fowleneffe is the punifliment. I prefume, 
That as my hand ha's open'd Bounty to you, 
My heart drop'd Loue, my powre rain'd Honor, more 
On you, then any : So your Hand, and Heart, 



Your Braine, and euery Funftion of your power, 
Should, notwithftanding that your bond of duty, 
As 'twer in Loues particular, be more 
To me your Friend, then any. 

Car. I do profeffe, 
That for your Highnefle good, I euer labour'd 
More then mine owne : that am, haue, and will be 
(Though all the world Ihould cracke their duty to you, 
And throw it from their Soule, though perils did 
Abound, as thicke as thought could make 'em, and 
Appeare in formes more horrid) yet my Duty, 
As doth a Rocke againft the chiding Flood, 
Should the approach of this wilde Riuer breake, 
And ftand vnfhaken yours. 

King. 'Tis Nobly fpoken : 
Take notice Lords, he ha's a Loyall breft, 
For you haue feene him open't. Read o're this, 
And after this, and then to Breakfaft with 
What appetite you haue. 

Exit King , frowning -vpon the Qardinall, the Nobles 
throng after bim fmiling,and whijp'ering. 

Car. What mould this meane ? 
What fodaine Anger's this? How haue I reap'd it? 
He parted Frowning from me, as if Ruine 
Leap'd from his Eyes. So lookes the chafed Lyon 
Vpon the daring Huntfman that has gall'd him : 
Then makes him nothing. I muft reade this paper : 
I feare the Story of his Anger, 'Tis fb : 
This paper ha's vndone me : 'Tisth'Accompt 
Of all that world of Wealth I haue drawne together 
For mine owne ends, (Indeed to gaine the Popedome, 
And fee my Friends in Rome.) O Negligence / 
Fit for a Foole to fall by : What crofle Diuell 
Made me put this maine Secret in the Packet 
I fent the King ? Is there no way to cure this ? 
No new deuice to beate this from his Braines? 
I know 'twill ftirre him ftrongly ; yet I know 
A way, if it take right, in fpight of Fortune 
Will bring me off againe. What's this? To tFPope? 
The Letter (as I liue) with all the Bufinefle 
I writ too's Holineffe. Nay then, farewell : 
I haue touch'd the higheft point of all my Greatnefle, 
And from that full Meridian of my Glory, 
I hafte now to my Setting. I mall fall 
Like a bright exhalation in the Euening, 
And no man fee me more. 

Enter to Woolfey, the Dukes of Norfol\e and Suffolk?, the 
Earle of Surrey, and the Lord Cbamberlaine. 

Nor. Heare the Kings pleafure Cardinall, 
Who commands you 
To render vp the Great Seale prefently 
Into our hands, and to Confine your felfe 
To Aflier-houfe, my Lord of Winchefters, 
Till you heare further from his Highnefle. 

Car. Stay : 
Where's your Commiffion? Lords, words cannot carrie 
Authority fo weighty. 

5a/. Who dare crofle 'em, 
Bearing the Kings will from his mouth expreffely? 

Car. Till I finde more then will, or words to do it, 
(I meane your malice) know, Officious Lords, 
I dare, and muft deny it. Now I feele 
Of what courfe Mettle ye are molded, Enuy, 
How eagerly ye follow my Difgraces 

As 



222 



The Life of Kjng Henry the Eight. 



As if it fed ye, and how fteeke and wanton 

Ye appeare in euery thing may bring my ruine ? 

Follow your enuious courfes, men of Malice ; 

You haue Chriftian warrant for 'em, and no doubt 

In time will finde their fit Rewards. That Seale 

You aske with fuch a Violence, the King 

(Mine, and your Mafter ) with his owne hand,gaue me : 

Bad me enioy it, with the Place, and Honors 

During my life ; and to confirme his Goodnefle, 

Ti'de it by Letters Patents. Now, who'll take it? 

Sur. The King that gaue it. 

Car. It muft be himfelfe then. 

Sur. Thou art a proud Traitor, Prieft. 

Car. Proud Lord, thou lyeft : 
Within thefe fortie houres, Surrey durft better 
Haue burnt that Tongue, then faide fo. 

Sur. Thy Ambition 
(Thou Scarlet linne) robb'd this bewailing Land 
Of Noble Buckingham, my Father-in-Law, 
The heads of all thy Brother-Cardinals, 
(With thee, and all thy beft parts bound together) 
Weigh'd not a haire of his. Plague of your policie, 
You fent me Deputie for Ireland, 
Farre from his fuccour ; from the King, from all 
That might haue mercie on the fault, thou gau'ft him : 
Whil'ft your great GoodnefTe, out of holy pitty , 
Abfolu'd him with an Axe. 

Wol. This, and all elfe 
This talking Lord can lay vpon my credit, 
I anfwer, is moft falfe. The Duke by Law 
Found his deferts. How innocent I was 
From any priuate malice in his end, 
His Noble Iurie, and foule Caufe can witnefle. 
If I lou'd many words, Lord, I ftiould tell you, 
You haue as little Honeftie, as Honor, 
That in the way of Loyaltie,and Truth, 
Toward the King, my euer Roiall Mafter, 
Dare mate a founder man then Surrie can be, 
And all that loue his follies. 

Sur. By my Soule, 
Your long Coat (Prieft) protects you, 
Thou ftiould'ft feele 

My Sword i'th'life blood of thee elfe. My Lords, 
Can ye endure to heare this Arrogance ? 
And from this Fellow ? If we liue thus tamely, 
To be thus laded by a peece of Scarlet, 
Farewell Nobilitie : let his Grace go forward, 
And dare vs with his Cap, like Larkes. 

Card. All Goodnefle 
Is poyfon to thy Stomacke. 

Sur. Yes, that goodnefle 
Of gleaning all the Lands wealth into one, 
Into your owne hands (Card'nall) by Extortion : 
The goodnefle of your intercepted Packets 
You writ to'th'Pope, againft the King : your goodnefle 
Since you prouoke me, ftiall be moft notorious. 
My Lord of Norfolke, as you are truly Noble, 
As you refpect the common good, the State 
Of our defpis'd Nobilitie, our Iflues, 
(Whom if he liue, will fcarfe be Gentlemen) 
Produce the grand fumme of his finnes, the Articles 
Collected from his life. lie ftartle you 
Worfe then the Sacring Bell, when the browne Wench 
Lay kifling in your Armes, Lord Cardinall. 

Car. How much me thinkes, I could defpife this man, 
But that I am bound in Charitie againft it. 



Nor. Thofe Articles,my Lord, are in the Kings hand: 
But thus much, they are foule ones. 

Wol. So much fairer 
And fpotlefle, ftiall mine Innocence arife, 
When the King knowes my Truth. 

Sur. This cannot faue you : 
I thanke my Memorie, I yet remember 
Some of thefe Articles, and out they ftiall. 
Now, if you can blulh, and crie guiltie Cardinall, 
You'l ftiew a little Honeftie. 

Wol. Speake on Sir, 
I dare your worft Objections : If I blufh, 
It is to fee a Nobleman want manners. 

Sur. I had rather want thofe, then my head ; 
Haue at you. 

Firft, that without the Kings aflertt or knowledge, 
You wrought to be a Legate, by which power 
You maim'd the Iurifdiction of all Bifhops. 

Nor. Then, That in all you writ to Rome, or elfe 
To Forraigne Princes, Ego & Rex meui 
Was ftill infcrib'd : in which you brought the King 
To be your Seruant. 

Suf. Then, that without the knowledge 
Either of King or Councell, when you went 
Ambaflador to the Emperor, you made bold 
To carry into Flanders, the Great Seale. 

Sur. Item, You fent a large Commiflion 
To Qregory de Caffado, to conclude 
Without the Kings will, or the States allowance, 
A League betweene his Highnefle,and Ferrara. 

Suf. That out of meere Ambition, you haue caus'd 
Your holy-Hat to be ftampt on the Kings Coine. 

Sur. Then, That you haue fent inumerable fubftance, 
(By what meanes got, I leaue to your owne confcience) 
To furnifti Rome, and to prepare the wayes 
You haue for Dignities, to the meere vndooing 
Of all the Kingdome. Many more there are, 
Which fince they are of you, and odious, 
I will not taint my mouth with. 

Cham. O my Lord, 
Prefle not a falling man too farre; 'tis Vertue : 
His faults lye open to the Lawes,let them 
(Not you) correct him. My heart weepes to fee him 
So little, of his great Selfe. 

Sur. I forgiue him. 

Suf. Lord Cardinall, the Kings further pleafure is, 
Becaufe all thofe things you haue done of late 
By your power Legatiue within this Kingdome, 
Fall into'th'compaffe of a Premunire ; 
That therefore fuch a Writ be fued againft you, 
To forfeit all your Goods, Lands, Tenements, 
Caftles, and whatfoeuer, and to be 
Out of the Kings protection. This is my Charge. 

Nor. And fo wee'l leaue you to your Meditations 
How to liue better. For your ftubborne anfwer 
About the giuing backe the Great Seale to vs, 
The King mail know it, and (no doubt) ftial thanke you. 
So fare you well, my little good Lord Cardinall. 

Exeunt all but Wolfey. 
Wol. So farewell, to the little good you beare me. 
Farewell? A long farewell to all my Greatnefle. 
This is the ftate of Man ; to day he puts forth 
The tender Leaues of hopes, to morrow Bloflomes, 
And beares his bluftiing Honors thicke vpon him : 
The third day, comes a Froft; a killing Froft, 
And when he thinkes, good eafie man, full furely 

His 



The Life ofJ\ing Henry the Eig 



223 



His GreatnefTe is a ripening, nippes his roote, 
And then he fals as I do. I haue ventur'd 
Like little wanton Boyes that fwim on bladders : 
This many Summers in a Sea of Glory, 
But farre beyond my depth: my high-blowne Pride 
At length broke vnder me, and now ha's left me 
Weary, and old with Seruice, to the mercy 
Of a rude ftreame, that muft for euer hide me. 
Vaine pompe, and glory of this World, I hate ye, 
I feele my heart new open'd. Oh how wretched 
Is that poore man, that hangs on Princes fauours? 
There is betwixt thatfmile we would afpire too, 
That fweet Afpect of Princes, and their ruine, 
More pangs, and feares then warres, or women haue ; 
And when he falles , he falles like Lucifer, 
Neuer to hope againe. 

Enter Cromwell ', ftanding amazed. 
Why how now Qromwell ? 

Crotn. I haue no power to fpeake Sir. 

Car. What, amaz'd 
At my misfortunes? Can thy Spirit wonder 
A great man fhould decline. Nay, and you weep 
lam falne indeed. 

Crom. How does your Grace. 

Card. Why well: 
Neuer fo truly happy, my good Cromwell, 
I know my felfe now, and I feele within me, 
A peace aboue all earthly Dignities, 
A ftill,and quiet Confcience. The King ha's cur'd me, 
I humbly thanke his Grace : and from thefe moulders 
Thefe ruin'd Pillers, out of pitty, taken 
A loade, would finke a Nauy, (too much Honor.) 

'tis a burden Cromwel, 'tis a burden 

Too heauy for a man, that hopes for Heauen. 

Crom. I am glad your Grace, 
Ha's made that right vfe of it. 

Card. I hope I haue : 

1 am able now (me thinkes) 

(Out of a Fortitude of Soule, I feele) 
To endure more Miferies, and greater farre 
Then my Weake-hearted Enemies, dare offer. 
WhatNewes abroad? 

Crom. The heauieft, and the worft, 
Is your difpleafure with the King. 

Card. God bleffe him. 

Crom. The next is, that Sir Thomas Moore is chofen 
Lord Chancellor, in your place. 

Card. That's fomewhat fodain. 
But he's a Learned man. May he continue 
Long in his Highnefle fauour, and do Iuftice 
For Truths»fake,and his Confcience ; that his bones, 
When he ha's run his courfe, and fleepes in Bleffings, 
May haue a Tombe of Orphants teares wept on him. 
What more ? 

Crom. That Cranmer is return'd with welcome ; 
Inftall'd Lord Arch-byfhop of Canterbury. 

Card. That's Newes indeed. 

Crom. Laft, that the Lady Anne, 
Whom the King hath in fecrecielong married, 
This day was view'd in open, as his Qu_eene, 
Going to Chappell : and the voyce is now 
Onely about her Corronation. 

Card. There was the waight that pull'd me downe. 
O Cromwell, 

The King ha's gone beyond me : All my Glories 
In that one woman, I haue loft for euer. 



No Sun, fhall euer vfher forth mine Honors, 

Or gilde againe the Noble Troopes that waighted 

Vpon my fmiles. Go get thee from me Cromroel, 

I am a poore falne man, vnworthy now 

To be thy Lord, and Mafter. Seeke the King 

(That Sun, I pray may neuer fet)l haue told him, 

What, and how true thou art ; he will aduance thee : 

Some little memory of me, will ftirre him 

(I know his Noble Nature) not to let 

Thy hopefull feruice perifh too. Good Cromwell 

Neglect him not ; make vfe now, and prouide 

For thine owne future fafety. 

Crom. O my Lord, 
Muft I then leaue you ? Muft I needes forgo 
So good, fo Noble, and fo true a Mafter ? 
Beare witnefTe, all that haue not hearts of Iron, 
With what a forrow Cromroel leaues his Lord. 
The King fhall haue my feruice ; but my prayres 
For euer, and for euer fhall be yours. 

Card. Cromwel, I did not thinke to fhed a teare 
In all my Miferies : But thou haft forc'd me 
(Out of thy honeft truth) to play the Woman. 
Let's dry our eyes : And thus farre heare me Cromwel, 
And when I am forgotten, as I fhall be, 
And fleepe in dull cold Marble, where no mention 
Of me, more muft be heard of: Say I taught thee; 
Say Woljey, that once trod the wayes of Glory, 
And founded all the Depths, and Shoales of Honor, 
Found thee a way (out of his wracke)to rife in : 
A fure, and fafe one, though thy Mafter mift it. 
Marke but my Fall, and that that Ruin'd me : 
Cromwel, I charge thee, fling away Ambition, 
By that linne fell the Angels : how can man then 
(The Image of his Maker Jhope to win by it? 
Loue thy felfe laft, cherifh thofe hearts that hate thee ; 
Corruption wins not more then Honefty. 
Still in thy right hand, carry gentle Peace 
To filence enuious Tongues. Be iuft,and feare not; 
Let all the ends thou aym'ft at, be thy Countries, 
Thy Gods, and Truths. Then if thou fall'ft(0 Cromwell) 
Thou fall'ft a blefled Martyr. 
Serue the King : And prythee leade me in: 
There take an Inuentory of all I haue, 
To the laft peny, 'tis the Kings. My Robe, 
And my Integrity to Heauen, is all, 
I dare now call mine owne. O Cromwel, Cromwel, 
Had I but feru'd my God, with halfe the Zeale 
I feru'd my King : he would not in mine Age 
Haue left me naked to mine Enemies. 

Crom. Good Sir, haue patience. 

Card. So I haue. Farewell 
The Hopes of Court, my Hopes in Heauen do dwell. 
Exeunt. 



A5ius Quart us. Scena 'Prima . 



Enter two Gentlemen, meeting one another. 

1 Y'are well met once againe. 

2 So are you. 

I You come to take your ftand heere, and behold 
The Lady ^««f,paffe from her Corronation. 

2. 'Tis 



224 



The Life offing Henry the Right. 



2 'Tis all my bufineffe. At our laft encounter, 
The Duke of Buckingham came from his Triall. 

1 'Tis very true. But that time offer' d forrow, 
This generall ioy. 

2 'Tis well : The Citizens 

I am fure haueihe'wne at full their Royall minds, 
As let 'em haue their rights, they are euer forward 
In Celebration of this day with Shewes, 
Pageants, and Sights of Honor. 

1 Neuer greater, 

Nor He affure you better taken Sir. 

2 May I be bold to aske what that containes, 
That Paper in your hand. 

i Yes, 'tis the Lift 
Of thofe that claime their Offices this day, 
By cuftome of the Coronation. 
The Duke of Suffolke is the firft, and claimes 
To be high Steward; Next the Duke of Norfolke, 
He to be Earle Marmall : you may reade the reft. 

I I thanke you Sir : Had I not known thofe cuftoms, 
I /hould haue beene beholding to your Paper : 
But I befeech you, what's become of Katherine 
The Princeffe Dowager? How goes her bufinefTe ? 

1 That I can tell you too. The Archbiftiop 
Of Canterbury, accompanied with other 
Learned, and Reuerend Fathers of his Order, 
Held a late Court at Dunftable ; fixe miles off 
From Ampthill, where the Princeffe lay, to which 
She was often cyted by them, but appear'd not: 
And to be fhort, for not Appearance, and 

The Kings late Scruple, by the maine affent 
Of all thefe Learned men, (he was diuorc'd, - 
And the late Marriage made of none effecT: : 
Since which, (he was remou'd to Kymmalton, 
Where ihe remaines now ficke. 

2 Alas good Lady. 

The Trumpets found : Stand clofe, 

The Queene is comming. Ho-boyes. 

The Order of the Coronation. 



1 A liuely Flourijb of Trumpets. 

2 Then, two Iudges. 

3 Lon/Qhancellor, with Purje and cMace before him. 

4 Quirriftersy/ngj'flg-. Muficke. 

5 Maior of London, bearing the Mace. Then Garter, in 
his Coate of Armes, and on his head he wore a Gilt Coffer 
Qrowne. 

6 Marqueffe Dorfet, bearing a Scepter of Gold, on hit head, 
a Demy Coronall of Gold. With him, the Earle of Surrey, 
bearing the Rod of Sillier with the Doue, Crowned with an 
Earles Coronet. Collars of Efes. 

7 Duke of Suffolke, in his Robe of Eftate,his Coronet on hid 
head, bearing a long white Wand, as High Steward. With 
him, the Du{e of Norfolke, with the Rod of Marfhalpip, 
a Coronet on his head. Collars ofSJJes. 

8 A Canopy, borne by four e of the Cinque-Ports, -under it 
the Queene in her Robe, in her haire, richly adorned with 
Tearle, Crowned. On each fide her, the Bifhops of London, 
and Winchefter. 

9 The Olde Dutcheffe of Norfolke, in a Coronall of Qold , 
wrought with Flowers, bearing the SZueenes Traine. 

10 Certaine Ladies or Counteffes, with plaine Circlets of 
Gold, without Flowers. 

Exeunt, ftrfi pafing ouer the Stage in Order and State, and 
then, A great Flourijb of Trumpets. 



2 A Royall Traine beleeue me : Thefe I know : 
Who's that that beares the Scepter ? 

1 Marqueffe Dorfet, 

And that the Earle of Surrey, with the Rod. 

2 A bold braue Gentleman. That fhould bee 
The Duke of Suffolke. 

1 'Tis the fame : high Steward. 

2 And that my Lord of Norfolke ? 

1 Yes. 

2 Heauen bleffe thee, 

Thou haft the fweeteft face I euer look'd on. 

Sir, as I haue a Soule,ihe is an Angell ; 

Our King ha's all the Indies in his Armes, 

And more, and richer, when he ftraines that Lady, 

I cannot blame his Confcience. 

I They that beare 
The Cloath of Honour ouer her, are foure Barons 
Of the Cinque -Ports. 

2 Thofe men are happy, 
And fo are all, are neere her. 
I take it, ihe that carries vp the Traine, 
Is that old Noble Lady, Dutcheffe of Norfolke. 

1 It is, and all the reft are Counteffes. 

2 Their Coronets fay fo. Thefe are Starres indeed, 
And fometimes falling ones. 

2 No more of that. 

Enter a third Gentleman. 
I God faue you Sir. Where haue you bin broiling ? 

3 Among the crow'd i'th'Abbey, where a finger 
Could not be wedg'd in more : I am ftifled 

With the meere rankneffe of their ioy. 

2 You faw the Ceremony? 

3 That I did. 

1 How was it ? 

3 Well worth the feeing. 

2 Good Sir,fpeake it to vs ? 

3 As well as I am able. The rich ftreame 

Of Lords, and Ladies, hauing brought the Queene 
To a prepar'd place in the Quire, fell off 
A diftance from her; while her Grace fate downe 
To reft a while, fome halfe an houre, or fo, 
'In a rich Chaire of State, oppofing freely 
The Beauty of her Perfon to the People. 
Beleeue me Sir^ihe is the goodlieft Woman 
That euer lay by" man : which when the people 
Had the full view of, fuch a noyfe arofe,; 
As the fhrowdes make at Sea, in a ftiffe Tempeft, 
As lowd,and to as many Tunes. Hats,Cloakes, 
(Doublets, I thinke) flew vp, and had their Faces 
Bin loofe, this day they had beene loft. Such ioy 
I neuer (aw before. Great belly'd women, 
That had not halfe a weeke to go, like Rammes 
In the old time of Warre, would fhake the preafe 
And make 'em reele before 'em. No man liuing 
Could fay this is my wife there, all were wouen 
So ftrangely in one peece. 

2 But what follow'd ? ' 

3 At length, her Grace rofe,and with modeft paces 
Came to the Altar, where file kneel'd,and Saint-like 
Caft her faire eyes to Heauen, and pray'd deuoutly. 
Then rofe againe,and bow'd her to the people: 
When by the Arch-by/hop of Canterbury, 

She had all the Royall makings of a Queene; 

As holy Oyle, Edward Confeffors Crowne, 

The Rod, and Bird of Peace, and all fuch Emblemes 

Laid Nobly on her : which perform'd, the Quire 

With 
560 



The Life ofTQng Henry the Ei^ 



225 



With all the choyfeft Muficke of the Kingdome, 
Together fung Te Deum. So fhe parted, 
And with the fame fall State pac'd backe againe 
To Yorke-Place, where the Feaft is held. 

1 Sir, 

You muft no more call it Yorke-place, that's paft : 
For fince the Cardinall fell, that Titles loft, 
'Tis now the Kings, and call'd White-Hall. 

3 I know it : 
But 'tis fo lately alter'd, that the old name 
Is frefh about me. 

2 What two Reuerend Byfhops 

Were thofe that went on each fide of the Queene? 

3 Stanley and Gardiner, the one of Winchester, 
Newly preferr'd from the Kings Secretary : 

The other London. 

2 He of Winchefter 

Is held no great good louer of the Archbilhops, 
The vertuous Cranmer. 

3 All the Land knowes that: 

How euer, yet there is no great breach, when it comes 
Qranmer will finde a Friend will not fhrinke from him. 

2 Who may that be, I pray you. 

3 Thomas Cromwell, 

A man in much efteeme with th'King, and truly 
A worthy Friend. The King ha's made him 
Mafter o'th'Iewell Houfe, 
And one already of the Priuy Councell. 

2 He will deferue more. 

3 Yes without all doubt. 

Come Gentlemen, ye fhall go my way, 
Which is to'th Court, and there ye /hall be my Guefts: 
Something I can command. As I walke thither, 
He tell ye more. 

Both. You may command vs Sir. Sxeur. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Katberine Dowager, fic\e, lead betweeneGr, 
her Gentleman VJher , and Tatience 

her ~" 



Grlf. How do's your Grace ? 

Kath. O Griffith, ficke to death : 
My Legges like loaden Branches bow to'th'Earth, 
Willing to leaue their burthen : Reach a Chaire, 
So now (me thinkes) I feele a little eafe. 
Did'ft thou not tell me Griffith, as thou lead'ft mee, 
That the great Childe of Honor, Cardinall Wolfey 
Was dead? 

Grif. Yes Madam : but I thanke your Grace 
Out of the paine you fuffer'd, gaue no eare too't. 

Kath. Pre'thee good Qriffub, tell me how he dy'de, 
If well, he ftept before me happily 
For my example. 

Grif. Well, the voyce goes Madam, 
For after the ftout Earle Northumberland 
Arretted him at Yorke, and brought him forward 
As a man forcly tainted, to his Anftver, 
He fell ficke fodainly, and grew fo ill 
He could not fit his Mule. 

Kath. Alas poore man. 
Grif At laft, with eafie Rodes, he came to Leicefter, 



Lodg'd in the Abbey ; where the reuerend Abbot 
With all his Couent, honourably receiu'd him ; 
To whom he gaue thefe words. O Father Abbot, 
An old man, broken with the ftormes of State, 
Is come to lay his weary bones among ye : 
Giue him a little earth for Charity. 
So went to bed ; where eagerly his ficknefle 
Purfu'd him ftill, and three nights after this, 
About the houre of eight, which he himfelfe 
Foretold mould be his laft, full of Repentance, 
Continuall Meditations, Teares, and Sorrowes, 
He gaue his Honors to the world agen, 
His bleffed part to Heauen,and flept in peace. 

Kath. So may he reft, 
His Faults lye gently on him : 

Yet thus farre Griffith, giue me leaue to fpeake him, 
And yet with Charity. He was a man 
Of an vnbounded ftomacke, euer ranking 
Himfelfe with Princes. One that by fuggeftion 
Ty'de all the Kingdome. Symonie, was faire play, 
His owne Opinion was his Law. 1'th'prefence 
He would fay vntruths, and be euer double 
Both in his words, and meaning. He was neuer 
(But where he meant to Ruine )pittifull. 
His Promifes, were as he then was, Mighty : 
But his performance, as he is now, Nothing : 
Of his owne body he was ill, and gaue 
The Clergy ill example. 

Grif. Noble Madam : 
Mens euill manners, liue in Brafle, their Vertues 
We write in Water. May it pleafe your Highneffe 
To heare me fpeake his good now? 

Kath. Yes good Griffith, 
I were malicious elfe. 

Grif. This Cardinall, 
Though from an humble Stocke, vndoubtedly 
Was falhion'd to much Honor. From his Cradle 
He was a Scholler, and a ripe, and good one : 
Exceeding wife, faire fpoken, and perfwading : 
Lofty, and fowre to them that lou'd him not : 
But, to thofe men that fought him, fweet as Summer. 
And though he were vnfatisfied in getting, 
(Which was a finne) yet in bellowing, Madam, 
He was moft Princely : Euer witneffe for him 
Thofe twinnes of Learning, that he rais'd in you, 
Ipfwich and Oxford : one of which, fell with him, 
Vnwilling to out-liue the good that did-it. 
The other (though vnfiniuYd) yet fo Famous, 
So excellent in Art,and ftill fo rifing, 
That Chriftendome fhall euer fpeake his Vertue. 
His Ouerthrow, heap'd Happineffe vpon him : 
For then, and not till then, he felt himfelfe, 
And found the Bleflednefle of being little. - 
And to adde greater Honors to his Age 
Then man could giue him; he dy'de, fearing God. 

Kath. After my death, I wifh no other Herald, 
No other fpeaker of my liuing Aftions, 
To keepe mine Honor, from Corruption, 
But fuch an honeft Chronicler as Griffith. 
Whom I moft hated Liuing, thou haft made mee 
With thy Religious Truth, and Modeftie, 
("Now in his Afhes) Honor : Peace be with him. 
Patience, be neere me ftill, and fet me lower, 
I haue not long to trouble thee. Good Griffith, 
Caufe the Mufitians play me that fad note 
I nam'd my Knell ; whil'ft I fit meditating 



226 



The Life ofMJng Henry the Right. 



On that Cceleftiall Harmony I go too. 

Sad and Jolemne <Mufickf- 
Grif. She is afleep : Good wench, let's fit down quiet, 
For feare we wake her. Softly, gentle Patience. 

The Vifion. 
Enter Jolemnely tripping one after another, fixe Perfonages, 
clad in white Robes , wearing on their heades Garlands of 
Bayes, and golden Vizards on their faces, Branches of Bayes 
or Talme in their hands. They fir ft Conge -vnto her, then 
Dance : and at certaine Changes , the firft two hold a Jpare 
Garland ouer her Head, at which the other foure make re- 
uerend Curtfies. Then the two that held the Garland, deli- 
uer the fame to the other next two, who objerue the fame or- 
der in tb eir Changes , and holding the Garland ouer her 
head. Which done , they deliuer the Jame Garland to the 
likewife obferue the fame Order. eAt which 



by in/piration)Jhe makes [in her jleepe) fignes of 



reioycing, and holdeth -up her hands to heauen. And fo. 
their T)ancing •vanifh, carrying the Garland with them 
The aMuficke 



Kath. Spirits of peace, where are ye? Are ye all gone ? 
And leaue me heere in wretchedneffe, behinde ye? 
Grif Madam, we are heere. 

Kath. It is not you I call for, 
Saw ye none enter fince I flept ? 

Grif. None Madam. 

Kath. No? Saw you not euen now a bleffed Troope 
Inuite me to a Banquet, whofe bright faces 
Caft thoufand beames vpon me, like the Sun? 
They promis'd me eternall Happineffe, 
And brought me Garlands {Griffith) which I feele 
I am not worthy yet to weare : I fhall affurediy. 

Grif. I am moft ioyfull Madam, fuch good dreames 
PoffefTe your Fancy. 

Kath. Bid the Muficke leaue, 
They are harfh and heauy to me. Muficke ceajes. 

Pati. Do you note 
How much her Grace is alter'd on the fodaine ? 
How long her face is drawne ? How pale fhe lookes, 
And of an earthy cold? Marke her eyes ? 

Grif. She is going Wench. Pray, pray. 

Pati. Heauen comfort her. 

Enter a ^'feffenger. 

Mef. And't like your Grace 

Kath. You are a fawcy Fellow, 
Deferue we no more Reuerence ? 

Grif. You are too blame, 
Knowing fhe will not loofe her wonted GreatnefTe 
To vfe fo rude behauiour. Go too, knee le. 

Mef. I humbly do entreat your Highneffe pardon, 
My haft made me vnmannerly. There is flaying 
A Gentleman fent from the King, to fee you. 

Kath. Admit him entrance Griffith. But this Fellow 
Let me ne're fee againe. Exit Mefftng. 

Enter Lord Capuchins. ' . 
If my fight faile not, 

You fhould be Lord Ambaffador from the Emperor, 
My Royall Nephew, and your name Capuchius. 

Cap. Madam the fame. Your Seruant. 

Kath. O my Lord, 
The Times and Titles now are alter'd ftrangely 
With me, fince firft you knew me. 
But I pray you, 
What is your pleafure with me ? 



Cap. Noble Lady, 
Firft mine owne feruice to your Grace, the next 
The Kings requeft,that I would vifit you, 
Who greeues much for your weakneffe,and by me 
Sends you his Princely Commendations, 
And heartily entreats you take good comfort. 

Kath.O my good Lord, that comfort comes too late, 
'Tis like a Pardon after Execution ; 
That gentle Phyficke giuen in time, had cur'd me: 
But now I am paft all Comforts heere, but Prayers. 
How does his Highneffe ? 

Cap. Madam, in good health. 

Kath. So may he euer do, and euer flourish, 
When I fhall dwell with Wormes, and my poore name 
BanifiYd the Kingdome. Patience, is that Letter 
I caus'd you write, yet fent away ? 

Pat. No Madam. 

Kath, Sir, I moft humbly pray you to deliuer 
This to my Lord the King. 

Cap. Moft willing Madam. 

Kath. In which I haue commended to his goodnefl'e 
The Modell of our chafte loues : his yong daughter, 
The dewes of Heauen fall thicke in Bleffings on her, 
Befeeching him to giue her vertuous breeding. 
She is yong, and of a Noble modeft Nature, 
I hope (he will deferue well ; and a little 
To loue her for her Mothers fake, that lou'd him, 
Heauen knowes how deerely. 
My next poore Petition, 

Is, that his Noble Grace would haue fome pittie 
Vpon my wretched women, that fo long 
Haue follow'd both my Fortunes, faithfully, 
Of which there is not one, I dare auow 
(And now I fhould not lye) but will deferue 
For Vertue, and true Beautie of the Soule, 
For honeftie,and decent Carriage 
A right good Husband (let him be a Noble) 
And fure thofe men are happy that fhall haue 'em. 
The laft is for my men, they are the pooreft, 
(But pouerty could neuer draw 'em from me) 
That they may haue their wages, duly paid 'em, 
And fomething ouer to remember me by. 
If Heauen had pleas'd to haue giuen me longer life 
And able meanes, we had not parted thus. 
Thefe are the whole Contents, and good my Lord, 
By that you loue the deereft in this world, 
As you wifh Chriftian peace to foules departed, 
Stand thefe poore peoples Friend, and vrge the King 
To do me this laft right. 

Cap. By Heauen I will, 
Or let me loofe the fafhion of a man. 

Kath. I thanke you honeft Lord. Remember me 
In all humilitie vnto his Highneffe : 
Say his long trouble now is paffing 
Out of this world. Tell him in death I bleft him 
(For fo I will) mine eyes grow dimme. Farewell 
My Lord. Griffith farewell. Nay "Patience, 
Vou muft not leaue me yet. I muft to bed, 
Call in more women. When I am dead, good Wench, 
Let me be vs'd with Honor; ftrew me ouer 
With Maiden Flowers, that all the world may know 
I was a chafte Wife, to my Graue: Ernbalme me, 
Then lay me forth (although vnqueen'd) yet like 
A Queene, and Daughter to a King enterre me. 
I can no more. 

Exeunt leading Katherine. 

Sana 



The Life offing Henry the Eight. 



227 



ABus Quintus. Scena 'Prima. 



Enter Gardiner ~Bifhop of Wwcbefter,a Page with a Torch 
before bim, met by Sir Thomas Louell. 

Gard. It's one a clocke Boy,is't not. 

''Boy. It hath ftrooke. 

Gard. Thefe mould be houres for necefsities, 
Not for delights : Times to repayre our Nature 
With comforting repofe, and not for vs 
To wafte thefe times. Good houre of night Sir Thomas: 
Whether fo late ? 

Lou. Came you from the King, my Lord? 

Gar. I did Sir Thomas, and left him at Primero 
With theDukeofSuffolke. 

Lou. I muft to him too 
Before he go to bed. He take my leaue. 

Gard. Not yet Sir Thomas Louell : what's the matter ? 
It feemes you are in haft: and if there be 
No great offence belongs too't, giue your Friend 
Some touch of your late bufineffe : Affaires that walke 
(As they fay Spirits do) at midnight, haue 
In them a wilder Nature, then the bufineffe 
That feekes difpatch by day % 

Lou. My Lord, 1 loue you ; 
And durft commend a fecret to your eare 
Much waightier then this worke. The Queens in Labor 
They fay in great Extremity,and fear'd 
Shee'l with the Labour, end. 

Gard. The fruite fhe goes with 
I pray for heartily, that it may finde 
Good time, and Hue : but for the Stocke Sir Thomas, 
I wiih it grubb'd vp now. 

Lou. Me thinkes I could 
Cry the Amen, and yet my Conference fayes 
Shee's a good Creature, and fweet-Ladie do's 
Deferue our better wiihes. 

Gard. But Sir, Sir, 
Heare me Sir Thomas, y'are a Gentleman 
Of mine owne way. I know you Wife, Religious, 
And let me tell you, it will ne're be well, 
'Twill not Sir Thomas Louell, tak't of me, 
Till Cranmer, Cromvel, her two hands, and fliee 
Sleepe in their Graues. 

Louell. Now Sir, you fpeake of two 
The moft remark'd i'th'Kingdome : as for Cromwell, 
Befide that of the lewell-Houfe, is made Maftej: 
O'th'Rolles, and the Kings Secretary. FurtherSir, 
Stands in the gap and Trade of moe Preferments, 
With which the Lime will loade him. Th'Archbyfhop 
Is the Kings hand, and tongue,and who dare fpeak 
One fyllable againft him ? 

Gard. Yes,yes,Sir Thomas, 
There are that Dare, and I my felfe haue ventur'd 
To fpeake my minde of him : and indeed this day, 
Sir (I may tell it you) I thinke I haue 
Incenft the Lords o'th'Councell, that he is 
(For fo I know he is, they know he is) 
A moft Arch-Heretique, a Peftilence 
That does infect the Land : with which, they moued 
Haue broken with the King, who hath fo farre 
Giuen eare to our Complaint, of his great Grace, 
And Princely Care, fore-feeing thofe fell Mifchiefes, 



;6 3 



Our Reafons layd before him, hath commanded 
To morrow Morning to the Councell Boord 
He be conuented. He's a ranke weed Sir Thomas, 
And we muft root him out. From your Affaires 
I hinder you too long :Good night, Sir Thomas. 

Exit Gardiner and Page. 
Lca.Many good nights, my Lord, I reft your feruant. 
Enter King and Suffol{e. 



tug. 



Charles, I will play no more to night, 



My mindes not on't, you are too hard for me. 

Suff. Sir, I did neuer win of you before. 

King. But little Charles, 
Nor ftiall not when my Fancies on my play. 
Now Louel, from the Queene what is the Newes. 

Lou. I could not perfonally deliuer to her 
What you commanded me, but by her woman, 
I fent your MefTage, who return'd her thankes 
In the great'ft humblenefle, and defir'd your HighnefTe 
Moft heartily to pray for her. 

King. What fay'ft thou? Ha ? 
To pray for her? What, is (he crying out? 

Lou. So faid her woman, and that her fuffrance made 
Almoft each pang,a death. 

King. Alas good Lady . 

Suf. God fafely quit her of her Burthen, and 
With gentle Trauaile, to the gladding of 
Your Highneffe with an Heire. 

King. 'Tis midnight Charles, 
Prythee to bed, and in thy Prayres remember 
Th'eftate of my poore Queene. Leaue me alone, 
For I muft thinke of that, which company 
Would not be friendly too. 

Suf. I wiih your HighnefTe 
A quiet night, and my good Miftris will 
Remember in my Prayers. 

King. Charles good night. Exit Suffol{e. 

Well Sir, what followes ? 

Enter Sir Anthony Denny. 

Den. Sir, I haue brought my Lord the Arch-byfhop, 
As you commanded me. 

King. Ha? Canterbury? 

Den. I my good Lord. 

King. 'Tis true : where is he Denny} 

Den. He attends your HighnefTe p!eafure. 

King. Bring him to Vs. 

Lou. This is about that, which the Byfhop fpake, 
I am happily come hither. 

Enter Cranmer and Denny. 

King. Auoyd the Gallery. Louel feemes to ftay. 

Ha ? I haue faid. Be gone. 
What ? Exeunt Louell and Denny. 

Cran. I am fearefull : Wherefore frownes he thus? 
'Tis his AfpecT: of Terror. All's not well. 

King. How now my Lord ? 
You do defire to know wherefore 
I fent for you. 

Cran. It is my dutie 
T'attend your Highneffe pleafure. 

King. Pray you arife 
My good and gracious Lord of Canterburie : 
Come, you and I muft walke a turne together :, 
I haue Newes to tell you. 
Come, come, giue me your hand. 
Ah my good Lord, I greeue at what I fpeake, 
And am right forrie to repeat what followes. 
I haue, and moft vnwillingly of late 

x 7. Heard 



22i 



The Life ofl\jng Henry the Eight. 



Heard many greeuous. I do fay my Lord 

Greeuous complaints of you ; which being confider'd, 

Haue mou'd Vs, and our Councell, that you (hall 

This Morning come before vs, where I know 

You cannot with fuch freedome purge your felfe, 

But that till further Triall, in thofe Charges 

Which will require your Anfwer, you muft take 

Your patience to you, and be well contented 

To make your houfe our Towre : you, a Brother of vs 

It fits we thus proceed, or elfe no witneffe 

Would come againft you. 

Cran. I humbly thanke your HighneiTe, 
And am right glad to catch this good occafion 
Mod throughly to be winnowed, where my Chaffe 
And Corne ihall flye afunder. For I know 
There's none ftands vnder m'ore calumnious tongues, 
Then I my felfe, poore man. 

King. Stand vp, good Canterbury, 
Thy Truth, and thy Integrity is rooted 
In vs thy Friend. Giue me thy hand, ftand vp, 
Prythee let's walke. Now by my Holydame, 
What manner of man are you ? My Lord, I look'd 
You would haue giuen me your Petition, that 
I mould haue tane fome paines, to bring together 
Your felfe, and your Accufers, and to haue heard you 
Without indurance further. 

Cran. Moft dread Liege, 
The good I ftand on, is my Truth and Honeftie: 
If they ihall faile, I with mine Enemies 
Will triumph o're my perfon, which I waigh not, 
Being of thofe Vertues vacant. I feare nothing 
What can be faid againft me. 

King. Know you not 
How your ftate ftands i'th'world, with the whole world? 
Your Enemies are many, and not fmall ; their pradlifes 
Muft beare the fame proportion, and not euer 
The Iuftice and the Truth o'th'queftion carries 
The dew o'th'Verdidt with it ; at what eafe 
Might corrupt mindes procure, Knaues as corrupt 
To fweare againft you : Such things haue bene done. 
You are Potently oppos'd, and with a Malice 
Of as great Size. Weene you of better lucke, 
I meane in periur'd WitneiTe, then your Mailer, 
Whofe Minifter you are, whiles heere he liu'd 
Vpon this naughty Earth ? Go too, go too, 
You take a Precepit for no leape of danger, 
And woe your owne deftruction. 

Cran. God, and your Maiefty 
Protedt mine innocence, or I fall into 
The trap is laid for me. 

King. Be of good cheere, 
They ihall no more preuaile, then we giue way too : 
Keepe comfort to you, and this Morning fee 
You do appeare before them. Ifthey ihall chance 
In charging you with matters, to commit you : 
The beft perfwafions to the contrary 
Faile not to vfe, and with what vehemencie 
Th'occafion ihall inftruct you. If intreaties 
Will render you no remedy, this Ring 
Deliuer them, and your Appeale to vs 
There make before them. Looke, the goodman weeps: 
He's honeft on mine Honor. Gods bleft Mother, 
] fweare he is true-hearted, and a foule 
None better in my Kingdome. Get you gone, 
And do as I haue bid you. Exit Cranmer. 

He ha's ftrangled his Language in his teares. 



Enter Olde Lady. 

Gent. within. Come backe : what meane you? 

Lady, lie not come backe, the tydings that I bring 
WiJl make my boldneife, manners. Now good Angels 
Fly o're thy Royall head, and ihade thy perfon 
Vnder their bleifed wings. 

King. Now by thy lookes 
I geife thy Meffage. Is the Queene deliuer'd ? 
Say I, and of a boy. 

Lady. 1,1 my Liege, 
And of a louely Boy : the God of heauen 
Both now, and euer bletTe her : 'Tis a Gyrle 
Promifes Boyes heereafter. Sir, your Queen 
Defires your Vifitation, and to be 
Acquainted with this ftranger; 'tis as like you, 
As Cherry, is to Cherry. 

King. Louelh 

Lou. Sir. 

King. Giue her an hundred Markes. 
He to the Queene. Exit King. 

Lady, An hundred Markes? By this light, He ha more 
An ordinary Groome is for fuch payment. 
I will haue more, or fcold it out of him. 
Said I for this, the Gyrle was like to him? He 
Haue more, or elfe vnfay't : and now, while 'tis hot, 
He put it to the ifiue. Exit Ladie. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Qranmer,slrchbyJhop of Canterbury. 

Cran. I hope I am not too late,and yet the Gentleman 
That was fent to me from the Councell, pray'd me 
To make great haft. All fail ? What meanes this? Hoa? 
Who waites there? Sure you know me? 
Enter Keeper. 

Keep. Yes, my Lord : 
But yet I cannot helpe you. 

Cran. Why? 

Keep. Your Grace muft waight till you be call'd for. 
Enter DoBor <Buts. 

Cran. So. 

Buts. This is a Peere of Malice : I am glad 
I came this way fo happily. The King 
Shall vnderftand it prefently. Exit <Buts 

Cran. 'Tis *Buts. 
The Kings Phyfitian, as he paft along 
How earneftly he caft his eyes vpon me : 
Pray heauen he found not my difgrace : for certaine 
This is of purpofe laid by fome that hate me, 
fGod turne their hearts, I neuer fought their malice) 
To quench mine Honor; they would ihame to make me 
Wait elfe at doore : a fellow Councellor 
'Mong Boyes, Groomes,and Lackeyes. 
But their pleafures 
Muft be fulfill'd, and I attend with patience. 

Enter the King,and Buts, at a Window 

^Buts. He (hew your Grace the ftrangeft fight. 
Kimr. What's tliat 'Buts ? 



The Life oflQ'ng Henry the Eight. 



229 



'Butts. I thinke your Highnefle fa\y this many a day. 

Kin. Body a me : where is it? 

^Buits. There my Lord : 
The high promotion of his Grace of Canterbury, 
Who holds his State at dore 'mongft Purfeuants, 
Pages, and Foot-boyes. 

Kin. Ha ? 'Tis he indeed. 
Is this the Honour they doe one another ? 
'Tis well there's one aboue 'em yet; I had thought 
They had parted fo much honefty among 'em, 
At leaft good manners; as not thus to fuffer 
A man or his Place, and fo neere our fauour 
To dance attendance on their Lordfhips pleafures, 
And at the dore too, like a Poft with Packets : 
By holy Mary [Butts) there's knauery; 
Let'em alone, and draw the Curtaine clofe : 
We fliall heare more anon. 

A Councell Table brought in with Chayres and Stooles, and 

placed "under the State. Enter Lord Chancellour, places 

him/elf e at the upper end of the Table, on the left hand: A 

Seate being left -void aboue him, as for Canterburies Seate. 

Duke of Suffol\e, Duke of Norfolkf, Surrey, Lord Cham- 

berlaine, Gardiner, feat themjelues in Order on each fide. 

Cromwell at lower end, ai Secretary. 

Chan. Speake to the bulineffe, M. Secretary; 
^hy are we met in Councell ? 

Crom. Pleafe your Honours, 
*"e chiefe caufe concernes his Grace of Canterbury. 

Gard. Ha's he had knowledge of it ? 

Crom. Yes. 

Norf. Who waits there ? 

Keep. Without my Noble Lords ? 

Gard. Yes. 

Keep. My Lord Archbilhop : 
And ha's done halfe an houre to know your pleafures. 

Chan. Let him come in. 

Keep. Your Grace may enter now. 

Cranmer approches the Councell Table. 

Chan. My good Lord Archbilhop, I'm very forry 
To fit heere at thisprefent,and behold 
That Chayre ftand empty : But we all are men 
In our owne natures fraile, and capable 
Of our fleih, few are Angels; out of which frailty 
And want of wifedome, you that beft mould teach vs, 
Haue mifdemean'd your felfe,and not a little : 
Toward the King firft, then his Lawes, in filling 
The whole Realme, by your teaching & your Chaplaines 
(For fo we are inform'd) with new opinions, 
Diuers and dangerous ; which are Herefies ; 
And not reform'd, may proue pernicious. 

Gard. Which Reformation muft be fodaine too 
My Noble Lords; for thofe that tame wild Horfes, 
Pace 'em not in their hands to make 'em gentle; 
But ftop their mouthes with ftubborn Bits & fpurre 'em, 
Till they obey the mannage. If we fuffer 
Out of our eafinefle and childifh pitty 
To one mans Honour, this contagious ficknefTe ; 
Farewell all Phyiicke: and what followes then? 
Commotions, vprores, with a generall Taint 
Of the whole State; as of late dayes our neighbours, 
The vpper Germany can deerely witneffe : 
Yet frelhly pittied in our memories. 

Cran. My good Lords ; Hitherto, in all the ProgrefTe 
Both of my Life and Office, I haue labour'd, 
And with no little ftudy, that my teaching 



56s 



And the ftrong courfe of my Authority, 

Might goe one way, and fafelyjand the end 

Was euer to doe well : nor is there liuing, 

(I fpeake it with a fingle heart, my Lords) 

A man that more detefts, more ftirres againft, 

Both in his priuate Confcience, and his place, 

Defacers of a publique peace then I doe : 

Pray Heauen the King may neuer find a heart 

With leffe Allegeance in it. Men that make 

Enuy, and crooked malice, nourishment ; 

Dare bite the beft. 1 doe befeech your Lordlhips, 

That in this cafe of Iuftice, my Accufers, 

Be what they will, may ftand forth face to face, 

And freely vrge againft me. 

Suff. Nay, my Lord, 
That cannot be; you are a Counfellor, 
And by that vertue no man dare accufe you. (ment, 

Gard. My Lord, becaufe we haue bufines of more mo- 
We will be fliort with you. 'Tis his HighnefTe pleafure 
And our confent, for better tryall of you, 
From hence you be committed to the Tower, 
Where being but a priuate man againe, 
You mall know many dare accufe you boldly, 
More then (I feare) you are prouided for. 

Cran. Ah my good Lord of Winchefter : I thanke you, 
You are alwayes my good Friend, if your will pafie, 
I mall both finde your Lordfhip, Iudge and Iuror, 
You are fo mercifull. I fee your end, 
'Tis my vndoing. Loue and meekeneffe, Lord 
Become a Churchman, better then Ambition : 
Win ftraying Soules with modefty againe, 
Caft none away : That I mail cleere my felfe, 
Lay all the weight ye can vpon my patience, 
I make as little doubt as you doe confcience, 
In doing dayly wrongs. I could fay more, 
But reuerence to your calling, makes me modeft. 

Gard, My Lord, my Lord, you are a Sedtary, 
That's the plaine truth ; your painted glofle difcouers 
To men that vnderftand you, words and weakneffe. 

Qrom. My Lord of Winchefter, f are a little, 
By your good fauour, too fharpe; Men fo Noble, 
How euer faultly, yet ftiould finde refpedl 
For what they haue beene : 'tis a cruelty, 
To load a falling man. 

Gard. Good M. Secretary, 
I cry your Honour mercie; you may worft 
Of all this Table fay fo. 

Crom. Why my Lord? 
Gard. Doe not I know you for a Fauourer 
Of this new Seft? ye are not found. 

Crom. Not found ? 

Gard. Not found I fay. 

Crom. Would you were halfe fo honeft : 
Mens prayers then would feeke you, not their feares. 
Gard. I fhall remember this bold Language. 

Crom. Doe. 
Remember your bold life too. 

Cham. This is too much; 
Forbeare for fhame my Lords. 

Gard. I haue done. 

Crom. And I. 

Cham. Then thus for you my Lord, it ftands agreed 
I take it, by all voyces : That forthwith, 
You be conuaid to th' Tower a Prifoner; 
There to remaine till the Kings further pleafure 
Be knowne vnto vs : are you all agreed Lords. 

All 



•3° 



The Life of KJng Henry the Eight. 



All. We are. 

Cran. Is there no other way of mercy, 
But I muft needs to th' Tower my Lords? 

Gard. What other, 
Would you expeft? You are ftrangely troublefome: 
Let fome o'th' Guard be ready there. 
Enter the Guard. 

Cran. For me ? 
Muft I goe like a Traytor thither? 

Gard. Receiue him, 
And fee him fafe i'th' Tower. 

Cran. Stay good my Lords, 
I haue a little yet to fay. Looke there my Lords, 
By vertue of that Ring, I take my caufe 
Out of the gripes of cruell men, and giue it 
To a moft Noble Iudge, the King my Maifter. 

Cham. This is the Kings Ring. 

Sur. 'Tis no counterfeit. 

Suff. 'Ts the right Ring, by Heau'n: I told ye all, 
When we firft put this dangerous ftone a rowling, 
'Twold fall vpon our felues. 

Norf. Doe you thinke my Lords 
The King will fuffer but the little finger 
Of this man to be vex'd? 

Cham. Tis now too certaine; 
How much more is his Life in value with him? 
Would I were fairely out on't. 

Crom. My mind gaue me, 
In feeking tales and Informations 
Againft this man, whofe honefty the Diuell 
And his Difciples onely enuy at, 
Ye blew the fire that burnes ye: now haue at ye. 

Enter King frowning on them, tal^es his Seate. 
Gard. Dread Soueraigne, 
How much are we bound to Heauen, 
In dayly thankes; that gaue vs fuch a Prince; 
Not onely good and wife, but moft religious: 
One that in all obedience, makes the Church 
The cheefe ayme of his Honour, and to ftrengthen 
That holy duty out of deare refpeft, 
His Royall felfe in Iudgement comes to heare 
The caufe betwixt her, and this great offender. 

Kin. You were euer good at fodaine Commendations, 
Bifhop of Wmchefler. But know I come not 
To heare fuch flattery now, and in my prefence 
They are too thin, and bafe to hide offences, 
To me you cannot reach. You play the Spaniell, 
And thinke with wagging of your tongue to win me : 
But whatfoere thou tak'ft me for; I'm fure 
Thou haft a cruell Nature and a bloody. 
Good man fit downe : Now let me fee the proudeft 
Hee, that dares moft, but wag his finger at thee. 
By all that's holy, he had better ftarue, 
Then but once thinke his place becomes thee not. 

Sur. May it pleafe your Grace; 

Kin. No Sir, it doe's not pleafe me, 
I had thought, I had had men of fome vnderftanding, 
And wifedome of my Councell; but I finde none : 
Was it difcretion Lords, to let this man, 
This good man (few of you deferue that Title) 
This honeft man, wait like a lowfie Foot-boy 
At Chamber dore ? and one, as great as you are ? 
Why, what a fhame was this ? Did my Commiffion 
Bid ye fo farre forget your felues ? I gaue ye 
Power, as he was a Counfellour to try him, 



Not as a Groome : There's fome of ye, I fee, 
More out of Malice then Integrity, 
Would trye him to the vtmoft, had ye meane, 
Which ye fhall neuer haue while I liue. 

Chan. Thus farre 
My moft dread Soueraigne, may it like your Grace, 
To let my tongue excufe all. What was purpos'd 
Concerning his Imprifonment, was rather 
(If there be faith in men) meant for hisTryall, 
And faire purgation to the world then malice, 
I'm fure in me. 

Kin. Well, well my Lords refpeft him, 
Take him, and vfe him well; hee's worthy of it. 
I will fay thus much for him, if a Prince 
May be beholding to a Subieft ; I 
Am for his loue and feruice, fo to him. 
Make me no more adoe, but all embrace him ; 
Be friends for fhame my Lords : My Lord of Canterbury 
I haue a Suite which you muft not deny mee. 
That is, a faire young Maid that yet wants Baptifme, 
You muft be Godfather, and anfwere for her. 

Cran. The greateft Monarch now aliue may glory 
In fuch an honour : how may I deferue it, 
That am a poore and humble Subieft to you ? 

Kin. Come, come my Lord, you'd fpare your fpoones; 
You fhall haue two noble Partners with you : the old 
Ducheffe of Norfolfy, and Lady Marqueffe Dorjet ? will 
thefe pleafe you ? 

Once more my Lord of Winehefier, I charge you 
Embrace, and loue this man. 

Gard. With a true heart, 
And Brother; loue I doe it. 

Cran. And let Heauen 
Witneffe how deare, I hold this Confirmation, (hearts, 

Kin. Good Man, thofe ioyfull teares fhew thy true 
The common voyce I fee is verified 

Of thee, which fayes thus : Doe my Lord of Canterbury 
A fhrewd tume, and hee's your friend for euer : 
Come Lords, we trifle time away : I long 
To haue this young one made a Chriftian. 
As I haue made ye one Lords, one remaine: 
So I grow ftronger, you more Honour gaine. Exeunt. 



Seen a Tertia. 



Noyje and Tumult within : Enter Porter and 
hit man. 

Port. You'l leaue your noyfe anon ye Rafcals : doe 
you take the Court for Parifh Garden : ye rude Slaues, 
leaue your gaping: 

Within. Good M. Porter I belong to th' Larder. 

Port. Belong to th' Gallowes, and be hang'd ye Rogue: 
Is this a place to roare in ? Fetch me a dozen Crab-tree 
ftaues, and ftrong ones ; thefe are but fwitches to 'em : 
He fcratch your heads ; you muft be feeing Christenings? 
Do you looke for Ale, and Cakes heere, you rude 
Raskalls? 

Man. Pray Sir be patient; 'tis as much impoflible, 
Vnlefle wee fweepe 'em from the dore with Cannons, 
To fcatter 'em, as 'tis to make 'em fleepe 
On May-day Morning, which will neuer be : 
We may as well pufh againft Powles as ftirre 'em. 

for. How got they in, and be hang'd? 

Man. 



The Life oflQng Henry the Eight. 



231 



Man. Alas I know not, how gets the Tide in ? 
As much as one found Cudgel] of foure foote, 
(You fee the poore remainder) could diftribute, 
I made no fpare Sir. 

Port. You did nothing Sir. 

Man, I am not Sampfon, nor Sir Guy, nor Cohbrand, 
To mow 'em downe before me : but if I fpar'd any 
That had a head to hit, either young or old, 
He or fhee, Cuckold or Cuckold-maker : 
Let me ne're hope to fee a Chine againe, 
And that I would not for a Cow, God faue her. 

Within. Do you heare M. Porter ? 

Port. I fhall be with you prefently, good M. Puppy, 
Keepe the dore clofe Sirha. 

Man. What would you haue me doe ? 

For. What fhould you doe, 
But knock 'em downe by th' dozens? Is this More fields 
to mufter in ? Or haue wee fome ftrange Indian with the 
great Toole, come to Court, the women fo befiege vs ? 
Bleffe me, what a fry of Fornication is at dore f On my 
Chriftian Confcience this one Chriftening will beget a 
thoufand , here will bee Father, God-father, and all to- 
gether. 

Man. The Spoones will be the bigger Sir : There is 
a fellow fomewhat neere the doore, he fhould be a Brafi- 
er by his face, for o'my confcience twenty of the Dog- 
dayes now reigne in's Nofe; all that ftand about him are 
vnder the Line, they need no other pennance : that Fire- 
Drake did I hit three times on the head, and three times 
was his Nofe difcharged againft mee ; hee ftands there 
like a Morter-piece to blow vs. There was a Habberda- 
ihers Wife of fmall wit, neere him, that rail'd vpon me, 
till her pinck'd porrenger fell off her head, for kindling 
fuch a combuftion in the State. I mift the Meteor once, 
and hit that Woman, who cryed out Clubbes, when I 
might fee from farre, fome forty Truncheoners draw to 
her fuccour, which were the hope o'th' Strond where fhe 
was quartered ; they fell on, I made good my place ; at 
length they came to th' broome ftaffe to me, 1 defide 'em 
ftil, when fodainly a File of Boyes behind 'em, loofe fhot, 
deliuer'd fuch a fhowre of Pibbles, that I was faine to 
draw mine Honour in, and let 'em win the Worke, the 
Diuell was amongft 'em I thinke furely. 

for. Thefe are the youths that thunder at a Playhoufe, 
and fight for bitten Apples, that no Audience but the 
tribulation of Tower Hill, or the Limbes of Limehoufe, 
their deare Brothers are able to endure. I haue fome of 
'em in Limbo Tatrum, and there they are like to dance 
thefe three dayes; befides the running Banquet of two 
Beadles, that is to come. 

Enter Lord Chamberlaine . 

Cham. Mercy o' me : what a Multitude are heere ? 
They grow {till too; from all Parts they are comming, 
As if we kept a Faire heere? Where are thefe Porters? 
Thefe lazy knaues? Y'haue made a fine hand fellowes ? 
Theres a trim rabble let in: are all thefe 
Your faithfull friends o'th'Suburbs? We fhall haue 
Great (tore of roome no doubt, left for the Ladies. 
When they paffe backe from the Chriftening ? 

Por. And't pleafe your Honour, 
We are but menjand what fo many may doe, 
Not being tome a pieces, we haue done : 
An Army cannot rule 'em. 

Cham. As I liue, 
If the King blame me for't ; He lay ye all 



567 



By th'heeles, and fodainly:and on your heads 

Clap round Fines fornegleft : y'are lazy knaues, 

And heere ye lye baiting of Bombards, when 

Ye fhould doe Seruice. Harke the Trumpets found, 

Th'are come already from the Chriftening, 

Go breake among the preaffe, and finde away out 

To let the Troope paffe fairely; or He finde 

A Marfhallfey , fhall hold ye play thefe two Monthes. 

Tor. Make way there, for the Princeffe. 

Man. You great fellow, 
Stand clofe vp, or He make your head ake. 

Por. You i'th'Chamblet,get vp o'th'raile, 
He pecke you o're the pales elfe. Exeunt. 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter Trumpets founding : Then two Aldermen, L. Maior, 
Garter, Cranmer, Duke of Norfolk? ■with his Marjhals 
Staffe, Duke of Suffolke, two Noblemen, bearing great 
ft anding 'Bowles for the Chriftening Guifts : Then foure 
Noblemen bearing a Qanopy, vnder which the Dutcheffe of 
Norfolke, Godmother, bearing the Childe richly habited in 
a Mantle, &c. Traine borne by a Lady : Then folhwes 
the Marchioneffe Dorjet , the other Godmother, and La- 
dies. The Troope paffe once about the Stage, and Gar- 
ter fpeakes. 
Gart. Heauen 

From thy endleffe goodneffe, fend profperous life, 

Long, and euer happie, to the high and Mighty 

Princeffe of England Elizabeth. 

Flourifh. Enter King and Guard. 

Cran. And to your Royall Grace, & the good Queen, 
My Noble Partners, and my felfe thus pray 
All comfort, ioy in this moft gracious Lady, 
Heauen euer laid vp to make Parents happy, 
May hourely fall vpon ye. 

Kin. Thanke you good Lord Archbifhop : 
What is her Name ? 

Cran. Elizabeth. 

Kin. Stand vp Lord, 
With this Kiffe, take my Bleffing ; God protecl thee, 
Into whofe hand, I giue thy Life. 

Cran. Amen . 

Kin. My Noble Goffips, y'haue beene too Prodigall; 
I thanke ye heartily : So fhall this Lady, 
When fhe ha's fo much Englifh. 

Cran. Let me fpeake Sir, 
For Heauen now bids me; and the words. I vtter, 
Let none thinke Flattery; forthey'l finde 'em Truth. 
This Royall Infant, Heauen ftillmoue about her; 
Though in her Cradle; yet now promifes 
Vpon this Land a thoufand thoufand Bleffmgs, 
Which Time fhall bring to ripeneffe : She fhall be, 
(But few now liuing can behold that goodneffe) 
A Patterne to all Princes liuing with her, 
And all that fhall fucceed : Saba was neuer 
More couetous of Wifedome, and faire Vertue 
Then this pure Soule fliall be. All Princely Graces 
That mould vp fuch a mighty Piece as this is, 
With all the Vertues that attend the good, 
Shall ftill be doubled on her. Truth fhall Nurfe her, 

Holy 



2 3 2 



The Life of I\jng Henry the Eight. 



Holy and Heauenly thoughts ftill Counfell her : 

She fliall be lou'd and fear'd. Her owne /hall bleffe her; 

Her Foes fliake like a Field of beaten Corne, 

And hang their heads with forrow : 

Good growes with her. 

In her dayes, Euery Man fliall eate in lafety, 

Vnder his owne Vine what he plants; and ling 

The merry Songs of Peace to all his Neighbours. 

God fliall be truely knowne, and thofe about her, 

From her fliall read the perfect way of Honour, 

And by thofe claime their greatneffejnot by Blood. 

Nor fliall this peace fleepe with her : But as when 

The Bird of Wonder dyes, the Mayden Phoenix, 

Her Aflies new create another Heyre, 

As great in admiration as her felfe. 

So fliall flie leaue her Bleffedneffe to One, 

(When Heauen flial call her from this clowd of darkne 

Who, from the facred Aflies of her Honour 

Shall Star-like rife, as great in fame as flie was, 

And fo ftand fix'd. Peace, Plenty, Loue, Truth, Terror, 

That were the Seruants to this chofen Infant, 

Shall then be his, and like a Vine grow to him ; 

Where euer the bright Sunne of Heauen fliall fliine, 

His Honour, and the greatnefTe of his Name, 

Shall be, and make new Nations. He fliall flourifh, 



And like a Mountaine Cedar, reach his branches, 

To all the Plaines about him : Our Childrens Children 

Shall fee this, and blefTe Heauen. 

Kin. Thou fpeakeft wonders. 

Cran. She fliall be to the happinefTe of England, 
An aged PrincefTe ; many dayes fliall fee her, 
And yet no day without a deed to Crowne it. 
Would I had knowne no more : But flie muft dye, 
She muft, the Saints muft haue her ; yet a Virgin, 
A moft vnfpotted Lilly fliall (he paffe 
To th' ground, and all the World fliall mourne her. 

Kin. O Lord Archbifliop 
Thou haft made me now a man, neuer before 
This happy Child, did I get any thing. 
This Oracle of comfort, ha's fo pleas'd me, 
That when I am in Heauen, I fliall defire 
To fee what this Child does, and praife my Maker. 
I thanke ye all. To you my good Lord Maior, 
And you good Brethren, I am much beholding : 
I haue receiu'd much Honour by your prefence, 
And ye fliall find me thankfull. Lead the way Lords, 
Ye muft all fee the Queene, and flie muft thanke ye, 
She will be ficke els. This day, no man thinke 
'Has bufinefTe at his houle ; for all fliall ftay: 
This Little-One fliall make it Holy-day. Exeunt. 



The Epilogve. 



TIs ten to one, this Play can neuer pleafe 
All that are heere : Some come to take their 
And fleepe an AB or tiro ; but thofe we fear e 
W haue frighted with our Tumpets : fo 'tis clear e, 
They I fay lis naught.. Others to heare the City 
Abus'd extreamly,and to cry that's witty, 
Which wee haue not done neither; that I fear e 



afe, 



All the expeBed good w'are li\e to heare. 
For this Play at this time, is onely in 
The merciful! conflruBion of good women, 
For fuch a one we pew' d 'em : If they fmile, 
And fay twill doe; I {now within a while, 
All the beft men are ours; for 'tis ill hap, 
If they hold, when their Ladies bid 'em clap. 



FINIS. 




The Prologue. 

IT{Troy there lyes the Scene : From lies of Greece 
The Princes Or gillous , their high blood chaf d 
Haue to the Port of Athens fent their Jhippes 
Fraught with the minijlers and injlruments 
OfcruellWarre : Sixty and nine that wore 
Their Qrownets ^ gall, from th' Athenian bay 
Put forth tdward Phrygia,and their -uo"w is made 
To ranfacke Troy, 'within whofe Jlrong emures 
The rauiflid Helen, Menelaus Queene, 
With wanton Paris feepes, and that's the Quarrell. 
To Tenedos they come, 
And the deepe-drOwing Barke do there difgorge 
Their "warlike frautage : now on Dardan Plaines 
The frejh and yet -vnbruifed Greek.es do pitch 
Their braue Pauillions.Y iiams Jix--gated Qity, 
Dardan and Timbria, Helias, Chetas, Troien, 
And Antenonidus 'with mafsie Staples 
And correfponfiue and fulfilling Bolts 
Stirrcvp the Sonne s of Troy. 
N/fW Expectation tickling skittijh fpirits, 
On one and other fde, Troian and Greeke, 
Sets all on hazard. And hither am J come, 
A Prologue arnid, but not in confidence 
Of Authors pen, or Actors Ipoyce ; butfuited 
Jn like conditions, at our Argument ; 
To tell you (faire Beholders) that our Play 
he apes ore the 'vaunt and frjl lings ofthofe broyles 9 
Beginning in the middle -.farting thence away, 
To what may be digefed in a Play : 
Like, or finde fault, do as your pleafures are, 
Nowgood,or bad, 'tis but the chance ofWarre. 



s6 9 



THE TRAGEDIE OF 

Troylus and Crefsida. 



A6tus '■Primus. Scoena 'Prima. 



Enter Pandarus and Troylus. 

Troylus . 
All here my Varlet,Ile vnarmeagaine. 
Why fliould I warre without the wals of Troy 
That finde fuch cruell battell here within ? 
Each Troian that is mailer of his heart, 
Let him to field, Troylus alas hath none. 

Tan. Will this geere nere be mended ? 
Troy. The Greeks are ftrong,& skilful to their ftrength, 
Fierce to their skill, and to their fiercenefle Valiant: 
But I am weaker then a womans teare ; 
Tamer then fleepe, fonder then ignorance ; 
LefTe valiant then the Virgin in the night, 
And skilleffe as vnpraclis'd Infancie. 

Pan. Well, I haue told you enough of this : For my 
part, lie not meddle nor make no farther. Hee that will 
haue a Cake out of the Wheate, muft needes tarry the 
grinding. 

Troy. Haue I not tarried ? 

Pan. I the grinding ; but you muft tarry the bolting. 

Troy. Haue I not tarried ? 

Pan. I the boulting; but you muft tarry the leau'ing. 

Troy. Still haue I tarried. 

Pan. I, to the leauening : but heeres yet in the word 
hereafter, the Kneading, the making of the Cake , the 
heating of the Ouen, and the Baking ; nay, you muft ftay 
the cooling too, or you may chance to burne your lips. 

Troy. Patience her felfe, what Goddefie ere ftie be, 
Doth leffer blench at fufferance,then I doe : 
At Priam! Royall Table doe I fit ; 
And when faire Crejfid comes into my thoughts, 
So (Traitor) then ftie comes, when flie is thence. 

Pan. Well : 
She look'd yefternight fairer,then euer I faw her looke, 
Or any woman elfe. 

Troy. I was about to tell thee, when my heart, 
As wedged with a figh, would riue in twaine, 
Leaft Heflor, or my Father fliould perceiue me : 
I haue (as when the Sunne doth light a-fcorne) 
Buried this figh, in wrinkle of a fmile : 
But forrow,that is couch'd in feeming gladneffe, 
Is like that mirth, Fate turnes to fudden fadneffe. 

Pan. And her haire were not fomewhat darker then 
Helens, well go too, there were no more comparifon be- 
tweene the Women. But for my part flie is my Kinfwo- 
man,I would not (as they tearme it) praife it, but I wold 



fome-body had heard her talke yefterday as I did : I will 
not difpraife your lifter Cajfandrd'% wit, but 

Troy. Oh Pandarus \ I tell thee Pandarus ; 
When I doe tell thee.there my hopes lye drown'd : 
Reply not in how many Fadomes deepe 
They lye indrench'd. I tell thee, I am mad 
In Crejid! loue. Thou anfwer'ft flie is Faire, 
Powr'ft in the open Vlcer of my heart, 
Her Eyes, her Haire, her Cheeke,her Gate, her Voice, 
Handled in thy difcourfe. O that her Hand 
(In whofe comparifon, all whites are Inke) 
Writing their owne reproach ; to whofe foft feizure, 
The Cignets Downe is harfli,and fpirit of Senfe 
Hard as the palme of Plough-man. This thou tel'ft me ; 
As true thou tel'ft me, when I fay I loue her : 
But faying thus,inftead of Oyle and Balme, 
Thou lai'ft in euery gafh that loue hath giuen me, 
The Knife that made it. 

Pan. I fpeake no more then truth. 

Troy. Thou do'ft not fpeake fo much. 

Pan. Faith, He not meddle in't : Let her be as fliee is, 
if ftie be faire, 'tis the better for her : and ftie be not, ftie 
ha's the mends in her owne hands. 

Troy. Good Pandarus •■ How now Pandarus ? 

Pan. I haue had my Labour for my trauell,ill thought 
on of her, and ill thought on of you : Gone betweene and 
betweene, but fmall thankes for my labour. 

Troy. What art thou angry Pandarust what with me ? 

Pan. Becaufe flie's Kinne to me, therefore fliee's not 
fo faire as Helen, and ftie were not kin to me, flie would 
be as faire on Friday, as Helen is on Sunday. But what 
care I ? I care not and flie were a Black-a- Moore, 'tis all 
one to me. 

Troy. Say I flie is not faire ? 

Troy. I doe not care whether you doe or no. Shee's a 
Foole to ftay behinde her Father : Let her to the Greeks , 
and fo He tell her the next time I fee her : for my part, He 
meddle nor make no more i'th'matter. 
Troy. Pandarus ? Pan. Not I. 

Troy. Sweete tandarus. 

fan. Pray you fpeake no more to me, I will leaue all 
as I found it,and there an end. Exit Pand. 

Sound Alarum. 

Tro. Peace you vngracious Clamors, peace rude founds, 
Fooles on both fides, Helen muft needs be faire, 
When with your bloud you daily paint her thus. 
I cannot fight vpon this Argument : 

It 



The TragedieofTroylus and Qrefsida. 



79 



It's too ftaru'd a fubiedl for my Sword, 
But Pandarus : O Gods I How do you plague me? 
I cannot come to CreJJid but by Pandar, 
And he's as teachy to be woo'd to woe, 
As ftie is ftubborne, chaft,againft all fuite. 
Tell me Apollo for thy Daphnes Loue 
What CreJJid is, what Pandar, and what we: 
Her bed is India , there. flie lies,a Pearle, 
Between our Ilium, and where lhee recides 
Let it be cald the wild and wandring flood , 
Our felfe the Merchant, and this fayling Pandar, 
Our doubtfull hope, our conuoy and our Barke. 
Alarum. Enter osEneai. 

ttAZne. How now Prince Troylus ? 
Wherefore not a field ? 

Troy. Becaufe not there ; this womans anfwer forts. 
For womanifh it is to be from thence: 
What newes osEneas from the field to day ? 

cs£ne. That Parts is returned home, and hurt. 

Troy. By whom cs£neas ? 

cs£ne. Troylus by Menelaui. 

Troy. Let Paris bleed, 'tis but a fear to fcorne, 
Paris is gor'd with Menelaui home. Alarum. 

zALne, Harke what good fport is out of Towne to day. 

Troy. Better at home, if would I might were may: 
But to the fport abroad, are you bound thither? 

<L&ne. In all fwift haft. 

Troy. Come goe wee then togither. Exeunt. 

Enter Crejfidand her man. 
Cre. Who were thofe went by ? 
Man. Queene Hecuba, and Hellen. 
Cre. And whether go they? 
Man. Vp to the Eafterne Tower, 
Whofe height commands as fubiecT: all the vaile, 
To fee the battell : HeBor whofe pacience, 
Is as a Vertuefixt,to day was mou'd : 
He chides Andromache and ftrooke his Armorer, 
And like as there were husbandry in Warre 
Before the Sunne rofe, hee was harneft lyte, 
And to the field goe's he; where euery flower 
Did as a Prophet weepe what it forfaw, 
In HeBors wrath. 

Cre. What was his caufe of anger? 

Man. The noife goe's this ; 
There is among the Greekes, 
A Lord of Troian blood, Nephew to HeBor, 
They call him Aiax. 

Cre. Good; and what of him ? 
Man. They fay he is a very man per fe and ftands alone. 

Cre. So do all men, vnlefle they are drunke, ficke,or 
haue no legges. 

Man. This man Lady, hath rob'd many beafts of their 
particular additions, he is as valiant as the Lyon, churlifli 
as the Beare, flow as the Elephant : a man into whom 
nature hath fo crowded humors, that his valour is cruflit 
into folly, his folly fauced with difcretion : there is no 
man hath a vertue, that he hath not a glimpfe of, nor a- 
ny man an attaint, but he carries fome ftaine of it. He is 
melancholy without caufe, and merry againft the haire, 
hee hath the ioynts of euery thing, but euery thing fo 
out ot ioynt, that hee is a gowtie Briareui, many hands 
and no vfe ; or purblinded Argus,z[\ eyes and no fight. 

Cre. But how fliould this man that makes me fmile, 
make HeBor angry? 

Man. They fay he yefterday cop'd HeBor in the bat- 
tell and ftroke him downe,the difdaind & ftiame where- 



of, hath euer fince kept HeBor falling and waking. 
Enter Pandarus. 
Cre. Who comes here ? 
Man. Madam your Vncle Pandarus. 
Cre. HeBors a gallant man. 
Man. As may be in the world Lady. 
Pan. What's that'? what's that ? 
Cre. Good morrow Vncle Pandarus. 
Pan. Good morrow Cozen CreJJid: what do you talke 
of? good morrow Alexander: how do you Cozen ? when 
were you at Illium i 

Cre. This morning Vncle. 

Pan. What were you talking ofwhenlcame? Was 
HeBor arm'd and gon ere yea came to Illium? Hellen was 
not vp ? was ftie ? 

Cre. HeBor was gone but Hellen was not vp ? 

Pan. E'ene Co;HeBor was ftirring early. 

Qre. That were we talking of, and of his anger. 

Pan. Was he angry ? 

Cre. So he faies here. 

Pan. True he was fo; I know the caufe too, heele lay 
about him to day I can tell them that, and there's Troylui 
will not come farre behind him , let them take heede of 
Troylui ; I can tell them that too. 

Cre. What is he angry too ? 

Pan. Who Troylui i 
Troylui is the better man of the two. 

Cre. Oh /obiter; there's no comparifon. 

Pan. What not betweene Troylui and HeBor ? do you 
know a man if you fee him i 

Cre. I, if I euer faw him before and knew him. 

Pan. Well I fay Troylui is Troylui. 

Cre. Then you fay as I fay, 
For I am fure he is not HeBor. 

fan. No not HeBor is not Troylui in fome degrees. 

Cre. 'Tis iuft,to each of them he is himfelfe. 

Pan. Himfelfe ?alas poore Troylui I would he were. 

Cre. So he is. 

Pan. Condition I had gone bare-foote to India. 

Cre. He is not HeBor. 

Pan. Himfelfe ? no? hee's not himfelfe, would a were 
himfelfe : well, the Gods are aboue, time muft friend or 
end: well Troylui well, I would my heart were in her bo- 
dy; no, HeBor is not a better man then Troylui. 

Cre. Excufe me. 

Pan. He is elder. 

Cre. Pardon me, pardon me. 

Pan. Th'others not come too't, you /hall tell me ano- 
ther tale when th'others come too't : HeBor lhall not 
haue his will this yeare. 

Cre. He lhall not neede it if he haue his owne. 

Pan. Nor his qualities. 

Cre. No matter. 

Pan. Nor his beautie. 

Cre. 'Twould not become him, his own's better. 

Pan. You haue no judgement Neece; Hellen her felfe 
fwore th'other day that Troylui for a browne fauour (for 
fo 'tis I muft confefle ) not browne neither. 

Cre. No , but browne. 

Pan. Faith to fay truth , browne and not browne. 

Cre. To fay the truth, true and not true. 

Pan. She prais'd his complexion aboue Paris. 

Cre. Why Paris hath colour inough. 

Pan. So, he has. 

Cre. Then Troylui fliould haue too much, if flie prasi'd 
him aboue, his complexion is higher then his, he hauing 

colour 



The T rage die of Troylus and Qrefsida. 



colour enough, and the other higher, is too flaming a 
praife for a good complexion , I had as lieue He/lens gol- 
den tongue had commended Troy/as for a copper noie. 

Pan. I fweare to ycu, 
I thinke Hellen loues him better then Paris. 

Cre. Then fhee's a merry Greeke indeed. 

Jan. Nay I am fure fhe does, me came to him th'other 
day into the compaft window, and you know he has not 
pad three or foure haires on his chinne. 

Cref. Indeed a Tapfters Arithmetique may foone 
bring his particulars therein, to a totall. 

Pand. Why he is very yong, and yet will he within 
three pound lift as much as his brother HeBor. 

Cref. Is he is fo young a man, and fo old a lifter ? 

Pan. But to prooue to you that Hellen loues him, me 
came and puts me her white hand to his clouen chin. 

Cref. Iuno haue mercy, how came it clouen ? 

Pan. Why, you know 'tis dimpled, 
I thinke his fmyling becomes him better then any man 
in all Phrigia. 

Cre. Oh he fmiles valiantly. 

Pan. Dooes hee not? 

Cre. Oh yes, and 'twere a clow'd in Autumne. 

Pan. Why go to then, but to proue to you that Hellen 
loues Troy las. 

Cre. Troylui wil ftand to thee 
Proofe,if youle prooue it fo. 

Pan. Troylm? why he efteemes her no more then I e- 
fteeme an addle egge. 

Cre. If you loue an addle egge as well as you loue an 
idle head, you would eate chickens i'th'fhell. 

Pan. I cannot chufe but laugh to thinke how fhe tick- 
led his chin, indeed fhee has a maruel's white hand I muft 
needs confeffe. 

Cre. Without the racke. 

Pan. And fhee takes vpon her to fpie a white haire on 
his chinne. 

Qre. Alas poore chin? many a wart is richer. 

Pand. But there was fuch laughing, Queene Hecuba 
laught that her eyes ran ore. 

Cre. With Milftones. 

Pan. And Cajfandra laught. 

Cre. But there was more temperate fire vnder the pot 
of her eyes : did her eyes run ore too/" 

Pan. And HeBor laught. 

Cre. At what was all this laughing ? 

Pand. Marry at the white haire that Hellen fpied on 
Troylm chin. 

Cref. And t'had beene a greene haire, I fhould haue 
laught too. 

Pand. They laught not fo much at the haire, as at his 
pretty anfwere. 

Cre. What was his anfwere ? 

Pan. Quoth fhee,heere's but two and fifty haires on 
your chinne; and one of thein is white. 

Cre. This is her queftion. 

Tan d That's true, make no queftion of that, two and 
fiftie haires quoth hee,and one white,that white haire is 
my Father, and all the reft are his Sonnes. Iupiter quoth 
fhe, which of thefe haires is Paris my husband ? The for- 
ked one quoth he, pluckt out and giue it him : but there 
was fuch laughing, and Hellen fo blufht, and Paris fo 
chaft,and all the reft fo laught, that it paft. 

Cre. So let it now, 
For is has beene a great while going by. 

Pan. Well Cozen, 



I told you a thing yefterday, think on't. 

Cre. So I does. 

Pand. lie be fworne 'tis true, he will weepe you 
an'twere a man borne in Aprill. Sound a retreate. 

Cref. And He fpring vp in his teares, an'twere a nettle 
againft May. 

Pan. Harke they are comming from the field, fhal v/e 
ftand vp here and fee them, as they paffe toward lllium, 
good Neece do,fweet Neece Creffida. 

Cre. At your pleafure. 

Pan. Heere, heere, here's an excellent place, heere we 
may fee moft brauely,Ile tel you them all by their names, 
as they paffe by, but marke Troylus aboue the reft. 
Enter cALneai. 

Cre. Speake not fo low'd. 

Pan. That's nA.neai, is not that a braue man,hee's one 
of the flb\vers of Troy I can you, but mErke Troylui, you 
fhal fee anon. 

Cre. Who's that ? 

Enter Antenor, 

Pan. That's Antenor , he has a fhrow'd wit I can tell 
you, and hee's a man good inough, hee's one o'th foun- 
ded: Judgement in Troy whofoeuer, and a proper man of 
perfon:when comes Troylui ? He fhew you Troylui anon, 
if hee fee me, you fhall fee him him nod at me. 

Cre. Will he giue you the nod ? 

Pan. You fhall fee. 

Cre, If he do, the rich fhall haue, more. 
Enter HeBor. 

Pan. That's HeBor ,that, that, looke you, that there's a 
fellow. Goe thy way HeBor, there's a braue man Neece, 
O braue HeBor ! Looke how hee lookes 'there's a coun- 
tenance; ift not a braue man ? 

Cre. O brane man ! 

Pan. Is a not ? It dooes a mans heart good, looke you 
what hacks are on his Helmet, looke you yonder, do you 
fee ? Looke you there ?There's no iefting, laying on,tak't 
off, who ill as they fay, there be hacks. 

Cre. Be thofe with Swords ? 

Enter Paris. 

Pan. Swords, any thing he cares not, and the diuell 
come to him, it's all one, by Gods lid it dooes ones heart 
good. Yonder comes Paris, yonder comes Tarts: looke 
yee yonder Neece, ift not a gallant man to, ift not ? Why 
this is braue now : who faid he came hurt home to day ? 
Hee's not hurt, why this will do He/lens heart good 
now, ha? Would I could fee Troylui now, you fhall Troy- 
lui anon. 

Qre. Whofe that > 

Enter Hellenui . 

Pan. That's Hellenus , I maruell where Troylui is, that's 
Helenui, I thinke he went not forth to day : that's Hel- 
lenui. 

Cre. Can Hellenui fight Vncle i 

Pan. Hellenui no : yes heele fight indifferent, well, I 
maruell where Troylui is; harke, do you not haere the 
people crie Troylui i Hellenui is a Prieft. 

Cre. What fneaking fellow comes yonder ? 
Enter Trylui. 

Pan. Where i Yonder ? That's Doephobus. ' Tis Troy- 
lui ! Ther's a man Neece, hem< Braue Tray/as, the Prince 
of Chiualrie. 

Cre. Peace, for fhame peace. 

Pand. Marke him, not him : O braue Troylui : looke 
well vpon him Neece, looke you how his Sword is blou- 
died, and hisHelme more hackt then HeBors,zni how he 

lookes, 



'Troylus and Crefsida. 



lookes, and how he goes. O admirable youth I he ne're 
faw three and twenty. Go thy way Troylus, go thy way, 
had I a fifter were a (/race, or a daughter a Goddeffe, hee 
mould take his choice. O admirable man ! Paris ? Pan's 
is durt to him, and I warrant, Helen to change, would 
giue money to boot. 

Enter common Souldiers. 

CreJ. Heere come more. 

Pan. Affes, fooles, dolts, chaffe and bran, chaffe and 
bran ; porredge after meat. I could liue and dye i'th'eyes 
of Troyltu. Ne're looke, ne're looke ; the Eagles are gon, 
Crowes and Dawes, Crowes and Dawes : I had rather be 
fuch a man as Troylus, then Agamemnon, and all Greece. 

Cref. There is among the Greekes Achilles, a better 
man then Troylus. 

Tan. zAchilles? a Dray-man, a Porter,a very Camell. 

Cref. Well, we 11. 

Pan. Well, well? Why haue you any difcretion?haue 
you any eyes? Do you know what a man is? Is not birth, 
beauty, good fhape, difcourfe, manhood, learning, gen- 
tleneffe, vertue, youth, liberality, and fo forth : the Spice, 
and fait that feafons a man? 

Cref. J, a minc'd man. and then to be bak'd with no Date 
in the pye, for then the mans dates out. 

Pan. You are fuch another woman, one knowes not 
at what ward you lye. 

Qref. Vpon my backe, to defend my belly ; vpon my 
wit, to defend my wiles ; vppon my fecrecy, to defend 
mine honefty; my Maske, to defend my beauty, and you 
to defend all thefe : and at all thefe wardes I lye at, at a 
thoufand watches. 

Pan. Say one of your watches. 

Cref. Nay He watch you for that, and that's one of 
the cheefeft of them too : If I cannot ward what I would 
not haue hit, I can watch you for telling how I took the 
blow, vnlefTe it fwell paft hiding, and then it's paft wat- 
ching. 

Enter Boy. 

Pan. You are fuch another. 

'Boy. Sir, my Lord would inftantly fpeake with you. 

Pan. Where? 

Boy. At your owne houfe. 

Pan. Good Boy tell him I come, I doubt he bee hurt. 
Fare ye well good Neece. 

Cref. Adieu Vnkle. 

Pan. He be with you Neece by and by. 

Cref. To bring Vnkle. 

Pan. I, a token from Troylus. 

Cref. By the fame token, you are a Bawd. Exit Pand. 
Words, vowes, gifts, teares, & loues full facrifice, 
He offers in anothers enterprife : 
But more in Troylus thoufand fold I fee, 
Then in the glaffe of Pandar's praife may be ; 
Yet hold I oft". Women are Angels wooing, 
Things won are done, ioyes foule lyes in the dooing : 
That fhe belou'd, knowes nought, that knowes not this j 
Men prize the thing vngain'd, more then it is. 
That ihe was neuer yet, that euer knew 
Loue got fo fweet, as when defire did fue : 
Therefore this maxime out of loue I teach; 
" Atchienement , is command; -vngai/i'd, befeecb. 
That though my hearts Contents firme loue doth beare, 
Nothing of that fhall from mine eyes appeare. Exit. 



57?. 



Senet. Enter Agamemnon, Neflor, Vlyjfes, Diome- 
des,Menelaus,with others. 

Agam. Princes : 
What greefe hath fet the Iaundies on your cheekes ? 
The ample propofition that hope makes 
In all defignes, begun on earth below 
Fayles in the promift largeneffe : cheekes and difafters 
Grow in the veines of actions higheft rear'd. 
As knots by the conflux of meeting fap, 
Infect the found Pine, and diuerts his Graine 
Tortiue and erant from his courfe of growth. 
Nor Princes, is it matter new to vs, 
That we come fhort of our fuppofe fo farre, 
That after feuen yeares fiege, yet Troy walles ftand, 
Sith euery action that hath gone before, 
Whereof we haue Record, Triall did draw 
Bias and thwart, not anfwtring the ayme : 
And that vnbodied figure of the thought 
That gaue't furmifed fhape. Why then(you Princes) 
Do you with cheekes abafh'd, behold our workes, 
And thinke them fhame, which are (indeed )nought elfe 
But the protradtiue trials of great loue, 
To finde perfiftiue conftancie in men ? 
The fineneffe of which Mettall is not found 
In Fortunes loue : for then, the Bold and Coward, 
The Wife and Foole, the Artift and vn-read, 
The hard and foft, feeme allaffin'd,and kin. 
But in the Winde and Temped: of her frowne, 
Diftinction with a lowd and powrefull fan, 
Puffing at all, winnowes the light away ; 
And what hath maffe, or matter by it felfe, 
Lies rich in Vertue, and vnmingled. 

Neslor. With due Obferuance of thy godly feat, 
Great Agamemnon, Nejlor fhall apply^ 
Thy lateft words. 
In the reproofe of Chance, 

Lies the true proofe of men : The Sea being fmooth, 
How many fhallow bauble Boates dare faile 
Vpon her patient breft, making their way 
With thofe of Nobler bulke ? 
But let the Ruffian Boreas once enrage 
The gentle Thetis, and anon behold 

The ftrong ribb'd Barke through liquid Mountaines cut, 
Bounding betweene the two moyft Elements 
Like Terfeus Horfe. Where's then the fawcy Bo ate, 
Whofe weake vntimber'd fides but euen now 
Co-riual'd Greatneffe ? Either to harbour fled, 
Or made aTofte for Neptune. Euen fo, 
Doth valours fhew,and valours worth diuide 
In ftormes of Fortune. 
For, in her ray and brightneffe, 
The Heard hath more annoyance by the Brieze 
Then by the Tyger : But, when the fplitting winde 
Makes flexible the knees of knotted Oakes, 
And Flies fled vnder fhade, why then 
The thing of Courage, 

As rowz'd with rage, with rage doth fympathize, 
And with an accent tun'd in felfe-fame key, 
Retyres to chiding Fortune. 

Vlyf. Agamemnon: 
Thou great Commander, Nerue, and Bone of Greece, 
Heart of our Numbers, foule, and onely fpirit, 
In whom the tempers, and the mindes of all 
Should be fhut vp : Heare whar Vlyjfes fpeakes, 
Befides the applaufe and approbation 
The which moft mighty for thy place and fway, 

«[ And 



Troy /us and Crefsida. 



And thou moft reuerend for thy ftretcht-out life, 
I giue to both your fpeeches : which were fuch, 
As Agamemnon and the hand of Greece 
Should hold vp high in Braffe : and fuch againe 
As venerable Neftor (hatch'd in Siluer) 
Should with a bond of ayre, ftrong as the Axletree 
In which the Heauens ride, knit all Greekes eares 
To his experienc'd tongue : yet let it pleafe both 
(Thou Great, and Wife) to heare Vlyjfes fpeake. 

Aga. Speak Prince of Ithaca, 2nd be't of leffe expect : 
That matter needleffe of importleffe burthen 
Diuide thy lips ; then we are confident 
When ranke Therfites opes his Mafticke iawes, 
We fliall heare Muficke, Wit, and Oracle. 

Vlyf. Troy yet vpon his bafis had bene downe, 
And the great Heclors fword had lack'd a Matter 
But for thefe inftances. 

The fpecialty of Rule hath beene neglected ; 
And looke how many Grecian Tents do ftand 
Hollow vpon this Plaine, fo many hollow Factions. 
When that the Generall is not like the Hiue, 
To whom the Forragers mail all repaire, 
What Hony is expected? Degree being vizarded, 
Th'vnworthieft fliewes as fairely in the Maske. 
The Heauens themfelues, the Planets, and this Center, 
Obferue degree, priority,and place, 
Infifture, courfe, proportion, feafon, forme, 
Office, and cuftome,in all line of Order : 
And therefore is the glorious Planet Sol 
In noble eminence, enthron'd and fphear'd 
Amid'ft the other, whofe med'cinable eye 
Con-efts the ill Afpefts of Planets euill, 
And poftes like the Command'ment of a King, 
Sans checke, to good and bad. But when the Planets 
In euill mixture to diforder wander, 
What Plagues, and what portents, what mutiny ? 
What raging of the Sea? making of Earth ? 
Commotion in the Windes? Frights, changes, horrors, 
Diuert, and cracke, rend and deracinate 
The vnity, and married calme of States 
Quite from their fixure ? O, when Degree is lhak'd, 
(Which is the Ladder to all high defignes) 
The enterprize is ficke. How could Communities, 
Degrees in Schooles, and Brother-hoods in Cities, 
Peacefull Commerce from diuidable fhores, 
The primogenitiue, and due of Byrth, 
Prerogatiue of Age, Crownes, Scepters, Lawrels, 
(But by Degree) ftand in Authentique place? 
Take but Degree away, vn-tune that firing, 
And hearke what Difcord followes : each thing meetes 
In meere oppugnancie. The bounded Waters, 
Should lift their bofomes higher then the Shores, 
And make a foppe of all this folid Globe : 
Strength mould be Lord of imbecility, 
And the rude Sonne mould ftrike his Father dead : 
Force mould be right, or rather, right and wrong, 
( Betweene whofe endleffe iarre, Iuftice recides) 
Should loofe her names, and fo mould Iuftice too. 
Then euery thing includes it felfe in Power, 
Power into Will, Will into Appetite, 
And Appetite(an vniuerfall Wolfe, 
So doubly feconded with Will, and Power) 
Muft make perforce an vniuerfall prey, 
And laft, eate vp himfelfe. 
Great Agamemnon : 
This Chaos, when Degree is fufFocate, 



Followes the choaking : 

And this neglection of Degree, is it 

That by a pace goes backward in a purpofe 

It hath to climbe. The Generall's difdain'd 

By him one ftep below ; he, by the next, 

That next, by him beneath : fo euery ftep 

Exampled by the firft pace that is ficke 

Of his Superiour, growes to an enuious Feauer 

Of pale, and bloodleffe Emulation. 

And 'tis this Feauer that keepesTroy on foote, 

Not her owne finewes. To end a tale of length, 

Troy in our weakneffe liues, not in her ftrength. 

Neft. Moft wifely hath Vlyjfes heere difcouer'd 
The Feauer, whereof all our power is ficke. 

Aga. The Nature of the fickneffe found (Vlyjfes) 
What is the remedie ? 

Vlyf. The great Achilles, whom Opinion crownes, 
The finew, and the fore-hand of our Hofte, 
Hauing his eare full of his ayery Fame, 
Growes dainty of his worth, and in his Tent 
Lyes mocking our defignes. With him, Tatroclus, 
Vpon a lazie Bed, the liue-long day 
Breakes fcurrill lefts, 
And with ridiculous and aukward action, 
(Which Slanderer, he imitation call's) 
He Pageants vs. Sometime great Agamemnon, 
Thy topleffe deputation he puts on ; 
And like a ftrutting Player, whofe conceit 
Lies in his Ham-ftring, and doth thinke it rich 
To heare the woodden Dialogue and found 
'Twixt his ftretcht footing, and the Scaffolage, 
Such to be pittied, and ore-refted feeming 
He acts thy Greatneffe in : and when he fpeakes, 
'Tis like a Chime a mending. With tearmes vnfquar'i 
Which from the tongue of roaring Typhon dropt, 
Would feemes Hyperboles. At this fufty ftuffe, 
The large Achilles (on his preft-bed lolling) 
From his deepe Cheft, laughes out a lowd applaufe, 
Cries excellent, 'tis Agamemnon iuft. 
Now play me Neftor ; hum, and ftroke thy Beard 
As he, being dreft to fome Oration : 
That's done, as neere as the extreameft ends 
Of paralels ; as like, as Vulcan and his wife, 
Yet god Achilles ftill cries excellent, 
'Tis Neftor right. Now play him (me) Patroclus, 
Arming to anfwer in a night- Alarme, 
And then (forfooth) the faint defects of Age 
Muft be the Scene of myrth, to cough, and fpit, 
And with a palfie fumbling on his Gorget, 
Shake in and out the Riuet : and at this fport 
Sir Valour dies ; cries, O enough Patroclus, 
Or, giue me ribs of Steele, I mail fplit all 
In pleafure of my Spleene. And in this falhion, 
All our abilities, gifts, natures, ftiapes, 
Seuerals and generals of grace exact, 
Atchieuments, plots, orders, preuentions, 
Excitements to the field, or fpeech for truce, 
Succeffe or loffe, what is, or is not, femes 
As ftuffe for thefe two, to make paradoxes. 

Neft. And in the imitation of thefe twaine, 
Who (as Vlyjfes fayes) Opinion crownes 
With an Imperiall voyce, many are infect : 
Aiax is growne felfe-will'd, and beares his head 
In fuch a reyne, in full as proud a place 
As broad Achilles, and keepes his Tent like him ; 
Makes factious Feafts.railes on our ftate of Warre 



Troy/us and Crejsida. 



Bold as an Oracle, and fets Therfites 

A flaue, whofe Gall coines flanders like a Mint, 

To match vs in comparifons with durt, 

To weaken and difcredit our expofure, 

How ranke foeuer rounded in with danger. 

Vlyf. They taxe our policy , and call it Cowardice, 
Count Wifedome as no member of the Warre, 
Fore-ftall prefcience, and efteeme no adle 
But that of hand : The ftill and mentall parts, 
That do contriue how many hands fhall ftrike 
When fitneffe call them on, and know by meafure 
Of their obferuant toyle, the Enemies waight, 
Why this hath not a fingers dignity : 
They call this Bed-worke, Mapp'ry , Cloffet- Warre : 
So that the Ramme that batters downe the wall, 
For the great fwing and rudeneffe of his poize, 
They place before his hand that made the Engine, 
Or thofe that with the fineneffe of their foules, 
By Reafon guide his execution. 

Nejl. Let this be granted, and Achilles horfe 
Makes many Thetis fonnes. Tucket 

Aga. What Trumpet? Looke Menelaus. 

Men. From Troy. Enter zAZnetu. 

Aga. What would you 'fore our Tent ? 

c/£w. Is this great Agamemnons Tent, I pray you ? 

Aga. Euen this. 

zsEne. May one that is a Herald, and a Prince, 
Do a faire meffage to his Kingly eares ? 

Aga. With furety ftronger then Achilles arme, 
'Fore all the Greekifh heads, which with one voyce 
Call Agamemnon Head and General!. 

nAZne, Faire leaue, and large fecurity. How may 
A ftranger to thofe moft Imperial lookes, 
Know them from eyes of other Mortals ? 

Aga. How ? 

oy£ne. I : I aske,that I might waken reuerence, 
And on the cheeke be ready with a blufh 
Modeft as morning, when fhe coldly eyes 
The youthfull Phcebus : 
Which is that God in office guiding men? 
Which is the high and mighty Agamemnon} 

Aga. This Troyan fcornes vs, or the men of Troy 
Are ceremonious Courtiers. 

cAZne. Courtiers as free, as debonnaire ; vnarm'd, 
As bending Angels : that's their Fame, in peace : 
But when they would feeme Souldiers, they haue galles, 
Good armes, ftrong ioynts, true fwords,& hues accord, 
Nothing fo full of heart. But peace i^Eneai, 
Peace Troyan, lay thy finger on thy lips, 
The worthineffe of praife diftaines his worth : . 
If that he prais'd himfelfe, bring the praife forth. 
But what the repining enemy commends, 
That breath Fame blowes,that praife fole pure tranfceds. 

Aga. Sir, you of Troy, call you your felfe cALneai ? 

es£ne. I Greeke, that is my name. 

Aga. What's your affayre I pray you ? 

n&ne. Sir pardon, 'tis for Agamemnons eares. 

Aga. He heares nought priuatly 
That comes from Troy. 

uSEne. Nor I from Troy come not to whifper him, 
I bring a Trumpet to awake hiseare, 
To fet his fence on the attentiue bent, 
And then to fpeake. 

Aga. Speake frankely as the winde, 
It is not Agamemnons fleeping houre; 
That thou malt know Troyan he is awake, 



He telstheefo himfelfe. 

tSEne. Trumpet blow loud, 
Send thy Braffe voyce through all thefe lazie Tents, 
And euery Greeke of mettle, let him know, 
What Troy meanes fairely, fhall be fpoke alowd. 

The Trumpets found. 
We haue great Agamemnon heere in Troy, 
A Prince calld HeBor, Triam is his Father : 
Who in this dull and long-continew'd Truce 
Is rufty growne. He bad me take a Trumpet, 
And to this purpofe fpeake : Kings,Princes, Lords, 
If there be one among'ft the fayr'ft of Greece, 
That holds his Honor higher then his eafe, 
That feekes his praife, more then he feares his perill, 
That knowes his Valour, and knowes not his feare, 
That loues his Miftris more then in confeffion, 
(With truant vowes to her owne lips he loues) 
And dare avow her Beauty ,and her Worth, 
In other armes then hers : to him this Challenge. 
Hector, in view of Troyans, and of Greekes, 
Shall make it good, or do his beft to do it. 
He hath a Lady, wifer, fairer, truer, 
Then euer Greeke did compaffe in his armes, 
And will to morrow with his Trumpet call, 
Midway betweene your Tents, and walles of Troy, 
To rowze a Grecian that is true in loue. 
If any come, Hector fhal honour him : 
If none, hee'l fay in Troy when he retyres, 
The Grecian Dames are fun-burnt,and not worth 
The fplinter of a Lance : Euen fo much. 

Aga. This fhall be told our Louers Lord <y£neas, 
If none of them haue foule in fuch a kinde, 
We left them all at home : But we are Souldiers, 
And may that Souldier a meere recreant proue, 
That meanes not, hath not, or is not in loue : 
If then one is, or hath, or meanes to be, 
That one meets Hector; if none elfe,Ile be he. 

Nejl. Tell him of Nejlor, one that was a man 
When Hectors Grandfire fuckt : he is old now, 
But if there be not in our Grecian mould, 
One Noble man, that hath one fparklof fire 
To anfwer for his Loue ; tell him from me, 
He hide mySiluer beard in a Gold Beauer, 
And in myVantbracc put this wither'd brawne, 
And meeting him, wil tell him, that my Lady 
Was fayrer then his Grandame, and as chafte 
As may be in the world : his youth in flood, 
Ilepawne this truth with my three drops of blood. 

<idine. Now heauens forbid fuch fcarfitie of youth. 

Vlyf. Amen. 

Aga. Faire Lord zdineas, 
Let me touch your hand : 
To our Pauillion fhal I leade you firft : 
Achilles fhall haue word of this intent, 
So fhall each Lord of Greece from Tent to Tent: 
Your felfe fhall Feaft with vs before you goe, 
And finde the welcome of a Noble Foe. Exeunt. 

cManet VlyjTes,and Nejlor. 

Vlyf. NeBor. 

Nejl. What fayes VlyJJes ? 

Vlyf. I haue a young conception in my braine, 
Be you my time to bring it to fome fhape. 

Nejl. Whatis't? 

VlyJJes. This 'tis : 
Blunt wedges riue hard knots : the feeded Pride 
That hath to this maturity blowne vp 

% i In 



Troy /us and Crefsida. 



In ranke Achilles ,muft or now be cropt, 
Or fhedding breed a Nurfery of like euil 
To ouer-bulke vs all. 

Nefl. Wei, and how ? 

Vlyf. This challenge that the gallant HeBor fends, 
Howeuer it is fpred in general name, 
Relates in purpofe onely to ^Achilles. 

Nefl. The purpofe is perfpicuous euen as fubftance, 
Whole groffeneffe little charrafters fumme vp, 
And in the publication make no ftraine, 
Eut that Achilles, were his braine as barren 
As bankes of Lybia, though (Apollo knowes) 
'Tis dry enough, wil with great fpeede of iudgement, 
I, with celerity, finde He&ors purpofe 
Pointing on him. 

'Olyf. And wake him to the anfwer, thinke you ? 

Nefl. Yes, 'tis moft meet; who may you elfe oppofe 
That can from HeBor bring his Honor off, I 
If not Achilles ; though't be a fportfull Combate, 
Yet in this triall, much opinion dwels. 
For heere the Troyans tafte our deer'ft repute 
With their fin'ft Fallate : and truft to me Vlyffes, 
Our imputation fhall be oddely poiz'd 
In this wilde action. For the fucceffe 
(Although particular) fhall giue a fcantling 
Of good or bad, vnto the Generall : 
And in fuch Indexes, although fmall prickes 
To their fubfequent Volumes, there is feene 
The baby figure of the Gyant-maffe 
Of things to come at large. It is fuppos'd, 
He that meets HeBor, iffues from our choyfe ; 
And choife being mutuall a£te of all our foules, 
Makes Merit her election, and doth boyle 
As 'twere, from forth vs all : a man diftill'd 
Out of our Vertues; who mifcarrying, 
What heart from hence receyues the conqu'ring part 
To fteele a ftrong opinion to themfelues, 
Which entertain'd, Limbes are in his inftrurrients, 
In no leffe working, then are Swords and Bowes 
DirecYiue by the Limbes. 

Vlyj- Glue pardon to my fpeech : 
Therefore 'tis meet, Achilles meet not HeBor : 
Let vs (like Merchants) mew our fowleft Wares, 
And thinke perchance they'l fell : If not, 
The lufter of the better yet to mew, 
Shall mew the better. Do not confent, 
That euer HeBor and Achilles meete : 
For both our Honour, and our Shame in this, 
Are dogg'd with two ftrange Followers. 

Neft. I fee them not with my old eies : what are they? 

Vlyf. What glory our Achilles mares from HeBor, 
(Were he not proud) we all mould weare with him : 
But he already is too infolent, 
And we were better parch in Affricke Sunne, 
Then in the pride and fait fccrne of his eyes 
Should he fcape HeBor faire. If he were foyld, 
Why then we did our maine opinion crufti 
In taint of our beft man. No, make a Lott'ry, 
And by deuice let blockifh Aiax draw 
The fort to fight with HeBor : Among our felues,] 
Giue him allowance as the worthier man, 
For that will phyficke the great Myrmidon 
Who broyles in lowd applaufe, and make him fall 
His Creft, that prouder then blew Iris bends. 
If the dull brain leffe ^ia* come fafe off, 
Wee'l drefle him vp in voyces : if he faile, 



Yet go we vnder our opinion ftill, 
That we haue better men. But hit or miffe, 
Our proiefts life this ihape of fence affumes, 
Aiax imploy'd,pluckes downe Achilles Plumes. 

Neft. Now Vlyffes, I begin to relliih thy aduice, 
And I wil giue a tafte of it forthwith 
To Agamemnon, go we to him ftraight : 
Two Curres fhal tame each other, Pride alone 
Muft tarre the Maftiffes on, as 'twere their bone. Exeunt 
Enter Aiax, and. Therfites. 

Aia. Therfites} 

Ther. tAgamemnon, how if he had Biles (ful) all ouer 
generally. 

Aia. Therfites} 

Ther. And thofe Byles did runne, fay fo ; did not the 
General run, were not that a botchy core,? 

tAia. Dogge. 

T&r.Then there would come fome matter from him : 
I fee none now. 

tAia. Thou Bitch-Wolfes-Sonne, canft y not heare? 
Feelethen. Strides him. 

Ther.The plague of Greece vpon thee thou Mungrel 
beefe-witted Lord. 

Aia. Speake then you whinid'ft leauen fpeake, I will 
beate thee into handfomneffe. 

Ther. I fhal fooner rayle thee into wit and holinefle: 
but I thinke thy Horfe wil fooner con an Oration, then y 
learn a prayer without booke : Thou canft ftrike, canft 
thou? A red Murren o'th thy lades trickes. 

Aia. Toads ftoole, learne me the Proclamation. 

Ther. Doeft thou thinke I haue no fence thou ftrik'ft 

eAia. The Proclamation. (me thus ? 

Ther. Thou art proclaim'd a foole, I thinke. 

Aia. Do not Porpentine,do not; my fingers itch. 

Ther. I would thou didft itch from head to foot, and 
I had the fcratching of thee, I would make thee the loth- 
fom'ft fcab in Greece. 

Aia. I fay the Proclamation. 

Ther. Thou grumbleft & railed euery houre on A- 
chilles, and thou art as ful of enuy at his greatnes, as Cer- 
beriu, is at Proferpina's beauty. I, that thou barkft at him- 

Aia. Miftreffe Therfites. 

Ther. Thou mould'ft ftrike him. 

Aia. Coblofe. 

Ther. He would pun thee into lhiuers with his fift, as 
a Sailor breakes a bisket.l 

Aia. You horfon Curre. Ther. Do,do. 

Aia. Thou ftoole for a Witch. 

Ther. I, do, do, thou fodden-witted Lord : thou haft 
no more braine then I haue in mine elbows : An Afinico 
may tutor thee. Thou fcuruy valiant AfTe,thou art heere 
but to threfh Troyans, and thou art bought and folde a- 
mong thofe of any wit, like a Barbarian flaue. If thou vfe 
to beat me, I wil begin at thy heele, and tel what thou art 
by inches, thou thing of no bowels thou. I 

Aia. You dogge. 

Ther. You fcuruy Lord. 

Aia. You Curre. 

Ther. Mars his Ideot : do rudenes,do Camell,do,do. 

Enter Achilles, and Patroclui. 
Achil. Why how now Aiaxt wherefore do you this? 
How now Therfitest what's the matter man? 

Ther. You fee him there, do you ? 

Achil. I, what's the matter. 

Ther. Nay looke vpon him. 

Achil. So I do : what's the matter ? 

Ther. 

~ 576~ 



Troy/us and Crefsida. 



Ther. Nay but regard him well. 

Achil. Well, why I do fo. 

Ther. But yet you looke not well vpon him : for who 
fome euer you take him to be, he is Aiax. 

Achil. I know that foole. 

Ther. I, but that foole knowes not himfelfe. 

Aiax. Therefore I beate thee. 

Ther. Lo, lo,lo, lo, what modicums of wit he vtters : his 
euafions haue eares thus long. I haue bobb'd his Braine 
more then he has beate my bones : I will buy nine Spar- 
rowes for a peny, and his Piamater is not worth the ninth 
part of a Sparrow. This Lord {Achilles) Aiax who wears 
his wit in his belly, and his guttes in his head, He tell you 
what I fay of him. 

Achil. What? 

Ther. I fay this tAiax 

•sAchil. Nay good Aiax. 

Ther. Has not fo much wit. 

Achil: Nay, I molt hold you. 

Ther. As will ftop the eye of Helens Needle,Lr whom 
hecomes to fight. 

Achil. Peace foole. 

Tber. I would haue peace and quietnes , but the foole 
will not : he there, that he, looke you there. 

Aiax. O thou damn'd Curre, I /hall 

Achil. Will you fet your wit to a Fooles. 

Ther. No I warrant you,for a fooles will fliame it. 

Pat. Good words Therfites. 

Achil. What's the quarrell / 

Aiax. I bad thee vile Owle, goe learne me the tenure 
of the Proclamation, and he ray les vpon me. 

Ther. I feme thee not. 
Aiax. Well, go too, go too. 

Ther. I ferue heere voluntary. 

Achil. Your laft feruice was fufferance, 'twas not vo- 
luntary, no nun is beaten voluntary : Aiax was heere the 
voluntary, and you as vnder an ImprefTe. 

72w.E'nefo, a great deale of your wit too lies in your 
finnewes, or elfe there be Liars. Hetlor mall haue a great 
catch, if he knocke out either of your braines,he were as 
good cracke a fuftie nut with no kernell. 

Achil. What with me to Therfites ? 

Ther. There's Vlyjfes, and old Neflor, whofe Wit was 
mouldy ere their Grandfires had nails on their toes,yoke 
you like draft-Oxen, and make you plough vp the warre. 

Achil. What? what? 

Ther. Yes good footh, to Achilles, to Aiax, to 

Aiax. I mall cut out your tongue. 

Ther. 'Tis no matter, I mall fpeake as much as thou 
afterwards. 

"Pat. No more words Therfites. 

Ther.l will hold my peace when Achilles Brooch bids 
me, mall 1/ 

Achil. There's for you Patrcclus. 

Ther. I wi'l fee you hang'd like Clotpoles ere I come 
any more to your Tents ; I will keepe where there is wit 
ftirring, and leaue the faction of fooles. Exit. 

Pat. A good riddance. 

Achil. Marry this Sir is proclaim'd through al our hoft, 
That Hetlor by the fift houre of the Sunne, 
Will with a Trumpet, 'twixt our Tents and Troy 
To morrow morning call fome Knight to Armes, 
That hath a ftomacke, and fuch a one that dare 
Maintaine I know not what : 'tis trafh. Farewell. 

Aiax. Farewell ? who mail anfwer him ? 

Achil, I know not, 'tis put to Lottry: otherwife 



577 



Heknew his man. 

Aiax. O meaning you, I wil go learne more of it. Exit. 
Enter Priam, Hetlor, Troylui ,Paru and Helenas. 

Pri. After fo many houres,liues,fpeeches fpent, 
Thus once againe fayes Nejlor from the Greekes, 
Deliuer Helen, and all damage elfe 
(As honour, loffe of time, trauaile, expence, 
Wounds, friends, and what els deere that is confum'd 
In hot digeftion of this comorant Warre,) 
Shall be ftroke off. Heilor, what fay you too't. 

Hetl. Though no man leffer feares the Greeks then I, 
As farre as touches my particular : yet dread Priam, 
There is no Lady of more foftcr bowels, 
More fpungie, to fucke in the fenfe of leare, 
More ready to cry out, who knowes what followes 
Then Hetlor is : the wound of peace is furety, 
Surety fecure : but modeft Doubt is cal'd 
The Beacon of the wife : the tent that fearches 
To'th'bottome of the worft. Let Helen go, 
Since the firft fword was drawne about this queftion, 
Euery tythe foule 'mongft many thoufand difmes, 
Hath bin as deere as Helen : I meane of ours : 
If we haue loft fo many tenths of ours 
To guard a thing not ours , nor worth to vs 
(Had it our name) the valew of one ten ; 
What merit's in that reafon which denies 
The yeelding of her vp. 

Troy. Fie, fie, my Brother ; 
Weigh you the worth and honour of a King 
(So great as our dread Father) in a Scale 
Of common Ounces ? Wil you with Counters fumme 
The paft proportion of his infinite, 
Andbuckle in a wafte raoft fathomleffe, 
With fpannes and inches fo diminutiue, 
As feares and reafons ? Fie for godly mame ? 

Hel. No maruel though you bite fo iharp at reafons, 
You are fo empty of them, mould not our Father 
Beare the great fway of his affayres with reafons, 
Becaufe your fpeech hath none that tels him fo. 

Troy. You are for dreames & /lumbers brother Prieft 
You furre your gloues with reafon : here are your reafons 
You know an enemy intends you harme, 
You know, a fword imploy'd is perillous, 
And reafon flyes the obieft of all harme. 
Who maruels then when Helenas beholds 
A Grecian and his fword, if he do fet 
The very wings of reafon to his heeles: 
Or like a Starre diforb'd. Nay, if wetalke of Reafon, 
And flye like chidden Mercurie from Ioue, 
Let's fhut our gates and fleepe : Manhood and Honor 
Should haue hard hearts, wold they but fat their thoghts 
With this cramm'd reafon : reafon and refpedt, 
Makes Liuers pale, and luftyhood deieft. 

Heel. Brother, ihe is not worth 
What me doth coft the holding. 

Troy. What's aught, but as 'tis valew'd ? 

Hetl. But value dwels not in particular will, 
It holds his eftimate and dignitie 
As well, wherein 'tis precious of it felfe,\ 
As in the prizer : 'Tis made Idolatrie, 
To make the feruice greater then the God, 
And the will dotes that is inclineable 
To what infeftioufly it felfe affefts, 
Without fome image of th'affefted merit. 

Troy. I take to day a Wife, and my election 
Is led on in the conduft of my Will ; 

«r 3 M y 

4» 



Troylus and Crefsida. 



My Will enkindled by mine eyes and eares, 

Two traded Pylots 'twixt the dangerous fhores 

Of Will, and Iudgement. How may I auoyde 

(Although my will diftafte what it elected) 

The Wife I chofe, there can be no euafion 

To blench from this, and to ftand firme by honour. 

We turne not backe the Silkes vpon the Merchant 

When we haue fpoyl'd them ; nor the remainder Viands 

We do not throw in vnrefpectiue fame, 

Becaufe we now are full. It was thought meete 

Paris fhould do fome vengeance on the Greekes 5 

Your breath of full confent bellied his Sailes, 

The Seas and Windes (old Wranglers) tooke a Truce, 

And did him feruice ; he touch'd the Ports defir'd, 

And for an old Aunt whom the Greekes held Captiue, 

He brought a Grecian Queen, whofe youth & frefhneffe 

Wrinkles Apolloes, and makes ftale the morning. 

Why keepe we her? the Grecians keepe our Aunt : 

Is me worth keeping ? Why fhe is a Pearle, 

Whofe price hath launch'd aboue a thoufand Ships, 

And turn'd Crown'd Kings to Merchants. 

If you'l auouch, 'twas wifedome Paris went, 

(As you muft needs, for you all cride, Go, go:) 

If you'l confeffe, he brought home Noble prize, 

(As you muft needs) for you all clapt your hands, 

And cride ineftimable ; why do you now 

The iffue of your proper Wifedomes rate, 

And do a deed that Fortune neuer did ? 

Begger the eftimation which you priz'd, 

Richer then Sea and Land ? O Theft moft bafe ! 

That we haue ftolne what we do feare to keepe. 

But Theeues vnworthy of a thing fo ftolne, 

That in their Country did them that difgrace, 

We feare to warrant in our Natiue place. 

Enter Cajfandra with her haire about 
her eares. 

Caf. Cry Troyans, cry. 

Priam. What noyfe ? what fhreeke is this ? 

Troy. 'Tis our mad lifter, I do know her voyce. 

Caj. Cry Troyans. 

HeB. It is Cajfandra. 

Caf. Cry Troyans cry; lend me ten thoufand eyes, 
And I will fill them with Propheticke teares. 

HeB. Peace fifter, peace. 

Caj. Virgins, and Boyes; mid-age & wrinkled old, 
Soft infancie, that nothing can but cry, 
Adde to my clamour : let vs pay betimes 
A moity of that maffe of moane to come. 
Cry Troyans cry, praftife your eyes with teares, 
Troy muft not be, nor goodly Illion ftand, 
Our fire-brand Brother Paris burnes vs all. 
Cry Troyans cry, a Helen and a woe ; 
Cry,cry,Troy burnes, or elfe let Helen goe. Exit. 

HeB. Nowyouthfull Troylus, do not thefe hie ftrains 
Of diuination in our Sifter, worke 
Some touches of remorfe ? Or is your bloud 
So madly hot, that no difcourfe of reafon, 
Nor feare of bad fucceffe in a bad caufe, 
Can qualifie the fame? 

Troy. Why Brother HeBor, 
We may not thinke the iuftnefTe of each acle 
Such, and no other then euent doth forme it, 
Nor once deieift the courage of our mindes ; 
Becaufe CaJJandra's mad, her brainficke raptures 
Cannot diftafte the goodneffe of a quarrell, 



Which hath our feuerall Honours all engag'd 
To make it gracious. For my priuate part, 
I am no more touch'd, then all Priams fonnes, 
And Ioue forbid there fhould be done among'ft vs 
Such things as might offend the weakeft fpleene, 
To fight for, and maintaine. 

Par. Elfe might the world conuince of leuitie, 
As well my vnder-takings as your counfels : 
But I atteft the gods, your full confent 
Gaue wings to my propenfion, and cut off 
All feares attending on fo dire a proie<ft. 
For what (alas) can thefe my fingle armes ? 
What propugnation is in one mans valour 
To ftand the pulh and enmity of thofe 
This quarrell would excite ? Yet I proteft, 
Were I alone to paffe the difficulties, 
And had as ample power, as I haue will, 
Paris fhould ne're retract what he hath done, 
Nor faint in the purfuite. 

Pri, Paris, you fpeake 
Like one be-fotted on your fweet delights ; 
You haue the Hony ftill, but thefe the Gall, 
So to be valiant, is no praife at all. 

Par. Sir, 1 propofe not meerely to my felfe, 
The pleafures fuch a beauty brings with it : 
But I would haue the foyle of her faire Rape 
Wip'd off in honourable keeping her. 
What Treafon were it to the ranfack'd Queene, 
Difgrace to your great worths, and mame to me, 
Now to deliuer her poffefsionvp 
On termes of bafe compulsion ? Can it be, 
That fo degenerate a ftraine as this, 
Should once fet footing in your generous bofomes ? 
There's not the meaneft fpirit on our partie, 
Without a heart to dare, or fword to draw, 
When Helen is defended : nor none fo Noble, 
Whofe life were ill beftow'd, or death vnfam'd, 
Where Helen is the fubiea. Then (I fay) 
Well may we fight for her, whom we know well, 
The worlds large fpaces cannot paralell. 

HeB. Paris and Troylus, you haue both faid wel! : 
And on the caufe and queftion now in hand, 
Haue gloz'd, but fuperficially ; not much 
Vnlike young men, whom Ariftotle thought 
Vnfit to heare MorallPhilofophie. 
The Reafons you alledge, do more conduce 
To the hot paflion of diftemp'red blood, 
Then to make vp a free determination 
'Twixt right and wrong : For pleafure, and reuenge, 
Haue eares more deafe then Adders, to the voyce 
Of any true decifion. Nature craues 
All dues be rendred to their Owners : now 
Whatneerer debt in all humanity, 
Then Wife is to the Husband ? If this law 
1 Of Nature be corrupted through affection, 
' And that great mindes of partiall indulgence, 
To their benummed wills refift the fame, 
There is a Law in each well-ordred Nation, 
To curbe thofe raging appetites that are 
Moft difubedient and refrafturie. 
If Helen then be wife to Sparta's King 
(As it is knowne /he is) thefe Morall Lawes 
Of Nature, and of Nation, fpeake alowd 
To haue her backe return'd. Thus to perfift 
In doing wrong, extenuates not wrong, 
But makes it much more heauie. HeBors opinion 



Troylus and Crejsida. 



Is this in way of truth : yet nere the lefie, 

My fpritely brethren, I propend to you 

In refolution to keepe Helen ftill ; 

For 'tis a caufe that hath no meane dependance, 

Vpon our ioynt and feuerall dignities. 

Tro. Why? there you toucht the life of our defigne : 
Were it not glory that we more affected, 
Then the performance of our heauing fpleenes, 
I would not wilh a drop of Troian blood, 
Spent more in her defence. But worthy HeBor, 
She is a theame of honour and renowne, 
A fpurre to valiant and magnanimous deeds, 
Whofe prefent courage may beate downe our foes, 
And fame in time to come canonize vs. 
For I prefume braue HeBor would not loofe 
So rich aduantage of a promif'd glory, 
As fmiles vpon the fore-head of this action, 
For the wide worlds reuenew. 

HeB. I am yours, 
You valiant off-fpring of great Priamus, 
I haue a roifting challenge fent among'ft 
The dull and factious nobles of the Greek.es, 
Will ftrike amazement to their drowfie fpirits, ' 
I was aduertiz'd, their Great generall flept, 
WhiPft emulation in the armie crept : 
This I prefume will wake him. Exeunt. 

Enter TherCitesfoliu. 
How now Therfites ? what loft in the Labyrinth of thy 
furie ? fhall the Elephant Aiax carry it thus ? he beates 
me, and I raile at him : O worthy fatisfaction, would it 
were otherwife : that I could beate him, whil'ft he rail'd 
at me : Sfoote, He learne to coniure and raife Diuels,but 
He fee fome iffue of my fpitefull execrations. Then trier's 
Achilles, a rare Enginer. If Troy be not taken till thefe two 
vr.dermine it, the walswill ftand till they fall of them- 
felues. O thou great thunder-darter of Olympus, forget 
that thou art hue the King of gods ; and ^Mercury, loofe 
all the Serpentine craft of thy Caduceus, if thou take not 
that little little lelTe then little wit from them that they 
haue, which fhort-arm'd ignorance it felfe knowes, is fo 
abundant fcarfe, it will not in circumuention deliuer a 
Flye from a Spider, without drawing the maffie Irons and 
cutting the web : after this, the vengeance on the whole 
Camp, or rather the bone-ach,for that me thinkes is the 
curfe dependant on thofe that warre for a placket. I haue 
faid my prayers and diuell, enuie, fay Amen : What ho? 
my Lord ^Achilles ? 

Enter Patroclus. 
Patr. Who's there? Therfites. Good Therfites come 
in and raile. 

Ther. If I could haue remembred a guilt counterfeit, 
thou would'ft not haue flipt out of my contemplation, 
but it is no matter, thy felfe vpon thy felfe. The common 
curfe of mankinde, follie and ignorance be thine in great 
reuenew; heauen bleffe thee from a Tutor, and Difcipline 
come not neere thee. Let thy bloud be thy direction till 
thy death , then if ihe that laies thee out fayes thou art a 
faire coarfe, lie be fworne and fworne vpon't ihe neuer 
fhrowded any but Lazars, Amen. Wher's Achilles ? 
Patr. What art thou deuout? waft thou in a prayer? 
Ther, I, the heauens heare me. 

Enter Achilles. 
AMI. Who's there? 
Patr. Therftes,my Lord. 



579 



Achil. Where, where, art thou come? why my cheefe, 
my digeftion, why haft thou not feru'd thy felfe into my 
Table, fo many meales? Come, what's Agamemnon} 

Ther. Thy Commander Achilles, then tell me Patro- 
clui, what's Jichilles? 

Patr. Thy Lord Therfites : then tell me I pray thee, 
what's thy felfe ? 

Ther. Thy knower Patrocltu : then tell me Patroclus, 
what art thou ? 

Patr. Thou maift tell that know'ft. 

Achil. O tell, tell. 

Ther. lie declin the whole queftion: Agamemnon com- 
mands Achilles,Achilles is my Lord, I am Patrocltu know- 
er, and Patroclus is a foole. 

Patro. You rafcall. 

Tcr. Peace foole, I haue not done. 

Achil. He is a priuiledg'd man, proceede Therfites. 

Ther. .Agamemnon is a foole, Achilles is a foole, Ther- 
fites is a foole, and as aforefaid, Patroclus is a foole. 

Achil. Deriue this ? come ? 

Ther. Agamemnon is a foole to offer to command A- 
chilles, Achilles is a foole to be commanded of Agamcmcn, 
Therfites is a foole to ferue fuch a foole : and tatroclus is a 
foole pofitiue. 

Patr. Why am I a foole .? 

Enter Agamemnon, Vliffes, Neftor, T>iomcdes, 
Aiax, and Chalcas. 

Tber. Make that demand to the Creator, it fuffifes me 
thou art. Looke you, who comes here.'' 

Achil. Patroclus, He fpeake with no body : come in 
with me Therfites. Exit. 

Ther. Here is fuch patcherie, fuch iugling, and fuch 
knauerie : all the argument is a Cuckold and a Whore, a 
good quarrel to draw emulations, factions, and bleede to 
death vpon :Now the dry Suppeago on the Subiect, and 
Warre and Lecherie confound all. 

Agam. Where is Achilles ? 

Patr. Within his Tent, but ill difpoPd my Lord. 

Agam. Let it be knowne to him that we are here : 
He fent our MefTengers, and we lay by 
Our appertainments, vifiting of him : 
Let him be told of, fo perchance he thinke 
We dare not moue the queftion of our place, 
Or know not what we are. 

Pat. I fhall fo fay to him. 

Vlif. We faw him at the opening of his Tent, 
He is not ficke. 

Ala. Yes, Lyon ficke, ficke of proud heart; you may ■ 
call it Melancholly if will fauour the man, but by my 
head, it'is pride; but why,why,let him fhow vs the caule? ; 
A word my Lord. 

NeJ. What moues Aiax thus to bay at him ? 

Viij. Achillis hath inueigled his Foole from him. 

NeJ. Who, Therfites} 

Vlif. He. 

Nef Then will Aiax lacke matter, if he haue loft his 
Argument. 

Vlif. No, you fee he is his argument that has his argu- 
ment Achilles. 

Nef. All the better, their fraction is more our wiih 
then their factiun ; but it was a ftrong counfell that a 
Foole could difunite. 

Vlif. The amine that wifedome knits, not folly may 
eafily vntie. Enter Patrocltu. 

Here i 



Troy /us and Crefsida. 



Here comes Patroclui. 

NeJ. No Achilles with him? 

VUJ. The Elephant hath ioynts, but none for curtefie : 
His legge are legs for necefiitie,not for flight. 

Patro. Achilles bids me fay he is much forry : 
If any thing more then your fport and pleafure, 
Did moue your greatneffe, and this noble State, 
To call vpon him ; he hopes it is no other, 
But for your health, and your digeftion fake ; 
An after Dinners breath. 

Aga. Heare you Patrocliu : 
We are too well acquainted with thefe anfwers: 
But his euafion winged thus fwift with fcorne, 
Cannot outflye our apprehenfions. 
Much attribute he hath, and much the reafon, 
Why we afcribeit to him, yet all hisvertues, 
Not vertuoufly of his owne part beheld, 
Doe in our eyes, begin to loofe their glofle ; 
Yea, and like faire Fruit in an vnholdfome difh, 
Are like to rot vntafted : goe and tell him, 
We came to fpeake with him ; and you lhall not finne, 
If you doe fay, we thinke him ouer proud, 
And vnder honeft; in felfe-affumption greater 
Then in the note of iudgement:& worthier then himfelfe 
Here tends the fauage ftrangenefte he puts on, 
Difguife the holy ftrength of their command : 
And vnder write in an obferuing kinde 
His humorous predominance, yea watch 
His pettifh lines, his ebs, his flowes, as if 
The paflage and whole carriage of this aftion 
Rode on his tyde. Goe tell him this, and adde, 
That if he ouerhold his price fo much, 
Weele none of him ; but let him, like an Engin 
Not portable, lye vnder this report. 
Bring aftion hither, this cannot goe to warre : 
A ftirring Dwarfe, we doe allowance giue, 
Before a deeping Gyant : tell him fo. 

Pat. I fhall, and bring his anfwere prefently. 

Aga. In fecond voyce weele not be fatisfied, 
We come to fpeake with h\m,Vliffls enter you. 
Exit VUJes. 

Aiax. What is he more then another ? 

Aga. No more then what he thinkes he is. 

Aia. Is he fo much, doe you not thinke, he thinkes 
himfelfe a better man then I am ? 

Ag. No queftion. 

Aiax. Will you fubfcribe his thought, and fay he is ? 

Ag. No, Noble Aiax, you are as ftrong, as valiant, as 
wife, no lefle noble, much more gentle, and altogether 
more tractable. 

Aiax. Why mould a man be proud? How doth pride 
grow? I know not what it is. 

Aga. Your minde is the cleerer Aiax,and your vertues 
the fairer; he that is proud, eates vp himfelfe; Pride is his 
owne Glafle, his owne trumpet, his owne Chronicle, and 
what euer praifes it felfe but in the deede, deuoures the 
deede in the praife. 

Enter Vlyffes. 

Aiax. I do hate a proud man, as I hate the ingendring 
of Toades. 

Nefi . Yet he lones himfelfe:is't not ftrange? 

VUj. Achilles will not to the field to morrow. 

Ag. What's his excufef 

VUj. He doth relye on none, 
But carries on the ftreame of his difpofe, 
Without obferuance or refpeft of any, 



In will peculiar, and in felfe admiffion. 

Aga. Why, will he not vpon our faire requeft, 
Vntent his perfon, and fhare the ayre with vs? 

VUj. Things fmall as nothing, for requefts fake onely 
He makes important; pofleft he is with greatnefie, 
And fpeakes not to himfelfe, but with a pride 
That quarrels at felfe-breath. Imagin'd wroth 
Holds in his bloud fuch fwolne and hot difcourfe, 
That twixt his mentall and his actiue parts, 
Kmgdom^d Achilles in commotion rages, 
And batters gainft it felfe ; what mould I fay ? 
He is fo plaguy proud, that the death tokens of it, 
Cry no recouery. 

Ag. Let Aiax goe to him. 
Deare Lord, goe you and greete him in his Tent ; 
"lis faid he holds you well, and will be led 
At your requeft a little from himfelfe. 

VUJ. O Agamemnon, let it not be fo. 
Weele confecrate the fteps that Aiax makes, 
When they goe from Achilles; fhall the proud Lord, 
That baftes his arrogance with his owne feame, 
And neuer fuffers matter of the world, 
Enter his thoughts: faue fuch as doe reuolue 
Aud ruminate himfelfe. Shall he be worihipt, 
Of that we hold an Idoll, more then hee? 
No, this thrice worthy and right valiant Lord, 
Muft not fo ftaule his Palme, nobly acquir'd, 
Nor by my will affubiugate his merit, 
As amply titled as Acbi/les is: by going to Achilles, 
That were to enlard his fat already, pride, 
And adde more Coles to Cancer, when he burnes 
With entertaining great Hiferion. 
This L. goe to him? Iupiter forbid, 
And fay in thunder, Achilles goe to him. 

Nefi. O this is well, he rubs the veine of him. 

Dio. And how his filence drinkes vp this applaufe. 

Aia. If I goe to him, with my armed fift, lie pafh him 
ore the face. 

Ag. O no, you mail not goe. 

Aia. And a be proud with me, ile phefe his pride : let 
me goe to him. 

VUJ. Not for the worth that hangs vpon our quarrel. 

Aia. A paultry infolent fellow. 

Nefi, How he defcribes himfelfe. 

Aia. Can he not be fociable? 

VUJ The Rauen chides blacknefie. 

Aia. Ile let his humours bloud. 

Ag. He will be the Phyfitian that fliould be the pa- 
tient. 

Aia. And all men were a my minde. 

VUJ. Wit would be out of fafliion. 

Aia. A fhould not beare it fo, a ftiould eate Swords 
firft : fhall pride carry its' 

NeJ}. And 'twould, you'ld carry halfe. 

VUJ. A would haue ten ihares. 

Aia. I will knede him, Ile make him fupple, hee's not 
yet through warme. 

Neji.Force him with praifes, poure in,poure in:his am- 
bition is dry. 

VUJ. My L. you feede too much on this diflike. 

Nefi Our noble Generall, doe not doe fo. 
Diom. You muft prepare to fight without Achilles. 

VUJ. Why, 'tis this naming of him doth him harme. 
Here is a man, but 'tis before his face, 
I will be filent. 

Nejl. Wherefore mould you fo f 

He 

580" 



Troylus and Crefsida. 



He is not emulous, as Achilles is. 

Vlif. 'Know the whole world, he is as valiant. 
Aia. A horfon dog, that ihal palter thus with vs, would 
he were a Troian. 

Nefi. What a vice were it in Aiax now 

Vlif. If he were proud. 

Dio. Or couetous of praife. 

Vlif. I, or furley borne. 

T)io. Or ftrange, or felfe affefted. 

VI. Thank the heauens L.thou art of fweet compofure; 
Praife him that got thee, ihe that gaue theefucke: 
Fame be thy Tutor, and thy parts of nature 
Thrice fam'd beyond, beyond all erudition ; 
But he that difciplin'd thy armes to fight, 
Let Mars deuide Eternity in twaine, 
And giue him halfe,and for thy vigour, 
Bull- bearing Milo: his addition yeelde 
To finnowie Aiax : I will not praife thy wifdome, 
Which like a bourne, a pale, a more confines 
Thy fpacious and dilated parts ; here's Nejlor 
Inftru&ed by the Antiquary times : 
He muft, he is, he cannot but be wife. 
But pardon Father NeJlor,were your dayes 
As greene as Aiax, and your braine fo temper'd, 
You lhould not haue the eminence of him, 
But be as Aiax. 

cAia. Shall I call you Father ? 
V lif. I my good Sonne. 
Dio. Be rul'd by him Lord Aiax. 
Vlif. There is no tarrying here, the Hart Achilles 
Keepes thicket: pleafe it ourGenerall, 
To call together all his ftate of warre, 
Freih Kings are come to Troy ; to morrow 
We muft with all our maine of power ftand faft : 
And here's a Lord, come Knights from Eaft to Weft 5 
And cull their flowre, Aiax ihall cope the beft. 

Ag. Goe we to Counfaile, let Achilles fleepe ; 
Light Botes may faile fwift, though greater bulkes draw 
deepe. Exeunt. Muficke founds within. 

Enter Pandarus and a Seruant. 

Pan. Friend, you, pray you a word : Doe not you fol- 
low the yong Lord Paris ? 

Ser. I fir, when he goes before me. 

Pan. You depend vpon him I meane? 

Ser. Sir, I doe depend vpon the Lord. 

Pan. You depend vpon a noble Gentleman : I muft 
needes praife him. 

Ser. The Lord be praifed. 

"Pa. You know me, doe you not? 

Ser. Faith fir, fuperficially. 

Pa. Friend know me better, I am the Lord Pandariu. 

Ser. I hope I ihall know your honour better. 

Pa. I doe defire it. 

Ser. You are in the ftate ofGrace? 

Pa. Grace, not fo friend, honor and Lordfhip are my 
title : What Mufique is this? 

Ser. I doe but partly know fir : it is Muficke in parts. 

Pa. Know you the Mufitians. 

Ser. Wholly fir. 

Pa. Who play they to? 

Ser. To the hearers fir. 

Pa. Atwhofe pleafure friend t 

Ser. At mine fir, and theirs that loue Muficke. 

Pa. Command, I meane friend. 

Ser. Who ihall I command fir ? 



Pa. Friend, we vnderftand not one another : I am too 
courtly, and thou art too cunning. Atwhofe requeft doe 
thefe men play ? 

. Ser. That's too't indeede fir : marry fir, at the requeft 
of Paris my L. who's there in perfon; with him the mor- 
tall Venus, the heart bloud of beauty , loues inuifible 
foule. 

Pa. Who ? my Cofin Creffida. 

Ser. No fir, Helen, could you not finde out that by 
her attributes ? 

Pa. It lhould feeme fellow, that thou haft not feen the 
Lady CreJ/ida. I come to fpeake withi Paris from the 
Prince Troylus : I will make a complementall affault vpon 
him, for my bufineffe feefhes. 

Ser. Sodden bufineffe, there's a ftewed phrafe indeede. 

Enter "Paris and Helena. 

Pan. Faire be to you my Lord, and to all this faire com- 
pany: faire defires in all faire meafure fairely guide them, 
efpecially to you faire Queene, faire thoughts be your 
faire pillow. 

Hcl. Deere L. you are full of faire words . 

Pan. You fpeake your faire pleafure fweete Queene : 
faire Prince, here is good broken Muficke. 

Par. You haue broke it cozen : and by my life you 
ihall make it whole againe, you ihall peece it out with a 
peece of your performance. Nel, he is full of harmony. 

Pan. Truely Lady no. 
Hel. O fir. 

Pan. Rude in footh, in good footh very rude. 

Paris. Well faid my Lord : well, you fay fo in fits. 

fan. I haue bufineffe to my Lord, deere Queene : my 
Lord will you vouchfafe me a word. 

Hel, Nay, this ihall not hedge vs out, weele heare you 
fing certainely. 

Pan. Well fweete Queene you are pleafant with me, 
but, marry thus my Lord, my deere Lord, and moft eftee- 
med friend your brother Troylus. 

Hel. My Lord Tandarus, hony fweete Lord. 

Pan. Go too fweete Queene, goe to. 
Commends himfelfe moft affectionately to you. 

Hel. You ihall not bob vs out of our melody: 
If you doe, our melancholly vpon your head. 

Tan. Sweete Queene, fweete Queene, that's a fweete 
Queene I faith 

Hel. And to make a fweet Lady fad, is a fower offence . 

Pan. Nay, that (hall not ferue your turne, that ihall it 
not in truth la. Nay, I care not for fuch words, no, no. 
And my Lord he deiires you, that if the King call for him 
at Supper, you will make his excufe. 

Hel. My Lord Pandarus ? 

Pan. What faies my fweete Queene, my very, very 
fweete Queene ? 

Tar. What exploit's in hand, where fups he to night? 

Hel. Nay but my Lord ? 

Pan. What faies my fweere Queene ? my cozen will 
fall out with you. 

Hel. You muft not know where he fups. 

Par. With my difpofer Qrefsida. 

Pan. No, no; no fuch matter,you are wide, come your 
difpofer is ficke. 

Par. Well, lie make excufe. 

Pan. I good my Lord : why ihould you fay Crefsida ? 
no, your poore difpofer's ficke. 

Par. I fpie. 

Pan. You 



Troylus and Crefsida. 



Pan. You fpie, what doe you fpie : come, giue me an 
Inftrument now fweete Queene. 

Hel. Why this is kindely done ? 

Pan. My Neece is horrible in loue with a thing you 
haue fweete Queene. 

Hel. She (hall haue it my Lord, if it be not my Lord 
Paris. 

Pand. Hee ? no, fheele none of him , they two are 
twaine. 

Hel. Falling in after falling out, may make them three. 

Pan. Come, come, lie heare no more of this, He fing 
you a fong now. 

Hel. I, I, prethee now: by my troth fweet Lord thou 
haft a fine fore-head. 

Pan. I you may,you may. 

Hel. Let thy fong be loue : this loue will vndoe vs al. 
Oh Cupid, Cufid, Cupid. 

Pan. Loue ? I that it mall yfaith. 

Par. I, good now loue, loue, no thing but loue. 

Pan. In good troth it begins fo. 

Loue. loue, nothing but loue,flill more : 

For hues ''Bow , 

Sbootes <Bucke and Doe : 

The Shaft confounds not that it ■mounds , 

'But tickjesftill the fore : 

Thefe Louers cry, oh ho they dye ; 

Yet that -which feemes the wound to J^ill, 

Doth turne oh ho, to ha ha he : 

So dying loue Hues fill, 

ho a while, but ha ha ha; 

hogrones out for ha ha ha--— hey ho. 

Hel. In loue yfaith to the very tip of the nofe. 

Par. He eates nothing but doues loue, and that breeds 
hot bloud, and hot bloud begets hot thoughts, and hot 
thoughts beget hot deedes, and hot deedes is loue.. 

fan. Is this the generation of loue ? Hot bloud, hot 
thoughts, and hot deedes, why they are Vipers, is Loue a 
generation of Vipers? 
Sweete Lord whofe a field to day? 

Par. HeBor , Deiphcebus, Helenus,Anthenor, and all the 
gallantry of Troy. I would faine haue arm'd today, but 
my Nell would not haue it fo. 
How chance my brother Troylus went not? 

Hel. He hangs the lippe at fomething ; you know all 
Lord Pandarus} 

"Pan. Not I hony fweete Queene : I long to heare how 
they fped to day : 
Youle remember your brothers excufe ? 

Par. To a hayre. 

Pan. Farewell fweete Queene. 

Hel. Commend me to your Neece. 

Pan. I will fweete Queene. Sound a retreat . 

Par. They're come from fielde : let vs to Priams Hall 
To greete the Warriers. Sweet Hellen, I muft woe you, 
To helpe vnarme our Heilor : his ftubborne Buckles, 
With thefe your white enchanting fingers toucht, 
Shall more obey then to the edge of Steele, 
Or force of Greekiih finewes : you mall doe more 
Then all the Hand Kings, difarme great Heilor. 

Hel. 'Twill make vs proud to be his feruant Paris : 
Yea what he mall receiue of vs in duetie, 
Giues vs more palme in beautie then we haue : 
Yea ouerihines our felfe. 
Sweete aboue thought I loue thee. Sxeunt. 



Enter Pandarus and Troylus Man. 

Pan. How now, where's thy Maifter, at my Couzen 
Crefsidas f 

Man, No fir, he ftayes for you to conduft him thither. 
Enter Troylus. 

Pan. O here he comes: How now, how now? 

Troy. Sirra walke off. 

Pan. Haue you feene my Coufin ? 
. Troy. No Pandarus : I ftalke about her doore 
■^'ke a ftrange foule vpon the Stigian bankes 
^aying for waftage.O be thou my Charon, 
■^nd giue me fwift tranfportance to thofe fields, 
Where I may wallow in the Lilly beds 
Propos'd for the deferuer. O gentle Pandarus, 
From Cupids moulder plucke his painted wings, 
And flyewith me to Crefsid. 

Pan. Walke here ith' Orchard, He bring her ftraight. 
Exit Pandarus. 

Troy. I am giddy ; expectation whirles me round, 
Th'imaginary relilh is fo fweete, 
That it inchants my fence : what will it be 
When that the watry pallats tafte indeede 
Loues thrice reputed Neftar ? Death I feare me 
Sounding diftruclion, or fome ioy too fine, 
Too fubtile, potent, and too fharpe in fweetnefie, 
For the capacitie of my ruder powers ; 
I feare it much, and I doe feare befides, 
That I (hall loofe diftincYion in my ioyes, 
As doth a battaile, when they charge on heapes 
The enemy flying. Enter Pandarus. 

Pan. Shee's making her ready,(heele come ftraight ; you 
muft be witty now, (he does fo blu(h,& fetches her winde 
fo mort, as if (he were fraid with a fprite : He fetch her ; it 
is the prettieft villaine,(he fetches her breath fo (hort as a 
newtane Sparrow. Exit Pand. 

■Troy. Euen fuch a paffion doth imbrace my bofome: 
My heart beates thicker then a feauorous pulfe, 
And all my powers doe their bellowing loofe, 
Like vaifalage at vnawares encounrting 
The eye of Maieftie. 

Enter Pandarus and Crefsida. 

Pan. Come, come, what neede you blufh ? 
Shames a babie j here (he is now, fweare the oathes now 
to her, that you haue fworne to me. What are you gone a- 
gaine,you muft be watcht ere you be made tame, muft 
you? come your wayes, come your wayes, and you draw 
backward weele put you i'th fils : why doe you not fpeak 
to her? Come draw this curtaine,& let's fee your pidlure. 
Alafie the day, how loath you are to offend day light?and 
'twere darke you'ld clofe (boner : So, fo, rub on, and kifle 
the miftrefle ; how now, a ki(Te in fee-farme ? build there 
Carpenter, the ayre is fweete. Nay, you (hall fight your 
hearts out ere I partyou. The Faulcon,as the Tercell, for 
all the Ducks ith Riuer : go too, go too. 

Troy. You haue bereft me of all words Lady. 

Pan. Words pay no debts; giue her deedes : but (heele 
bereaue you 'oth' deeds too, if (hee call your adliuity in 
queftion : what billing againe ? here's in witnefle where- 
of the Parties interchangeably. Come in, come in, He go 
get a fire ? 

Of/". Will you walke in my Lord? 

Troy. . O Crefsida,how often haue I wi(ht me thus ? 

Crcf. Wi(ht my Lord ? the gods grant ? O my Lord. 

Troy. What (hould they grant? what makes this pret- 
ty abruption: what too curious dreg efpies my fweete La- 
dy in the fountaine of our loue? 

Cref. More 



Troylus and Crejsida. 



Cref. More dregs then water, if my teares haue eyes. 

Troy. Feares make diuels of Cherubins,they neuer fee 
truely. 

Cref. Blinde feare,that feeing reafon leads, findes fafe 
footing, then blinde reafon, Humbling without feare : to 
feare the word, oft cures the worfe. 

Troy. Oh let my Lady apprehend no feare, 
In all Cupids Pageant there is prefented no monfter. 

Cref. Not nothing monftrons neither? 

Troy. Nothing but our vndertakings, when we vowe 
to weepe feas, liue in fire,eate rockes,tame Tygersjthink- 
ing it harder for our Miftreife to deuife impofition 
inough, then for vs to vndergoe any difficultie impofed. 
This is the monftruofitie in loue Lady, that the will is in- 
finite,andthe execution confin'd; that the defire is bound- 
leffe, and the aft a flaue to limit. 

Cref. They fay all Louers fweare more performance 
then they are able, and yet referue an ability that they 
neuer performe: vowing more then the perfection of ten; 
and difcharging lefle then the tenth part of one. They 
that haue the voyce of Lyons, and the aft of Hares : are 
they not Monfters? 

Troy. Are there fuch ? fuch are not we : Praife vs as we 
are tafted, allow vs as we proue : our head ihall goe bare 
till merit crowne it: no perfection in reuerfion lhall haue 
a praife in prefent : wee will not name defert before his 
birth, and being borne his addition ihall be humble : few 
words to faire faith. Troylui /hall be fuch to Creffid, as 
what enuie can fay worft,ihall be a mocke for his truth; 
and what truth can fpeake trueft, not truer then Troy- 
Jus. 

Cref. Will you walke in my Lord ? 
Enter Pandarm. 

Pan. "What bluihing ftill? haue you not done talking 
yet ? 

Cref. Well Vnckle, what folly I commit, I dedicate 
to you. 

Pan. I thanke you for that : if my Lord get a Boy of 
you,youle giue him me: be true to my Lord, if he flinch, 
chide me for it. 

Tro. You know now your hoftages:your Vnckles word 
and my firme faith. 

Pan. Nay, He giue my word for her too : our kindred 
though they be long ere they are wooed , they are con- 
stant being wonne : they are Burres I can tell you,they'le 
fticke where they are throwne. 

Cref. Boldnefle comes to mee now, -and brings mee 
heart: Prince Troy/us, I haue lou'd you night and day, for 
many weary moneths. 

Troy. Why was my Crefsid then fo hard to win ? 

Cref. Hard to feeme won : but I was won my Lord 
With the firft glance ; that euer pardon me, 
If I confefle much you will play the tyrant : 
I loue you now, but not till now fo much 
But I might maifter it ; infaith I lye : 
My thoughts were like vnbrideled children grow 
Too head-ilrong for their mother : fee we fooles, 
Why haue I blab'd : who mail be true to vs 
When we are fo vnfecret to our felues ? 
But though I lou'd you well, I woed you not, 
And yet good faith I wifht my felfe a man ; 
Or that we women had mens priuiledge 
Offpeaking firft. Sweet, bid me hold my tongue, 
For in this rapture I ihall furely fpeake 
The thing I mail repent : fee, fee, your filence 
Comming in dumbnefle, from my weakenefTe drawes 



S8? 



My foule of counfell from me. Stop my mouth. 

Troy. And mall, albeit fweete Muficke iffues thence. 

Pan. Pretty yfaith. 

Cref. My Lord, I doe befeech you pardon me, 
'Twas not my purpofe thus to beg a kiffe : 
I am amam'd ; O Heauens, what haue I done ! 
For this time will I take my leaue my Lord. 

Troy. Your leaue fweete Creffidt 

Pan. Leaue : and you take leaue till to morrow mor- 
ning. 

Cref. Pray you content you. 

Troy. What offends you Lady ? 

Cref. Sir, mine owne company. 

Troy. You cannot fliun your felfe. 
. Cref. Let me goe and try: 
I,haue a kinde of felfe recides with you : 
But an vnkinde felfe, that it felfe will leaue, 
To be anothers foole. Where is my wit ? 
1 would be gone : I fpeake I know not what. 

Troy. Well know they what they fpeake, that fpeakes 
fo wifely. 

Cre. Perchance my Lord, I ihew more craft then loue, 
And fell fo roundly to a large confeffion, 
To Angle for your thoughts: but you are wife, 
Or elfe you loue not •. for to be wife and loue, 
Exceedes mans might, that dwels with gods aboue. 

Troy. O that I thought it could be in a woman : 
As if it can, I will prefume in you, 
To feede for aye her lampe and flames of loue. 
To keepe her conftancie in plight and youth, 
Out-liuing beauties outward, with a minde 
That doth renew fvvifter then blood decaies : 
Or that perfwafion could but thus conuince me, 
That my integritie and truth to you, 
Might be affronted with the match and waight 
Of fuch a winnowed puriritie in loue: 
How were I then vp-lifted ! but alas, 
I am as true, as truths fimplicitie, 
And Ampler then the infancie of truth. 

Or f. In that He warre with you. 

Troy. O vertuous fight, 
When right with right wars who ihall be moil right : 
True fwaines in loue, ihall in the world to come 
Approue their truths by Troylus, when their rimes, 
Full of proteft, of oath and big compare ; 
Wants iimiles, truth tir'd with iteration, 
As true as fteele, as plantage to the Moone : 
As Sunne to day : as Turtle to her mate : 
As Iron to Adamant : as Earth to th'Center: 
Yet after all comparifons of truth, 
(As truths authenticke author to be cited) 
As true as Troylus, ihall crowne vp the Verfe, 
And fanctifie the numbers. 

Cref. Prophet may you be : 
If I be falfe, or fwerue a haire from truth, 
When time is old and hath forgot it felfe : 
When water drops haue worne the Stones of Troy ; 
And biinde obliuion fwallow'd Cities vp ; 
And mightie States charadterlefTe are grated 
To duftie nothing ; yet let memory, 
From falfe to falfe, among falfe Maids in loue,l 
Vpbraid my falfehood, when they'aue faid as falfe, 
As Aire, as Water, as Winde,as fandie earth ; 
As Foxe to Lambe ; as Wolfe to Heifers Calfe ; 
Pard to the Hinde, or Stepdame to her Sonne ; 
Yea, let them fay, to fticke the heart of falfehood, 

As 



Troylus and Crefsida. 



As falfe as Crejfid. 

Pand. Go too, a bargaine made.: feale it, feale it, lie 
be the witneffe here I hold your hand : here my Coufins, 
if euer you proue falfe one to another, fince I haue taken 
fuch paines to bring you together, let all pittifull goers 
betweene be cal'd to the worlds end after my name : call 
them all Panders ; let all conftant men be Troylujfes, all 
falfe women Crejfids, and all brokers betweene, Panders : 
fay, Amen. 

Troy. Amen. 

Cref. Amen. 

Pan, Amen. 
Whereupon I will mew you a Chamber, which bed, be- 
caufe it (hall notfpeake of your prettie encounters, preffe 
it to death : away. 

And Cupid grant alljtong-tide Maidens heere, 
Bed, Chamber, and Pander, to prouide this geere. Exeunt. 

Enter VlyJJes, Diomedes , Nejlor , Agamemnon, 
cMenelaus and ChalcM. Florijh. 

Cal. Now Princes for the feruice I haue done you, 
Th'aduantage of the time promps me aloud, 
To call for recompence : appeare it to your minde, 
That through the fight I beare in things to loue, 
I haue abandon'd Troy, left my poffeffion, 
Incur'd a Traitors name, expof'd my felfe, 
From certaine and poffeft conueniences, 
To doubtfull fortunes, fequeftring from me all 
That time, acquaintance, cuftome and condition, 
Made tame, and moft familiar to my nature : 
And here to doe you feruice am become, 
As new into the world, ftrange, vnacquainted. 
I doe befeech you, as in way of tafte, 
To giue me now a little benefit : 
Out of thofe many regiftred in promife, 
Which you fay, liue to come in my behalfe. 

Agam. What would'ft thou of vs Troian ? make 
demand ? 

Cal. You haue a Troian prifoner, cal'd Anthenor, 
Yefterday tooke : Troy holds him very deere. 
Oft haue you ( often haue you, thankes therefore) 
Defir'd my Crejfid in right great exchange. 
Whom Troy hath ftill deni'd : but this Anthenor, 
I know is fuch a wreft in their affaires ; 
That their negotiations all muft flacke, 
Wanting his mannage : and they will almoft, 
Giue vs a Prince of blood, a Sonne of Priam, 
In change of him. Let him be fent great Princes, 
And he lhall buy my Daughter: and her prefence, 
Shall quite ftrike off all feruice I haue done, 
In moft accepted paine. 

Aga. Let Diomedes beare him, 
And bring vs Crejfid hither : Calcas mall haue 
What he requefts of vs : good Diomed 
Furnifh you fairely for this enterchange ; 
Withall bring word, if Heclor will to morrow 
Be anfwer'd in his challenge. Aiax is ready. 

Dio. This mail I vndertake, and 'tis a burthen 
Which I am proud to beare. Exit. 

Enter Achilles and Patroclus in their Tent. 
VUJ. Achilles ftands i'th entrance of his Tent ; 
Pleafe it our Generall to paffe ftrangely by him, 
As if he were forgot: and Princes all, 
Lay negligent and loofe regard vpon him ; 
1 will come laft, 'tis like heele queftion me, 



Why fuch vnplaufiue eyes are bent ? why turn'd on him r 

If fo, I haue derifion medicinable, 

To vfe betweene your ftrangeneffe and his pride, 

Which hisowne will lhall haue defire to drinke; 

It may doe good, pride hath no other glaffe 

To fhow it felfe, but pride : for fupple knees, 

Feede arrogance, and are the proud mans fees. 

Agam. Weele execute your purpofe, and put on 
A forme of ftrangeneffe as we paffe along, 
So doe each Lord, and either greete him not, 
Or elfe difdainfully, which lhall lhake him more, 
Then if not lookton. I will lead the way. 

Achil. What comes the Generall to fpeake with me ? 
You know my minde, He fight no more 'gainft Troy. 

Aga. What faies Achilles, would he ought with vs ? 

Nef. Would you my Lord ought with the Generall! 1 

Achil. No. 

Nef. Nothing my Lord. 

Aga. The better. 

Achil. Good day, good day. 

Men. How doe you ? how doe you ? 

AM. What, do's the Cuckold fcorne me? 

Aiax. How now Patroclus ? 

Achil. Good morrow Aiax ? 

Aiax. Ha. 

Achil. Good morrow. 

Aiax. I, and good next day too. Exeunt. 

Achil. What meane thefe fellowes ? know they not 
Achilles ? 

Patr. They paffe by ftrangely: they were vPd to bend 
To fend their fmiles before them to Achilles : 
To come as humbly as they vs'd to creepe to holy Altars. 

Achil. What am I poore of late ? 
'Tis certaine, greatneffe once falne out with fortune, 
Muft fall out with men too : what the declin'd is, 
He lhall as foone reade in the eyes of others, 
As feele in his owne fall : for men like butter-flies, 
Shew not their mealie wings, but to the Summer : 
And not a man for being fimply man, 
Hath any honour ; but honour'd for thofe honours 
That are without him ; as place, riches, and fauour, 
Prizes of accident, as oft as merit : 
Which when they fall, as being flippery ftanders j 
The loue that leand on them as flippery too, 
Doth one plucke downe another, and together 
Dye in the fall. But 'tis not lb with me ; 
Fortune and I are friends, I doe enioy 
At ample point, all that I did poffeffe, 
Saue thefe mens lookes : who do me thinkes finde out 
Something not worth in me fuch rich beholding, 
As they haue often giuen. Here is VliJJes, 
He interrupt his reading : how now VliJJes} 

Vlif. Now great Thetis Sonne. 

Achil. What are you reading ? 

Vlf. A ftrange fellow here 
Writes me, that man, how dearely euer parted, 
How much in hauing, or without, or in, 
Cannot make boaft to haue that which he hath ; 
Nor feeles not what he owes, but by reflection : 
As when his vertues fhining vpon others, 
Heate them, and they retort that heate againe 
To the firft giuer. 

Achil. This is not ftrange VliJJes : 
The beautie that is borne here in the face, 
The bearer knowes not, but commends it felfe, 
Not going from it felfe : but eye to eye oppos'd, 

Salutes 
'" 584 



Troylus and Cre/sida. 



Salutes each other with each others forme. 
For fpeculation turnes not to it felfe, 
Till it hath trauail'd, and is married there 
Where it may fee it felfe : this is not Arrange at all. 

"Vlif. I doe not ftraine it at the pofition, 
It is familiar ; but at the Authors drift, 
Who in his circumftance, exprefly proues 
That no may is the Lord of any thing, 
(Though in and of him there is much confifting,) 
Till he communicate his parts to others: 
Nor doth he of himfelfe know them for ought, 
Till he behold them formed in th'applaufe, 
Where they are extended : who like an arch reuerb'rate 
The voyce againe ; or like a gate of fteele, 
Fronting the Sunne, receiues and renders backe 
His figure, and his heate. I was much rapt in this, 
And apprehended here immediately : 
The vnknowne Aiax ; 

Heauens what a man is there? a very Horfe, (are- 

That has he knowes not what. Nature, what things there 
Moft abieft in regard, and deare in vfe. 
What things againe moft deere in the efteeme, 
And poore in worth : now ftiall we fee to morrow, 
An aft that very chance doth throw vpon him? 
Aiax renown'd ? O heauens, what fome men doe, 
While fome men leaue to doe ! 
How fome men creepe in skittiih fortunes hall, 
Whiles others play the Ideots in her eyes : 
How one man eates into anothers pride, 
While pride is feafting in his wantonneffe 
To fee thefe Grecian Lords ; why, euen already, 
They clap the lubber Aiax on the moulder, 
As if his foote were on braue Heliors breft, 
And great Troy fhrinking. 

AMI. I doe beleeue it : 
For they paft by me, as myfers doe by beggars, 
Neither gaue to me good word, nor looke: 
What are mydeedes forgot? 

Vlif. Time hath(my Lord) a wallet at his backe, 
Wherein he puts almes for obliuion : 
A great fiz'd monfter of ingratitudes : 
Thofe fcraps are good deedes paft, 
Which are deuour'd as faft as they are made, 
Forgot as foone as done : perfeuerance, deere my Lord, 
Keepes honor bright, to haue done, is to hang 
Quite out of falhion, like a ruftie male, 
In monumentall mockrie : take the inftantway, 
For honour trauels in a ftraight fo narrow, 
Where one but goes a breaft, keepe then the path: 
For emulation hath a thoufand Sonnes, 
That one by one purfue j if you giue way, 
Or hedge afide from the direft forth right ; 
Like to an entred Tyde,they all rum by, 
And leaue you hindmoft: 
Or like a gallant Horfe falne in firft ranke, 
Lye there for pauement to the abieft, neere 
Ore-run and trampled on : then what they doe in prefent, 
Though lefTe then yours in paft,muft ore-top yours : 
For time is like a falhionable Hofte, 
That flightly ftiakes his parting Gueft by th'hand; 
And with his armes out-ftretcht, as he would flye, 
Grafpes in the commer : the welcome euerfmiles, 
And farewels goes out fighing : O let not vertue feeke 
Remuneration for the thing it was : for beautie, wit, 
High birth, vigor of bone, defert in feruice, 
Loue, friendftiip, charity, are fubiefts all 



To enuious and calumniating time: 

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin : 

That all with one confent praife new borne gaudes, 

Though they are made and moulded of things paft, 

And goe to duft,that is a little guilt, 

More laud then guilt oredufted. 

The prefent eye praifes the pref nt obieft : 

Then maruell not thou great and compleat man, 

That all the Greekes begin to worftiip Aiax; 

Since things in motion begin to catch the eye, 

Then what not ftiis : the cry went out on thee, 

And ftill it might, and yet it may againe, 

If thou would'ft not entombe thy felfe aliue, 

And cafe thy reputation in thy Tent ; 

Whofe glorious deedes,but in thefe fields of late, 

Made emulous miffions 'mongft the gods themfelues, 

And draue great Mars to faftion. 

AMI. Of this my priuacie, 
I haue ftrong reafons. 

Vlij. But 'gainft your priuacie 
The reafons are more potent and heroycall : 
'Tis knowne Achilles, that you are in loue 
With one of Priam; daughters. 

Achil. Ha ? knowne f 

Vlif. Is that a wonder ? 
The prouidence that's in a watchful! State, 
Knowes almoft euery graine of Plutoes gold ; 
Findes bottome in th'vncomprehenfiue deepes; 
Keepes place with thought ; and almoft like the gods, 
Doe thoughts vnuaile in their dumbe cradles : 
There is a myfterie ( with whom relation 
Durft neuer meddle) in the foule of State ; 
Which hath an operation more diuine, 
Then breath or pen can giue expreflure to : 
All the commerfe that you haue had with Troy, 
As perfeftly is ours,as yours,my Lord. 
And better would it fit Achilles much, 
To throw downe HeElor then Tolixena. 
But it muft grieue yong Tirhvi now at home, 
When fame ftiall in her Hand found her trumpe ; 
And all the Greekifti Girles ftiall tripping fing, 
Great HeBors fifter did Achilles winne ; 
But our great Aax brauely beate downe him. 
Farewell my Lord : I as your louer fpeake ; 
The foole Hides ore the Ice that you ftiould breake. 

Patr. To this effeft Achilles haue I mou'd you ; 
A woman impudent and mannifti growne, 
Is not more loth'd, then an effeminate man, 
In time of aftion : I ftand condemn'd for this ; 
They thinke my little ftomacke to the warre, 
And your great loue to me,reftraines you thus: 
Sweete,roufe your felfejand the weake wanton Qufid 
Shall from your necke vnloofe his amorous- fould, 
And like a dew drop from the Lyons mane, 
Be ihooke to ayrie ayre. 

Achil. Shall Aiax fight with He&or? 

"Patr. I, and perhaps receiue much honor by him. 

Achil. I fee my reputation is at ftake, 
My fame is ftirowdly gored. 

Patr. O then beware : 
Thofe wounds heale ill, that men doe giue themfelues : 
Omiffion to doe what is neceffary, 
Seales a commiflion to a blanke of danger, 
And danger like an ague fubtly taints 
Euen then when we fit idely in the funne. 

Achil. Goe call Therfites hither fweet Patroclus, 

If If He 



Troylus and Crejsida. 



^le fend the foole to Aiax, and defire him 

T'inuite the Troian Lords after the Combat 

To fee vs here vnarm'd : I haue a womans longing, 

An appetite that I am ficke withall, 

To fee great HeBor in his weedes of peace ; Enter Therji. 

To talke with him, and to behold hisvifage, 

Euen to my full of view. A labour fau'd. 

Ther. A wonder. 

Achil. What? 

Ther. tAiax goes vp and downe the field, asking for 
himfelfe. 

AMI. Howfo? 

Ther. Hee muft fight fingly to morrow with HeBor, 
and is fo prophetically proud of an heroicall cudgelling, 
that he raues in faying nothing. 

Achil. How can that be ? 

Ther. Why he ftalkes vp and downe like a Peacock, a 
ftride and a ftand: ruminates like an hoftefi~e,that hath no 
Arithmacique but her braine to fet downe her recko- 
ning : bites his lip with a politique regard, as who fhould 
fay, there were wit in his head and twoo'd out ; and fo 
there is: but it lyes as coldly in him, as fire in a flint, 
which will not fhew without knocking. The mans vn- 
done for euer;for if Hector breake not his necke i'th'com- 
bat, heele break't himfelfe in vaine-glory. He knowes 
not mee : I faid, good morrow Aiax ; And he replyes, 
thankes Agamemnon. What thinke you of this man, 
that takes me for the Generall f Hee's growne a very 
land-fiih , languageleffe , a monfter : a plague of o- 
pinion, a man may weare it on both fides like a leather 
Ierkin. 

Achil. Thou muft be my Ambaffador to him Therfites. 

Ther. Who, I: why, heele anfwer no body: he pro- 
feffes notanfwering ; fpeaking is for beggers : he weares 
his tongue in's armes : I will put on hh prefence ; let Pa- 
troclm make his demands to me , you fhall fee the Page- 
ant of Aiax. 

Achil. To him Tatroclus ; tell him, I humbly defire the 
valiant Aiax, to inuite the moft valorous HeBor, to come 
vnarm'd to my Tent, and to procure fafe conduct for his 
perfon, of the magnanimious and moft illuftrious, fixe or 
feauen times honour'd Captaine, Generall of the Grecian 
Armie Agamemnon, Sec. doe this. 

Patro. hue bleffe great Aiax, 

Ther. Hum. 

"Patr. I come from the worthy Aehi/les. 

Ther. Ha? 

P.itr. Who moft humbly defires you to inuite Heclor 
to his Tent. 

Ther. Hum. 

Patr. And to procure fafe conduft from Agamemnon. 

Ther. Agamemnon} 

Patr. I my Lord. 

Ther. Ha? 

Patr. What fay you too't. 

Ther. God buy you with all my heart. 

Patr. Your anfwer fir. 

Ther. If to morrow be a faire day, by eleuen a clocke 
it will goe one way or other ; howfoeuer, he fhall pay for 
me ere he has me. 

"Patr. Your anfwer fir. 

Ther. Fare you well withall my heart. 

Achil. Why, but he is not in this tune, is he ? 

Ther. No, but he's out a tune thus: what muficke will 
be in him when Heclor has knockt out his braines, I know 
not : but I am fure none, vnleffe the Fidler Apollo get his 



finewes to make catlings on. 

Achil. Come, thou fhalt beare a Letter to him 
ftraight. 

Ther. Let me carry another to his Horfejfor that's the 
more capable creature. 

Achil. My minde is troubled like a Fountaine ftir'd, 
And I my felfe fee not the bottome of it. 

Ther. Would the Fountaine of your minde were cleere 
againe, that I might water an AfTe at it : I had rather be a 
Ticke in a Sheepe, then fuch a valiant ignorance. 

Enter at one doore esEneas -with a Torch, at another 
Park, Diephcsbui , Anthenor , Diomed the 
Grecian, with Torches. 

Par. See hoa, who is that there ? 

T>ieph. It is the Lord vEnea*. 

csEne. Is the Prince there in perfon ? 
Had I fo good occafion to lye long 
As you Prince Parts, nothing but heauenly bufineffe, 
Should rob my bed-mate of my company. 

Diom. That's my minde too : good morrow Lord 
n^Eneas. 

Par. A valiant Greeke csEneas, take his hand, 
Witnefle the procefle of your fpeech within ; 
You told how Diomed in a whole weeke by dayes 
Did haunt you in the Field. 

csEne. Health to you valiant fir, 
During all queftion of the gentle truce : 
But when I meeteyou arm'd,asblacke defiance, 
As heart can thinke, or courage execute. 

e Diom. The one and other T)iomed embraces, 
Our blouds are now in calme; and fo long health: 
But when contention, and occafion meetes, 
By hue, He play the hunter for thy life, 
With all my force, purfuite and pollicy. 

e^Sne. And thou fhalt hunt a Lyon that will flye 
With his face backward, in humaine gentleneffe : 
Welcome to Troy ; now by Anchijei life, 
Welcome indeede : by Venui hand I fweare, 
No man aliue can loue in fuch a fort, 
The thing he meanes to kill, more excellently. 

T)iom. We fimpathize. hue let zjEneat llue 
(If to my fword his fate be not the glory,) 
A thoufand compleate courfes of the Sunne, 
But in mine emulous honor let him dye : 
With euery ioynt a wound, and that to morrow. 

(L/Ene. We know each other well. 

Dio. We doe,and long to know each other worfe. 

Tar. This is the moft, defpightful'ft gentle greeting; 
The nobleft hatefull loue, that ere 1 heard of. 
What bufineffe Lord fo early ? 

<?AZne. I was fent for to the Kingjbut why, I know not. 

Par. His purpofe meets you;it was to bring this Greek 
To Calchas houfe; and there to render him, 
For the enfreed Anthenor, the faire CreJJid: 
Lers haue your company ; or if you pleafe, 
Hafte there before vs. I conftantly doe thinke 
(Or rather call my thought a certaine knowledge) 
My brother Troylus lodges there to night. 
Roufe him, and giue him note of our approach, 
With the whole quality whereof, I feare 
We fhall be much vnwelcome. 

n/Ene. That I aflure you : 
Troylus had rather Troy were borne to Greece, 
Then Creffid borne from Troy. 

Par. There 



Troy /us and Crefsida. 



Par. There is no helpe : 
The bitter difpofition of the time will haue it fo. 
On Lord, weele follow you. 

zJEne. Good morrow all. Exit apneas 

far. And tell me noble T>iomed ; faith tell me true, 
Euen in the foule of found good fellow fhip, 
Who in your thoughts merits faire Helen moft ? 
My felfe.or zMenelaui? 

Diom. Both alike. 
He merits well to haue her, that doth feeke her, 
Not making any fcruple of her foylure, 
With fuch a hell of paine, and world of charge. 
And you as well to keepe her, that defend her, 
Not pallating the tafte of her difhonour, 
With fuch a coftly loffe of wealth and friends : 
He like a puling Cuckold, would drinke vp 
The lees and dregs of a flat tamed peece : 
You like a letcher, out of whori/h loynes, 
Are pleaf'd to breede out your inheritors: 
Both merits poyz'd, each weighs no lefle nor more, 
But he as he, which heauier for a whore. 

Par. You are too bitter to your country-woman. 

Dio. Shee's bitter to her countrey : heare me Paris, 
For euery falfe drop in her baudy veines, 
A Grecians life hath funke : for euery fcruple 
Of her contaminated carrion weight, 
A Troian hath beene llaine. Since fee could fpeake, 
She hath not giuen fo many good words breath, 
As for her, Greekes and Troians fuffred death. 

Par. Faire Diomed, you doe as chapmen doe, 
Dif praife the thing that you defire to buy : 
But we in filence hold this vertue well ; 
Weele not commend, what we .intend to fell. 
Here lyes our way. Exeunt. 

Enter Troylus and CreJJida. 

Troy. Deere trouble not your felfe : the morne is cold. 
CreJ. Then fweet my Lord, He call mine Vnckle down; 
He mail vnbolt the Gates. 

Troy. Trouble him not : 
To bed, to bed : fleepe kill thofe pritty eyes, 
And giue as foft attachment to thy fences, 
As Infants empty of all thought. 

CreJ. Good morrow then. 

Troy. I prithee now to bed. 

CreJ. Are you a weary of me ? 

Troy. O CreJJida ! but that the bufie day 
Wak't by the Larke,hath rouz'd the ribauld Crowes, 
And dreaming night will hide our eyes no longer : 
I would not from thee. 

CreJ. Night hath beene too briefe. (ftayes, 

Troy. Befhrew the witch ! with venemous wights fhe 
As hidioufly as hell ; but flies the grafpes of loue, 
With wings more momentary, fwift then thought: 
You will catch cold, and curfe me. 

CreJ. Prithee tarry,you men will neuer tarry ; 

fooliih Crejfid, I might haue ftill held off, 

And then you would haue tarried. Harke, ther's one vp? 
Pand. -within. What's all the doores open here ? 
Troy. It is your Vnckle. Enter Pandarus. 

CreJ. A peftilence on him : now will he be mocking : 

1 mall haue fuch a life. 

Pan. How now, how now ? how goe maiden-heads ? 
Heare you Maide : wher's my cozin CreJJid? 

CreJ. Go hang your felf, you naughty mocking Vnckle : 



S»7 



You bring me to doo and then you floute me too. 

Pan. To do what? to do what ? let her fay what : 
What haue I brought you to doe ? 

CreJ. Come, come, belhrew your heart : youle nere be 
good, nor fufFer others. 

Pan. Ha,ha: alas poore wretch: a poore Chipochia, haft 
not flept to night ? would he not ( a naughty man) let it 
fleepeia bug-beare take him. One knocks . 

QreJ. Did not I tell you ? would he were knockt ith' 
head. Who's that at doore? good Vnckle goe and fee. 
My Lord, come you againe into my Chamber: 
You fmile and mocke me, as if I meant naughtily. 

Troy. Ha, ha. 

Cre. Come you are deceiu'd, I thinke of no fuch thing. 
How earneftly they knocke : pray you come in. Knocke. 
I would not for halfe Troy haue you feene here. Exeunt 

Pan. Who's there ? what's the matter? will you beate 
downe the doore ? How now, what's the matter? 

ej£ne. Good morrow Lord, good morrow. 

Tan. Who's there my LordinSEneas? by my troth I 
knew you not : what newes with you fo early ? 

cy£i:e. Is not Prince Troylus here ? 

Pan. Here? what mould he doe here ? 

o^Ene. Come he is here, my Lord, doe not deny him : 
It doth import him much to fpeake with me. 

fan. Is he here fay you ? 'tis more then I know, lie be 
fworne: For my ownej part I came in late : what mould 
he doe here ? 

nJEne. Who, nay then ; Come,come, youle doe him 
wrong, ere y'are ware : youle be fo true to him, to be 
falfe to him : Doe not you know of him, but yet goe fetch 
him hither, goe. 

Enter Troylus. 

Troy. How now, what's the matter? 

<^Ene. My Lord, I fcarce haue leifure to falute you, 
My matter is fo ralh : there is at hand, 
Paris your brother, and Deifhcebus, 
The Grecian Diomed, and our Anthenor 
Deliuer'd to vs, and for him forth-with, 
Ere the firft facrifice, within this houre, 
We muft giue vp to Diomeds hand 
The Lady CreJJida. 

Troy. Is it concluded fo ? 

as£ne. By Priam, and the generall ftate of Troy, 
They are at hand, and ready to effeft it. 

Troy. How my atchieuements mocke me ; 
I will goe meete them : and my Lord eJEneas, 
We met by chance ; you did not finde me here. 

cs£n. Good, good, my Lord, the fecrets of nature 
Haue not more gift in taciturnitie. Exennt. 

Enter Pandarus and CreJJid. 

Pan. Is't poffible ? no fooner got but loft : the diuell 
take Antbenor; the yong Prince will goe mad: a plague 
vpon Antbenor ; I would they had brok's necke. 

CreJ. How now? what's the matter? who was here? 

fan. Ah, ha I 

Crej. Why figh you fo profoundly? wher's my Lord? 
gone ? tell me fweet Vnckle, what's the matter ? 

Pan. Would I were as deepe vnder the earth as I am 
aboue. 

CreJ. O the gods ! what's the matter ? 

Pan. Prythee get thee in : would thou had'ft nere been 
borne; I knew thou would'ft be his death. O poore Gen- 
tleman : a plague vpon Antbenor. 

f «[ 2 CreJ. Good 



Troy /us and Crefsida. 



QreJ. Good Vnckle I befeech you, on my knees, I be- 
feech you what's the matter? 

Pan. Thou muft be gone wench, thou muft be gone ; 
thou art chang'd for Anthenor: thou muft to thy Father, 
and be gone from Troylus : 'twill be his death : 'twill be 
his baine, he cannot beare it.. 

Cref. O you immortall gods ! I will not goe. 

Tan. Thou muft. 

Cref. I will not Vnckle : I haue forgot my Father : 
I know no touch of confanguinitie : 
No kin, no loue, no bloud,no foule, fo neere me, 
As the fweet Troylus : O you gods diuine ! 
Make CreJJids name the very crowne of fallhood .' 
If euer me leaue Troylus : time, orce and death, 
Do to this body what extremitie you can ; 
But the ftrong bafe and building of my loue, 
Is as the very Center of the earth, 
Drawing all things to it. I will goe in and weepe. 

Tan. Doe, doe. 

Cref. Teare my bright heire, and fcratch my praifed 
cheekes, 
Cracke my cleere voyce with fobs, and breake my heart 
With founding Troylus. I will not goe from Troy. Exeunt. 

Enter Paris, Troylus,zs£neas,Deipbebus, An- 
thenor and Diomedes. 

Tar. It is great morning, and the houre prefixt 
Of her deliuerie to this valiant Greeke 
Comes faft vpon : good my brother Troylus, 
Tell you the Lady what (he is to doe, 
And haft her to the purpofe. 

Troy. Walke into her houfe : 
He bring her to the Grecian prefently j 
And to his hand, when I deliuer her, 
Thinke it an Altar, and thy brother Troylus 
A Prieft, there offring to it his heart. 

Par. I know what 'tis co loue, 
And would, as I mail pittie, I could helpe. 
Pleafe you walke in, my Lords. Exeunt. 

Enter Pandarus and Creffid. 

Pan. Be moderate, be moderate. 

Cref. Why tell you me of moderation ? 
The griefe is fine, full perfeft that I tafte, 
And no lefie in a fenfe as ftrong 
As that which caufeth it. How can I moderate it ? 
If I could temporife with my affection, 
Or brew it to a weake and colder pallat, 
The like alaiment could I giue my griefe : 
My loue admits no qualifying crofle ; Enter Troylus. 

No more my griefe, in fuch a precious loffe. 

Pan. Here, here, here, he comes, a fweet ducke. 

Cref. O Troylus, Troylus ! 

Pan. What a paire of fpe&acles is here ? let me em- 
brace too : oh hart, as the goodly faying is ; O heart, hea- 
uie heart, why iigheft thou without breaking ? where he 
anfwers againe ; becaufe thou canft not eafe thy fmart by 
friendfliip, nor by fpeaking : there was neuer a truer rime; 
let vs caft away nothing, for we may Hue to haue neede 
of fuch a Verfe : we fee it, we fee it : how now Lambs? 

Troy. Creffid: I loue thee in fo ftrange a puritie ; 
That the bleft gods, as angry with my fancie, 
More bright in zeale, then the deuotion which 
Cold lips blow to their Deities : take thee from me. 
Cref. Haue the gods enuie ? 



Pan. 1,1,1,1, 'tis too plaine a cafe. 
Cref. And is it true, that I muft goe from Troy ? 
Troy. A hatefull truth. 
Cref. What, and from Troylus too ? 
Troy. From Troy, and Troylus. 
.Cref. Ift poffible? 

Troy. And fodainely, where iniurie of chance 
Pi'ts backe leaue-taking, iuftles roughly by 
All time of paufe ; rudely beguiles our lips 
Of all reioyndure : forcibly preuents 
Our lockt embrafuresj ftrangles our deare vowes, 
Euen in the birth of ourowne laboring breath. 
We two, that with fo many thoufand fighes 
Did buy each other, muft poorely fell our felues, 
With the rude breuitie and difcharge of our / 
/Iniurious time ; now with a robbers hafte V 
Crams his rich theeuerie vp, he knowes not how. 
As many farwels as be ftars in heauen, 
With diftindt breath, and confign'd kifles to them, 
He fumbles vp into a loofe adiew ; 
And fcants vs with a fingle famiftit kiffe, 
Diflafting with the fait of broken teares. Enter n&neus. 
eALneai -within. My Lord, is the Lady ready? 

Troy. Harke, you are call'd : fome fay the genius fo 
Cries, come to him that inftantly muft dye. 
Bid them haue patience : lhe mall come anon. 

Pan. Where are my teares ? raine, to lay this winde, 
or my heart will be blowne vp by the root. 

Cref. I muft then to the Grecians? 

Troy. No remedy. 

Cref. A wofull Creffid' 'mong' 'ft the merry Greekes. 

Troy. When mall we fee againe ? 

Troy. Here me my loue : be thou but true of heart. 

Cref I true? how now? what wicked deeme is this? 

Troy. Nay, we muft vfe expoftulation kindely, 
For it is parting from vs: 
I fpeake not, be thou true, as fearing thee : 
For I will throw my Gloue to death himfelfe, 
That there's no maculation in thy heart : 
But be thou true, fay I, to famion in 
My fequent proteftation: be thou true, 
And I will fee thee. 

Cref. O you mail be expofd, my Lord to dangers 
As infinite, as imminent : but He be true. 

Troy. And He grow friend with danger ; 
Weare this Sleeue. 

Cref. And you this Gloue. 
When fhall I fee you ? 

Troy. I will corrupt the Grecian Centinels, 
To giue thee nightly vifitation. 
But yet be true. 

Cref. O heauens : be true againe ? 

Troy. Heare why I fpeake it; Loue : 
The Grecian youths are full of qualitie, 
Their louing well compos'd,with guift of nature, 
Flawing and fwelling ore with Arts and exercife : 
How nouelties may moue, and parts with perfon. 
Alas, a kinde of godly iealoufie ; 
Which I befeech you call a vertuous finne : 
Makes me affraid. 

Qref O heauens, you loue me not ! 

Troy. Dye I a villaine then : 
In this I doe not call your faith in queftion 
So mainely as my merit : I cannot fing, 
Nor heele the high Lauoltj nor fweeten talke; 
Nor play at fubtill games ; faire vertues all;| 



Troy/us and Crefsida. 



To which the Grecians are moft prompt and pregnant : 
But I can tell that in each grace of thefe, 
There lurkes a ftill and dumb-difcourfiue diuell, 
That tempts moft cunningly : but be not tempted. 

CreJ. Doe you thinke I will: 
Troy. No, but fomething may be done that we wil not : 
And fometimes we are diuels to our felues, 
When we will tempt the frailtie of our powers, 
Prefuming on their changefull potencie. 

tj£neM within. Nay , good my Lord ? 

Troy. Come kiffe, and let vs part. 
Paris within. Brother Troylus ? 

Troy. Good brother come you hither, 
And bring n&neas and the Grecian with you. 

CreJ. My Lord, will you be true ? Exit . 

Troy. Who I ? alas it is my vice, my fault : 
Whiles others fifli with craft for great opinion, 
I, with great truth, catch meere fimplicitie ; 
Whil'ft fome with cunning guild their copper crownes, 
With truth and plainneffe I doe weare mine bare : 

Enter the Greenes, 
Feare not my truth ; the morrall of my wit 
Is plaine and true, ther's all the reach of it. 
Welcome fir Diomed, here is the Lady 
Which for Antenor, we deliuer you. 
At the port (Lord) He giue her to thy hand, 
And by the way poffeffe thee what (he is. 
Entreate her faire ; and by my foule,faire Greeke, 
If ere thou ftand at mercy of my Sword, 
Name Creffid, and thy life mall be as fafe 
As Priam is in Illion ? 

Diom. Faire Lady Crefsid, 
So p leafe you fauethe thankes this Prince expe&s : 
The luftre in youreye, heauen in your cheeke, 
Pleades your faire vifage, and to Diomed 
You {hall be miftreffe, and command him wholly. 

Troy. Grecian, thou do'ft not vfe me curteoufly, 
To fhame the feale of my petition towards, 
I praifing her. I tell thee Lord of Greece : 
Shee is as farre high foaring o're thy praifes, 
As thou vnworthy t be cal'd her feruant : 
I charge theevfe her we ll, euen for my charge : 
For by the dreadfull pfo t0 , jfchou do'ft not, 
(Though th e great bulke iichilles be thy guard) 
He cut thy throate. 

Diom. Oh be not mou'd Prince Troylus ; 
Let me be priuiledg'd by myplace and meffage, 
To be a fpeaker free ? when I am hence, 
He anfwer to my luft : and know my Lord ; 
lie nothing doe on charge : to her owne worth 
She mall be priz'd : but that you fay, be't fo ; 
Hefpeakeitin myfpirit and honor, no. 

Troy. Come to the Port. He tell thee T>iomed, 
This braue, mall oft make thee to hide thy head : 
Lady, giue me your hand, and as we walke, 
To our owne felues bend we our needefull talke. 
Sound Trumpet. 

Par. Harke, Hetlors Trumpet. 

cs£ne. How haue we fpent this morning 
The Prince muft thinke me tardy and remiffe, 
That fwore to ride before him in the field. 

Par. 'Tis Troy/us fault : come, come, to field with him. 
Exeunt. 

Dio. Let vs make ready ftraight. 

c/£ne. Yea, with a Bridegroomes frefh alacritie 



589 



Let vs addreffe to tend on HeSors heeles : 
The glory of our Troy doth this day lye 
On his faire worth, and fingle Chiualrie. 

Enter Aiax armed, Achilles, Patroclus, Agamemnon, 
Menelaus ,VliJfa , Nejlcr ,Qalcas, &c. 

Aga. Here art thou in appointment frefh and faire, 
Anticipating time. With ftarting courage, 
Giue with thy Trumpet a loud note to Troy 
Thou dreadfull Aiax, that the appauled aire 
May pierce the head of the great Combatant, 
And hale him hither. 

Aia. Thou, Trumpet, ther's my purfe; 
Now cracke thy lungs, and fplit thy brafen pipe: 
Blow villaine, till thy fphered Bias cheeke 
Out-fwell the collicke of puft Aquilon : 
Come, ftretch thy cheft, and let thy eyes fpout bloud : 
Thou bloweft for Heilor. 
Vlij. No Trumpet anfwers. 

Achil. 'Tis but early dayes. 

Aga. Is not yong Diomed with Calcai daughter? 



He 



Vlij. 'Tis he, I ken the manner of his gate, 
rifes on the toe : that fpirit ofhis 



In afpiration lifts him from the earth. 

Aga. Is this the Lady CrcJJid? 

Dio. Euen me. 

Aga. Moft deerely welcome to the Greekes, fweete 
Lady. 

Nefi. Our Generall doth falute you with a kiffe. 

Vlif. Yet is the kindeneffe but particular; 'twere bet- 
ter (he were kift in generall. 

Nefi. And very courtly counfell : He begin. So much 
for Nefior. 

Achil. He take that winter from your lips faire Lady 
Achilles bids you welcome. 

Mene. I had good argument for kiffing once. 

Patro. But that's no argument for kiffing now ; 
For thus pop't Paris in his hardiment. 

Vlif. Oh deadly gall, and theame of all our fcornes, 
For which we loofe our heads, to gild his homes. 

Patro. The firft was oflfenelaus kifie, this mine : 
Patroclus kifTes you. 

Mene. Oh this is trim. 

Pair. Paris and I kiffe euermore for him. 

Mene. He haue my kifie fir : ILady by your leaue. 

CreJ. In kiffing doe you render,or receiue. 

Pair. Both take and giue. 

CreJ. He make my match to Hue, 
The kifie you take is better then you giue : therefore no 
kiffe. 

Mene. lie giue you boote, He giue you three for one. 

CreJ. You are an odde man, giue euen,x>r giue none. 

Mene. An odde man Lady, euery man is odde. 

CreJ. No, Paris is not; for you know 'tis true, 
That you are odde, and he is euen with you. 

Mene. You fillip me a'th' head. 

CreJ. No, He be fworne. 

Vlif. It were no match, your naile againft his home .- 
May 1 fweete Lady beg a kiffe of you ? 
CreJ You may. 
Vlij I doe defire it. 
CreJ. Why begge then ? 

Vlij. Why then for Venus fake, giue me a kiffe : 

When Hellen is a maide againe, and his 

CreJ. I am your debtor, claime it when 'tis due. 

f «r 3 Vlif. Neuer's 



Troylus and Crejsida. 



Vlif. Neuer's my day, and then a kiffe of you. 

T)iom. Lady a word, lie bring you to your Father. 

Neft. A woman of quicke fence. 

Vlif. Fie, fie, vpon her : 
Ther's a language in her eye, her cheeke,her lip; 
Nay, her foote fpeakes,her wanton fpirites looke out 
At euery ioynt,and motiue of her body : 
Oh thefe encounterers fo glib of tongue, 
That giue a coafting welcome ete it comes ; 
And widevnclafpe the tables of their thoughts, 
To euery tickling reader : fet them downe, 
For fluttiih fpoyles ofopportunitie ; 

And daughters of the game. Exennt. 

Enter all of Troy, He&or, Paris, zsEneas, Helenui 
arid Attendants. Florifh. 

All. The Troians Trumpet. 

Aga. Yonder comes the troope. 

n4Exe. Haile all you ftate of Greece : what fhalbe done 
To him that victory commands ? or doe you purpofe, 
A victor lhall be knowne : will you the Knights 
Shall to the edge of all extremitie 
Purfue each other; or fhall be diuided 
By any voyce,or order of the field : He&or bad aske ? 
Aga. Which way would He&or haue it? 

c-4sw. He cares not, heele obey conditions. 

Aga. 'Tis done like He&or, but fecurely done, 
A little proudly, and great deale difprifing 
The Knight oppos'd. 

eASne. If not Achilles fir, what is your name? 
AMI. If not Achilles, nothing. 
os£ne. Therefore Achilles: but what ere,know this, 
In the extremity of great and little : 
Valour and pride excell themfelues in He&or; 
Theonealmoft as infinite as all ; 
The other blanke as nothing : weigh him well: 
And that which lookeslike pride, is curtefie : 
This Aiax is halfe made ofHe&ors bloud; 
In loue whereof, halfe He&or ftaies at home : 
Halfe heart,halfe hand, halfe He&or,comes to feeke 
This blended Knight, halfe Troian,and halfe Greeke. 

Achil. A maiden battaile then ?OI perceiue you. 

Aga. Here is Cu,Diomed: goe gentle Knight, 
Stand by our Aiax : as you and Lord tAZneai 
Confent vpon the order of their fight, 
So be it : either to the vttermoft, 
Or fife a breach: the Combatants being kin, 
Halfe flints their ftrife, before their ftrokes begin. 

Vlif. They are oppos'd already. 

Aga. What Troian is that fame that lookes fo heauy? 

Vlif. The yongeft Sonne of Priam ; 
A true Knight ; they call him Troylui ; 
Not yet mature, yet matchlefTe,firme of word, 
Speaking in deedes, and deedeleffe in his tongue ; 
Not foone prouok'c, nor being prouok't,foone calm'd ; 
His heart and hand both open, and both free : 
For what he has, he giues ; what thinkes,he fhewes ; 
Yet giues he not till Judgement guide his bounty, 
Nor dignifies an impaire thought with breath : 
Manly as He&or, but more dangerous ; 
For He&or in his blaze of wrath fubfcribes 
To tender obiects ; but he, in heate of action, 
Is more vindecatiue then iealous loue. 
They call him Troylui ; and on him erect, 
A fecond hope, as fairely built as He&or. 
Thus faies csEneos, one that knowes the youth, 
Euen to his inches : and with priuate foule, 



trupets i 
ceafe. I 



Did in great Ulion thus tranflate him to me. Alarum. 

Aga. They are in action. 

Neft. Now Aiax hold thine owne. 

Troy. He&or, thou fleep'ft, awake thee. 

Aga. His blowes are wel difpos'd there Aiax. 

Diom. You muft no more. 

zALne. Princes enough, fo pleafe you. 

Aia. I am not warme yet, let vs fight againe. 

Diom. As He&or pleafes. 

He&. Why then will I no more : 
Thou art great Lord, my Fathers fitters Sonne ; 
A coufen german to great Priams feede : 
The obligation of our bloud forbids 
A gorie emulation 'twixt vs twaine : 
Were thy commixion, Greeke and Troian fo, 
That thou could'ft fay, this hand is Grecian all, 
And this is Troian: the finewesofthis Legge, 
All Greeke, and this all Troy : my Mothers bloud 
Runs on the dexter cheeke,and this finifter 
Bounds in my fathers : by loue multipotent, 
Thou lhould'ft not beare from me a Greekifh member 
Wherein my fword had not imprefTure made 
Of our ranke feud : but the iuft gods gainfay, 
That any drop thou borrwd'ft from thy mother, 
My facred Aunt, mould by my mortall Sword 
Be drained. Let me embrace thee Aiax : 
By him that thunders, thou haft luftie Armes; 
He&or would haue them fall vpon him thus. 
Cozen, all honor to thee. 

Aia. I thanke thee He&or : 
Thou art too gentle, and too free a man : 
I came to kill thee Cozen, and beare hence 
A great addition, earned in thy death. 
He&. Not Neoftolymus fo mirable, 
On whofe bright creft. fame with her lowd'ft (O yes) 
Cries, This is he ; could'ft promife to himfelfe, 
A thought of added honor, tome from He&or. 

n&ne. There is expectance here from both the fides, 
What further you will doej? 

He&. Weele anfwere it: 
The iffue is embracement : Aiax, farewell. 

Aia. If I might in entreaties fir*de fucceffe, 
As feld I haue the chance ; I would defire 
My famous Coufin to our Grecian Tents. 

Diom. 'Tis Agamemnons wilh,and great Achilles 
Doth long to fee vnarm'd the valiant He&or. 

He&. cJEneas, call my brother Troylui to me : 
And fignifie this louing enterview 
To the expecters of our Troian part : 
Defire them home. Giue me thy hand, my Coufin : 
I will goe eate with thee, and fee your Knights. 
Enter Agamemnon and the reft. 
Aia. Great Agamemnon comes to meete vs here. 
He&. The worthier! of them, tell me name by name 
But for Achilles, mine owne ferching eyes 
Shall finde him by his large and portly fize. 

Aga. Worthy of Armes : as welcome as to one | 
That would be rid of fuch an enemie. 
But that's no welcome : vnderftand more cleere 
What's paft, and what's to come, is ftrew'd with huskesj 
And formelefTe mine of obliuion : 
But in this extant moment, faith and troth, 
Strain'd purely from all hollow bias drawing: 
Bids thee with moft diuine integritie, 
From heart of very heart, great He&or welcome. 
He&. I thanke thee moft imperious ^Agamemnon. 
Aga 



My 



59° 



Troy Jus and Crefsida. 



Aga. My well-fam'd Lord of Troy.no leffe to you. 

Men. Let me confirme my Princely brothers greeting, 
You brace of warlike Brothers, welcome hither. 

Heel. Who muft we anfwer ? 

ey£ne. The Noble Menelavs. 

HeB. O, you my Lord, by Mars his gauntlet thanks, 
Mockenot, that I affect th'vntraded Oath, 



Your i 



wife fw 



ftill by Veniu Gloue 



Shee's well, but bad me not commend her to you. 

Men. Name her not now fir,me's a deadly Theame. 

Hell. O pardon, I offend. 

Ne/1. I haue ( thou gallant Troyan ) feene thee oft 
Labouring for deftiny, make cruell way 
Through rankes of Greekilh youth : and I haue feen thee 
As hot as Perfeus, fpurre thy Phrygian Steed, 
And feene thee fcorning forfeits and fubduments, 
When thou haft hung thy aduanced fword i'th'ayre, 
Not letting it decline, on the declined : 
That I haue faid vnto my ftanders by, 
Loe Iupiter is yonder, dealing life. 
And I haue feene thee paufe, and take thy breath, 
When that a ring of Greekes haue hem'd thee in, 
Like an Olympian wreftling. This haue I feene, 
But this thy countenance (ftill lockt in fteele) 
I neuer faw till now. I knew thy Grandfire, 
And once fought with him ; he was a Souldier good, 
But by great Mars, the Captaine of vs all, 
Neuer like thee. Let an oldman embrace thee, 
And (worthy Warriour) welcome to our Tents. 

ey£ne. 'Tis the old Nejlor. 

Hell. Let me embrace thee good old Chronicle, 
That haft fo long walk'd hand in hand with time: 
Moft reuerend Neftor, I am glad to clafpe thee. 

Ne.l would my armes could match thee in contention 
As they contend with thee in courtefie. 

HeB. I would they could. 

Neji. Ha? by this white beard I'ld fight with thee to 
morrow. Well, welcom, welcome : I haue feen the time. 

yiyj. I wonder now, how yonder City ftands, 
When we haue heere her Bafe and pillar by vs. 

HeB. I know your fauour Lord Vlyffes well. 
Ah fir, there's many a Greeke and Troyan dead, 
Since firft I faw your felfe, and Diomed 
In Illion, on your Greekilh Embaffie. 

Vlyf. Sir, I foretold you then what would enfue, 
My prophefie is but halfe his iourney yet j 
For yonder wals that pertly front your Townc, 
Yond Towers, whofe wanton tops do buffe the clouds, 
Muft kiffe their owne feet. 

HeB. I muft not beleeue you : 
There they ftand yet : and modeftly I th'mke, 
The fall of euery Phrygian ftone will coft 
A drop of Grecian blood : the end crownes all, 
And that old common Arbitrator, Time, 
Will one day end it. 

Vlyf. So to him we leaue it. 
Moft gentle, and moft valiant HeBor, welcome ; 
After the Generall, I befeech you next 
ToFeaft with me, and fee me at my Tent. 

Achil. I mail foreftall thee Lord Vlyffes, thou: 
Now HeBor I haue fed mine eyes on thee,l 
I haue with exaft view perus'd thee HeBor, 
And quoted ioynt by ioynt. 

HeB. Is this Achilles? 

Achil. I am Achilles. 

HeB. Stand faire I prythee, let me looke on thee. 



Achil. Behold thy fill. 

HeB. Nay, I haue done already. 

Achil. Thou art to breefe, I will the fecond time, 
As I would buy thee, view thee, limbe by limbe. 

HeB. O like a Booke of fport thou'lt reade me ore : 
But there's more in me then thou vnderftand'ft. 
Why doeft thou fo oppreffe me with thine eye? 

Achil. Tell me you Heauens, in which part of his body 
Shall I deftroy him? Whether there, or there, or there, 
That I may giue the locall wound a name, 
And make diftinft the very breach, where-out 
HeBors great fpirit fl-w. Anfwer me heauens. 

HeB. It would difcredit the bleft Gods, proud man, 
To anfwer fuch a queftion : Stand againe ; 
Think'ft thou to catch my life fo pleafantly, 
As to prenominate in nice coniefture 
Where thou wilt hit me dead ? 

Achil. 1 tell thee yea. 

HeB. Wert thou the Oracle to tell me fo, 
I'ld not beleeue thee : henceforth guard thee well, 
For He not kill thee there, nor there, nor there, 
But by the forge that ftythied Mars his helme, 
He kill thee euery where, yea, ore and ore. 
You wifeft Grecians, pardon me this bragge, 
His infolence drawes folly from my lips, 
But He endeuour deeds to match thefe words, 
Or may I neuer 

Aiax, Do not chafe thee Cofin: 
And you Achilles, let thefe threats alone 
Till accident, or purpofe bring you too't. 
You may euery day enough of HeBor 
If you haue ftomacke. The generall ftate I feare, 
Can fcarfe intreat you to be odde with him. 

HeB. I pray you let vs fee you in the field, 
We haue had pelting Warres fince you refus'd 
The Grecians caufe. 

Achil. Doft thou intreat me HeBor} 
To morrow do I meete thee fell as death, 
To night, all Friends. 

HeB. Thy hand vpon that match. 

Aga. Firft, all you Peeres of Greece go to my Tent, 
There in the full conuiue you : Afterwards, 
As HeBors leyfure, and your bounties mail 
Concurre together, feuerally intreat him. 
Beate lowd the Taborins, let the Trumpets blow, 
That this great Souldier may his welcome know. Exeunt 

Troy. My Lord Vlyffes, tell me I befeech you, 
In what place of the Field doth Calchas keepe ? 

Vlyf. At Menelaui Tent, moft Princely Troylus, 
There T>iomed doth feaft with him to night, 
Who neither lookes on heauen, nor on earth, 
But giues all gaze and bent of amorous view 
On the faire Creffid. 

Troy. Shall 1 (fweet Lord)be bound to thee fo much, 
After we part from Agamemnons Tent, 
To bring me thither? 

Vlyf. You mail command me fir : 
As gentle tell me, of what Honour was 
This-Qeffida in Troy, had ihe no Louer there 
That wailes her abfence ? 

Troy. O fir, to fuch as boafting ihew their fcarres, 
A mocke is due : will you walke on my Lord ? 
She was belou'd, me lou'd; fiie is, and dooth ; 
But ftill fweet Loue is food for Fortunes tooth. Exeunt 
Enter Achilles, and Patroclus. 

Achil.We heat his blood with Greekilh wine to night, 
Which 



Troy Jus and Crefsida. 



Which with my Cemitar lie coole to morrow : 
Tatroclui, let vs Feaft him to the hight. 

Pat. Heere comes Therptes. Enter Therfites. 

Achil. How now, thou core of Enuy ? 
Thou crufty batch of Nature, what's the newes ? 

Ther. Why thou pidure of what thou feem'ft, & Idoll 
of Ideot-worfliippers, here's a letter for thee. 

Achil. From wnence, Fragment ? 

Ther. Why thou full dilh of Foole, from Troy. 

Pat. Who keepes the Tent now? 

Ther. The Surgeons box, or the Patients wound. 

Patr. Well faid aduerfity, and what need thefe tricks? 

Ther. Prythee be filent boy, I profit not by thy talke, 
thou art thought to be Achilles male Varlot. 

Patro. Male Varlot you Rogue ? What's that? 

Ther. Why his mafculine Whore. Now the rotten 
difeafes of the South, guts-griping Ruptures, Catarres, 
Loades a grauell i'th'backe, Lethargies, cold Palfies,and 
the like, take and take againe, fuch prepoftrous difcoue- 
ries. 

Pat. Why thou damnable box of enuy thou, what 
mean'ft thou to curfe thus? 

Ther. Do I curfe thee ? 

Patr. Why no, you ruinous But, you whorfon indi- 
ftinguifhable Curre. 

Ther. No ? why art thou then exafperate, thou idle, 
immateriall skiene of Sleyd filke ; thou greene Sarcenet 
flap for a fore eye, thou taflel! of a Prodigals purfe thou : 
Ah how the poore world is peftred with fuch water-flies, 
diminutiues of Nature. 

"Pat. Out gall. 

Tber, Finch Egge. 

Ach. My fweet Patroclm, I am thwarted quite 
From my great purpofe in to morrowes battell : 
Heere is a Letter from Queene Hecuba, 
A token from her daughter, my faire Loue, 
Both taxing me, and gaging me to keepe 
An Oaththatlhaue fworne. I will not breake it, 
Fall Greekes, faile Fame, Honor or go, or ftay, 
My maior vow lyes heere ; this lie obay : 
Come, come Therfites, helpe to trim my Tent, 
This night in banquettingmuft all be fpent. 
Away Patroclm. Ex' 1 - 

Ther. With too much bloud,and too little Brain, thefe 
two may run mad : but if with too much braine, and to° 
little blood, they do, He be a curer of madmen. Heere 's 
Agamemnon, an honeft fellow enough, and one that loues 
Quailes, but he has not fo much Braine as eare-wax ; and 
the goodly transformation of Iupiter there his Brother, 
the Bull, the primatiue Statue, and oblique memoriall of 
Cuckolds, a thrifty ihooing-horne in a chaine, hanging 
at his Brothers legge, to what forme but that he is, fhold 
wit larded with malice, and malice forced with wit,turne 
him too : to an AfTe were nothing ; hee is both AfTe and 
Oxe; to an Oxe were nothing, hee is both Oxe and AfTe : 
to be a Dogge, a Mule, a Cat, a Fitchew, a Toade, a Li- 
zard, an Owle, a Puttocke, or a Herring without a Roe, 
I would not care : but to be cMenelaus, I would confpire 
againft Deftiny. Aske me not what I would be, if I were 
not Therfites : for I care not to bee the lowfe of a Lazar, 
fo I were not Menelaus. Hoy-day, fpirits and fires. 
Enter Hetlor , Aiax, Agamemnon, Vlyffes , Ne- 
Jlor, Diomed, rpitb Lights. 

Aga. We go wrong, we go wrong. 

Aiax. No yonder 'tis, there where we fee the light. 

Hetl. I trouble you. 



Aiax. No, not a whit. 

Enter Achilles. 

Vlyf. Heere comes himfelfe to guide you ? 

Achil. Welcome braue Hetlor, welcome Princes all. 

Agam. So now faire Prince of Troy, I bid goodnight, 
Aiax commands the guard to tend on you. 

Hetl. Thanks, and goodnight to the Greeks general. 

Men. Goodnight my Lord. 

Hetl. Goodnight fweet Lord Menelaus. 

Ther. Sweet draught : fweet quoth-a ? fweet finke, 
fweet fure. 

Achil. Goodnight and welcom, both at once, to thofe 
that go, or tarry. 

tAga. Goodnight. 

Achil. Old Nefior tarries, and you too Diomed, 
Keepe Heilor company an houre, or two. 

Dio. I cannot Lord, I haue important bufinefle, 
The tide whereof is now, goodnight great Heilor. 

Hetl. Giue me your hand. 

Vlyf. Follow his Torch, he goes to Ckalcas Tent, 
He keepe you company. 

Troy. Sweet fir, you honour me. 

Hetl. And fo good night. 

Achil. Come, come, enter my Tent. Exeunt. 

Ther. That fame Diomed's a falfe-hearted Rogue, a 
molt vniuft Knaue ; I will no more truft him when hee 
leeres, then I will a Serpent when he hifies : he will fpend 
his mouth & promife, like Brabler the Hound ; but when 
he performes, Aftronomers foretell it, that it is prodigi- 
ous, there will come fome change : the Sunne borrowes 
of the Moone when Diomed keepes his word. I will ra- 
ther leaue to fee Hetlor, then not to dogge him:they fay, 
he keepes a Troyan Drab, and vfes the Traitour Cbalcai 

his Tent. He after Nothing but Letcherie ? All 

incontinent Varlets. Exeunt 

Enter Diomed. 

Dio. What are you vp here ho ? fpeake ? 

Cbal. Who cals? 

Dio. Diomed, Chalcas{l thinke) wher's you Daughter? 

Cbal. She comes to you. 

Enter Troylui and Vliffes. 

VliJ. Stand where the Torch may not difcouer vs. 
Enter Crefsid. 

Troy. Crefsid comes forth to him. 

"Dio. How now my charge ? 

Cref Now my fweet gardian: harke a word with you. 

Troy, Yea, fo familiar ? 

Vlif. She will fing any man at firft fight. 

Ther. And any man may findeher, if he can take her 
life : ihe's noted. 

Dio. Will you remember ? 

Cal. Remember ? yes. 

Dio. Nay, but doe then ; and let your minde be cou- 
pled with your words. 

Troy. What fliould ihe remember? 

Vlif. Lift ? 

Cref. Sweete hony Greek, tempt me no more to folly. 

Ther. Roguery. 

Dio. Nay then. 

Cref. He tell you what. 

Dio. Fo, fo, eome tell a pin, you are a forfworne. 

Cref. In faith I cannot : what would you haue me do? 

Ther. A iugling tricke,to be fecretly open. 

Dio. What did you fweare you would beftow on me? 

Cref. I prethee do not hold me to mine oath, 
Bid me doe not any thing but that fweete Greeke. 

Dio. Good 



Troy /us and Crefsida. 



Dio. Good night. 

Troy. Hold, patience. 

Vlsf. How now Troian ? 

Cref. Diomed. 

T>io. No, no, good night : He be your foole no more. 

Troy. Thy better mult, 

Cref. Harke one word in your eare. 

Troy. O plague and madneffe ! 

Vlif. You are moued Prince, let vs depart I pray you, 
Left your difpleafure mould enlarge it felfe 
To wrathfull tearmes : this place is dangerous ; 
The time right deadly : 1 befeech you goe. 

Troy. Behold, I pray you. 

Vlif. Nay, good my Lord goe off: 
You flow to great diftra&ion : come my Lord ? 

Troy. I pray thee ftay ? 

Vlif. You haue not patience, come. 

Troy. I pray you ftay? by hell and hell torments, 
I will not fpeake a word. 

Dio. And fo good night. 

Cref. Nay , but you part in anger. 

Troy. Doth that grieue thee ? O withered truth ! 

Vlif. Why, how now Lord ? 

Troy. By hue I will be patient. 

CreJ. Gu'dian ? why Greeke ? 

T>io. Fo,fo, adew, you palter. 

Cref. In faith I doe not : come hither once againe. 

Vlif. You make my Lord at fomething; will you goe? 
you will breake out. 

Troy. She ftroakes his cheeke. 

Vlif. Come, come. 

Troy. Nay ftay, by hue I will not fpeake a word. 
There is betweene my will, and all offences, 
A guard of patience; ftay a little while. 

Tber. How the diuel'l Luxury with his fat rumpe and 
potato finger, tickles thefe together : frye lechery,frye. 

Dio. But will you then ? 

Cref. In faith I will lo ; neuer truft me elfe. 

"Dio. Giue me fome token for the furety of it. 

Cref. He fetch you one. Exit. 

Vlif. You haue fworne patience. 

Troy. Feare me not fweete Lord. 
I will not be my felfe, nor haue cognition 
Of what I feele : I am all patience. Enter Creffid. 

Tber. Now the pledge, now, now, now. 

Cref. Here Diomed, keepe this Sleeue. 

Troy. O beautie ! where is thy Faith ? 

Vlif. My Lord. 

Troy. I will be patient, outwardly I will. 

Cref. You looke vpon that Sleeue ? behold it well ; 
He lou'd me : O falfe wench : giue't me againe. 

Dio, Whofe was't ? 

Cref. It is no matter now I haue't againe. 
I will not meete with you to morrow night: 
I prythee Diomedvifite me no more. 

Tber. Now me Sharpens : well faid Whetftone. 

Dio. I ftiall haue it. 

Cref. What, this f 

Dio. I that. 

Cref. O all you gods ! O prettie, prettie pledge 5 
Thy Maifter now lies thinking in his bed 
Of thee and me, and fighes, and takes my Gloue, 
And giues memoriall daintie kiffes to it; 
As I kiffe thee. 

T>io. Nav, doe not fnatch it from me. 

Cref. He that takes that, rakes my heart withall. 



Dio. I had your heart before, this followes it. 

Troy. I did fweare patience. 

Cref. You Ihall not haue it Diomed; faith youlhallnot: 
He giue you fomething elfe. 

"Dio. I will haue this : whofe was it ? 

Cref. It is no matter. 

Dio. Come tell me whofe it was ? 

Cref. 'Twas one that lou'd me better then you will. 
But now you haue it, take it. 

T)io. Whofe was it ? 

Cref. By all Dianas waiting women yond : 
And by her felfe, I will not tell you whofe. 

Dio. To morrow will I weare it on my Helme, 
And grieue his fpirit that dares not challenge it. 

Troy. Wert thou the diuell, and wor'ft it on thy home, 
It mould be challeng'd. 

Qref. Well, well, 'tis done, 'tis paft ; and yet it is not : 
I will not keepe my word. 

T)io. Why then farewell, 
Thou neuer fhalt mocke Diomed againe. 

Qref. You mall not goe : one cannot fpeake a word, 
But it ftrait ftarts you. 

Dio. I doe not like this fooling. 

Tber. Nor I by Pluto: but that that likes not me, plea- 
fes me beft. 

Dio. What mall I come? the houre. 

Cref. I, come : O hue! doe,come: 1 mail be plagu'd. 

Dio. Farewell till then. Exit. 

Cref. Good night : I prythee come : 
Troylus farewell ; one eye yet lookes on thee ; 
But with my heart, the other eye, doth fee. 
Ah poore our fexe ; this fault in vs I finde : 
The errour of our eye, directs our minde. 
What errour leads, muft erre : O then conclude, 
Mindes fwai'd by eyes, are full of turpitude. Exit. 

Tber. A proofe of ftrength (he could not publifh more; 
Vnleffe me fay, my minde is now turn'd whore. 

Vlif Al's done my Lord. 

Troy. It is. 

Vlif. Why ftay we then ? 
Troy. To make a recordation to my foule 
Of euery fyllable that here was fpoke : 
But if I tell how thefe two did coad: ; 
Shall I not lye, in publishing a truth ? 
Sith yet there is a credence in my heart : 
An efperance fo obftinately ftrong, 
That doth inuert that teft of eyes and eares; 
As if thofe organs had deceptious functions, 
Created onely to calumniate. 
w as Creffid here? 

Vlif I cannot coniure Troian. 

Troy, She was not fure. 

Vlif. Moft fure She was. 

Troy. Why my negation hath no tafte of madneffe? 

Vlif. Nor mine my Lord : Creffid was here but now. 

Troy. Let it not be beleeu'd for womanhood : 
Thinke we had mothers ; doe not giue aduantage 
To ftubborne Criticks,apt without a theame 
For deprauation,to fquare the generall fex 
By Crefiids rule. Rather thinke this not Creffid. 

Vlif. What hath me done Prince, that can foyle our 

mothers? 
Troy. Nothing at all, vnleffe that this were lhe. 
Tber. Will he fwagger himielfe out on's owne eyes? 

Troy. This lhe ? no, this is Diomids Creffida : 
If beautie haue a foule, this is not lhe : 

If 



Troy /us and Crefsida. 



If foules guide vowes; if vowes are fanftimonie ; 

If fanftimonie be the gods delight : 

If there be rule in vnitie it felfe, 

This is not fhe : O madneffe of difcourfe ! 

That caufe fets vp, with, and againft thy felfe 

By foule authoritie : where reafon can reuolt 

Without perdition, and lofle afTume all reafon, 

Without reuolt. This is, and is not Creffid : 

Within my foule, there doth conduce a fight 

Of this ftrange nature, that a thing infeperate, 

Diuides more wider then theskieand earth : 

And yet the fpacious bredth of this diuifion, 

Admits no Orifex for a point as fubtle, 

As Ariachnes broken woofe to enter : 

Inftance, O inftance ! ftrong as Plutoes gates : 

Creffid is mine, tied with the bonds of heauen ; 

Inftance, O inftance, ftrong as heauen it felfe : 

The bonds of heauen are flipt, diflblu'd, and loos'd, 

And with another knot fiue finger tied, 

The fractions of her faith, orts of her loue : 

The fragments, fcraps,the bits, and greazie reliques, 

Of her ore-eaten faith, are bound to Dkmed 

Vlif. May worthy Troylus be halfe attached 
With that which here his paffion doth exprefle ? 

Troy. I Greeke : and that ihall be divulged well 
In Characters, as red as Mars his heart 
Inflam'd with Venus : neuer did yong man fancy 
With fo eternall,and fo fixt a foule. 
Harke Greek : as much I doe Creffida loue ; 
So much by weight, hate I her Dkmed, 
That Sleeue is mine, that heele beare in his Helme : 
Were it a Caske compos'd by Vulcans skill, 
My Sword fhould bite it : Not the dreadfull fpout, 
Which Shipmen doe the Hurricano call, 
Conftring'd in maffe by the almighty Fenne, 
Shall dizzie with more clamour Neptunes eare 
In his difcent ; then mall my prompted fword, 
Falling on Dkmed. 

Ther. Heele tickle it for his concupie. 

Troy. O Creffid\ O falfe Creffid! falfe,falfe,falfe : 
Let all vntruths ftand by thy ftained name, 
And theyle feeme glorious. 

Vlif. O containe your felfe : 
Your pafilon drawes eares hither. 
Enter oy£neas. 

eJEne. I haue beene feeking you this houre my Lord: 
HeBor by this is arming him in Troy. 
Aiax youa Guard, ftaies to conduct you home. 

Troy. Haue with you Prince : my curteous Lord adew: 
Farewell reuolted faire : and Dkmed, 
Stand faft,and weare a Caftle on thy head. 

Vli. He bring you to the Gates. 

Troy. Accept diftrafted thankes. 

Exeunt Troylus, t/Eneas ,andVUffes . 
Tber. Would I could meete that roague Dkmed, I 
would croke like a Rauen : I would bode, I would bode : 
Patroclus will giue me any thing for the intelligence of 
his whore: the Parrot will not doe more for an Almond, 
then he for a commodious drab : Lechery, lechery, ftill 
warres and lechery, nothing elfe holds famion. A burning 
diuell take them. 

Enter Heeler and Andromache. 

And. When was my Lord fo much vngently temper'd, 
To ftop his eares againft admoniihment ? 
Vnarme, vnarme,and doe not fight to day. 

Heel. You traine me to offend you : get you gone. 



By the euerlafting gods, He goe. 

And. My dreames will fure proue ominous to the day. 

HeB. No more I fay. Enter 

Caffa. Where is my brother HeBor ? 

And. Here lifter, arm'd,and bloudy in intent : 
Confort with me in loud and deere petition : 
purfue we him on knees : for I haue dreampt 
Of bloudy turbulence ; and this whole night 
Hath nothing beene but ihapes,and formes of (laughter. 

Qaff. O, 'tis true. 

HeB. Ho ? bid my Trumpet found. 

Caff. No notes of fallie, for the heauens,fweet brother. 

HeB. Begon I fay : the gods haue heard me fweare. 

Caff. The gods are deafe to hot and peeuifti vowes ; 
They are polluted offrings, more abhord 
Then fpotted Liuers in the facrifice. 

And. O be perfwaded, doe not count it holy, 
To hurt by being iuft ; it is as lawfull : 
For we would count giue much to as violent thefts, 
And rob in the behalfe of charitie. 

Caff. It is the purpofe that makes ftrong the vowe ; 
But vowes to euery purpofe muft not hold : 
Vnatme fweete HeBor. 

Hett. Hold you ftill I fay; 
Mine honour keepes the weather of my fate : 
Life euery man holds deere, but the deere man 
Holds honor farre more precious, deere, then life. 

Enter Troylus. 
How now yong man ? mean'ft thou to fight to day ? 

And. Caffandra, call my father to perfwade. 

Exit Caffandra. 

HeB. No faith yong Troylus; doffe thy harnefle youth: 
I am to day ith'vaine of Chiualrie : 
Let grow thy Sinews till their knots be ftrong ; 
And tempt not yet the brufhes of the warre. 
Vnarme thee, goe ; and doubt thou not braue boy, 
lie ftand to day, for thee,and me,and Troy. 

Troy. Brother, you haue a vice of mercy in you ; 
Which better fits a Lyon, then a man. 

HeB. What vice is that? good Troylus chide me for it. 

Troy. When many times the captiue Grecian fals, 
Euen in the fanne and winde of your faire Sword : 
You bid them rife,and Hue. 

HeB. O 'tis faire play. 

Troy. Fooles play, by heauen HeBor. 

HeB. How now ? how now ? 

Troy. For th'loue of all the gods 
Let's leaue the Hermit Pitty with our Mothers; 
And when we haue our Armors buckled on, 
The venom'd vengeance ride vpon our fwords, 
Spur them to ruthfull worke,reine them from ruth. 

HeB. , Fie fauage, fie. 

Troy. HeBor, then 'tis warres. 

HeB. Troylus, I would not haue you fight to day. 

Troy. Who fhould with-hold me ? 
Not fate, obedience, nor the hand of Mars, 
Beckning with fierie trunchion my retire ; 
Not Priamus, and Hecuba on knees; 
Their eyes ore-galled with recourfe of teares ; 
Nor you my brother, with your true fword drawne 
Oppof'd to hinder me,fhould ftop my way: 
But b.y my ruine. 

Enter Priam and Caffandra. 

Caffl Lay hold vpon him Priam, hold him fall: 
He is thy crutch ; now if thou loofe thy ftay, 
Thou on him leaning, and all Troy on thee, 

Fall 



Troylus and Crejsida. 



Fall all together. 

Priam. Come HeBor, come, goe backe : 
Thy wife hath dreampt : thy mother hath had virions; 
Caffandra doth forefee; and I my felfe, 
Am like a Prophet fuddenly em apt, 
to tell thee that this day is ominous : 
Therefore come backe. 

HeB apneas is a field, 
And I do ftand engag'd to many Greekes, 
Euen in the faith of valour, to appeare 
This morning to them, 

Priam. I, but thou malt not goe, 
Heli. I muft not breake my faith : 
You know me dutifull, therefore deare fir, 
Let me not fliame refpeft ; but giue me leaue 
To take that courfe by your confent and voice, 
Which you doe here forbid me,Royall Priam. 

Caff. O Priam, yeelde not to him. 

And. Doe not deere father. 

Heel. Andromache I am offended with you : 
Vpon theloue you beare me, get you in. 

Sxit Andromache. 

Troy. This foolifli, dreaming, fuperftitious girle, 
Makes all thefe bodements. 

Caff. O farewell, deere HeBor : 
Looke how thou dieft; looke how thy eye turnes pale : 
Looke how thy wounds doth bleede at many vents : 
Harke how Troy roares ; how Hecuba cries out ; 
How poore Andromache flirils her dolour forth ; 
Behold diftra£tion,frenzie,and amazement, 
Like witleffe Antickes one another meete, 
And all cry HeBor, HeBors dead : O HeBor \ 

Troy. Away, away. 

Caf. Farewell :yes,foft: HeBor I take my leaue; 
Thou do'ft thy felfe, and all our Troy deceiue. Exit. 

HeB. You are amaz'd,my Liege, at her exclaime : 
Goe in and cheere the Towne, weele forth and fight : 
Doe deedes ofpraife, and tell you them at night. 

Priam. Farewell : the gods with fafetie ftand about 
thee. Alarum. 

Troy. They are at it, harke : proud Diomed, beleeue 
I come to loofe my arme, or winne my fleeue. 

Enter Pandar. 

Pand. Doe you heare my Lord ? do you heare? 

Troy. What now ? 

Pand. Here's a Letter come from yond poore girle. 

Troy, Let me reade. 

Pand. A whorfon tificke, a whorfon rafcally tificke, 
fo troubles me; and the foolifli fortune of this girle, and 
what one thing, what another, that I mall leaue you one 
o'th's dayes : and I haue a rheume in mine eyes too; and 
fuch an ache in my bones ; that vnlefie a man were curft, 
I cannot tell what to thinke on't. What fayes fliee 
there ? 

Troy. Words, words, meere words, no matter from 
the heart ; 
Th'effeft doth operate another way. 
Goe winde to winde, there turne and change together : 
My loue with words and errors ftill flie feedes ; 
But edifies another with her deedes. 

Pand. Why, but heare you ? 

Troy. Hence brother lackie ; ignomie and fliame 
Purfue thy life,and Hue aye with thy name. 

A Larum. Exeunt. 



Enter Therjites in excurjion. 

Ther. Now they are clapper-clawing one another , He 
goe looke on : that difTembling abhominable varlet Dio- 
mede, has got that fame fcuruie, doting, foolifti yong 
knauesSleeue of Troy, there in his Helme : I would faine 
fee them meet; that, that fame yong Troian afle, that loues 
the whore there, might fend that Greekifli whore-mai- 
fterly villaine, with the Sleeue, backe to the diffembling 
luxurious drabbe, of a fleeueleffe errant.O'th'tother fide, 
the pollicie of thofe craftie fwearing rafcals; that ftole 
old Moufe-eaten dry cheefe, Nefior : and that fame do g- 
foxe Vliffes' is not prou'd worth a Black-berry. They fet 
me vp in pollicy, that mungrill curre Aiax, againft that 
dogge of as bad a k\nde,Achilles. And now is the curre 
Aiax prouder then the curre Achilles, and will not arme 
to day. Whereupon, the Grecians began to proclaime 
barbarifme ; and pollicie growes into an ill opinion. 

Enter Diomed and Troylm. 
Soft, here comes Sleeue, and th'other. 

Troy. Flye not : for fliould'ft thou take the Riuer Stix, 
I would fwim after. 

Diom. Thou do'ft mifcall retire : 
I doe not flye; but aduantagious care 
Withdrew me from the oddes of multitude: 
Haue at thee ? 

Ther. Hold thy whore Grecian : now for thy whore 
Troian : Now the Sleeue, now the Sleeue. 
Euter HeBor. 
HeB.What art thou Greek? art thou for HeBors match? 
Art thou of bloud,and honour? 

Ther. No, no : I am a rafcall : a fcuruie railing knaue : 
a very filthy roague. 

HeB. I doe beleeue thee, liue. 

Ther. God a mercy, that thou wilt beleeue me ; but a 
plague breake thy necke — for frighting me : what's be- 
come of the wenching rogues ? I thinke they haue 
fwallowed one anothsr. I would laugh at that mira- 
cle yet in a fort, lecherie eates it felfe : He feeke them. 

Exit. 
Enter Diomed and Seruants. 

Dio. Goe, goe, my feruant,take thou Troylus Horfe ; 
Prefent the faire Steede to my Lady CreJJid: 
Fellow, commend my feruice to her beauty; 
Tell her, I haue chaftif'd the amorous Troyan. 
And am her Knight by proofe. 

Ser. I goe my Lord. Enter Agamemnon . 

Aga. Renew, renew, the fierce Polidamus 
Hath beate downe Menon : baftard Margarelon 
Hath Doreui prifoner. 

And ftands Caloffus-wife wauing his beame, 
Vpon the paflied courfes of the Kings : 
Epftrofus and Cedus, Polixines is flaine ; 
Amfhimacus, and Thous deadly hurt; 
Patroclus tane orflaine, and Talamedes 
Sore hurt and bruifed ; the dreadfull Sagittary 
Appauls our numbers, hafte we Diomed 
To re-enforcement, or we perifli all. 
Enter Nejlor. 

Neft. Coe beare Patroclus body to Achilles, 
And bid the fnaile-pac'd Aiax arme for fliame; 
There is a thoufand HeBors in the field : 
Now here he fights on Galathe his Horfe, 
And there lacks worke: anon he's there a foote, 
And there they flye or dye, like fcaled fculs, 

Before 



'Troylus and Crejsida. 



Before the belching Whale ; then is he yonder, 
And there the ftraying Greekes, ripe for his edge, 
Fall downe before him, like the mowers fwath ; 
Here,there,and euery where, he leaues and takes j 
Dexteritie fo obaying appetite, 
That what he will, he does, and does fo much, 
That proofe is call'd impoflibility. 

Enter Vlijfes. 

V/if. Oh, courage, courage Princes : great Achilles 
Is arming, weeping, curfing, vowing vengeance ; 
Patroclus wounds haue rouz'd his drowzie bloud, 
Together with his mangled Myrmidons, 
ThatnofelefTe,handleiTe, hackt and chipt,come to him ; 
Crying on HeBor. Aiax hath loft a friend, 
And foames at mouth, and he is arm'd,and at it : 
Roaring for Troylus ; who hath done to day, 
Mad and fantafticke execution ; 
Engaging and redeeming of himfelfe, 
With fuch a careleffe force, and forcelefle care, 
As if that luck in very fpight of cunning, bad him win all. 
Enter Aiax. 

Aia. Troylus, thou coward Troylus. Exit. 

T>io. I, there, there. 

Neji. So,fo, we draw together. Exit. 

Enter Achilles. 

Achil. Where is this HeBor ? 
Come, come, thou boy-queller,ihew thy face : 
Know what it is to meete Achilles angry. 
HeBor, wher's HeBor? I will none but HeBor. Exit. 

Enter Aiax. 

Aia. Troylus, thou coward Trcylus,{hew thy head. 
Enter Diomed. 

Diom. Troylus, I fay, wher's Troylus ? 

Aia. What would'ft thou ? 

Diom. I would correct him. 

Aia. Were I the Generall, 
Thou fhould'ft haue my office, 
Ere that correction : Troylus I fay, what Troylus ? 
Enter Troylus. 

Troy. Oh traitour T> iomed \ 
Turne thy falfe face thou traytor, 
And pay thy life thou oweft me for my horfe. 

Dio. Ha, art thou there ? 

Aia. He fight with him alone, ftand T)iomed. 



Dio. H 



e is my pr 



I wil 



: looke 



Troy. Come both you coging Greekes, haue at you 
both. Exit Troylus. 

Enter HeBor. 

HeB. Yea Troylus} O well fought my yongeft Brother. 
Euter Achilles. 

Achil. Now doe I fee thee ; haue at thee HeBor. 

Hea. Paufe if thou wilt. 

Achil. I doe difdaine thy curtefie, proud Troian ; 
Be happy that my armes are out of vfe : 
My reft and negligence befriends thee now, 
But thou anon ftialt heare of me againe: 
Till when,goe feeke thy fortune. Exit. 

He&. Fare thee well : 
I would haue beene much more a frefher man, 
Had I expected thee : how now my Brother? 
Enter Troylus. 

Troy. Aiax hath tane d&neas ; (hall it be? 
No, by the flame of yonder glorious heauen, 
He ftiall not carry him : He be tane too, 
Or bring him off: Fate heare me what I fay ; 



I wreake not, though thou end my life to day. Exit- 

Enter one in sArmour. 

Hea. Stand, ftand, thou Greeke, 
Thou art a goodly marke : 
No? wilt thou not? I like thy armour well, 
He frufh it, and vnlocke the riuets all, 
But He be maifter of it : wilt thou not beaft abide? 
Why then flye on, lie hunt thee for thy hide. Exit. 

Enter Achilles with Myrmidons. 

Achil. Come here about me you my Myrmidons : 
Marke what I fay ; attend me where I wheele : 
Strike not a ftroake, but keepe your felues in breath j 
And when I haue the bloudy Heaor found, 
Empale him with your weapons round about: 
In felleft manner execute your arme. 
Follow me firs, and my proceedings eye ; 
It is decreed, Heaor the great muft dye. Exit. 

Enter Therfites,Menelaui,and Parti. 

Ther. The Cuckold and the Cuckold maker are at it: 
now bull, now dogge, lowe ; Park lowe ; now my dou- 
ble hen'd fparrow ; lowe Paris, lowe 5 the bull has the 
game : ware homes ho ? 

Exit faris and Menelaus. 
Enter 'Baftard. 

Baft. Turne flaue and fight. 

Ther. What art thou? 

Baft. A Baftard Sonne of Prlams. 

Ther. I am a Baftnrd too, I loue Baftards, I am a Ba- 
ftard begot, Baftard inftrufted, Baftard in minde, Baftard 
in valour, in euery thing illegitimate : one Beare will not 
bite another, and wherefore fhould one Baftard ? take 
heede,the quarrel's moft ominous to vs : if the Sonne of a 
whore fight for a whore, he tempts iudgement : farewell 
Baftard. 

'Baft. The diuell take thee coward. Exeunt. 

Enter Heaor. 

Hea. Moft putrified core fo faire without: 
Thy goodly armour thus hath coft thy life. 
Now is my daies worke done ; He take good breath : 
Reft Sword, thou haft thy fill of bloud and death. 
Enter Achilles and his Myrmidons. 

Achil. Looke HeBor how the Sunne begins to fetj 
How vgly night comes breathing at his heeles, 
Euen with the vaile and darking of the Sunne. 
To clofe the day vp, HeBors life is done. 

HeB. I am vnarm'd, forgoe this vantage Greeke. 

Achil. Strike fellowes,ftrike,this is the man I feeke. 
So Illion fall thou : now Troy finke downe ; 
Here lyes thy heart, thy finewes, and thy bone. 
On Myrmidons, cry you all a maine, 

Achilles hath the mighty HeBor flaine. Retreat. 

Harke, a retreat vpon our Grecian part. 

Gree. The Troian Trumpets founds the like my Lord. 
AM. The dragon wing of night ore-fpreds the earth 
And ftickler-like the Armies feperates 
My halfe fupt Sword, that frankly would haue fed, 
Pleas'd with this dainty bed ; thus goes to bed. 
Come, tye his body to my horfes tayle ; 
Along the field, I will the Troian traile. Exeunt. 

Sound Retreat. Shout. 

Enter Agamemnon, Aiax, Menelaus, Neftor, 
Diomed, and the reft marching. 

Aga. Harke, harke, what ftiout is that ? 
Nell. Peace Drums. 

Sol. AchiU e 



Troy /us and Crefsida. 



Sold. Achilles, Achilles,HeBor\ fiaine, Achilles. 

Dio. The bruite is, Heflors flaine,and by Achilles. 

Aia. If it be fo,yet braglefle let it be : 
Great HeBor was a man as good as he. 

Agam. March patiently along ; let one be fent 
To pray Achilles fee vs at our Tent. 
If in his death the gods haue vs befrended, 
Great Troy is ours,and our (harpe wars are ended. 

Exeunt. 
Enter vEneas, Paris, Anthenor and Deiphoebus. 

zALne. Stand hoe, yet are we maifters of the field, 
Neuer goe home ; here ftarue we out the night. 
Enter Troylui. 

Troy. HeBor is flaine. 

All. HeBor > the gods forbid. 

Troy. Hee's dead : and at the murtherers Horfes taile, 
In beaftly fort, drag'd through the lhamefull Field. I 
Frowne on you heauens, effeft your rage with fpeede : 
Sit gods vpon your throanes,and fmile at Troy. 
I fay at once, let your briefe plagues be mercy, 
And linger not our fure deftruiftions on. 

csEne. My Lord, you doe difcomfort all the Hofte. 

Troy, You vnderftand me not, that tell me fo : 
I doe not fpeake of flight, of feare,of death, 
But dare all imminence that gods and men, 
Addrefie their dangers in. HeBor is gone : 
Who mall tell Priam fo ? or Hecuba} 
Let him that will a fcreechoule aye be call'd, 
Goe in to Troy, and fay there, HeBor's dead : 
There is a word will Priam turne to ftone; 
Make wels,and Niobes of the maides and wiuesj 
Coole ftatues of the youth : and in a word, 
Scarre Troy out of itfelfe. But march away, 
HeBor is dead : there is no more to fay. 



Stay yet; you vile abhominable Tents, 
Thus proudly pight vpon our Phrygian plaines I 
Let Titan rife as early as he dare, 

He through, and through you; & thou great fiz'd coward: 
No fpace of Earth fhall funder our two hates, 
He haunt thee, like a wicked confcience ftill, 
That mouldeth goblins fwift as frenfies thoughts. 
Strike a free march to Troy, with comfort goe : 
Hope ofreuenge,ihall hide our inward woe. 
Enter Pandarui. 

'Sand. But heare you ? heare you ? 

Troy. Hence broker, lackie,ignomy,and fliame 
Purfue thy life, and liue aye with thy name. Exeunt. 

Pan. A goodly medcine for mine akingbones : oh world, 
world, world ! thus is the poore agent difpifde : Oh trai- 
tours and bawdes ; how earneftly are you fet aworke, and 
how ill requited ? why fhould our indeuour be fo defir'd, 
and the performance fo loath'd? What Verfe for it? what 
inftance for it? let me fee. 
Full merrily the humble Bee doth fing, 
Till he hath loft his hony,and his fting. 
And being once fubdu'd in armed taile, 
Sweete hony, and fweete notes together faile. 
Good traders in the flefh,fet this in your painted cloathes; 
As many as be here of Panders hall, 
Your eyes halfe out, weepe out at Pandar's fall : 
Or if you cannot weepe, yet giue fome grones; 
Though not for me, yet for your akingbones : 
Brethren and fitters of the hold-dore trade, 
Some two months hence, my will fhall here be made : 
It fhould be now, but that my feare is this : 
Some galled Goofe of Winchefter would hifTe : 
Till then, He fweate, and feeke about for eafes j. 
And at that time bequeath you my difeafes. Sxeunt. 

mm 



FINIS. 





The Tragedy of Coriolanus: 



zASlus ^Primus. Sccena 'Prima. 



Enter a Company of izMutinow Citizens, \aitb Staues, 
Clubs , and other -weapons. 

I. Qitizen. 

Efore we proceed any further, heare me fpeake. 
All. Speake, fpeake. 

I. Cit. You are all refolu'd rather to dy then 
to famifh ? 

All. Refolu'd, refolu'd. 

l.Cit. Firft you know, Qaius Martius is chiefe enemy 
to the people. 

All. We know't,we know't. 

l.Qit.het vs kill him, and wee'l haue Corne at our own 
price. Is't a Verdict ? 

t/4//.No more talking on't; Let it be done,away, away 

z.Cit. One word, good Citizens. 

l.Cit. We are accounted poore Citizens, the Patri- 
cians good : what Authority furfets one, would releeue 
vs. If they would yeelde vs but the fuperfluitie while it 
were wholfome, wee might guefTe they releeued vs hu- 
manely : But they thinke we are too deere, the leanneffe 
that afflicts vs, the obiect of our mifery, is as an inuento- 
ry to particularize their abundance, our fufferance is a 
gaine to them. Let vs reuenge this with our Pikes, ere 
we become Rakes. For the Gods know, I fpeake this in 
hunger for Bread, not in thirft for Reuenge. 

l.Cit. Would you proceede efpecially againft Caius 
<^Martius. 

All. Againft him firft ; He's a very dog to the Com- 
monalty. 

i.Qit. Confider you what Seruices he ha's done for his 
Country ? 

l.Cit. Very well, and could bee content to giue him 
good report for't, but that hee payes himfelfe with bee- 
ing proud. 

All. Nay, but fpeak not malicioufly. 

I . Cit. I fay vnto you, what he hath done Famouflie, 
he did it to that end : though foft confcienc'd men can be 
content to fay it was for his Countreyyhe did it to pleafe 
his Mother,and to be partly proud, which he is, euen to 
the altitude of hisvertue. 

l.Cit. What he cannot helpe in his Nature , you ac- 
count a Vice in him : You muft in no way fay he is co- 
uetous. 

l.Qit. If I muft not, I neede not be barren of Accufa- 
tions he hath faults (with furplus)to tyre in repetition. 

Sbowts within. 
What fhowts are thefe? The other fide a'th City is rifen: 
why ftay we prating heere? To th'Capitoll. 

All. Come, come. 



X Cit, Soft, who comes heere? 

Enter Menenius Agrippa. 

2 Cit. Worthy Menenius cAgrippa, one that hath al- 
wayes lou'd the people. 

i Of. He's one honeft enough, wold al the reft wer fo. 

Men. What work's my Countrimen in hand ? 
Where go you with Bats and Clubs? The matter 
Speake I pray you. 

2 Cit. Our bufines is not vnknowne to th'Senat, they 
haue had inkling this fortnight what we intend to do , w 
now wee'l fhew em in deeds : they fay poore Suters haue 
ftrong breaths, they fhal know we haue ftrong arms too. 

Menen. Why Matters, my good Friends, mine honeft 
Neighbours, will you vndo your felues f 

2 Cit. We cannot Sir, we are vndone already. 

Men. I tell you Friends, moft charitable care 
Haue the Patricians of you for your wants. 
Your fuffering in this dearth, you may as well 
Strike at the Heauen with your ftaues, as lift them 
Againft the Roman State, whofe courfe will on 
The way it takes : cracking ten thoufand Curbes 
Of more ftrong linke affunder, then can euer 
Appeare in your impediment. For the Dearth, 
The Gods, not the Patricians make it, and 
Your knees to them fnot armes ) muft helpe. Alacke, 
You are tranfported by Calamity 
Thether, where more attends you, and you flander 
The Helmes o'th State; who care for you like Fathers, 
When you curfe them, as Enemies. 

2 Cit. Care for vs.? True indeed, they nere car'd for vs 
yet. Suffer vs to famifh, and their Store-houfes cramm'd 
with Graine : Make Edicts for Vfurie , to fupport Vfu- 
rers; repeale daily any wholfome Act eftablifhed againft 
the rich, and prouide more piercing Statutes daily, to 
chaine vp and reftraine the poore. If the Warres eate vs 
not vppe, they will ; and there's allthe loue they beare 
vs. 

Menen, Either you muft 
Confeffe your felues wondrous Malicious, 
Or beaccus'd of Folly. I fhall tell you 
A pretty Tale, it may be you haue heard it, 
But fince it ferues my purpofe, I will venture 
To fcale't a little more. 

iC'ti^n. Well, 
He heare it Sir : yet you muft not thinke 
To fobbe off our difgrace with a tale : 
But and't pleafe you deliuer. 

.MeH.There was a time, when all the bodies members 
RebelPd againft the Belly; thus accus'd it: 
That onely like a Gulfe it did remaine 



The Tragedie of Qoriolanus . 



th midd'ft a th'body, idle and vnaftiue, 
Still cubbording the Viand, neuer bearing 
Like labour with the reft, where th'other Inftruments 
Did fee, and heare, deuife, inftru£t,walke,feele, 
And mutually participate, did minifter 
Vnto the appetite; and affe&ion common 
Of the whole body, the Belly anfwer'd. 

z.Cit. Well fir, what anfwer made the Belly. 

Men. Sir, I ihall tell you with a kinde of Smile, 
Which ne're came from the Lungs, but euen thus : 
For looke you I may make the belly Smile, 
As well as fpeake, it taintingly replyed 
To'th'difcontented Members, the mutinous parts 
That enuied his receite : euen fo moft fitly, 
As you maligne our Senators, for that 
They are not fuch as you. 

Z.Cit. Your Bellies anfwer : What 
The Kingly crown'd head, the vigilant eye, 
The Counfailor Heart, the Arme our Souldier,! 
Our Steed the Legge, the Tongue our Trumpeter, 
With other Muniments and petty helpes 
In this our Fabricke, if that they 

cMen. What then? Foreme, this Fellow fpeakes. 
What then? What then? 

2 Cit. Should by the Cormorant belly be reftrain'd, 
Who is the finke a th'body. 

Men. Well, what then ? 

z.Cit. The former Agents,if they did complaine, 
What could the Belly anfwer? 

Men. I will tell you, 
If you'l beftow a fmall ( of what you haue little) 
Patience awhile; you'ft heare the Bellies anfwer. 

z.Cit. Y'are long about it. 

oMen. Note me this good Friend ; 
Your moft graue Belly was deliberate, 
Not raih like his Accufers,and thus anfwered. 
True is it my Incorporate Friends( quoth he) 
That I receiue the general! Food at firft 
Which you do Hue vpon : and fit it is, 
Becaufe I am the Store-houfe,and the Shop 
Of the whole Body. But,if you do remember, 
I fend it through the Riuers of your blood 
Euen to the Court, the Heart, to th'feate o'th'Braine, 
And through the Crankes and Offices of man, 
The ftrongeft Nerues, and fmall inferiour Veines 
From me receiue that naturall competencie 
Whereby they liue. And though that all at once 
(You my good Friends, this fayes the Belly )marke me. 

z.Cit. I fir, well, well. 

Men, Though all at once, cannot 
See what I do deliuerout to each, 
Yet I can make my Awdit vp, that all 
From me do backe receiue the Flowre of all, 
And leaue me but the Bran. What fay you too't ? 

z.Cit. It was an anfwer, how apply you this? 

Men. The Senators of Rome, are this good Belly, 
And you the mutinous Members : For examine 
Their Counfailes, and their Caresjdifgeft things rightlv, 
Touching the Weale a'th Common, you fhall finde 
No publique benefit which you receiue 
But it proceeds, or comes from them to you, 
And no way from your felues. What do you thinke ? 
You, the great Toe of this Affembly i 

z.Cit. I the great Toe ? Why the great Toe ? 

Men. For that being one o'th loweft, bafeft, pooreft 
Of this moft wife Rebellion, thou goeft formoft : 



Thou Rafcall, that art worft in blood to run, 
Lead'ft firft to win fome vantage. 
But make you ready your ftifFe bats and clubs, 
Rome, and her Rats, are at the point of battell, 
The one fide muft haue baile. 

Enter Caiiu Martins. 
Hayle, Noble nJVEart'w. 

Mar. Thanks. What's the matter you difTentious rogues 
That rubbing the poore Itch of your Opinion, 
Make your felues Scabs. 

z.Cit. We haue euer your good word. 

Mar.He that will giue good words to thee, wil flatter 
Beneath abhorring. What would you haue, you Curres, 
That like nor Peace, nor Warre? The one affrights you, 
The other makes you proud. He that trufts to you, 
Where he fliould finde you Lyons, findes you Hares : 
Where Foxes, Geefe you are: No furer, no, 
Then is the coale of fire vpon the Ice, 
Or Hailftone in the Sun. Your Vertue is, 
To make him worthy, whofe offence fubdues him, 
And curfe that Iuftice did it. Who deferues Greatnes, 
Deferuesyour Hate : and your Affections are 
A fickmans Appetite; who defires moft that 
Which would encreafe his euill. He that depends 
Vpon your fauours, fwimmeswith finnes of Leade, 
And hewes downe Oakes, with rufhes. Hang ye:truft ye ? 
With euery Minute you do change a Minde, 
And call him Noble, that was now your Hate: 
Him vilde, that was your Garland. What's the matter, 
That in thefe feuerall places of the Citie, 
You cry againft the Noble Senate, who 
(Vnder the Gods) keepe you in awe, which elfe 
Would feede on one another? What's their feeking ? 

Men. For Come at their owne rates, wherof they fay 
The Citie is well ftor'd. 

tMar. Hang 'em : They fay ? 
They'l fit by th'fire, and prefume to know 
What's done i'th Capitoll : Who's like to rife, 
Who thriues,& who declines: Side factions, & giue out 
Conieclurall Marriages, making parties ftrong, 
And feebling fuch as ftand not in their liking, 
Below their cobled Shooes. They fay ther's grain enough? 
Would the Nobility lay afide their ruth, 
And let me vfe my Sword, I'de make a Quarrie 
With thoufands of thefe quarter'd flaues,as high 
As I could picke my Lance. 

Menen. Nay thefe are almoft thoroughly perfwaded: 
For though abundantly they la eke difcretion 
Yet are they pafsing Cowardly. But I befeech you, 
What fayes the other Troope? 

Mar. They are diffolu'd : Hang em ; 
They faid they were an hungry, figh'd forth Prouerbes 
That Hunger-broke ftone wals : that dogges muft eate 
That meate was made for mouths. That the gods fent not 
Corne for the Richmen onely : With thefe fhreds 
They vented their Complainings, which being anfwer'd 
And a petition granted them, a ftrange one, 
To breake the heart of generofity, 

And make bold power looke pale, they threw their caps 
As they would hang them on the homes a'th Moone, 
Shooting their Emulation. 

Menen. What is graunted them? 

Mar. Fiue Tribunes to defend their vulgar wifdoms 
Of their Owne choice. One's Iunius Brutus, 
Sieinius Velutus, and I know not. Sdeath, 

The 



The Tragedie of Qoriolanus . 



The rabble mould haue firft vnroo'ft the City 
Ere fo preuayl'd with me ; it will in time 
Win vpon power,and throw forth greater Theames 
For Infurreclions arguing. 

Menen. This is ftrange. 

Mar. Go get you home you Fragments. 
Enter a Meffenger hajiily. 

Meff. Where's Caius Martius ? 

Mar. Heere: what's the matter? 

Mef. The newes is fir, the Volcies are in Armes. 

Mar. I am glad on't, then we mall ha meanes to vent 
Our muftie fuperfluity. See our beft Elders. 

Enter Sicinius Velutus, Annua Brutus Cominitn, Titus 
Lartius, with other Senatours. 

l.Sen. tMartius 'tis true,that you haue lately told vs, 
The Voices are in Armes. 

Mar. They haue a Leader, 
Tullus Auffidius that will put you too't: 
I finne in enuying his Nobility : 
And were I any thing but what I am, 
I would wifli me onely he. 

Com. You haue fought together ? 

Mar. Were halfe to halfe the world by th'eares, & he 
vpon my partie, I'de reuolt to make 
Onely my warres with him. He is a Lion 
That I am proud to hunt. 

i.Sen. Then worthy Martius, 
Attend vpon Cominius to thefe Warres. 

Com. It is your former promife. 

Mar. Sir it is, 
And I am conftant : Titus Lucius, thou 
Shalt fee me once more Unite at Tullus face. 
What art thou ftiffe? Stand'ft out? 

Tit. No Cuius Martius, 
He leane vpon one Crutch, and fight with tother, 
Ere ftay behinde this BufinefTe. 

Men. Oh true-bred. 

Sen. Your Company to'th'Capitoll, where I know 
Our greateft Friends attend vs. 

Tit. Lead you on : Follow Cominius, we muft followe 
you, right worthy you Priority. 

Com. Noble Martius. 

Sen. Hence to your homes, be gone. 

Mar. Nay let them follow, 
The Voices haue much Come : take thefe Rats thither, 
To gnaw their Garners. Wormipfull Mutiners, 
Your valour puts well forth : Pray follow. Exeunt. 

Citizens fieale away. Manet Sicin.& Brutuj. 

Sicin. Was euer man fo proud as is this Martius? 

'Bru. He has no equal]. 

Sicin.'When we were chofen Tribunes for the|people. 

"Bru. Mark'd you his lip and eyes. 

Sicin. Nay, but his taunts. 

'Bru. Being mou'd,he will not fpare to gird the Gods. 

Sicin. Bemocke the modeft Moone. 

Bru. The prefent Warres deuoure him, he is growne 
Too proud to be fo valiant. 

Sicin. Such a Nature, tickled with good fuccefTe, dif- 
daines the fhadow which he treads on at noone, but I do 
wonder, his infolence can brooke to be commanded vn- 
der Cominius ? 

Bru. Fame, at the which he aymes, 
In whom already he's well grac'd, cannot 
Better be held, nor more attain'd then by 



A place below the firft : for what mifcarries 
Shall be the Generals fault, though he performe 
To th'vtmoft of a man, and giddy cenfure 
Will then cry out of itMartius : Oh, if he 
Had borne the bufineffe. 

Sicin, Befides, if things go well, 
Opinion that fo ftickes on Martius, fhall 
Of his demerits rob Cominius. 

'Bru. Come : halfe all Cominius Honors are to Martins 
Though Martius earn'd them not : and all his faults 
To Martius fhall be Honors, though indeed 
In ought he merit not. 

Sicin. Let's hence, and heare 
How the difpatch is made, and in what fafhion 
More then his Angularity, he goes 
Vpon this prefent Action. 

'Bru. Let's along. Exeunt 

Enter Tullus Auffidius with Senators of Coriolus. 

l. Sen. So, your opinion is Auffidius, 
That they of Rome are entred in our Counfailes, 
And know how we proceede, 

Auf. Is it not yours ? 
What euer haue bin thought one in this State 
That could be brought to bodily ail:, ere Rome 
Had circumuention : 'tis not foure dayes gone 
Since I heard thence, thefe are the words, I thinke 
I|haue the Letter heere : yes, heere it is; 
They haue preft a Power, but it is not knowne 
Whe ther for Eaft or Weft : the Dearth is great, 
The people Mutinous : And it is rumour'd, 
Cominius, Martius your old Enemy 
(Who is of Rome worfe hated then of you) 
And Titus Lartius, a moft valiant Roman, 
Thefe three leade on this Preparation 
Whether 'tis bent : moft likely, 'tis for you : 
Confider of it. 

i.&». Our Armie'sin the Field : 
We neuer yet made doubt but Rome was ready 
To anfwer vs. 

Auf. Nor did you thinke it folly, 
To keepe your great pretences vayl'd, till when 
They needs muft ihew themfelues, which in the hatching 
It feem'd appear'd to Rome. By the difcouery, 
We fhalbe fhortned in our ayme, which was 
To take in many Townes, ere (almoft)Rome 
Should know we were a-foot. 

z.Sen. Noble Auffidius, 
Take your Commiffion, hye you to your Bands, 
Let vs alone to guard Qorioles 
If they fet downe before's : for the remoue 
Bring vp your Army : but (T thinke) you'l finde 
Th'haue not prepar'd for vs. 

Auf. O doubt not that, 
I fpeake from Certainties. Nay more, 
Some parcels of their Power are forth already, 
And onely hitherward. I leaue your Honors. 
If we, and Cairn Martius chance to meete, 
'Tis fworne betweene vs, we mall euer ftrike 
Till one can do no more. 

All. The Gods afsift you. 

Auf. And keepe your Honors fafe. 

i.Sen. Farewell. 

■i.Sen. Farewell. 

All. Farewell. Exeunt omnes. 

a a z Enter 



The Tr age die ofQoriolanus. 



Enter Volumnia and Virgilia, mother and wife to Martius : 
They Jet tbem downe on two lowe ftooles and fowe. 

r Oolum. I pray you daughter ling, or expreffe your felfe 
in a more comfortable fort : If my Sonne were my Huf- 
band, I Ihould freelier reioyce in that abfence wherein 
he wonne Honor, then in the embracements of his Bed, 
where he would fhew moft loue. When yet hee was but 
tender-bodied, and the onely Sonne of my womb; when 
youth with comelineffe pluck'd all gaze his way ; when 
for a day of Kings entreaties, a Mother ihould not fel him 
an houre from her beholding; I considering how Honour 
would become fuch a perfon, that it was no better then 
Picture-like to hang by th'wall, if renowne made it not 
ftirre, was pleas' d to let him feeke danger, where he was 
like to finde fame : To a cruell Warre I fent him, from 
whence he return'd, his browes bound with Oake. I tell 
thee Daughter, I fprang not more in ioy at firft hearing 
he was a Man-child, then now in firft feeing he had pro- 
ued himfelfe a man. 

Virg. But had he died in the Bufineffe Madame, how 
then ? 

Volum. Then his good report mould haue beene my 
Sonne, I therein would haue found iffue. Heare me pro- 
feffe fincerely, had I a dozen fons each in my loue alike, 
and none leffe deere then thine, and my good Martius, I 
had rather had eleuen dye Nobly for their Countrey, then 
one voluptuoufly furfet out of Action. 
Enter a Gentlewoman. 

Gent. Madam, the Lady Valeria is come to vifit you. 

Virg. Befeech you giue me leaue to retire my felfe. 

Volum. Indeed you fhall not : 
Me thinkes, I heare hither your Husbands Drumme : 
See him plucke *Auffidius downe by th'haire : 
(As children from a Beare) the Voices fhunning him : 
Me thinkes I fee him ftampe thus, and call thus, 
Come on you Cowards, you were got in feare 
Though you were borne in Rome ; his bloody brow 
With his mail'd hand, then wiping, forth he goes 
Like to a Harueft man, that task'd to mowe 
Or all, or loofe his hyre. 

Virg. His bloody Brow ?Oh Iupiter, no blood. 

Volum. Away you Foole ; it more becomes a man' 
Then gilt hisTrophe. The brefts of Hecuba 
When fhe did fuckle HeBor, look'd not louelier 
Then Hec7ors forhead, when it fpit forth blood 
At Grecian fword. Contenning, tell Valeria 
We are fit to bid her welcome. Exit Gent. 

Vir. Heauens bleffe my Lord from fell Auffidius. 

Vol, Hee'l beat Auffidius head below his knee, 
And treade vpon his necke. 

Enter Valeria with an VJhcr, and a Gentlewoman. 

Val. My Ladies both good day to you.| 

Vol. Sweet Madam. 

Vir. I am glad to fee your Ladymip. 

Val. How do you both ? You .are manifeft houfe-kee- 
pers. What are you fowing heere ? A fine fpotte in good 
faith. How does your little Sonne ? 

Vir. I thanke your Lady-fhip : Well good Madam. 

Vol. He had rather fee the fwords, and heare a Drum, 
then looke vpon his Schoolmafter. 

Val. A my word the Fathers Sonne : He fweare 'tis a 
very pretty boy. A my troth, I look'd vpon him a Wenf- 
day halfe an houre together : ha's fuch a confirmed coun- 



tenance. I faw him run after a gilded Butterfly, & when 
he caught it, he let it go againe, and after it againe, and o- 
uer and ouer he comes, and vp againe : catcht it again : or 
whether his fall enrag'd him, or how 'twas, hee did fo fet 
his teeth, and teare it. Oh, I warrant how he mammockt 

' Vol. One on's Fathers moods. 

Val. Indeed la, tis a Noble childe. 
Virg. A Cracke Madam. 

Val. Come, lay afide your ftitchery, I muft haue you 
play the idle Hufwife with me this afternoone. 

Virg. No (good Madam) 
I will not out of doores. 

Val. Not out of doores ? 

Volum. She fhall, me fhall. 

Virg. Indeed no, by your patience ; He not ouer the 
threfhold, till my Lord returne from the Warres. 

Val. Fye, you confine your felfe moft vnreafonably : 
Come, you muft go vifit the good Lady that lies in. 

Virg. I will wifh her fpeedy ftrength, and vifite her 
with my prayers : but I cannot go thither. 

Volum. Why I pray you. 

Vlug. 'Tis not to faue labour, nor that I want loue. 

Val. You would be another Tenelope : yet they fay, all 
the yearne fhe fpun in Vliffes abfence, did but fill Athica 
full of Mothes. Come, I would your Cambrick were fen- 
fible as your finger, that you might leaue pricking it for 
pitie. Come you fhall go with vs. 

Vir. No good Madam, pardon me, indeed I will not 
foorth. 

Val. In truth la go with me, and He tell you excellent 
newes of your Husband. 

Virg. Oh good Madam, there can be none yet. 

Val. Verily 1 do not ieft with you: there came newes 
from him laft night. 

Vir. Indeed Madam. 

Val. In earneft it's true ; I heard a Senatour fpeake it. 
Thus it is : the Volcies haue an Army forth, againft who 
Cominius the Generall is gone, with one part of our Ro- 
mane power. Your Lord, and Titus Lartius, are fet down 
before their Citie Carioles, they nothing doubt preuai- 
ling,and to make it breefe Warres. This is true on mine 
Honor, and fo I pray go with vs. 

Virg. Giue me excufe good Madame, I will obey you 
in euery thing heereafter. 

Vol. Let her alone Ladie,as fhe is now : 
She will but difeafe our better mirth. 

Valeria. In troth I thinke fhe would : 
Fare you well then. Come good fweet Ladie. 
Prythee Virgilia turne thy folemneffe out a doore, 
And go along with vs. 

Virgil. No 
At a word Madam ; Indeed I muft not, 
I wifh you much mirth. 

Val. Well, then farewell. Exeunt Ladies 

Enter uMartius, Titus Lartius, with Drumme and Co- 
lours, with Captaines and Souldiers, as 
before the City Corialui : to them 
a cMeJfenger. 

Martius. Yonder comes Newes : 
A Wager they haue met. 

Lar. My horfe to yours, no. 
Mar. Tis done. 
Lart. Agreed. 



The Tragedie of Qoriolanus. 



<^Mar. Say, ha's our Generall met the Enemy? 

cWeff. They lye in view, but haue not fpoke as yet. 

Lart. Soj the good Horfe is mine. 

Mart. He buy him of you. 

iarf.No, lie nor fel, nor giue him: Lend you him I will 
For halfe a hundred yeares: Summon the Towne. 

Mar. How farre off lie thefe Armies? 

Mejf. Within this mile and halfe. 

Mar. Then ihall we heare their Larum, & they Ours. 
Now Mars, I prythee make vs quicke in worke, 
That we with fmoaking fwords may march from hence 
To helpe our fielded Friends, Come, blow thy blaft. 

They Sound a Parley : Enter two Senators tpitb others on 
the Walles of Corialus. 
Tullus Auffidiom, is he within your Walles ? 

i.Senat. No, nor a man that feares you leffe then he, 
That's leffer then a little ; Drum a farre off. 

Hearke, our Drummes 

Are bringing forth our youth : Wee'l breake our Walles 
Rather then they mall pound vs vp our Gates, 
Which yet feeme mut, we haue but pin'd with Rufhes, 
They'le open of themfelues. Harke you, farre off 

Ularum farre off. 
There is Auffidiom. Lift what worke he makes 
Among'ft your clouen Army. 

Mart. Oh they are at it. 

Lart. Their noife be our inftru&ion. Ladders hoa. 

Enter the Army of the Voices. 

<tMar. They feare vs not, but iffue forth their Citie. 
Now put your Shields before your hearts, and fight 
With hearts more proofe then Shields. 
Aduance braue Titus, 

They do difdaine vs much beyond our Thoughts, 
which makes me fvveat with wrath. Come on my fellows 
He that retires, He take him for a Voice, 
And he mall feele mine edge. 

Alarum, the Romans are beat bac\ to their Trenches 
Enter Martius Qurfing. 

Mar. All the contagion of the South, light on you, 
You Shames of Rome : you Heard of Byles and Plagues 
Plaifter you o're, that you may be abhorr'd 
Farther then feene, and one infeft another 
Againft the Winde a mile : you foules of Geefe, 
That beare the fhapes of men, how haue you run 
From Slaues, that Apes would beate ; Pluto and Hell, 
All hurt behinde, backes red, and faces pale 
With flight and agued feare, mend and charge home, 
Or by the fires of heauen, He leaue the Foe, 
And make my Warres on you: Looke too't: Come on, 
If you'l ftand faft, wee'l beate them to their Wiues, 
As they vs to our Trenches followes. 

Another Alarum, and Martius follow es them to 
gates, andis Jhut in. 
So, now the gates are ope: now proue good Seconds, 
'Tis for the followers Fortune, widens them, 
Not for the flyers : Marke me, and do the like. 
Enter the Gati. 

I.Sol. Foole-hardineffe, not I. 

z.Sol. Nor I. 

X.Sol. See they haue fhut him in. ^Alarum continues 

All. To th'pot I warrant him. Enter Titus Lartius 

Tit. What is become of oM'artius ? 

All. Steiae ('Sir) doubtleffe. 

I.6V. Following the Flyers at the very heeles, 



60, 



With them he enters : who vpon the fodaine 
Clapt to their Gates, he is himfelfe alone, 
To anfwer all the City. 

Lar. Oh Noble Fellow ! 
Who fenfibly out-dares his fenceleffe Sword, 
And when it bowes, ftand'ft vp : Thou art left ottfartius, 
A Carbuncle intire : as big as thou art 
Weare not fo rich a Iewell. Thou was't a Souldier 
Euen to Calues wim,not fierce and terrible 
Onely in ftrokes, but with thy grim lookes,and 
The Thunder-like percuffion of thy founds 
Thou mad'ft thine enemies fhake,as if the World 
Were Feauorous, and did tremble. 

Enter Martius bleeding,affaulted by the Enemy. 

T.Sol. Looke Sir. 

Lar. O 'tis Martius. 
Let's fetch him off,or make remaine alike. 

They fight, and all enter the City. 
Enter certaine Romanes witbjpoiles. 

J.Rom. This will I carry to Rome. 

2. Rom. And I this. 

y.Rom.A Murrain on't, I tooke this for Siluer. exeunt. 
Alarum continues fill a-farre off. 
Enter Martius , and Titus with a Trumpet. 

Mar.See heere thefe mouers, that do prize their hours 
At a crack'd Drachme : Cuihions, Leaden Spoones, 
Irons of a Doit, Dublets that Hangmen would 
Bury with thole that wore them. Thefe bafe flaues, 
Ere yet the fight be done,packe vp,downe with them. 
And harke, what noyfe the Generall makes: To him 
There is the man of my foules hate, Auffidious, 
Piercing our Romanes : Then Valiant Titus take 
Conuenient Numbers to make good the City, 
Whil'ft I with thofe that haue the fpirit, wil hafte 
To helpe Cominius. 

Lar. Worthy Sir, thou bleed'ft, 
Thy exercife hath bin too violent, 
For a fecond courfe of Fight. 

Mar. Sir,praife me not : 
My worke hath yet not warm'd me. Fare you well : 
The blood I drop, is rather Phyficall 
Then dangerous to me : To Aujfidious thus, I will appear 

Lar. Now the faire GoddefTe Fortune, (and fight. 
Fall deepe in loue with thee, and her great charmes 
Mifguide thy Oppofers fwords, Bold Gentleman : 
Prosperity be thy Page. 

Mar. Thy Friend no leffe, 
Then thofe ihe placeth higheft : So farewell. 

Lar. Thou worthieft Martius, 
Go found thy Trumpet in the Market place , 
Call thither all the Officers a'th'Towne, 
Where they mail know our minde. Away. - Exeunt 

Enter Cominius as it were in retire, with foldiers. 

Com. Breath you my friends, wel fought, we are come 
Like Romans, neither foolifh in our ftands, (off, 

Nor Cowardly in retyre : Beleeue me Sirs, 
We mail be charg'd againe. Whiles we haue ftrooke 
By Interims and conueying gufts,we haue heard 
The Charges of our Friends. The Roman Gods, 
Leade their fucceffes,as we wifh our owne, 
That both our powers, with fmiling Fronts encountring, 
May giue you thankful! Sacrifice. Thy Newes ? 
Enter a Meffcnger. 

Meff. The Cittizens of Corioles haue yffued, 
And giuen to Lartius and to Martius Battaile : 

a a 3 I faw 



The Tragedie of Qoriolanus. 



I faw our party to their Trenches driuen, 
And then I came away. 

Com. Though thou fpeakeft truth, 
Me thinkes thou fpeak'ft not well. How long is't fince ? 

Mef. Aboue an houre,my Lord. 

Cow.'Tis not a mile:briefely we heard their drummes. 
How could'ft thou in a mile confound an houre, 
And bring thy Newes fo late ? 

Mef. Spies of the Voices 
Held me in chace, that I was forc'd to wheele 
Three or foure miles about, elfe had I fir 
Halfe an houre fince brought my report. 

Enter cMartius. 

Com. Whofe yonder, 
That doe's appeare as he were Flead PO Gods, 
He has the ftampe of Martius,a.nd I haue 
Before time feene him thus. 

Mar. Come I too late ? 

Com. The Shepherd knowes not Thunder fro a Taber, 
More then I know the found of Martiui Tongue 
From euery meaner man. 

Martius. Come I too late ? 

Com. I, if you come not in the blood of others, 
But mantled in your owne. 

Mart. Ohl let me clip ye 
In Armes as found, as when I woo'd in heart; 
As merry, as when our Nuptiall day was done, 
And Tapers burnt to Bedward. 

Cow.Flower of Warriors, how is't with Titus Lartius} 

Mar. As with a man bufied about Decrees : 
Condemning fome to death, and fome to exile, 
Ranfoming him, or pittying, threatning th'other; 
Holding Corioles in the name of Rome, 
Euen like a fawning Grey-hound in the Leafh, 
To let him flip at will. 

Com. Where is that Slaue 
Which told me they had beate you to your Trenches ? 
Where is he? Call him hither. ' 

Mar. Let him alone, 
He did informe the truth : but for our Gentlemen, 
The common file, (a plague-Tribunes for them) 
The Moufe ne're fhunn'd the Cat,as they did budge 
From Rafcals worfe then they. 

Com. But how preuail'd you? 

Mar. Will the time ferue to tell, I do not thinke : 
Where is the enemy? Are you Lords a'th Field ? 
If not, why ceafe you till you are fo ? 

Com. oMartius, we haue at difaduantage fought, 
And did retyre to win our purpofe. 

Mar. How lies their Battell? Know you on w fide 
They haue plac'd their men oftruft? 

Com. As I gueffe Martius, 
Their Bands i'th Vaward are the Antients 
Of their bed truft : O're them Auffidious, 
Their very heart of Hope. 

Mar. I do befeech you, 
By all the Bactailes wherein we haue fought, 
By th'Blood we haue flied together, 
By th'Vowes we haue made 
To endure Friends, that you direftly fet me 
Againft Aff idiom, and his Antiats, 
And that you not delay the prefent (but 
Filling the aire with Swords aduanc'd)and Darts, 
We proue this very houre. 

Com. Though I could wifh, 



You were conducted to a gentle Bath, 
And Balmes applyed to you, yet dare I neuer 
Deny your asking, take your choice of thofe 
That beft can ayde your aftion. 

Mar. Thofe are they 
That moftare willing; if any fuch be heere, 
(As it were finne to doubtjthat loue this painting 
Wherein you fee me fmear'd, if any feare 
Lefien his perfon, then an ill report : 
If any thinke, braue death out-weighes bad life, 
And that his Countries deerer then himfelfe, 
Let him alone : Or fo many fo minded, 
Waue thus to exprefle his difpofition, 
And follow Martins. 

They all Jhout and waue their firords , ta\e him -up in their 
Armes , and caji tip their Caps, 
Oh me alone, make you a fword of me : 
If thefe fhewes be not outward, which of you 
But is foure Voices} None of you, but is 
Able to beare againft the great Auffidious 
A Shield, as hard as his . A certaine number 
(Though thankes to all) muft I feledt from all : 
The reft fhall beare the bufineffe in fome other fight 
(As caufe will be obey'd: ) pleafe you to March, 
And foure fhall quickly draw out my Command, 
Which men are beft inclin'd. 

Qom. March on my Fellowes : 
Make good this oftentation, and you fhall 
Diuide in all, with vs. Exeunt 

Titus Lartius , hatting fet a guard -upon Carioles , going with 
Tlrum an d Trumpet toward Cominius, and Caius Mar- 
tius, Enters with a Lieutenant , other Souldicurs, and a 
Scout. 

Lar. So, let the Ports be guarded; keepe your Duties 
As I haue fet them downe. If I do fend, difpatch 
Thofe Centuries to our ayd, the reft will ferue 
For a fhort holding, if we loofe the Field, 
We cannot keepe the Towne. 

Lieu. Feare not our care Sir. 

Lart. Hence;and fhut your gates vpon's : 
Our Guider come, to th'Roman Campe condudl vs. Exit 
Alarum, as in Battaile. 

Enter Martius and Auffidius at feueral doores. 

Mar. He fight with none but thee, for I do hate thee 
Worfe then a Promife-breaker. 

Auffid. We hate alike : 
Not Affricke ownes a Serpent I abhorre 
More then thy Fame and Enuy: Fix thy foot. 

Mar. Let the firft Budger dye the others Slaue, 
And the Gods doome him after. 

Auf. If I flye cMartius, hollow me like a Hare. 

Mar. Within thefe three houres Tullus 
Alone I fought in your Corioles walles, 
And made what worke I pleas'd:'Tis not my blood, 
Wherein thou feeft me maskt, for thy Reuenge 
Wrench vp thy power to th'higheft. 

Auf. Wer't thou the HeBor, 
That was the whip of your bragg'd Progeny, 
Thou fhould'ft not fcape me heere. 

Heere they fight, and certaine Voices come in the ayde 
of Auffi. Martius fights til they be driuen in breathles. 
Officious and not valiant, you haue ftiam'u me 
In your condemned Seconds. 

Flourijh. 

604 



The Tragedie of Qoriolanus. 



Flourijh. Alarum. tA Retreat ii founded. Enter at 

one T>oore Cominius, with the Romanes ; At 

another Doore csrfartius, with his 

Armein a Scarf e. 

Com. If I mould tell thee o're this thy dayes Worke, 
Thou't not beleeue thy deeds : but He report it, 
Where Senators (hall mingle teares with fmiles, 
Where great Patricians mall attend, and (hrug, 
Fth'end admire : where Ladies mail be frighted, 
And gladly quak'd, heare more : where the dull Tribunes, 
That with the fuftie Plebeans,hate thine Honors, 
Shall fay againft their hearts, We thanke the Gods 
Our Rome hath fuch a Souldier. 
Yet cam'ft thou to a Morfell of this Feaft, 
Hauing fully din'd before. 

Enter Titus mth his Power, from the Purfuit. 

Titus Lartius. Oh Generall : 
Here is the Steed, wee the Caparifon : 
Hadft thou beheld 

Martius. Pray now, no more : 
My Mother, who ha's a Charter to extoll her Bloud, 
When me do's prayfe me, grieues me : 
I haue done as you haue done, that's what I can, 
Induc'd as you haue beene, that's for my Countrey : 
He that ha's but effected his good will, 
Hath ouerta'ne mine Aft. 

Com. You mall not be the Graue of your deferuing, 
Rome muft know the value of herowne : 
'Twere a Concealement worfe then a Theft, 
No leffe then a Traducement, 
To hide your doings,and to filence that, 
Which to the fpire,and top of prayfes vouch'd, 
Would feeme but modeft : therefore I befeech you, 
In figne of what you are, not to reward 
What you haue done, before our Armie heare me. 

Martius. I haue fome Wounds vpon me, and they fmart 
To heare themfelues remembred. 

Com. Should they not : 
Well might they fefter 'gainft Ingratitude, 
And tent themfelues with death : of all the Horfes, 
Whereof we haue ta'ne good, and good ftore of all, 
The Treafure in this field atchieued,and Citie, 
We render you the Tenth, to be ta'ne forth, 
Before the common diftribution, 
At your onely choyfe. 

•^Martius. I thanke you Generall : 
But cannot make my heart confe.it to take 
A Bribe, to pay my Sword : I doe Tefufe it, 
And ftand vpon my common part with thofe, 
That haue beheld the doing. 

A hngfiour'fh. They all cry , Martius , Martius , 
cajl -up their Caps and Launces : Cominius 
and Lartius Jl and bare. 

Mar.May thefe fame Inftruments, which you prophane, 
Neuer found more: when Drums and Trumpets mail 
I'th'field proue flatterers, let Courts and Cities be 
Made all of falfe-fac'd foothing : 
When Steele growes foft,as the Parafites Silke, 
Let him be made an Ouerture for th' Warres : 
No more I fay, for that I haue not wafli'd 



60s" 



My Nofe that bled, or foyl'd fome debile Wretch, 
Which without note, here's many elfe haue done, 
You moot me forth in acclamations hyperbolicall, 
As if I lou'd my little mould be dieted 
In prayfes, fawc'ft with Lyes. 

Com. Too modeft are you : 
More cruell to your good report, then gratefull 
To vs, that giue you truly : by your patience, 
If 'gainft your felfe you be incens'd, wee'le put you 
(Like one that meanes his proper harme) in Manacles, 
Then reafon fafely with you : Therefore be it knowne, 
As to vs,to all the World, That Caius Martius 
Weares this Warres Garland : in token of the which, 
My Noble Steed, knowne to the Campe,I giue him, 
With all his trim belonging ; and from this time, 
For what he did before Corioles, call him, 
With all th'applaufe and Clamor of the Hoaft, 
<tft£arcus Caius Qoriolanus. Beare th'addition Nobly euer? 
Flourijh. Trumpets found, and Drums. 

Omnes. Marcus Caius Coriolanus, 

Martius. I will goe warn : 
And when my Face is faire, you mall perceiue 
Whether I blum.orno : howbeit,! thanke you, 
I meane to ftride your Steed, and at all times 
To vnder-creft your good Addition, 
To th'faireneffe of my pever. 

Com. So, to our Tern 
Where ere we doe repofe vs, we will write 
To Rome of our fucceffe : you Titus Lartius 
Muft to Corioles backe, fend vs to Rome 
The beft,with whom we may articulate, 
For their owne good, and ours. 

Lartius. I mall, my Lord. 

Martius. The Gods begin to mocke me : 
I that now refus'd moft Princely gifts, 
AjB bound to begge of my Lord Generall. 

\!om. Tak't,'tis yours : what is't ? 

Martius. I fometime lay here in Corioles, 
At a poore mans houfe: he vs'd me kindly, 
He cry'd to me : 1 faw him Piifoner : 
But then Auffidius was within my view, 
And Wrath o're-whelm'd my pittie : I requeft you 
To giue my poore Hoft freedome. 

Com. Oh well begg'd : 
Were he the Butcher of my Sonne, he mould 
Be free, as is the Winde : deliuer him, Titus. 

Lartius. Martius,his Name. 

Martius. By Iupiter forgot : 
I am wearie, yea, my memorie is tyr'd : 
Haue we no Wine here ? 

Com. Goe we to our Tent : 
The bloud vpon your Vifage dryes,'tis time 
It mould be lookt too : come. Exeunt. 

Afiouri/h. Cornets. Enter Tullus Auffidius 
bloudie,with two or three Souldiors. 

Auffi. The Tcwne is ta'ne. 

Sould. 'Twill be deliuer'd backe on good Condition. 

Auffid. Condition ? 
I would I were a Roman, for I cannot, 
Being a Voice, be that I am. Condition ? 
What good Condition can a Treatie finde 
I'th'part that is at mercy/ flue times, Martius, 
I haue fought with thee ; fo often haft thou beat me : 
And would'ft doe fo, I thinke, mould we encounter 



The Tragedie of Qoriolanus. 



As often as we eate. By th'Elements, 
If ere againe I meet him beard to beard, 
He's mine, or I am his : Mine Emulation 
Hath not that Honor in't it had : For where 
] thought to cruih him in an equall Force, 
True Sword to Sword : lie potche at him fome way, 
Or Wrath, or Craft may get him. 
Sol. He's the diuell. 

Auf. Bolder, though not fo fubtle:my valors poifon'd, 
With onely fufpring ftaine by him : for him 
Shall flye out of it ielfe, nor fleepe, nor fanftuary, 
Being naked, ficke; nor Phane, nor Capitoll, 
The Prayers of Priefts, nor times of Sacrifice: 
Embarquements all of Fury,fhall lift vp 
Their rotten Priuiledge, and Cuftome 'gainft 
My hate to Martini. Where I finde him, were it 
At home, vpon my Brothers Guard, euen there 
Againft the hofpitable Canon, would I 
Wafh my fierce hand in's heart. Go you to th'Citie, 
Learne how 'tis held, and what they are thatmuft 
Be Hoftages for Rome. 

Soul. Will not you go ? 

Auf. I am attended at the Cyprus groue. I pray you 
('Tis South the City Mils) bring me word thither 
How the world goes : that to the pace of it 
I may fpurre on my iourney. 

Soul, I mall fir. 



ABus Secundus. 



Enter Meneniui with the two Tribunes of the 

people, Sicinius & 'Brutus. A. 

Men. The Agurer tels me, wee fhall haue Newes to 
night. 

■Bru. Good or bad ? 

Men. Not according to the prayer of the people, for 
they loue not Martius. 

Sicin. Nature teaches Beafts to know their Friends. 

Men. Pray you, who does the Wolfe loue ? 

Sicin. The Lambe. 

Men. I, to deuour him, as the hungry Plebeians would 
the Noble Martius . 

■Bru. He's a Lambe indeed, that baes like a Beare. 

Men. Hee's a Beare indeede, that liues like a Lambe. 
You two are old men, tell me one thing that I fiiall aske 
you. 

Both. Well fir. 

Men. In what enormity is Martius poore in, that you 
two haue not in abundance? 

■Bru. He's poore in no one fault, but ftor'd withall. 

Sicin. Efpecially in Pride. 

Bru. And topping all others in boafting. 

<&fen. This is ftrange now : Do you two know, how 
you are cenfured heere in the City, I mean of vs a'th'right 
hand File, do you? 

'Both. Why? ho ware we cenfur'd? 

Men. Becaufe you talke of Pride now , will you not 
be angry. 

■Both. Well, well fir, well. 

Men. Why'tis no great matter : for a very little theefe 
of Occafion, will rob you of a great deale of Patience : 



Giue your difpofitions the reines, and bee angry at your 
pleafures (at the leaft)if you take it as a pleafure to you,in 
being fo : you blame Martius for being proud. 

'Brut. We do it not alone, fir. 

Men, I know you can doe very little alone, for your 
helpes are many, or elfe your actions would growe won- 
drous fingle : your abilities are to Infant-like, for dooing 
much alone. You talke of Pride: Oh, that you could turn 
your eyes toward the Napes of your neckes, and make 
but an Interiour furuey of your good felues. Oh that you 
could. 

■Both. What then fir ? 

Men. Why then you fhould difcouer a brace of vn- 
meriting, proud, violent, teftie Magiftrates (alias Fooles) 
as any in Rome. 

Sicin. Menenius, you are knowne well enough too. 

Men. I am knowne to be a humorous latritian , and 
one that loues a cup of hot Wine, with not a drop of alay- 
ing Tiber in't : Said, to be fomething imperfect in fauou- 
ring the firft complaint, hafty and Tinder-like vppon, to 
triuiall motion : One, that conuerfes more with the Eut- 
tocke of the night, then with the forhead of the morning. 
What I think, I vtter, and fpend my malice in my breath. 
Meeting two fuch Weales men as you are (I cannot call 
you LicurguJJes,) if the drinke you giue me, touch my Pa- 
lat aduerfly, I make a crooked face at it, I can fay, your 
Worfhippes haue deliuer'd the matter well, when I finde 
the Atfe in compound, with the Maior part of your fylla- 
bles. And though I muft be content to beare with thofe, 
that fay you are reuerend graue men, yet they lye deadly, 
that tell you haue good faces, if you fee this in the Map 
of my Microcofme, followes it that I am knowne well e- 
nough too? What harme can your beefome Confpe&ui- 
ties gleane out of this Charrafter, if I be knowne well e- 
nough too. 

■Bru. Come fir come, we know you well enough. 

Menen. You know neither mee, your felues, nor any 
thing : you are ambitious, for poore knaues cappes and 
legges : you weare out a good wholefome Forenoone,in 
hearing a caufe betweene an Orendge wife, and a Forfet- 
feller, and then reiourne the Controuerfie of three-pence 
to a fecond day of Audience. When you are hearing a 
matter betweene party and party, if you chaunce to bee 
pinch'd with the Collicke, you make faces like Mum- 
mers, fet vp the bloodie Flagge againft all Patience, and 
in roaring for a Chamber-pot, dilmifie the Controuerfie 
bleeding, the more intangled by your hearing : All the 
peace you make in their Caufe, is calling both the parties 
Knaues. You are a payre of ftrange ones. 

'Bru. Come, come, you are well vnderftood to bee a 
perfe&er gyber for the Table, then a neceffary Bencher in 
the Capitoll. 

Men. Our very Priefts muft become Mockers, if they 
(hall encounter fuch ridiculous Subiefts as you are, when 
you fpeake beft vnto the purpofe. It is not woorth the 
wagging of your Beards, and your Beards deferue not fo 
honourable a graue, as to ftuffe a Botchers Cuihion, or to 
be intomb'd in an Afles Packe-faddle ; yet you muft bee 
faying, Martius is proud : who in a cheape eftimation, is 
worth all your predecefibrs, fmce Deucalion, though per- 
aduenture fome of the beft of 'em were hereditarie hang- 
men. Godden to your Worfhips, more of your conuer- 
fation would infect my Braine, being the Heardfmen of 
the Beaftly Plebeans. I will be bold to take my leaue of 
you. 

•Bru. and Scic. tAfide. 

Enter 



The Tr age die of Qoriolanus. 



Enter Volumina,Virgilia,and Valeria. 

How now (my as faire as Noble) Ladyes, and the Moone 
were fhee Earthly, no Nobler ; whither doe you follow 
your Eyes fo faft ? 

Volum. Honorable Menenius, my Boy Martiui appro- 
ches : for the loue of Iuno let's goe. 

Menen. Ha? Martins comming home? 

Volum. I, worthy Menenius, and with moft profperous 
approbation. 

Menen. Take my Cappe Iupiter,sind I thanke thee : 
hoo, Martins comming home? 

2. Ladies. Nay,'tis true. 

Volum. Looke, here's a Letter from him, the State hath 
another, his Wife another, and (1 thinkej there's one at 
home for you. 

Menen. I will make my very houfe reele to night : 
A Letter for me ? 

Virgil. Yes certaine, there's a Letter for you, I faw't. 

Menen. A Letter for me? it giues me an Eftate of fe- 
uen yeeres health ; in which time, I will make a Lippe at 
the Phyfician:The moft foueraigne Prefcription in Galen, 
is but Emperickqutique ; and to this Preferuatiue, of no 
better report then a Horfe-drench. Is he not wounded ? 
he was wont to come home wounded ? 

Virgil. Oh no, no, no. 

Volum. Oh, he is wounded, I thanke the Gods for't. 

Menen. So doe I too, if it be not too much : brings a 
Viclorie in his Pocket?the wounds become him. 

Volum. On's Browes : Menenius, hee comes the third 
time home with the Oaken Garland. 

Menen. Ha's he difciplin'd Auffidius foundry? 

Volum. Titus Lartius writes, they fought together, but 
Auffidius got off. 

Menen. And 'twas time for him too, lie warrant him 
that: and he had ftay'd by him, I would not haue been fo 
fiddious'd, for all the Chefts in Carioles, and the Gold 
that's in them. Is the Senate pofleft of this? 

'Volum. Good Ladies let's goe. Yes, yes, yes : The 
Senate ha's Letters from the General!, wherein hee giues 
my Sonne the whole Name of the Warre : he hath in this 
aftion out-done his former deeds doubly. 

Valer. In troth, there's wondrous things fpoke of him. 

Menen. Wondrous: 1,1 warrant you, and not with- 
out his true purchafing. 

Virgil. The Gods graunt them true. 

Volum. True ? pow waw. 

Mene. True ? lie be fworne they are true : where is 
hee wounded, God faue your good Wormips f s&Tartius 
is comming home: hee ha's more caufe to be prowd : 
where is he wounded ? 

Volum. Ith' Shoulder, and ith'left Arme : there will be 
large Cicatrices to ihew the People, when hee mall ftand 
for his place : he receiued in the repulfe of Tarquin feuen 
hurts ith' Body. 

Mene. One ith'Neck, and two ith'Thigh, there's nine 
that I know. 

Volum. Hee had, before this laft Expedition, twentie 
fiue Wounds vpon him. 

Mene. Now it's twentie feuen ; euery ga£h was an 
Enemies Graue. Hearke,the Trumpets. 

A fhowt, andflourijh. 

Volum. Thefe are the Vihers of cMartius : 
Before him, hee carryes Noyfe ; 
And behinde him, hee leaues Teares : 



Death, that darke Spirit, in's neruie Arme doth lye, 
Which being aduanc'd, declines, and then men dye. 

tA Sennet. Trumpets found. 

Enter Cominius the Generall,and Titus Latins: be- 
tweene them Coriolanus, crown d with an Oalgn 
Garland, with Captaines and Soul- 
diers, and a Herauld. 
Herauld. Know Rome, that all alone Martins did fight 
Within Corioles Gates : where he hath wonne, 
With Fame,a Name to eftfartius Cains : 
Thefe in honor followes c^fartius Cains Coriolanus. 
Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus. 

Sound. Flourijh. 

All. Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus. 

Coriol. No more of this, it does offend my heart: pray 
now no more. 

Com. Looke, Sir, your Mother. 

Coriol. Oh ! you haue, I know, petition'd all the Gods 
for my profperitie. Kneeles. 

Volum. Nay,my good SouIdier,vp : 
My gentle oMartius, worthy Qaius, 
And by deed-atchieuing Honor newly nam'd, 
What is it {Coriolanus) muft I call thee ? 
But oh, thy Wife. 

Qorio. My gracious filence, hayle : 
Would'ft thou haue laugh'd, had I come Coffin'd home, 
That weep'ft to fee me triumph ? Ah my deare, 
Such eyes the Widowes in Carioles were, 
And Mothers that lacke Sonnes. 

Mene. Now the Gods Crowne thee. 

Com. And liue you yet? Oh my fweet Lady, pardon. 

Volum. I know not where to turne. 
Oh welcome homeland welcome Generall, 
And y'are welcome all. 

Mene. A hundred thoufand Welcomes : 
I could weepe,and I could laugh, 
I am light, and heauie ; welcome : 
A Curfe begin at very root on's heart, 
That is not glad to fee thee. 
Yon are three, that Rome mould dote on : 
Yet by the faith of men, we haue 
Some old Crab-trees here at home, 
That will not be grafted to your Rallifli. 
Yet welcome Warriors : 
Wee call a Nettle, but a Nettle ; 
And the faults of fooles, but folly. 

Com. Euer right. 

Cor. Menenius, euer, euer. ^ 

Herauld. Giue way there, and goe on. 

Qor. Your Hand, and yours? 
Ere in our owne houfe I doe Jhade my Head, 
The good Patricians muft be vifited, 
From whom I haue receiu'd not onely greetings, 
But with them, change of Honors. 

Volum. I haue liued, 
To fee inherited my very Wifhes, 
And the Buildings of my Fancie : 
Onely there's one thing wanting, 
Which (I doubt not) but our Rome 
Will caft vpon thee. 

Qor. Know, good Mother, • 

I had rather be their feruant in my way, 
Then fway with them in theirs. 

Com. On, to the Capitall. Flourijh. Cornets. 

Exeunt in State, as before. 

Enter 



IO 



'The Tragedie of Qoriolanus . 



Enter Brutui and Scicinius. 

Bru. All tongues fpeake of him, and the bleared fights 
Are fpectacled to fee him. Your pratling Nurfe 
Into a rapture lets her Baby crie, 
While fhe chats him : the Kitchin Malign pinnes 
Her richeft Lockram'bout her reechie necke, 
Clambring the Walls to eye him: 
Stalls, Bulkes,Windowes, are fmother'd vp, 
Leades fill'd, and Ridges hors'd 
With variable Complexions; all agreeing 
In earneftneffe to fee him: feld-fhowne Flamins 
Doe preffe among the popular Throngs, and puffe 
To winne a vulgar ftation : our veyl'd Dames 
Commit the Warre of White and Damaske 
In their nicely gawded Cheekes, toth' wanton fpoyle 
Of Phcebus burning KifTes : fuch a poother, 
As if that whatfoeuer God, who leades him, 
Were flyly crept into his humane powers, 
And gaue him gracefull pofture. 

Scion. On the fuddaine, I warrant him Confull. 

Brutui. Then our Office may, during his power, goe 
fleepe. 

Scicin. He cannot temp'rately tranfport his Honors, 
From where he mould begin, and end, but will 
Lofe thofe he hath wonne. 

'Brutus. In that there's comfort. 

Scici. Doubt not, 
The Commoners, for whom we ftand, but they 
Vpon their ancient mallice, will forget 
With the lead caufe,thefe his new Honors, 
Which that he will giue them, make 1 as little queftion, 
As he is prowd to doo't. 

Brutus. I heard him fweare, 
Were he to ftand for Confull, neuer would he 
Appeare i'th'Market place, nor on him put 
The Naples Vefture of Humilitie, 
Nor ihewing(as the manner is)his Wounds 
Toth' People, begge their ftinking Breaths. 

Scicin. 'Tis right. 

'Brutus. It was his word : 
Oh he would miffe it, rather then carry it, 
But by the fuite of the Gentry to him, 
And the defire of the Nobles. 

Scicin. I wiih no better, then haue him hold that pur- 
pofe,and to put it in execution. 

'Brutus. 'Tis moft like he will. 

Scicin. It mall be to him then, as our good wills ; a 
fure destruction. 

'Brutus. So it muft fall out 
To him, or our Authorities, for an end. 
We muft fugged the People, in what hatred 
He ftill hath held them : that to's power he would 
Haue made them Mules, filenc'd their Pleaders, 
And difpropertied their Freedomes; holding them, 
In humane Action, and Capacitie, 
Of no more Soule,nor fkneffe for the World, 
Then Cammels in their Warre, who haue their Prouand 
Onely for bearing Burthens, and fore blowes 
For finking vnder them. 

Scicin. This (as you fay) fuggefted, 
At fome time, when his foaring Infolence 
Shall teach the People, which time /hall not want, 
If he be put vpon't,and that's as eafie, 
As to fet Dogges on Sheepe, will be his fire 



To kindle their dry Stubble : and their Blaze 
Shall darken him for euer. 

Snter a Mejfenger. 

Brutus. What's the matter ? 

Mejf. You are fent for to the Capitoll : 
'Tis thought, that cMartius mail be Confull : 
I haue feene the dumbe men throng to fee him, 
And the blind to heare him fpeak:Matrons flong Gloues, 
Ladies and Maids their Scarries, and Handkerchers, 
Vpon him as he pafs'd : the Nobles bended 
As to hues Statue, and the Commons made 
A Shower, and Thunder, with their Caps, and Showts: 
I neuer faw the like. 

'Brutus. Let's to the Capitoll, 
And carry with vs Eares and Eyes forth' time, 
But Hearts for the euent. 

Scicin. Haue with you. Exeunt. 

Enter two Officers , to lay Cujbions ,as it were, 
in the Capitoll. 

1. Off. Come, come, they are almoft here : how many 
ftand for Confulfhips ? 

2. Off. Three, they fay : but 'tis thought of euery one, 
Coriolanus will carry it. 

1. Off. That's a braue fellow: but hee's vengeance 
prowd,and loues not the common people. 

2. Off. 'Faith, there hath beene many great men that 
haue flatter'd the people, who ne're ioued them; and there 
be many that they haue loued, they know not wherefore : 
fo that if they loue they know not why, they hate vpon 
no better a ground. Therefore, for Coriolanus neyther to 
care whether they loue, or hate him, manifefts the true 
knowledge he ha's in their difpofition, and out of his No- 
ble carelefneffe lets them plainely fee't. 

l. Off. If he did not care whether he had their loue, or 
no, hee waued indifferently,'twixt doing them neyther 
good, nor harme : but hee feekes their hate with greater 
deuotion,then they can render it him; and leaues nothing 
vndone, that may fully difcouer him their oppofite. Now 
to feeme to affect the mallice and difpleafure of the Peo- 
ple, is as bad, as that which he diflikes, to flatter them for 
their loue. 

2. Off. Hee hath deferued worthily of his Countrey, 
and his affent is not by fuch eafie degrees as thofe, who 
hauing beene fupple and courteous to the People, Bon- 
netted, without any further deed, to haue them at all into 
their eftimation, and report: but hee hath fo planted his 
Honors in their Eyes, and his actions in their Hearts, that 
for their Tongues to be filent,and not confefTe fo much, 
were a kinde of ingratefull Iniurie : to report otherwife, 
were a Mallice, that giuing it felfe the Lye, would plucke 
reproofe and rebuke from euery Eare that heard it. 

I. Off. No more of him, hee's a worthy man : make 
way, they are comming. 

A Sennet. Enter the Patricians, and the Tribunes of 
the People, lAElors before them : Coriolanus, Mene- 
nius, Commius the Conful: Scicinius and Brutus 
take their places by themjelues : Corio- 
lanus Jiands. 
Menen. Hauing determin'd of the Voices, 
And to fend for Titus Lartius: it remaines, 
As the maine Point of this our after-meeting, 



The Tragedie of Qoriolanus. 



i i 



To grafifie his Noble feruice, that hath 

Thus flood for his Countrey. Therefore pleafe you, 

Moft reuerend and graue Elders, to defire 

The prefent Confull, and laft Generall, 

In our well-found SuccefTes, to report 

A little of that worthy Worke,perform'd 

By <3V[artiu6 Cains Coriolanus: whom 

We met here, both to thanke,and to remember, 

With Honors like himfelfe. 

l.Sen. Speake, good Cominius : 
Leaue nothing out for length, and make vs thinke 
Rather our ftates defeftiue for requitall, 
Then we to ftretch it out. Matters a'th' People, 
We doe requeft your kindeft eares: and after 
Your louing motion toward the common Body, 
To yeeld what paffes here. 

Scicin. We are conuented vpon a pleafing Treatie, and 
haue hearts inclinable to honor and aduance the Theame 
of our Affembly. 

Brutus. Which the rather wee fhall be bleft to doe, if 
he remember a kinder value of the People, then he hath 
hereto priz'd them at. 

Menen. That's off, that's off: I would you rather had 
been filent : Pleafe you to heare Cominius fpeake ? 

'Brutus. Moft willingly : but yet my Caution was 
more pertinent then the rebuke you giue it. 

Menen. He loues your People, but tye him not to be 
their Bed-fellow : Worthie Cominius fpeake. 

Corhlanm rifes ,and offers to goe away. 
Nay, keepe your place. 

Senat. Sit Corhlanm : neuer fhame to heare 
What you haue Nobly done. 

Qoriol. Your Honors pardon : 
I had rather haue my Wounds to heale againe, 
Then heare fay how I got them. 

'Bruttu. Sir, I hope my words dis-bench'd you not ? 

Qoriol. No Sir: yet oft, 
When blowes haue made me ftay,I fled from words. 
You footh'd not, therefore hurt not : but your People, 
I loue them as they weigh — 

Menen. Pray now fit downe. 

Corio.l had rather haue one fcratch my Head i'th'Sun, 
When the Alarum were ftrucke,then idly fit 
To heare my Nothings monfter'd. Exit Coriolanus 

Menen. Matters of the People, 
Your multiplying Spawne.how can he flatter? 
That's thoufand to one good one, when you now fee 
He had rather venture all his Limbes for Honor, 
Then on ones Eares to heare it. Proceed Cominius. 

Com. I fhall lacke voyce : the deeds of Coriolanus 
Should not be vtter'd feebly : it is held, 
That Valour is the chiefeft Vertue, 
And moft dignifies the hauer : if it be, 
The man I fpeake of, cannot in the World 
Be fingly counter-poys'd. At fixteene yeeres, 
When Tarquin made a Head forRome,he fought 
Beyond the marke of others : our then Dictator, 
Whom with all prayfe I point at, faw him fight, 
When with his Amazonian Shinne hedroue 
The brizled Lippes before him : he beftrid 
An o're-preft Roman, and i'th'Confuls view 
Slew three Oppofers : Tarquins felfe he met, 
And ftrucke him on his Knee : in that dayes feates, 
When he might aft the Woman in the Scene, 
He prou'd beft man i'th' field, and for his meed 
Was Brow-bound with the Oake. His Pupill age 






Man-entred thus,he waxed like a Sea, 

And in the brunt of feuenteene Battailes fince, 

He lurcht all Swords of the Garland: for this laft, 

Before,and in Corioles, let me fay 

I cannot fpeake him home : he ftopt the flyers, 

And by his rare example made the Coward 

Turne terror into fport : as Weeds before 

A Veffell vnder fayle.fo men obey'd, 

And fell below his Stem : his Sword, Deaths ftampe, 

Where it did marke, it tooke from face to foot : 

He was a thing of Blood, whofe euery motion 

Was tim'd with dying Cryes : alone he entred 

The mortall Gate of th'Citie, which he painted 

With fhunlefle deftinie : aydeleffe came off, 

And with a fudden re-inforcement ftrucke 

Carioles like a Planet : now all's his, 

When by and by the dinne of Warre gan pierce 

His readie fence : then ftraight his doubled fpirit 

Requickned what in flefti was fatigate, 

And to the Battaile came he, where he did 

Runne reeking o're the liues of men, as if 'twere 

A perpetuall fpoyle : and till we call'd 

Both Field and Citie ours, he neuer flood 

To eafe his Breft with panting, 

Menen. Worthy man. 

Senat. He cannot but with meafure fit the Honors 
which we deuife him. 

Com. Our fpoyles he kickt at, 
And look'd vpon things precious, as they were 
The common Muck of the World : he couets leffe 
Then Miferie it felfe would giue, rewards his deeds 
With doing them, and is content 
To fpend the time, to end it. 

Menen. Hee's right Noble, let him be call'd for. 

Senat. Call Qoriolanus. 

Off. He doth appeare. 

Enter Coriolanus. 

Menen. The Senate, Coriolanus, are well pleas'd to make 
thee Confull. 

Corio. I doe owe them ftill my Life, and Seruices. 

Menen. It then remaines, that you doe fpeake to the 
People. 

Corio. I doe befeech you, 
Let me o're-leape that cuftome : for I cannot 
Put on the Gowne,ftand naked, and entreat them 
For my Wounds fake, to giue their fufferage : 
Pleafe you that I may pafle this doing. 

Scicin. Sir, the People muft haue their Voyces, 
Neyther will they bate one iot of Ceremonie. 

Menen. Put them not too't : 
Pray you goe fit you to the Cuftome, 
And take to you, as your Predeceffors haue, 
Your Honor with your forme. 

Corio. It is a part that I fhall blufh in acting, 
And might well be taken from the People. 

Brutus. Marke you that. 

Corio. To brag vnto them, thus I did, and thus 
Shew them th'vnaking Skarres, which I fliould hide, 
As if I had receiu'd them for the hyre 
Of their breath onely. 

Menen. Doe not fland vpon't : 
We recommend to you Tribunes of the People 
Our purpofe to them, and to our Noble Confull 
Wifh we all Ioy,and Honor. 

Senat. To 



12 



The T? rage die of Qoriolanus. 



■ Senat. To Coriolaims come all ioy and Honor. 
Flaurijb Cornets. 
Then Exeunt. cZManet Sicinius and Brutus. 
^Bru. You fee how he intends to vfe the people. 

Scicin.May they perceiue's intent: he wil require them 
As if he did contemne what he requefted, 
Should be in them to giue. 

c Bru. Come, wee'l informe them 
Of our proceedings heere on th'Market place, 
i know they do attend vs. 

Enter feuen or eight Citizens. 

l.Cit. Once if he do require our voyces, wee ought 
not to deny him. 

l.Cit. We may Sir if we will. 

2-Cit. We haue power in our felues to do it, but it is 
a power that we haue no power to do : For, if hee ftiew vs 
his wounds, and tell vs his deeds, 1 we are to put our ton- 
gues into thofe wounds, and fpeake for them : So if he tel 
vs his Noble deeds, we mull alfo tell him our Noble ac- 
ceptance of them. Ingratitude is monftrous, and for the 
multitude to be ingratefull, were to make a Monfter of 
the multitude; of the which, we being|members, mould 
bring our felues to be monftrous members. 

l.Cit. And to make vs no better thought of a little 
helpe will ferue : for once we flood vp about the Come, 
he himfelfe ftucke not to call vs the many-headed Multi- 
tude. 

2-C'f- We haue beene call'd fo of many, not that our 
heads are fome browne,fome blacke, fome Abram,fome 
bald; but that our wits are fo diuerfly Coulord; and true- 
ly I thinke, if all our wittes were to iflue out of one Scull, 
they would flye Eaft, Weft,North, South, and their con- 
fent of one direct way, mould be at once to all the points 
a'th Compafle. 

z.Qit. Thinke you fo? Which way do you iudge my 
wit would flye. 

3.C<>. Nay your wit Will not fo foone out as another 
mans will, 'tis ftrongly wadg'd vp in a blocke-head : but 
if it were at liberty, 'twould fure Southward. 

2 Cit. Why that way ? 

3 Cit. To loofe it felfe in a Fogge, where being three 
parts melted away with rotten Dewes, the fourth would 
returne for Confcience fake, to helpe to get thee a Wife. 

■zCit. You are neuer without your trickes, you may, 
you may. 

3 Cit. Are you all refolu'd to giue your voyces ? But 
that's no matter, the greater part carries it, I fay. If hee 
would incline to the people, there was neuer a worthier 
man. 

Enter Coriolanui in a gowne of Humility , with 
Menenius. 
Heere he comes, and in the Gowne of humility, marke 
his behauiour : we are not to ftay altogether, but to come 
by him where he ftands, by ones, by twoes, & by threes. 
He's to make his requefts by particulars, wherein euerie 
one of vs ha's a lingle Honor, in giuing him our own voi- 
ces with our owne tongues, therefore follow me, and He 
direct you how you ftiall go by him. 

All. Content, content. 

Men. Oh Sir,you are not right-.haue you not knowne 
The worthieft men haue done't ? 

Corio. What muft I fay, I pray Sir? 
Plague vpon't, I cannot bring 

My tougne to fuch a pace. Looke Sir, my wounds, 
I got them in my Countries Seruice, when 
Some certaine of your Brethren roar'd, and ranne 



From th'noife of our owne Drummes. 

Menen. Oh me the Gods, you muft not fpeak of that, 
You muft defire them to thinke vpon you. 

Coriol. Thinke vpon me? Hang 'em, 
I would they would forget me, like the Vertues 
Which our Diuines lofe by em. 

' Men. You'l marre all, 
He leaue you : Pray you fpeake to em, I pray you 
In wholfome manner. Exit 

Enter three of the Citizens. 

Corio. Bid them wafti their Faces, 
And keepe their teeth cleane : So, heere comes a brace, 
You know the caufe (Sir) of my (landing heere. 

iC'it. We do Sir, tell vs what hath brought you too't. 

Corio. Mine owne defert. 

2 Cit. Your owne defert. 
Corio. I, but mine owne defire. 

3 Cit. How not your owne defire ? 

Corio. No Sir, 'twas neuer my defire yet to trouble the 
poore with begging. 

3 Cit. You muft thinke if we giue you any thing, we 
hope to gaine by you. 

Corio. Well then I pray, your price a'th'Confulfhip. 

1 Cit. The price is, to aske it kindly. 

Corio. Kindly fir, I pray let me ha't : I haue wounds to 
fhew you, which ftiall bee yours in priuate : your good 
voice Sir, what fay you ? 

a Cit. You ftiall ha't worthy Sir. 

Qorio. A match Sir, there's in all two worthie voyces 
begg'd : I haue your Almes, Adieu. 

3 Cit. But this is fomething odde. 

2 Cit. And 'twere to giue againe : but 'tis no matter. 

Exeunt. Enter two other Citizens. 

Coriol. Pray you now, if it may ftand with the tune 
of your voices, that I may bee Confull, I haue heere the 
Cuftomarie Gowne. 

1. You haue deferued Nobly of your Countrey, and 
you haue not deferued Nobly. 

Coriol. Your /Enigma. 

i. You haue bin a fcourge to her enemies, you haue 
bin a Rod to her Friends, you haue not indeede loued the 
Common people. 

Coriol .You ftiould account mee the more Vertuous, 
that I haue not bin common in my Loue, -I will fir flatter 
my fworne Brother the people to earne a deerer eftima- 
tion of them, 'tis a condition they account gentle: & fince 
the wifedome of their choice, is rather to haue my Hat, 
then my Heart, I will practice the infinuating nod, and be 
off to them moft counterfetly, that is fir, I will counter- 
fet the bewitchment of fome popular man, and giue it 
bountifull to the defirers : Therefore befeech you, I may 
be Confull; 

2. Wee hope to finde you our friend : and therefore 
giue you our voices heartily. 

I. You haue receyued many wounds for your Goun- 
trey. 

Coriol. I wil not Seale your knowledge with mewing 
them. I will make much of your voyces, and fo trouble 
you no farther. 

Both. The Gods giue you ioy Sir heartily. 

Coriol. Moft fweet Voyces : 
Better it is to dye, better to fterue, 
Then craue the higher, which firft we do deferue. 
Why in this Wooluifti tongue ftiould .1 ftand heere, 
To begge of Hob and Dicke, that does appeere 

Their 



The Tragedie of Coriolanus. 



13 



Their needleffe Vouches: Cuftome calls me too't. 
What Cuftome wills in all things, fhould we doo't ? 
The Duft on antique Time would lye vnfwept, 
And mountainous Error be too highly heapt, 
For Truth to o're-peere. Rather then foole it fo, 
Let the high Office and the Honor go 
To one that would doe thus. I am halfe through, 
The one part fuftered,the other will I doe. 

Enter three Citizens more. 
Here come moe Voyces. 
Your Voyces? for your Voyces I haue fought, 
Watcht for your Voyces: for your Voyces, beare 
Of Wounds, two dozen odde: Battailes thrice fix 
I haue feene, and heard of: for your Voyces, 
Haue done many things,fome leffe, fomemore : 
Your Voyces ? Indeed I would be Confull. 

l.Cit. Hee ha's done Nobly, and cannot goe without 
any honeft mans Voyce, 

l.Cit. Therefore let him be Corrfull : the Gods giue 
him ioy, and make him good friend to the People. 

All. Amen, Amen. God faue thee, Noble Confull. 

Corio. Worthy Voyces. 

Enter Menenim, with "Brutm and Scicinius. 

Mene. You haue flood your Limitation : 
And the Tribunes endue you with'the Peoples Voyce, 
Remaines,that in th'Officiall Markes inuefted, 
You anon doe meet the Senate. 

Corio. Is this done ? 

Scicin.The Cuftome ofRequeft you haue difcharg'd: 
The People doe admit you, and are fummon'd 
To meet anon, vpon your approbation. 

Corio. Where ? at the Senate-houfe ? 

Scicin. There, Qoriolanus. 

Corio. May I change thefe Garments f 

Scicin. You may, Sir. 

CoW.That He ftraight do: and knowing my felfe again, 
Repayre toth' Senate-houfe. 

Mene. He keepe you company. Will you along ? 

'Brut. We ftay here for the People. 

Scicin. Fare you well. Exeunt Coriol. and Mene. 

He ha's it now : and by his Lookes,me thinkes, 
'Tis warme at's heart. 

'Brut. With a prowd heart he wore his humble Weeds : 
Will you difmiffe the People? 

Enter the Plebeians. 

Scici.How now, my Matters, haue you chofe this man? 

l.Cit. He ha's our Voyces, Sir. 

Brut. We pray the Gods, he may deferue your loues. 

z.Cit. Amen, Sir: to my poore vnworthy notice, 
He mock'd vs, when he begg'd our Voyces. 

3-Gt'f. Certainely,he flowted vs downe-right. 

1. Cit. No, 'tis his kind of fpeech,he did not mock vs. 

2. Cit. Not one amongft vs,faue your felfe, but fayes 
He vs'd vs fcornefully : he fhould haue fhew'd vs 
His Marks of Merit, Wounds receiu'd for's Countrey. 

Scicin. Why fo he did, I am fure. 

All. No,no:no manfaw 'em. 

3.C/V. Hee faid hee had Wounds, 
Which he could fhew in priuate : 
And with his Hat, thus wauing it in fcorne, 
I would be Confull, fayes he : aged Cuftome, 
But by your Voyces, will not fo permit me. 
Your Voyces therefore: when we graunted that, 
Here was, I thanke you for your Voyces, thanke you 



on 



Your moft fweet Voycesmow you haue left your Voyces. 
I haue no further with you. Was not this mockerie ? 

Scicin. Why eyther were you ignorant to fee't? 
Or feeing it, of fuch Childifh friendlineife, 
To yeeld your Voyces ? 

'Brut. Could you not haue told him, 
As you were leflbn'd : When he had no Power, 
But was a pettie feruant to the State, 
He was your Enemie, euer fpake againft 
Your Liberties, and the Charters that you beare 
I'th'Body of the Weale : and now arriuing 
A place of Potencie, and fway o'th' State, 
If he mould ftill malignantly remaine 
Faft Foe toth' Plebeij, your Voyces might 
Be Curfes to your felues. You mould haue faid, 
That as his worthy deeds did clayme no leffe 
Then what he flood for: fo his gracious nature 
Would thinke vpon you, for your Voyces, 
And tranflate his Mailice towards you, into Loue, 
Standing your friendly Lord. 

Scicin. Thus to haue faid j 
As you were fore-aduis'd, had toucht his Spirit, 
And try'd his Inclination: from him pluckt 
Eyther his gracious Promife, which you might 
As caufe had call'd you vp, haue held him to ; 
Orelfe it would haue gall'd hisfurly nature, 
Which eafily endures not Article, 
Tying him to ought, fo putting him to Rage, 
You fhould haue ta'ne th'aduantageof his Choller, 
And pafs'd him vnelefted. 

Brut. Did you perceiue, 
He did follicite you in free Contempt, 
When he did need your Loues: and doe you thinke, 
That his Contempt fhall not be brufing to you, 
When he hath power to crufh* Why, had your Bodyes 
No Heart among you ? Or had you Tongues, to cry 
Againft the Re&orfhip of Iudgement ? 

Scicin. Haue you, ere now,deny'd the asker : 
And nowagaine,of him that did not aske, but mock, 
Beftow your fu'd-for Tongues ? 

3.CVr.Hee's not confirm'd, we may deny him yet. 

z.Cit. And will deny him : 
He haue fiue hundred Voyces of that found. 

I.Cit.l twice fiue hundred, & their friends, to piece 'em. 

'Brut.Get you hence inflantly,and tell thole friends, 
They haue chofe a Confull, that will from them take 
Their Liberties, make them of no more Voyce 
Then Dogges, that are as often beat for barking, 
As therefore kept to doe fo. 

Scici.Let them afTemble:and on a fafer Iudgement, 
All reuoke your ignorant election : Enforce his Pride, 
And his old Hate vnto you: befides, forget not 
With what Contempt he wore the humble Weed, 
How in his Suit he fcorn'd you: but your Loues, 
Thinking vpon his Seruices,tooke from you 
Th'apprehenfion of his prefent portance, 
Which moft gibingly, vngrauely,he did fafhion 
After the inueterate Hate he beares you. 

Brut. Lay a fault on vs,your Tribunes, 
That we labour'd (no impediment betweene) 
But that you muft caft your Election on him. 

Scici.Say you chofe him, more after our commandment, 
Then as guided by your owne true affections, and that 
Your Minds pre-occupy'd with what you rather muft do, 
Then what you fhould, made you againft the graine 
To Voyce him Confull. Lay the fault on vs. 

b b 'Brut. I, 



i.4 



The Tragedie of Coriolanus. 



Brut. I, fpare vs not : Say, we read Lectures to you, 
How youngly he began to ferae his Ccuntrey, 
How long continued, and what ftock he fprings of, 
The Noble Houfe,o'th'c/Jfam'««s : from whence came 
That Ancus Martha, Nicmaes Daughters Sonne: 
Who after great Hoftilius here was King, 
Of the fame Houfe fublius and Quintus were. 
That our beft Water, brought by Conduits hither, 
And Nobly nam'd, fo twice being Cenfor, 
■Was his great Anceftor. 

Scicin. One thus defcended, 
That hath befide well in his perfon wrought, 
To be fet high in place, we did commend 
To your remembrances : but you haue found, 
Skaling his prefent bearing with his paft, 
That hee's your fixed enemie ; and reuoke 
Your fuddaine approbation. 

Brut. Say you ne're had don't, 
(Harpe on that ftill) but by our putting on: 
And prefently, when you haue drawne your number, 
Repaire toth' Capitoll. 

All. We will lo : almoft all repent in their election. 
Exeunt Tlebeians. 

'Brut. Let them goe on : 
This Mutinie were better put in hazard, 
Then ftay paft doubt, for greater: 



If, as his 



jre is, he fall in rage 



With their refufall, both obferue and anfwer 
The vantage of his anger. 

Scicin. Toth' Capitoll, come : 
We will be there before the ftreame o'th' People 
And this fhall feeme, as partly 'tis, their owne, 
Which we haue goaded on-ward. Exeunt. 



Aclus Tertius. 



Cornets. Enter Coriolanus, Menenias , all the Gentry , 
Cominius, Titus Latim , and other Senators. 

Cork. Tullus Auffidius then had made new head. 

Latius. He had, my Lord, and that it was which caus'i 
Our fwifter Compofition. 

Corio. So then the Voices ftand but as at firft, 
j Readie when time fhall prompt them, to make roade 
i Vpon's againe. 

Com. They are worne (Lord Confull) fo, 
That we fhall hardly in our ages fee 
Their Banners waue againe. 

C-j-io. Saw you Auffidius ? 

Latius. On fafegard he came to me, and did curfe 
Againft the Voices, for they had fo vildly 
Yeelded the Towne : he is retyred to Antium. 

Corio. Spoke he of me ? 

Latius. He did, my Lord. 

Corio. How ? what ? 

Latius. How often he had met you Sword to Sword : 
That of all things vpon the Earth, he hated 
Your perfon moft : That he would pawne his fortunes 
To hopeleffe reftitution, fo he might 
Be call'd your Vanquifher. 

Corio. At Antium Hues he? 

Latius. At Antium, 

Corio. I wifh I had a caufe to feeke him there, 
To oppofe his hatred fully. Welcome home. 

Enter Scicinius and Brutus. 
Behold, thefe are the Tribunes of the People, 
The Tongues o'th' Common Mouth. I do defpife them : 



For they doe pranke them in Authoritie, 
Againft all Noble fufferance. 

Scicin. Paffe no further. 

Cor. Hah ? what is that ? 

Brut. It will be dangerous to goe on--No further. 

Corio. What makes this change ? 

Mene. The matter ? 

CW.Hath he not pafs'd the Noble,and the Common? 

Brut. Cominius, no. 

Corio. Haue I had Childrens Voyces? 

&M?.Tribunes giue way, he fhall toth'Market place. 

Brut, The People are incens'd againft him. 

Scicin. Stop,or all will fall in broyle. 

Corio. Are thefe your Heard ? 
Muft thefe haue Voyces, that can yeeld them now, 
And ftraight difclaim their toungs?what are your Offices? 
You being their Mouthes,why rule you not their Teeth ? 
Haue you not fet them on ? 

Mene. Be calme,be calme. 

Corio. It is a purpos'd thing.and growes by Plot, 
To curbe the will of the Nobilitie : 
Suffer't,and liue with fuch as cannot rule, 
Nor euer will be ruled. 

Brut. Call't not a Plot : 
The People cry you mockt them : and of late, 
When Corne was giuen them gratis, you repin'd, 
Scandal'd the Suppliants : for the People, call'd them 
Time-pleafers, flatterers, foes to Nobleneffe. 

Corio. Why this was knowne before. 

Brut. Not to them all. 

Corio. Haue you inform'd them fithence ? 

"Brut. How? I informe them ? 

Com. You are like to doe fuch bufineffe. 

'Brut. Not vnlike each way to better yours. 

Corio. Why then mould I be Confull? by yond Clouds 
Let me deferue fo ill as you, and make me 
Your fellow Tribune. 

Scicin. You fhew too much of that, 
For which the People ftirre : if you will paffe 
To where you are bound, you muft enquire your way, 
Which you are out of, with a gentler fpirit, 
Or neuer be fo Noble as a Confull, 
Nor yoake with him for Tribune. 

Mene. Let's be calme. 

Com. The People are abus'd : fet on, this paltring 
Becomes not Rome : nor ha's Qoriolanus 
Deferu'd this fo diihonor'd Rub, layd falfely 
I'th' plaine Way of his Merit. 

Corio. Tell me of Corne : this was my fpeech, 
And I will fpeak't againe. 

Mene. Not now, not now. 

Setiat. Not in this heat, Sir, now. 

Corio. Now as I liue, I will. 
My Nobler friends, I craue their pardons : 
For the mutable ranke-fented Meynie, 
Let them regard me, as I doe not flatter, 
And therein behold themfelues : I fay againe, 
In foothing them, we nourifh 'gainft our Senate 
The Cockle of Rebellion, Infolence, Sedition, 
Which we our felues haue plowed for, fow'd,& fcatter'd, 
By mingling them with vs,the honor'd Number, 
Who lack not Vertue, no, nor Power, but that 
Which they haue giuen to Beggers. 

Mene. Well, no more. 

Senat. No more words, we befeech you. 

Corio. How ? no more? 

As 



The Tragedie of Coriolanus. 



As for my Country, I haue ihed my blood, 
Not fearing outward force : So fhall my Lungs 
Coine words till their decay, againft thofe Meazels 
Which we difdaine fhould Tetter vs, yet fought 
The very way to catch them. 

Bru. You fpeake a'th'people,as if you were a God, 
To puniih; Not a man,of their Infirmity, 

Skin. 'Twere well we let the people know't. 

Metie. What, what? His Choller? 

Cor.Choller? Were I as patient as the midnight deep, 
By Ioue, 'twould be my minde. 

Skin. It is a minde that fhall remain a poifon 
Where it is : not poyfon any further. 

Cork. Shall remaine? 
Heare you this Triton of the Minnoues ? Marke you 
His abfolute Shall ? 

Com. 'Twas from the Cannon. 

Cor, Shall? O God ! but moft vnwife Patricians: why 
You graue, but wreakleffe Senators, haue you thus 
Giuen Hidra heere to choofe an Officer, 
That with his peremptory Shall, being but 
The home, and noife o'th'Monfters, wants not fpirit 
To fay, hee'l turne your Current in a ditch, 
And make your Channell his? If he haue power, 
Then vale your Ignorance : If none, awake 
Your dangerous Lenity : If you are Learn'd, 
Be not as common Fooles ; if you are not, 
Let them haue Cufhions by you. You are Plebeians, 
If they be Senators : and they are no leffe, 
When both your voices blended, the great'ft tafte 
Moft pallates theirs. They choofe their Magiftrate, 
And fuch a one as he, who puts his Shall, 
His popular Shall, againft a grauer Bench 
Then euer frown'd in Greece. By Ioue himfelfe, 
It makes the Confuls bafe ; and my Soule akes 
To know, when two Authorities are vp, 
Neither Supreame ; How foone Confufion 
May enter 'twixt the gap of Both, and take 
The one by th'other. 

Com. Well, on to'th'Market place. 

Cork. Who euer gaue that Counfell,to giue forth 
The Corne a'th'Store-houfe gratis, as 'twas vs'd 
Sometime in Greece. 

Mene. Well, well, no more of that. 

Cor. Thogh there the people had more abfolute powre 
I fay they norilht difobedience: fed, the ruin of the State. 

•Bru. Why fhall the people giue 
One that fpeakes thus, their voyce ? 

Cork. He giue my Reafons, 
More worthier then their Voyces. They know the Corne 
Was not our recompence,refting well affur'd 
They ne're did feruice for't ; being preft to'th'Warre, 
Euen when the Nauell of the State was touch'd, 
They would not thred the Gates: This kinde of Seruice 
Did not deferue Corne gratis. Being i'th'Warre, 
There Mutinies and Reuolts, wherein they fhew'd 
Moft Valour, fpokenotfor them. Th'Accufation 
Which they haue often made againft the Senate, 
All caufe vnborne, could neuer be the Natiue 
Of our fo franke Donation. Well, what then? 
How fhall this Bofome-multiplied, digeft 
The Senates Courtefie ? Let deeds expreffe 
What's like to be their words, We did requeft it, 
We are the greater pole, and in true feare 
They gaue vs our demands. Thus we debafe 
The Nature of our Seats, and make the Rabble 



613 



Call our Cares, Feares ; which will in time 
Breake ope the Lockes a'th'Senate, and bring in 
The Crowes to pecke the Eagles. 

Mene. Come enough. 

'Bru. Enough, with ouer meafure. 

Cork. No, take more. 
What may be fworne by, both Diuine and Humane, 
Seale what I end withall. This double worfhip, 
Whereon part do's difdaine with caufe, the other 
Infult without all reafon : where Gentry , Title, wifedom 
Cannot conclude, but by the yea and no 
Of generall Ignorance, it muft omit 
Reall Neceffities, and giue way the while 
To vnftable Slightneffe. Purpofe fo barr'd, it followes, 
Nothing isidone to purpofe. Therefore befeech you, 
You that will be leffe fearefull, then difcreet, 
That Ioue the Fundamentall part of State 
More then you doubt the change on't : That preferre 
A Noble life, before a Long, and Wifh, 
To iumpe a Body with a dangerous Phyficke, 
That's fure of death without it : at once plucke out 
The Multitudinous Tongue, let them not licke 
The fweet which is their poyfon. Your diihonor 
Mangles true iudgement, and bereaues the State 
Of that Integrity which fhould becom't : 
Not hauing the power to do the good it would 
For th'ill which doth controul't. 

Bru. Has faid enough. 

Skin. Ha's fpoken like a Traitor, and mail anfwer 
As Traitors do. 

Cork. Thou wretch, defpight ore-whelme thee : 
What fhould the people do with thefe bald Tribunes ? 
On whom depending, their obedience failes 
To'th'greater Bench, in a Rebellion : 
When what's not meet, but what muft be, was Law, 
Then were they chofen : in a better houre, 
Let what is meet, be faide it muft be meet, 
And throw their power i'tb'duft. 

Bru. Manifeft Treafon. 

Skin. This a Confull ? No. 

Enter an cs£dile. 

'Bru. TheEdileshoe : Let him be apprehended : 

Skin. Go call the people, in whofe name my Selfe 
Attach thee as a Traitorous Innouator : 
A Foe to'th'publike Weale. Obey I charge thee, 
And follow to thine anfwer. 

Cork. Hence old Goat. 

All. Wee'l Surety him. 

Com. Ag'd fir, hands oft". 

Cork. Hence rotten thing, or I fhall fhake thy bones 
Out of thy Garments. 

Skin, Helpe ye Citizens. 

Enter a rabble of Plebeians with the i^Ediles. 

Mene. On both fides more refpeft. 

Skin. Heere's hee, that would take from you all your 



All. Downe with him, downe with him. 

2 Sen. Weapons, weapons, weapons : 
They all buflle about Coriolanus. 
Tribunes, Patricians, Citizens : what ho : 
Sicinius, Brutus, Coriolanus, Citizens. 

All. Peace, peace, peace, ftay, hold, peace. 

Mene. What is about to be/ 1 am out of Breath, 
Confufions neere,I cannot fpeake. You, Tribunes 
To'th'people : Coriolanus, patience : Speak good Sicinius . 
B b 2 Skin. 



i6 



The Tragedie of Coriolanus. 



Scici. Heare me, People peace. 

All. Let's here our Tribune : peace, fpeake, fpeake, 
fpeake. 

Scici. You are at point to lofe your Liberties : 
Martius would haue all from you; Martius, 
Whom late you haue nam'd for Confull. 

Mene. Fie, fie, fie, this is the way to kindle, not to 
quench. 

Sena. To vnbuild the Citie,and to lay all flat. 

Scici. What is the Citie,but the People? 

All. True,the People are the Citie. 

''Brut. By the confent of all, we were eftablilh'd the 
Peoples Magistrates. 

All. You fo remaine. 

Mene. And fo are like to doe. 

Com. That is the way to lay the Citie flat, 
To bring the Roofe to the Foundation, 
And burie all, which yet diftinftly raunges 
In heapes, and piles of Ruine. 

Scici. This deferues Death. 

'Brut. Or let vs ftand to our Authoritie, 
Or let vs lofe it : we doe here pronounce, 
Vpon the part o'th' People, in whofe power 
We were elected theirs, Martius is worthy 
Of prefent Death. 

Scici. Therefore lay hold of him : 
Beare him toth' Rock Tarpeian, and from thence 
Into deftruftion caft him. 

'Brut. ^Ediles feize him. 

All Pie. Yeeld Martius, yeeld. 

Mene. Heare me one word, 'befeech you Tribunes, 
heare me but a word. 

vEdiles. Peace, peace. 

Mene. Be that you feeme, truly your Countries friend, 
And temp'rately proceed to what you would 
Thus violently redrefie. 

Brut . Sir, thofe cold wayes, 
That feeme like prudent helpes, are very poyfonous, 
Where the Difeafe is violent. Lay hands vpon him, 
And beare him to the Rock. Cork, drama his Sword. 

Cork. No, He die here : 
There's fome among you haue beheld me fighting, 
Come trie vpon your felues, what you haue feene me. 

Mene. Downe with that Sword, Tribunes withdraw 
a while. 

'Brut. Lay hands vpon him. 

Mene. Helpe Martius,helpe : you that be noble, helpe 
him young and old. 

All. Downe with him, downe with him. Exeunt. 

In thus Mutinie,the Tribunes, the eAZdiles, and the 
People are beat in. 

Mene. Goe, get you to our Houfe: be gone, away, 
All will be naught elfe. 

2. Sena. Get you gone. 

Com. Stand faft, we haue as many friends as enemies. 

Mene. Shall it be put to that? 

Sena. The Gods forbid : 
I prythee noble friend, home to thy Houfe, 
Leaue vs to cure this Caufe. 

Mene. For 'tis a Sore vpon vs, 
You cannot Tent your felfe : be gone, 'befeech you. 

Cork. Come Sir, along with vs. 

Mene. I would they were Barbarians, as they are, 
Though in Rome litter'd : not Romans, as they are not, 
Though caked i'th' Porch o'th' Capitoll : 
Be gone, put not your worthy Rage into your Tongue, 



One time will owe another. 

Cork. On faire ground, I could beat fortie of them. 

Mene. I could my felfe take vp a Brace o'th' beft of 
them, yea, the two Tribunes. 

Com. But now 'tis oddes beyond Arithmetick, 
And Manhood is call'd Foolerie, when it ftands 
Againft a falling Fabrick, Will you hence, 
Before the Tagge returne ? whofe Rage doth rend 
Like interrupted Waters, and o're-beare 
What they are vs'd to beare. 

Mene. Pray you be gone : 
He trie whether my old Wit be in requeft 
With thofe that haue but little: this muft be patcht 
With Cloth of any Colour. 

Com. Nay, come away. Exeunt Coriolanus and 

Cominiui. 

Patri. This man ha's marr'd his fortune. 

Mene. His nature is too noble for the World : 
He would not flatter Neptune for his Trident, 
Or loue, for's power to Thunder: his Heart's his Mouth : 
What his Breft forges, that his Tongue muft vent, 
And being angry, does forget that euer 
He heard the Name of Death. tA Noife within. 

Here's goodly worke. 

Patri. I would they were a bed. 

Mene. I would they were in Tyber. 
What the vengeance, could he not fpeake 'em faire ? 
Enter 'Brutus and Sicinius with the rabble againe. 

Skin. Where is this Viper, 
That would depopulate the city, & be euery man himfelf 

Mene. You worthy Tribunes. 

Skin. He ihall be throwne downe the Tarpeian rock 
With rigorous hands : he hath refilled Law, 
And therefore Law ihall fcorne him further Triall 
Then the feuerity of the publike Power, 
Which he fo fets at naught. 

I Cit. He ihall well know the Noble Tribunes are 
The peoples mouths, and we their hands. 

All. He ihall fure ont. 

Mene. Sir, fir. Skin.' Peace. 

r&'fe. Do not cry hauocke, where you ihold but hunt 
With modeft warrant. 

Skin. Sir, how com'ft that you haue holpe 
To make this refcue ? 

Mene. Heere me fpeake? As I do know 
The Confuls worthineffe, fo can I name his Faults. 

Skin. Confull ? what Confull ? 

Mene. The Confull Coriolanus. 

Bru. He Confull. 

All. No, no, no, no, no. 

Mene. If by the Tribunes leaue, 
And yours good people, 

I may be heard, I would craue a word or two, 
The which ihall turne you to no further harme, 
Then fo much loffe of time. 

Sic. Speake breefely then, 
For we are peremptory to difpatch 
This Viporous Traitor : to eiect him hence 
Were but one danger, and to keepe him heere 
Ourcertaine death: therefore it is decreed, 
He dyes to night. 

Menen. Now the good Gods forbid, 
That our renowned Rome, whofe gratitude 
Towards her deferued Children, is enroll'd 
In Ioues owne Booke, like an vnnaturall Dam 
Should now eate vp her owne. 

Skin. 

614 



The Tragedie of Qoriolanus. 



17 



Skin. He's a Difeafe that mod be cut away. 
i^Mene. Oh he's a Limbe, that ha's but a Difeafe 
Mortall, to cut it off: to cure it, eafie. 
What ha's he done to Rome, that's worthy death ? 
Killing our Enemies, the blood he hath loft 
(Which I dare vouch, is more then that he hath 
By many an Ounce,) he dropp'd it for his Country: 
And what is left, to loofe it by his Countrey, 
Were to vs all that doo't, and fuffer it 
A brand to th'end a'th World. 

Skin. This is cleane kamme. 

Brut. Meerely awry : 
When he did loue his Country, it honour'd him. 

Menen. The feruice of the foote 
Being once gangren'd, is not then refpe&ed 
For what before it was. 

Bru. Wee'l heare no more : 
Purfue him to his houfe,and plucke him thence, 
Leaft his infeftion being of catching nature, 
Spred further. 

Menen. One word more, one word : 
This Tiger-footed-rage, when it ihall find 
The harme of vnskan'd fwiftneffe, will (too late) 
Tye Leaden pounds too's heeles. Proceed by Proceffe, 
Leaft parties (as he is belou'd) breake out, 
And facke great Rome with Romanes. 

Brut. If it were fo ? 

Skin. What do ye talke ? 
Haue we not had a tafte of his Obedience ? 
Our Ediles fmot : our felues refitted : come. 

Mene. Confider this : He ha's bin bred i'th'Warres 
Since a could draw a Sword, and is ill-fchool'd 
In boulted Language : Meale and Bran together 
He throwes without diftindtion. Giue me leaue, 
lie go to him, and vndertake to bring him in peace, 
Where he ihall anfwer by a lawfull Forme 
(In peace) to his vtmoft perill. 

i.Sen. Noble Tribunes, 
It is the humane way : the other courfe 
Will proue to bloody : and the end of it, 
Vnknowne to the Beginning. 

Sic. Noble Menenius, be you then as the peoples officer : 
Mafters, lay downe your Weapons. 

'Bru. Go not home. 

Sic. Meet on the Market place: wee'l attend you there: 
Where if you bring not Martins , wee'l proceede 



In our firft 



way. 



Menen. He bring him to you. 
Let me defire your company : he muft come, 
Or what is worft will follow. 

Sena. Pray you let's to him. Exeunt Omnes. 

Enter Qoriolanus with Nobles. 

Cork. Let them pull all about mine eares, prefent me 
Death on the Wheele, or at wilde Horfes heeles, 
Or pile ten hilleson theTarpeian Rocke, 
That the precipitation might downe ftretch 
Below the beame of fight; yet will I ftill 
Be thus to them. 

Enter Volumnia. 

Noble. You do the Nobler. 

Cork. I mufe my Mother 
Do's not approue me further, who was wont 
To call them Wollen Vaffailes, things created 
To buy and fell with Groats, to mew bare heads 
In Congregations, to yawne, be ftill, and wonder, 
When one but of my ordinance flood vp 



615- 



To fpeake of Peace, or Warre. I talke of you, 
Why did you wifti me milder? Would you haue me 
Falfe to my Nature ? Rather fay, I play 
The man I am. 

Volum. Oh fir, fir, fir, 
I would haue had you put your power well on 
Before you had worne it out. 

Cork. Let go. 

Vol. You might haue beene enough the man you are, 
With ftriuing lefTe to be fo : Leffer had bin 
The things of your difpofitions, if 
You had not ftiew'd them how ye were difpos'd 
Ere they lack'd power to croffe you. 

Cork. Let them hang.i 

Volum. I, and burne too. 

Enter Menenius with the Senators. 

Men. Come, come, you haue bin too rough, fomthing 
too rough : you muft returne, and mend it. 

Sen. There's no remedy, 
Vnleffe by not fo doing, our good Citie 
Cleaue in the midd'ft,and perifh. 

Volum. Pray be counfail'd ; 
I haue a heart as little apt as yours, 
But yet a braine, that leades my vfe of Anger 
To better vantage. 

Mene. Well faid, Noble woman : 
Before he mould thus ftoope to'th'heart, but that 
The violent fit a'th'time cranes it as Phyficke 
For the whole State; I would put mine Armour on, 
Which I can fcarfely beare. 

Cork. What muft I do ? 

Mene. Returne to th'Tribunes. 

Cork. Well, what then?what then? 

Mene. Repent, what you haue fpoke. 

Cork. For them, I cannot do it to the Gods, 
Muft I then doo't to them ? 

Volum. You are too abfolute, 
Though therein you can neuer be too Noble, 
But when extremities fpeake. I haue heard you fay, 
Honor and Policy, like vnfeuer'd Friends, 
I'th' Warre do grow together : Grant that, and tell me 
In Peace, what each of them by th'other loofe, 
That they combine not there ? 

Cork. Turn, turn. 

<L/V[ene. A good demand. 

"Volum. If it be Honor in your Warres,to feeme 
The fame you are not, which for your beft ends 
You adopt your policy : How is it lefie or worfe 
That it mail hold Companionmip in Peace 
With Honour, as in Warre ; fince that to both 
It ftands in like requeft. 

Cork. Why force you this f 

"Volum. Becaufe, that 
Now it lyes you on to fpeake to th'people: 
Not by your owne inftruction, nor by'th'matter 
Which your heart prompts you, but with fuch words 
That are but roated in your Tongue; 
Though but Baftards,and Syllables 
Of no allowance, to your bofomes truth. 
Now, this no more difhonors you at all, 
Then to take in a Towne with gentle words, 
Which elfe would put you to your fortune, and 
The hazard of much blood. 
I would diffemble with my Nature, where 
My Fortunes and my Friends at ftake, requir'd 
I fhould do fo in Honor. I am in this 

b b 3 Your 



The T rage die of Qoriolanus. 



Your Wife, your Sonne: Thefe Senators, the Nobles, 
And you, will rather ihew our generall Lowts, 
How you can fro wne, then fpend a fawne vpon 'em, 
For the inheritance of their loues, and fafegard 
Of what that want might ruine, 

<tA>tenen. Noble Lady, 
Come goe with vs, fpeake faire: you may falue fo, 
Not what is dangerous prefent,but the loffe 
Of what is paft. 

Volum. I pry thee now, my Sonne, 
Goe to them, with this Bonnet in thy hand, 
And thus farre hauing ftretcht it (here be with them) 
Thy Knee buffing the ftones: for in fuch bufineffe 
Action is eloquence, and the eyes of th'ignorant 
More learned then the eares, wauing thy head, 
Which often thus correcting thy ftout heart, 
Now humble as the ripeft Mulberry, 
That will not hold the handling : or fay to them, 
Thou art their Souldier,and being bred in broyles, 
Haft not the foft way, which thou do'ft confeffe 
Were fit for thee to vfe,as they to clayme, 
In asking their good loues, but thou wilt frame 
Thy felfe (forfooth) hereafter theirs fo farre, 
As thou haft power and perfon. 

Menen. This but done, 
Euen as me fpeakes, why their hearts were yours : 
For they haue Pardons, being ask'd,as free, 
As words to little purpofe. 

Volum. Prythee now, 
Goe, and be rul'd : although I know thou hadft rather 
Follow thine Enemie in a fierie Gulfe, 
Then flatter him in a Bower. Enter Comin'iui. 

Here is Cominius. 

Com. I haue beene i'th' Market place : and Sir 'tis fit 
You make ftrong partie, or defend your felfe 
By calmenefTe, or by abfence: all's in anger. 
Menen. Onely faire fpeech. 

Com. I thinke 'twill ferue,if he can thereto frame his 
fpirit. 

Volum. He muft, and will : 
Prythee now fay you will, and goe about it. 

Cork. Muft I goe fhew them my vnbarb'd Sconce ? 
Muft I with my bafe Tongue giue to my Noble Heart 
A Lye, that it muft beare well ? 1 will doo't : 
Yet were there but this fingle Plot, to loofe 
This Mould of Martha, they to duft (hould grinde it, 
And throw't againft the Winde. Toth' Market place : 
You haue put me now to fuch a part, which neuer 
I ihall difcharge toth' Life. 

Com. Come, come, wee'le prompt you. 
Volum. I prythee now fweet Son, as thou haft faid 
My praifes made thee firft a Souldier ; fo 
To haue my praife for this, performe a part 
Thou haft not done before. 

Cork. Well, I muft doo't: 
Away my difpofition, and poffeffe me 
Some Harlots fpirit : My throat of Warre be turn'd, 
Which quier'd with my Drumme into a Pipe, 
Small as an Eunuch, or the Virgin voyce 
That Babies lull a-fleepe : The fmiles of Knaues 
Tent in my cheekes, and Schoole-boyes Teares take vp 
The Glaffes of my fight : A Beggars Tongue 
Make motion through my Lips, and my Arm'd knees 
Who bow'd but in my Stirrop, bend like his 
That hath receiu'd an Almes. I will not doo't, 
Leaft I furceafe to honor mine owne truth, 



And by my Bodies action, teach my Minde 
A moft inherent BafenefTe. 

Volum. At thy choice then : 
To begge of thee, it is my more dif-honor, 
Then thou of them. Come all to mine, let 
Thy Mother rather feele thy Pride, then feare 
Thy dangerous Stoutneffe : for I mocke at death 
With as bigge heart as thou. Do as thou lift, 
Thy Valiantnefle was mine, thou fuck'ft it from me : 
But owe thy Pride thy felfe. 

Corio. Pray be content : 
Mother, I am going to the Market place : 
Chide me no more. lie Mountebanke their Loues, 
Cogge their Hearts from them, and come home belou'd 
Of all the Trades in Rome. Looke, I am going : 
Commend me to my Wife, He returne Confull, 
Or neuer truft to what my Tongue can do 
I'th way of Flattery further. 

Volum. Do your will. Exit Volumnia 

Cow. Away, the Tribunes do attend you: arm your felf 
To anfwer mildely : for they are prepar'd 
With Accufations, as I heare more ftrong 
Then are vpon you yet. 

Corio. The word is, Mildely. Pray you let vs go, 
Let them accufe me by inuention : I 
Will anfwer in mine Honor. 

Menen. I, but mildely. 

Corio. Well mildely be it then, Mildely. Exeunt 

Enter Siciniiu and Brutus. 
ISrn. In this point charge him home, that he affects 
Tyrannicall power : If he euade vs there, 
Inforce him with his enuy to the people, 
And that the Spoile got on the Antiats 
Was ne're diftributed. What, will he come ? 

Enter an Edile. 

Edile. Hee's comming. 

Eru. How accompanied ? 

Edile. With old Menenius, and thofe Senators 
That alwayes fauour'd him. 

Sicin. Haue you a Catalogue 
Of all the Voices that we haue procur'd, fet downe by'th 

Edile. I haue : 'tis ready. (Pole ? 

Sicin. Haue you collected them by Tribes? 

Edile. I haue. 

Sicin. Affemble prefently the people hither : 
And when they heare me fay, it ihall be fo, 
I'th'right and ftrength a'th'Commons : be it either 
For death, for fine, or Baniihment, then let them 
If I fay Fine, cry Fine ; if Death, cry Death, 
Infifting on the olde prerogatiue 
And power i'th Truth a'th Caufe. 

Edile. I Ihall informe them. 

<7 Bru. And when fuch time they haue begun to cry, 
Let them not ceafe, but with a dinne confus'd 
Inforce the prefent Execution 
Of what we chance to Sentence. 
Edi. Very well. 

Sicin. Make them be ftrong, and ready for this hint 
When we (hall hap to giu't them. 

'Bru. Go about it, 
Put him to Choller ftraite, he hath bene vs'd 
Euer to conquer, and to haue his worth 
Of contradiction. Being once chaft, he cannot 
Be rein'd againe to Temperance, then he fpeakes 

What's 

6i6~ 






The Tragedie of Qoriolamis. 



19 



What's in his heart, and that is there which lookes 
With vs to breake his necke. 

Enter CoriolanM , Menenius , and Comi- 
n'wi,v>ith others. 

Skin. Well, heere he comes. 

Mem. Calmely, I do befeech you. 

Corio. I, as an Hoftler, that fourth pooreft peece 
Will beare the Knaue by'th Volume : 
Th'honor'd Goddes 

Keepe Rome in fafety, and the Chaires of Iuftice 
Supplied with worthy men, plant loue amongs 
Through our large Temples with y fhewes of peace 
And not our ftreets with Warre. 

I Sen, Amen, Amen. 

<fflene. A Noble wifh. 

Enter the Edile with the Plebeians. 

Skin. Draw neere ye people. 

Edile. Lift to your Tribunes. Audience : 
P eace I fay. 

Corio, Firft heare me fpeake. 

"Both Tri. Well, fay : Peace hoe. 

Qorio. Shall I be charg'd no further then this prefent i 
Muft all determine heere? 

Skin. I do demand, 
If you fubmit you to the peoples voices, 
Allow their Officers, and are content 
To fuffer Iawfull Cenfure for fuch faults 
As mail be prou'd vpon you. 

Corio. I am Content. 

Mene. Lo Citizens, he fayes he is Content. 
The warlike Seruice he ha's done, confider : Thinke 
Vpon the wounds his body beares, which ihew 
Like Graues i'th holy Church-yard. 

Corio. Scratches with Briars, fcarres to moue 
Laughter onely. 

Mene. Confider further : 
That when he fpeakes not like a Citizen, 
You finde him like a Soldier : do not take 
His rougher Actions for malicious founds : 
But as I fay, fuch as become a Soldier, 
Rather then enuy you. 

Com. Well, well, no more. 

Corio. What is the matter, 
That being paft for Confull with full voyce : 
I am fo difhonour'd, that the very houre 
Vou take it off againe. 

Skin. Anfwer to vs. 

Corio. Say then : 'tis true, I ought fo 

Skin. We charge you, that you haue contriu'd to take 
From Rome all feafon'd Office, and to winde 
Your felfe into a power tyrannicall, 
For which you are a Traitor to the people. 

Corio. How? Traytor? 

Mene. Nay temperately : your promife. 

Corio. The fires i'th'loweft hell. Fould in the people : 
Call me their Traitor, thou iniurious Tribune. 
Within thine eyes fate twenty thoufand deaths 
In thy hands clutcht : as many Millions in 
Thy lying tongue, both numbers. I would fay 
Thou lyeft vnto thee, with a voice as free, 
As I do pray the Gods. 

Skin. Marke you this people ? 

All. To'th'Rocke, to'th'Rocke with him. 

Skin. Peace : 
We neede not put new matter to his charge : 
What you haue feene him do, and heard him fpeake : 



617 



Beating your Officers, curfing your felues, 
Oppofing Lawes with ftroakes, and heere defying 
Thofe whofe great power muft try him. 
Euen this fo criminall, and in fuch capitall kinde 
Deferues th'extreameft death. 

■Bra. But fince he hath feru'd well for Rome. 

Corio. What do you prate of Seruice. 

'Brut. I talke of that, that know it. 

Corio. You? 

Mene, Is this the promife that you made your mother. 

Com. Know, I pray you. 

Corio. He know no further : 
Let them pronounce the fteepe Tarpeian death, 
Vagabond exile, Fleaing, pent to linger 
But with a graine a day, I would not buy 
Their mercie, at the price of one faire word, 
Nor checke my Courage for what they can giue, 
To haue't with faying, Good morrow. 

Skin. For that he ha's 
(As much as in him lies,) from time to time 
Enui'd againft the people ; feeking meanes 
To plucke away their power: as now at laft, 
Giuen Hoftile ftrokes, and that not in the prefence 
Of dreaded Iuftice, but on the Minifters 
That doth diftribute it. In the name a'th'people, 
And in the power of vs the Tribunes, wee 
(£u'n from thisinftant) banifh himourCitie 
In perill of precipitation 
From off the Rocke Tarpeian, neuer more 
To enter our Rome gates. I'th'Peoplesname, 
I fay it mail bee fo. 

All. It fhall be fo, it mail be fo : let him away : 
Hee's banifh'd, and it fhall be fo. 

Ci». Heare me my Mailers, and my common friends. 

Skin. He's fentenc'd : No more hearing. 

Com. Let me fpeake : 
I haue bene Confull, and can (hew from Rome 
Her Enemies markes vpon me. I do loue 
My Countries good, with a refpeft more tender, 
More holy, and profound, then mine owne life, 
My deere Wiues eftimate, her wombes encreafe, 
And treafure of my Loynes : then if I would 
Speake that. 

Skin. We know your drift Speake what ? 

'B™. There's no more to be faid, but he is banifh'd 
As Enemy to the people, and his Countrey. 
It fhall bee fo. 

All. It fhall be fo, it fhall be fo. 

Corio. You common cry of Curs, whofe breath I hate, 
As reeke a'th'rotten Fennes : whofe Loues I prize, 
As the dead Carkaffes of vnburied men, 
That do corrupt my Ayre : I banifh you, 
And heere remaine with your vncertaintie. - 
Let euery feeble Rumor make your hearts : 
Your Enemies^with nodding of their Plumes 
Fan you into difpaire : Haue the power ftill 
To banifh your Defenders, till at length 
Your ignorance (which findes not till it feeles, 
Making but referuation of your felues, 
Still your owne Foes) deliuer you 
As moft abated Captiues, to fome Nation 
That wonne you without blowes, defpifing 
For you the City. Thus I turne my backe; 
There is a world elfewhere. 

Exeunt Coriolanus , Cominim , with Cumalys. 
They all/hout, and throw -up their Caps. 

Edile. 



20 



The Tr age die of Qoriolanus . 



Edile. The peoples Enemy is gone,is gone. 

eAll. Our enemy is banifli'd,he is gone: Hoo,oo. 

Skin. Go fee him out at Gates,and follow him 
As he hath follow'd you, with all defpight 
Giue him deferu'd vexation. Let a guard 
Attend vs through the City. 

All, Come, come, lets fee him out at gates, come: 
The Gods preferue our Noble Tribunes, come. Exeunt. 



A5lus Quartus. 



Enter Coriolanui ,Volumnia , Virgi/ia, Meneniui, Cominiui, 
with the yong Nobility of Rome, 
Corio. Come leaue your teares:a brief farwebthe beaft 
With many heads butts me away. Nay Mother, 
Where is your ancient Courage ? You were vs'd 
To fay, Extreamities was the trier of fpirits, 
That common chances. Common men could beare, 
That when the Sea was calme,all Boats alike 
Shew'd Mafterftiip in floating. Fortunes blowes, 
When mod ftrooke home, being gentle wounded, craues 
A Noble cunning. You were vs'd to load me 
With Precepts that would make inuincible 
The heart that conn'd them. 

Virg. Oh heauens ! O heauens / 

Corio. Nay, I prythee woman. 

JV.Now the Red Peftilence ftrike al Trades in Rome, 
And Occupations perim. 

Corio. What, what, what : 
I (hall be lou'd when I am lack'd. Nay Mother, 
Refume that Spirit, when you were wont to fay, 
If you had beene the Wife of Hercules, 
Six of his Labours youl'd haue done, and fau'd 
Your Husband fo much fwet. Cominiui, 
Droope not, Adieu: Farewell my Wife, my Mother, 
He do well yet. Thou old and true Meneniui, 
Thy teares are falter then a yonger mans, 
And venomous to thine eyes. My (fometime)Generall, 
I haue feene the Sterne, and thou haft oft beheld 
Heart-hardning fpeftacles. Tell thefe fad women, 
'Tis fond to waile ineuitable ftrokes, 
As 'tis to laugh at 'em. My Mother, you wot well 
My hazards ftill haue beene your fo!ace,and 
Beleeu't not lightly, though I go alone 
Like to a lonely Dragon, that his Fenne 
Makes fear'd,and talk'd of more then feene : your Sonne 
Will or exceed the Common, or be caught 
With cautelous baits and practice. 

Volum. My firft fonne, 
Whether will thou go ? Take good Cominiui 
With thee awhile : Determine on fome courfe 
More then a wilde expofture, to each chance 
That ftart's i'th'way before thee. 
Corio. O the Gods ! 

Com.lle follow thee a Moneth, deuife with thee 
Where thou malt reft, that thou may 'ft heareof vs, 
And we of thee. So if the time thruft forth 
A caufe for thy Repeale, we (hall not fend 
O're the vaft world, to feeke a fingle man, 
And loofe aduantage, which doth euer coole 
Ith'abfence of the needer. 

Corio. Fare ye well : 
Thou haft yeares vpon thee, and thou art too full 



Of the warres furfets, to go roue with one 
That's yet vnbruis'd : bring me but out at gate. 
Come my fweet wife, my deereft Mother, and 
My Friends of Noble touch : when I am forth, 
Bid me farewell, and fmile. I pray you come : 
While I remaine aboue the ground, you (hail 
Heare from me ftill, and neuer of me ought 
But what is like me formerly. 

<iMenen. That's worthily 
As any eare can heare. Come, let's not weepe, 
If I could (hake off but one feuen yeeres 
From thefe old armes and legges, by the good Gods 
I'ld with thee, euery foot. 

Qorio. Giue me thy hand, come. Exeunt 

Enter the two Tribunes, Sicinim, and'Brutui, 
with the Edile. 
Scin.Bii them all home, he's gone: & wee'l no further, 
The Nobility are vexed, whom we fee haue fided 
In his behalfe. 

'Brut. Now we haue (hewne our power, 
Let vs feeme humbler after it is done, 
Then when it was a dooing. 

Sicin. Bid them home: fay their great enemy is gone, 
And they, ftand in their ancient ftrength. 

'Brut. Difmiffe them home. Here comes his Mother. 
Enter Volumnia, Virgilia, and <JVLeneniui. 

Sicin. Let's not meet her. 

'Brut. Why? 

Sicin. They fay (he's mad. 

'Brut. They haue tane note of vs:keepe on your way. 

Volum. Oh y'are well met : 
Th'hoorded plague a'th'Gods requit your loue. 

Menen. Peace, peace, be not fo loud. 

Volum. If that I could for weeping, vou mould heare, 
Nay, and you (hall heare fome. Will you be gone ? 

Virg. You (lull ftay too : I would I had the power 
To fay fo to my Husband. I 

Sicin. Are you mankinde? 

Volum. I foole,is that a (hame. Note but this Foole, 
Was not a man my Father ? Had'ft thou Foxfliip 
To banifh him that ftrooke more blowes for Rome 
Then thou haft fpoken words. 

Sicin. Oh bleffed Heauens ! 

Volum. Moe Noble blowes, then euer y wife words. 
And for Romes good, He tell thee what : yet goe : 
Nay but thou (halt ftay too : I would my Sonne 
Were in Arabia,and thy Tribe before him, 
His good Sword in his hand. 

San. What then? 

Virg.Whzt then? Hee'ld make an end of thy pofterity 

Volum. Baftards,and all. 
Good man, the Wounds that he does beare for Rome ! 

Menen. Come, come, peace. 

Sicin. I would he had continued to his Country 
As he began, and not vnknit himfelfe 
The Noble knot he made. 

Bru. I would he had. 

Volum. I would he had ? 'Twas you incenft the rable. 
Cats, that can iudge as fitly of his worth, 
As I can of thofe Myfteries which heauen 
Will not haue earth to know. 

Brut. Pray let's go. 

Volum. Now pray fir get you gone. 
You haue done a braue deede : Ere you go, heare this : 
As farre as doth the Capitoll exceede 
The meaneft houfe in Rome: fo farre my Sonne 

This 



The Tragedie of Coriolanus. 



21 



This Ladies Husband heere ; this ('do you fee) 
Whom you haue banifli'd, does exceed you all. 

■Sra. Well, well, wee'l leaue vou. 

Skin. Why ftay we to be baited 
With one that wants her Wits. Exit Tribunes. 

IJolum. Take my Prayers with you. 
I would the Gods had nothing elfe to do, 
But to confirme my Curffes. Could I meete 'em 
But once a day, it would vnclogge my heart 
Of what lyes heauy too't. 

cMene. You haue told them home, 
And by my troth you haue caufe : you'l Sup with me. 

Volum. Angers my Meate : I fuppe vpon my felfe, 
And fo fliall fterue with Feeding : Come, let's go, 
Leaue this faint-puling, and lament as I do, 
In Anger, /ano-like : Come, come, come. Exeunt 

Mene. Fie, fie, fie. Exit. 

Enter a Tinman , and a Voice . 

Rom. I know you well fir, and you know mee : your 
name I thinke is Adrian. 

Voice. It is fo fir, truly I haue forgot you. 

Rom. I am a Roman, and my Seruices are as you are, 
againft'em. Know you me yet. 

Voice. Nicanor : no. 

Rom. The fame fir. 

Voice. You had more Beard when I laft faw you, but 
your Fauour is well appear'd by your Tongue. What's 
the Newes in Rome : I haue a Note from the Volcean 
ftate to finde you out there. You haue well faued mee a 
dayes iourney. 

c Rom. There hath beene in Rome ftraunge Infurrecti- 
ons : The people, againft the Senatours, Patricians, and 
Nobles. 

Vol. Hath bin; is it ended then? Our State thinks not 
fo, they are in a molt warlike preparation, & hope to com 
vpon them, in the heate of their diuifion 

Rom, The maine blaze of it is paft, but a fmall thing 
would make it flame againe. For the Nobles receyue fo 
to heart, the Baniihment of that worthy Coriolanus, that 
they are in a ripe aptnefle, to take al power from the peo- 
ple, and to plucke from them their Tribunes for euer . 
This lyes glowing I can tell you, and is almoft mature for 
the violent breaking out. 

Vol. Coriolanus Banifht ? 

%om. Banifli'd fir. 

Vol. You will be welcome with this intelligence Ni- 
canor. 

Rom. The day ferues well for them now. I haue heard 
it faide, the fitteft time to corrupt a mans Wife, is when 
fliee's falne out with her Husband. Your Nobje Tullus 
Aufiidius well appeare well in thefe Warres, his great 
Oppofer Coriolanus being now in no requeft of his coun- 
trey. 

Voice. He cannot choofe : I am moft fortunate, thus 
accidentally to encounter you. You haue ended my Bu- 
finefie,and I will merrily accompany you home. 

Rom, I mall betweene this and Supper, tell you moft 
ftrange things from Rome : all tending to the good of 
their Aduerfaries. Haue you an Army ready fay you ? 

Vol. A moft Royall one : The Centurions, and their 
charges diftinctly billetted already in th'entertainment, 
and to be on foot at an houres warning. 

Rom. I am ioyfull to heare of their readinefie, and am 
the man I thinke, that fliall fet them in prefent Aftion.So 
fir,heartily well met,and moft glad of your Company. 
Voice. You take my part from me fir, I haue the moft 



619 



caufe to be glad ofyours, 

Rom. Well, let vs go together. Exeunt. 

Enter Coriolanus in meane Apparrell, DiJ- 
guifd,and mujjled. 
Corio. A goodly City is this Antium. Citty, 
'Tis I that made thy Widdowes : Many an heyre 
Of thefe faire Edifices fore my Warres 
Haue I heard groane,and drop : Then know me not, 
Leaft that thy Wiues with Spits,and Boyes with ftones 
In puny Battell flay me. Saue you fir. 
Enter a Citizen. 

Cit. And you. 

Corio. DirecT: me, if it be your will, where great tAuf- 
fidius lies : Is he in Antium ? 

Cit. He is, and Feafts the Nobles of the State, at his 
houfe this night. 

Corio. Which is his houfe, befeech you f 

Cit. This heere before you. 

Corio. Thanke you fir, farewell. Exit Citizen 

Oh World, thy flippery turnes ! Friends now faft fworn, 
Whofe double bofomes feemes to weare one heart, 
Whofe Houres, whofe Bed, whofe Meale and Exercife 
Are ftill together : who Twin (as 'twere)in Loue, 
Vnfeparable, fliall within this houre, 
On a difiention of a Doit, breake out 
To bittereft Enmity : So felleft Foes, 

Whofe Paflions, and whofe Plots haue brofce their fleep 
To take the one the other, by fome chance, 
Some tricke not worth an Egge, fliall grow deere friends 
And inter-ioyne their yfTues. So with me, 
My Birth-place haue I, and my loues vpon 
This Enemie Towne : He enter, ifhe (lay me 
He does faire Iuftice : ifhe giue me way, 
He do his Country Seruice. Exit, 

Mujicke playes. Enter a Seruingman. 

1 Ser. Wine, Wine, Wine : What feruice is heere ? I 
thinke our Fellowes are afleepe. 

Enter another Seruingman. 
a Ser. Where's £>arf:my M.cals for him: Cotus. Exit 

Enter Coriolanus. 
Corio. A goodly Houfe : 
The Feaft fmels well : but I appeare not like a Gueft. 
Enter the firfl Seruingman. 
I Ser. What would you haue Friend? whence are you? 
Here's no place for you : Pray go to the doore ? Exit 
Corio. I haue deferu'd no better entertainment, in be- 
ing Coriolanus. Enter fecond Seruant. 

2 Ser. Whence are you fir ? Ha's the Porter his eyes in 
his head, that he giues entrance to fuch Companions ? 
Pray get you out. 

Corio. Away. 

2 Ser. Away ? Get you away. 
Corio. Now th'art troublefome. 

a Ser. Are you fo braue : He haue you talkt with anon 
Enter 3 Seruingman, the I meets him. 

3 What Fellowes this? 

I A ftrange one as euer I look'd onl: I cannot get him 
out o'th'houfe : Prythee call my Mafter to him. 

3 What haue you to do here fellow? Pray you auoid 
the houfe. 

Corio. Let me but ftand,I will not hurt your Harth. 

3 What are you ? 

Corio. A Gentleman. 

3 A maru'llous poore one. 

Corio. True,foIam. 

3 Pray you poore Gentleman, take vp fome other fta- 

ition, 



The Tragedie of Coriolanus. 



tion : Heere's no place for you, pray you auoid • Come. 

Cork. Follow your Function, go, and batten on colde 
bits. Pujhes him away from him. 

3 What you will not? Prythee tell my Maifter what 
a ftrange Gueft he ha's heere. 

i And I /hall. Exit Jecond Seruingman. 

3 Where dwel'ft thou ? 

Cork. Vnder the Canopy. 

3 Vnder the Canopy ? 

Cork. I. 

3 Where's that ? 

Cork. I'th City of Kites and Crowes. 

3 I'th City of Kites and Crowes ? What an AfTe it is, 
then thou dwel'ft with Dawes too ? 

Cork. No, I ferue not thy Mafter. 

3 How fir? Do you meddle with my Mafter ? 

Cork. I, tis an honefter feruice, then to meddle with 
thy Miftris : Thou prat'ft,and prat'ft, ferue with thy tren- 
cher : Hence. 'Beats him away 
Enter Auffidius with the Seruingman. 

Auf. Where is this Fellow ? 

2 Here fir, I'de haue beaten him like a dogge, but for 
difturbing the Lords within. 

Auf.Whence com'ft thou? What woldft y? Thy name? 
Why fpeak'ft not/ Speake man : What's thy name ? 

Cork. If Tullus not yet thou know'ft me, and feeing 
me, doft not ihinke me for the man I am, neceffitie com- 
mands me name my felfe. 
Auf. What is thy name ? 

Cork. A name vnmuficall to the Volcians eares,| 
And harfh in found to thine. 

Auf. Say, what's thy name ? 
Thou haft a Grim apparance, and thy Face 
Beares a Command in't : Though thy Tackles tome, 
Thou fhew'ft a Noble Veffell: What's thy name ? 

Cork. Prepare thy brow to frowne:knowft y me yet? 
Auf. I know thee not- ? Thy Name i 
Cork. My name is Cairn cflfartiu-s, who hath done 
To thee particularly, and to all the Voices 
Great hurt and Mifchiefe : thereto witneffe may 
My Surname Coriolanus. The painfull Seruice, 
The extreme Dangers, and the droppes of Blood 
Shed for my thankleffe Country,are requitted : 
But with that Surname, a good memorie 
And witneffe of the Malice and Difpleafure 
Which thou fhould'ft beare me, only that name remains. 
The Cruelty and Enuy of the people, 
Permitted by our daftard Nobles, who 
Haue all foriboke me, hath deuour'd the reft : 
And fuffer'd me by thvoyce of Slaues to be 
Hoop'd out of Rome. Now this extremity, 
Hath brought me to thy Harth, not out of Hope 
(Miftake me not) to faue my life : for if 
I had fear'd death, of all the Men i'th' World 
I would haue voided thee. But in meere fpight 
To be full quit of thofe my Banifters. 
Stand 1 before thee heere : Then if thou haft 
A heart of wreake in thee, that wilt reuenge 
Thine owne particular wrongs, and ftop thofe maimes 
Of fhame feene through thy Country, fpeed thee ftraight 
And make my mifery ferue thy turne : So vfe it, 
That my reuengefull Seruices may proue 
As Benefits to thee. For I will fight 
Againft my Cankred Countrey, with the Spleene 
Of all the vnder Fiends. But if fo be, 
Thou dar'ft not this, and that to proue more Fortunes 



Th'art tyr'd, then in a word, I alfo am 
Longer to liue moft wearie : and prefent 
My throat to thee, and to thy Ancient Malice : 
Which not to cut, would ftiew thee but a Foole, 
Since I haue euer followed thee with hate, 
Drawne Tunnes of Blood out of thy Countries breft, 
And cannot liue but to thy fhame, vnleffe 
It be to do thee feruice. 

Auf. Oh MartiuS, Martins; 
Each word thou haft fpoke, hath weeded from my heart 
A roote of Ancient Enuy. If Iupiter 
Should from yond clowd fpeake diuine things, 
And fay 'tis true; I'de not beleeue them more 
Then thee all-Noble Martim. Let me twine 
Mine armes about that body, where againft 
My grained Alh an hundred times hath broke, 
And fcarr'd the Moone with fplinters : heere I deep 
The Anuile of my Sword, and do conteft 
As hotly,and as Nobly with thy Loue, 
As euer in Ambitious ftrength, I did 
Contend againft thy Valour. Know thou firft, 
I lou'd the Maid I married : neuer man 
Sigh'd truer breath. But that I fee thee heere 
Thou Noble thing, more dances my rapt heart, 
Then when I firft my wedded Miftris faw 
Beftride my Threfhold. Why, thou Mars I tell thee, 
We haue a Power on foote : and I had purpofe 
Once more to hew thy Target from thy Brawne, 
Or loofe mine Arme for't : Thou haft beate mee out 
Twelue feuerall times, and I haue nightly fince 
Dreamt of encounters 'twixt thy felfe and me : 
We haue beene downe together in my fleepe, 
Vnbuckling Helmes,fifling each others Throat, 
And wak'd halfe dead with nothing. Worthy Martim, 
Had we no other quarrell elfe to Rome, but that 
Thou art thence Banifh'd, we would mufterall 
From twelue, to feuentie : and powring Warre 
Into the bowels of vngratefull Rome, 
Like a bold Flood o're-beate. Oh come, go in, 
And take our Friendly Senators by'th'hands 
Who now are heere, taking their leaues of mee, 
Who am prepar'd againft your Territories, 
Though not for Rome it felfe. 

Cork. You bleffe me Gods. 

Auf. Therefore moft abfolute Sir, if thou wilt haue 
The leading of thine owne Reuenges, take 
Th'one halfe of my Commiflion,and fet downe 
As beft thou art experienc'd, fince thou know'ft 
Thy Countries ftrength and weakneffe, thine own waies 
Whether to knocke againft the Gates of Rome, 
Or rudely vifit them in parts remote,! 
To fright them, ere deftroy. But come in, 
Let me commend thee firft, to thofe that ftiall 
Say yea to thy defires. A thoufand welcomes, 
And more a Friend, then ere an Enemie, 
Yet Martim that was much. Your hand: moft welcome. 

Exeunt 
Enter two of the Seruingmen. 

I Heere's a ftrange alteration ? 

■2. By my hand, I had thoght to haue ftroken him with 
a Cudgell,and yet my minde gaue me, his cloathes made 
a falfe report of him. 

1 What an Arme he has, he turn'd me about with his 
finger and his thumbe,as one would fet vp a Top. 

2 Nay, I knew by his face that there was fome-thing 
in him. He had fir, a kinde of face me thought, I cannot 



The Tragedie of Coriolanus. 



2 3 



tell how to tearme it. 

i He had fo, looking as it were, would I were hang'd 
but I thought there was more in him, then I could think. 

2 So did I, He be'fworne: He, is (imply the rareft man 
i'th' world. 

1 I thinke he is : but a greater fbldier then he, 
You wot one. 

2 Who my Mafter ? 

1 Nay, it's no matter for that. 

2 Worth fix on him. 

1 Nay not fo neither : but I take him to be the greater 
Souldiour. 

2 Faith looke you, one cannot tell how to fay that: for 
the Defence of a Towne.our Generall is excellent. 

I I, and for an affault too. 

Enter the third Seruingman. 

3 Oh Slaues, I can tell you Newes, News you Rafcals 
'Both. What, what, what?'Let's partake. 

3 I would not be a Roman of all Nations ; I had as 
Hue be a condemn'd man. 

'Both. Wherefore? Wherefore? 

3 Why here's he that was wont to thwacke our Ge- 
nerall, Caiia cMartlus. 

I Why do you fay, thwacke our Generall ? 

3 I do not fay thwacke our Generall, but he was al- 
wayes good enough for him 

2 Come we are fellowes and friends : he was euer too 
hard for him, I haue heard him fay fo himfelfe. 

i He was too hard for him directly, to fay the Troth 
on't before Corioles, he fcotcht him, and notcht him like a 
Carbinado. 

2 And hee had bin Cannibally giuen, hee might haue 
boyld and eaten him too. 

1 But more of thy Newes. 

3 Why he is fo made on heere within, as if hee were 
Son and Heire to Mars, fet at vpper end o'th'Table : No 
queftion askt him by any of the Senators, but they ftand 
bald before him. Our Generall himfelfe makes a Miftris 
of him, Sanctifies himfelfe with's hand, and turnes vp the 
white o'th'eye to his Difcourfe. But the bottome of the 
Newes is, our Generall is cut i'tb'middle,& but one halfe 
of what he was yefterdav. For the other ha's halfe, by 
the intreaty and graunt of the whole Table. Hee'l go he 
fayes, and fole the Porter of Rome Gates by th'eares. He 
will mowe all downe before him, and leaue his paffage 
poul'd. 

2 And he's as like to do't,as any man I can imagine. 

3 Doo't? he will doo't : for look you fir, he has as ma- 
ny Friends as Enemies : which Friends fir as it were,durft 
not ( looke you fir) fhew themfelues (as we terrrre it) his 
Friends, whileft he's in DirecYitude. 

I Direftitude? What's that ? 

3 But when they fhall fee fir, his Creft vp againe,and 
the man in blood , they will out of their Burroughes (like 
Conies after Raine) and reuell all with him. 

1 But when goes this forward : 

3 To morrow, to day, prefently, you fhall haue the 
Drum ftrooke vp this afternoone : 'Tis as it were a parcel 
of their Feaft,and to be executed ere they wipe their lips. 

2 Why then wee fhall haue a ftirring World againe : 
This peace is nothing, but to ruft Iron,iencreafe Taylors, 
and breed Ballad-makers. 

I Let me haue Warre fay I, it exceeds peace as farre 
as day do's night : It's fprightly walking, audible, and full 
of Vent. Peace, is a very Apoplexy, Lethargie, mull'd, 
deafe, fleepe, infenfible, a getter of more bafhrd Chil- 



i dren, then warres a deftroyer of men. 

2 'Tis fo, and as warres in fome fort may be faide to 
! be a Rauifher, fo it cannot be denied, but peace is a great 
i maker of Cuckolds. 

I I, and it makes men hate one another. 

3 Reafon, becaufe they then lefTe neede one another : 
The Warres for my money. I hope to fee Romanes as 
cheape as Volcians. They are rifing,they are rifing. 

'Both. In, in, in, in. Exeunt 

8 nter the two Tribunes , Sicinim , and 'Brut ui. 

Sicln. We heare not of him, neither need we fear him, 
His remedies are tame, the prefent peace, 
And quietneffe of the people, which before 
Were in wilde hurry. Heere do we make his Friends 
Blufh, that the world goes well : who rather had, 
Though they themfelues did fuffer by't, behold 
DifTentious numbers peftring ftreets, then fee 
Our Tradefmen finging in their fhops,and going 
About their Functions friendly. 

Enter zMenenius. 

Bru. We flood too't in good time. Is this Menenlus\? 

Sicln. 'Tis he, 'tis he : O he is grown moft kind of late: 
Haile Sir. Mene. Haile to you both. 

Scat. Your Coriolanus is not much mift, but with his 
Friends : the Commonwealth doth ftand, and fo would 
do, were he more angry at it. 

Mene. All's well, and might haue bene much better, 
if he could haue temporiz'd. 

Sicln. Where is he, heare you ? 

Mene. Nay I heare nothing : 
His Mother and his wife, heare nothing from him. 
Enter three or foure Citizens. 

All. The Gods preferue you both. 

Sicln. Gooden our Neighbours. 

'Bru. Gooden to you all, gooden to you all. 

I Our felues,our wiues,and children, on our knees, 
Are bound to pray for you both. 

Sicln. Liue,and thriue. 

Bru. Farewell kinde Neighbours': 
We wifht Coriolanus had lou'd you as we did. 

All. Now the Gods keepe you. 

Both Tri. Farewell, farewell. Exeunt Citizens 

Sicln. This is a happier and more comely time, 
Then when thefe Fellowes ran about the ftreets, 
Crying Confufion. 

'Bru. Cam Martins was 
A worthy Officer i'th'Warre, but Infolent, 
O'recome with Pride, Ambitious,paft all thinking 
Selfe-louing.| 

Sicln. And affecting one fole Throne, without afliftace 

oMene. I thinke not fo. 

Sicin. We ihould by this, to all our Lamention, 
If he had gone forth Confull, found it fo. 

"Bru. The Gods haue well preuented it,and Rome 
Sits fafe and ftill, without him. 

Enter an <i/Edlle. 

zAZdile. Worthy Tribunes, 
There is a Slaue whom we haue put in prifon, 
Reports the Voices with two feuerall Powers 
Are entred in the Roman Territories, 
And with the deepeft malice of the Warre, 
Deftroy, what lies before 'em. 

Mene. 'Tis Auffidius, 
Who hearing of our Martins Banifhment, 
Thrufts forth his homes againe into the world 
Which were In-fheU'd, when Martins flood for Rome, 

And 



2 4 



The Tragedie of Coriolanus. 



And durft not once peepe out. 

Skin. Come, what talke you of dMartiui . 

'Bru. Go fee this Rumorer whipt, it cannot be, 
The Voices dare breake with vs. 

Mene. Cannot be ? 
We haue Record, that very well it can, 
And three examples of the like, hath beene 
Within my Age. But reafon with the fellow 
Before you punifti him, where he heard this, 
Leaft you (hall chance to whip your Information, 
And beate the MefTenger, who bids beware 
Of what is to be dreaded. 

Skin. Tell not me : I know this cannot be. 

Bru. Notpoffible. 

Enter a Meffenger. 
MeJ. The Nobles in great earneftnefle are going 
All to the Senate-houfe : fome newes is comming 
That turnes their Countenances. 

Skin. 'Tis this Slaue : 
Go whip him fore the peoples eyes : His raifing, 
Nothing but his report. 

Mef. Yes worthy Sir, 
The Slaues report is feconded,and more 
More fearfull is deliuer'd. 

Skin. What more fearefull ? 

MeJ. It is fpoke freely out of many mouths, 
How probable I do not know, that Martiui 
Ioyn'd with Auffidius, leads a power 'gainft Rome, 
And vowes Reuenge as fpacious, as betweene 
The yong'ft and oldeft thing. 

Skin. This is moft likely.' 

'Bru. Rais'd onely,that the weaker fort may wifh 
Good Martiui home againe. 

Skin. The very trick e on't. 

Mene. This is vnlikely, 
He, and Auffidius can no more attone 
Then violent'!! Contrariety. 

Enter Meffenger. 

Mef. You are fent for to the Senate : 
A fearefull Army, led by Caius Martini, 
Aflbciated with Auffidius, Rages 
Vpon our Territories,and haue already 
O're-borne their way, confum'd with fire, and tooke 
What lay before them. 

Enter Cominim. 

Com. Oh you haue made good worke. 

Mene. What newes ? What newest 

Com.Yoa haue holp to rauifh your owne daughters, & 
To melt the Citty Leades vpon your pates, 
To fee your Wiues dishonour' d to your Nofes. 

Mene. What's the newes? What's the newes ? 

Com. Your Temples burned in their Ciment, and 
Your Franchifes, whereon you flood, confin'd 
Into an Augors boare. 

Mene, Pray now, your Newes : 
You haue made faire worke I feare me : pray your newes, 
If Martiui fhould be ioyn'd with Volceans. 

Com. If? He is their God, he leads them like a thing 
Made by fome other Deity then Nature, 
That Ihapes man Better : and they follow him 
Againft vs Brats, with no leffe Confidence, 
Then Boyes purfuing Summer Butter-flies, 
Or Butchers killing Flyes. 

Mene. You haue made good worke, 
You and your Apron men : you, that flood fo much 
Vpon the voyce of occupation, and 



The breath of Garlicke-eaters. 

Com. Hee'l fhake your Rome about your eares. 

Mene. As Hercules did fhake downe Mellow Fruite : 
You haue made faire worke. 

Brut. But is this true fir? 
, Com, I, and you'l looke pale 
Before you finde it other. All the Regions 
Do fmiiingly Reuolt, and who refills 
Are mock'd for valiant Ignorance, 
And perifli conftant Fooles: who is't can blame him ? 
Your Enemies and his, finde fomething in him. 

Mene. We are all vndone, vnlefie 
The Noble man haue mercy. 

Com. Who fhall aske it? 
The Tribunes cannot doo't for fliame ; the people 
Deferue fuch pitty of him, as the Wolfe 
Doe's of the Shepheards : For his beft Friends, if they 
Should fay be good to Rome, they charg'd him,euen 
As thofe mould do that had deferu'd his hate, 
And therein fhew'd like Enemies. 

c^ff.'Tis true,if he were putting to my houfe, the brand 
That mould confume it, I haue not the face 
To fay, befeech you ceafe. You haue made faire hands, 
You and your Crafts, you haue crafted faire. 

Com. You haue brought 
A Trembling vpon Rome, fuch as was neuer 
S'incapeable of helpe. 

Tri. Say not, we brought it. 

Mene. How? Was't we ? We lou'd him, 
But like Beads, and Cowardly Nobles, 
Gaue way vnto your Clufters, who did hoote 
Him out o'th'Citty. 

Com. But I feare 
They'l roare him in againe. Tullus Auffidius, 
The fecond name of men, obeyes his points 
As if he were his Officer : Defperation, 
Is all the Policy, Strength, and Defence 
That Rome can make againft them. 

Enter a Troofe of Citizens. 

Mene. Heere come the Clufters. 
And is Auffidius with him ? You are they 
That made the Ayre vnwholfome,when you caft 
Your ftinking, greafie Caps, in hooting 
At Coriolanus Exile. Now he's comming,] 
And not a haire vpon a Souldiers head 
Which will not proue a whip : As many Coxcombes 
As you threw Caps vp,will he tumble downe, 
And pay you for your voyces. 'Tis no matter, 
If he could burne vs all into oue coale, 
We haue deferu'd it. 

Omnes. Faith, we heare fearfull Newes. 

I (St. For mine owne part, 
When I laid banilh him, I faid 'twas pitty. 

z And fo did I. 

3 And fo did I : and to fay the truth, fo did very ma- 
ny of vs, that we did we did for the beft, and though wee 
willingly confented to his Banifhment,yet it was againft 
our will. 

Com. Y'are goodly things, you Voyces. 

Mene. You haue made good worke 
You and your cry. Shal's to the Capitoll? 

Com. Oh I, what elfe '. _ Exeunt both. 

Skin. Go Mafters get you home, be not difmaid, 
Thefe are a Side, that would be glad to haue 
This true, which they fo feeme to feare. Go home, 
And fhew no figne of Feare. 

i. Cit. 

oil 



The Tragedie of Qoriolanus. 



25 



1 Qit. The Gods bee good to vs : Come Mafters let's 
home, I euer faid we were i'th wrong, when we banilh'd 
him. 

2 C'lt. So did we all. But come, let's home. Exit Cit. 
Bru. I do not like this Newes. 

Skin. Nor I. 

'Bru, Let's to the Capitol] : would halfe my wealth 
Would buy this for a lye. 

Skin. Pray let's go. Exeunt Tribunes, 

Enter Auffidius with his Lieutenant . 

Auf. Do they ftill flye to'th'Roman ? 

Lieu. I do not know what Witchcraft's in him : but 
Your Soldiers vfe him as the Grace 'fore meate, 
Their talke at Table, and their Thankes at end, 
And you are darkned in this action Sir, 
Euen by your owne. 

Auf. I cannot helpe it now, 
Vnleffe by vfing meanes I lame the foote 
Of our defigne. He beares himfelfe more proudlier, 
Euen to my perfon, then I thought he would 
When firft I did embrace him. Yet his Nature 
In that's no Changeling, and I muft excufe 
What cannot be amended. 

Lieu. YetlwifhSir, 
(I meane for your particular) you had not 
loyn'd in Commiffion with him : but either haue borne 
The action of your felfe, or elfe to him, had left it foly. 

tAuf. I vnderftand thee well,and be thou fure 
When he (hall come to his account, he knowes not 
What I can vrge againft him, although it feemes 
And fo he thinkes, and is no leffe apparant 
To th'vulgar eye, that he beares all things fairely : 
And fhewes good Husbandry for the Volcian State, 
Fights Dragon-like, and does atcheeue as foone 
As draw his Sword : yet he hath left vndone 
That which mall breake his necke, or hazard mine, 
When ere we come to our account. 

Lieu. Sir, I befeech you, think you he'l carry Rome ? 

Auf. All places yeelds to him ere he fits downe, 
And theiNobility of Rome are his : 
The Senators and Patricians loue him too : 
The Tribunes are no Soldiers : and their people 
Will be as ram in the repeale, as hafty 
To expell him thence. 1 thinke hee'l be to Rome 
As is the Afpray to the Fifh, who takes it 
By Soueraignty of Nature. Firft, he was 
A Noble feruant to them, but he could not 
Carry his Honors eeuen : whether 'was Pride 
Which out of dayly Fortune euer taints 
The happy man ; whether detect of iudgement, 
To faile in the difpofing of thofe chances 
Which he was Lord of: or whether Nature, 
Not to be other then one thing, not moouing 
From th'Caske to th'Cumion : but commanding peace 
Euen with the fame aufterity and garbe, 
As he controll'd the warre. But one of thefe 
(As he hath fpices of them all) not all, 
For I dare fo farre free him, made him fear'd, 
So hated, and fo banifti'd: but he ha's a Merit 
To choake it in the vtt'rance : So our Vertue, 
Lie in th'interpretation of the time, 
And power vnto it felfe moft commendable, 
Hath not a Tombe fo euident as a Chaire 
T'extoll what it hath done. 

One fire driues out one fire ; one Naile,one Naile ; 
Rights by rights fouler, flrengths by ftrengths do faile. 



6z 3 



Come let's away : when Cairn Rome is thine, 

Thou art poor'ft of all; then ftiortly art thou mine .exeunt 



ABus Quintus. 



Enter Menenius, Cominius, Skinius, Brutus, 
the two Tribunes, with others. 

Menen. No, He not go : you heare what he hath faid 
Which was fometime his Generall : who loued him 
In a moft deere particular. He call'd me Father : 
But what o'that t Go you that banifh'd him 
A Mile before his Tent, fall downe, and knee 
The way into his mercy : Nay, if he coy'd 
To heare Cominiui fpeake, He keepe at home. 

Com. He would not feeme to know me. 

Menen. Do you heare ? 

Com. Yet one time he did call me by my name ; 
I vrg'd our old acquaintance, and the drops 
That we haue bled together. Coriolanm 
He would not anfwer too : Forbad all Names, 
He was a kinde of Nothing, Titleleffe, 
Till he had forg'd himfelfe a name a'th'fire 
Of burning Rome. 

Menen. Why fo : you haue made good worke : 
A paire of Tribunes, that haue wrack'd for Rome, 
To make Coales cheape : A Noble memory. 

Com. I minded him, how Royall 'twas to pardon 
When it was leffe expected. He replyed 
It was a bare petition of a State 
To one whom they had punifh'd. 

Menen. Very well, could he fay leffe. 

Com. I offered to awaken his regard 
For's priuate Friends. His anfwer to me was 
He could not ftay to picke them, in a pile 
Of noyfome mufty Chaffe. He faid, 'twas folly 
For one poore graine or two, to leaue vnburnt 
And ftill to nofe th'offence. 

Menen. For one poore graine or two ? 
I am one of thofe : his Mother, Wife, his Childe, 
And this br a ue Fellow too : we are the Graines, 
You are the mufty Chaffe, and you are fmelt 
Aboue the Moone. We muft be burnt for you. 

Skin. Nay, pray be patient : If you refufe your ayde 
In this fo neuer-needed helpe, yet do not 
Vpbraid's with our diftreffe. But fure if you 
Would be your Countries Pleader, your good tongue 
More then the inftant Armie we can make 
Might ftop our Countryman. 

cMene. No : He not meddle. 

Stein. Pray you go to him. 

Mene. What ihould I do f 

Bru. Onely make triall what your Loue can do, 
For Rome, towards Martius. 

zMene. Well, and fay that Martius returne mee, 
As Qominius is return'd, vnheard: what then ? 
But as a difcontented Friend, greefe-fliot 
With his vnkindneffe. Say't be fo ? 

Sicin. Yet your good will 
Muft haue that thankes from Rome, after the meafure 
As you intended well. 

Mene. lie vndertak't : 
I thinke hee'l heare me. Yet to bite his lip, 
And humme at good Cominius, much vnhearts mee. 

c c Hee 



The Tragedie of Qoriolanus . 



He was not taken well, he had not din'd, 
The Veines vnfill'd, our blood is cold, and then 
We powt vpon the Morning, are vnapt 
To giue or to forgiue; but when we haue ftufft 
Thefe Pipes, and thefe Conveyances of our blood 
With Wine and Feeding, we haue fuppler Scules 
Then in our Prieft-like Fafts: therefore He watch him 
Till he be dieted to my requeft, 
And then He fet vpon him. 

^Bru. You know the very rode into his kindneiTe, 
And cannot lofe your way. 

Mene. Good faith He proue him, 
Speed how it will. I lhall ere long, haue knowledge 
Of my fuccefTe. Exit. 

Corn. Hee'l neuer heare him. 

Skin. Not. 

Com. I tell you, he doe's fit in Gold, his eye 
Red as 'twould burne Rome : and his Iniury 
The Gaoler to his pitty. I kneel'd before him, 
'Twas very faintly he faid Rife: difmift me 
Thus with his fpeechlelTe hand. What he would do 
He fent in writing after me : what he would not, 
Bound with an Oath to yeeld to his conditions: 
So that all hope is vaine, vnlefie his Noble Mother, 
And his Wife, who (as I heare) meane to folicite him 
For mercy to his Countrey : therefore let's hence, 
And with our faire intreaties haft them on. Exeunt 

Enter Meneniui to the Watch or Guard. 

I.Wat. Stay: whence are you. 

z.Wat. Stand, and go backe. 

Me. You guard like men, 'tis well. But by your leaue, 
I am an Officer of State, & come to fpeak with Coriolanui 
i From whence ? Mene. From Rome. 

1 You may not palTe, you muft returne : our Generall 
will no more heare from thence. 

2 You'l fee your Rome embrac'd with fire, before 
You'l fpeake with Coriolanui. 

Mene. Good my Friends, 
If you haue heard your Generall talke of Rome, 
And of his Friends there, it is Lots to Blankes, 
My name hath touch't your eares : it is Meneniui. 

i Be it fo, go back: the vertue of your name, 
Is not heere paffable. 

sMene, 1 tell thee Fellow, 
Thy Generall is my Louer : I haue beene 
The booke of his good Ac"b, whence men haue read 
His Fame vnparalell'd, happely amplified : 
For I haue euer verified my Friends, 
(Of whom hee's cheefe) with all the fize that verity 
Would without lapfing fufter : Nay, fometimes, 
Like to a Bowie vpon a fubtle ground 
I haue tumbled paft the throw : and in his praife 
Haue (almoft) ftampt the Leafing. Therefore Fellow, 
I muft haue leaue to paiTe. 

1 Faith Sir, if you had told as many lies in his behalfe, 
as you haue vttered words in your owne, you fhould not 
paffe heere : no, though it were as vertuous to lye, as to 
Hue chaftly. Therefore go backe. 

Men. Prythee fellow, remember my name is Meneniiu, 
alwayes facVionary on the party of your Generall. 

2 Howfoeuer you haue bin his Lier, as you fay you 
haue, I am one that telling true vnder him, muft fay you 
cannot paiTe. Therefore go backe. 

Mene. Ha's he din'd can'ft thou tell? For I would not 
fpeake with him, till after dinner. 
I You are a Roman, are you f 



Mene. I am as thy Generall is. 

I Then you ihould hate Rome, as he do's. Can you, 
when you haue pufht out your gates, the very Defender 
of them, and in a violent popular ignorance, giuen your 
enemy your fhield, thinke to front his reuenges with the 
eafie groanes of old women, the Virginall Palms of your 
daughters, lor with the pained interceffion of fuch a de- 
cay'd Dotant as you feeme to be? Can you think to blow 
out the intended fire, your City is ready to flame in, with 
fuch weake breath as this? No, you are deceiu'd, therfore 
backe to Rome, and prepare for your execution : you are 
condemn'd, our Generall has fworne you out of repreeue 
and pardon. 

Mene. Sirra, if thy Captaine knew I were heere, 
He would vie me with eftimation. 

I Come, my Captaine knowes you not. 

Mene. I meane thy Generall. 

I My Generall cares not for you. Back I fay, go : leaft 
I let forth your halfe pinte of blood. Backe, that's the vt- 
moft of your hauing, backe. 

Mene. Nay but Fellow, Fellow. 

Enter Coriolanui with tAuffidius. 

Corio. What's the matter ? 

Mene.Now you Companion : He fay an arrant for you : 
you lhall know now that I am in eftimation : you lhall 
perceiue, that a Iacke gardant cannot office me from my 
Son Coriolanui, guefle but my entertainment with him: if 
thou ftand'ft not i'th ftate of hanging, or of fome death 
more long in Speclatorfhip,and crueller in fuffering, be- 
hold now prefently, and fwoond for what's to come vpon 
thee. The glorious Gods fit in hourely Synod about thy 
particular profperity,and loue thee no worfe then thy old 
Father Meneniui do's. O my Son, my Son ' thou art pre- 
paring fire for vs : looke thee, heere's water to quench it. 
I was hardly moued to come to thee : but beeing affured 
none but my felfe could moue thee, I haue bene blowne 
out of your Gates with fighes : and coniure thee to par- 
don Rome, and thy petitionary Countrimen. The good 
Gods alTwage thy wrath, and turne the dregs of it, vpon 
this Varlet heere : This, who like a blocke hath denyed 
my accelTe to thee. 

Corio. Away. 

Mene. How? Away ? 

Corio. Wife, Mother, Child, I know not. My affaires 
Are Seruanted to others : Though I owe 
My Reuenge properly, my remiflion lies 
In Volcean brefts. That we haue beene familiar, 
Ingrate forgetfulneffe fhall poifon rather 
Then pitty : Note how much, (therefore be gone. 
Mine eares againft your fuites, are ftronger then 
Your gates againft my force. Yet for I loued thee, 
Take this along, I writ it for thy fake, 
And would haue fent it. Another word Meneniui, 
I will not heare thee fpeake. This man Auffidiui 
Was my belou'd in Rome : yet thou behold'ft. 

Auffid. You keepe a conftant temper. Exeunt 

Manet the Guard and Meneniui . 

1 Now fir, is your name Meneniui ? 

2 'Tis a fpell you fee of much power : 
You know the way home againe. 

1 Do you heare how wee are ihent for keeping your 
greatnefTe backe ? 

2 What caufe do you thinke I haue to fwoond? 
Menen. I neither care for th'world, nor your General : 

for fuch things as you, I can fcarfe thinke ther's any,y'are 
fo flight. He that hath a will to die by himfelfe, feares it 



The Tragedie of Qoriolanus. 



27 



not from another : Let your Generall do his worft. For 
you, bee that you are, i long ; and your mifery encreafe 
with your age. I fay to you, as I was faid to, Away. Exit 

1 A Noble Fellow I warrant him. 

2 The worthy Fellow is our General. He's the Rock, 
The Oake not to be winde-fhaken. Exit Watcb. 

Enter Coriolanus and Auffidiui. 

Corlo. We will before the walls of Rome to morrow 
Set downe our Hoaft. My partner in this Action, 
You muft report to th'Volcian Lords, how plainly 
I haue borne this Bufineffe. 

Auf. Onely their ends you haue refpe&ed, 
Stopt your eares againft the generall fuite of Rome : 
Neuer admitted a priuat whifper, no not with fuch frends 
That thought them fure of you. 

Cork. This laft old man, 
Whom with a crack'd heart I haue fent to Rome, 
Lou'd me, aboue the meafure of a Father, 
Nay godded me indeed. Their lateft refuge 
Was to fend him : for whofe old Loue I haue 
(Though I fhew'd fowrely to him^ once more offer' d 
The nrft Conditions which they did refufe, 
And cannot now accept, to grace him onely, 
That thought he could do more : A very little 
I haue yeelded too. Frefh £mbafles,and Suites, 
Nor from the State, nor priuate friends heereafter 
Will I lend eare to. Ha?what fhout is this ? Shout mthin 
Shall I be tempted to infringe my vow 
In the fame time 'tis made? I will not. 

Enter Virgilia ,Volumnia ,1) 'aleria, yongMartiui , 
with Attendants. 
My wife comes formoft, then the honour'd mould 
Wherein this Trunke was fram'd, and in her hand 
The Grandchilde to her blood. But out affection, 
All bond and priuiledge of Nature breake 5 
Let it be Vertuous to be Obftinate. 
What is that Curt'fie worth? Or thofe Doues eyes, 
Which can make Gods forfworne ? I melt, and am not 
Of ftronger earth then others: my Mother bowes, 
As if Olympus to a Mole-hill lhould 
In fupplication Nod : and my yong Boy 
Hath an Afpect of intercefsion, which 
Great Nature cries, Deny not. Let the Voices 
Plough Rome, and harrow Italy, lie neuer 
Be fuch a Gofling to obey inftinft; but ftand 
As if a man were Author of himfelf,& knew no other kin 

Virgil. My Lord and Husband. 

Corio. Thefe eyes are not the fame I wore in Rome. 

Virg. The forrow that deliuers vs thus chang'd, 
Makes you thinke fo. 

Corio. Like a dull Aftor now, I haue forgot my part, 
And I am out, euen to a full Difgrace. Beft of my Flefh, 
Forgiue my Tyranny : but do not fay, 
For that forgiue our Romanes. O a kiffe 
Long as my Exile, fweet as my Reuenge I 
Now by the iealous Queene of Heauen, that kiffe 
I carried from thee deare ; and my true Lippe 
Hath Virgin'd it ere fince. You Gods, I pray, 
And the moft noble Mother of the world 
Leaue vnfaluted : Sinke my knee i'th'earth, Kneeles 

Of thy deepe duty, more imprefsion mew 
Then that of common Sonnes. 

Volum. Oh ftand vp bleft \ 
Whil'ft with no fofter Cufhion then the Flint 
I kneele before thee, and vnproperly 
Shew duty as miftaken, all this while, 



Betweene the Childe,and Parent. 

Corio. What's this? your knees to me ? 
To your Corrected Sonne ? 
Then let the Pibbles on the hungry beach 
Fillop the Starres : Then, let the mutinous windes 
Strike the proud Cedars 'gainft the fiery Sun : 
Murd'ring lmpoffibility, to make 
What cannot be, flight worke. 

Volum. Thou art my Warriour, I hope to frame thee 
Do you know this Lady ? 

Corio. The Noble Sifter of Publicola ; 
The Moone of Rome : Chafte as the lficle 
That's curdied by the Froft, from pureft Snow, 
And hangs on Dians Temple: Deere "Valeria. 

Volum. This is a poore Epitome of yours, 
Which by th'interpretation of full time, 
May fhew like all your felfe. 

Corio. The God of Souldiers : 
With the confent of fupreame loue, informe 
Thy thoughts with Nobleneffe, that thou mayft proue 
To fhame vnvulnerable, and fticke i'th Warres 
Like a great Sea-marke ftanding euery flaw, 
And fauing thofe that eye thee. 

'Volum. Your knee, Sirrah. 

Corio. That's my braue Boy. 

Volum. Euen he, your wife, this Ladie,and my felfe, 
Are Sutors to you. 

Corio. I befeech you peace: 
Or if you'ld aske, remember this before ; 
The thing I haue forfworne to graunt, may neuer 
Be held by you denials. Do not bid me 
Difmiffe my Soldiers, or capitulate 
Againe, with Romes Mechanickes . Tell me not 
Wherein I feeme vnnaturall : Defire not t'allay 
My Rages and Reuenges, with your colder reafons. 

Volum. Oh no more, no more: 
You haue faid you will not grant vs any thing : 
For we haue nothing elfe to aske, but that 
Which you deny already : yet we will aske, 
That if you faile in our requeft, the blame 
May hang vpon your hardneffe, therefore heare vs. 

Corio. Auffidius ,an<l you Voices marke, for wee'l 
Heare nought from Rome in priuate. Your requeft? 

Volum. Should we be filent & not fpeak, our Raiment 
And ftate of Bodies would bewray what life 
We haue led fince thy Exile. Thinke with thy felfe, 
How more vnfortunate then all liuing women 
Are we come hither ; fince that thy fight, which fhould 
Make our eies flow with ioy, harts dance with comforts, 
Conftraines them weepe, and fhake with feare & forow, 
Making the Mother, wife, and Childe to fee, 
The Sonne, the Husband, and the Father tearing 
His Countries Bowels out; and to poore we 
Thine enmities moft capitall : Thou barr'ft vs 
Our prayers to the Gods, which is a comfort 
That all but we enioy. For how can we ? 
Alas! how can we, for our Country pray? 
Whereto we are bound, together with thy victory : 
Whereto we are bound : Alacke,or we muft loofe 
The Countrie our deere Nurfe, or elfe thy perfon 
Our comfort in the Country. We muft finde 
An euident Calamity , though we had 
Our wifh, which fide fhould win. For either thou 
Muft as a Forraine Recreant be led 
With Manacles through our ftreets, or elfe 
Triumphantly treade on thy Countries ruine, 

c c 2 And 



The Tragedie of Qoriolanus. 



And beare the Palme, for hauing brauely fhed 

Thy Wife and Childrens blood : For my felfe, Sonne, 

I purpofe not to waite on Fortune, till 

Thefe warres determine : If I cannot perfwade thee, 

Rather to Ihew a Noble grace to both parts, 

Then feeke the end of one ; thou malt no fooner 

March to afifault thy Country, then to treade 

(Truft too't, thou (halt not) on thy Mothers wombe 

That brought thee to this world. 

Virg. I, and mine,that brought you forth this boy, 
To keepe your name liuing to time. 

'Boy. A mall not tread on me : lie run away 
Till 1 am bigger, but then He fight. 

Carlo. Not of a womans tendernefle to be, 
| Requires nor Childe, nor womans face to fee : 
I haue fate too long. 

Volum. Nay , go not from vs thus : 
If it were fo,that our requeft did tend 
To faue the Romanes, thereby to deftroy 
The Voices whom you ferue, you might condemne vs 
| As poyfonous of your Honour. No,our fuite 
I Is that you reconcile them : While the Voices 

May fay, this mercy we haue fhew'd : the Romanes, 
I This we receiu'd, and each in either fide 
j Giue the All-haile to thee, and cry be Bleft 
j For making vp this peace. Thou know'ft (great Sonne) 
The end of Warres vncertaine : but this certaine, 
That if thou conquer Rome, the benefit 
Which thou (halt thereby reape, is fuch a name 
Whofe repetition will be dogg'd with Curfes : 
Whofe Chronicle thus writ, The man was Noble, 
But with his laft Attempt,he wip'd it out : 
Deftroy'd his Country, and his name remaines 
To th'infuing Age.abhorr'd. Speake to me Son : 
Thou haft affected the fiue ftraines of Honor, 
To imitate the graces of the Gods, 
To teare with Thunder the wide Cheekes a'th'Ayre, 
And yet to change thy Sulphure with a Boult 
That mould but riue an Oake. Why do'ft not fpeake ? 
Think'ft thou it Honourable for a Nobleman 
Still to remember wrongs / Daughter, fpeake you : 
He cares not for your weeping. Speake thou Boy, 
Perhaps thy childimneffe will moue him more 
Then can our Reafons. There's no man in the world 
More bound to's Mother, yet heere he let's me prate 
Like one i'th'Stockes. Thou haft neuer in thy life, 
Shew'd thy deere Mother any curtefie, 
When fhe(poore Hen,) fond of no fecond brood, 
Ha's clock'd thee to the Warres : and fafelie home 
Loden with Honor. Say my Requeft's vniuft, 
And fpurne me backe : But, if it be not fo 
Thou art not honeft, and the Gods will plague thee 
That thou reftrain'ft from me the Duty, which 
To a Mothers part belongs. He turnes away : 
Down Ladies: let vs ihame him with him withlour knees 
To his fur-name Coriolanus longs more pride 
Then pitty to our Prayers. Downe : an end, 
This is the Lift. So, we will home to Rome, 
And dye among our Neighbours : Nay, behold's, 
This Boy that cannot tell what he would haue, 
But kneeles, and holds vp hands for felluwfhip, 
Doe's reafon our Petition with more ftrength 
Then thou hafttodeny't. Come,let vsgo : 
This Fellow had a Volcean to his Mother: 
His Wire is in Corklcs, and his Childe 
Like him by chance : yet giue vs our difpatch : 



I am hufht vntill our City be afire, & then He fpeak a litle 
Holds her by the handflent. 

Cork. O Mother, Mother' 
What haue you done? Behold, the Heauens do ope, 
The Gods looke downe, and this vnnaturall Scene 
They laugh at. Oh my Mother,Mother : Oh I 
You haue wonne a happy Victory to Rome. 
But for your Sonne, beleeue it :Oh beleeue it, 
Moft dangeroufly you haue with him preuail'd, 
If not moft mortall to him. But let it come : 
Auffidius, though I cannot make true Warres, 
He frame conuenient peace. Now good Auffidius, 
Were you in my fteed, would you haue heard 
A Mother leiTe? or granted leffe Auffidiui ? 

Auf. I was mou'd withall. 

Cork. I dare be fworne you were : 
And fir, it is no little thing to make 
Mine eyes to fweat compaflion. But (good fir) 
What peace you'l make,aduife me :For my part, 
He not to Rome, He backe with you, and pray you 
Stand to me in this caufe. Oh Mother! Wife ! 

Auf. I am glad thou haft fet thy mercy, & thy Honor 
At difference in thee : Out of that He worke 
My felfe a former Fortune. 

Cork. I by and by ; But we will drinke together : 
And you (hall beare 

A better witnefle backe then words, which we 
On like conditions, will haue Counter-feal'd. 
Come enter with vs : Ladies you deferue 
To haue a Temple builtyou : All the Swords 
In Italy, and her Confederate Armes 
Could not haue made this peace. Exeunt. 

Enter Meneniui and Skiniui. (ftone ? 

Metie. See you yon'd Coin a'th Capitol, yon'd corner 

Skin. Why what of that ? 

Mene. If it be poffible for you to difplace it with your 
little finger, there is fome hope the Ladies of Rome,efpe- 
cially his Mother, may preuaile with him. But I fay, there 
is no hope in't, our throats are fentene'd, and ftay vppon 
execution. 

Skin. Is't pofsible, that fo (hort a time can alter the 
condition of a man. 

Mene. There is difterency between a Grub & a But- 
terfly, yet your Butterfly was a Grub : this (^Martini, is 
growne from Man to Dragon : He has wings, hee's more 
then a creeping thing. 

Skin. He lou'd his Mother deerely. 

Mene. So did he mee : and he no more remembers his 
Mother now, then an eight yeare old horfe. The tartnefle 
of his face.fowres ripe Grapes. When he walks,he moues 
like an Engine, and the ground /hrinkes before his Trea- 
ding. He is able to pierce a Corflet with his eye : Talkes 
like a knell, and his hum is a Battery. He fits in his State, 
as a thing made for Alexander. What he bids bee done, is 
finifht with his bidding. He wants nothing of a God but 
Eternity,and a Heauen to Throne in. 

Skin. Yes,mercy,if you report him truly. 

Mene. I paint him in the Character. Mark what mer- 
cy his Mother ihall bring from him : There is no more 
mercy in him, then there is milke in a male-Tyger, that 
Ihall our poore City finde : and all this is long of you. 

Skin. The Gods be good vnto vs. 

Mene. No, in fuch a cafe the Gods will not bee good 
vnto vs. When we banifli'd him, we refpected not them : 
and he returning to breake our necks, they refpect not vs. 
Enter a Mejjenger. 



The Tragedie of Qoriolanus. 



29 



Mef. Sir, ifyou'ld faue your life, flye to your Houfe, 
The Plebeians haue got your Fellow Tribune, 
And hale him vp and downe ; all fwearing, if 
The Romane Ladies bring not comfort home, 
They'l giue him death by Inches. 

Enter another Mijfenger. 
Skin. What's the Newes ? (preuayl'd, 

Mejf. Good Newes, good newes, the Ladies haue 
The Volcians are difiodg'd, and Martius gone : 
A merrier day did neuer yet greetRome, 
No,not th'expulfion of the Tar quins. 

Sicin. Friend, art thou certaine this is true ? 
Is't moft certaine. 

MeJ. As certaine as I know the Sun is fire : 
Where haue you lurk'd that you make doubt of it: 
Ne're through an Arch fo hurried the blowne Tide, 
As the recomforted through th'gates. Why harke you : 
Trumpets, Hoioyes, "Drums beate, altogether. 
The Trumpets, Sack-buts, Pfalteries.and Fifes, 
Tabors, and Symboles,and the fho wring Romans; 
Make the Sunne dance. Hearke you. AJhout within 

Mene. This is good Newes : 
I will go meete the Ladies, This Volumnia, 
Is worth of Confuls, Senators, Patricians, 
A City full :Of Tribunes fuch as you, 
A Sea and Land full : you haue pray'd well to day : 
This Morning, for ten thoufand of your throates, 
I'de not haue giuen a doit. Harke, how theyioy. 

Sound fill 'with the Shouts. 

Sicin. Firft, the Gods bleffe you for your tydings : 
Next, accept my thankefulneffe. 

Mejf. Sir, we haue all great caufe to giue great thanks. 

Sicin. They are neere the City. 

Mef. Almoft at point to enter. 

Sicin. Wee'l meet them, and helpe the ioy. Exeunt. 

Enter two Senators, with Ladies, pafsing ouer 
the Stage, with other Lords. 

Sena. Behold our PatronnefTe, the life of Rome : 
Call all your Tribes together, praife the Gods, 
And make triumphant fires, ftrew Flowers before them : 
Vnfhoot the noife that BanifiVd Martim; 
Repeale him, with the welcome of his Mother : 
Cry welcome Ladies, welcome. 

All. Welcome Ladies, welcome. 

A Flourifh with Drummes & Trumpets. 

Enter Tuilus *Auffidius,with Attendants. 
Auf. Go tell the Lords a'th'City, I am heere :• 
Deliuer them this Paper : hauing read it, 
Bid them repayre to th'Market place, where I 
Euen in theirs, and in the Commons eares 
Will vouch the truth of it. Him I accufe : 
The City Ports by this hath enter'd, and 
Intends t'appeare before the People, hoping 
To purge himfelfe with words. Difpatch. 

Enter -i,or$ C»£>irators of Auffidius Fa&ion. 
Moft Welcome. 

1. Cow. How is it with our Generall ? 

Auf. Euen fo,as with a man by his owne Almes im- 
poyfon'd, and with his Charity flaine. 

2.Co».Moft Noble Sir, If you do hold the fame intent 
Wherein you wiflit vs parties : Wee'l deliuer you 
Of your great danger. 

Auf Sir, I cannot tell, 



6z 7 



We muft proceed as we do finde the People. 

I.Con. The People will remaine vncertaine, whil'ft 
'Twixt you there's difference : but the fall of either 
Makes the Suruiuor heyre of all. 

Auf. I know it : 
And my pretext to ftrike at him, admits 
A good conftruction. I rais'd him, and I pawn'd 
Mine Honor for his truth : who being fo heighten'd, 
He watered his new Plants with dewes of Flattery, 
Seducing fo my Friends : and to this end, 
He bow'd his Nature, neuer knowne before, 
But to be rough, vnfwayable,and free. 

I-Conjp'. Sir, his ftoutnefle 
When he did ftand for Confull, which he loft 
By lacke of ftooping. 

Auf. That I would haue fpoke'of : 
Being banifh'd for't, he came vnto my Harth, 
Prefented to my knife his Throat : I tooke him, 
Made him ioynt-feruant with me : Gaue him way 
In all his owne defires : Nay, let him choofe 
Out of my Files, his proie£ts,to accomplifh 
My beft and frefheft men, feru'd his defignements 
In mine owne perfon : holpe to reape the Fame 
Which he did end all his; and tooke fome pride 
To do my felfe this wrong : Till at the laft 
I feem'd his Follower, not Partner; and 
He wadg'd me with his Countenance, as if 
I had bin Mercenary. 

I.Con. So he did my Lord : 
The Army marueyl'd at it, and in the laft, 
When he had carried Rome, and that we look'd 
For no leffe Spoile, then Glory. 

Auf. There was it : 
For which my finewes /hall be ftretcht vpon him, 
At a few drops of Womens rhewme, which are 
As cheape as Lies; he fold the Blood and Labour 
Of our great AcTion; therefore ihall he dye, 
And He renew me in his fall. But hearke. 

Drummes and Trumpets founds, with great 
Jhowts of the people. 

I.Con. Your Natiue Towne you enter'd like a Pofte, 
And had no welcomes home, but he returnes 
Splitting the Ayre with noyfe. 

I.Con. And patient Fooles, 
Whofe children he hath flaine, their bafe throats teare 
With giuing him glory. 

3. Con, Therefore at your vantage, 
Ere he exprefle himfelfe, or moue the people 
With what he would fay, let him feele your Sword: 
Which we will fecond, when he lies along 
After your way. His Tale pronounc'd, mail bury 
His Reafons, with his Body. 

Auf, Say no more. Heere come the Lords, 
Enter the Lords of the City. 

All Lords. You are moft welcome home. 

Auff, I haue not deferu'd it. 
But worthy Lords, haue you with heede perufed 
What I haue written to you ? 

All. We haue. 

1. Lord. And greeue to heare't: 
What faults he made before the laft, I thinke 
Might haue found eafie Fines : But there to end 
Where he was to begin, and giue away 
The benefit of our Leuies, anfwering vs 
With our owne charge : making a Treatie, where 
There was a yeelding; this admits no excufe. 

c c 3 Auf. 



3° 



The Tragedie of Qoriolanus. 



Auf. He approaches, you lhall heare him. 
Enter Coriolanus marching -with Drumme , and Colours, The 
Commoners being mith him. 

Corio. Haile Lords, I am return'd your Souldier : 
No more infected with my Countries loue 
Then when I parted hence : but ftill fubfifting 
Vnder your great Command. You are to know, 
That profperouily I haue attempted,- and 
With bloody paffage led your Warres, euen to 
The gates of Rome : Our fpoiles we haue brought home 
Doth more then counterpoize a full third part 
The charges of the Action. We haue made peace 
With no leffe Honor to the Antiates 
Then fhame to th'Romaines. And we heere deliuer 
Subfcrib'd by'th'Confuls, and Patricians, 
Together with the Seale a'th Senat,what 
We haue compounded on. 

Auf. Read it not Noble Lords, 
But tell the Traitor in the higheft degree 
He hath abus'd your Powers. 

Corio. Traitor? How now ? 

Auf. I Traitor, Martini. 

Corio. Martini ? 

Auf. I Martins, Caiui Martins : Do'ft thou thinke 
He grace thee with that Robbery, thy ftolne name 
Coriolanus in Corioles ? 

You Lords and Heads a'th'State,perfidioufly 
He ha's betray'd your bufineffe ,and giuen vp 
For certaine drops of Salt, your City Rome : 
I fay your City to his Wife and Mother, 
Breaking his Oath and Refolution, like 
A twift of rotten Silke, neuer admitting 
Counfaile a'th'warre : But at his Nurfes teares 
He whin'd and roar'd away your Victory, 
That Pages blufh'd at him, and men of heart 
Look'd wond'ring each at others. 

Corio. Hear'ft thou Mars ? 

cAuf. Name not the God, thou boy of Teares. 

Corio. Ha? 

Aufid. No more. 

Corio. Meafureleffe Lyar. thou haft made my heart 
Too great for what containes it. Boy? Oh Slaue, 
Pardon me Lords, 'tis the firft time that euer 
I was forc'd to fcoul'd.Your iudgments my graue Lords 
Muft giue this Curre the Lye : and his owne Notion, 
Who weares my ftripes impreft vpon him, that 
Muft beare my beating to his Graue, mail ioyne 
To thruft the Lye vnto him, 

I Lord. Peace both, and heare me fpeake. 

Corio. Cut me to peeces Voices men and Lads, 
Staine all your edges on me. Boy, falfe Hound : 
If you haue writ your Annales true, 'tis there, 
That like an Eagle in a Doue-coat, I 



Flatter'd your Vokians in Corioles. 
Alone I did it, Boy. 

JLuf. Why Noble Lords, 
Will you be put in minde of his blinde Fortune, 
Which was your fhame, by this vnholy Braggart ? 
'Fore your owne eyes, and eares? 

tAllConJp. Let him dyefor't. 

All People. Teare him to peeces, do it prefently ; 
He kill'd mySonne, my daughter, he kill'd my Cofine 
Marcus, he kill'd my Father. 

i Lord. Peace hoe : no outrage, peace : 
The man is Noble, and his Fame folds in 
This Orbe o'th'earth : His laft offences to vs 
Shall haue Iudicious hearing. Stand Auffidius, 
And trouble not the peace. 

Corio. O that I had him, with fix Auffidiuffes,ov more : 
His Tribe, to vfe my lawfull Sword. 

Auf. Infolent Villaine. 

AllConJp. Kill,kill,kill,kill,kill him. 

Draw both the Conffirators, and i^ls zMartius , who 
fa/les, Auffidius ftands on him. 

Lords. Hold, hold, hold, hold. 

Auf. My Noble Mafters, heare me fpeake. 

i. Lord. O Tullus. 

■z.Lord. Thou haft done a deed, whereat 
Valour will weepe. 

1-Lord. Tread not vpon him Mafters,all be quiet 
Put vp your Swords. 

Auf. My Lords, 
When you (hall know (as in this Rage 
Prouok'd by him, you cannot ) the great danger 
Which this mans life did owe you, you'l reioyce 
That he is thus cut off. Pleafe it your Honours 
To call me toyour Senate, He deliuer 
My felfe your loyall Seruant, or endure 
Your heauieft Cenfure. 

i.Lord. Beare from hence his body, 
And mourne you for him. Let him be regarded 
As the moft Noble Coarfe, that euer Herald 
Did follow to his Vrne. 

z.Lord. His owne impatience, 
Takes from Auffidius a great part of blame : 
Let's make the Beftofit. 

Auf. My Rage is gone, 
And I am ftrucke with forrow. Take him vp : 
Helpe three a'th'cheefeft Souldiers,Ile be one. 
Beate thou the Drumme that it fpeake mournfully: 
Traile your fteele Pikes. Though in this City hee 
Hath widdowed and vnchilded many a one, 
Which to this hourebewaile the Iniury, 
Yet he fliall haue a Noble Memory. Affift. 

Exeunt bearing the 'Body of Martins. A dead March 
Sounded. 



FINIS. 



3 1 




The Lamentable Tragedy of 

Titus Andronicus. 

zABus ^Primus. Sccena l^rima. 



Flourijh. Enter the Tribunes and Senators aloft And then 

enter Saturninui and his Followers at one doore, 

and TSajsianus and his Followers at the 

other, with T)rum & Colours. 



Sat 
Oble Patricians, Patrons of my right, 
Defend the iuftice of my Caufe with Armes. 
And Countrey-men, my louing Followers, 
Pleade my Succefliue Title with your Swords. 

I was the firft borne Sonne, that was the laft 

That wore the Imperiall Diadem of Rome : 

Then let my Fathers Honours hue in me, 

Nor wrong mine Age with this indignitie. 
'Bafianus. Romaines, Friends, Followers, 

Fauourers of my Right : 

If euer c BaJsianus, Cafzrs Sonne, 

Were gracious in the eyes of Royall Rome, 

Keepe then this paflage to the Capitoll : 

And fuffer not Dishonour to approach 

Th'Imperiall Seate to Vertue : confecrate 

To Iuftice, Continence, and Nobility : 

But let Defert in pure Election Ihine ; 

And Romanes, fight for Freedome in your Choice. 

Enter Marcus Andronicus aloft with the Crowne. 

Princes, that ftriue by Factions, and by Friends, 

Ambitioufly for Rule and Empery : 

Know, that the people of Rome for whom we ftand 

A fpeciall Party, haue by Common voyce 

In Election for the Romane Emperie, 

Chofen Andronicus , Sur-named 'Pious, 

For many good and great deferts to Rome. 

A Nobler man, a brauer Warriour, 

Liues not this day within the City Walles. 

He by the Senate is accited home 

From weary Warres againft the barbarous Gothes, 

That with his Sonnes (a terror to our Foes) 

Hath yoak'd a Nation ftrong, train'd vp in Armes. 

Ten yeares are fpent, fince firft he vndertooke 

This Caufe of Rome, and chafticed with Armes 

Our Enemies pride. Fiue times he hath return'd 

Bleeding to Rome, bearing his Valiant Sonnes 

In Coffins from the Field. 

And now at laft, laden with Honours Spoyles, 

Returnes the good Andronicus to Rome, 

Renowned Titus, flouriming in Armes. 



ozo 



Let vs intreat, by Honour of his Name, 
Whom (worthily) you would haue now fucceede, 
And in the Capitoll and Senates right, 
Whom you pretend to Honour and Adore, 
That you withdraw you, and abate your Strength, 
Difmifle your Followers, and as Suters ftiould, 
Pleade your Deferts in Peace and HumblenefTe. 

Saturnine. How fayre the Tribune fpeakes, 
To calme my thoughts. 

Bafsia. ^Marcus Andronicus, fo I do affie 
In thy vprightneffe and Integrity : 
And fo I Loue and Honor thee, and thine, 
Thy Noble Brother Titus, and his Sonnes, 
And Her (to whom my thoughts are humbled all) 
Gracious Lauinia, Romes rich Ornament, 
That I will heere difmifle my louing Friends : 
And to my Fortunes, and the Peoples Fauour, 
Commit my Caufe in ballance to be weigh'd. 

Exit Souldiours. 

Saturnine. Friends, that haue beene 
Thus forward in my Right, 
I thanke you all, and heere Difmifle you all, 
And to the Loue and Fauour of my Countrey, 
Commit my Selfe, my Perfon, and the Caufe : 
Rome, be as iuft and gracious vnto me, 
As I am confident and kinde to thee. 
Open the Gates, and let me in. 

'Bafsia. Tribunes, and me, a poore Competitor. 

Flourijh . They go vp into, the Senat houfe . 

Enter a Captaine. 
Cap. Romanes make way : the good Andronicus, 
Patron of Vertue, Romes beft Champion, 
Succeflefull in the Battailes that he fights, 
With Honour and with Fortune is return'd, . 
From whence he circumfcribed with his Sword, 
And brought to yoke the Enemies of Rome. 

Sound Drummes and Trumpets. And then enter two of Titus 
Sonnes ; After them., , two men hearing a Coffin couered 
with blacke, then two other Sonnes. After them, Titus 
Andronicus, and then Tamora the Slueene of Gothes, & 
her two Sonnes Chiron and Demetrius, with cAaron the 
Moore, and others, as many as can bee : They fet downe the 
C»ffin,and Titus £>ea{es . 

Andronicus. Haile Rome ; 
Victorious in thy Mourning Weedes : 



3 2 



The Tragedie of Titus zAndromcus. 



oe as the Barke that hath difcharg'd his fraught, 
Returnes with precious lading to the Bay, 
From whence at firft ihe wegih'd her Anchorage : 
Commeth Andronkui bound with Lawrell bowes, 
To refalute his Country with his teares, 
Teares of true ioy for his returne to Rome, 
Thou great defender of this Capitoll, 
Stand gracious to the Rites that we intend. 
Romaines, of fiue and twenty Valiant Sonnes, 
Halfe of the number that King Priam had, 
Behold the poore remaines aliue and dead ! 
Thefe that Suruine,let Rome reward with Loue : 
Thefe that I bring vnto their lateft home, 
With buriall amongft their Aunceftors. 
Heere Gothes haue giuen me leaue to flieath my Sword: 
Titus vnkinde,and careleffe of thine owne, 
Why fuffer'ft thou thy Sonnes vnburied yet, 
To houer on the dreadfull fhore of Stix ? 
Make way to lay them by their Bretheren. 

They open the Tombe. 
There greete in filence as the dead are wont, 
And fleepe in peace, flaine in your Countries warres : 
O facred receptacle of my ioyes, 
Sweet Cell of vertue and Noblitie, 
How many Sonnes of mine haft thou in ftore, 
That thou wilt neuer render to me more ? 

Luc. Giue vs the proudeft prifoner of the Gothes, 
That we may hew his limbes, and on a pile 
Ad manui fratrum, facrifke his flefli : 
Before this earthly prifon of their bones, 
That fo the ftiadowes be not vnappeas'd, 
Nor we difturb'd with prodigies on earth. 

Tit. I giue him you, the Nobleft that Suruiues, 
The eldeft Son of this diftreffed Queene. 

£t>m. Stay Romaine Bretheren, gracious Conqueror, 
Victorious Titus , rue the teares I lhed, 
A Mothers teares in paffion for her fonne : 
And if thy Sonnes were euer deere to thee, 
Oh thinke my fonnes to be as deere to mee. 
Sufficeth not, that we are brought to Rome 
To beautifie thy Triumphs, and returne 
Captiue to thee, and to thy Romaine yoake, 
But muft my Sonnes be flaughtred in the ftreetes, 
For Valiant doings in their Countries caufe ? 
O ! If to fight for King and Common-weale, 
Were piety in thine, it is in thefe : 
Andronicus ,ftaine not thy Tombe with blood. 
Wilt thou draw neere the nature of the Gods? 
Draw neere them then in being merCifull. 
Sweet mercy is Nobilities true badge, 
Thrice Noble T;rw,fpare my firft borne fonne. 

Tit. Patient your lelfe Madam, and pardon me. 
Thefe are the Brethren, whom you Gothes beheld 
Aliue and dead, and for their Bretheren flaine, 
Religioufly they aske a facrifke : 
To this your fonne is markt, and die he muft, 
T'appeaie their groaning Ihadowes that are gone. 

Luc. Away with him, and make a fire ftraight, 
And with our Swords vpon a pile of wood, 
Let's hew his limbes till they be cleane confum'd. 

Exit Sonnes with Alarbus, 
Tamo. O cruell irreligious piety. 
Chi. Was euer Scythia halfe fo barbarous ? 
Dcm. Oppofe me Scythia to ambitious Rome, 



Alarbus goes to reft, and we furuiue, 

To tremble vnder Titus threatning lookes, 

Then Madam ftand refolu'd, but hope withall, 

The felfe'fame Gods that arm'd the Queene of Troy 

With opportunitie of fharpe reuenge 

Vpon the Thracian Tyrant in his Tent, 

May fauour Tamora the Queene of Gothes, 

( When Gothes were Gothes, and Tamora was Queene ) 

To quit the bloody wrongs vpon her foes. 

Enter the Sonnes of Andronicui againe. 

Luci. See Lord and Father, how we haue perform 'd 
Our Romaine rightes, Alarbus limbs are lopt, 
And intrals feede the facrififing fire, 
Whofe fmoke like incenfe doth perfume the skie. 
Remaineth nought but to interre our Brethren, 
And with low'd Larums welcome them to Rome. 

Tit. Let it be fo , and let Andronicui 
Make this his lateft farewell to their foules. 
Flourijh. 
Then Sound Trumpets, and lay the Coffins in the Tombe. 
In peace and Honour reft you heere my Sonnes, 
Romes readieft Champions, repofe you heere in reft, 
Secure from worldly chaunces and mifhaps : 
Heere lurks no Treafon, heere no enuie fwels, 
Heere grow no damned grudges, heere are no ftormes, 
No noyfe, but filence and Eternall fleepe, 
In peace and Honour reft you heere my Sonnes. 

Enter Lauinia. 

Laui. In peace and Honour, liue Lord Titus long, 
My Noble Lord and Father, liue in Fame : 
Loe at this Tombe my tributarie teares, 
I render for my Bretherens Obfequies : 
And at thy feete I kneele, with teares of ioy 
Shed on the earth for thy returne to Rome. 
O blefle me heere with thy victorious hand, 
Whofe Fortune Romes beft Citizens applau'd. 

27. Kind Rome, 
That haft thus louingly refeni'd 
The Cordiall of mine age to glad my hart, 
Lauinia liue, out-liue thy Fathers dayes : 
And Fames eternall date for vermes praife. 

Marc. Long liue Lord Titus, my beloued brother, 
Gracious Triumpher in the eyes of Rome, 

Tit. Thankes' Gentle Tribune, 
Noble brother Marcus. 

Mar. And welcome', Nephews from fucceffull wars, 
You that furuiue and you that fleepe in Fame : 
Faire Lords your Fortunes are all alike in all, 
That in your Countries feruice drew your Swords. 
But fafer Triumph is this Funerall Pompe, 
That hath afpir'd to Solons Happines, 
And Triumphs ouer chaunce in honours bed. 
Titus Andronicus ,, thepeople of Rome, 
Whofe friend in iuftice thou haft euer bene, 
Send thee by me their Tribune and their truft, 
This Palliament of white and fpotleffe Hue, 
And name thee in Election for the Empire, 
With thefe our late deceafed Emperours Sonnes : 
Be Candidatus then, and putit on, 
And helpe to fet a head on headleffe Rome. 

Tit. A better head her Glorious body fits, 
Then his that ihakes for age and feebleneffe: 

What 

630 



The Tragedie of Titus ^Andronicus. 



33 



What mould I d'on this Robe and trouble you, 
Be chofen with proclamations to day, 
To morrow yeeld vp rule, refigne my life, 
And fet abroad new bufineffe for you all. 
Rome I haue bene thy Souldier forty yeares, 
And led my Countries ftrength fuccelTefully, 
And buried one and twenty Valiant Sonnes, 
Knighted in Field, flaine manfully in Armes, 
In right and Seruice of their Noble Countrie : 
Giue me a ftaffe of Honour for mine age, 
But not a Scepter to controule the world, 
Vpright he held it Lords, that held itlaft. 

Mar. Titus, thou {halt obtaine and aske the Emperie. 

Sat. Proud and ambitious Tribune can'ft thou tell? 

Titus. Patience Prince Saturninus. 

Sat. Romaines do me right. 
Patricians draw your Swords ,andfheath them not 
Till Saturninus be Romes Emperour : 
Andronicus would thou wert ftiipt to hell, 
Rather then rob me of the peoples harts. 

Luc. Proud Saturnine, interrupter of the good 
That Noble minded Titus meanes to thee. 

Tit . Content thee Prince, I will reftore to thee 
The peoples harts, and weane them from themfelues. 

'Bafs. Andronicus,! do not flatter thee 
But Honour thee, and will doe till I die : 
My Faftion if thou ftrengthen with thy Friend ? 
I will moft thankefull be, and thankes to men 
Of Noble mindes, is Honourable Meede. 

Tit, People of Rome, and Noble Tribune s heere, 
I aske your voyces and your Suffrages, 
Will you beftow them friendly on Andronicus ? 

Tribunes. To gratifie the good Andronicus, 
And Gratulate his fafe returne to Rome, 
The people will accept whom he admits.' 

Tit. Tribunes 1 thanke you, and this fure I make, 
That you Create your Emperours eldeft fonne, 
Lord Saturnine, whofe Vertues will I hope, 
Refle<ft on Rome as Tytans Rayes on earth, 
And ripen Iuftice in this Common-weale : 
Then if you will eleft by my aduife, 
Crowne him, and fay : Long liue our Emperour. 

Mar. An. With Voyces and applaufe of euery fort, 
Patricians and Plebeans we Create 
Lord Saturninus Romes Great Emperour. 
And fay , hong liue our Emperour Saturnine. 

A long Flour :Jh till they come dorane. 

Satu. Titus Andronicus , for thy Fauours done, 
To vs in our Election this day, 
I giue thee thankes in part of thy Deferts, 
And will with Deeds requite thy gentlenelTe : 
And for an Onfet Titus to aduance 
Thy Name, and Honorable Familie, 
Lauinia will I make my Empreffe, 
RomesRoyall Miftris,Miftris of my hart 
And in the Sacred Pathan her efpoufe : 
Tell me Andronicus doth this motion pleafe thee ■? 

Tit. It doth my worthy Lord, and in this match, 
I hold me Highly Honoured of your Grace, 
And heere in fight of Rome, to Saturnine, 
King and Commander of our Common-weale, 
The Wide- worlds Emperour, do I Confecrate, 
My Sword, my Chariot, and my Prifonerss, 
Prefents well Worthy Romes Imperiall Lord : 
Receiue them then, the Tribute that I owe, 
Mine Honours Enfignes humbled at my feete. 



On 



Satu. Thankes Noble Titus, Father of my life, 
How proud I am of thee, and of thy gifts 
Rome Ihall record, and when I do forget 
The leaft of thefe vnfpeakable Deferts, 
Romans forget your Fealtie to me. 

Tit. Now Madam are your prifoner to an Emperour, 
To him that for you Honour and your State, 
Will vfe you Nobly and your followers. 

Satu. A goodly Lady, truft me of the Hue 
That I would choofe, were I to choofe a new : 
Cleere vp Faire Queene that cloudy countenance, 
Though chance of warre 
Hath wrought this change of cheere, 
Thou com'ft not to be made a fcorne in Rome : 
Princely mail be thy vfage euery way. 
Reft on my word, and let not difcontent 
Daunt all your hopes : Madam he comforts you, 
Can make your Greater then the Queene of Gothes ? 
Lauinia you are not difpleaf 'd with this ? 

Lau. Not I my Lord, fith true Nobilitie, 
Warrants thefe words in Princely curtefie. 

Sat. Thankes fweete Lauinia, Romans let vs goe:" 
RanfomlefTe heere we fet our Prifoners free, 
Proclaime our Honors Lords with Trumpe and Drum. 

Bafs. Lord Titus by your leaue,this Maid is mine. 

Tit. How fir i Are vou in earneft then my Lord ? 

Bajs. I Noble Titus'^nd refolu'd withall, 
To doe my felfe this reafon, and this right. 

Marc. Suumcuiauam, is our Romane Iuftice, 
This Prince in Iuftice ceazeth but his owne. 

Luc. And that he will and ftiall, if Lucius liue. 

Tit. Traytors auant, where is the Emperours Guarde ? 
Treafon my Lord, Lauinia is furprif'd. 

Sat. SurpriPd, by whom ? 

Bafs. By him that iuftly may 
Beare his Betroth'd,from all the world away. 

Muti. Brothers helpe to conuey her hence away, 
And with my Sword He keepe this doore fafe. 

Tit. Follow my Lord, and He foone bring her backe, 

Mut. My Lord you pafTe not heere. 

Tit. What villaine Boy, bar'ft me my way in Rome ? 

Mut. Helpe Lucius helpe. He bjls him. 

Luc. My Lord you are vniuft, and more then fo, 
In wrongfull quarrell, you haue flaine your fon. 

Tit. Nor thou, nor he are any fonnes of mine, 
My fonnes would neuer fo difhonour me. 
Traytor reftore Lauinia to the Emperour. . 

Luc. Dead if you will, but not to be his wife, 
That is anothers lawfull promift Loue. 

Enter aloft the Emperour rpith Tamora and her two 
fonnes, and Aaron the Moore. 

Emfe. No Titus, no, the Emperour needs her not, 
Nor her, nor thee, nor any of thy ftocke : 
He truft by Leifure him that mocks me once. 
Thee neuer : nor thy Trayterous haughty fonnes, 
Confederates all, thus to dilhonour me. 
Was none in Rome to make a ftale 
But Saturnine ? Full well Andronicus 
Agree thefe Deeds, with that proud bragge of thine, 
That faid'ft,I beg'd the Empire at thy hands^ 

Tit. O monftrous,what reproachfull words are thefe ? 

Sat. But goe thy wayes, goe giue that changing peece, 
To him that flourifht for her with his Sword : 
A Valliant fonne in-law thou fhalt enioy : 
One, fit to bandy with thy lawleffe Sonnes, 

To 



34 



The Tragedie of Titus aAndronicus . 



To ruffle in the Common-wealth of Rome. 

Tit. Thefe words are Razors to my wounded hart. 

Sat. And therefore louely Tamora Queene of Gothes, 
That like the ftately Thebe mong'ft her Nimphs 
Doft ouer-fliine the Gallant'ft Dames of R ome, 
If thou be pleaf'd with this my fodaine choyfe, 
Behold I choofe thee Tamora for my Bride, 
And will Create thee Empreffe of Rome. 
Speake Queene of Goths doft thou applau'd my choyfe ? 
And heere I fweare by all the Romaine Gods, 
Sith Prieft and Holy-water are fo neere, 
And Tapers burne fo bright, and euery thing 
In readines for Hymemus ftand, 
I will not refalute the ftreets of Rome, 
Or clime my Pallace, till from forth this place, 
I leade efpoufd my Bride along with me, 

Tamo. And heere in fight of heauen to Rome I fweare, 
If Saturnine aduance the Queen of Gothes, 
Shee wiil a Hand-maid be to his defires, 
A louing Nurfe, a Mother to his youth. 

Satur. Afcend Faire Qeene, 
Panthean Lords, accompany 
Your Noble Emperour and his louely Bride, 
Sent by the heauens for Prince Saturnine, 
Whofe wifedome hath her Fortune Conquered, 
There Shall we Confummate our Spoufall rites. 

Exeunt omnet. 

Tit. I am not bid to waite vpon this Bride: 
Titus when wer't thou wont to walke alone, 
Dishonoured thus and Challenged of wrongs? 

Enter tiMarcus and Titus Sonnes. 

Mar O Titus fee ! O fee what thou haft done! 
In a bad quarrell ,flaine a Vertuous fonne. 

Tit. No foolifh Tribune.no : No fonne of mine, 
Nor thou, nor thefe Confedrates in the deed, 
That hath dishonoured all our Family, 
Vnworthy brother, and vnworthy Sonnes. 

Luci. But let vs giue him buriall as becomes : 
Giue t^Mutius buriall with our Bretheren. 

Tit. Traytors away, he reft's not in this Tombe : 
This Monument fiue hundreth yeares hath flood, 
Which I haue Sumptuoufiy re-edified : 
Heere none but Souldiers. and Romes Seruitors, 
Repofe in Fame : None bafely flaine in braules, 
Bury him where you can, he comes not heere. 

Mar. My Lord this is impiety in you, 
My Nephew cMutius deeds do plead for him, 
He muft be buried with his bretheren. 
■Tttus two Sonnes fpea^es. 
And mall, or him we will accompany. 

77. And Shall I What villaine was it fpake that word ? 
' Titus fonne fpea\es. 
He that would vouch'd it in any place but heere. 

Tit. What would you bury him in my defpight? 

Mar. No Noble Titus, but intreat of thee, 
To pardon Mutius, and to bury him. 

Tit. Marcus, Euen thou haft ftroke vpon my Creft, 
And with thefe Boyes mine Honour thou haft wounded, 
My foes I doe repute you euery one. 
So trouble me no more, but get you gone. 

l. Sonne. He is not himfelfe,let vs withdraw. 

Z.Sonne. Not I tell Mutius bones be buried. 
The brother and the Jonnes \neele. 

Mar. Brother, for in that name doth nature plea'd. 



2. Sonne. Father, and in that name doth nature fpeake. 

Tit. Speake thou no more if all the reft will fpeede. 

cMar. Renowned Titus more then halfe my foule. 

Luc. Deare Father, foule and fubftance of vs all. 

<£War. Suffer thy brother Marcus to interre 
His Noble Nephew heere in vertues neft, 
That died in Honour and Lammas caufe. 
Thou art a Romaine, be not barbarous : 
The Greekes vpon aduife did bury Aiax 
That flew himfelfe : And Laertes fonne, 
Did graciouily plead for his Funerals : 
Let not young Mutius then that was thy ioy, 
Be bar'd his entrance heere. 

Tit. Rife Marcus,rKe, 
The difmairft day is this that ere I faw, 
To be dishonored by my Sonnes in Rome : 
Well, bury him, and bury me the next. 
They put him in the Tombe. 

Luc. There lie thy bones fweet Mutius with thy 
Till we with Trophees do adorne thy Tombe. (friends 

They all hneele and jay. 
No man Shed teares for Noble Mutius, 
He lines in Fame, thatdi'd in vertues caufe. Exit. 

Mar. My Lord to ftep out of thefe fudden dumps, 
How comes it that the fubtile Queene of Gothes, 
Is of a fodaine thus aduanc'd in Rome ? 

77. I know not Marcus : but I know it is, 
(Whether by deuife or no) the heauens can tell, 
Is fhe not then beholding to the man, 
That brought her for this high good turne fo farre ? 
Yes, and will Nobly him remunerate. 

Flourijh. 

Enter the Emperor, Tamora, and her two Jons, with the Moore 

at one doore. Enter at the other doore Tiajsianus and 

Lauinia with others. 

Sat. So Bafsianus,yoa haue plaid your prize, 
God giue you ioy fir of your Gallant Bride. 

Bafs. And you of yours my Lord : I fay no more, 
Nor wiSh no leffe,and fo I take my leaue. 

Sat. Traytor, if Rome haue law, or we haue power, . 
Thou and thy FacYion mall repent this Rape. 

'Bafs. Rape call you it my Lord, to ceafe my owne, 
My true betrothed Loue, and now my wife ? 
But let the lawes of Rome determine all, 
Meane while I am poffeft of that is mine. 

Sat. 'Tis good fir : you are very Short with vs, 
But if we liue, weele be as fharpe with you. 

Bafs. My Lord, what I haue done as bed I may, 
Anfwere I muft, and Shall do with my life, 
Onely thus much I giue your Grace to know, 
By all the duties that I owe to Rome, 
This Noble Gentleman Lord Titus heere, 
Is in opinion and in honour wrong'd, 
That in the refcue of Lauinia, 
With his owne hand did flay his youngeft Son, 
In zeale to you, and highly mou'd to wrath. 
To be controurd in that he frankly gaue : 
Receiue him then to fauour Saturnine, 
That hath expre'ft himfelfe in all his deeds, 
A Father and a friend to thee,and Rome. 

Tit. Prince Bafsianuslezue to plead my Deeds, 
'Tis thou, and thofe, that haue dishonoured me, 
Rome and the righteous heauens be my iudge, 
How I haue lou'd and Honour'd Saturnine. 

Tarn. My worthy Lord if euer Tamora, 

Were 

6^~ 



The Tragedie of Titus <tAndronicus. 



35 



Were gracious in thofe Princely eyes of thine, 
Then heare me fpeake indifferently for all : 
And at my fute ( fweet ) pardon what is paft. 

Satu. What Madam, be dishonoured openly, 
And bafely put it vp without reuenge ? 

Tarn. Not fo my Lord, 
The Gods of Rome for-fend, 
I fhould be Authour to difhonouryou. 
But on mine honour dare, I vndertake 
For good Lord Titus innocence in all : 
Whofe fury not diffembled fpeakes his griefes : 
Then at my fute looke gracioufly on him, 
Loofe not fo noble a friend on vaine fuppofe, 
Nor with fowre lookes afflicT: his gentle heart. 
My Lord, be rul'd by me, be wonne at laft, 
Diffemble all your griefes and difcontents, 
You are but newly planted in your Throne, 
Leaft then the people, and Patricians too, 
Vpon a iuft furuey take Titus part, 
And fo fupplant vs for ingratitude, 
Which Rome reputes to be a hainous fin ne. 
Yeeld at intreats, and then ler me alone: 
He finde a day to maffacre them all, 
And race their faction, and their familie, 
The cruell Father, and his trayt'rous fonnes, 
To whom I fued for my deare fonnes life. 
And make them know what 'tis to let a Queene. 
Kneele in the ftreetes,and beg for grace in vaine. 
Come, come, fweet Emperour, (come Andronicus) 
Take vp this good old man, and cheere the heart, 
That dies in tempeft of thy angry frowne. 

King. Rife Titus, rife, 
My Empreffe hath preuail'd. 

Titus. I thanke your Maieftie, 
And her my Lord. 
Thefe words, thefe lookes, 
lnfufe new life in me. 

Tamo. Titus, I am incorparate in Rome, 
A Roman now adopted happily. 
And muft aduife the Emperour for his good, 
This day all quarrels die Andronicus. 
And let it be mine honour good my Lord, 
That I haue reconcil'd your friends and you. 
For you Prince £ajsianus,l haue paft 
My word and promife to the Emperour, 
That you will be more milde and tractable. 
And feare not Lords : 
And you Lauinia, 

By my aduife all humbled on your knees, 
You fnall aske pardon of his Maieftie. 

Son. We doe, 
And vow to heauen, and to his Highnes, 
That what we did, was mildly, as we might, 
Tendring our fitters honour and our owne. 

Mar. That on mine honour heere I do proteft. 

King. Away and talke not, trouble vs no more. 

Tamora. Nay, nay, 
Sweet Emperour, we muft all be friends, 
The Tribune and his Nephews kneele for grace, 
I will not be denied, fweet hart looke back. 

King. Marcus, 
For thy fake and thy brothers heere, 
And at my louely Tamora's intreats, 
I doe remit thefe young mens haynous faults. 
Stand vp : Lauinia, though you left me like a churle, 
I found a friend, and fure as death I fware, 



6;? 



I would not part a Batchellour from the Prieft. 
Come, if the Emperours Court can feaft two Brides, 
You are my gueft Lauinia, and your friends : 
This day/hall be a Loue-day Tamora. 

Tit. To morrow and it pleafe your Maieftie, 
To hunt the Panther and the Hart with me, 
With home and Hound, 
Weele giue your Grace Bon iour. 

Satur, Be it fo 71r»s,and Gramercy to. Exeunt. 



ASlus Secunda. 



Enter Aaron alone. 

Aron. Now climbeth Tamora Olympus toppe, 
Safe out of Fortunes (hot, and fits aloft, 
Secure of Thunders cracke or lightning flafh, 
Aduanc'd about pale enuies threatning reach : 
As when the goldenSunne falutes the morne, 
And hauing gilt the Ocean with his beames, 
Gallops the Zodiacke in his gliftering Coach, 
And ouer-lookes thehigheft piering hills: 
So'.Tamorat 

Vpon her wit doth earthly honour waite, 
And vertue ftoopes and trembles at her frowne. 
Then Aaron arme thy hart, and fit thy thoughts, 
To mount aloft with thy Emperiall Miftris, 
And mount her pitch, whom thou in ttiumph long 
Haft prifoner held, fettred in amorous chaines, 
And fafter bound to Aarons charming eyes, 
Then is Prometheus ti'de to Caucajus. 
Away with flauiih weedes,and idle thoughts, 
I will be bright and ihine in Pearle and Gold, 
To waite vpon this new made Empreffe. 
To waite faid I i To wanton with this Queene, 
This Goddeffe, this Semerimu, this Queene, 
This Syren, that will charme Romes Saturnine, 
And fee his fhipwracke,and his Common weales. 
Hollo, what ftorme is this? 

Enter Chiron and Demetrius brauing. 

Dem. Chiron thy yeres wants wit, thy wit wants edge 
And manners to intru'd where I am grac'd, 
And may for ought thou know'ft affected be. 

Chi. Demetrius, thou doo'ft ouer-weene in all, 
And fo in this, to beare me downe with braues, 
'Tis not the difference of ayeere or two 
Makes me leffe gracious, or thee more fortunate : 
I am as able,andas fit,as thou, 
To feme, and to deferue my Miftris grace, 
And that my fword vpon thee fhall approue, 
And plead my paffions for Lauinia's loue. 

Aron.Clubs, clubs, thefe louers will not keep the peace. 

Dem. Why Boy,although our mother (vnaduifed) 
Gaue you a daunfing Rapier by your fide, 
Are you fo defperate growne to threat your friends? 
Goe too : haue your Lath glued within your fheath, 
Till you know better how to handle it. 

Chi. Meane while fir, with the little skill I haue, 
Full well fhalt thou perceiue how much I dare. 

Deme. I Boy, grow ye fo braue ? They drarre. 

Aron. Why how now Lords ? 
So nere the Emperours Pallace dare you draw, 

And 

4L ~ 



36 



The Tragedie of Titus zAndronicus. 



And maintaine fuch a quarrell openly? 

Full well I wote, the ground of all this grudge. 

J would not for a million of Gold, 

The caufe were knowne to them it moft concernes. 

Nor would your noble mother for much more 

Be fo di (honored in the Court of Rome : 

For fhame put vp. 

Deme. Not I, till I haue fheath'd 
My rapier in his bofome,and withall 
Thruft thefe reprochfull fpeeches downe his throat, 
That he hath breath'd in my dishonour heere. 

Chi. For that 1 am prepar'd,and full refolu'd, 
Foule fpoken Coward, 
That thundreft with thy tongue, 
And with thy weapon nothing dar'ft performe. 

Aran. A way I fay. 
Now by the Gods that warlike Gothes adore, 
This pretty brabble will vndoo vs all : 
Why Lords, and thinke you not how dangerous 
It is to fet vpon a Princes right ? 
What is Lauinia then become fo loofe, 
Or Bajsiar.iu fo degenerate, 
That tor her loue fuch quarrels may be broacht, 
Without controulement, luftice, or reuenge ? 
Young Lords beware, and mould the EmprefTe know, 
This dikord ground, the muficke would not pleafe. 

Chi. I care not I, knew me and all the world, 
I loue Lauinia more then all the world. 

Demet. Youngling, 
Learne thou to make fome meaner choife, 
Lauinia is thine elder brothers hope. 

Aran. Why are ye mad ? Or know ye not in Rome, 
How furious and impatient they be, 
And cannot brooke Competitors in loue ? 
I tell you Lords, you doe but plot your deaths, 
By this deuile. 

Chi. Aaron, a thoufand deaths would I propofe, 
To atchieue her whom I do loue. 

Ann. Toatcheiueher,how? 

Deme. Why,mak'ft thou it fo ftrange? 
Shee is a woman, therefore may be woo'd, 
Shee is a woman, therfore may be wonne, 
Shee is Lauinia therefore muft be lou'd. 
What man, more water glideth by the Mill 
Then wots the Miller of, and eafie it is 
Of a cut loafe to fteale a miue we know : 
Though 'Bajsianus be the Emperours brother, 
Better then he haue worne Vulcans badge. 

Aran, I, and as good as Satumius may. 

Deme. Then why mould he difpaire that knowes to 
With words, faire lookes, and liberality: (court it 

What haft not thou full often ftrucke a Doe, 
And borne her cleanly by the Keepers nofe i 

Aran. Why then it feemes fome certaine fnatch or fo 
Would ferue your turnes. 

Chi. I fo the turne were ferued. 

Deme. Aaron thou haft hit it. 

Aron. Would you had hit it too, 
Then (hould not we be tir'd'with this adoo : 
Why harke yee, harke yee, aud are you fuch fooles, 
To fquare for this f Would it offend you then ? 

Chi. Faith not me. 

Deme. Nor me, fo I were one. 

Aron. For ftiame be friends, & ioyne for that you iar : 
'Tis pollicie, and ftratageme muft doe 
That you affeft,and fo muft you refolue, 



That what you cannot as you would atcheiue, 

You muft perforce accomplifh as you may: 

Take this of me, Lucrece was not more chart 

Then this Lauinia, Bajsianiu loue, 

A fpeedier courfe this lingring languimment 

Mull we purfue, and I haue found the path : 

My Lords, a folemne hunting is in hand. 

There will the louely Roman Ladies troope : 

The Forreft walkes are wide and fpacious, 

And many vnfrequented plots there are, 

Fitted by kinde for rape and villanie : 

Single you thither then this dainty Doe, 

And ftrike her home by force, if not by words: 

This way or not at all, (land you in hope. 

Come, come, our EmprefTe with her facred wit 

To villainie and vengance confecrate, 

Will we acquaint with all that we intend, 

And me (hall file our engines with aduiie, 

That will not (uffer you to fquare your felues, 

But to your wilhes height aduance you both. 

The Emperours Court is like the houfe of Fame, 

The pallace full of tongues, of eyes, of eares: 

The Woods are ruthleffe, dreadfull,deafe, and dull : 

There (peake,and ftrike braue Boyes, & take your turnes. 

There ferue your lufts, (hadow'd from heauens eye, 

And reuell in Lauinids Treafurie. 

Chi. Thy counfell Lad fmells of no cowardife. 

•"Deme. Syfasaut nefcu, till I flnde the ftreames, 
To coole this heat, a Charme to calme their fits, 
Per Stigia per manes Vehor. Exeunt. 

Enter Titus Andronicui and his three fonnes, making a noyfe 
with hounds and homes, and (^Marcus, 

Tit. The hunt is vp, the morne is bright and gray, 
The fields are fragranr, and the Woods are greene, 
Vncouple heere, and let vs make a bay, 
And wake the Emperour, and his louely Bride, 
And rouze the Prince, and ring a hunte rs peale, 
That all the Court may eccho with the noyfe. 
Sonnes let it be your charge, as it is ours, 
To attend the Emperours perfon carefully: 
I haue bene troubled in my fleepe this night, 
But dawning day new comfort hath infpir'd. 

Winde Homes. 
Heere a cry of houndes , and winde homes in a pea!e,then 
Enter Saturnmus , 1 'amor a , c BajJtanus , Lauinia , Chiron, De- 
metrius, and their Attendants. 

Ti. Many good morrowes to your Maieftie, ~] 
Madam to you as many and as good. 
I promifed your Grace, a Hunters peale. 

Satur. And you haue rung it luftily my Lords, 
Somewhat to earely for new married Ladies. 

e Bafs. Lauinia, how fay you ? 
Laui. I fay no : 
I haue bene awake two houres and more. 

Satur. Come on then, horfe and Chariots letvs haue, | 
And to our fport : Madam, now fhall ye fee, 
Our Romaine hunting. 

Mar. I haue dogges my Lord, 
Will rouze the proudeft Panther in the Chafe, 
And clime the higheft Pomontary top. 

Tit. And I haue horfe will follow where the game 
Makes way, and runnes likes Swallowes ore . the plaine . 
'Deme. Chiron 

6u 



'The Tragedie of 'Titus aAndronicus. 



37 



Deme. Chiron we hunt not we, with Horfe nor Hound 
But hope to plucke a dainty Doe to ground. Exeunt 

Enter Aaron alone. 

Aron. He that had wit, would thinke that I had none, 
To bury fo much Gold vnder a Tree, 
And neuer after to inhei it it. 
Let him that thinks of me fo abieftly, 
Know that this Gold muft coine a ftratageme, 
Which cunningly effected, will beget 
A very excellent peece of villany : 
And fo repofe fweet Gold for their vnreft, 
That haue their Almes out of the Empieffe Cheft. 
Enter Tamora to the Moore. 

Tamo. My louely Aaron, 
Wherefore look'ft thou fad, 
When euery thing doth make a Gleefull boaft ? 
The Birds chaunt melody on euery buih, 
The Snake lies rolled in the chearefull Sunne, 
The greene leaues quiuer.with the cooling winde, 
And make a cheker'd ihadow on the ground : 
Vnder their fweete {hade,cAaron let vs fit, 
And whil'ft the babling Eccho mock's the Hounds, 
Replying (hiilly to the well tun'd-Hornes, 
As if a double hunt were heard at once, 
Let vs fit downe, and marke their yelping noyfe: 
And after conflict, fuch as was fuppos'd. 
The wandring Prince and Dido once enioy'd, 
When with a happy ftorme they were furpris'd, 
And Curtain'd with a Counfaile-keeping Caue, 
We may each wreathed in the others armes, 
(Our paftimes done) poffefTe a Golden (lumber, 
Whiles Hounds and Homes, and fweet Melodious Birds 
Be vnto vs, as is a Nurfes Song 
Of Lullabie.to bring her Babe afleepe. 

Aron. Madame, 
Though Venm gouerne your defires', 
Saturne i s Dominator ouer mine : 
What fignifies my deadly Handing eye, 
My fiience, and my Cloudy Melancholie, 
My fleece of Woolly haire, that now vncurles, 
Euen as an Adder when (he doth vnrowle 
To do fome fatall execution ? 
No Madam, thefe are no Veneriall fignes, 
Vengeance is in my heart, death in my hand, 
Blood, and reuenge, are Hammering in my head. 
Harke Tamora, the EmprefTe of my Soule, 
Which neuer hopes more heauen ,then reds in thee, 
This is the day of Doome for Bajiianiu; 
His 'Philomel muft loofe her tongue to day, 
Thy Sonnes make Pillage of her Chaftity, 
And wafli their hands in BaJJianiu blood. 
Seeft thou this Letter, take it vp I pray thee, 
And giue the King this fatall plotted Scrowle, 
Now queftion me no more, we are efpied, 
Heere comes a parcell of our hopefull Booty, 
Which dreads not yet their liues deftrudtion. 



Enter'. 



f and Lauinia. 



Tamo. Ah my fweet cJVEoore: 
Sweeter to me then life. 

Aron. No more great EmprefTe, Bajfianui comes, 
Be croffewith him, and Jle goe fetch thy Sonnes 
To backe thy quarrell what fo ere they be, 

Baffi. Whom haue we heere? 
Romes Royall EmprefTe, 



6;s 



Vnfurniiht of our well befeeming troope ? 
Or is it Dian habited like her, 
Who hach abandoned her holy Groues, 
To fee the generall Hunting in this Forreft ? 

Tamo. Sawcie controuler of our priuate fteps: 
Had I the power, that fome fay Dian had, 
Thy Temples (hould be planted prefently. 
With Homes, as was Afleons, and the Hounds 
Should driue vpon his new transformed limbes, 
Vnmannerly Intruder as thou art. 

Laui. Vnder your patience gentle EmprefTe, 
'Tis thought you haue a goodly gift in Horning, 
And to be doubted ,that your Moore and you 
Are fingled forth to try experiments : 
hue (heild your husband from his Hounds to day, 
'Tis pitty they (hould take him for a Stag. 

Bajfi. Beleeue me Queene,your fwarth Cymerion, 
Doth make your Honour of his bodies Hue, 
Spotted, detefted. and abhominable. 
Why are you fequeftred from all your traine ? 
Difmounted from your Snow-white goodly Steed, 
And wandred hither to an obfcure plot, 
Accompanied with a barbarous Moore, 
If foule defire had not conducted you? 

Laui. And being intercepted in your fport, 
Great reafon that my Noble Lord, be rated 
For SaucinefTe, I pray you let vs hence, 
And let her ioy her Rauen coloured loue, 
This valley fits the purpofe palling well. 

Bajfi. The King my Brother (hall haue notice of t 

Laui. I, for thefe (lips haue made him noted long, 
Good King, to be fo mightily abufed. 

Tamora. Why I haue patience to endure all this? 
Enter Chiron and Demetrius. 
°Dem. How now deere Soueraigne 
And our gracious Mother, 
Why doth your Highnes looke fo pale and wan? 

Tamo. Haue I not reafon thinke you to looke pale. 
Thefe two haue tic'd me hither to this place, 
A barren, detefted vale you fee it is. 
The Trees though Sommer,yet forlorne and leane, 
Ore-come with Mo(Te,and balefull MifTelto. 
Heere neuer (nines the Sunne, heere nothing breeds, 
VnlefTe the nightly Owle,or fatall Rauen: 
And when they (hew'd me this abhorred pit, 
They told me heere at dead time of the night, 
A thoufand Fiends, a thoufand hiffing Snakes, 
Ten thoufand fwelling Toades,as many Vrchins, 
Would make fuch fearefull and confufed cries, 
As any mortall body hearing it, 
Should ftraite fall mad, or elfe die fuddenly. 
No fooner had they told this belliih tale, 
But ftrait they told me they would binde me heere, 
Vnto the body ofa difmall yew, 
And leaue me to this miferable death. 
And then they call'd me foule AdulterefTe, 
Lafciuious Goth, and all the bittereft tearmes 
That euer eare did heare to fuch effect. 
And had you not by wondrous fortune come, 
This vengeance on me had they executed : 
Reuenge it, as you loue your Mothers life, 
Or be ye not henceforth cal'd my Children. 

T)em. This is a witnefTe that I am thy Sonne, ftah h 

Chi. And this for me, 
Strook home to (hew my ftrength. 

Laui. I come Semeramis , nay Barbarous Tamora. 



38 



The Tragedieof Titus <tAndronicus. 



For no name fits thy nature but thy owne. 

Tarn. Giue me thy poyniard, you fhal know my boyes 
Your Mothers hand ftiall right your Mothers wrong. 

Dane. Stay Madam heere is more belongs to her, 
Firft thrafti the Corne, then after burne the ftraw : 
This Minion flood vpon her chaftity, 
Vpon her Nuptiall vow, her loyaltie. 
And with that painted hope,braues your Mightineffe, 
And fhall ftie carry this vnto her graue? 

Chi. And if flie doe, 
I would I were an Eunuch, 
Drag hence her husband to fome fecret hole, 
And make his dead Trunke-Pillow to our luft. 

Tamo. But when ye haue the hony we defire, 
Let not this Wafpe out-liue vs both to fling. 

Chir. 1 warrant you Madam we will make that fure: 
Come Miftris, now perforce we will enioy, 
That nice-preferued honefty of yours. 

Laui. Oh Tamora, thou bear' ft a woman face. 

Tamo. I will notheare her fpeake,away with her. 

Laui. Sweet Lords intreat her heare me but a word . 

Demet. Liften faire Madam, let it be your glory 
To fee her teares,but be your hart to them, 
As vnrelenting flint to drops of raine. 

Laui. When did the Tigers young-ones teach the dam? 
O doe not learne her wrath, fhe taught it thee, 
The milke thou fuck'ft from her did turne to Marble, 
Euen at thy Teat thou had'ft thy Tyranny, 
Yet euery Mother breeds not Sonnes alike, 
Do thou intreat her fliew a woman pitty. 

Chiro. What, 
Would'ft thou haue me proue my felfe a baftard ? 

Laui. 'Tis true, 
The Rauen doth not hatch a Larke, 
Yet haue I heard, Oh could I finde it now, 
The Lion mou'd with pitty, did indure 
To haue his Princely pawes par'd all away. 
Some fay, that Rauens fofter forlorne children, 
The whil'ft their owne birds famifti in their nefts : 
Oh be to me though thy hard hart fay no, 
Nothing fo kind but fomething pittifull. 

Tamo. I know not what it meanes.away with her. 

Lauin. Oh let me teach thee for my Fathers fake, 
That gaue thee life when well he might haue ilaine thee: 
Be not obdurate, open thy deafe eares. 

Tamo. Had'ft thou in perfon nere offended me. 
Euen for his fake am I pittilefie: 
Remember Boyes I powr'd forth teares in vaine, 
To faue your brother from the facrifice, 
But fierce Andronicus would not relent, 
Therefore away with her,andvfe her as you will, 
The worfe to her, the better lou'd of me. 

Laui. Oh Tamora., 
Be call'd a gentle Queene, 

And with thine owne hands kill me in this place, 
For 'tis not life that I haue beg'd fo long, 
Poore I was flaine, when Bajfianus dy'd. 
Tarn. What beg'ft thou then ? fond woman let me go ? 

Laui. 'Tis prefent death I beg, and one thing more, 
That womanhood denies my tongue to tell : 
Oh keepe me from their worfe then killing luft, 
And tumble me into fome loathfome pit, 
Where neuer mans eye may behold my body, 
Doe this, and be a charitable murderer. 

Tam. So ftiould I rob my fweet Sonnes of their fee, 
No let them fatiffie their luft on thee. 



Deme. Away, 
For thou haft ftaid vs heere too long. 

Lauinia. No Garace, 
No womanhood ? Ah beaftly creature, 
The blot and enemy to our generall name, 
Confufion fall 

Chi. Nay then He flop your mouth 
Bring thou her husband, 1 
This is the Hole where Aaron bid vs hide him. 

Tam. Farewell my Sonnes,fee that you make her fure, 
Nere let my heart know merry cheere indeed, 
Till all the Andronici be made away : 
Now will I hence to feeke my louely Moore, 
And let my fpleenefull Sonnes this Trull defloure. Exit. 

Enter Aaron with two ofTitui Sonnes. 

Aron. Come on my Lords, the better foote before, 
Straight will I bring you to the lothfome pit. 
Where I efpied the Panther faft afleepe. 

Quin. My fight is very dull what ere it bodes. 
Marti. And mine I promife you, were it not for fhame, 
Well could 1 leaue our fport to fleepe a while. 

%/«. What art thou fallen ? 
What fubtile Hole is this, 

Whofe mouth is couered with Rude growing Briers, 
Vpon whole leaues are drops of new-fhed-blood, 
As frefti as mornings dew diftil'd on flowers, 
A very fatall place it feemes to me: 
Speake Brother haft thou hurt thee with the fall i 

Martins. Oh Brother, 
With the difmal'ft obieft 
That euer eye with fight made heart lament. 

Aron. Now will I fetch the King to linde them heere, 
That he thereby may haue a likely geffe, 
How thefe were they that made away his Brother. 

Exit Aaron. 

Marti. Why doft not comfort me and helpe me out, 
From this vnhallow'd and blood-ftained Hole ? 

S^uintus. I am furprifed with an vncouth feare, 
A chilling fweat ore-runs my trembling ioynts, 
My heart fufpefts more then mine eie can fee. 

Marti. To proue thou haft a true diuining heart, 
Aaron and thou looke downe into this den, 
And fee a fearefull fight of blood and death. 

SZuinttu. Aaron is gone, 
And my companionate heart 
Will not permit mine eyes once to behold 
The thing whereat it trembles by furmife : 
Oh tell me how it is, for nere till now 
Was I a child, to feare I know not what. 

Marti. Lord ^Bajfianus lies embrewed heere, 
All on a heape like to the flaughtred Lambe, 
In this detefted, darke, blood-drinking pit. 

Quin. If it be darke, how dooft thou know 'tis he? 

Mart. Vpon his bloody finger he doth weare 
A precious Ring,that lightens all the Hole : 
Which like a Taper in fome Monument, 
Doth lhine vpon the dead mans earthly cheekes, 
And fliewes the ragged intrailes of the pit : 
So pale did lhine the Moone on Piramui, 
When he by night lay bath'd in Maiden b lood: 
O Brother helpe me with thy fainting hand. 
If feare hath made thee faint, as mee it hath, 
Out of this fell deuouring receptacle, 
As hatefull as Ocitiu miftie mouth. 

Quint. Reach me thy hand, that I may helpe thee out, 

Or 






The Tr age die of Titus tAndronicus. 



39 



^r wanting ftrength to doe thee fo much good, 
I may be pluckt into the fwallowing wombe, 
Of this deepe pit,poore "Bafsianus graue : 
I haue no ftrength to plucke thee to the brinke. 

Martius.Nor I no ftrength to clime without thy help. 

Quilt. Thy hand once more, 1 will not loofe againe, 
Till thou art heere aloft, or I below, 
Thou can'ft not come to me, I come to thee. 'Bothsfall in. 

Enter the Emperour , Aaron the t&foore. 

Satur. Along with me, He fee what hole is heere, 
And what he is that now is leapt into it. 
Say, who art thou that lately did'ft defcend, 
Into this gaping hollow of the earth ? 

Marti. The vnhappie fonne of old Andronicus, 
Brought hither in a moft vnluckie houre, 
To finde thy brother Bafsianus dead. 

Satur. My brother dead ? I know thou doft but left, 
He and his Lady both are at the Lodge, 
Vpon the North-fide of this pleafant Chafe, 
'Tis not an houre fince I left him there. 

cZMarti. We know not where you left him all aliue, 
But out alas,heere haue we found him dead. 

Enter T amor a , Andronicus ,and Lucius . 

Tamo. Where is my Lord the King ? 

King.Heere Tamora, though grieu'd with killing griefe. 

Tarn. Where is thy brother Bafsianus? 

A!7«g\Now to the bottome doft thou fearch my wound, 
Poore 'Bafsianus heere lies murthered. 

Tarn. Then all too late I bring this fatall writ, 
The com plot of this timeleffe Tragedie, 
And wonder greatly that mans face can fold, 
In pleafing fmiles fuch murderous Tyrannie. 

She giueth Saturnine a Letter. 



Saturninus reads the Letter, 
And if we miffe to meete him hanjomely , 
Sweet huntfman , Baffianus' tis we meane, 
Doe thou Jo much as dig the graue for him, 
Thou \nowf our meaning , looke for thy rew, 
Among the Nettles at the Elder tree: 
Which ouer-pades the mouth of 'that fa 
Where we decreed to bury Baffmnuss 
Doe this and fur chafe -as thy lajiingfr 



pit: 
ds. 



King. Oh Tamora, was euer heard the like ? 
This is the pit, and this the Elder tree, 
Looke firs, if you can finde the huntfman out, 
That fhould haue murthered 'Bafsianus heere. 

Aron. My gracious Lord heere is the bag of Gold. . 
King. Two of thy whelpes, fell Curs of bloody kind 
Haue heere bereft my brother of his life : 
Sirs drag them from the pit vnto the prifon, 
There let them bide vntill we haue deuis'd 
Some neuer heard-of tortering paine for them. 

Tamo. What are they in this pit, 
Oh wondrous thing ! 
How eafily murder is difcouered ? 

Tit. High Emperour, vpon my feeble knee, 
Ibeg this boone, with teares, not lightly fted, 
That this fell fault of my accurfed Sonnes, 
Accurfed,if the faults be prou'd in them. 

King. If it be prou'd ? you fee it is apparant, 



6; 7 



Who found this Letter , Tamora was it you ? 

Tamora. Andronicus himfelfe did take it vp. 

Tit. I did my Lord, 
Yet let me be their baile, 
For by my Fathers reuerent Tombe I vow 
They (hall be ready at yout Highnes will , 
To anfwere their fufpition with their liues. 

King. Thou ihalt not baile them, fee thou follow me: 
Some bring the murthered body,fome the murtherers, 
Let them not fpeake a word, the guilt is plaine, 
For by my foule , were there worfe end then death, 
That end vpon them (hould be executed. 

Tamo. Andronicus I will entreat the King, 
Feare not thy Sonnes, they (hall do well enough. 

Tit. Come Lucius come, 
Stay not to talke with them. Exeunt. 

Enter the Empreffe Sonnes, with Lauinia,her hands cut off and 
her tongue cut out, and rauifht. 

Deme. So now goe tell and if thy tongue can fpeake, 
Who t'was that cut thy tongue and rauifht thee. 

Chi. Write downe thy mind, bewray thy meaning fo, 
And if thy ftumpes will let thee play the Scribe. 

Dem. See how with fignes and tokens fhe can fcowle. 

Chi. Goe home, 
Call for fweet water, waft thy hands. 

Dem. She hath no tongue to call, nor hands to waft. 
And fo let's leaue her to her filent walkes. 

Chi. And t'were my caufe, I fhould goe hang my felfe. 

T>em. If thou had'ft hands to helpe thee knit the cord. 
Exeunt. 
Winde Homes. 
Enter Marcus from hunting, to Lauinia. 
Who is this, my Neece that flies away fo faft? 
Cofen a word, where is your husband ? 
If I do dreame , would all my wealth would wake me 5 
If I doe wake,fome Planet ftrike me downe, 
That I may (lumber in eternall fleepe. 
Speake gentle Neece, what fterne vngentle hands 
Hath lopt, and hew'd,and made thy body bare 
Of her two branches, thofe fweet Ornaments 
Whofe circkling ftadowes, Kings haue fought to deep in 
And might not gaine fo great a happines 
As halfe thy Loue : Why dooft not fpeake to me ? 
Alas, a Crimfon riuer of warme blood, 
Like to a bubling fountaine ftir'd with winde, 
Doth rife and fall betweene thy Rofed lips, 
Comming and going with thy hony breath. 
But fure fome Tereus hath defloured thee, 
And leaft thou ftould'ft detedl them, cut thy tongue. 
Ah, now thou turn'ft away thy face for ftame : 
And notwithftanding all this lofTe of blood, ■ 
As from a Conduit with their iffuing Spouts, 
Yet doe thy cheekes looke red as Titans face, 
Blufting to be encountred with a Cloud, 
Shall I fpeake for^hee ? (hall I fay 'tis fo ; 
Oh that I knew thy hart, and knew the beaft 
That I might raile at him to eafe my mind. 
Sorrow concealed, like an Ouen ftopt, 
Doth burne the hart to Cinders where it is. 
Faire 'Philomela (he but loft her tongue, 
And in a tedious Sampler fowed her minde. 
Butlouely Neece, that meane is cut from thee, 
A craftier Tereus haft thou met withall, 
And he hath cut thofe pretty fi ngers off, 

dd 2 That 



40 



The Tr age die of Titus aAndronicus. 



That could haue better fowed then Philomel. 

Oh had the monfter feene thofe Lilly hands, 

Tremble like Afpen leaues vpon a Lute, 

And make the filken (kings delight to kifTe them, 

He would not then haue toucht them for his life. 

Or had he heard the heauenly Harmony, 

Whic h that fweet tongue hath made : 

He would haue dropt his knife and fell afleepe, 

As Qerberus at the Thracian Poets feete. 

Come, let vs goe,and make thy father blinde, 

For fuch a fight will blinde a fathers eve. 

One houres ftorme will drowne the fragrant meades, 

What, will whole months of teares thy Fathers eyes ? 

Doe not draw backe, for we will mourne with thee: 

Oh could our mourning eafe thy mifery. Exeunt 



Aclus Tertius. 



Enter the Iudges and Senatours with Titus two fonnes bound, 
pajfing on the Stage to the place of execution, and Titus going 
before pleading. 

Ti. Heare me graue fathers, noble Tribunes flay, 
For pitty of mine age, whofe youth was fpent 
In dangerous warres, whilft you fecurely flept: 
For all my blood in Romes great quarrell med, 
For all the frofty nights that I haue watcht, 
And for thefe bitter teares, which now you fee, 
Filling the aged wrinkles in my cheekes, 
Be pittifull to my condemned Sonnes, 
Whofe foules is not corrupted as 'tis thought : 
For two and twenty fonnes I neuer wept, 
Becaufe they died in honours lofcy bed. 

Andronicus lyeth downe,and the Iudges paffe by him. 
For thefe, Tribunes, in the duft I write 
My harts deepe languor, and my foules fad teares : 
Let my teares ftanch the earths drie appetite. 
My fonnes fweet blood, will make it (name and blufh: 
O earth ! I will be friend thee more with raine Exeunt 
That (hall diftill from thefe two ancient ruines, 
Then youthrull Aprill (hall with all his mowres 
In fummers drought: He drop vpon thee ftill, 
In Winter with warme teares lie melt the fnow, 
And keepe erernall fpring time on thy face, 
So thou refufe to drinke my deare fonnes blood. 

Enter Lucius , with his weapon drawne. 

Oh reuerent Tribunes, oh gentle aged men, 
Vnbinde my fonnes, reuerie the doome of death, 
And let me fay(that neuer wept before) 
My teares are now preualing Oratours. 

Lu. Oh noble father, you lament in vaine, 
The Tribunes heare not, no man is by, 
And you recount your forrowes to a ftone. 

Ti. Ah Lucius for thy brothers let me plead, 
Graue Tribunes, once more I intreat of you. 
Lu. My gracious Lord, no Tribune heares you fpeake. 

Ti. Why 'tis no matter man, if they did heare 
They would not marke me: oh if they did heare 
They would not pitty me. 
Therefore I tell my forrowes booties to the (tones. 



Who though they cannot anfwere my diftreffe, 

Yet in fome fort they are better then the Tribunes, 

For that they will not intercept my tale ; 

When I doe weepe,they humbly at my feete 

Receiue my teares, and leeme to weepe with me, 

And were they but attired in graue weedes, 

Rome could afford no Tribune like to thefe. 

A ftone is as foft waxe, 

Tribunes more hard then (tones: 

Aftone is filent,and offendeth not, 

And Tribunes with their tongues doome men to death. 

But wherefore ftand'ft thou with thy weapon drawne ? 

Lu. To refcue my two brothers from their death, 
For which atcempt the Iudges haue pronounc'ft 
My euerlafting doome of baniihment. 

Ti. O happy man, they haue befriended thee: 
Why foolifli Lucius, doft thou not perceiue 
That Rome is but a wildernes of Tigers? 
Tigers muft pray, and Rome affords no prey 
But me and and mine : how happy art thou then, 
From thefe deuourers to be baniflied ? 
But who comes with our brother Marcus heere i 

Enter Marcus and Lauinia. 

Mar. Titus, prepare thy noble eyes to weepe, 
Or if not fo, thy noble heart to breake : 
I bring confuming forrow to thine age. 

Ti. Will it confume me ? Let me fee it then. 

cMar. This was thy daughter. 

Ti. Why Marcus fo (he is. 

Luc. Aye me this obiect kils me. 

Ti. Faint-harted boy, arife and looke vpon her, 
Speake Lauinia, what accurfed hand 
Hath made thee handlefie in thy fathers fight? 
What foole hath added water to the Sea ? 
Or brought a faggot to bright burning Troy i 
My griefe was at the height before thou cam'ft, 
And now like Nylus it difdaineth bounds: 
Giue me a fword,Ile chop off my hands too, 
For they haue fought for Rome, and all in vaine : 
And they haue nur'ft this woe, 
In feeding life : 

In bootelelfe prayer haue they bene held vp, 
And they haue feru'd me to effectlefle vfe. 
Now all the feruice I require of them, 
Is that the one will helpe to cut the other : 
'Tis well Lauinia, that thou haft no hands, 
For hands to do Rome feruice,is but vaine. 

Luci. Speake gentle fifter, who hath martyr'd thee ? 

Mar. O that delightfull engine of her thoughts, 
That blab'd them with fuch pleafing eloquence, 
Is torne from forth that pretty hollow cage, 
Where like a fweet mellodius bird it fung, 
Sweet varied notes inchanting euery eare. 

Luci. Oh fay thou for her, 
Who hath done this deed i 

Marc. Oh thus I found her (fraying in the Parke, 
Seeking to hide herfelfe as doth the Deare 
That hath receiude fome vnrecuring wound. 

Tit. It was my Deare, 
And he that wounded her, 

Hath hurt me more, then had he kild me dead : 
For now I (land as one vpon a Rocke, 
Inuiron'd with a wilderneffe of Sea. 
Who markes the waxing tide, 
Grow waue by waue, 

Expecting 



The Tragedie of Titus ^Andronicus. 



Expecting euer when fome enuious furge, 

Will in his brinifh bowels fwallow him. 

This way to death my wretched fonnes are gone: 

Heere (lands my other fonne, a banifht man, 

And heere my brother weeping at my woes. 

But that which giues my foule the greateft fpurne, 

Is deere Lauinia, deerer then my foule. 

Had I but feene thy pidture in this plight, 

It would haue madded me. What (hall I doe? 

Now J behold thy liuely body fo ? 

Thou haft no hands to wipe away thy teares, 

Nor tongue to tell me who hath martyr'd thee : 

Thy husband he is dead, and for his death 

Thy brothers are condemn'd,and dead by this. 

Looke Marcus ,ah fonne Lucius looke on her : 

When I did name her brothers, then frefh teares 

Stood on her cheekes, as doth the hony dew, 

Vpon a gathred Lillie almoft withered., 

Mar. Perchance me weepes becaufe they kil'd her 
husband, 
Perchance becaufe me knowes him innocent. 

77. If they did kill thy husband then be ioyfull, 
Becaufe the law hath tane reuenge on them. 
No, no, they would not doe fo foule a deede, 
Witnes the forrow that their fifter makes. 
Gentle Lauinia let me kifTe thy lips, 
Or make fome fignes how I may do thee eafe : 
Shall thy good Vncle, and thy brother Lucius, 
And thou and I fit round about fome Fountaine, 
Looking all downewards to behold our cheekes 
How they are ftain'd in meadowes, yet not dry 
With miery flime left on them by a flood : 
And in the Fountaine /hall we gaze fo long, 
Till the frefh tafte be taken from that cleerenes, 
And made a brine pit with our bitter teares i 
Or mall we cut away our hands like thine ? 
Or (hall we bite our tongues, and in dumbe (hewes 
Parte the remainder of our hatefull dayes ? 
What (hall we doe i Let vs that haue our tongues 
Plot fome deuife of further miferies 
To make vs wondred at in time to come. 

Lu. Sweet Father ceafe your teares, for at your griefe 



See he 



my 



:hed fifter fobs and weeps. 



Mar, Patience deere Neece, 



Titus drie thine 



eyes. 

77. Ah Marcus, Marcus, Brother well I wot, 
Thy napkin cannot drinke a teare of mine, 
For thou poore man haft drown'd it with thine owne, 

Lu. Ah my Lauinia I will wipe thy cheekes. 

77 Marke Marcus marke, I vnderftand her fign.es, 
Had (he a tongue to fpeake, now would (he fay 
That to her brother which I faid to thee. 
His Napkin with hertrue teares all bewet, 
Can do no feruice on her forrowfull cheekes. 
Oh what a fimpathy of woe is this! 
As farre from helpe as Limbo is from blifTe, 

Snter Aron the Moore alone. 

Moore. Titus Andronicus, my Lord the Emperour, 
Sends thee this word, that if thou loue thy fonnes, 
Let Marcus, Lucius, or thy felfe old Titus, 
Or any one of you, chop off your hand, 
And fend it to the King :he for the fame, 
Will fend thee hither both thy fonnes aliue, 
And that (hall be the ranfome for their fault. 



639 



77. Oh gracious Emperour, oh gentle Aaron. 
Did euer Rauen fing fo like a Larke, 
That giues fweet tydings of the Sunnes vprife ? 
With all my heart, He fend the Emperour my hand, 
Good Aron wilt thou help to chop it oftV 

Lu. Stay Father, for that noble hand of thine, 
That hath throwne downe fo many enemies, 
Shallnot be lent : my hand will ferue the turne, 
My youth can better fpare my blood then you, 
And therfore mine (hall faue my brothers liues. 

Mar. Which of your hands hath not defended Rome, 
And rear'd aloft the bloody Battleaxe, 
Writing deftruclion on the enemies Caftle i 
Oh none of both but are of high defert : 
My hand hath bin but idle, let it ferue 
To ranfome my two nephewes from their death, 
Then haue I kept it to a worthy end. 

Moore. Nay come agree, whofe hand lhallgoe along 
For feare they die before their pardon come. 

uMar. My hand (hall goe. 

Lu. By heauen it (hall not goe. 

77. Sirs ftriue no more, fuch withered hearbs as thefe 
Are meete for plucking vp, and therefore mine. 

Lu. Sweet Father, if I (hall be thought thy fonne, 
Let me redeeme my brothers both from death. 

Mar, And for our fathers fake, and mothers care, 
Now let me (hew a brothers loue to thee. 

77. Agree betweene you, I will fpare my hand. 

Lu, Then He goe fetch an Axe. 

Mar. But I will vfe the Axe. Exeunt 

Ti. Come hither Aaron, He deceiue them both, 
Lend me thy hand, and I will giue thee mine, 

(Moore. If that be cal'd deceit, I will be honeft, 
And neuer wbil'ft I Hue deceiue men fo : 
But He deceiue you in another fort, 
And that you'l fay ere halfe an houre paffe. 

He cuts off Titus hand. 

Enter Lucius and Marcus againe. 

Ti, Now ftay you (trife, what (hall be,is difpatchti: 
Good Aron giue his Maieftie me hand, 
Tell him, it was a hand that warded him 
From thoufand dangers : bid him bury it : 
More hath it merited : That let it haue. 
As for for my fonnes, fay I account of them, 
As iewels purchaft at an eafie price, 
And yet deere too, becaufe I bought mine owne. 

Aron. I goe Andronicus, an d for thy hand, 
Looke by and by to haue thy fonnes with thee : 
Their heads I meane : Oh how this villany 
Doth fat me with the very thoughts of it. 
Let fooles doe good, and faire men call for grace, 
Aron will haue his foule blacke like his face. Exit. 

Ti. O heere I lift this one hand vp to heauen, 
And bow this feeble ruine to the earth, 
If any power pitties wretched teares, 
To that I call : what wilt thou kneele with me i 
Doe then deare heart, for heauen (hall heare our prayers, 
Or with our fighs weele breath the welkin dimme, 
And ftaine the Sun with fogge as fomtime cloudes, 
When they do hug him in their melting bofomes. 

Mar. Oh brother fpeake with poffibilities, 
And do not breake into thefe deepe extreames. 

Ti. Is not my forrow deepe, hauing no bottome ■? 

d d 3 Then 



4 2 



The Tragedie of Titus ^Andronicus . 



Then be my paffions bottomleffe with them. 
■ Mar. But yet let reafon gouerne thy lament. 
Titus. If there were reafon for thefe miferies, 
Then into limits could I binde my woes : 
When heauen doth weepe, doth not the earth oreflow 2. 
If the windes rage, doth not the Sea wax mad, 
Threatning the welkin with his big-fwolne face ? 
And wilt thou haue a reafon for this coile 2 
I am the Sea. Harke how her fighes doe flow : 
Shee is the weeping welkin, I the earth : 
Then muft my Sea be moued with her fighes, 
Then muft my earth with her continuall teares, 
Become a deluge : ouerflow'd and drown'd : 
For why, my bowels cannot hide her woes, 
But like a drunkard muft I vomit them: 
Then giue me leaue, for loofers will haue leaue, 
To eafe their ftomackes with their bitter tongues, 

Enter a mejjenger with two heads and a hand. 

MeJ. "Worthy Andronicut. ill art thou repaid, 
For that good hand thou fentft the Emperour : 
Heere are the heads of thy two noble fonnes. 
And heeres thy hand in fcorne to thee fent backe : 
Thy griefes, their fports : Thy refolution mockt , 
That woe is me to thinke vpon thy woes, 
More then remembrance of my fathers death. Exit. 

Marc. Now let hot iEtna coole in Cicilie, 
And be my heart an euer-burning hell : 
Thefe miferies are more then may be borne. 
To weepe with them that weepe, doth eafe fome deale, 
But forrow flouted at, is double death. 

Luci. Ah that this fight fhould make fo deep a wound, 
And yet detefted life not lhrinke thereat : 
That euer death mould let life beare his name, 
Where life hath no more intereft but to breath. 

Mar. Alas poore hart that kiffe is comfortleffe, 
As frozen water to a ftarued fnake. 

Titus. When will this fearefull flumber haue an end 2 

Mar. Now farwell flatterie, die Andronicus, 
Thou doft not flumber, fee thy two fons heads, 
Thy warlike hands, thy mangled daughter here : 
Thy other baniflit fonnes with this deere fight 
Strucke pale and bloodleffe, and thy brother I, 
Euen like a ftony Image, cold and numme. 
Ah now no more will I controule my griefes, 
Rent off thy filuer haire, thy other hand 
Gnawing with thy teeth, and be this difmall fight 
The clofing vp of our moft wretched eyes : 
Now is a time to ftorme, why art thou ftill 2 

Titus. Ha, ha, ha, 
Mar. Why doft thou laugh 2 it fits not with this houre. 

77. Why I haue not another teare to fhed : 
Befides, this forrow is an enemy, 
And would vfurpe vpon my watry eyes, 
And make them blinde with tributarie teares. 
Then which way fliall I finde Reuenges Caue ? 
For thefe two heads doe feeme to fpeake to me, 
And threat me, I fliall neuer come to blifle, 
Till all thefe mifchiefes be returned againe, 
Euen in their throats that haue committed them. 
Come let me fee what taske I haue to doe, 
You heauie people, circle me about, 
That I may turne me to each one of you, 
And fweare vnto my foule to right your wrongs. 
The vow is made, come Brother take a head, 



And in this hand the other will I beare. 

And Lauinia thou flialt be employd in thefe things : 

Beare thou my hand fweet wench betweene thy teeth : 

As for thee boy, goe get thee from my light, 

Thou art an Exile, and thou muft not ftay, 

Hie to the Gothes, and raife an army there, 

And if you loue me, as I thinke you doe, 

Let's kiffe and part, for we haue much to doe. &xeunt. 

Manet Lucius, 

Luci. Farewell Andronicus my noble Father : 
The woful'ft man that euer liu'd in Rome : 
Farewell proud Rome, til Lucius come againe, 
Heloues his pledges dearer then his life : 
Farewell Lauinia my noble fifter, 
O would thou wert as thou to fore haft beene, 
But now, nor Lucius nor Lauinia liues 
But in obliuion and hateful griefes: 
If Lucius hue, he will requit your wrongs, 
And make proud Saturnine and his Empreffe 
Beg at the gates likes Tarouin and his Queene. 
Now will I to the Gothes and raife a power, 
To be reueng'd on Rome and Saturnine. Exit Lucius 

A Bnaket. 
Enter Andronicus , Marcus, Lauinia, and the Boy . 

eAn. So,fo, now fit, and looke you eate no more 
Then will preferue iuft fo much ftrength in vs 
As will reuenge thefe bitter woes of ours. 
Marcus vnknit that forrow-wreathen knot ; 
Thy Neece and I ( poore Creatures ) want our hands 
And cannot paflionate our tenfold griefe, 
Wich foulded Armes. This poore right hand of mine, 
Is left to tirranize vppon my breaft. 
Who when my hart all mad with mifery, 
Beats in this hollow prifon of my flefli, 
Then thus I thumpe it downe. 
Thou Map of woe, that thus doft talk in fignes, 
When thy poore hart beates without ragious beating, 
Thou canft not ftrike it thus to make it ftill f 
Wound it with fighing girle, kil it with grones : 
Or get fome little knife betweene thy teeth, 
And iuft againft thy hart make thou a hole, 
That all the teares that thy poore eyes let fall 
May run into that finke, and foaking in, 
Drowne the lamenting foole, in Sea fait teares. 

Mar. Fy brother fy, teach her not thus to lay 
Such violent hands vppon her tender life. 

An How now \ Has forrow made thee doate already? 
Why Marcus, no man fliould be mad but I : 
What violent hands can flie lay on her life : 
Ah, wherefore doft thou vrge the name of hands, 
To bid apneas tell the tale twice ore 
How Troy was burnt, and he made miferable? 

handle not the theame, to talke of hands, 
Leaft we remember ftill that we haue none, 
Fie, fie, how Frantiquely I fquare my talke 
As if we fliould forget we had no hands : 

If Marcus did not name the word of hands. 
Come, lets fall too, and gentle girle eate this, 
Heere is no drinke ? Harke Marcus what flie faies, 

1 can interpret all her martir'd fignes, 

She faies, flie drinkes no other drinke but teares 
Breu'd with her forrow : mefli'd vppon her cheekes, 

Speech- 

640 



The Tragedie of Titus zAndronicus. 



43 



SpeechlefTe complaynet, I will learne thy thought: 

In thy dumb a£lion, will I be as perfedt 

As begging Hermits in their holy prayers. 

Thou malt not fighe nor hold thy flumps to heauen, 

Nor winke.nor nod, nor kneele,nor make a figne, 

But I(of thefe) will wreft an Alphabet, 

And by ftill practice, learne to know thy meaning. 

Boy. Good grandfire leaue thefe bitter deepe laments, 
Make my Aunt merry, with fome pleafing tale. 

tiMar. Alas, the tender boy in paflion mou'd, 
Doth weepe to fee his grandfires heauinefFe. 

An. Peace tender Sapling, thou art made of teares, 
And teares will quickly melt thy life away. 

Marcus flri\es the dijh with a {nife. 
What doeft thou ftrike at Marcus with knife. 

Mar. At that that I haue kil'd my Lord, a Flys 

An. Out on the murderour : thou kiPft my hart, 
Mine eyes cloi'd with view of Tirranie: 
A deed of death done on the Innocent 
Becoms not Titus broher : get thee gone, 
I fee thou art not for my company. 

Mar. Alas(my Lord) I haue but kild a file. 

An. But? How : if that Flie had a father and mother? 
How would he hang his (lender gilded wings 
And buz lamenting doings in the ayer, 
Poore harmelefTe Fly, 
That with his pretty buzing melody, 
Came heere to make vs merry, 
And thou haft kil'd him. 

<tMar. Pardon me fir, 
It was a blacke illfauour'd Fly, 
Like to the EmprefTe Moore, therefore I kild him. 

An. 0,o,o, 
Then pardon me for reprehending thee, 
For thou haft done a Charitable deed : 
Giue me thy knife, I will infult on him, 
Flattering my felfes, as if it were the Moore, 
Come hither purpofely to poyfon me. 
There's for thy felfe,and thats for Tamira : Ah firra, 
Yet I thinke we are not brought fo low, 
But that betweene vs, we can kill a Fly, 
That comes in likeneffe of a Cole-blacke Moore. 

Mar. Alas poore man, griefe ha's fo wrought on him, 
He takes falfe (hadowes, for true fubftances. 

An. Come, take away : Lauinia, goe with me, 
He to thy cloflet,and goe read with thee 
Sad ftories, chanced in the times of old. 
Come boy, and goe with me, thy fight is young, 
And thou (halt read, when mine begin to dazell. Exeunt 



AEius Quartus. 



Enter young Lucius and Lauinia running after him, and 
the 'Boy flies from her with his booties -under his arme. 

Enter 'Titus and Marcus. 
'Boy. Helpe Grandfier helpe,my Aunt Lauinia, 
Followes me euery where I know not why. 
Good Vncle Marcus fee how fwift /he comes, 
Alas fweet Aunt, I know not what you meane. 

Mar. Stand by me Lucius, doe not feare thy Aunt. 
Titus. She loues thee boy too well to doe thee harme 
'Boy. I when my father was in Rome (he did. 



641 



Mar.What meanes my Neece Lauinia by thefe fignes? 

Ti. Feare not Z,«aHs, fomewhat doth (he meane: 
See Lucius fee, how much (he makes of thee : 
Some whether would (he haue thee goe with her. 
Ah boy, Cornelia neuer with more care 
Read to her fonnes,then (he hath read to thee, 
Sweet Poetry, and Tullies Oratour: 
Canft thou not gefTe wherefore (he plies thee thus? 

Boy. My Lord I know not I, nor can I geffe, 
Vnlefle fome fit or frenzie do pofTefTe her : 
For I haue heard my Grandfier fay full oft, 
Extremitie of griefes would make men mad. 
And I haue read that Hecuba of Troy, 
Ran mad through forrow, that made me to feare, 
Although my Lord, I know my noble Aunt, 
Loues me as deare as ere my mother did, 
And would not but in fury fright my youth, 
Which made me downe to throw my bookes, and flie 
Caufies perhaps, but pardon me fweet Aunt, 
And Madam, if my Vncle Marcus goe, 
I will moft willingly attend your Ladylhip. 

Mar. Lucius I will. 

Ti. How now Lauinia, Marcus what meanes this ? 
Some booke there is that (he defires to fee , 
Which is it girle of thefe ? Open them boy, 
But thou art deeper read and better skild, 
Come and take choyfe of all my Library, 
And fo beguile thy forrow, till the heauens 
Reueale the damn'd contriuer of this deed. 
What booke ? 
Why lifts (he vp her armes in fequence thus ? 

Mar. I thinke (he meanes thatther was more then one 
Confederate in the fa<ft,I more there was : 
Or elfe to heauen (he heaues them to reuenge. 

Ti. Lucius what booke is that (he tofleth fo? 

Boy. Grandfier 'tis Ouids Metamorphofis, 
My mother gaue it me. 

cMar. For loue of her that's gone, 
Perhahs (he culd it from among the reft. 

Ti. Soft, fo bufily (he turnes the leaues, 
Helpe her, what would (he finde ? Lauinia (hall I read ? 
This is the tragicke tale of Philomel ? 
And treates of Tereus treafon and his rape, 
And rape I feare was roote of thine annoy. 

Mar. See brother fee,note how (he quotes the leaues 

Ti. Lauinia, wert thou thus furpriz'd fweet girle, 
Rauifht and wrong'd as Philomela was ? . 
Forc'd in the ruthle(Te,vaft,and gloomy woods ? 
See, fee, I fuch a place there is where we did hunt, 
(O had we neuer, neuer hunted there J 
Patern'd by that the Poet heere defcribes, 
By nature made for murthers and for rapes. 

<tMar. O why (hould nature build fo foule a den, 
VnlefTe the Gods delight in tragedies 1 ? 

Ti'.Giue fignes fweet girle, for heere are none but friends 
What Romaine Lord it was durft do the deed f 
Or flunke not Saturnine, as Tarquin erfts, 
That left the Campe to finne in Lucrece bed. 

Afar. Sit downe fweet Neece, brother fit downe by me, 
Af polio, Pallas, hue, or zMercury, 
Infpire me that I may this treaion finde. 
My Lord looke heere, looke heere 



He writes his Name with his slaffe, and guides 
mithfeete and mouth. 
This fandie plot is plaine, guide if thou canft 



44 



The Tragedie of Titus Andronicus. 



This after me, I haue writ my name, 

Without the helpe of any hand at all. 

Curft be that hart that forc'ft vs to that fhift : 

Write thou good Neece,and heere difplay at laft, 

What God will haue difcouered for reuenge, 

Heauen guide thy pen to print thy forrowes plaine, 

That we may know the Traytors and the truth. 

She ta\es the Jlaffe in her mouth, and guides it with her 
flumps and writes. 

Ti. Oh doe ye read my Lord what Ihe hath writs ? 
Stuprum, Chiron, Demetrius. 

cMar. What, what, the luftfull fonnes of Tamora, 
Performers of this hainous bloody deed? 

Ti. Magtii Dominator pott, 
Tarn lent us audu Jcelera, tarn lentus -vides ? 

Mar. Oh calme thee, gentle Lord : Although 1 know 
There is enough written vpon this earth, 
To ftirre a mutinie in the mildeft thoughts, 
And arme the mindes of infants to exclaimes. 
My Lord kneele downe with me: Lauinia kneele, 
And kneele fweet boy, the Romaine Heclors hope, 
And fweare with me, as with the wofull Feere 
And father of that chaft dishonoured Dame, 
Lord Iunius Brutus fweare for Lucrece rape, 
That we will profecute(by good aduife) 
Mortall reuenge vpon thefe traytorous Gothes, 
And fee their blood, or die with this reproach. 

Ti. Tis fure enough, and you knew how. 
But if you hunt thefe Beare-whelpes, then beware 
The Dam will wake, and if fhe winde you once, 
Shee's with the Lyon deepely ftill in league. 
And lulls him whilft (he palyeth on her backe, 
And when he fleepes will fhe do what me lift. 
You are a young huntfman cMarcus,let it alone : 
And come, I will goe get a leafe of brafle, 
And with a Gad of fteele will write thefe words, 
And lay it by : the angry Northerne winde 
Will blow thefe fands like Sibeh leaues abroad, 
And wheres your lehfon then . Boy what fay you i 

'Soy. I fay my Lord, that if I were a man, 
Their mothers bed-chamber fhould not be fafe, 
For thefe bad bond-men to the yoake of Rome. 

Mar. I that's my boy, thy father hath full oft, 
For his vngratefull country done the like. 

Boy. And Vncle fo will I, and if I liue. 

Ti, Come goe with me into mine Armorie, 
Lucius lie fit thee, and withall,my boy 
Shall carry from me to the jemprefie fonnes, 
Prefents that I intend to fend them both, 
Come, come, thou'lt do thy mefiage, wilt thou not? 

Boy. I with my dagger in their bofomes Grandfire : 

Ti. No boy not fo, He teach thee another courfe, 
Lauinia come, oMarcus looke to my houfe, 
Lucius and He goe braue it at the Court, 
I marry will we fir,and weele be waited on. Exeunt. 

Mar. O heauens ! Can you heare a good man grone 
And not relent, or not compaflion him ? 
Marcus attend him in his extafie, 
That hath more fears of forrow in his heart, 
Then foe-mens markes vpon his batter'd fhield, 
But yet fo iuft, that he will not reuenge, 
Reuenge the heauens for old Andronicus. Exit 

Enter Aron, Chiron and Demetrius at one dore:and at another 
dore young Lucius and another, with a bundle of 
weapons, and -verfes writ <vpon them. 



Chi. Demetrius heeres the fonne of Lucius, 
He hath fome mefiage to deliuer vs. 

Aron.l fome mad mefiage from his mad Grandfather. 

'Boy. My Lords, with all the humblenefie I may, 
I greete your honours from Andronicus, 
And pray the Romane Gods confound you both. 

Deme. Gramercie louely Lucius, what's the newes? 
For villanie's markt with rape. May it pleafe you, 
My Grandfire well aduif'd hath fent by me, 
The goodlieft weapons of his Armorie, 
To gratifie your honourable youth, 
The hope of Rome, for fo he bad me fay : 
And fo I do and with his gifts prefent 
Your Lordlhips, when euer you haue need, 
You may be armed and appointed well, 
And fo I leaue you both : like bloody villaines. Exit 

Deme.What's heere? a fcrole,& written round about i 
Let's fee. 
Integer vitue fcelerifque purm,non egit maury iaculii nee ar- 

Chi. O 'tis a verfe in Horace,! know it well. 
I read it in the Grammer long agoe. 

eMoore. I iuft,a verfe in Horace : right, you haue it, 
Now what a thing it is to be an Afie ? 
Heer's no found ieft,the old man hath found their guilt, 
And fends the weapons wrapt about with lines, 
Thatwound( beyond their feeling)to the quick: 
But were our witty EmprefiTe well a foot, 
She would applaud Andronicus conceit: 
But let her reft, in her vnreft a while. 
And now young Lords, wa'stnot a happy ftarre 
Led vs to Rome ftrangers,and more then fo j 
Captiues, to be aduanced to this height ? 
It did me good before the Pallace gate, 
To braue the Tribune in his brothers hearing. 

Deme. But me more good, to fee fo great a Lord 
Bafely infinuate,and fend vs gifts. 

Moore. Had he not reafon Lord Demetrius? 
Did you not vfe his daughter very friendly ? 

Deme. I would we had a thoufand Romane Dames 
A t fuch a bay, by turne to ferue our luft. 

Chi. A charitable wifti.and full of loue. 

Moore. Heere lack's but you mother for to fay, Amen. 

Chi. And that would flie for twenty thoufand more. 

Deme. Come,let vs go.and pray to all the Gods 
For our beloued mother in herpaines. 

Moore.Przy to the deuils,the gods haue giuen vs ouer. 
Flourijh. 

Dem. Why do the Emperors trumpets flourim thus ? 

Chi. Belike for ioy the Emperour hath a fonne. 

Deme. Soft,who comes heere f 

Enter Nurfe with a blacke a Moore childe. 

Nur. Good morrow Lords: 
O tell me, did you fee Aaron the Moore ? 

Aron. Well,more or lefie, or nere a whit at all, 
Heere cAxzron is, and what with tAaron now ? 

Nurfe. Oh gentle Aaron,we are all vndone, 
Nowhelpe,or woe betide thee euermore. 

Aron. Why, what a catterwalling doft thou keepe ? 



What doft thou 



ap an 



fumble in thine : 



Nurfe. O that which I would hide from heauens eye, 
Our Emprefie fhame,andftately Romes difgrace, 
She is deliuered Lords, fhe is deliuered. 

Aron To whom ? 

Nurfe. I meane me is brought a bed ? 

Aron. Wei God giue her good reft, 

What 



The Tragedie of Titus aAndronicus. 



45 



What hath he fent her ? 

Nurfe. A deuill. 
Aron. Why then fhe is'the Deuils Dam: a ioyfull iffue. 

Nurfe. A ioyleffe, difmall, blacke &,forrowfull iffue, 
Heere is the babe as loatbfome as a toad, 
Among'ft the faireft breeders of our clime, 
The Emprefle fends it thee, thy ftampe, thyfeale, 
And bids thee chriften it with thy daggers point. 

Aron. Out you whore, is black fo bafe a hue ? 
Sweet blowfe, you are a beautious bloflbme fure; 

Deme. Villaine what haft thou done? 

Aron. That which thou canft not vndoe. 

Chi. Thou haft vndone our mother. 

Deme. And therein helliih dog, thou haft vndone, 
Woe to her chance, and damn'd her loathed choyce, 
Accur'ft the off-fpring of fo foule a fiend. 

Chi. It fhall not liue. 

Aron. It fhall not die. 

Nurfe. Aaron it mult, the mother wils it fo. 

Aron. What, muft it Nurfe ? Then let no man but I 
Doe execution on my flefh and blood. 

Deme. lie broach the Tadpole on my Rapiers point: 
Nurfe giue it me, my fwoid mail foone difpatch it. 

Aron, Sooner this fword mail plough thy bowels vp. 
Stay murtherous villaines, will you kill your brother^ 
Now by the burning Tapers of the skie, 
That fti'one fo brightly when this Boy was got, 
He dies vpon my Semitars fharpe point, 
That touches this my firft borne fonne and heire. 
I tell you young-lings,not Enceladui 
With all his threatning band ofTypbons broode, 
Nor great Alcides, nor the God of warre, 
Shall ceaze this prey out of his fathers hands : 
What, what, ye fanguine mallow harted Boyes, 
Ye white-limb'd walls, ye Ale-houfe painted fignes, 
Cole-blacke is better then another hue, 
In that it fcornes to beare another hue : 
For all the water in the Ocean, 
Can neuer turne the Swans blacke legs to white, 
Although (he laue them hourelyin the flood : 
Tell the Emprefle from me, I am of age 
To keepemine owne,excufe it how me can. 

Deme. Wilt thou betray thy noble miftris thus ? 

Aron. My miftris is my miftris: this my felfe, 
The vigour,and the picture of my youth : 
This, before all the world do I preferre, 
This mauger all the world will I keepe fafe, 
Or fome of you fhall fmoake for it in Rome. 

Deme. By this our mother is for euer fham'd. 

Chi. Rome will defpife her for this foule efcape. 
Nur. The Emperour in his rage will doome her death. 

Chi. I blufh to thinke vpon this ignominie. 

Aron. Why ther's the priuiledge your beauty beares: 
Fie trecherous hue, that will betray with blufhing 
The clofe enacts and counfels of the hart: 
Heer's a young Lad fram'd of another leere, 
Looke how the blacke (laue fmiles vpon the father; 
As who mould fay, old Lad I am thine owne. 
He is your brother Lords, fenfibly fed 
Of that felfe blood that firft gaue life to you, 
And from that wombe where you imprifoned were 
He is infranchifed and come to light : 
Nay he is your brother by the furer fide, 
Although my feale be ftamped in his face. 

Nurfe. tAaron what fhall I fay vnto the Emprefle? 

Dem. Aduife thee nAaron, what is to be done, 



04! 



And we will all fubferibe to thy aduife : 
Saue thou the child, fo we may all be fafe. 

Aron. Then fit we downe and let vs all confult. 
My fonne and I will haue the winde of you : 
Keepe there,now talke at pleafure of your fafety. 

Deme. How many women fawthis childe of his? 

Aron.Why fo braue Lords, when we ioyne in league 
I am a Lambe: but if you braue the Moore, 
The chafed Bore, the mountaine Lyonefle, 
The Ocean fwells not fo at Aaron ftormes : 
But fay againe, how many faw the childe i 

Nurfe. Qornelia, the midwife, and my felfe, 
And none elfe but the deliuered Emprefle. 

Aron. The Emprefle, the Midwife,and your felfe, 
Two may keepe counfell, when the the third's away : 
Goe to the Emprefle, tell her this I faid, He fyls her- 

Weeke, weeke,fo cries a Pigge prepared to th'fpit. 

Deme. Whatmean'ft thou Aaron ? 
Wherefore did'ft thou this? 

cAron, O Lord fir, 'tis a deed of pollicie ? 
Shall (he liue to betray this guilt of our's : 
A long tongu'd babling Gofllp ? No Lords no : 
And now be it knowne to you my full intent. 
Not farre, one Muliteus my Country-man 
His wife but yefternight was brought to bed, 
His childe is like to her,faire as you are: 
Goe packe with him, and giue the mother gold, 
And tell them both the circumftance of all, 
And how by this their Childe ihall be aduaune'd, 
And be receiued for the Emperours heyre, 
And fubftituted in the place of mine, 
To calme this tempeft whirling in the Court, 
And let the Emperour dandle him for his owne. 
Harke ye Lords, ye fee I haue giuen her phyficke, 
And you muft needs beftow her funerall, 
The fields are neere,and you are gallant Groomes : 
This done, fee that you take no longer daies 
But fend the Midwife prefently to me. 
The Midwife and the Nurfe well made away, 
Then let the Ladies tattle what they pleafe. 

Chi. Aaron I fee thou wilt not ttuft the ayre with fe 

Deme. For this care of Tamora, (crets. 

Her felfe, and hers are highly bound to thee. Exeunt. 

Aron. Now to the Gothes, as fwift as Swallow flies, 
There to difpofe this treafure in mine armes, 
And fecretly to greete the Emprefle friends : 
Come on you thick-lipt-flaue, lie beare .you hence, 
For it is you that puts vs to our fhifts : 
He make you feed on berries, and on rootes, 
And feed on curds and whay,and fucke theGoate, 
And cabbin in a Caue, and bring you vp 
To be a warriour, and command a Campe. Exit 



Enter Titus, old Marcus, young Lucius, andother gentlemen 

with bona, and Titus beares the arrowes with 

Letters on the end of them. 

Tit. Come Marcus, come, kinfmen this is the way. 
Sir Boy let me fee your Archerie, 
Looke yee draw home enough, and 'tis there ftraight : 
Terras Afirea reliquit , be you remembred Marcus. 
She's gone, file's fled, firs take you to your tooles, 
You Cofens fhall goe found the Ocean: 
And caft your nets,haply you may find her in the Sea, 
Yet ther's as little iuftice as at Land : 
No Publius and Semproniui, you muft doe it, 



4 6 



The Tragedie of Titus <*Andronicus. 



'Tis you mull dig with Mattocke,and with Spade, 
And pierce the inmoft Center of the earth : 
Then when you come to Plutoes Region, 
I pray you deliuer him this petition, 
Tell him it is for iuftice,and for aide, 
And that it comes from old Andronicui, 
Shaken with forrowes in vngratefull Rome. 
Ah Rome ! Well, well, I made thee miferable, 
What time I threw the peoples fuffrages 
On him that thus doth tyrannize ore me. 
Goe get you gone, and pray be carefull all, 
And leaue you not a man of warre vnfearcht, 
This wicked Emperour may haue fhipt her hence, 
And kinfmen then we may goe pipe for iuftice. 

Marc. O Publiia is not this a heauie cafe 
To fee thy Noble Vnckle thus diftratt i 

Publ. Therefore my Lords it highly vs concernes, 
By day and night t'attend him carefully : 
And feede his humour kindely as we may, 
Till time beget fome carefull remedie. 

Marc. Kinfmen, his forrowes are paft remedie. 
Ioyne with the Gothes,and with reuengefull warre, 
Take wreake on Rome for this ingratitude, 
And vengeance on the Traytor Saturnine. 

Tit. Publius how now ? how now my Maifters? 
What haue you met with her I 

¥ubl. No my good Lord, but Pluto fends you word, 
If you will haue reuenge from hell you fhall, 
Marrie for iuftice fhe is fo imploy'd, 
He thinkes with hue in heauen,or fome where elfe : 
So that perforce you muft needs ftay a time. 

lit. He doth me wrong to feed me with delayes, 
He diue into the burning Lake below, 
And pull her out ot\Acaron by the heeles. 
Marcus we are but fhrubs, no Cedars we, 
No big-bon'd-men,fram'd of the Cyclops fize, 
But mettall oS>l[arcus, (ttele to the very backe, 
Yet wrung with wrongs more then our backe can beare: 
And fith there's no iuftice in earth nor hell, 
We will follicite heauen,and moue the Gods 
To fend downe Iuftice for to wreake'our wongs : 
Come to this geare,you are a good Archer Marcus. 

He giues them the Arrones. 
Ad Iouem, that's for you : here ad zAppollonem, 
Ad Martem , that's for my felfe, 
Heere Boy to Pallas, heere to <tAtercury, 
To Saturnine, to Caius,not to Saturnine, 
You were as good to fhoote againft the winde. 
Too it Boy, Marcus loofe when I bid: 
Of my word, I haue written to effecl, 
Ther's not a God left vnfollicited. 

Marc. Kinfmen, moot all your fhafts into the Court, 
We will afflid the Emperour in his pride. 

Tit, Now Maifters draw, Oh well fai d Lucius : 
Good Boy in Virgoes lap, giue it Pallas. 

Marc. My Lord, I aime a Mile beyond the Moone, 
Your letter is with lupiter by this. 

Tit. Ha,ha, Publius, Publius, what haft thou done? 
See. fee, thou haft fhot off one of Taurus homes. 

Mar. This was the fport my Lord, when Publiui ihot, 
The Bull being gal'd,gaue Aries fuch a knocke, 
That downe fell both the Rams homes in the Court, 
And who mould finde them but the Empreffe villaine : 
She laught,and told the Moore he mould not choofe 
But giue them to his Maifter for a prefent. 

Tit. Why there it goes, God giue your Lordfhip ioy. 



Enter the Clotrne with a basket and two Pigeons in it. 

Titus. Newes ,newes, from heauen, 
Marcus the poaft is come. 
Sirrah, what tydings ? haue you any letters'? 
Shall 1 haue Iuftice,what fayes lupiter} 

Clorrne. Ho the Iibbetmaker,he fayes that he hath ta- 
ken them downe againe, for the man muft not be hang'd 
till the nextweeke. 

Tit. But what fayes lupiter I aske thee? 
Clowne. Alas fir I know not lupiter : 
I neuer dranke with him in all my life. 

Tit. Why villaine art not thou the Carrier? 

Clowne. I of my Pigions fir, nothing elfe. 

Tit. Why, did'ft thou not come from heauen ? 

Clowne. From heauen ? Alas fir, I neuer came there, 
God forbid I mould be fo bold, to preffe to heauen in my 
young dayes. Why I am going with my pigeons to the 
Tribunall Plebs, to take vp a matter ofbrawle, betwixt 
my Vncle, and one of the Emperialls men. 

Mar. Why fir, that is as fit as can be to feme for your 
Oration, and let him deliuer the Pigions to the Emperour 
from you. 

Tit. Tell mee, can you deliuer an Oration to the Em- 
perour with a Grace ? 

Clowne. Nay truely fir, I could neuer fay grace in all 
my life. 

Tit. Sirrah come hither, make no more adoe, 
But giue your Pigeons to the Emperour, 
By me thou fhalt haue Iuftice at his hands. 
Hold, hold, meane while her's money for thy charges. 
Giue me pen and inke. 
Sirrah, can you with a Grace deliuer a Sup plication ? 

Clowne. I fir 

Titus. Then here is aSupplication for you, and when 
you come to him, at the firft approach you muft kneele, 
then kiffe his foote, then deliuer vp your Pigeons , and 
then looke for your reward. He be at hand fir, fee you do 
it brauely. 

Clowne. I warrant you fir, let me alone. 

Tit. Sirrha haft thou a knife ? Come let me fee it. 
Heere Marcus,fo\d it in the Oration, 
For thou haft made it like an humble Suppliant: 
And when thou haft giuen it the Emperour, 
Knocke at my dore,and tell me what he fayes. 

Clowne. God be with you fir,l will. Exit. 

Tit. Come Marcus let vs goe, Publius follow me. 

Enter Emperour and Smprejfe , and her twojonnes, the 
Emperour brings the Arrotaes in his hand 
that Titus Jbot at him. 

Satur. Why Lords, 
What wrongs are thefe ? was euer feene 
An Emperour in Rome thus ouerborne, 
Troubled, Confronted thus, and for the extent 
Of egall iuftice, vf'd in fuch contempt? 
My Lords, you know the mightfull Gods, 
(How euer thefe difturbers of our peace 
Buz in the peoples eares) there nought hath paft, 
But euen with law againft the willfull Sonnes 
Of old Andronicus. And what and if 
His forrowes haue fo ouerwhelm'd his wits, 
Shall we be thus afflifted in his wreakes, 
His fits,his frenzie,and his bitterneffe ? 
And now he writes to heauen for his redreffe. 
See, heeres to Ioue, 3n<X this to Mercury, 



TheTragedie of 'Titus <?Andronicus. 



47 



This to Apollo,tKn to the God of vvarre : 

Sweet fcrowles to flie about the flreets of Rome : 

What's this but Libelling againft the Senate, 

And blazoning our Iniuftice euery where? 

A goodly humour, is it not my Lords ? 

As who would fay,in Rome no lufticewere. 

But if I Hue, his fained extafies 

Shall be no ihelter to thefe outrages : 

But he and his fhall know, that Iuftice Hues 

In Satuminus health ; whom if he fleepe, 

Hee'l fo awake, as he in fury mail 

Cut off the proud'ft Confpirator that liues. 

Tamo. My gracious Lord, my louely Saturnine, 
Lord of my life, Commander of my thoughts , 
Calme thee, and beare the faults of Titus age, 
Th'effe&s of forrow for his valiant Sonnes, 
Whofe loffe hath pier'ft him deepe,and fcar'd his heart; 
And rather comfort his diftreffed plight, 
Then profecute the meaneft or the beft 
For thefe contempts. Why thus it fhall become 
High witted Tamora to glofe with all : Afide. 

But Titui,l haue touch'd thee to the quicke, 
Thy life blood out : If Aaron now be wife, 
Then is alllafe,the Anchor's in the Port. 

Enter Clowne. 
How now good fellow, would'ft thou fpeake with vs ? 
Clow. Yea forfooth,and your Mifterfhip be Emperiall. 
Tarn. Empreffe I am, but yonder fits the Emperour. 
Clo. 'Tis he ; God & Saint Stephen giue you good den; 
I haue brought you a Letter, & a couple of Pigions heere. 
He reads the Letter. 
Satu. Goe take him away, and hang him prefently. 
Clowne. How much money mult I haue ? 
Tarn. Come firrah you muft be hang'd. 
Clow. Hang'd ? ber Lady, then I haue brought vp a neck 
to a faire end. Exit. 

Satu, Defpightfull and intolerable wrongs, 
Shall I endure thismonftrous villany ? 
I know from whence this fame deuife proceedes : 
May this be borne? As if his traytrous Sonnes, 
That dy'd by law for murther of our Brother, 
Haue by my meanes beene butcher'd wrongfully ? 
Goe dragge the villaine hither by thehaire, 
Nor Age,nor Honour,lhall /hape priuiledge : 
For this proud mocke, He be thy flaughter man : 
Sly franticke wretch, that holp'ft to make me great, 
In hope thy felfe mould gouerne Rome and me. 
Enter Nuntiui EmiUiu. 
Satur. What newes with thee Emillius ? 
Emil. Arme my Lords,Rome neuer had more caufe, 
The Gothes haue gather'd head, and with a power 
Of high refolued men, bent to the fpoyle 
They hither march amaine, vnder conduct 
Of Lucius, Sonne to old Andronicus : 
Who threats in courfe of this reuenge to do 
As much as euer Coriolanus did. 

King. Is warlike Lucius Generall of the Gothes? 
Thefe tydings nip me,and I hang the head 
As flowers with froft, or graffe beat downe with ftormes: 
I, now begins our forrowes to approach, 
'Tis he the common people loue fo much, 
My felfe hath often heard them fay, 
(When I haue walked like a priuate man) 
That Lucius banifhment was wrongfully, 
And they haue wifht that Lucius were their Emperour. 
Tarn. Why mould you feare ? Is not our City ftrong 1 ' 



645 



King. I, but the Cittizens fauour Lucius, 
And will reuolt from me, to fuccour him. 

Tarn. King,be thy thoughts Imperious like thy name, 
Is the Sunne dim'd, that Gnats do flie in it? 
The Eagle fuffers little Birds to fing, 
And is not carefull what they meane thereby, 
Knowing that with the fhadow of his wings, 
He can at pleafure flint their melodie. 
Euen fo mayeft thou, the giddy men of Rome, 
Then cheare thy fpirit, for know th/;u Emperour, 
I will enchaunt the old Andronicus , 
With words more fweet, and yet more dangerous 
Then baites to fifh, or hony flalkes to fheepe, 
When as the one is wounded with the baite, 
The other rotted with delicious foode. 

King. But he will not entreat his Sonne for vs. 

Tarn. If Tamora entreat him, then he will, 
For I can fmooth and fill his aged eare, 
With golden promifes, that were his heart 
Almoft Impregnable, his old eares deafe, 
Yet fhould both eare and heart obey my tongue. 
Goe thou before to our Embaffadour, 
Say, that the Emperour requefts a parly 
Of warlike Lucius, and appoint the meeting. 

Kiug. Emillius do this meffage Honourably, 
And if he ftand in Hoftage for his fafety, 
Bid him demaund what pledge will pleafe him beft. 

Emill. Your bidding mail I do effectually. Exit. 

Tarn. Now will I to that old Andronicus, 
And temper him with all the Art I haue, 
To plucke proud Lucius from the warlike Gothes. 
And now iweet Emperour be blithe againe, 
And bury all thy feare in my deuifes. 

Satu. Then goe fucceffantly and plead for him. Exit. 



Afius Quintus. 



Flourijh. Enter Lucius with an Army of Gothes, 
with Drum and Souldiers. 

Luci. Approued warriours,and my faithfull Friends, 
I haue receiued Letters from great Rome, 
Which fignifies what hate they beare their Emperour, 
And how defirous of our fight they are. ■ 
Therefore great Lords, be as your Titles witneffe, 
Imperious and impatient of your wrongs, 
And wherein Rome hath done you any fcathe, 
Let him make treble fatiffacYion. 

Goth. Braue flip, fprung from the Great Andronicus, 
Whofe name was once our terrour,now our comfort, 
Whofe high exploits, and honourable Deeds, 
Ingratefull Rome requites with foule contempt: 
3ehold in vs, weele follow where thou lead'ft, 
Like flinging Bees in hotteft Sommers day, 
Led by their Maifter to the flowred fields, 
And be aueng'd on curfed Tamora : 
And as he faith, fo fay we all with him. 

Luci. I humbly thanke him, and I thanke you all. 
But who comeS'heere, led by a lufty Goth ? 

Enter a Goth leading of Aaron with his child 
in his armes. 

Goth. Renowned Lucius, from our troups I ftraid, 
To gaze vpon a ruinous Monafterie, 

And 



48 



The Tragedie of Titus zAndronicus. 



■^nd as I earneftly did fixe mine eye 
"pon the wafted building, fuddainely 
I heard a childe cry vnderneath a wall: 
I made vnto the noyfe, when foone I heard, 
The crying babe control'd with this difcourfe : 
Peace Tawny flaue, halfe me, and halfe thy Dam, 
Did not thy Hue bewray whofe brat thou art? 
Had nature lent thee, but thy Mothers looke, 
Villaine thou might'ft haue bene an Emperour. 
But where the Bull and Cow are both milk-white, 
They neuer do beget a cole-blacke-Calfe : 
Peace, villaine peace, euen thus he rates the babe, 
For I muft beare thee to a trufty Goth, 
Who when he knowes thou art the EmprefTe babe, 
Will hold thee dearely for thy Mothers fake. 
With this, my weapon drawne I rufht vpon him, 
Surpriz'd him fuddainely, and brought him hither 
To vfe,as you thinke neeedefull of the man. 

Luci. Oh worthy Goth, this is the incarnate deuill, 
That rob'd Andronicus of his good hand ; 
This is the Pearle that pleaf'd your EmprefTe eye, 
And heere's the Bafe Fruit of his burning luft. 
Say wall-ey'd flaue, whether would'ft thou conuay 
This growing Image of thy fiend-like face ? 
Why doft not fpeake f what deafe ? Not a word ? 
A halter Souldiers, hang him on this Tree, 
And by his fide his Fruite of Baftardie. 

Aran. Touch not the Boy, he is of Royall blood. 

Luci. Too like the Syre for euer being good. 
Firft hang the Child that he may fee it fprall, 
A fight to vexe the Fathers foule withall. 

Aran. Get me a Ladder Lucius, faue the Childe, 
And beare it from me to the EmprefTe : . 
If thou do this, He fhew thee wondrous things, 
That highly may aduantage thee to heare ; 
If thou wilt not, befall what may befall, 
He fpeake no more : but vengeance rot you all. 

Luci. Say on, and if it pleafe me which thou fpeak'ft, 
Thy child mall liue,and I will fee it Nourimt. 

Aron. And if it pleafe thee ? why allure thee Lucius, 
'Twill vexe thy foule to heare what I fhall fpeake : 
For I muft talke of Murthers,Rapes,and MalTacres, 
Afts of Blacke-night, abhominable Deeds, 
Complots of Mifchiefe,Treafon, Villanies 
Ruthfull to heare, yet pittioufly preform'd, 
And this fhall all be buried by my death, 
Vnleffe thou fweare to me my Childe fhall liue. 

Luci. Tell on thy minde, 
I fay thy Childe mall liue. 

Aron. Sweare that he fhall, and then I will begin. 

Luci. Who fhould I fweare by, 
Thou beleeueft no God, 
That graunted, how can'ft thou beleeue an oath ? 

Aron. What if I do not, as indeed I do not, 
Yet for I know thou art Religious, 
And haft a thing within thee, called Confcience, 
With twenty Popifh trickes and Ceremonies, 
Which I haue feene thee carefull to obferue : 
Therefore 1 vrge thy oath, for that I know 
An Ideot holds his Bauble for a God, 
And keepes the oath which by that God he fweares, 
To that He vrge him : therefore thou fhalt vow 
By that fame God, what God fo ere it be 
That thou adoreft,and haft in reuerence, 
To faue my Boy, to nourifh and bring him vp, 
Ore elfe I will difcouer nought to thee. 



Luci. Euen by my God I fweare to to thee I will. 

Aron. Firft know thou, 
I begot him on the EmprefTe. 

Luci. Oh moft Infatiate luxurious woman ! 

Aron. Tut Lucius, this was but a deed of Charitie, 
Toithat which thou fhalt heare of me anon, 
'Twas her two Sonnes that murdered c BaJfianus, 
They cut thy Sifters tongue, and rauifht her, 
And cut her hands off, and trim'd her as thou faw'ft. 

Lucius. Oh deteftable villaine ! 
Call'it thou that Trimming ? 

Aron. Why fhe was wafht,and cut, and trim'd, 
And 'twas trim fport for them that had the doing of it. 

Luci. Oh barbarous beaftly villaines like thy felfe ! 

*Aron. Indeede, I was their Tutor to inftrucT: them, 
That Codding fpirit had they from their Mother, 
As fure a Card as euer wonne the Set; 
That bloody minde I thinke they learn'd of me, 
As true a Dog as euer fought at head. 
Well, let my Deeds be witnefle of my worth : 
I trayn'd thy Bretheren to that guilefull Hole, 
Where the dead Corps of 'Bajfianus lay : 
I wrote the Letter, that thy Father found, 
And hid the Gold within the Letter mention'd. 
Confederate with the Queene, and her two Sonnes, 
And what not done, that thou haft caufe to rue, 
Wherein I had no ftroke of Mifcheife in it. 
I play'd the Cheater for thy Fathers hand, 
And when I had it, drew my felfe apart, 
Andalmoft broke my heart with extreame laughter. 
I pried me through the Creuice of a Wall, 
When for his hand, he had his two Sonnes heads, 
Beheld his teares, and laught fo hartily, 
That both mine eyes were rainie like to his : 
And when I told the EmprefTe of this fport, 
She founded almoft at my pleafing tale, 
And for my tydings, gaue me twenty kifTes. 

Goth. What canft thou fay all this, and neuer blufh ? 

Aron. I, like a blacke Dogge,as the faying is. 

Luci. Art thou not forry for thefe hainous deedes? 

Aron. I, that I had not done a thoufand more: 
Euen now I curfe the day, and yet I thinke 
Few come within few compafle of my curfe, 
Wherein I did not fome Notorious ill, 
As kill a man, or elfe deuife his death, 
Rauifh a Maid, or plot the way to do it, 
Accufe fome Innocent,and forfweare my felfe, 
Set deadly Enmity betweene two Friends, 
Make pooremens Cattell breake their neckes, 
Set fire on Barnes and Hayftackes in the night, 
And bid the Owners quench them with the teares: 
Oft haue I dig'd vp dead men from their graues, 
And fet them vpright at their deere Friends doore, 
Euen when their forrowes almoft was forgot, 
And on their skinnes, as on the Barke of Trees, 
Haue with my knife earned in Romaine Letters, 
Let not your forrow die, though I am dead. 
Tut, I haue done a thoufand dreadfull things 
As willingly, as one would kill a Fly, 
And nothing greeues me hartily indeede, 
But that I cannot doe ten thoufand more. 

Luci. Bring downe the diuell.for he muft not die 
So fweet a death as hanging prefently. 

Aron. If there be diuels, would I were a deuill, 
To liue and burne in euerlafting fire, 
So I might haue your company in hell, 



646 






The Tr age die of Titus zAndronicus. 



49 



But to torment you with my bitter tongue. 

Luci. Sirs flop his mouth, & let him fpeake no more. 
Enter Emillius. 

Goth. My Lord, there is a Meflenger from Rome 
Defires to be admitted to your prefence. 

Luc. Let him come neere. 
Welcome Bmillius, what the newes from Rome ? 

Emi. Lord Lucius,znd you Princes of the Gothes, 
The Romaine Emperour greetes you all by me, 
And for he vnderftands you are in Armes, 
He craues a parly at your Fathers houfe 
Willing you to demand your Hoftages, 
And they (hall be immediately deliuered. 

Goth. What faies our Generall ? 

Luc. EmiUiui,\zt the Emperour giue his pledges 
Vnto my Father, and my Vncle Marcus, Flourijh. 

And we will come : march away. Exeunt. 

Enter Tamora, and her two Sonnes difguifed. 

Tarn, Thus in this ftrange and fad Habilliament, 
I will encounter with Andronkus, 
And fay,Iam Reuenge fentfrom below, 
To ioyne with him and right his hainous wrongs: 
Knocke at his ftudy where they fay he keepes, 
To ruminate ftrange plots of dire Reuenge, 
Tell him Reuenge is come to ioyne with him, 
And worke confufion on his Enemies. 

Tbey fyioc>\e and Titus opens his ftudy dore. 

Tit. Who doth molleft my Contemplation ? 
Is it your tricke to make me ope the dore, 
That fo my fad decrees may flie away, 
And all my ftudie be to no effeft f 
You are deceiu'd,for what I meane to do, 
See heere in bloody lines I haue fet downe : 
And what is written mail be executed. 

Tarn. Titus,! am come to talke with thee, 

Tit. No not a word : how can I grace my talke, 
Wanting a hand to giue it action, 
Thou haft the ods of me, therefore no more. 

Tarn. If thou did'ft know me, 
Thou would'ft talke with me. 

Tit. I am not mad, I know thee well enough, 
Witnefle this wretched ftump, 
Witnefle thefe crimfon lines, 
Witnefle thefe Trenches made by griefe and care, 
Witnefle the tyring day, andheauie night, 
Witnefle all forro w, that I know thee well 
For our proud Emprefle, Mighty Tamora : 
Is not thy comming for my other hand ? 

Tamo. Know thou fad man, I am not Tamora, 
She is thy Enemie, and I thy Friend, 
I am Reuenge fent from th'infernall Kingdome, 
To eafe the gnawing Vulture of the mind, 
By working wreakefull vengeance on my Foes : 
Come downe and welcome me to this worlds light, 
Conferre with me of Murder and of Death, 
Ther's not a hollow Caue or lurking place, 
No Vaft obfcurity,or Mifty vale, 
Where bloody Murther or detefted Rape, 
Can couch for feare,but I will finde them out, 
And in their eares tell them mydreadfull name, 
Reuenge, which makes the foule offenders quake. 

Tit. Art thou Reuenge.'and art thou fent to me, 
To be a torment to mine Enemies? 

Tarn. I am, therefore come downe and welcome me. 



647 



Tit. Doe me fome feruice ere I come to thee : 
Loe bythyfide where Rape and Murder ftands, 
Now giue fome furance that thou art Reuenge, 
Stab them,orteare them on thy Chariot wheeles, 
And then He come and be thy Waggoner, 
And whirle along with thee about the Globes. 
Prouide thee two proper Palfries,as blacke as let, 
To hale thy vengefull Waggon fwift away, 
And finde out Murder in their guilty cares. 
And when thy Car is loaden with their heads, 
I will difmount,and by the Waggon wheele, 
Trot like a Seruile footeman all day long, 
Euen from Eptons rifing in the Eaft, 
Vntill his very downefall in the Sea. 
And day by day He do this heauy taske, 
So thou deftroy Rapine and Murder there. 

Tarn. Thefe are my Minifters,and come with me. 

Tit. Are them thy Mi/? ifters,what are they call'd ? 

Tarn. Rape and Murder , therefore called fo, 
Caufe they take vengeance of fuch kind of men. 

Tit. Good Lord how like the Emprefle Sons they are, 
And you the Emprefle : But we worldly men, 
Haue miferable mad miftaking eyes : 
Oh fweet Reuenge,now do I come to thee, 
And if one armes imbracement will content thee, 
I will imbrace thee in it by and by. 

Tarn. This clofing with him,fits his Lunacie, 
What ere I forge to feede his braine-ficke fits, 
Do you vphold,and maintaine in your fpeeches, 
For now he firmely takes me for Reuenge, 
And being Credulous in this mad thought, 
lie make him fend for Lucius his Sonne, 
And whil'ft I at a Banquet hold him fure, 
He find fome cunning pradYife out of hand 
To fcatter and difperfe the giddie Gothes, 
Or at the leaft make them his Enemies : 
See heere he comes, and I muft play my theame. 

Tit. Long haue I bene forlorne,and all for thee, 
Welcome dread Fury to my woefull houfe, 
Rapine and Murther, you are welcome too, 
How like the Emprefle and her Sonnes you are. 
Well are you fitted, had you but a Moore, 
Could not all hell afford you fuch a deuill? 
For well I wote the Emprefle neuer wags; 
But in her company there is a Moore, 
And would you reprefent our Queene aright 
It were conuenientyou had fuch a deuill : 
But welcome as you are, what fhall we doe ? 

Tarn. What would'ft thou haue vs doe Andy-omens'* 

Dem. Shewme a Murtherer,Ile deale with him. 
Chi. Shew me a Villaine that hath done a Rape, 
And I am fent to be reueng'd on him. 

Tarn. Shew me a thoufand that haue done thee wrong, 
And He bereuenged on them all. 

Tit. Looke round about the wicked ftreets of Rome, 
And when thou find'ft a man that's like thy felfe, 
Good Murder ftab him,hee's a Murtherer. 
Goe thou with him, and when it is thy hap 
To finde another that is like to thee, 
Good Rapine ftab him, he is a Rauifher. 
Go thou with them, and in the Emperours Court, 
There is a Queene attended by a Moore, 
Well maift thou know her by thy owne proportion, 
For vp and downe me doth refemble thee. 
I pray thee doe on them fome violent death, 
They haue bene violent to me and mine. 



5° 



The Tragedie of Titus ^Andronicus. 



Tarn. Well haft thou lefion"d vs.this fliall we do. 
But would it pleafe thee good Andronicus, 
To fend for Lucius thy thrice Valiant Sonne, 
Who leades towards Rome a Band of Warlike Gothes, 
And bid him come and Banquet at thyhoufe. 
When he is heere,euen at thy Solemne Feaft, 
I will bring in the Empreffe and her Sonnes, 
The Emperour himfelfe,and all thy Foes, 
And at thy mercy mall they ftoop,and kneele, 
And on them malt thou eafe,thy angry heart : 
What faies Andronicui to this deuife ? 






Tit. Marcus my Brother, 'tis fad Titos calls, 
Go gentle Marcus to thy Nephew Lucius, 
Thou (halt enquire him out among the Gothes, 
Bid him repaire to rr.e,and bring with him 
Some of the chiefeft Princes of the Gothes, 
Bid him encampe his Souldiers where they are, 
Tell him the Emperour, and the Empreffe too, 
Feafts at my houfe,and he mall Feaft with them, 
This do thou for my loue, and fo let him, 
As he regards his aged Fathers life. 

<^Mar. This will I do, and foone returne againe. 

Tarn. Now will I hence about thy bufmefle, 
And take my Minifters along with me. 

Tit. Nay, nay, let Rape and Murder ftay with me, 
Or els He call my Brother backe againe, 
And cleaue to no reuenge but Lucius. 

Tarn. What fay you Boyes, will you bide with him, 
Whiles I goe tell my Lord the Emperour, 
How I haue gouern'd our determined ieft? 
Yeeld to his Humour, fmooth and fpeake him faire, 
And tarry with him till I turne againe. 

Tit. I know them all, though they fuppofe me mad, 
And will ore-reach them in their owne deuifes, 
A payre of curfed hell-hounds and their Dam. 

T>em. Madam depart at pleafure, leaue vs heere. 

Tarn. Farewell Andronicus, reuenge now goes 
To lay a complot to betray thy Foes. 

Tit. I know thou doo'ft, and fweet reuenge farewell. 

Chi. Tell vs old man, how mail we be imploy'd ? 

Tit. Tut, I haue worke enough for you to doe, 
Publius come hither, Caius, and Valentine. 

Pub. What is your will ? 

Tit. Know you thefe two ? 

Pub. The Empreffe Sonnes 
I take them, Chiron, Demetrius. 

Titus. Fie Publius, fie, thou art too much deceau'd, 
The one is Murder,Rape is the others name, 
And therefore bind them gentle Tublius, 
Caius, and Valentine, lay hands on them, 
Oft haue you heard me wiih for fuch an houre, 
Andnowl find it, therefore binde them fure, 

£hi. Villaines forbeare, we are the Empreffe Sonnes. 

Tub. And therefore do we, what we are commanded. 
Stop clofe their mouthes,let them not fpeake a word, 
Is he fure bound, looke that you binde them faft. Exeunt. 

Enter Titus Andronicus with a knife, and Lauinia 
with a 'Bajon. 

Tit. Come, come Lauinia, looke, thy Foes are bound, 
Sirs ftop their mouthes,let them not fpeake to me, 
But let them heare what fearefull words I vtter. 



Oh Villaines, Chiron, and Demetrius, 

Here ftands the fpring whom you haue ftain'd with mud, 

This goodly Sommer with your Winter mixt, 

You kil'd her husband, and for that vil'd fault, 

Two of her Brothers were condemn'd to death, 

My hand cut off,and made a merry ieft, 

Both her fweet Hands, her Tongue. and that more deere 

Then Hands or tongue, her fpotleffe Chaftiry, 

Iuhumaine Traytors, you conftrain'd and for'ft. 

What would you fay, if I mould let you fpeake i 

Villaines for fhame you could not beg for grace. 

Harke Wretches, how I meane to martyr you, 

This one Hand yet is left, to cut your throats, 

Whil'ft that Lauinia tweene her flumps doth hold : 

The Bafon that receiues your guilty blood. 

You know your Mother meanes to feaft with me, 

And calls herfelfe Reuenge, and thinkes me mad. 

Harke Villaines, I will grin'd your bones to duft, 

And with your blood and it, He make a Pafte, 

And of the Pafte a Coffen I will reare, 

And make two Parties of your fhamefull Heads, 

And bid that ftrumpet your vnhallowed Dam, 

Like to the earth fwallow her increafe. 

This is the Feaft, that I haue bid her to, 

And this the Banquet fhe mall furfet on, 

For worfe then Philomel you vf d my Daughter, 

And worfe then Progne,\ will be reueng'd, 

And now prepare your throats : Lauinia come. 

Receiue the blood, and when that they are dead, 

Let me goe grin'd their Bones to powder fmall, 

And with this hatefull Liquor temper it, 

And in that Pafte let their vil'd Heads be bakte, 

Come, come, be euery one officious, 

To make this Banket, which I wifh might proue, 

More fterne and bloody then the Centaures Feaft. 

He cuts their throats. 
So now bring rhem in, for He play the Cooke, 
And fee them ready, gainft their Mother comes. Exeunt. 

Enter Lucius, Marcus , and the Gothes. 

Luc. Vnckle Marcus, fince 'tis my Fathers minde 
That I repair to Rome, I am content. 

Goth. And ours with thine befall, what Fortune will. 

Luc. Good Vnckle take you in this barbarous Moore , 
This Rauenous Tiger, this accurfed deuill, 
Let him receiue no fuftenance, fetter him, 
Till he be brought vnto the Emperous face, 
For teftimony of her foule proceedings. 
And fee the Ambufh of our Friends be ftrong, 
If ere the Emperour meanes no good to vs, 

Aron. Some deuill whifper curfes in my eare, 
And prompt me that my tongue may vtter for th, 
The Venemous Mallice of my fwelling heart. 

Luc. Away Inhumaine Dogge, Vnhallowed Slaue, 
Sirs, helpe our Vnckle, to conuey him in, F/ouri/b. 

The Trumpets fhew the Emperour is at hand. 

Sound Trumpets. Enter Emperour and Empreffe , with 
Tribunes and others. 

Sat. What, hath the Firemament more Suns then one? 

Luc. What bootes it thee to call thy felfe a Sunne ? 

Mar. Romes Emperour & Nephewe breake the parle 
Thefe quarrels muft be quietly debated, 
The Feaft is ready which thecaremll Titus, 

Hath 



The Tragedie of Titus ^Andronicus. 



5 1 



Hath ordained to an Honourable end, 

For Peace, for Loue,for League, and good to Rome : 

Pleafe you therfure draw nie and take your places. 

Satur . Marcus we will. Hoboyes. 

A Table brought in. 
Enter Titus Ulfe a Cooke , placing the meat on 
the Table, and Lauinia with a vale ouer her face. 

Titus. Welcome my gracious Lord, 
Welcome Dread Queene, 
Welcome ye Warlike Gothes, welcome Lucius, 
And welcome alhalthough the cheere be poore, 
'Twill fill your ftomacks, pleafe you eat of it. 

Sat. Why art thou thus attir'd Andronicus ? 

Tit. Becaufe I would be fure to haue all well, 
To entertaine your Highneffe, and your Empreffe. 

Tarn. We are beholding to you good Andronicus? 

Tit. And if your Highneffe knew my heart, you were: 
My Lord the Emperour refolue me this, 
Was it well done of raft Virginius, 
To flay his daughter with his owne right hand, 
Becaufe fhe was enfor'ft, ftain'd, and deflowr'd ? 

Satur. It was Andronicus. 

Tit. Your reafon, Mighty Lord ? 

Sat. Becaufe the Girle, fnould not furuine her fhame, 
And by her prefence ftill renew his forrowes. 

Tit. A reafon mighty, ftrong, and effe&uall, 
A patterne, prefident,and liuelv warrant, 
For me(moft wretched) to performe the like: 
Die, die, Lauinia, and thy fhame with thee, 
And with thy mame,thy Fathers forrow die. 

He {Us her. 

Sat. What haft done, vnnaturall and vnkinde ? 
Tit. Kil'd her for whom my teares haue made me blind. 
I am as wofull as Virginius was, 
And haue a thoufand times more caufe then he. 

Sat. What was me rauifht ? tell who did the deed, 

Tit. Wilt pleafe you eat, 
Wilt pleafe yourHigneffe feed ? 

Tarn. Why haft thou flaine thine onely Daughter? 

Titus. Not I, 'twas Chiron and Demetrius, 
They rauifht her, and cut away her tongue, 
And they, 'twas they, that did her all this wrong. 

Satu. Go fetch them hitherto vs prefently. 

Tit. Why there they are both, baked in that Pie, 
Whereof their Mother dantily hath fed, 
Eating the flefh that me herfelfe hath bred. 
'Tis true, 'tis true,witneffe my kniues fharpe point. 

He Jiabs the Empreffe. 
Satu. Die franticke wretch, for this accurfed deed. 

Luc. Can the Sonnes eye, behold his Father bleed ? 
There's meede for meede, death for a deadly deed. 

Mar. You fad fac'd men, people and Sonnes of Rome, 
By vprores feuer'd like a flight of Fowle, 
Scattred by windes and high tempeftuous gufts : 
Oh let me teach you how, to knit againe 
This fcattred Corne,into one mutuall meafe, 
Thefe broken limbs againe into one body. 

Goth. Let Rome herfelfe be bane vnto herfelfe, 
And mee whom mightie kingdomes curfie too, 
Like a forlorne and defperate caftaway, 
Doe fhamefull execution on her felfe. 
But if my froftie fignes and chaps of age, 
Graue witneffes of true experience, 
Cannot induce you to attend my words, 
Speake Romes deere friend, as'erft our Aunceftor, 



649 



When with his folemne tongue he did difcourfe 

To loue-ficke Didoes fad attending eare, 

The ftory of that balefull burning night, 

When fubtilGreekes furpriz'd King Priams Troy: 

Tell vs what Sinon hath bewicht our eares, 

Or who hath brought the fatall engine,in, 

That giues our Troy, our Rome the ciuill wound. 

My heart is not compact of flint nor fteele, 

Nor can I vtter all our bitter griefe, 

But floods of teares will drowne my Oratorie, 

And breake my very vttrance,euen in the time 

When it fhould moue you to attend me moft, 

Lending your kind hand Commiferation. 

Heere is a Captaine,let him tell the tale, 

Your hearts will throb and weepe to heare him fpeake. 

Luc. This Noble Auditory, be it knowne to you, 
That curfed Qhiron and Demetrius . 
Were they that murdred our Emperours Brother, 
And they it were that rauifhed our Sifter, 
For their fell faults our Brothers were beheaded, 
Our Fathers teares defpif 'd, and bafely coufen'd, 
Of that true hand that fought Romes quarrell out, 
And fent her enemies vnto the graue. 
Laftly, my felfe vnkindly banifhed, 
The gates fliut on me, and turn'd weeping out, 
To beg reliefe among Romes Enemies, 
Who drown'd their enmity in my true teares, 
And op'd their armes to imbrace me as a Friend : 
And I am turned forth, be it knowne to you, 
That haue preferu'd her welfare in my blood, 
And from her bofome tooke the Enemies point, 
Sheathing the fteele in my aduentrous body. 
Alas you know, I am no Vaunter I, 
My fears can witneffe,dumbe although they are, 
That my report is iuft and full of truth: 
But foft,me thinkes I do digreffe too much, 
Cyting my worthleffe praife:Oh pardon me, 
For when no Friends are by, men praife themfelues, 

Marc. Now is my turne to fpeake: Behold this Child, 
Of this was Tamora deliuered, 
The iffue of an Irreligious Moore, 
Chiefe Architect and plotter of thefe woes, 
The Villaine is aliue in Titus houfe, 
And as he is, to witneffe this is true. 
Now iudge what courfe had Titus to reuenge 
Thefe wrongs, vnfpeakeable paft patience, 
Or more then any liuing man could beare. 
Now you haue heard the truth, what fay you Romaines ? 
Haue we done ought amiffe ? fhew vs wherein, 
And from the place where you behold vs now, 
The poore remainder of Andronici, 
Will hand in hand all headlong caft vs downe, 
And on the ragged ftones beat forth our braines, 
And make a mutuall clofure of our houfe : 
Speake Romaines fpeake, and if you fay we fhall, 
Loe hand in hand, Lucius and I will fall. 

Smilli. Come come, thou reuerent man of Rome, 
And bring our Emperour gently in thy hand, 
Lucius our Emperour :for well I know, 
The common voyce do cry it fhall be fo. 

Mar. Lucius,M haile Romes Royall Emperour, 
Goe, goe into old Titus forrowfull houfe, 
And hither hale that misbelieuing Moore, 
To be adiudg'd fome direfull flaughtering death, 
As punifhment for his moft wicked life. 
Lucius all haile to Romes gracious Gouernour. 

e e 2 Lucius 



5 2 



The Tragedie of Titus t/Lndronicus. 



Luc. Thankes gentle Romanes, may I gouerne fo, 
To heale Romes harmes, and wipe away her woe. 
But gentle people, giue me ayme a-while, 
For Nature puts me to a heauy taske : 
Stand all aloofe, but Vnckle draw you neere, 
To med obfequious teares vpon this Trunke : 
Oh take this warme kifle on thy pale cold lips, 
Thefe forrowfull drops vpon thy bloud-flaine face, 
The laft true Duties of thy Noble Sonne. 

Mar. Teare for teare,and louing kifle for kifle, 
Thy Brother Marcus tenders on thy Lips : 
O were the fumme of thefe that I mould pay 
Countleffe, and infinit, yet would I pay them. 

Luc. Come hither Boy, come,come,and learne of vs 
To melt in mowres : thy Grandfire lou'd thee well : 
Many a time he danc'd thee on his knee : 
Sung thee afleepe, his Louing Breft, thy Pillow : 
Many a matter hath he told to thee, 
jMeete, and agreeing with thine Infancie : 
n that refpect then, like a louing Childe, 
^hed yet fome fmall drops from thy tender Spring, 
Becaufe kinde Nature doth require it fo: 
Friends, mould aflbciate Friends, in Greefe and Wo. 
Bid him farwell, commit him to the Graue, 
Do him that kindnefle, and take leaue of him. 

'Boy. O Grandfire, Grandfire : euen with all my heart 
Would I were Dead,fo you did Liue againe. 
O Lord, I cannot fpeake to him for weeping, 
My teares will choake me, if I ope my mouth. 



Romans. You fad Andronici, haue done with woes, 
Giue fentence on this execrable Wretch, 
That hath beene breeder of thefe dire euents. 

Luc. Set him breft deepe in earth, and famim him: 
There let him ftand,and raue,and cry for foode : 
If any one releeues, or pitties him, 
For the offence, he dyes. This is our doome: 
Some ftay, to fee him faft'ned in the earth. 

Aron. O why mould wrath be mute,& Fury dumbe? 
I am no Baby I, that with bafe Prayers 
I mould repent the Euils I haue done. 
Ten thoufand worfe, then euer yet I did, 
Would I performe if I might haue my will : 
If one good Deed in all my life I did, 
I do repent it from my very Soule. 

Lucius. Some louing Friends conuey the Emp. hence, 
And giue him buriall in his Fathers graue. 
My Father, and Lauinia, mail forthwith 
Be clofed in our Houfholds Monument : 
As for that heynous Tyger Tamora, 
No Funerall Rite, nor man in mournfull Weeds:] 
No mournfull Bell mall ring her Buriall : 
But throw her foorth to Beafts and Birds of prey : 
Her life was Beaft-like, and deuoid of pitty, 
And being fo, mall haue like want of pitty. 
See Iuftice done on <Aaron that damn'd Moore, 
From whom, our heauy happes had their beginning : 
Then afterwards, to Order well the State, 
That like Euents, may ne're it Ruinate. Exeunt omnes. 



FINIS. 




53 




THE TRAGEDIE OF 

ROMEO and IVLIET. 



aA5lus Primus. Sccena ^Prima. 



Enter Sampfon and Gregory, with Swords 
of the Houfe of Capulet. 



Buckjers, 



Sampfon. 
Regory : A my word wee'l not carry coales. 
Greg. No, for then we fhould be Colliars. 
Samp. I mean, ifwe be in choller, wee'l draw. 
Greg. I, While you liue, draw your necke out 
o'th Collar. 

Samp. I ftrike quickly, being mou'd. 

Greg. But thou art not quickly mou'd to ftrike. 

Samp. A dog of the houfe of Mountague, moues me. 

Greg. To moue,is to ftir: and to be valiant, is to ftand: 
Therefore, if thou art mou'd, thou runft away. 

Samp. A dogge of that houfe fhall moue me to ftand. 
I will take the wall of any Man or Maid of Mountagues. 

Greg. That fhewes thee a weake flaue, for the wea- 
keft goes to the wall. 

Samp. True, and therefore women being the weaker 
Veffels, are euer thruft to the wall : therefore I will puih 
Mountagues men from the wall, and thruft his Maides to 
the wall. (their men. 

Greg. The Qnarrell is betweene our Mafters, and vs 

Samp. 'Tis all one, I will fhew my felfe a tyrant:when 
I haue fought with the men, I will bee ciuill with the 
Maids, and cut off their heads. 

Greg. The heads of the Maids/ 

&z».I,the heads of the Maids, or their Maiden-heads, 
Take it in what fence thou wilt. 

Greg. They muft take it fence, that feele it. 

Samp. Me they fhall feele while I am able to ftand : 
And 'tis knowne I am a pretty peece of fleih. 



"■eg- 



'Tis well thou art not Filh : If thou had'ft, thou 



had'ft beene poore John. Draw thy Toole, here comes of 
the Houfe of the o^tountagues. 

Enter two other Seruingmen. 

Sam.My naked weapon is out: quarrel, I wil back thee 

Gre. How? Turne thy backe,and run. 

Sam. Feare me not. 

Gre. No marry : I feare thee. 

Sam. Let vs take the Law of our fides: let them begin. 

Gr.l wil frown as I pafie by,& let the take it as they lift 

Sam. Nay, as they dare. I wil bite my Thumb at them, 
which is a difgrace to them, if they beare it. 

Abra. Do you bite your Thumbe at vs fir ? 

Samp. I do bite my Thumbe, fir. 

Abra. Do you bite your Thumb at vs, fir? 

Sam. Is the Law of our fide, if I fay I ? Gre. No. 



651 



Sam, No fir, I do not bite my Thumbe at you fir : but 
I bite my Thumbe fir. 

Greg. Do you quarrell fir ? 

Abra. Quarrell fir? no fir. (as you 

Sam. If you do fir, I am for you, I ferue as good a man 

Abra. No better ? Samp. Well fir. 

Enter <Benuolio. 

Gr. Say better: here comes one of my mafters kinfmen. 

Samp. Yes, better. 

Abra. You Lye. 

Samp. Draw if you be men. Gregory, remember thy 
wafhing blow. They Fight. 

Ben. Part Fooles,put vp your Swords, you know not 
what you do. 

Enter T,balt. 

Tyb. What art thou drawne, among thefe heartlefle 
Hindes? Turne thee TSenuolio,looke vpon thy death. 

Ben. I do but keepe the peace, put vp thy Sword, 
Or manage it to part thefe men with me. 

Tyb. What draw, and talke of peace? I hate the word 
As I hate hell, all Mountagues, and thee: 
Haue at thee Coward. Fight. 

Enter three or four e Citizens with Clubs. 

Offi. Clubs, Bils, and Partifons, ftrike, beat them down 
Downe with the Capulets, downe with the Mountagues. 
Enter old Capulet in his Gowne,and his wife. 

Cap. What noife is this?Giue me my long Sword ho. 

Wife. A crutch, a crutch : why call you for a Sword ? 

Cap. My Sword I fay : Old Mountague is come, 
And flourishes his Blade in fpight of me. 

Enter old Mountague ,& his ■wife. 

Moun.Thou villaine Capulet. Hold me not, let me go 

z.Wife. Thou fhalt not ftir a foote to feeke a Foe. 
Enter Prince Bskales, with his Traine. 

Prince. Rebellious Subiedts, Enemies to peace, 
Prophaners of this Neighbor-ftained Steele, 
Will they not heare? What hoe, you Men, you Beafts, 
That quench the fire of your pernitious Rage, 
With purple Fountaines ifiuing from your Veines : 
On paine of Torture, from thofe bloody hands 
Throw your miftemper'd Weapons to the ground, 
And heare the Sentence of your mooued Prince. 
Three ciuill Broyles, bred of an Ayery word, 
By thee old Capulet and Mountague, 
Haue thrice difturb'd the quiet of our ftreets, 
And made Verona's, ancient Citizens 
Caft by their Graue befeeming Ornaments, 
To wield old Partizans, in hands as old, 

e e 3 Cankred 



54 



The Tr age die of "Borneo and Juliet. 



Cankred with peace, to part your Cankred hate, 

If euer you difturbe our ftreets againe, 

Your liues (hall pay the forfeit of the peace. 

For this time all the reft depart away : 

You Cafulet (hall goe along with me, 

And Mountague come you this afternoone, 

To know our Fathers pleafure in this cafe : 

To old Free-towne,our common Judgement place: 

Once more on paine of death, all men depart. Exeunt. 

Moun. Who fet this auncient quarrell new abroach? 
Speake Nephew, were you by, when it began: 

Ben. Heere were the feruants of your aduerfarie, 
And yours clofe fighting ere I did approach, 
I drew to part them, in the inftant came 
The fiery Tibalt, with his fword prepar'd, 
Which as he breath'd defiance to my eares, 
He fwong about his head, and cut the windes, 
Who nothing hurt withall,hift him in fcorne. 
While We were enterchanging thrufts and blowes, 
Came more and more, and fought on part and part, 
Till the Prince came, who parted either part. 

Wife. O where is Romeo,Czw you him to day? 
Right glad am I, he was not at this fray. 

Ben. Madam, an houre before the worlhipt Sun 
Peer'd forth the golden window of the Eaft, 
A troubled mind draue me to walke abroad, 
Where vnderneath the groue of Sycamour, 
That Weft-ward rooteth from this City fide : 
So earely walking did I fee your Sonne : 
Towards him I made, but he was ware of me, 
And ftole into the couert of the wood, 
I meafuring his affecYions by my owne, 
Which then moft fought, wher moft might not be found: 
Being one too many by my weary felfe, 
Purfued my Honour, not purfuing his 
And gladly (hunn'd, who gladly fled from me. 

Mount. Many a morning hath he there beene (eene, 
With teares augmenting the frelh mornings deaw, 
Adding to cloudes, more cloudes with his deepe fighes, 
But all fo fooneas the all-cheering Sunne, 
Should in the fartheft Eaft begin to draw 
The fhadie Curtaines from Aurorai bed, 
Away from light fteales home my heauy Sonne, 
And priuate in his Chamber pennes himfelfe, 
Shuts vp his windowes,lockes faire day-light out, 
And makes himfelfe an artificiall night: 
Blacke and portendous muft this humour proue, 
Vnleffe good counfell may the caufe remoue. 

Ben. My Noble Vncle doe you know the caufe ? 

Main. I neither know it, nor can learne of him. 

'Ben. Haue you importun'd him by any meanes ? 

Maun. Both by my felfe and many others Friends, 
But he his owne affecYions counfeller, 
Js to himfelfef I will not fay how true) 
But to himfelfe fo fecret and fo clofe, 
So farre from founding and difcouery, 
As is the bud bit with an enuious worme, 
Ere he can fpread his fweete leaues to the ayre, 
Or dedicate his beauty to the fame. 
Could we but learne from whence his forrowes grow, 
We would as willingly giue cure, as know. 
Enter Romeo. 

Be n See where he comes, fo pleafe you ftep afide, 
He know his greeuance, or be much denide. 

Moun. I would thou, wert fo happy by thy ftay, 
To heare true flirift. Come Madam let's away. Exeunt. 



'Ben. Good morrow Coufin. 

Rom. Is the day fo young? 

Ben, But new ftrooke nine. 

Rom. Aye me, fad houres feeme long: 
Was that my Father that went henec fo faft ? 

'Ben. It was : what fadnes lengthens Romeo^s houres ? 

Ro. Not hauing that, which hauing, makes them (hort 

Ben. In loue. 

Romeo. Out. 

Ben. Of loue. 

Rom. Out of her fauour where I am in loue. 

'Ben. Alas that loue fo gentle in his view, 
Should be fo tyrannous and rough in proofe. 

Rom. Alas that loue, whofe view is muffled ftill, 
Should without eyes,fee path-wayes to his will: 
Where (hall we dine? O me : what fray was heere? 
Yet tell me not, fori haue heard it all: 
Heere 's much to do with hate, but more with loue: 
Why then,0 brawling loue,0 louing hate, 
O any thing,of nothing firft created : 
O heauie lightneffe,ferious vanity, 
Mifhapen Chaos of welfeeing formes, 
Feather of lead, bright fmoake, cold fire,ficke health, 
Still waking fleepe, that is not what it is : 
This loue feele I, that feele no loue in this. 
Doeft thou not laugh f 

'Ben. No Coze, I rather weepe. 

Rom. Good heart, at what ? 

'Ben. At thy good hearts opprefsion. 

Rom. Why fuch is loues tranfg refsion. 
Griefes of mine owne lie heauie in my breaft, 
Which thou wilt propagate to haue it preaft 
With more of thine, this loue that thou haft (howne, 
Doth adde more griefe,to too much of mine owne. 
Loue, is a fmoake made with the fume of fighes, 
Being purg'd, a fire fparkling in Louers eyes, 
Being vext,a Sea nouriftitwith louing teares, 
What is it elfe ? a madneffe, moft difcreet, 
A choking gall, and a preferuing fweet : 
Farewell my Coze. 

Ben. Soft I will goe along. 
And if you leaue me fo,you do me wrong. 

Rom. Tut I haue loft my felfe, I am not here, 
This is not Romeo, hee's fome other where. 

Ben. Tell me in fadneffe, who is that you loue? 

Rom. What fhall I grone and tell thee ? 

Ben. Grone, why no : but fadly tell me who. 

''Rom. A ficke man in fadneffe makes his will : 
A word ill vrg'd to one that is fo ill: 
In fadneffe Cozin,I do loue a woman. 

'Ben. I aym'd fo ^leare, when I fuppof'd you lou'd. 

Rom. A right good marke man, and fhee's faire I loue 

Ben. A right faire marke,faire Coze, is fooneft hit. 

Rom. Well in that hit you miffe,(heel not be hit 
With Cupids arrow, (he hath Dians wit : 
And in ftrong proofe of chaftity well arm'd: 
From loues weake childilh Bow, (he liues vncharm'd. 
Shee will not ftay the fiege of louing tearmes, 
Nor bid th'incounter of affailing eyes. 
Nor open her lap to Sainft-feducing Gold : 
O (he is rich in beautie.onely poore, 
That when (he dies, with beautie dies her (tore. 

Ben. Then (he hath fworne, that (he will ftill liue chad ? 

Rom. She hath, and in that fparing make huge waft? 
For beauty fteru'd with her feuerity, 
Cuts beautv off" from all pofteritie. 

Sh e 

6ji 






The Tragedie of c Romeo and luliet. 



55 



She is too faire,too wifewi : fely too faire, 
To merit bliffe by making me difpaire : 
She hath forfworne to loue, and in that vow 
Do I liue dead, that liue to tell it now. 

'Ben. Be rul'd by me, forget to thinke ofher. 

Rom. O teach me how I mould forget to thinke. 

Ben. By giuing liberty vnto thine eyes, 
Examine other beauties, 

iJc.'Tis the way to cal hers(exquifit)in queftion more, 
Thefe happy maskes that kiffe faire Ladies browes, 
Being blacke,puts vs in mind they hide the faire : 
He that is ftrooken blind, cannot forget 
The precious treafure ofhis eye-fight loft : 
She w me a Miftreffe that is paffing faire, 
What doth her beauty ferue but as a note, 
Where I may read who paft that paffing faire. 
Farewell thou can'ft not teach me to forget, 

'Ben. lie pay that doctrine, or elfe die in debt. Exeunt 
Enter Capulet ,Countie Paris, and the Clovne. 

Capu. <iMountague is bound as well as I, 
In penalty alike, and 'tis not hard I thinke, 
For men fo old as wee, to keepe the peace. 

far. Of Honourable reckoning are you both, 
And pittie 'tis you liu'd at ods fo long: 
But now my Lord, what fay you to my fute ? 

Capu. But faying ore what I haue faid before, 
My Child is yet a ftranger in the world, 
Shee hath not feene the change offourteene yeares, 
Let two more Summers wither in their pride, 
Ere we may thinke her ripe to be a Bride. 

Pari. Younger then (he, are happy mothers made. 

Capu. And too foone mar'd are thofe fo early made : 
Earth hath fwallowed all my hopes but (he, 
Shee's the hopefull Lady of my earth: 
But wooe her gentle 2W»,get her heart, 
My will to her confent, is but a part, 
And (hee agree, within her fcope of choife, 
Lyes my confent,and faire according voice : 
This night I hold an old accuftom'd Feaft, 
Whereto I haue inuited many a Gueft, 
Such as Iloue,and you among the ftore, 
One more,moft welcome makes my number more : 
At my poore houfe,looke to behold this night, 
Earth-treading ftarres,that make darke heauen light, 
Such comfort as do lufty young men feele, 
When well apparrel'd Aprill on the heele 
Of limping Winter treads, euen fuch delight 
Among frefh Fennell buds (hall you this night 
Inherit atmy houfe: heare all, all fee : 
And like her moft, whofe merit moft (hall be : . 
Which one more veiw, of many, mine being one, 
May ftand in number, though in reckning none. 
Come,goe with me; goe firrah trudge about, 
Through faire Verona, find thofe perfons our, 
Whofe names are written there, and to them fay, 
My houfe and welcome, on their pleafure ftay. Exit . 

Ser. Find them out whofe names are written. Heere it 
is written, that the Shoo-maker (hould meddle with his 
Yard, and the Tayler with his Laft, the Fiftier with his 
Penfill, and the Painter with his Nets. But I am fent to 
find thofe perfons whofe names are writ,& can neuer find 
what names the writing perfon hath here writl( I muft to 
the learned) in good time. 

Enter c Benuolio , and c Romeo. 

Ben. Tut man, one fire burnes out anothers burning, 
Onepaine is lefned by anothers anguifh : 



653 



Turne giddie,and be holpe by backward turning : 
One defparate greefe, cures with anothers lauguifh : 
Take thou fome new infection to the eye, 
And the rank poyfon of the old wil die. 

<: Rom. Your Plantan leafe is excellent for that. 

'Ben. For what I pray thee i 

Rom. For your broken fhin. 

^Ben. Why Romeo art thou mad ? 

Rom. Not mad, but bound more then a mad man is: 
Shut vp in prifon,kept without my foode, 
Whipt and tormented : and Godden good fellow, 

Ser. Godgigoden,I pray fir can you read? 

Rom. I mine owne fortune in my miferie. 

Ser. Perhaps you haue learn'd it without booke : 
But I pray can you read any thing you fee? 

Rom. I, if I know the Letters and the Language. 

Ser. Ye fay honeftly,reft you merry. 

Rom. Stay fellow,I can read. 

He reades the Letter. 

SEigneur Martino, and his wife and daughter : County An - 
felme and his beautious Jijlers : the Lady nriddow ofXJtru- 
uio, Seigneur Placentio ,and his louely Neeces : Mercutio and 
his brother Valentine : mine -vncle Capulet his -wife and daugh- 
ters : my faire Neece Rofaline ,Liuia , Seigneur Valentio,& his 
Cofen Tybalt : Lucio and the liuely Helena. 
A faire affembly, whither (hould they come? 

Ser. Vp. 

Rom. Whither? to fupper? 

Ser. To our houfe. 

Rom. Whofe houfe ? 

Ser. My Maifters. 

Rom. Indeed I mould haue asktyou that before. 

Ser. Now He tell you without asking. My maifter is 
the great rich Capulet, and if you be not of the houfe of 
Mountagues I pray come and crufh a cup ,of wine. Reft 
you merry. Exit. 

Ben. At this fame auncient Feaft of Capulets 
Sups the faire %ofaline, whom thou fo loues : 
With all the admired Beauties of Verona, 
Go thither and with vnattainted eye, 
Compare her face with fome that I mail fhow, 
And I will make thee thinke thy Swan a Crow. 

Rom. When the deuout religion of mine eye 
Maintaines fuch falihood,then turne teares to fire : 
And thefe who often drown'd could neuer die, 
Tranfparent Heretiques be burnt for Hers. 
One fairer then my loue : the all-feeing Sun 
Nere faw her match, fince firft the world begun. 

Ben. Tut, you faw her faire, none elfe being by, 
Herfelfe poyf'd with herfelfe in either eye : 
But in that Chriftall fcales.let there be vvaid, 
Your Ladies loue againft fome other Maid 
That I will mow you, mining at this Feaft, - 
And (he (hew fcant (hell, well, that now ftiewes bed. 

Rom. He goe along,no fuch fight to be fhowne, 
But to reioyce in fplendor of mine owne. 

Enter Capulets Wife and Nurfe. 

Wife Nurfe wher's my daughter? call her forth to me. 

Nurfe. Now by my Maidenhead, at twelue yeare old 
I bad her come, what Lamb : what Ladi-bird, God forbid, 
Where's this Girle ? what luliet ? 
Enter luliet. 

luliet. How now, who calls? 

Nur. Your Mother. 

luliet. Madam I am heere, what is your will i 

Wife. This is the matter : Nurfe giue leaue awhile, w e 

muft 



56 



The Tr age die of^Romeo and Juliet. 



muft talke in fecret. Nurfe come backe againe,I haue re- 
membred me,thou'fe heare our counfell. Thou knoweft 
my daughter's of a prety age. 

Nurfe. Faith I can tell her age vnto an houre. 

Wife. Shee's not fourteene. 

Nurfe. He lay fourteene of my teeth, 
And yet to my teene be it fpoken, 
I haue but foure, fhee's not fourteene. 
How long is it now to Lammas tide ? 

Wife. A fortnight and odde dayes. 

Nurfe. Euen or odde, of all daies in the yeare come 
Lammas Eue at night ihall fhe be fourteene. Sufan & ihe, 
God reft all Chriftian foules, were of an age. Well Sufan 
is with God, fhe was too good for me. But as I faid, on La- 
mas Eue at night fhall me be fourteene, that mall ihe ma- 
rie,! remember it well. 'Tis fince the Earth-quake now 
eleuen yeares,and fhe was wean'd I neuer mall forget it, 
of all the daies of the yeare, vpon that day ; for I had then 
laid Worme-wood to my Dug fitting in the Sunne vnder 
the Douehoufe wall, my Lord and you were then at 
Mantua, nay I doe beare a braine. But as I faid, when it 
did taft the Worme-wood on the nipple of my Dugge, 
and felt it bitter,pretty foole,to fee it teachie, and fall out 
with the Dugge, Shake quoth the Doue-houfe, 'twas no 
neede I trow to bid mee trudge : and fince that time it is 
a eleuen yeares,for then fhe could ftand alone, nay bi'th' 
roode fhe could haue runne,& wadled all about : for euen 
the day before fhe broke her brow, & then my Husband 
God be with his foule, a was a merrie man, tooke vp the 
Child, yea quoth hee,doeft thou fall vpon thy face ? thou 
wilt fall backeward when thou haft more wit, wilt thou 
not Iule ? And by my holy-dam, the pretty wretch lefce 
crying,& faid I : to fee now how a left fhall come about. 
I warrant,& I Ihall liue a thoufand yeares, I neuer mould 
forget it : wilt thou not Met quoth he? and pretty foole it 
ftinted,and faid I. 

Old La. Inough of this, I pray thee hold thy peace. 

Nurfe. Yes Madam,yet I cannot chufe but laugh, to 
thinke it mould leaue crying, & fay I : and yet I warrant 
it had vpon it brow, a bumpe as big as a young Cockrels 
ftone? A perilous knock, and it cryed bitterly. Yea quoth 
my husband, fall'ft vpon thy face, thou wilt fall back- 
ward when thou commeft to age : wilt thou not lulel It 
ftinted:and faid I. 

Iule. And ftint thou too, I pray thee Nurfe,fay I. 

Nur. Peace I haue done:God marke thee too his grace 
thou waft the prettieft Babe that ere I nurft, and I might 
liue to fee thee married once, I haue my wifh. 

Old La. Marry that marry is the very theame 
I came to talke of, tell me daughter Iuliet, 
How ftands your difpofition to be Married? 

lull. It is an houre that I dreame not of. 

Nur. An houre, were not I thine onely Nurfe, I would 
fay thou had'ft fuckt wifedome from thy teat. 

Old La.Well thinke of marriage now,yonger then you 
Heere in Verona, Ladies of efteeme, 
Are made already Mothers. By my count 
I was your Mother, much vpon thefe yeares 
That you are now a Maide,thus then in briefe : 
The valiant "Saris feekes you for his loue. 

Nurfe. A man young Lady, Lady, fuch a man as all 
the world. Why hee'saman of waxe. 

Old La. Veronas Summer hath not fuch a flower. 

Nurfe. Nay hee's a flower,infaith a very flower. 

Old La: What fay you, can you loue the Gentleman? 
This night you ihall behold him at our Feaft, 



Read ore the volume of young Paris face, 

And find delight, writ there with Beauties pen: 

Examine euery feuerall liniament, 

And fee how one another lends content: 

And what obfcur'd in this faire volume lies, 

Find written in the Margent of his eyes. 

This precious Booke of Loue, this vnbound Louer, 

To Beautifie him, onely lacks a Couer. 

The fifh liues in the Sea, and 'tis much pride 

For faire without, the faire within to hide: 

That Booke in manies eyes doth ihare the glorie, 

That in Gold clafpes,Lockes in the Golden ftorie : 

So ihall you ihare all that he doth pofTeffe, 

By hauing him, making your felfe no lefle. 

Nurfe. No lefTe,nay biggenwomen grow by men. 

Old La. Speake briefly,can you like ofParis loue i 

lull. He looke to like,if looking liking moue. 
But no more deepe will I endart mine eye, 
Then your confent giues ftrength to make flye. 
Enter a Seruing man. 
Ser. Madam, the guefts are come, fupper feru'd vp,you 
cal'd,my young Lady askt for, the Nurfe cur'ft in the Pan- 
tery,and euery thing in extremitie : I muft hence to wait, I 
befeech you follow ftraight. Exit. 

izMo, We follow thee,Iuliet , the Countie ftaies. 
Nurfe. Goe Gyrle,feeke happ'ie nights to happy daies. 
Exeunt . 
Enter Romeo,zMercutio,BenuoHo,Ttith fine or fixe 
other Maskers, Torch-bearers. 
Rom. What (hall this fpeeh be fpoke for our excufe i 
Or ihall we on without Apologie? 

'Sen. The date is out of fuch prolixitie, 
Weele haue no Cufid,hood winkt with a skarfe, 
Bearing a Tartars painted Bow of lath, 
Skaring the Ladies like a Crow-keeper. 
But let them meafure vs by what they will. 
Weele meafure them a Meafure, and be gone. 

Rom. Giue me a Torch, I am not for this ambling. 
Being but heauy I will beare the light. 

Mer. Nay gentle Romeo,we muft haue you dance. 

Rom. Not I beleeue me,you haue dancing ihooes 
With nimble foles,I haue a foale of Lead 
So ftakes me to the ground, I cannot moue. 

<JVLer. You are a Louer, borrow Cupids wings, 
And foare with them aboue a common bound. 

Rom. I am too fore enpearced with his ihaft, 
To foare with his light feathers,and to bound : 
I cannot bound a pitch aboue dull woe, 
Vnder loues heauy burthen doe I finke. 

Hora. And to finke in it ihould you burthen loue, 
Too great oppreflion for a tender thing. 

Rom. Is loue a tender thing ? it is too rough, 
Too rude, too boyfterous,and it pricks like thorne. 

<tMer. If loue be rough with you, be rough with loue, 
Pricke loue for pricking,and you beat loue downe, 
Giue me a Cafe to put my vifage in, 
A Vifor for a Vifor, what care I 
What curious eye doth quote deformities: 
Here are the Beetle-browes ihall bluih for me. 

Ben. Come knocke and enter, and no foonerin, 
But euery man betake him to his legs. 

Rom. A Torch for me, let wantons light of heart 
Tickle the fenceleffe ruihes with their heeles : 
For I am prouerb'd with a Grandfier Phrafe, 
He be a Candle-holder and looke on, 
The game was nere fo faire, and 1 am done. 

Mer. Tut , 
6S4~~ 



The Tr age die of Borneo and Juliet. 



57 



Mer. Tut, duns the Moufe, the Conftables owne word, 
" thou art dun,weele draw thee from the mire. 
Or faue your reuerence loue, wherein thou ftickeft 
Vp to the eares, come we burne day -light ho. 

Rom. Nay that's not fo. 

Mer. I meane fir I delay, 
We waft our lights in vaine, lights, lights, by day; 
Take our good meaning, for our Iudgement fits 
Fiue times in that, ere once in our fine wits. 

Rom. And we meane well in going to this Maske, 
But 'tis no wit to go. 

cMer. Why may one aske ? 

Rom. I dreampt a dreame to night. 

*Mer, And fo did I. 

Rom. Well what was yours ? 

cMer. That dreamers often lye. 

£j>. In bed a fleepe while they do dreame things true. 

Mer. O then I fee Queene Mab hath beene with you : 
She is the Fairies Midwife, & /he comes in mape no big- 
ger then Agat-ftone, on the fore-finger of an Alderman, 
drawne with a teeme of little Atomies, ouer mensnofes as 
they lie afieepe : her Waggon Spokes made of long Spin- 
ners legs : the Couer of the wings of Gralhoppers, her 
Traces of, the fmalleft Spiders web, her coullers of the 
Moonfhines watry Beames, her Whip of Crickets bone, 
the Lam of Philome, her Waggoner, afmall gray-coated 
Gnat, not halfe fo bigge as a round little Worme, prickt 
from the Lazie-finger of a man. Her Chariot is an emptie 
Hafelnut, made by the Ioyner Squirrel or old Grub, time 
out a mind, the Faries Coach-makers : & in this ftate (he 
gallops night by night, through Louers braines : and then 
they dreame of Loue. On Courtiers knees, that dreame on 
Curfies ftrait ; ore Lawyers fingers, who ftraiti dreamt on 
Fees, ore Ladies lips, who ftrait on kiffes dreame, which 
oft the angry Mab with blifters plagues, becaufe their 
breath with Sweet meats tainted are. Sometime me gal- 
lops ore a Courtier? nofe, & then dreames he of fmelling 
out afute:& fomtime comes me with Tith pigs tale, tick- 
ling a Parfons nofe as a lies afieepe, then he dreames o f 
another Benefice. Sometime fhe driueth ore a Souldiers 
necke, & then dreames he of cutting Forraine throats, of 
Breaches, Ambufcados, Spanifh Blades : Of Healths fiue 
Fadome deepe,and then anon drums in his eares, at which 
he ftartes and wakes; and being thus frighted, fweares a 
prayer or two & fleepes againerthis is that very Mab that 
plats the manes of Horfes in the night : & bakes the Elk- 
locks in foule (luttim haires, which once vntangled,much 
misfortune bodes, 

This is the hag, when Maides lie on their backs, 
That preffes them, and learnes them firft to beare, 
Making them women of good carriage : 
This is me. 

Rom. Peace, peace, dMercutio peace, 
Thou talk' - ft of nothing. 

<JV[er. True, I talke of dreames: 
Which are the children of an idle braine, 
Begot of nothing, but vaine phantafie, 
Which is as thin of fubftance as the ayre, 
And more inconftant then the wind, who wooes 
Euen now the frozen bofome of the North : 
And being anger'd, puffes away from thence, 
Turning his fide to the dew dropping South. 

'Ben. This wind you talke of blowes vs from our felues, 
Supper is done, and we mall come too late. 

Rom. I feare too early, for my mind mifgiues, 
Some confequence yet hanging in the ftarres, 



655 



Shall bitterly begin his fearefull date 
With this nights reuels ,and expire the tearme 
Of a defpifed life clof'd in my breft: 
By fome vile forfeit of vntimely death. 
But he that hath the ftirrage of mycourfe, 
Direft my fute : on luftie Gentlemen. 

Ben. Strike Drum. 
They imarch about the Stage, and Seruingmen come forth 
■with their nap\tns. 

Enter Seruant. 

Ser. Where's lotpan, that he helpes not to take away? 
He fhift a Trencher ? he fcrape a Trencher ? 

1. When good manners, (hall lie in one or two mens 
hands, and they vnwafht too, 'tis a foule thing. 

Ser. Away with the Ioynftooles , remoue the Court- 
cubbord, looke to the Plate: good thou, faue mee a piece 
of Marchpane, and as thou loueft me, let the Porter let in 
Sufan Grmdjlone, and Nell, Antbonie and Potpan. 

2. I Boy readie. 

Ser. You are lookt for, and cal'd for,askt for,& fought 
for, in the great Chamber. 

I We cannot be here and there too, chearly Boyes, 
Be brisk awhile, and the longer liuer take all. 

Exeunt. 
Enter all the Guejls and Gentlewomen to the 
Maskers. 

1. Capu. Welcome Gentlemen, 
Ladies that haue their toes 

Vnplagu'd with Comes, will walke about with you : 

Ah my Miftreffes, which of you all 

Will now deny to dance P She that makes dainty, 

She He fweare hath Cornes : am I come neareye now? 

Welcome Gentlemen, 1 haue feene the day 

That I haue worne a Vifor, and could tell 

A whifpering tale in a faire Ladies eare : 

Such as would pleafe : 'tis gone, 'tis gone, 'tis gone, 

You are welcome Gentlemen, come Mufitians play: 

Muftc\e plaies : and the dance. 
A Hall, Hall, giue roome, and foote it Girles, 
More light you knaues,and turne the Tables vp : 
And quench the fire, the Roome is growne too hot. 
Ah firrah,this vnlookt for fport comes well : 
Nay fit, nay fit, good Cozin Capulet, 
For you and I are paft ourdauncing daies : 
How long'ift now fince laft your felfe and I 
Were in a Maske ? 

2. Capu. Berlady thirty yeares. 

1. Capu. Whatman : 'tis not fo much. 'tis not fo much, 
'Tis fince the Nuptiall of Lucentio, 
Come Pentycoft as quickely as it will, 
Some fiue and twenty yeares, and then we Maskt. 

2 . Cap. 'Tis more, 'tis more, his Sonne is elder fir : 
His Sonne is thirty. 

3. Cap. Will you tell me that i 

His Sonne was but a Ward two yeares agoe. 

Rom. What Ladie is that which doth inrich the hand 
Of yonder Knight ? 
Ser. I know not fir . 

Rom. O fhe doth teach the Torches to burne bright : 
It feemes fhe hangs vpon the cheeke of night, 
As a rich Iewel in an ^9ithiops eare: 
Beauty too rich for vfe,for earth too deare : 
So fhewes a Snowy Doue trooping with Crowes, 
As yonder Lady ore her fellowes fhowes; 
The meafure done,Ile watch her place of ftand, 
And touching hers, make bleffed my rude hand. 

Did I 



58 



The Tr age die of c I(omeo and luliet. 



Did my heart loue till now, forfweare it fight, 
For I neuer faw true Beauty till this night. 

Tib. This by his voice, fhould be a Mountague. 
Fetch me my Rapier Boy, what dares the flaue 
Come hither couer'd with an antique face, 
To fleere and fcorne at our Solemnitie ? 
Now by the ftocke and Honour of my kin, 
To ftrike him dead I hold it not a fin. 

Cap. Why how now kinfman, 
Wherefore ftorme you fo? 

Tib. Vncle this is a Mountague, our foe : 
A Villaine that is hither come in fpight, 
To fcorne at our Solemnitie this night. 
Cap. Young Romeo is it ? 
Tib. 'Tis he, that Villaine Romeo. 
Cap. Content thee gentle Coz,let him alone, 
A beares him like a portly Gentleman : 
And to fay truth, Verona brags of him, 
To be a vertuous and well gouern'd youth : 
I would not for the wealth of all the towne, 
Here in my houfe do him dilparagement : 
Therfore be patient, take no note of him, 
It is my will, the which if thou refpecT:, 
Shew a faire prefence,and put off thefe frownes, 
An ill befeeming femblance for a Feaft. 

Tib. It fits when fuch a Villaine is a gueft, 
He not endure him. 

Cap. He mail be endu'rd. 
What goodman boy, I fay he fhall, go too, 
Ami the Maifter here or you ? go too , 
Youle not endure him, God mall mend my foule, 
Youle make a Mutinie among the Guefts : 
You will fet cocke a hoope, youle be the man. 

Tib. Why Vncle, 'tis a fhame. 
Cap. Go too, go too, 
You are a fawcy Boy, 'iff. fo indeed ? 
This tricke may chance to fcath you, I know what, 
You muft contrary me, marry 'tis time. 
Well faid my hearts, you are a Princox, goe, 
Be quiet, or more light, more light for fhame, 
He make you quiet. What, chearely my hearts. 

Tib. Patience perforce, with wilfull choler meeting, 
Makes my flefh tremble in their different greeting : 
I will withdraw, but this intrufion fhall 
Now feeming fweet, conuert to bitter gall. Exit 

Rom. If I prophane wirh my vn worthier!: hand, 
This holy fhrine, the gentle fin is this, 
My lips to blufhing Pilgrims did ready ftand, 
To fmooth that rough touch, with a tender kifle. 

Iul. Good Pilgrime, 
You do wrong your hand too much. 
Which mannerly deuotion fhewes in this, 
For Saints haue hands, that Pilgrims hands do tuch, 
And palme to palme, is holy Palmers kifle. 

Rom. Haue not Saints lips, and holy Palmers too? 

Iul. I Pilgrim, lips that they muft vfe in prayer. 

Rom. O then deare Saint, let lips do what hands do, 
They pray(grant thou)leaft faith turne to difpaire. 

Iul. Saints do not moue, 
Though grant for prayers fake. 

Rom. Then moue not while my prayers effecl I take: 
Thus from my lips, by thine - ly fin is purg'd. 

Iul. Then haue my lips the fin that the- haue tooke. 

Rom. Sin from my lipsPO trefpaffe fwee tly vrg'd : 
Giue me my fin againe. 

Iul. You kifle by'th'booke. 



Nur. Madam your Mother craues a word with you. 

Rom. What is her Mother f 

NurJ. Marrie Batcheler, 
Her Mother is the Lady of the houfe, 
And a good Lady. and a wife, and Vertuous, 
I Nur'ft her Daughter that you talkt withall : 
I tell you, he that can lay hold of her, 
Shall haue the chincks. 

Rom. Is fhe a Capulet i 

deare account ! My life is my foes debt. 
Ben. Away, be gone, the fport is at the beft. 
Rom. I fo I feare, the more is my vnreft. 
Cap. Nay Gentlemen prepare not to be gone, 

We haue a trifling fuolifh Banquet towards : 
Is it e'ne fo i why then I thanke you all. 

1 thanke you honeft Gentlemen, good night: 
More Torches herexome on, then let's to bed. 
Ah firrah,by my faie it waxes late, 

He to my reft. 

lull. Come hither Nurfe, 
What is yond Gentleman : 

Nur. The Sonne and Heire of old Tyberio. 

Iuli. What's he that now is going out of doore? 

Nur. Marrie that I thinke be young Tetrucbio. 

Iul. What's he that follows here that would not dance ? 

Nur. I know not. 

Iul. Go aske his name: if he be married, 
My graue is like to be my wedded bed. 

Nur. His name is Romeo, and a Mountague, 
The onely Sonne of your great Enemie. 

Iul. My onely Loue fprung from my onely hate, 
Too early feene, vnknowne, and knowne too late, 
Prodigious birth of Loue it is to me, 
That I muft loue a loathed Enemie. 

Nur. What's this ? whats this? 

Iul. A rime, I learne euen now 
Of one I dan'ft withall. 

One c ah within, luliet. 

Nur. Anon, anon: 
Come let's away, the ftrangers all are gone. 

Exeunt. 
Chorus. 
Now old defire doth in his death bed lie, 
And yong affection gapes to be his Heire, 
That faire, for which Loue gron'd for and would die, 
With tender luliet matcht,is now not faire. 
Now Romeo is beloued,and Loues againe, 
A like bewitched by the charme of lookes : 
But to his foe fuppos'd he muft complaine, 
And fhe fteale Loues fweet bait from fearefull hookes : 
Being held a foe, he may not haue acceffe 
To breath fuch vowes as Louers vfe to fweare, 
And fhe as much in Loue, her meanesmuch lefle, 
To meete her new Beloued any where : 
But paffion lends them Power, time, meanes to meete, 
Temp'ring extremities with extreame fweete. 
Enter Romeo alone. 

Rom. Can I goe forward when my heart is here? 
Turne backe dull earth, and find thy Center out. 
Enter c Benuolio,rritb Mercutio. 

'Ben. Romeo , my Cozen Romeo, Romeo. 
oMerc. He is wife, 
And on my life hath ftolne him home to bed. 

Ben. He ran this way and leapt this Orchard wall. 
Call good Mercutio : 
Nay, He coniure too. 

eMer 

656 



The T rage die of c Romeo and Juliet. 



59 



vMer. Romeo, Humours, Mjdman, Paffion, Louer, 
Appeare thou in the likeneffe of" a figh, 
Speake but one rime, and I am fatisfied : 
Cry me but ay me,Prouant, but Loue and day, 
Speake to my gofhip Vtrus one faire word, 
One Nickname for her purblind Sonne and her, 
Young Abraham Cupid he that mot fo true, 
When King Copbetua lou'd the begger Maid, 
He heareth not, he ftirreth not, he mouethn ot, 
The Ape is dead, I muft coniure him, 
I coniure thee by ^Kofalines bright eyes, 
Ey her High forehead, and her Scarlet lip, 
By her Fine foute, Straight leg, and Quiuering thigh, 
And the Demeanes,that there Adiacent lie, 
That in thy likeneffe thou appeare to vs. 

'Ben. And if he heare thee thou wilt anger him. 

Mer. This cannot anger him, t' would anger him 
To raife a fpirit in his Miftreffe circle, 
Of fome ftrange nature, letting it ftand 
Till fhe had laid it,and coniured it downe, 
That were fome fpight. 

My inuocation is faire and honeft, & in his Miftris name, 
1 coniure onely but to raife vp him. 

'Ben. Come, he hath hid himfelfe among thefe Trees 
To be conforted with the Humerous night: 
Blind is his Loue, and beft befits the darke. 

Mer. If Loue be blind, Loue cannot hit the marke, 
Now will he fit vnder a Medler tree, 
And wi/h his Miftreffe were that kind of Fruite, 
As Maides call Medlers when they laugh alone, 

Romeo that fhe were, O that fhe were 
An open, or thou a Poprin Peare, 
Romeo goodnight, He to my Truckle bed, 
This Field-bed is to cold for me to fleepe, 
Come fhall we go ? 

Ben. Go then, for 'tis in vaine to feeke him here 
That meanes not to be found. Exeunt. 

Rom. He ieafts at Scarres that neuer felt a wound, 
But foft,what light through yonder window breaks/ 
It is the Eaft,and luliet is the Sonne, 
Arife faire Sun and kill the enuiuus Moone, 
Who is already ficke and pale with griefe, 
That thou her Maid art far more faire then fhe : 
Be not her Maid fince fhe is enuious, 
Her Veftal liuery is but ficke and greene, 
And none butfooles do weare it, caft it off: 
It is my Lady,0 it is my Loue,0 that fhe knew fhe were, 
She fpeakes, yet fhe fayes nothing, what of that? 
Her eye difcourfes, 1 will anfwere it : 

1 am too bold 'tis not to me fhe fpeakes : 
Two of the faireft ftarres in all the Heauen, 
Hauing fome bufineffe do entreat her eyes, 
To twinckle in their Spheres till they re;urne. 
What if her eyes were there, they in her head, 

The brightneffe of her cheeke would fhame thofe ftarres, 
As day-light doth a Lampe,her eye in heauen, 
Would through the ayrie Region ftreame fo bright, 
That Birds would ling, and thinke it were not night: 
See how fhe leanes her cheeke vpon her hand. 
O that I were a Gloue vpon that hand, 
That I might touch that cheeke. 

Iul. Ay me. 

Rom. She fpeakes. 
Oh fpeake againe bright Angell,for thou art 
As glorious to this night being ore my head, 
As is a winded meA'cn^er of heauen i 



Vnto the white vpturned wondring eyes 
Of mortalls that fall backe to gaze on him, 
When he beftrides the lazie purring Cloudes, 
And failes vpon the bofome of the ayre. 

Iul. O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo i 
Denie thy Father and refufe thy name : 
Or if thou wilt not, be but fworne my Loue, 
And lie no longer be a Capulet. 

Rom. Shall 1 heare more, or fhall I fpeake at this ? 

Iu. 'Tis but thy name that is my Enemy : 
Thou art thy felfe, though not a Mountague, 
What's Mountague ? it is nor hand nor foote, 
Nor arme,nor face, O be fome other name 
Belonging to a man. 

What ? in a names that which we call a Rofe, 
By any other word would fmell as fweete, 
So Romeo would, were he not Romeo cal'd, 
Retaine that deare perfection which he owes, 
Without that title 3^»eo,doffe thy name, 
And for thy name which is no part of thee, 
Take all my felfe. 

Rom. I take thee at thy word : 
Call me but Loue, and He be new baptiz'd, 
Hence foorth I neuer will be Romeo. 

lull. What man art thou, that thus befcreen'd in night 
So ftumbleft on my counfell? 

Rom. By a name, 
I know not how to tell thee who I am : 
My name deare Saint,is hatefull to my felfe, 
Becaufe it is an Enemy to thte, 
Had I it written, I would teare the word. 

lull. My eares haue yet not drunke a hundred words 
Of thy tongues vttering,yet I know the found. 
Art thou not Romeo,a.nd a Montague? 

%om. Neither faire Maid, if either thee difJike. 

Iul. How cam'ft thou hither. 
Tell me,and wherefore? 

The Orchard walls are high, and hard to climbe, 
And the place death, confidering who thou art, 
If any of my kinfmen find thee here, 

Rom. With Loues light wings 
Did I ore-perch thefe Walls, 
For ftony limits cannot hold Loue out, 
And what Loue can do, that dares Loue attempt : 
Therefore thy kinfmen are no ftop to me. 

Iul. If they do fee thee, they will murther thee. 

Rom. Alacke there lies more perill in, thine eye, 
Then twenty of their S words, looke thou but fweete, 
And I am proofe againft their enmity. 

Iul. I would not for the world they faw thee here. 

Rom. I haue nights cloake to hide me from their eyes 
And but thou loue me, let them finde me here, 
My life were better ended by their hate, 
Then death proroged wanting of thy Loue. 

Iul. By whofe direction found'ft thou out this place? 

Rom. By Loue that firft did promp me to enquire, 
He lent me counfell, and I lent him eyes, 
I am no Pylot,yet wert thou as far 
As that vaft-fhore-wafhet with the fartheft Sea, 
1 fhould aduenture for fuch Marchandife. 

Iul. Thou knoweft the maske of night is on my face, 
Elfe would a Maiden blufh bepaint my cheeke, 
For that which thou haft heard me fpeake to night, 
Faine would I dwell on forme, faine, fiine, denie 
What I haue fpoke, but farewell Complement, 
Dceft thou Loue? 1 know thou wilt fay 1 , 

And 



6o 



The Tragedie of^omeoand Juliet' 



And I will take thy word, yet if thou fwear'ft, 
Thou maieft proue falfe:at Louers periurjes 
l'hey fay hue laught, oh gentle Romeo, 
If thou doft Loue, pronounce it faithfully : 
Or if thou thinkeft I am too quickly wonne, 
lie frowne and be peruerfe,and fay thee nay, 
So thou wilt wooe : But elfe not for the world. 
In truth faire Mountague I am too fond : 
And therefore thou maieft thinke my behauiour light, 
But truft me Gentleman, He proue more true, 
Then thofe that haue coying to be ftrange, 
I Should haue beene more ftrange, I muft confcffe, 
Eut that thou ouer heard'ft ere X was ware 
My true Loues paffion, therefore pardon me, 
And not impute this yeelJing to light Loue, 
Which the darke night hath fo difcouered. 

Rom. Lady, by yonder Moone I vow, 
That tips with filuer all thefe Fruite tree tops. 

Jul, O fweare not by the Moone, th'inconftant Moone, 
That monethly changes in her circled Orbe, 
Leaft that thy Loue proue likewife variable. 

Rom. What mall I fweare by ? 

Iul. Do not fweare at all : 
Orif thou wilt fweare by thy gratious felfe, 
Which is the God of my Idolatry, 
And He beleeue thee. 

Rom. If my hearts deare loue. 

Iuli. Well do not fweare, although I ioy in thee: 
I haue no ioy of this contract to night, 
It is too rafh, too vnaduif'd,too fudden, 
Too like the lightning which doth ceafe to be 
Ere, one can fay, it lightens, Sweete good night: 
This bud of Loue by Summers ripening breath, 
May proue a beautious Flower when next we meete: 
Goodnight, goodnight, as fweete repofe and reft, 
Come to thy heart, as that within my breft. 

Rom. O wilt thou leaue me fo vnfatisfied ? 

Iuli. What fatisfaftion can'ft thou haue to night? 

Ro. Th'exchange of thy Loues faithfull vow for mine. 

Iul. I gaue thee mine before thou did'ft requeft it : 
And yet I would it were to giue againe. 

Rom. Would'ft thou withdrawit, 
For what purpofe Loue ? 

Iul. But to be franke and giue it thee againe, 
And yet I wifli but for the thing 1 haue, 
My bounty is as boundlefle as the Sea, 
My Loue as deepe, the more I giue to thee 
The more I haue, for both are Infinite: 
I heare fome noyfe within deare Loue adue : 

Cals nit bin. 
Anon good Nurfe, fweet Mountague be true : 
Stay but alittle, I will come againe. 

Rom. O blefled bleffed night,! am afear'd 
Being in night, all this is but a dreame, 
Too flattering fweet to be fubftanriall. 

Iul. Three words deare Rcmeo, 
And goodnight indeed, 
If that thy bent of Loue be Honourable, 
Thy purpofe marriage, fend me word to morrow, 
By one that He procure to come to thee, 
Where and what time thou wilt performe the right, 
And all my Fortunes at thy foote He lay, 
And follow thee my Lord throughout the world. 

Within : Madam. 
I come, anon : but if thou meaneft not well, 
I do befeech theee Within: Madam. 



(By and by I come) 

To ceafe thy ftrife,and leaue me to my griefe, 

To morrow will I fend. 

Rom. So thriue my foule. 

Iu. A thoufand times goodnight. Exit. 

"Rome. A thouland times the worfe to want thy light, 
Loue goes toward Loue as fchool-boyes fro thier books 
But Loue fro Loue, towards fchoole with heauie lookes. 

Enter Iuliet agaaine. 

Iul. Hift Romeo hift:0 for a Falkners voice, 
To lure this Tafiell gentle backe againe, 
Bondage is boarfe,and may not fpeake aloud, 
Elfe would I teare the Caue where Eccho lies, 
And make herayrie tongue more hoarfe,then 
With repetition of my Romeo. 

Rom. It is my foule that calls vpon my name. 
How filuer fweet, found Louers tongues by night, 
Like fofteft Muficke to attending eares. 

Iul. "Romeo. 

Rom. My Neece. 

Iul. What a clock to morrow 
Shall I fend to thee? 

Rom. By the houre of nine. 

Iul. I will not faile, 'tis twenty yeares till then, 
I haue forgot why I did call thee backe. 

Rom. Let me ftand here till thou remember it. 

Iul. I lhall forget, to haue thee ftill ftand there, 
Remembring how I Loue thy company. 

Rom. And He ftill ftay, to haue thee ftill forget, 
Forgetting any other home but this. 

Iul. 'Tis almoft morning, I would haue thee gone, 
And yet no further then a wantons Bird, 
That let's it hop a little from his hand, 
Like a poore prifoner in his twifted Gyues, 
And with a filken thred plucks it backe againe, 
So louing Iealous of his liberty. 

Rom. I would I were thy Bird. 

Iul. Sweet fo would I, 
Yet I mould kill thee with much cherilhing : 
Good night, good night. 

Rom. Parting is fuch fweete forrow, 
That I ihall fay goodnight, till it be morrow. 

Iul. Sleepe dwell vpon thine eyes, peace in thy breft. 

Rom. Would I were ileepe and peace fo fweet to reft, 
The gray ey'd morne fmiles on the frowning night, 
Checkring the Eafterne Clouds with ftreakes of light, 
And darkneffe fleckel'd like a drunkard reeles, 
From forth dayes path way, made by Titans wheeles. 
Hence will I to my ghoftly Fries clofe Cell, 
Hishelpe to craue,and my deare hap to tell. Exit. 



Enter Fr 



■ith a basket. 



ivi.The gray ey'd morne fmiles on the frowning night, 
Checkring the Eafterne Cloudes with ftreaks of light : 
And fleckled darkneffe like a drunkard reeles, 
From forth daies path, and Titans, burning wheeles: 
Now ere the Sun aduance his burning eye, 
The day to cheere,and nights danke dew to dry, 
I muft vpfill this Ofier Cage of ours, 
With balefull weedes,and precious Iuiced flowers, 
The earth that's Natures mother, is her Tombe, 
What is her burying graue that is her wombe : 
And from her wombe children of diuers kind 

We 

05S 



The Tragedie of c B^meo and "Juliet. 



61 



We fucking on her naturall bofome find : 
Many for many vertues excellent : 
None but for fome,and yet all different. 
Om icicle is the powerfull grace that lies 
In Plants,Hearbs, ftones,and their true qualities: 
For nought fo vile, that on the earth doth liue, 
But to the earth fome fpeciall good doth giue : 
Nor ought fo good, but ftrain'd from that faire vfe, 
Reuolts from true birth, ftumbling on abufe. 
Vertue it felfe turnes vice being mifapplied, 
And vice fometime by acYion dignified. 

Enter Romeo. 
Within the infant rin'd of this weake flower, 
Poyfon hath refidence,and medicine power : 
For this being fmelt, with that part cheares each part, 
Being tafted flayes all fences with the heart. 
Two fuch oppofed Kings encampe them flill, 
In man as well as Hearbes, grace and rude will : 
And where the worfer is predominant, 
Full foone the Canker death eatesvp that Plant. 

Rom. Good morrow Father. 

Fri. Benedecite. 
What early tongue fo fweet faluteth me ? 
Young Sonne, it argues a diftempered head, 
So foone to bid goodmorrow to thy bed ; 
Care keepes his watch in euery old mans eye, 
And where Care lodges,fleepe will neuer lye : 
But where vnbrufed youth with vnftuft braine 
Doth couch his lims, there .golden fleepe doth raigne; 
Therefore thy earlineffe doth me afTure, 
Thou art vprous'd with fome diftemprature; 
Or if not fo, then here I hit it right. 
Our Romeo hath not beene in bed to night. 

Rom. That laft is true, the fweeter reft was mine. 

Fri. God pardon fin:waft thou with Rojaline ? 

Rom. With RoJaline,my ghoftly Father ? No, 
I haue forgot that name, and that names woe. 

Fri. That's my good Son, but wher haft thou bin then i 

Rom. He tell thee ere thou aske it me agen : 
I haue beene feafting with mine enemie, 
Where on a fudden one hath wounded me, 
That's by me wounded:both our remedies 
Within thy helpe and holy phificke lies : 
I beare no hatred, blefled mamfor loe 
My interceflion likewife fteads my foe. 

Fri. Be plaine good Son,reft homely in thy drift, 
Ridling confeffion,findes but ridling Ihrift. 

Rom. Then plainly know my hearts deare Loue is fet, 
On the faire daughter of rich Capulet : 
As mine on hers,fo hers is fet on mine; 
And all combin'd,faue what thou muft combine 
By holy marriage: when and where, and how, 
We met, we wooed, and made exchange of vow : 
He tell thee as we pafle, but this I pray, 
That thou confent to marrie vs to day- 

Fri. Holy S. Francii, what a change is heere ? 
Is Rojaline that thou didft Loue fo deare 
So foone forfaken ? young mens Loue then lies 
Not truely in their hearts,but in their eyes. 
Iefu Maria, what a deale of brine 
Hath wafht thy fallow cheekes for Rojaline ? 
How much fait water throwne away in waft, 
To feafon Loue that of it doth not taft. 
The Sun not yet thy fighes,from heauen cleares, 
Thy old grones yet ringing in my auncient eares : 
Lo here vpon thy cheeke the ftaine doth fit, 



6 J0 



Of an old teare that is not waftit off" yet. 

If ere thou waft thy felfe, and thefe woes thine, 

Thou and thefe woes, were all for Rojaline. 

And art thou chang'dPpronounce this fentence then, 

Women may fall, when there's no ftrength in men. 

Rom. Thou chid'ft me oft for louing Rojaline. 

Fri. For doting.not for louing pupill mine. 

Rom. And bad'ft me bury Loue. 

Fri. Not in a graue, 
To lay one in, another out to haue. 

Rom. I pray thee chide me not,her I Loue now 
Doth grace for grace, and Loue for Loue allow : 
The other did not fo. 

Fri. O ftie knew well, 
Thy Loue did read by rote, that could not fpell : 
But come young wauerer,come goe with me, 
In one refpeft, He thy affiftant be : 
For this alliance may fo happy proue, 
To turne your houfhould rancor to pure Loue. 

Rom. O let vs hence, I ftand on fudden haft. 

Fri. Wifely and flow, they ftumble that run faft. 
Exeunt 
Enter 'Benuolio and Mercutio. 

Mer. Where the deu le fhould this Romeo be ? came he 
not home to night i 

'Ben. Not to his Fathers,I fpoke with his man. 

Mer. Why that fame pale hard-harted wench, that Ro- 
jaline torments him fo, that he will fure run mad. 

Ben. Tibalt, the kinfman to old Capulet , hath fenta Let- 
ter to his Fathers houfe. 

cJKer, A challenge on my life. 

'Ben. Romeo will anfwere it. 

Mer. Any man that can write, may anfwere a Letter. 

'Ben. Nay, he will anfwere the Letters Maifter how he 
dares, being dared. 

Mer. Alas poore Romeo, he is already dead ftab'd with 
a white wenches blacke eye, runne through the eare with 
a Loue fong, the very pinne of his heart, cleft with the 
blind Bowe-boyes but- fliaft, and is he a man to encounter 
Tybalt ? 

•Ben. Why what is Tibalt ? 

Mer. More then Prince of Cats. Oh hee's the Couragi- 
ous Captaine of Complements : he fights as you fing 
prickfong, keeps time, diftance,and proportion, he 1 efts 
his minum, one, two, and the third in your bofom.-the ve- 
ry butcher of a filk burton, a Dualift,a Dualifha Gentleman 
of the very firft houfe of the firft and fecond caufe : ah the 
immortall PafTado,the Punto reuerfo, the Hay. 

Ben. The what? 

Mer. The Pox of fuch antique lifping affecling phan- 
tacies, thefe new tuners of accent : Iefu a very good blade, 
a very tall man, a very good whore. Why is not this a la- 
mentable thing Grandfire,that we fhould be thus afflided 
with thefe ftrange flies : thefe faihion Mongers.thefe par- 
don-mee's, who ftand fo much on the new form, thjt they 
cannot fit at eafe on the old bench, O their bones,their 
bones. 

Enter Romeo. 
•Ben. Here comes Romeo , here comes Romeo. 

Mer. Without his Roe, like a dryed Hering. O flefti, 
fle(h,how art thou fiihified ? Now is he for the numbers 
that Petrarch flowed in : Laura to his Lady, was a kitchen 
wench,marrie lhe had a better Loue to berime her: Dido 
a dowdie, Cleopatra a Gipfie, Hellen and Hero, hildinfgs 
and Har\ots:Thisbie a gray eie or fo,but not to the purpofe. 
Signior Romeo fBon iour, there's a French falutation to your 
ff French 



62 



The Tragedie of ^Romeo and Juliet. 



French flop : you gaue vs the the counterfeit fairely laft 
night. 

Romeo. Good morrow to you both, what counterfeit 
did 1 giue you ? 

Mer. The flip fir,the flip, can you not conceiue ? 

Rom. Pardon Mercutio, my bufinefTe was great, and in 
fuch a cafe as mine, a man may ftraine curtefie. 

Mer. That's as much as to fay,fuch a cafe as yours con- 
flrains a man to bow in the hams. 

'Rom. Meaning to curfie. 

Mer. Thou haft moft kindly hit it. 

Rom. A moft curteous expofition. 

Mer. Nay, I am the very pinck of curtefie. 

Rom. Pinke for flower. 

Mer. Right. 

Rom. Why then is my Pump well flowr'd. 

Mer. Sure wit, follow me this ieaft, now till thou haft 
worne out thy Pump, that when the Angle fole of it is 
worne, the ieaft may remaine after the wearing, fole- 
fingular. 

'Rom. O fingle fol'd ieaft, 
Soly lingular for the finglenefTe. 
Mer. Come betweene vs good Bcnuo/io, my wits faints. 
Rom. Swits and fpurs, 
Swits and fpurs, or lie crie a match. 

Mer. Nay, if our wits run the Wild-Goofe chafe, I am 
done : For thou haft more of the Wild-Goofe in one of 
thy wits, then I am fure I haue in my whole fiue. Was I 
with you there for the Goofe .? 

Rom. Thou waft neuer with mee for any thing, when 
thou waft not there for the Goofe. 

Mer. I will bite thee by the eare for thatieft. 

Rom. Nay, good Goofe bite not. 

cMer. Thy wit is a very Bitter-fweeting, 
It is a moft fharpe fawce. 

Rom. And is it not well feru'd into a Sweet-Goofe ? 

Mer. Oh here's a wit of Cheuerell, that ftretches from 
an ynch narrow, to an ell broad. 

Rom. I ftretch it out for that word, broad, which added 
to the Goofe,proues thee farre and wide, abroad Goofe. 

Mer. Why is not this better now, then groning for 
Loue,now art thou fociable,now art thou Romeo: now art 
thou what thou art, by Art as well as by Nature, for this 
driueling Loue is like a great Naturall, that runs lolling 
vp and downe to hid his bable in a hole. 

Ben. Stop there, ftop there. 

Mer. Thou deflr'ft me to ftop in my tale againft the 

ifcn.Thou would'ft elfe haue made thy tale large.(haire. 

Mer. O thou art deceiu'd, I would haue made it fhort, 
or I was come to the whole depth of my tale, and meant 
indeed to occupie the argument no longer. 

Enter Nurfe and ber man. 

Rom. Here's goodly geare. 
A fay!e,a fayle. 

<^Mer. Two, two: a Shirt and a Smocke. 

Nur. Peter} 

Peter. Anon. 

Nur. My Fan Peter ? 

Mer. Good Peter to hide her face ? 
For her Fans the fairer face ? 

Nur. God ye good morrow Gentlemen. 

Mer. God ye gooden faire Gentlewoman. 

Nur. Is it gooden f 

Mer. 'Tis no leffe I tell you : for the bawdy hand of the 
Dyall is now vpon the pricke of Noone. 



Nur. Out vpon you:what a man are you ? 
Rom. One Gentlewoman, 
That God hath made,himfelfe to mar. 

Nur. By my troth it is faid , for himfelfe to, mar qua- 
t ha:GentIemen, can any of you tel me where I may find 
the young Romeo} 

Romeo. I can tell you: but young Romeo will be older 
when you haue found him, then he was when you fought 
him: I am the youngeft of that name, for fault of a worfe. 
Nur. You fay well. 
Mer. Yea is the word well, 
Very well tooke : I faith, wifely, wifely. 

Nur. If you be he fir, 
I defire fome confidence with you? 

Ben. She will endite him to fome Supper. 
Mer. A baud, a baud, a baud. So ho. 
Rom, What haft thou found ? 

eMer. No Hare fir, vnleffe a Hare fir in a Lenten pie, 
that is fomething ftale and hoare ere it be fpent. 
An old Hare hoare, and an old Hare hoare is very good 

meat in Lent. 
But a Hare that is hoare is too much for a fcore, when it 

ho ares ere it be fpent, 
Romeo will you come to your Fathers ? Weele to dinner 
thither. 

Rom. I will follow you. 
Mer. Farewell auncient Lady : 
Farewell Lady, Lady ,Lady. 

Exit. Mercutio, Benuolio. 
Nur. I pray you fir, what fawcie Merchant was this 
that was fo full of his roperie i 

Rom. A Gentleman Nurfe, that loues to heare himfelfe 
talke.and will fpeake more in a minute, then he will ftand 
to in a Moneth. 

Nur. And a fpeake any thing againft me, He take him 
downe, & a were luftier then he is, and twentie fuch lacks: 
and if I cannot, He finde thofe that fhall : fcuruie knaue, I 
am none of his flurt-gils, I am none of his skaines mates, 
and thou muft ftand by too and fuffer euery knaue to vfe 
me at his pleafure. 

Pet. I faw no man vfe you at his pleafure : if I had, my. 
weapon fhould quickly haue beene out, I warrant you, I 
dare draw affoone as another man, if I fee occafion in a 
good quarrell,and the law on my fide. 

Nur.Novf afore God ,1 am fo vext, that euery part about 
me quiuers, skuruy knaue : pray you fir a word : and as I 
told you, my young Lady bid me enquire you out, what 
flie bid me fay, I will keepe to my felfe : but firft let me 
tell ye, if ye fhould leade her in a fooles paradife, as they 
fay,it were a very groffe kind of behauiour, as they fay : 
for the Gentlewoman is yong : & therefore,if you fhould 
deale double with her, truely it were an ill thing to be of- 
fered to any Gentlewoman, and very weake dealing. 

Nur. Nurfe commend me to thy Lady and Miftreffe,! 
proteft vnto thee. 

Nur. Good heart, and yfaith I will tell her as much : 
Lord, Lord (he will be a ioyrull woman. 

Rom. What wilt thou tell her Nurfe ? thou doeft not 
marke me { 

Nur. I will tell her fir, that you do proteft, which as I 
take it, is a Gentleman-like offer. (afternoone, 

Rom. Bid her deuife fome meanes to come to fhrift this 
And there (he fhall at Frier Lawrence Cell 
Befhriu'd and married : here is for thy paines. 
Nur. No truly fir not a penny. 
Rom. Go too, I fay you fhall. 

Nurfe 






The Tr age die of 'Romeo and Juliet. 



63 



Nur. This afternoone fir? well (he (hall be there. 

%o. And ftay thou good Nurfe behind the Abbey wall, 
Within this houre my man mall be with thee, 
And bring thee Cords made like a tackled ftaire, 
Which to the high top gallant of my ioy, 
Muft be my conuoy in the fecret night. 
Farewell, be truftie and lie quite thy paines : 
Farewell,commend me to thy Miftreffe. 

Nur. Now God in heauen bleffe thee:harke you fir, 

Rom. What faift thou my deare Nurfe ? 

Nurfe. Is your man fecret, did you nere heare fay two 
may keepe counfell putting one away. 

Ro. Warrant thee my man as true as fteele. 

Nur. Well fir,my MiftrelTe is the fweeteft Lady,Lord, 
Lord, when 'twas a little prating thing. O there is a No- 
ble man in Towne one Pari, that would faine lay knife a- 
board : but me good foule had as leeue a fee Toade,a very 
Toade as fee him : I anger her fometimes, and tell her that 
Paris is the properer man, but lie warrant you, when I fay 
fo, fhee lookes as pale as any clout in the verfall world. 
Doth not Rofemarie and Romeo begin both with a letter: 1 

Rom. I Nurfe, what of that ? Both with an R 

Nur. A mocker that's the dogsname. R. is for the no, 
I know it begins with fome other letter, and (he hath the 
prettieft fententious of it, of" you and Rofemary, that it 
would do you good to heare it. 

Rom. Commend me to thy Lady. 

Nur. I a thoufand times. Peter ? 

Pet. Anon. 

Nur. Before and apace. Exit Nurfe and Peter. 

Enter Iuliet. 

Iul. The clocke ftrook nine, when I did fend the Nurfe, 
In halfe an houre (he promifed to returne, 
Perchance (he cannot meete him:that's not fo : 
Oh ihe is lame, Loues Herauld mould be thoughts, 
Which ten times fafter glides then the Sunnes beames, 
Driuing backe (hadowes ouer lowring hils. 
Therefore do nimble Pinion'd Doues drawLoue, 
And therefore hath the wind-fwift Cupid wings : 
Now is the Sun vpon the highmoft hill 
Of this daies iourney, and from nine till twelue, 
I three long houres,yet (he is not come. 
Had (he affeftions and warme youthfull blood, 
She would be as fwift in motion as a ball, 
My words would bandy her to my fweete Loue, 
And his to me, but old folkes, 
Many faine as they were dead, 
Vnwieldie, flow, heauy, and pale as lead. 

Enter Nurfe. 
O God (he comes, O hony Nurfe what newes ? ■ 
Haft thou met with him?fend thy man away. 

Nur. Peter ftay at the gate. 

Iul. Now good fweet Nurfe : 
O Lord, why looked: thou fad ? 
Though newes, be fad, yet tell them merrily. 
If good thou fham'ft the muficke of fweet newes, 
By playing it to me, with fo fower a face. 

Nur. I am a weary, giue me leaue awhile, 
Fie how my bones ake,what a iaunt haue I had i 

Iul. I would thou had'ft my bones,and I thy newes: 
Nay come I pray thee fpeake,good good Nurfe fpeake. 

Nur. Iefu what haft? can you not ftay a while? 
Do you not fee that I am out of breath ? 

Iul. How art thou out of breath, when thou haft breth 
To fay to me, that thou art out of breath ? 
The excufe that thou doft make in this delay, 



Is longer then the tale thou doft excufe. 
Is thy newes good or bad?anfwere to that, 
Say either, and lie ftay the circuftance ; 
Let me be fatisfied,ift good or bad ? 

Nur. Well, you haue made a fimple choice, you know 
not how to chuie a man : Romeo, no not he though his face 



be better then anv 



s, yet his legs excels all mens, and 



for a hand, and a foote,and a body, though they be not to 
be talkt on, yet they are paft compare: he is not the flower 
of curtefie, but He warrant him as gentle a Lambe : go thy 
waies wench, ferue God, What haue you din'd at home ? 

Iul. No no:but all this this did I know before 
What faies he of our marriage? what of that? 

Nur. Lord how my head akes, what a head haue I i 
It beates as it would fall in twenty peeces. 
My backe a tother fide :o my backe, my backe : 
Beflirew your heart for fending me about 
To catch my death with iaunting vp and downe. 

Iul. Ifaith:I am forrie that that thou art fo well. 
Sweet fweet, fweet Nurfe, tell me what faies my Loue ? 

Nur. Your Loue faies like an honeft Gentleman, 
And a courteous,and a kind, and a handfome, 
And I warrant a vertuous: where is your Mother? 

Iul. Where is my Mother? 
Why (he is within, where fhould (he be ? 
How odly thou repli'ft: 
Your Loue faies like an honeft Gentleman : 
Where is your Mother? 

Nur. O Gods Lady deare, 
Are you fo hot?marrie come vp I trow, 
Is this the Poultis for my aking bones ? 
Henceforward do your meflages your felfe. 

Iul. Heere's fuch a coile,come what faies Romeo? 

Nur. Haue you got leaue to go to Jhrift to day f 

Iul. I haue. 

Nur. Then high you hence to Frier Lawrence Cell, 
There ftaies a Husband to make you a wife : 
Now comes the wanton bloud vp in your cheekes, 
Thei'le be in Scarlet ftraight at any newes: 
Hie you to Church, I muft an other way, 
To fetch a Ladder by the which your Loue 
Muft climde a birds neft Soone when it is darke : 
I am the drudge, and toile in your delight : 
But you (hall beare the burthen foone at night. 
Go lie to dinner, hie you to the Cell. 
lui.H ie to high Fortune, honeft Nurfe, farewell. Exeunt. 

Enter Frier and Romeo. 
Fri. So fmile the heauens vpon this holy aft, 
That after houres,with forrow chide vs not. 

Rom. Amen,amen,but come what forrow can, 
It cannot counteruaile the exchange of ioy 
That one (hort minute giues me in her fight : 
Do thou but clofe our hands with holy words, 
Then Loue-deuouring death do what he dare, 
Itisinough.I may but call her mine. 

Fri. Thefe violent delights haue violent endes, 
And in their triumph:die like fire and powder; 
Which as they kiffe confume. The fweeteft honey 
Is loathfome in his owne delicioufneiTe, 
And in the tafte confoundes the appetite. 
Therefore Loue moderately, long Loue doth fo, 
Too fwift arriues as tardie as too (low. 
Enter Iuliet. 
Here comes the Lady. Oh fo light a foot 
Will nere weare out the euerlafting flint, 

ff a A 



6 4 



The Tr age die of '^omeo and "Juliet. 



A Louer may beftride the GofTamours, 
Thatydles in the wanton Summer ayre, 
And yet not fall, fo light is vanitie. 

lul. Good euen to my ghoftly Confeffbr. 

Fri. Romeo fhall thanke thee Daughter for vs both. 

Iul. As much to him,elfe in his thanks too much. 

Fri. Ah Iuliet,\{ the meafure of thy ioy 
Be heapt like mine, and that thy skill be more 
To btafon it, then fweeten with thy breath 
This neighbour ayre,and let rich mufickes tongue, 
Vnfold the imagin'd happineffe that both 
Receiue in either, by this deere encounter. 

Iul. Conceit more rich in matter then in words, 
Brags of his fubftance,not of Ornament : 
They are but beggers that can count their worth, 
But my true Loue is growne to fuch fuch exceffe, 
I cannot fum vp fome of halfe my wealth. 

Fn'.Come, come with me,& we will make fhort worke, 
For by your leaues, you mail not flay alone, 
Till holy Church incorporate two in one. 

Enter Mercutio, Benuolio ,and men. 

"Ben. I pray thee good Mercutio lets retire, 
The day is hot, the Capulets abroad : 

And if we meet, we fhal not fcape a brawle,for now thefe 
hot dayes, is the mad blood ftirring. 

Mer . Thou art like one of thefe fellowes,that when he 
enters the confines of a Tauerne, claps me his Sword vpon 
the Table,and fayes,God fend me no need of thee: and by 
the operation of the fecond cup, drawes him on the Draw- 
er, when indeed there is no need. 

Ben. Am I like fuch a Fellow ? 

Mer. Come, come, thou art as hot a Iacke in thy mood, 
as any in Italie: and affoone moued to be moodie, and af- 
foone moodie to be mou'd. 

Ben. And what too ? 

Mer. Nay, and there were two fuch, we fhould haue 
none fhortly,for one would kill the other: thou, why thou 
wilt quarrell with a man that hath a haire more, or a haire 
leffe in his beard, then thou haft: thou wilt quarrell with a 
man for cracking Nuts, hauing no other reafon, but be- 
caufe thou haft hafell eyes : what eye, but fuch an eye, 
would fpie out fuch a quarrell? thy head is as full of quar- 
rels, as an egge is full of meat, and yet thy head hath bin I 
beaten as addle as an egge for quarreling: thou haft quar- i 
rel'd with a man for coffing in the ftreet, becaufe he hath 
wakened thy Dog that hath laine afleepe in the Sun.Did'ft 
thou not fall out with a Tailor for wearing his new Doub- 
let before Eafter ? with another,for tying his new fhooes 
with old Riband, and yet thou wilt Tutor me fromiquar- 
relling ? 

'Ben. And I were fo apt to quarell as thou art, any man 
mould buy the Fee-fimple of my life, for an houre and a 
quarter. 

cM'er. The Fee-fimple ? O fimple. 

Enter Tybalt ,Petruchio , and others. 

'Ben . By my head here comes the Capulets. 

carter. By my heele I care not. 

Tyb. Follow me clofe,for I will fpeake to them. 
Gentlemen, Good den, a word with one of you. 

Mer. And but one word with one of vs?couple it with 
fomething,make it a word and a blow. 

Tib. You mail find me apt inough to that fir, and you 
will giue me occafion. 

cMercu. Could you not take fome occafion without 
gluing ? 

Tib. Mercutio thou confort'ft with 'Romeo. 



Mer. Confortrwhat doft thou make vs Minftrels ? & 
thou make Minftrels of vs,Iooke to heare nothing but dif- 
cords -.heere's my fiddlefticke,heere's that Ihall make you 
daunce. Come confort, 

Tien. We talke here in the publike haunt of men : 
Eifher withdraw vnto fome priuate place, 
Or reafon coldly of your greeuances : 
Or elfe depart, here all eies gaze on vs. 

Mer. Mens eyes were made to looke,and let them gaze. 
I will not budge for no mans pleafure I. 

Enter Romeo. 

Tib. Well peace be with you fir, here comes my man. 

Mer. But He be hang'd fir if he weare your Liuery.- 
Marry go before to field, heele be your follower, 
Your worfhip in that fenfe,may call him man. 

Tib. Romeo, the loue I beare thee, can affoord 
No better terme then this: Thou art a Villaine. 

Rom. Tibalt , the reafon that I haue to loue thee, 
Doth much excufe the appertaining rage 
To fuch a greeting: Villaine am I none ; 
Therefore farewell, I fee thou know'ft me not. 

Tib. Boy,this fhall not excufe the iniuries 
That thou haft done me, therefore turne and draw. 

Rom. I do proteft I neuer iniur'd thee, 
But lou'd thee better then thou can'ft deuife : 
Till thou (halt know the reafon of my loue, 
And fo good Cafulet , which name I tender 
As dearely as my owne,be fatisfied. 

Mer. O calme, dishonourable, vile fubmiftion : 
Alia slucatho carries it away. 
Tybalt, you Rat-catcher, will you walke ? 

Tib. What woulds thou haue with me ? 

Mer. Good King of Cats,nothing but one of your nine 
liues,that I meane to make bold withall, and as you fhall 
vfe me hereafter dry beate the reft of the eight. Will you 
pluck your Sword out of his Pilcher by the eares ? Make 
haft,leaft mine be about your eares ere it be out. 

Tib. I am for you. 

Rom. Gentle Mercutio, put thy Rapier vp. 

Mer. Come fir,your Paffado. 

Rom. Draw TSenuo/io,beat downe their weapons : 
Gentlemen, for fhame forbeare this outrage, 
Tibalt .Mercutio, .the Prince exprefly hath 
Forbidden bandying in Verona ftreetes. 
Hold Tybalt,good Mercutio. 

Exit Tybalt. 

Mer. I am hurt. 
A plague a both the Houfes,I am fped: 
Is he i,one and hath nothing ? 

Ben. What art thou hurt ? 

Mer. I, I, a fcratch,a fcratch,marry 'tis inough, 
Where is my Page? go Villaine fetch a Surgeon. 

Rom. Courage man, the hurt cannot be much. 

Mer. No : 'tis not fo deepe as a well, nor fo wide as a 
Church doore,but 'tis inough, 'twill ferue : aske for me to 
morrow,and you fhall find me a graue man. I am pepper'd 
J warrant, for this world : a plague a both your houfes. 
What, aDog, aRat, aMoufe,a Cat to fcratch a man to 
death : a Braggart,a Rogue,a Villaine, that fights by the 
booke of Arithmeticke, why the deu'le came you be- 
tweene vs? I was hurt vnder your arme. 

Rom. I thought all for the belt. 

Mer. Helpe me into fome houfe 'Benuolio, 
Or I mall faint:a plague a both your houfes. 
They haue made wormesmeat of me, 

o6z 



The Tragedie of c I(omeo and Iuliet 



I haue it, and foundly to your Houfes. Exit. 

Rom. This Gentleman the Princes neere Alie, 
My very Friend hath got hiamortall hurt 
In my behalfe,my reputation ftain'd 
With Tibalts (launder, Tybalt that an houre 
Hath beene my Cozin:0 Sweet Iuliet, 
Thy Beauty hath made me Effeminate, 
And in my temper fofcned Valours fteele. 
Enter <Benuolio. 
'Ben. O Romeo, Romeo, braue Mercutio'' s is dead, 
That Gallantifpirit hath afpir'd the Cloudes, 
Which too vntimely here did fcorne the eirth. 

Rom. This daies blacke Fate, on mo daies doth depend, 
This but begins, the wo others mult end. 
Enter Tybalt. 
Ben. Here comes the Furious Tybalt bjcke ag.iine. 
c R t om. He gon in triumph, and Mercutio flaine? 
Away to heauen refpecliue Lenitie, 
And fire and Fury, be my conduct now. 
Now Tybalt take the Villaine backeagaine 
That late thou gau'ft me, for Mercutios foule 
Js but a little way aboue our heads, 
Staying for thine to keepe him companie: 
Either thou or I , or both, muft goe with|him. 

Tib. Thou wretched Boy that didft confort him here, 
Shalt with him hence. 

Rjm. This fhall determine that. 

They fight. Tybalt f dies. 
Ben. Romeo,zway be gone : 
The Citizens are vp,and Tybalt flaine, 
Stand not amaz'd, the Prince will Doome thee death 
It thou art taken:hence, be gone, awaj. 
Rom. O ! lam Fortunes foole. 
Ben. Why doft thou ftay ? 

Exit Romeo. 
Enter Citizens. 
Citi. Which way ran he that Jcild oMercutio ? 
Tibalt that Murtherer, which way ran he ? 
Ben. There lies that Tybalt. 
Citi. Vp fir go with me : 
Icharge thee in the Princes names obey. 

Enter Prince, old Montague, Capuht , their 
Wiues and all. 
Prin. Where are the vile beginners or" this Fray i 
Ben. O Noble Prince, I can difcouer all 
The vnluckie Mannage of this fatall brail: 
There lies the man flaine by young Romeo, 
That flew thy kinfman braue Mercutio. 

Cap. Wi. Tybalt, my Cozin ? O my Brothers Child, 
O Prince, O Cozin, Husband,0 the blood is fpild . 
Of my deare kinfman. Prince as thou art true, 
For bloud of ours, (hed bloud of Mountague. 
O Cozin, Cozin. 

Prin. 'Benuolio, who began this Fray ? 
'Ben. Tybalt here flaine, whom Romeo's hand did flay, 
Romeo that fpoke him faire, bid him bethinke 
How nice the Quarrell was, and vrg'd withall 
Your high difpleafure:all this vttered, 
With gentle breath, calme looke, knees humbly bow'd 
Could not take truce with the vnruly fpleene 
Of Tybalts deafe to peace, but that he Tilts 
With Peircing fteele at bold Mercutio's breaft, 
Who all as hot, turnes deadly point to point, 
And with a Martiall fcorne, with one hand beates 
Cold death afide,and with the other fends 
It back to Tybalt, whofe dexterity 



66j 



Retorts it: Romeo he cries aloud, 

Hold Friends, Friends part,and fwifter then his tongue, 

His aged arme^eats downe their fatall points, 

And twixt them rufhes, vnderneath whofe arme, 

An enuious thruft from Tybalt, hit the life 

Of ftout Mercutio, and then Tybalt fled. 

Cut by and by comes backe to Romeo, 

Who had but newly entertained Reuenge, 

And too't they goe like lightning, for ere I 

Could draw to part them, was ftout Tybalt flaine : 

And as he fell, did Romeo turne and flie: 

This is the truth, or let Benuolio die. 

Cap. Wi. He is a kinfman to the Mountague , 
AffecYion makes him falfe, he fpeakes not true: 
Some twenty of them fought in this blacke ftrife, 
And all thofe twenty could but kill one life. 
I beg for Iuftice, which thou Prince muft giue: 
Romeo flew Tybalt , Romeo muft not liue. 

Prin. Romeo Hew him, he flew Mercutio, 
Who now the price of his deare blood doth owe. 

Cap. Not Romeo Prince, he was Mercutio s Friend, 
His fault concludes, but what the law fhould end, 
The life of Tybalt. 

Trin. And for that offence, 
Immediately we doe exile him hence : 
I haue an intereft inlyour hearts proceeding: 
My bloud for your rude brawles doth lie a bleeding. 
But He Amerce you with lb ftrong a fine, 
That you (full all repent the loffe of mine. 
It will be deafe to pleading and excufes, 
Nor teares, nor prayers fhall purchafe our abufes. 
Therefore vfe none, let Romeo hence in haft, 
Elfe when he is found, that houre is his laft. 
Be are hence this body, and attend our will: 
Mercy not Murders, pardoning thofe that kill. 

Exeui 
Enter Iuliet alone. 
Iul. Gallop apace, you fiery footed fteedes, 
Towards Phccbus lodging, fuch a Wagoner 
As Phaeton would whip you to the weft, 
And bring in Cluudie night immediately. 
Spred thy clofe Curtaine Loue-performing night, 
That run-awayes eyes may wincke, and Romeo 
Leape to theft armes, vntalkt of and vnfeene, 
Louers can fee to doe their Amorous rights, 
j And by their owne Beauties: or if Loue be blind, 
It belt agrees with night: come ciuill night, 
Thou Ibber futed Matron all in blacke, 
, And learne me how to loofe a winning match, 
! Plaid for a paire of ftainleffe Maidenhoods, 
Hood my vnman'd blood bayting in my Cheekes, 
With thy Blacke mantle, till ftrange Li:ue grow bold, 
Thinke true Loue afled fimple modcft.e : 
Come night.come Romeo, come thou day in night, 
] For ibou wilt lie vponthe wings of night 
| Whiter then new Snow vpon a Rauens backc : 
! Come gentle night, come louing blackebrow'j night. 

Giue me my Romeo,znd when I fhall die, 
' Take him and cut him out in little ftarres, 
And he will make the Face of heauen fo fine, 
That all the world will be in Loue with night, 
j And pay no worfhip to the Garifh Sun. 
O I haue bought the Manfion of a Loue, 
ButnotpofTeft it,and though I am fold, 
j Not yet enioy'd, fo tedious is this day, 
As is the night before fomeFeftiuall, 



66 



The Tr age die of ^B^meo and fuliet. 



'oan impatient child that hath new robes 

And may not weare them,0 here comes my Nurfe : 

Snter Nurfe with cords. 
And lhe brings newes and euery tongue that fpeaks 
But Romtos, name, fpeakes heauenly eloquence.': 
Now Nurfe, what newes ? what haft thou there ? 
The Cords that Romeo bid thee fetch ? 

Nur. 1,1, the Cords. 

luli. Ay me, what newes ? 
Why doft thou wring thy hands. 

Nur, A welady,hee's dead, hee's dead, 
We are vndone Lady, we are vndone. 
Alacke the dav, hee's gone, hee's kil'd, he's dead. 

Iul. Can heauen be fo enuious? 

Nur. Romeo can, 
Though heauen cannot. O Romeo, Romeo, 
Who euer would bane thought it Romeo. 

Iuli. What diuell art thou, 
That doft torment me thus i 
This torture mould be roar'd in difmall hell, 
Hath Romeo flaine himfelfe ? fay thou but I, 
And that bare vowell 1 ihall poyfon more 
Then the death-darting eye of Cockatrice, 
I am not I, if there be fuch an I. 
Or thofe eyes fhot,that makes thee anfwere I : 
J If he be flaine fay I, or if not, no. 
Briefe, founds,determine of my weale or wo. 

Nur. I faw the wound, I law it with mine eyes, 
God face the marke,here on his manly breft, 
A pitteous Coarfe, a bloody piteous Coarfe : 
Pale, pale as afhes,all bedawb'd in blood, 
All in gore blood, I founded at the fight- 

lul. O breake my heart, 
Poore Banckrout breake at once, 
To prifon eyes, nere looke on libertie. 
Vile earth to earth refigne,end motion here, 
And thou and Romeo preife on heauie beere. 

Nur. O Tybalt, Tybalt,the beft Friend I had: 
O curteous Tybalt honeft Gentleman, 
That euer I fhould liue to fee thee dead. 

Iul. What ftorme is this that blowes fo contrarie ? 
Is %omeo flaughtred ? and is Tybalt dead ? 
My deareft Cozen, and my dearer Lord: 
Then dreadfull Trumpet found the generall doome, 
For who is liuing,if thofe two arc gone j 

Nur. Tybalt is gone, and Romeo banifhed, 
Romeo th^t kil'd him, he is baniihed. 
Iul. O God ! 
| Did Rom os hand fried Tybalts blood 
j It did, it did, alas the day,it did. 

Nur. O Serpent heart, hid with a flowring face. 
Iul. Did euer Dragon keepe fo faire a Caue ? 
Beautifull Tyrant, fiend Angelicall : 
Rauenous Doue-feather'd Rauen, 
Woluifh-rauening Lambe, 
Difpifed fubftancc of Diuineft mow : 
luft oppofue to what thou iuftly feem'ft, 
A dimne Saint, an Honourable Villaine : 
J C Nature ! what had'ft thou to doe in hell, 
I When thou did'ft bower the fpirit of a fiend 
! In mortall paradife of fuch fweet flelh ? 
Was euer bouke containing fuch vile matter 
So fairely bound r O ;hat deceit mould dwell 
In luch a gorgeous Pallace. 

Nur. There's no truit,no fairh,no honeftie in men, 
\ All periur'd, all forfworne.ail naught,all diflem biers, 



Ah where's my man ? giue me fome Aqua- vitas ? 
Thefe griefes,thefe woes,thefe forrowes make me old : 
Shame come to Romeo. 

Iul. Blifter'd be thy tongue 
For fuch a wifh, he was not borne to ihame : 
Vpon his brow Ihame is aftiam'd to fit ; 
For 'tis a throane where Honour may be Crown'd 
Sole Monarch of the vniuerfall earth: 
O what a beaft was I to chide him i 

Nur. Will you fpeake well of him, 
That kil'd your Cozen ? 

Iul. Shall I fpeake ill of him that is my husband ? 
All poore my Lord, what tongue (hall fmooth thy name, 
When I thy three houres wife haue mangled it. 
But wherefore Villaine did'ft thou kill my Cozin ? 
That Villaine Cozin would haue kil'd my husband : 
Backe foolifh teares, backe to your natiue fpring, 
Your tributarie drops belong to woe, 
Which you miftaking offer vp to ioy : 
My husband liues that Tibalt would haue flaine, 
And Tibalt dead that would haue flaine my husband : 
All this is comfort, wherefore weepe I then ? 
Some words there was worfer then Tybalts death 
That murdered me, I would forget it feine, 
But oh, it preffes to my memory, 
Like damned guilty deedes to finners minds, 
Tybalt is dead and Romeo baniihed : 
That baniihed, thac one word banifhed, 
Hath flaine ten thoufmd Tibalts : Tibalts death 
Was woe inough if it had ended there: 
Or if lower woe delights in feilowfhip, 
And needly will be rankt with other griefes, 
Why followed not when lhe faid Tibalts dead, 
Thy Father or thy Mother, nay or both, 
Which moderne lamentation might haue mou'd. 
But which a rere-ward following Tybalts death 
Borneo is baniihed to fpeake that word, 
Is Father, Mother, Tybalt, Romeo, Iuliet, 
All flaine, all dead: Romeo is baniihed, 
There is no end, no limit, meaiure, bound, 
In that words death, no words can that woe found. 
Where is my Father and my Mother Nurfe f 

Nur. Weeping and wailing ouer Tybalts Coarfe, 
Will you go to them? I will bring you thither. 

lu. Wafh they his wounds with tears:mine Ihal be fpent 
When theirs are drie for Romeo" sbanifhment. 
Take vp thofe Cordes, poore ropes you are beguil'd, 
Both you and I for Romeo is exild: 
He made you for aihigh-way to my bed, 
But 1 a Maid, die Maiden widowed. 
Come Cord, come Nurfe, lie to my wedding bed, 
And death not Romeo, take my Maiden head. 

Nur. Hie to your Chamber, lie find 'Romeo 
To comfort you, I wot well where he is : 
Harke ye your Romeo will be heere at night, 
He to him, he is hid at Lawrence Cell. 

Iul. O rind him, giue this Ring to my true Knight, 
And bid him come, to take hislaft farewell. 



Exit. 



Enter Frier and Romeo. 

Fri. Romeo come forth, 
Come forth thou fearfull man, 
Affliction is enamor'd of thy parts: 
And thou art wedded to calamine. 

Rom. Father what newes? 



"A? Tr age die of "Borneo andluliet. 



6 7 



What is the Princes Doome ? 

What forrow craues acquaintance at my hand, 

That I yet know not? 

Fri. Too familiar 
Is my deare Sonne with fuch fowre Company: 
I bring thee tydings of the Princes Doome. 

Rom. What lefle then Doomefday , 
Is the Princes Doome ? 

Fri. A gentler iudgement vanifht from his lips, 
Not bodies death, but bodies baniihment. 

Rom. Ha, banifhment?be mercifull,fay death : 
For exile hath more terror in his looke, 
Much more then death: do not fay baniihment. 

Fri. Here from Verona art thou banifhed : 
Be patient,for the world is broad and wide. 

Rom. There is no world without "Verona walles, 
But Purgatorie,Torture , hell it felfe : 
Hence banifhed, is banifhtfrom the world, 
And worlds exile is death. Then banifhed, 
Is death, miftearm'd, calling death banifhed, 
Thou cut'ft my head off with a golden Axe, 
And fmileft vpon the ftroke that murders me. 

Fri. O deadly fin,0 rude vnthankefulneffe ! 
Thy fait our Law calles death, but the kind Prince 
Taking thy part,hath rufht afide the Law, 
And turn'd that blacke word death, to banifhment. 
This is deare mercy,and thou feeft it not. 

Rom. 'Tis Torture and not mercy,heauen is here 
Where Iuliet liues,and euery Cat and Dog, 
And little Moufe, euery vnworthy thing 
Liue here in Heauen and may looke on her, 
But Romeo may not.More Validitie, 
More Honourable ftate, more Courtihip Iiues 
In carrion Flies, then Rcmeo-.they may feaze 
On the white wonder of deare Iuliets hand, 
And fteale immortall bleffing from her lips, 
Who euen in pure and veftall modeftie 
Still blufh,as thinking their owne kiffes fin. 
This may Flies doe,when I from this muft flie, 
And faift thou yet,that exile is not death ? 
But *%omeo may notjiee is baniihed. 
Had'ft thou no poyfon mixt,nofharpe ground knife, 
No fudden meane of death, though nere fo meane, 
But baniihed to kill me? Banifhed? 
O Frier,the damned vfe that word in hell: 
Howlings attends it,how haft thou the hart 
Being a Diuine, a Ghoftly ConfefTor, 
A Sin-Abfoluer,and my Friend profeft : 
To mangle me with thatword, banifhed ? 

Fri. Then fond Mad man,heare me fpeake. 

2^«h. O thou wilt fpeake againe of baniihment. 

Fri. He giue thee Armour to keepe off that word, 
Aduerfities fweete milke,Philofophie, 
To comfort thee,though thou art banifhed. 

Rom. Yet banifhedfhang vp Philofophie: 
VnlefTe Philofohpie can make a Iuliet, 
Difplant a Towne,reuerfe a Princes Doome, 
It helpes not,it preuailes not,talke no more. 

Fri. O then I fee, that Mad men haue no eares. 

Rom. How fhould they, 
When wifemen haue no eyes ? 

Fri. Let me difpaire with thee of thy eftate, 

Rom. Thou can'ft not fpeake of that y doft not feele, 
Wert thou as young as Iuliet my Loue: 
An houre but married, Tybalt murdered, 
Doting like me,and like me banifhed, 



665 



Then mighteft thou fpeake, 
Then mighteft thou teare thy hayre, 
And fall vpon the ground as I doe now, 
Taking the meafure of an vnmade graue. 
Enter Nur je, and knocker 

Frier. Arife one knockes, 
Good Romeo hide thy felfe. 

Rom. Not I, 
VnlefTe the breath of Hartficke groanes 
Mift-like infold me from the fearch of eyes. 

Knocke 
Fri. Harke how they knocke: 
(Who's there ) Romeo arife, 
Thou wilt be taken,ftaya while, ftand vp : 

Knocke. 
Run to my ftudy:by and by .Gods will 
What fimpleneffe is this: I come, I come. 

Knocke. 
Who knocks fo hard ? 
Whence come you ? what's your will ? 
Enter Nurfe. 

Nur. Let me come in, 
And you (hall know my errand : 
I come from Lady Iuliet. 

Fri. Welcome then. 

Nur. O holy Frier, O tell me holy Frier, 
Where's my Ladies Lord?where's Romeo i 

Fri. There on the ground, 
With his owne teares made drunke. 

Nur. O he is euen in my MiftrefTe cafe, 
Iuft in her cafe.O wofull fimpathy : 
Pitdous predicament.euen fo lies fhe, 
Blubbring and weeping, weeping and blubbring, 
Stand vp, ftand vp,ftand and you be a man, 
For Iuliets fake,for her fake rife and ftand : 
Why fhould you fall into fo deepe an O. 

Rom. Nurfe. 

Nur. Ah fir,ah fir,deaths the end of all. 

Rom. Speak'ft thou of Iuliet'how is it with her? 
Doth not fhe thinke me an old Murtherer, 
Now I haue ftain'd the Childhood of our ioy, 
With blood remoued,but little from her owne ? 
Where is fhe ? and how doth fhe ? and what fayes 
My conceal'd Lady to our conceal'd Loue ? 

Nur. Oh fhe fayes nothing fir, but weeps and weeps, 
And now fals on her bed,and then ftarts vp, 
And Tybalt calls,and then on Romeo cries, 
And then downe falls againe. 

Ro.As if that name fhot from the dead leuell of a Gun, 
Did murder her, as that names curfed hand 
Murdred her kinfman.Oh tell me Frier,tell me, 
In what vile part of this Anatomie 
Doth my name lodge ? Tell me,that I mayfacke 
The hatefull Manfion. 

Fri. Hold thy defperate hand : 
Art thou a man ? thy forme cries out thou art : 
Thy teares are womanifh.thy wild afts denote 
The vnreafonable Furie of a beaft. 
Vnfeemely woman , in a feeming man, 
And ill befeeming beaft in feeming both, 
Thou haft amaz'd me. By my holy order, 
I thought thy difpofition better temper'd. 
Haft thou flaine Tybalt ? wilt thou flay thy felfe ? 
And flay thy Lady , that in thy life lies, 
By doing damned hate vpon thy felfe? 
Why rayl'ft thou on thy birth ? the heauen and earth ? 

Since 

4~p 



68 



The Tragedie of%omeo and Juliet. 



Since birth,and heauen and earth, all three do meete 

In thee at once, which thou at once would'ft loofe. 

Fie,fie,thou lham'ft thy lhape,thy loue,thy wit, 

Which like a Vfurer abound'ft in all : 

And vfeft none in that true vfe indeed, 

Which lhould bedecke thy ihape,thy loue,thy wit: 

Thy Noble ihape,is but a forme of waxe, 

Digrefling from the Valour of a man, 

Thy deare Loue fworne but hollow periurie, 

Killing that Loue which thou haft vow'd to cheiifh. 

Thy wit, that Ornament, to /hapeand Loue, 

Mifhapen in the conduct of them both : 

Like powder in a skilleffe Souldiers flaske, 

Is fet a fire by thine owne ignorance, 

And thou diimembred with thine owne defence. 

What,rowfe thee man, thy Iuliet is aliue, 

For whofe deare fake thou waft but lately dead. 

There art thou happy. Tybalt would kill thee, 

But thou flew'ft Tybalt, there art thou happie. 

The law that threatned death became thy Friend, 

And turn'd it to exile , there art thou happy. 

A packe or blefling light vpon thy backe, 

Happinefie Courts thee in her beft array, 

But like a mifhaped and fullen wench, 

Thou putteft vp thy Fortune and thy Loue : 

Take heed , take heed , for fuch die miferable. 

Goe get thee to thy Loue as was decreed, 

Afcend her Chamber, hence and comfort her : 

But looke thou ftay not till the watch be fet, 

For then thou canft not pafle to Mantua, 

Where thou ihalt liue till we can finde a time 

To blaze your marriage, reconcile your Friends, 

Beg pardon of thy Prince, and call thee backe, 

With twenty hundred thoufand times more ioy 

Then thou went'ft forth in lamentation. 

Goe before Nurfe, commend me to thy Lady, 

And bid her haften all the houfe to bed, 

Which heauy forrow makes them apt vnto. 

Romeo is comming. 

Nur. O Lord, I could haue ftaid here all night, 
To heare good counfell : oh what learning is ! 
My Lord He tell my Lady you will come. 

Rom. Do fo, and bid my Sweete prepare to chide. 

Nur. Heere fir, a Ring fhe bid me giue you fir : 
Hie you, make haft, for it growes very late. 

Rom. How well my comfort is reuiu'd by this. 

Fri. Go hence, 
Goodnight, and here ftands all your ftate : 
Either be gone before the watch be fet, 
Or by the breake of day difguis'd from hence, 
Soiourne in Mantua,llefind outyour man, 
And he fhall fignifie from time to time, 
Euery good hap to you, that chaunces heere : 
Giue me thy hand, 'tis late,farewell,goodnight. 

Rom. But that a ioy paft ioy,calls out on me, 
It were a griefe,fo briefe to part with thee : 
Farewell. Exeunt. 

Enter old Capulet ,his Wife and Paris. 

Cap. Things haue falne out fir fo vnluckily, 
That we haue had no time to moue our Daughter : 
Looke you, flie Lou'd her kinfman Tybalt dearely, 
And fo did I. Well, we were borne to die. 
'Tis very late,ihe'l not come downe to night : 
I promife you, but for your company, 



I would haue bin a bed an houreago. 

Par. Thefe times of wo, affoord no times to wooe: 
Madam goodnight, commend me to your Daughter. 

Lady. I will, and know her mind early to morrow, 
To night, flie is mewed vp to her heauinelfe. 

Cap. Sir Paris, I will make a defperate tender 
Of my Childes loue : I thinke ihe will be rul'd 
In all refpedts by me : nay more, I doubt it not. 
Wife, go you to her ere you go to bed, 
Acquaint her here,of my Sonne "Paris Loue, 
And bid her,marke you me,on Wendfday next, 
But foft, what day is this ? 

Par. Monday my Lord. 

Cap. Monday, ha ha: well Wendfday is too foone, 
A Thurfday let it be:a Thurfday tell her, 
She mail be married to this Noble Earle : 
Will you be ready ? do you like this haft/' 
Weele keepe no great adoe,a Friend or two, 
For harke you,Tybalt being flaine fo late, 
It may be thought we held him carelelly, 
Being our kinfman,if we reuell much : 
Therefore weele haue fome halfe a dozen Friends, 
And there an end. But what fay you to Thurfday ? 

Paris. My Lord, 
I would that Thurfday were to morrow. 

Cap. Well, get you gone, a Thurfday,be it then : 
Go you to Iuliet ere you go to bed, 
Prepare her wife, againft this wedding day. 
Farewell my Lord, light to my Chamber hoa, 
Afore me, it is fo late, that we may call ir early by and by, 
Goodnight. Exeunt. 

Enter Romeo and Iuliet aloft. 

Iul. Wilt thou be gone ? It is not yet neere day : 
It was the Nightingale, and not the Larke, 
Thatpier'ft the fearefull hollow of thine eare, 
Nightly ihe fings on yond Pomgranet tree, 
Beleeue me Loue, it was the Nightingale. 

Rom. It was the Larke the Herauld of the Morne: 
No NightingaIe:looke Loue what enuious ftreakes 
Do lace the feuering Cloudes in yonder Eaft : 
Nights Candles are burnt out. and Iocond day 
Stands tipto on the miftie Mountaines tops, 
I muft be gone and liue,or ftay and die. 

Iul. Yond light is not daylight, I know it I : 
It is fome Meteor that the Sun exhales, 
To be to thee this night a Torch-bearer, 
And light thee on thy way to Mantua. 
Therefore ftay yet, thou need'ft not to be gone, 

Rom. Let me be tane, let me be put to death, 
I am content,fo thou wilt haue it fo. 
He fay yon gray is not the mornings eye,! 
'Tis but the pale reflexe of Cinthias brow. 
Nor that is not Larke whofe noates do beate 
The vaulty heauen fo high aboue our heads, 
I haue more care to ftay,then will to go : 
Come death and welcome, Iuliet wills it fo. 
How ift my foule,lets talke,it is not day. 

Iuli. It is, it is, hie hence be gone away : 
It is the Larke that fings fo out of tune, 
Straining harfh Difcords,and vnpleafing Sharpes. 
Some fay the Larke makes fweete Diuifion; 
This doth not fo:for (he diuideth vs. 
Some fay, the Larke and loathed Toad change eyes, 
O now I would they had chang'd voyces too : 



'The Tr age die of 'Borneo and Juliet. 



69 



Since arme from arme that voyce doth vs affray, 
Hunting thee hence, with Hunt f-vpto the day, 

now be gone, more light and itli ght growes. 

Rom. More light & light, more darke & darke our woes. 

Enter Madam and Nurje. 
Nur. Madam. 
Iul. Nurfe. 

Nur.Your Lady Mother is comming to your chamber, 
The day is broke, be wary,looke about. 

Iul. Then window let day in, and let life out. 
Rom. Farewell, farewell, one kiffe and He defcend. 
Iul. Art thou gone fo^ Loue, Lord, ay Husband, Friend, 

1 muft heare from thee euery day in the houre, 
For in a minute there are many dayes, 

by this count I fhall be much in yeares, 
Ere I againe behold my Romeo. 

Rom. Farewell : 

1 will omit no oportunitie, 

That may conuey my greetings Loue, to thee. 

Iul. O thinkeft thou we (hall euer meet againe ? 
Rom. I doubt it not, and all thefe woes fhall ferue 
For fweet difcourfes in our time to come. 

Iuilet. O God ! I haue an ill Diuining foule, 
Me thinkes I fee thee now, thou art fo lowe, 
As one dead in the bottome of a Tombe, 
Either my eye-fight failes, or thou look'ft pale. 

Rom. And truft me Loue, in my eye fo do you : 
Drie forrow drinkes our blood. Adue, adue. Exit. 

Iul. O Fortune, Fortune, all men call thee fickle, 
If thou art fickle, what doft thou with him 
That is renown'd for faith? be fickle Fortune: 
For then I hope thou wilt not keepe him long, 
But fend him backe. 

Enter Mother. 

Lad. Ho Daughter, are you vp? 

Iul: Who ift that calls ? Is it my Lady Mother. 
Is fhe not downe fo late, or vp fo early ? 
What vnaccuftom'd caufe procures her hither? 

Lad. Why how now luliet? 

Iul. Madam I am not well. 

Lad. Euermore weeping for your Cozins death? 
What wilt thou wafh him from his graue with teares ■? 
And if thou could'ft,thou could'ft not make him liue : 
Therefore haue done,fome griefe fhewes much of Loue, 
But much of griefe, fhewes ftill fome want of wit. 

Iul. Yet let me weepe,for fuch a feeling loffe. 

Lad. So mall you feele the loffe, but not the Friend 
Which you weepe for. 

Iul. Feeling fo the loffe, 
I cannot chufe but euer weepe the Friend. 

La. Well Girle, thou weep'ft not fo much for his death, 
As that the Villaine liues which flaughter'd him. 

Iul. What Villaine, Madam ? 

Lad. That fame Villaine Romeo. 

Iul. Villaine and he, be many Miles affunder : 
I God pardon, I doe with all my heart: 
And yet no man like he, doth grieue my heart. 

Lad. That is becaufe the Traitor liues. 

Iul. I Madam from the reach of thefe my hands : 
Would none but I might venge my Cozins death. 

Lad. We will haue vengeance for it, feare thou not. 
Then weepe no more, He fend to one in Mantua, 
Where that fame banifht Run-agate doth liue, 
Shall giue him fuch an vnaccuftom'd dram, 
That he fhall foone keepe Tybalt company : 
And then I hope thou wilt be fatisfied. 



667 



Iul. Indeed I neuer fhall be fatisfied 
With ""Romeo, till I behold him. Dead 
Is my poore heart fo for a kinfman vext : 
Madam if you could find out but a man 
To beare a poyfon, I would temper it ; 
That Romeo mould vpon receit thereof, 
Soone fleepe in quiet. O how my heart abhors 
To heare him nam'd,and cannot come to him, 
To wreake the Loue I bore my Cozin, 
Vpon his body that hath flaughter'd him. 

Mo. Find thou the meanes, and He find fuch a man. 
But now He tell thee ioyfull tidings Gyrle. 

Iul. And ioy comes well , in fuch a needy time, 
What are they,befeech your Ladyfhip ? 

cMo. Well, well, thou haft a carefull Father Child? 
One who to put thee from thy heauineffe, 
Hath forted out a fudden day of ioy, 
That thou expefts not, nor I lookt not for. 

Iul. Madam in happy time, what day is this ? 

Mo. Marry my Child, early next Thurfday morne, 
The gallant, young, and Noble Gentleman, 
The Countie Paris at Saint Peters Church, 
Shall happily make thee a ioyfull Bride. 

Iul. Now by Saint Peters Church, and Peter too, 
He fhall not make me there a ioyfull Bride. 
I wonder at this haft, that I muft wed 
Ere he that fhould be Husband comes to woe; 
I pray you tell my Lord and Father Madam, 
I will not marrie yet, and when I doe, I fweare 
It fhallbe Romeo , whom you know I hate 
Rather then Paris. Thefe are newes indeed. 

Mo. Here comes your Father, tell him fo your felfe, 
And fee how he will take it at your hands. 

Enter Capulet and Nurje. 

Cap. When the Sun fets.tbe earth doth drizzle daew 
But for the Sunfet of my Brothers Sonne, 
It raines downright. 

How now/ A Conduit Gyrle, what ftill in teares? 
Euermorefhowring in one little body? 
Thou counterfaits a Barke,a Sea, a Wind : 
For ftill thy eyes, which I may call the Sea, 
Do ebbe and flow with teares, the Barke thy body is 
Sayling in this fait floud.the windes thy fighes, 
Who raging with the teares and they with them, 
Without a fudden calme will ouer fet 
Thy temp eft toffed body. How now wife? 
Haue you deliuered to her our decree ? 

Lady. I fir ; 
But fhe will none, fhe giues you thankes, 
I would the foole were married to her graue. 

Cap. Soft, take me with you, take me with you wife, 
How, will fhe none? doth fhe not giue vs thanks? 
Is fhe not proud? doth fhe not count her bleft, 
Vnworfhy as fhe is, that we haue wrought 
So worthy a Gentleman, to be her Bridegroome 

Iul. Not proud you haue, 
But thankfull that you haue : 
Proud can I neuer be of what I haue, 
But thankfull euen for hate, that is meant Loue. 

Cap. How now ? 
How now i Chopt Logicke ? what is this ? 
Proud, and I thanke you: and I thanke you not. 
Thanke me no thankings,nor proud me no prouds, 
But fettle your fine ioints'gainft Thurfday next, 

To 



7° 



The Tragedie of c I{omeo and Juliet. 



To go with Paris to Saint Peters Church : 

Or I will drag thee, on a Hurdle thither. 

Out you greene ficknefle carrion, out you baggage, 

You tallow face. 

Lady. Fie, fie, what are you mad ? 

Iul. Good Father, I befeech you on my knees 

Keare me with patience,but to fpeake a word. 

Fa. Hang thee young baggage, uifobedient wretch, 

I tell thee what, get thee to Church a Thurfday, 

Or neuer after looke me in the face. 

Speakemot,reply not, do not anfwere me. 

My fingers itch, wife : we fcarce thought vs bleft, 

That God had lent vs but this onely Child, 

But now I fee this one is one too much, 

And that we haue a curfe in hauing her: 

Out on her Hilding. 

Nur. God in heauen blefle her, 

You are too blame my Lord to rate her fo. 

Fa. And why my Lady wiledome?hold your tongue, 

Good Prudence, fmatter with your goflip,go. 
Nur. I fpeake no treafon, 

Father, O Godigoden, 

May not one fpeake ? 

Fa. Peace you mumbling foole, 

Vtter your grauitie ore a Goffips bowles 

For here we need it not. 
La. You are too hot. 
Fa. Gods bread, it makes me mad: 

Djy, night, houre, ride, time, worke, play, 

Alone in companie,ftill my care hath bin 

To haue her marcht,and hauing now prouided 

A Gentleman of Noble Parentage, 

Of faire Demeanes, Youthfull, and Nobly Allied, 

Stuft as they lay with Honourable parts, 

Proportion^ as ones thought would wilh a man, 

And then to haue a wretched puling foole, 

A whining mammet,in her Fortunes tender, 

To anfwer,Ile not wed, I cannot Loue : 

I am too young, I pray you pardon me. 

But, and you will not wed, He pardon you. 

Graze where you will, you fhall not houfe with me : 

Looke too't, thinke on't, I do not vfe to ieft. 

Thurfday is neere,lay hand on heart, aduife, 

And you be mine, He giue you to my Friend : 

And you be not, hang, beg, ftraue, die in the ftreets, 

For by my foule, He nere acknowledge thee, 
j Nor what is mine fhall neuer do thee good : 
j Truft too't, bethinke you, He not be forfworne Exit. 

I Iuli. Is there no pittie fitting in the Cloudes, 
I That fees into the bottome of my griefe ? 

O fweet my Mother caft me not away, 

Delay this marriage, for a month, a weeke, 

Or if you do not, make the Bridall bed 

In that dim Monument where Tybalt lies. 

Mo. Talke not to me, for He not fpeake a word, 

Do as thou wilt, for I haue done with thee. Exit. 

Iul. O God ! 

O Nurfe,how ihall this be preuented ? 

My Husband is on earth, my faith in heauen, 

How fhall that faith returne againe to earth, 

VnlelTe that Husband fend it me from heauen, 

By leauing earth ?Comfortme, counfaile me : 

Hlacke,alacke, that heauen fhould piacYife firatagems 

Vpon fo foft a fubiect as my felfe. 

What faift tbou 3 baft thou not a word of ioy ? 

Some comfort Nurfe. 



Nur. Faith here it is, 
Romeo is baniihed,and all the world to nothing, 
That he dares neie come backe to challenge you ; 
Or if he do,it needs muft be by ftealth. 
Then fince the cafe fo ftands as now it doth, 
I thinke it beft you married with the Countie,' 

hee's a Louely Gentleman : 

Romeos a difli-clout to him : an Eagle Madam 
Hath not fo|greene,fo quicke, ^ faire an eye 
As Paris hath, befhrow my very heart, 

1 thinke you are happy in this fecond match, 
For it excels your firft:or if it did not, 

Your firft is dead, or 'twere as good he were, 
As liuing here and you no vfe of him. 

Iul. Speaker! thou from thy heart ? 

Nur. And from myfoule too, 
Or elfe belhrew them both. 

Iul. Amen. 

Nur. What? 

Iul. Well, thou haft comforted me marue'lous much, 
Go ( in,and tell my Lady I am gone, 
Hauing difpleaf'd my Father, to Lawrence Cell, 
To make confeflion,and to be abfolu'd. 

Nur. Marrie I will, and this is wifely done. 

Iul. Auncient damnation, O moft wicked fiend! 
It is more fin to wifh me thus forfworne, 
Or to difpraife my Lord with that fame tongue 
Which {he hath praif'd him with aboue compare, 
So many thoufand times? Go Counfellor, 
Thou and my bofome henchforth fhall be twaine : 
lie to the Frier to know his remedie, 
If all elfe faile,my felfe haue power to die. Exeunt. 

Enter Frier and Countie Paris. 

Fri. On Thurfday fir?the time is very fhort. 

Par. My Father Cafulet will haue it fo, 
And I am nothing flow to flack his haft. 

Fri. You fay you do not know the Ladies mind ? 
Vneuen is the courfe, I like it not. 

Pa. Immoderately ihe weepes for Tybalts death, 
And therfore haue I little talke of Loue, 
For Venui fmiles not in a houfe of teares. 
Now fir, her Father counts it dangerous 
That (be doth giue her forrow fo much fway : 
And in his wifedome, hafts our marriage, 
To ftop the inundation of her teares, 
Which too much minded by her felfe alone, 
May be put from her by focietie. 
Now doe you know the reafon of this haft? 

Fri. I would I knew not why it fhould be flow'd. 
Looke fir, here comes the Lady towards my Cell. 
Enter Iuliet. 

Par. Happily met, my Lady and my wife. 

Iul. That may be fir, when I may be a wife. 

Par. That may be, muft be Loue, on Thurfday next. 

Iul. What muft be (hall be. 

Fri. That's a certaine text. 

Tar. Come you to make confeffion to this Father? 

Iul. To anfwere that, I fhould confefle to you. 

Par. Do not denie to him, that you Loue me. 

Iul. I will confefle to you that I Loue him. 

Par. So will ye, I am fure that you Loue me. 

Iul. If I do fo, it will be of more price, 
Benig fpoke behind your backe, then to your face. ■ 

Par. Poore foule, thy face is much abuf'd with teares. 
Iuli. The 



The Tragedie of c B^meo and Juliet. 



7 1 



Iul. The teares haue got fmall viftorie by that : 
For it was bad inough before their fpight. 

Pa. Thou wrong'ft it more then teares with that report. 
Iul. That is no fhunder fir, which is a truth, 
And what I fpake,I (pake it to thy face. 

Par. Thy face is mine, and thou haft flaundred it, 
Iul. It may be fo, for it is not mine owne. 
Are you at leifure, Holy Father now, 
Or (hall I come to you at euening MalTe ? 

Fri. My leifure ferues me penfiue daughter now. 
My Lord you muft intreat the time alone. 

Par. Godftieild : I mould difturbe Deuotion, 
luliet, on Thurfday early will I rowfe yee, 
Till then adue.and keepe this holy kilTe. Exit Parts. 
Iul. O (hut the doore, and when thou haft done fo, 
Come weepe with me, paft hope, paft care, paft helpe. 

Fri. O luliet, I alreadie know thy griere, 
It ftreames me paft the compaffe of my wits : 
I heare thou muft and nothing may prorogue it, 
On Thurfday next be married to this Countie. 

Iul. Tell me not Frier that thou heareft of this, 
VnlelTe thou tell meihow I may preuent it : 
If in thy wifedome, thou canft giue no helpe, 
Do thou but call my refolution wife, 
And with' his knife, He helpe it prefently. 
God ioyn'd my heart,and Romeos, thou our hands, 
And ere this hand by thee to Romeo feal'd : 
Shall be the Labeil to another Deede, 
Or my true heart with trecherous reuolt, 
Tuine to another, this fhall flay them both : 
Therefore out of thy long expetien'ft time, 
Giue me fome prefent counfell, or behold 
Twixc'my extreames and me, this bloody knife 
Shall play the vmpeere, arbitrating that, 
Which the commiflionof thy yeares and art, 
Could to no iffue of true honour bring : 
Be not fo long to fpeak, I long to die, 
If what thou (peak' ft, fpeake not of remedy. 

Fri. Hold Daughter, I doe fpie a kind of hope, 
Which craues as defperate an execution, 
As that is delperate which we would preuent. 
If.rather then to marrie Countie Paris 
Thou haft the ftrength of will to ftay thy felfe, 
Then is it likely thou wilt vndertake 
A thinglike death to chide away this fhame, 
That coap'ft with death himfelfe,to fcape fro it : 
And if thou dar'ft,Ile giue thee remedie. 

Iul. Oh bid meileape, rather then marrie Paris, 
| From of the Battlements of any Tower, 
! Or walke in theeuilh waies,or bid me lurke 
J Where Serpents are : chaine me with roaring Beares 
; Or hide me nightly in a Charnell houfe, 
| Orecouered quite with dead mens ratling bones, 
■ With reckie ftiankes and yellow chappels fculls : 
Or bid me go into a new made graue, 
And hide me with a dead man in his graue , 
Things that to heare them told,haue made me tremble, 
And I will doe it without feare or doubt, 
| To liue an vnftained wife to my fweet Loue. 

Fri. Hold then: goe home, be merrie„giue confent, 
J To marrie Paris : wenfday is to morrow, 
j To morrow night looke that thou lie alone, 

Let not thy Nurfe lie with thee in thy Chamber : 
| Take thou this Violl being then in bed, 
j And this diftilling liquor drinke thou off, 
When prefently through all thy veines (hall run, 



56 9 



A cold and drowfie humour : for no pulfe 

Shall keepe his natiue progreffe, but furceafe: 

No warmth, no breath fhall teftifie thou liueft, 

The Rofes in thy lips and cheekes (hall fade 

To many afhes, the eyes windowes fall 

Like death when he (hut vp the day of life : 

Each part depriu'd of fupple gouernment, 

Shall ftiffe and ftarke,and cold appeare like death, 

And in this borrowed likeneffe of (hrunke death 

Thou malt continue two and forty houres, 

And then awake,as from a pleafant lleepe. 

Now when the Bridegroome in the morning comes, 

To rowfe thee from thy bed, there art thou dead : 

Then as the manner of our country is, 

In thy belt Robes vncouer'd on the Beere, 

Be borne to buriall in thy kindreds graue : 

Thou malt be borne to that fame ancient vault, 

Where all the kindred of the Capulets lie, 

In the meane time againft thou (halt awake, 

Shall Romeo by my Letters know our drift, 

And hither (hall he come, and that very night 

Shall Romeo beare thee hence to Mantua. 

And this fhall free thee from this prefent (hame, 

If no inconftant toy nor womanilh feare, 

Abate thy valour in the acting it. 

Id. Giue me, giue me,0 tell not me of care. 

Fri. Hold get you gone, be ftrong and profperous : 
In this refolue, lie fend a Frier with fpeed 
To Mantua with my Letters to thy Lord. 

Iu. Loue giue me ftrength, 
And ftrength fhall helpe afford : 
Farewell deare father. Exit 

Enter Father Capuht , Mother, Nurfe, and 
Seruing men, two or three. 

Cap. So many guefts inuite as here are writ, 
Sirrah, go hire me twenty cunning Cookes. 

Ser. You fhall haue none ill fir, for He trie if they can 
licke their fingers. 

Cap. How canft thou trie them fo ? 
Ser. Marrie fir, 'tis an ill Cooke that cannot licke his 
owne fingers : therefore he that cannot licke his fingers 
goes not with me. 

Cap. Go be gone, we (hall be much vnfurnifht for this 
time : what is my Daughter gone to Frier Lawrence ? 
Nur. I forfooth. 

Cap. Well he may chance to do fome good on her, 
A peeuifti felfe-wild harlotry it is. 

Enter luliet. 

Nur. See where (he comes from (hrift 
With merrie looke. 

Cap. How now my headftrong, 
Where haue you bin gadding? 

Iul. Where I haue learnt me to repent the fin 
Of difobedient oppofition .* 
To you and your behefts, and am enioyn'd 
By holy Lawrence, to fall proftrate here, 
To beg your pardon: pardon I befeech you, 
Henceforward I am euer rul'd by you. 

Cap. Send for the Countie, goe tell him of this, 
He haue this knot knit vp to morrow morning. 

Iul. I met the youthfull Lord at Lawrence Cell, 
And gaue him what becomed Loue I might, 
Not ftepping ore the bounds of modeftie. 

Cap. Why I am glad on't,this is well,ftand vp, 

This 



7 2 



The Tr age die of ^meo and Juliet. 



This is as't mould be,let me fee the County : 
I marrie go I fay, and fetch him hither. 
Now afore God, this reueren'd holy Frier, 
All our whole Cittie is much bound to him. 

Iul. Nurfe will you goe with me into my Clofet, 
To helpe me fort fuch needfull ornaments, 
As you thinke fit to furnifti me to morrow ? 

Mo. No not till Thurfday, there's time inough. 

Fa. Go Nurfe, go with her, 
Weele to Church to morrow. 

Exeunt luliet and Nurfe. 

Mo. We fhall be fhort in our prouifion, 
'Tis now neere night. 

Fa. Tuft, I will ftirre about, 
And all things mall be well, I warrant thee wife: 
Go thou to luliet, helpe to deckevp her, 
lie not to bed to night,let me alone : 
lie play the hufwife for this once. What ho ? 
They are all forth, well I will walke my felfe 
To Countie Paris , to prepare him vp 
Againft to morrow,my heart is wondrous light, 
Since this fame way-ward Gyrle is fo reclaim'd. 

Exeunt Father and Mother' 

Enter luliet and Nurfe. 

Iul. I thofe attires are beft, but gentle Nurfe 
I pray thee leaue me to my felfe to night : 
For I haue need of many Oryfons, 
To moue the heauens to fmile vpon my ftate, 
Which well thou know'ft, is croffe and full of fin. 
Enter cM'other. 

Mo. What are you bufie ho?need you my help ? 

Iul. No Madam, we haue cul'd fuch necefTaries 
As are behoouefull for our ftate to morrow: 
So pleafe you, let me now be left alone; ( 
And let the Nurfe this night fit vp with you, 
For I am fure,you haue your hands full all, 
In this fo fudden bufineffe. 

Mo. Goodnight. 
Get thee to bed and reft, for thou haft need. Exeunt. 

Iul. Farewell : 
God knowes when we mall meete againe. 
I haue a faint cold feare thrills through my veines, 
That almoft freezes vp the heate of fire : 
He call them backe againe to comfort me. 
Nurfe, what mould me do here f 
My difmall Sceane, I needs muft aft alone : 
Come Viall,what if this mixture do not worke at all? 
Shall I be married then to morrow morning? 
No, no, this mail forbid it. Lie thou there, 
What if it be a poyfon which the Frier 
Subtilly hath miniftred to haue me dead, 
Leaft in this marriage he mould be dimonour'd, 
Becaufe he married me before to Romeo ? 
I feare it is, and yet methinkesit (hould not, 
For he hath ftill beene tried a holy man. 
How, if when I am laid into the Tombe, 
I wake before the time that Romeo 
Come to redeeme me? There's a fearefiall point : 
Shall I not then be ftifled in the Vault ? 
To whofe foule mouth no healthfome ayre breaths in, 
And there die ftrangled ere my Romeo comes. 
Or if I liue,is it not very like, 
The horrible conceit of death and night, 
Together with the terror of the place, 
As in a Vaulte,an ancient receptacle, 



Where for thefe many hundred yeeres the bones 

Of all my buried Aunceftors are packt, 

Where bloody Tybalt,yet but greene in earth, 

Lies feftring in his fhrow'd, where as they fay, 

At fome houres in the night, Spirits refort : 

Alacke,alacke,is it not like that I 

So early waking, what with loathfome fmels, 

And fhrikes like Mandrakes torne out of the earth, 

That liuing mortalls hearing them, run mad. 

O if I walke, fhall I not be diftraught, 

Inuironed with all thefe hidious feares, 

And madly play with my forefathers ioynts? 

And plucke the mangled Tybalt horn his fhrow'd ? 

And in this rage, with fome great kinfmans bone, 

As (with a club)dafh out my defperate braines. 

O looke, me thinks I fee my Cozins Ghoft, 

Seeking out Romeo that did fpit his body 

Vpon my Rapiers point : ftay Tybalt, ftay; 

Romeo, Romeo, c Romeo, here's drinke : I drinke to thee. 

Enter Lady of the houfe,and Nurfe. 

Lady. Hold, 
Take thefe keies.and fetch more fpices Nurfe. 

Nur. They call for Dates and Qumces in the Paftrie. 
Enter old Capulet. 

Cap. Come,ftir,ftir,ftir, 
The fecond Cocke hath Crow'd, 
The Curphew Bell hath rung, 'tis three a clocke : 
Looke to the bakte meates,good {Angelica, 
Spare not for coft. 

Nur. Go you Cot-queane,go, 
Get you to bed, faith youle be ficke to morrow 
For this nights watching. 

Cap. No not a whit:what? I haue watcht ere now 
All night for leffe caufe, and nere beene ficke. 

La. I you haue bin a Moufe-hunt in your time, 
But I will watch you from fuch watching now. 

Exit Lady and Nurfe. 

Cap. A iealous hood, a iealous hood, 
Now fellow, what there? 

Enter three or foure with Jpits, and logs, and baskets. 

Fel. Things for the Cooke fir, but I know not what. 

Cap. Make haft, make haft, firrah, fetch drier Logs. 
Call Peter, he will mew thee where they are. 

Fel. I haue a head fir, that will find out logs, 
And neuer trouble Pfter for the matter. 

Cap. MafTe and well faid,a merrie horfon,ha, 
Thou ihalt be loggerhead; good Father, 'tis day. 

Play oMuficke 
The Countie will be here with Muficke ftraight, 
For fo he faid he would, I heare him neere, 
Nurfe, wife, what ho.'what Nurfe I fay ? 
Enter Nurfe. 
Go waken luliet, go and trim her vp, 
He go and chat with P^ni: hie, make haft, 
Make haft, the Bridegroome,he is come already: 
Make haft I fay. 

Nur. Miftris, what Miftris? 7a//«.?Faft I warrant her me. 
Why Lambe,why Ladyjfie you fluggabed, 
Why Loue I fay/Madam, fweet heart: why Bride? 
What not a word ? You take your peniworths now. 
Sleepe for a weeke,for the next night I warrant 
TheCountie Paris hath fet vp his reft, 
That you mall reft but little, God forgiue me : 
Marrie and Amen : how found is fhe a fleepe ? 

I 
670 



The Tr age die of c B^meo and Juliet. 



73 



I muft needs wake her : Madam, Madam, Madam, 
I, let the Countie take you in your bed, 
Heele fright you vp yfaith. Will it not be ? 
What dreft,and in your clothes, and downe againe i 
I muft needs wake you : Lady, Lady,Lady i 
Alas, alas, helpe, helpe, my Ladyes dead, 
Oh weladay, that euer I was borne, 
Some Aqua-vitas ho, my Lord, my Lady i 

Mo. What noife is heere? Enter Mother. 

Nur. O lamentable day. 

c/Jtfi. What is the matter ? 

Nur. Looke,looke, oh heauie day. 

Mo. O me, O me, my Child, my onely life : 
Reuiue,looke vp,or I will die with thee: 
Helpe, helpe, call helpe. 

Enter Father. 

Fa. For lhame bring luliet forth, her Lord is come. 

Nur. Shee's dead :deceaft, fhee's dead:alacke the day. 

M.Alacke the day, fhee's dead, fhee's dead,(hee's dead. 

Fa. Ha ? Let me fee henout alas (hee's cold, 
Her blood is fetled and her ioynts are ftiffe : 
Life and thefe lips haue long bene fep erated : 
Death lies on her like an vntimely froft 
Vpon the fweteft flower of all the field. 

Nur. O Lamentable day ! 

Mo. O wofull time. 

Fa. Death that hath tane her hence to make me waile, 
Ties vp my tongue, and will not let me fpeake. 
Enter Frier and the Countie. 

Fri. Come, is the Bride ready to go to Church? 

Fa. Ready to go, but neuer to returne. 
O Sonne, the night before thy wedding day, 
Hath death laine with thy wife : there (he lies, 
Flower as (he was, deflowred by him. 
Death is my Sonne in law, death is my Heire, 
My Daughter he hath wedded. I will die, 
And leaue him all life liuing,all is deaths. 

Pa. Haue I thought long to fee this mornings face, 
And doth it giue me fuch a fight as this? 

Mo. Accur'ft, vnhappie, wretched hatefull day, 
Moft miferable houre,that ere time faw 
In lafting labour of his Pilgrimage. 
But one,poore one, one poore and louing Child, 
But one thing to reioyce and folace in, 
And cruell death hath catcht it from my fight. 

Nur. O wo,0 wofull, wofull, wofull day, 
Moft lamentable day, moft wofull day, 
That euer, euer,I did yet behold. 
O day.O day,0 day,0 hatefull day, 
Neuer was feene fo blacke a day as this : 
O wofull day, O wofull day. 

Pa. Beguild,diuorced, wronged, fpighted,flaine, 
Moft deteftable death, by thee beguil'd, 
By cruell, cruell thee, quite ouerthrowne: 
O loue, O lifejnot life, but loue in death. 

Fat. Defpis'd, diftreffed, hated, martir'd, kil'd, 
Vncomfortable time, why cam'ft thou now 
To murther, murther our folemnitie ? 
O Child,0 Childjmy foule,and not my Child, 
Dead art thou,alacke my Child is dead, 
And with my Child, my ioyes are buried. 

Fri. Peace ho for lhame, confufions : Carejiues not 
In thefe confufions,heauen and your felfe 
Had part in this faire Maid, now heauen hath all, 
And all the better is it for th» Maid : 
Your part in her,you could not keepe from death, 



67, 



But heauen keepes his part in eternall life : 
The moft you fought was her promotion, 
For 'twas your heauen, fhe fhouldft be aduan'ft, 
And weepe ye now, feeing (he is aduan'ft 
Aboue the Cloudes, as high as Heauen it felfe£ 

in this loue, you loue your Child fo ill, 
That you run mad, feeing that (he is well : 
Shee's not well married, that liues married long, 
But fhee's .beft married, that dies married yong. 
Drie vp your teares, and fticke your Rofemarie 
On this faire Coarfe,and as the cuftome is, 
And in her beft array beare her to Church : 
For though fome Nature bids all vs lament, 
Yet Natures teares are Reafons merriment. 

Fa. All things that we ordained Feftiuall, 
Turne from their office to blacke Funerall : 
Our inftruments to melancholy Bells, 
Our wedding cheare, to a fad buriall Feaft : 
Our folemne Hymnes,to fullen Dyrges change : 
Our Bri dall flowers ferue for a buried Coarfe : 
And all things change them to the contrarie. 

Fri. Sir go you in ; and Madam, go with him, 
And go fir Paris, euery one prepare 
To follow this faire Coarfe vnto her graue : 
The heauens do lowre vpon you, for fome ill : 
Moue them no more, by eroding their high will. Exeunt 

Mu. Faith we may put vp our Pipes and be gone. 

Nur. Honeft goodfellowes :|Ah put vp,put vp, 
For well you know, this is a pitifull cafe. 

Mu. I by my troth, the cafe may be amended. 
Enter Peter. 

Pet. Mufitions, oh Mufitions, 
Hearts eafe, hearts eafe, 
0,and you will haue me liue,play hearts eafe. 

Mu. Why hearts eafe ; 

Pet. O Mufitions, 
Becaufe my heart it felfe plaies,my heart is full. 

Mu. Not a dump we, 'tis no time to play now. 

Pet. You will not then ? 

Mu. No. 

Pet. I will then giue it you foundly. 

Mu. What will you giue vs ? 

Pet. No money on my faith, but the gleeke. 

1 will giue you the Minftrell. 

Mu. Thenlwill I giue you the Seruing creature. 

Peter. Then will I lay the feruing Creatures Dagger 
on your pate.I will carie no Crochets, He Re you, He Fa 
you, do you note mei 

Mu. And you Re vs,and Fa vs,you Note vs. 
2.M. Pray you put vp your Dagger, 
And put out your wit. 
Then haue at you with my wit. 

Peter. I will drie-beate you with an yron'wit, 
And put vp my yron Dagger. 
Anfwere me like men : 

When griping griefes the heart doth wound, then Mu- 
fickewith her filuer found. 

Why filuer found ? why Muficke with her filuer foundf 
what fay you Simon Catling ? 

Mu. Mary fir, becaufe filuer hath a fweet found. 

Pet. Prateft, what fay you Hugh Reticle ? 

2. M.I fay filuer found, becaufe Mufitions found for fil- 

Pet. Prateft to, what fay you lames Sound-Poji ? (uer 

%.zMu. Faith 1 know not what to fay. 

Pet.O I cry you mercy, you are the Singer. 
I will fay for you; it is Muficke with her filuer found, 

g g Be- 



74 



The Tragedie of Borneo and luliet. 



Becaufe Mufitions haue no gold for founding: 

Then Muficke with her filuer found with fpeedy helpe 

doth lend redreffe. Exit. 

Mu. What a peftilent knaue is this fame? 

M.z. Hang him Iacke, come weele in here, tarrie for 
the Mourners, and ftay dinner. Exit. 

Enter Romeo. 

Rom. If I may truft the flattering truth of fleepe, 
My dreames prefage fome ioyfull newes at hand : 
My bofomes L.fits lightly in his throne : 
And all thisan day an vccuftom'd fpirit, 
Lifts me aboue the ground with cheerefull thoughts. 
I dreamt my Lady came and found me dead, 
(Strange dreame that giues a dead man leaue to thinke,) 
And breath'd fuch life with kiffes in my lips, 
That I reuiu'd and was an Emperour. 
Ah me, how fweet is loue it felfe poffeft, 
When but loues fhadowes are fo rich in ioy. 

Enter Romeo'' s man. 
Newes from Verona,how now 11a Mazer ? 
Doft thou not bring me Letters from the Frier i 
How doth my Lady ? Is my Father well? 
How doth my Lady luliet ? that I aske againe, 
For nothing can be ill, if fhe be well. 

Man. Then (he is well, and nothing can be ill. 
Her body fleepes in Capels Monument, 
And her immortall part with Angels hue, 
I faw her laid low in her kindreds Vault, 
And prefently tooke Pofte to tell it you : 

pardon me for bringing thefe ill newes, 
Since you did leaue it for my office Sir. 

Rom. Is it euen fo ? 
Then I denie you Starres. 

Thou knoweft my lodging,get me inke and paper, 
And hire Poft-Horfes,I will hence to night. 

Man. I do befeech you fir, haue patience : 
Your lookes are pale and wild, and do import 
Some mifaduenture. 

Rom. Turn, thou art deceiu'd, 
Leaue me,and do the thing I bid thee do. 
Haft thou no Letters to me from the Frier ? 

Man. No my good Lord. 

Exit Man. 

Rom. Mo matter: Get thee gone, 
And hyre thofe Horfes, lie be with thee ftraight. 
Well Juliet, I will lie with thee to night : 
Lets fee for meanes : O mifchiefe thou art fwift, 
To enter in the thoughts of defperate men : 

1 do remember an Appothecarie, 

And here abouts dwells, which late I noted 

In tattred weeds, with ouerwhelming browes, 

Culling of Simples, meager were his lookes, 

Sharpe miferie had worne him to thebones : 

And in his needie {hop a Tortoyrs hung, 

An Allegater ftuft.and other skins 

Of ill (hap'd fifhes,and about his fhelues, 

A beggerly account of emptie boxes, 

Greene earthen pots, Bladders, and muftie feedes,' 

Remnants of packthred,and old cakes of Rofes 

Were thinly fcattered,to make vp a fhew. 

Noting this penury, to my felfe I laid, 

An if a man did need a poyfon now, 

Whofe fale is perfent death in Mantua, 

Here liues a Caitiffe wretch would fell it him. 

O this fame thought did but fore-run my need, 

And this fame needie man muftfell it me. 



As I remember, this mould be the houfe, 
Being holy day, the beggers Ihop is fhut. 
What ho? Appothecarie ? 

Enter Appothecarie. 

App. Who call's fo low'd ? 

.Rom. Come hither man, I fee that thou art poore, 
Hold, there is fortie Duckets,let me haue 
A dram of poyfon, fuch foone fpeeding geare, 
As will difperfe it felfe through all the veines, 
That the life-wearie-taker may fall dead, 
And that the Trunke may be difcharg'd of breath, 
As violently, as haftie powder fier'd 
Doth hurry from the fatall Canons wombe. 

App. Such mortall drugs I haue,but Mantuas law 
Is death to any he, that vtters them. 

Rom. Art thou fo bare and full of wretchedneffe, 
And fear'ft to die ? Famine is in thy cheekes, 
Need and opreffion ftarueth in thy eyes, 
Contempt and beggery hangs vpon thy backe i 
The world is not thy friend, nor the worlds law: 
The world affords no law to make thee rich . 
Then be not poore, but breake it,and take this. 

App. My pouerty, but not my will confents. 

Rom. I pray thy pouerty, and not thy will. 

App. Put this in any liquid thing you will 
And drinke it off, and if you had the ftrength 
Of twenty men, it would difpatch you ftraight. 

Rom, There's thy Gold, 
Worfe poyfon to mens foules, 
Doing more murther in this loathfome world, 
Then thefe poore compounds that thou maieft not fell, 
I fell thee poyfon, thou haft fold me none, 
Farewell, buy food, and get thy lelfe in fleih. 
Come Cordiall,and not poyfon, go with me 
To luliets graue, for there muft I vfe thee. 

Exeunt. 
Enter Frier lohn to Frier Lawrence. 

John. Holy Francifcan Frier, Brother, ho ? 
Enter Frier Lawrence. 

Law. This fame mould be the voice of Frier lohn. 
Welcome from <Mantua, what fayes Romeo ? 
Or if his mind be writ,giue me his Letter. 

lohn. Going to find a bare-foote Brother out, 
One of our order to affociate me, 
Here in this Citie vifiting the fick, 
And finding him, the Searchers of the Towne 
Sufpe&ing that we both were in a houfe 
Where the infectious peflilence did raigne, 
Scal'd vp the doores,and would not let vs forth, 
So that my fpeed to Mantua there was ftaid. 

Law. Who bare my Letter then to Romeo ? 

lohn. I could not fend it, here it is againe, 
Nor get a meffenger to bring it thee, 
So fearefull were they of infection. 

Law. Vnhappie Fortune: by my Brotherhood 
The Letter was not nice, but full of charge, 
Of deare import,and the neglecting it 
May do much danger : Frier lohn go hence, 
Get me an Iron Crow,and bring it ftraight 
Vnto my Cell. 

lohn. Brother He go and bring it thee. Exit. 

Law. Now muft I to the Monument alone, 
Within this three houres will faire luliet wake, 
Shee will befhrew me much that Romeo 
Hath had no notice of thefe accidents : 
But I will write againe to Mantua, 

And 

6 7 z 



The Tragedie of '^omeo and Juliet. 



75 



And keepe her at my Cell till "Romeo come, 
Poore liuing Coarfe,clos'd in a dead mans Tombe, 

Exit, 
Enter Paris and his Page. 

Par. Giue me thy Torch Boy, hence and ftand aloft, 
Yet put it out, for I would not be feene : 
Vnder yond young Trees lay thee all along, 
Holding thy eare clofe to the hollow ground, 
So ihall no foot vpon the Churchyard tread, 
Being loofe, vnfirme with digging vp of Graues, 
But thou (halt heare it; whiftle then to me, 
As fignall that thou heareft fome thing approach, 
Giue me thofe flowers. Do as I bid thee, go. 



Pa? 



am almoft afraid to ftand alone 



Here in the Churchyard, yet I will aduenture. 

Pa. Sweet Flower with flowers thy Bridall bed I ftrew: 
O woe, thy Canopie is dull and ftones, 
Which with fweet water nightly I will dewe, 
Or wanting that, with teares deftil'd by mones; 
The obfequies that I for thee will keepe, 
Nightly Shall be, to ftrew thy graue, and weepe. 

Whiftle Boy. 
The Boy giues warning, fomething doth approach, 
What curfed foot wanders this wayes to night, 
To crofle my obfequies, and true loues right? 
What with a Torch ? Muffle me night a while. 

Enter Romeo , and Peter. 

Rom. Giue me that Mattocke, & the wrenching Iron, 
Hold take this Letter, early in the morning 
See thou deliuer it to my Lord and Father, 
Giue me the light ; vpon thy life I charge thee, 
What ere thou hear' ft or feeft, ftand all aloofe, 
And do not interrupt me in my courfe. 
Why I defcend into this bed of death, 
Is partly to behold my Ladies face : 
But chiefly to take thence from her dead finger, 
A precious Ring : a Ring that I muft vfe, 
In deare employment, therefore hence be gone: 
But if thou iealous doft returne to prie 
In what I further fhall intend to do, 
By heauen I will teare thee ioynt by ioynt, 
And ftrew this hungry Churchyard with thy limbs : 
The time, and my intents are fauage wilde: 
More fierce and more inexorable farre, 
Then emptie Tygers,or the roaring Sea. 

Pet. I will be gone fir, and not troubl e you 

Ro. So fhalt thou mew me friendship : take thou that, 
Liue and be profperous,and farewell good fellow. 

Pet, For all this fame,Ile hide me here about, 
Hislookes I feare,and his intents 1 doubt. 

Rom. Thou deteftable mawe, thou wombe of death, 
Gorg'd with the deareft morfell of the earth : 
Thus I enforce thy rotten Iawes to open, 
And in defpight, He cram thee with more food. 

Par. This is that baniflit haughtie Mountagr.e, 
That murdred my Loues Cozin ; with which griefe, 
It is fuppofed the faire Creature died, 
And here is come to do fome villanous Shame 
To the dead bodies : I will apprehend him. 
Stop thy vnhallowed toyle,vile Mount ague : 
Can vengeance be purfued further then death ? 
Condemned vallaine, I do apprehend thee. 
Obey and go with me, for thou muft die, 



6 73 



Rom. I muft indeed, and therfore came I hither: 
Good gentle youth, tempt not a defperate man, 
Flie hence and leaue me, thinke vpon thofe gone, 
Let them affright thee. I befeech thee Youth, 
Put not an other fin vpon my head, 
By vrging me to furie. O be gone, 
By heauen I loue thee better then my felfe, 
For I come hither arm'd againft my felfe: 
Stay not, be gone, liue, and hereafter fay, 
A mad mans mercy bid thee run away. 

Par, I do defie thy commifieration, 
And apprehend thee for a Fellon here. 

Ro. Wilt thou prouoke me ? Then haue at thee Boy. 

Pet. O Lord they fight, I will go call the Watch. 

Pa. O I am flaine,if thon be mercifull, 
Open the Tombe, lay me with Iuliet . 

Rom. In faith I will, let me perufe this face: 
Mercutiui kinfman. Noble Countie Paris, 
What faid my man, when my betofied foule 
Did not attend him as we rode ? I thinke 
He told me Paris fhould haue married Iuliet. 
Said he not fo ? Or did I dreame it fo ? 
Or am I mad, hearing him talke of Iuliet, 
To thinke it was fo ? O giue me thy hand, 
One, writ with me in fowre misfortunes booke. 
He burie thee in a triumphant graue. 
A Graue ; O no, a Lanthorne ; (laughtred Youth : 
For here lies Iuliet,nnd her beautie makes 
This Vault a feafting prefence full of light. 
Death lie thou there, by a dead man inter'd. 
How oft when men are at the point of death, 
Haue they beene merrie ? Which their Keepers call 
A lightning before death ? Oh how may 1 
Call this a lightning? O my Loue, my Wife, 
Death that hath fuckt the honey of thy breath, 
Hath had no power yet vpon thy Beautie : 
Thou are not conquer'd : Beauties enfigne yet 
Is Crymfon in thy lips, and in thy cheekes, 
And Deaths pale flagis not aduanced there. 
Tybalt ,ly'ft thou there in thy bloudy Sheet ? 
O what more fauour can 1 do to thee, 
Then with that hand that cut thy youth in twaine, 
To funder his that was thy enemie ? 
Forgiue me Cozen. Ah deare Iuliet : 
Why art thou yet fo faire ? I will beleeue, 
Shall I beleeue, that vnfubftantiall death is amorous ? 
And that the leane abhorred Monfter keep'es 
Thee here in darke to be his Paramour? 
For feare of that, I ftill will ftay with thee, 
And neuer from this Pallace of dym night 
Depart againe:come lie thou in my armes, 
Heere's to thy health, where ere thou tumbleftin. 
O true Appothecarie ! 

Thy drugs are quicke. Thus with a kifle I die. 
Depart againe; here, here will I remaine, 
With Wormes that are thy Chambermaides : O here 
Will I fet vp my euerlafting reft : 
And /hake the yoke of inaufpicious ftarres 
From this world-wearied flefh : Eyes looke your laft '• 
Armes take your laft embrace : And lips,0 you 
The doores of breath, feale with a righteous kifTe 
A dateleffe bargaine to ingrofling death : 
Come bitter conduft, come vnfauoury guide, 
Thou defperate Pilot, now at once run on 
TbedaShing Rocks, thy Sea-ficke wearie Barke : 
Heere's to my Loue. O true Appothecary : 

g g 2 Thy 



7 6 



The Tragedie of 'Romeo and Iuliet. 



Thy drugs are quicke. Thus with a kifife I die. 

Enter Frier with Lanthorne , Crorp , and Spade. 

Fri. St. Francis be my fpeed,how oft to night 
Haue my old feet {tumbled at graues? Who's there? 
Man. Here's one,a Friend, & one that knowes you well. 

Fri. BlifTe be vpon you. Tell me good my Friend 
What Torch is yond that vainely lends his light 
To grubs, and eyelefle Sculles ? As I difcerne, 
It burneth in the Capeh Monument. 

Man. It doth fo holy fir, 
And there's my Mafter,one that you loue. 

Fri. Who is it? 

Man. Borneo. 

Fri. How long hath he bin there ? 

cMan. Full halfe an houre. 

Fri. Go with me to the Vault. 

Man. I dare not Sir. 
My Mafter knowes not but I am gone hence, 
And fearefully did menace me with death, 
If I did flay to looke on his entente. 

Fri. Stay, then He go alone, feares comes vpon me. 

much I fearefomeill vnluckie thing. 

Man. As I did fleepe vnder this young tree here, 

1 dreamt my maifter and another fought, 
And that my Maifter flew him. 

Fri. Romeo. 
Alacke,alacke,what blood is this which ftaines 
The ftony entrance of this Sepulcher ? 
What meane thefe Mafterlefie, and goarie Swords 
To lie difcolour'd by this place of peace ? 
Romeo, oh pale : who elfe?what Paris too? 
And fteept in blood i Ah what an vnknd houre 
Is guiltie of this lamentable chance ? 
The Lady ftirs. 

Iul. O comfortable Frier,. where's my Lord? 
I do remember well where I mould be : 
And there I am, where is my Romeo ? 

Fri. I heare fome noyfe Lady, come from that neft 
Of death, contagion,and vnnaturall fleepe, 
A greater power then we can contradidt 
Hath thwarted our entente, come,come away, 
Thy husband in thy bofome there lies dead: 
And Paris too: come He difpofe of thee, 
Among a Sifterhood of holy Nunnes : 
Stay not to queftion,for the watch is comming. 
Come, go good Iuliet,! dare no longer ftay. Exit. 

Iul. Go get thee hence, for I will notuaway, 
What's here ? A cup clos'd in my true lo : es hand? 
Poyfon I fee hath bin his timeleffe end 
O churle,drinke all? and left no friendly drop, 
To helpe me after, I will kifle thy lips, 
Happlie fome poyfon yet doth hang on them, 
To make me die wth a reftoratiue. 
Thy lips are warme. 

Enter Boy and Watch . 

J\ atch. Lead Boy, which way ? 

Iul. Yea noife? 
Then ile be briefe. O happy Dagger. 
'Tis in thy (heath, there ruft and let me die Kih herjelfe. 

'Boy. This is the place, 
There where the Torch doth burne 

Watch. The ground is bloody, 
Search about the Churchyard. 
Go fome of you, who ere you find attach. 
Pittifull fight, here lies the Countie flaine, 
And luliett bleeding, warme and newly dead 



Who here hath laine thefe two dayes buried. 
Go tell the Prince, runne to the Capulets, 
Raife vp the Mountagues ,fome others fearch, 
We fee the ground whereon thefe woes do lye, 
But the true ground of all thefe piteous woes, 
We cannot without circumftance defcry. 
Enter Romeo' 'man* 

Watch. Here's Romeo V man, 
We found him in the Churchyard. 

Con. Hold him in fafety, till the Prince come hither. 
Enter Frier, and another Watchman. 
T,.Wat. Here is a Frier that trembles, fighes, and weepes 
We tooke this Mattocke and this Spade from him, 
As he was comming from this Church-yard fide. 

Con. A great fufpition,ftay the Frier too. 
Enter the Prince. 

Prin. What mifaduenture is fo earely vp, 
That calls our perfon from our mornings reft ? 

Enter Capulet and his Wife. 

Cap. What lhould it be that they fo Ihrike abroad ? 

Wife. O the people in the ftreete crie Romeo. 
Some Iuliet, and fome Paris, and all runne 
With open outcry toward out Monument. 

Pri. What feare is this which ftartles in your eares? 

Wat. Soueraigne,here lies the Countie Paris flaine, 
And Romeo dead, and Iuliet dead before, 
Warme and new kil'd. 

?rin. Search, 
Seeke,and know how, this foule murder comes. 

Wat. Here is a Frier, and Slaughter'd Romeos man, 
With Inftruments vpon them fit to open 
Thefe dead mens Tombes. 

Cap. O heauen ! 
O wife looke how our Daughter bleedes ! 
This Dagger hath miftaine,for loe his houfe 
Is empty on the backe of Mount ague, 
And is miineathed in my Daughters bofome. 

Wife. O me, this fightofdeath,isas a BeU 
That warnes my old age to a Sepulcher. 
Enter Mountague. 

Pri. Come Mountague, for thou art early vp 
To fee thy Sonne and Heire, now early downe. 

Moun. Alas my liege, my wife is dead to night, 
Griefe of my Sonnes exile hath ftopt her breath: 
What further woe confpires againft my age? 

Prin. Looke: and thou fhalt fee. 

Moun. O thou vntaught, what manners in is this, 
To prefle before thy Father to a graue ? 

Prin. Seale vp the mouth of outra ge for a while, 
Till we can cleare thefe ambiguities, 
And know their fpring, their head, their true defcent, 
And then will I be generall of your woes, 
And lead you euen to death?meane time forbeare, 
And let mifchance be flaue to patience, 
Bring forth the parties of fufpition. 

Fri. I am the greateft.able to doe leaft, 
Yet moft fufpecled as the time and place 
Doth make againft me of this direfull murther : 
And heere I ftand both to impeach and purge 
My felfe condemned, and my felfe excus'd. 

Prin. Then fay at once, what D thou doft know in this? 

Fri. I will be briefe, for my ihort date of breath 
Is not fo long as is a tedious tale. 
Romeo there dead, was husband to that Iuliet, 
And flie there dead, that's Romeos faithfull wife: 

I 
674 



The Tragedie of Borneo and Iuliet. 



79 



I married them; and their ftolne marriage day 

Was Tybalt s Doomefday : whofe vntimely death 

Baniftt'd the new-made Bridegroome from this Citie: 

For whom ( and not for Tybalt) Iuliet pinde. 

You, to remoue that fiege of Greefe from her, 

Betroth'd,and would haue married her perforce 

To Countie Paris. Then comes flie to me, 

And (with wilde lookes) bid me deuife fome meanes 

To rid her from this fecond Marriage, 

Or in my Cell there would me kill her felfe. 

Then gaue I her (fo Tutor'd by my Art) 

A fleeping Potion, which fo tooke effeft 

As I intended, for it wrought on her 

The forme of death. Meane time, I writ to %omeo, 

That he mould hither come, as this dyre night, 

To helpe to take her from her borrowed graue, 

Being the time the Potions force mould ceafe. 

But he which bore my Letter, Frier lohn, 

Was ftay'd by accident ; and yefternight 

Return'd my Letter backe. Then all alone, 

At the prefixed houre of her waking, 

Came I to take her from her Kindreds vault, 

Meaning to keepe her clofely at my Cell, 

Till I conueniently could fend to Romeo. 

But when I came (fome Minute ere the time 

Of her awaking) heere vntimely lay 

The Noble Paris, and true Romeo dead. 

Shee wakes, and I intreated her come foorth, 

And beare this worke of Heauen, with patience ; 

But then, a noyfe did fcarre me from the Tombe, 

And /he (too defperate) would not go with me, 

But (as it feemes) did violence on her felfe. 

All this I know,and to the Marriage her Nurfe is priuy : 

And if ought in this mifcarried by my fault, 

Let my old life be facrific'd,fome houre before the time, 

Vnto the rigour of feuereft Law. 

Prin. We ftill haue knowne thee for a Holy man. 
Where's '^Romeo's man ? What can he fay to this ? 

c Boy. I brought my Mafter newes of Juliets death, 



And then in pofte he came from Mantua 
To this fame place, to this fame Monument. 
This Letter he early bid me giue his Father, 
And threatned me with death, going in the Vault, 
If I departed not, and left him there. 

Pr'in. Giue me the Letter, I will look on it. 
Where is the Counties Page that rais'd the Watch ? 
Sirra, what made your Mafter in this place ? 

Page.He came with flowres to ftrew his Ladies graue, 
And bid me ftand aloofe, and fo I did : 
Anon comes one with light to ope the Tombe, 
And by and by my Maifter drew on him, 
And then I ran away to call the Watch. 

Prin. This Letter doth make good the Friers words, 
Their courfe of Loue, the tydings of her death : 
And heere he writes, that he did buy a poyfon 
Of a poore Pothecarie, and therewithall 
Came to this Vault to dye, and lye with Iuliet. 
Where be thefe Enemies ? Capulet, Mountague, 
See what a fcourge is laide vpon your hate, 
That Heauen finds meanes to kill your ioyes with Loue ; 
And I, for winking at your difcords too, 
Haue loft a brace of Kinfmen : All are puniih'd. 

Cap. O Brother Mountague, giue me thy hand, 
This is my Daughters ioynture, for no more 
Can I demand. 

Moun. But I can giue thee more : 
For I will raife her Statue in pure Gold, 
That whiles Verona by that name is knowne, 
There {hall no figure at that Rate be fet, 
As that of True and Faithfull Juliet. 

Cap. As rich mall Romeo by his Lady ly, 
Poore facrifices of our enmity. 

Prin. A glooming peace this morning with it brings, 
The Sunne for forrow will, not /hew his head ; 
Go hence, to haue more talke of thefe fad things, 
Some mall be pardon'd, and fome punimed. 
For neuer was a Storie of more Wo, 

Then this of Iuliet, and her Romeo. Exeunt omnes 
Gg 



FINIS. 




8c 




THE LIFE OF TYMON 

OF ATHENS. 



<iA5ius Primus. Sccena 'Prima. 



Enter Poet, Painter, Ieweller, Merchant , and Mercer, 
at Jeuerall doores. 



Poet. 



1&££Aif> Ood day Sir. 
r Pain. la 



y'are well. 
Poet. 1 haue not feene you long, how goes 
the World ? 

Pain. It weares fir, as it growes. 

foet. I that's well knowne : 
But what particular Rarity ? What ftrange, 
Which manifold record not matches : fee 
Magicke of Bounty, all thefe fpirits thy power 
Hath coniur'd to attend. 
I know the Merchant. 

fain. I know them both : th'others a Ieweller. 

dMer. O 'tis a worthy Lord. 

lew. Nay that's moft fixt. 

Mer. A moft incomparable man, breath' d as it were, 
To an vntyreable and continuate goodneffe : 
He paffes. 

lev. I haue a Iewell heere. 

Mer. O pray let's fee't. For the Lord Timon ,fir ?. 

level. If he will touch the eftimate. But for that 

Poet. When we for recompence haue prais'd the vild, 
It ftaines the glory in that happy Verfe, 
Which aptly fings the good. 

<^Mer. 'Tis a good forme. 

level. And rich : heere is a Water lookeye. 

Pain. You are rapt fir, in fome worke, fome Dedica- 
tion to the great Lord. 

Poet. A thing dipt idlely from me. 
Our Poefie is as a Gowne, which vfes 
From whence 'tis nourifht: the fire i'th'Flint 
Shewes not, till it be ftrooke : our gentle flame 
Prouokes it felfe, and like the currant flyes 
Each bound it chafes. What haue you there? 

Pain. A Pifture fir : when comes your Booke forth ? 

Poet. Vpon the heeles of my prefentment fir. 
Let's fee your peece. 

Pain. 'Tis a good Peece. 

Toet. So 'tis, this comes off well, and excellent. 

Pain. Indifferent. 

Poet. Admirable : How this grace 
Speakes his owne (landing : what a mentall power 
This eye (hootes forth? How bigge imagination 
Moues in thisLip, to th'dumbneffe of the gefture, 



One might interpret. 

Pain. It is a pretty mocking of the life : 
Heere is a touch : Is't good? 

Poet. I will fay of it, 
It Tutors Nature, Artificiall ftrife 
Liues in thefe toutches, liuelier then life. 



Enter certaine Senators. 

Pain. How this Lord is followed. 

Poet. The Senators of Athens, happy men. 

Pain. Looke moe. 

Po.You fee this confluence, this great flood of vifitors, 
I haue in this rough worke, fhap'd out a man 
Whom this beneath world doth embrace and hugge 
With ampleft entertainment : My free drift 
Halts not particularly, but moues it felfe 
In a wide Sea of wax, no leuell'd malice 
Infects one comma in the courfe I hold, 
But flies an Eagle flight, bold, and forth on, 
Leauing no Tract behinde. 

Pain. How ftiall I vnderftand you ? 

Poet. I will vnboult to you. 
You fee how all Conditions, how all Mindes, 
As well of glib and flipp'ry Creatures, as 
Of Graue and auftere qualitie, tender downe 
Their feruices to Lord Timon : his large Fortune, 
Vpon his good and gracious Nature hanging, 
Subdues and properties to his loue and tendance 
All forts of hearts; yea, from the ghffe-fac'd Flatterer 
To Afemantm, that few things loues better 
Then to abhorre himfelfe ; euen hee drops downe 
The knee before him, and returnes in peace 
Moft rich in Timons nod. 

Pain. I faw them fpeake together. 

Poet. Sir, I haue vpon a high and pleafant hill 
Feign'd Fortune to be thron'd. 
TheBafeo'th'Mount 

Is rank'd with all deferts, all kinde of Natures 
That labour on the bofome of this Sphere, 
To propagate their ftates ; among'ft them all, 
Whofe eyes are on this Soueraigne Lady fixt, 
One do I perfonate of Lord Timons frame, 
Whom Fortune with her Iuory hand wafts to her, 
Whofe prefent grace, to prefent flaues and feruants 
Tranflates his Riuals. 

Pain. 'Tis conceyu'd, to fcope 
This Throne, this Fortune, and this Hill me thinkes 

With 
— ~ — ^3 






Timon of ^Athens. 



8i 



With one man becken'd from the reft below, 
Bowing his head againft the fteepy Mount 
To dim be his happineffe, would be well expreft 
In our Condition. 

Poet. Nay Sir, but heare me on : 
All thofe which were his Fellowes but of late, 
Some better then his valew ; on the moment 
Follow his ftrides, his Lobbies fill with tendance, 
Raine Sacrificiall whifperings in his eare, 
Make Sacred euen his ftyrrop, and through him 
Drinke the free Ayre. 

Pain. I marry, what of thefe ? 

Poet. When Fortune in her ftiift and change of mood 
Spumes downe her late beloued ; all his Dependants 
Which labour' d after him to the Mountaines top, 
Euen on their knees and hand, let him fit downe, 
Not one accompanying his declining foot. 

Pain. Tis common : 
A thoufand morall Paintings I can fliew, 
That fliall demonftrate thefe quicke blowes of Fortunes, 
More pregnantly then words. Yet you do well, 
To fliew Lord Timon, that meane eyes haue feene 
The foot aboue the head. 

Trumpets found. 
Enter Lord Timon, addrejfing himfelfe curteoujly 
toeuery Sutor. 

Tim. Imprifon'd is he, fay you ? 

vMef. I my good Lord, fiue Talents is his debt, 
His meanes moft fliort, his Creditors moft ftraite: 
Your Honourable Letter he defires 
To thofe haue fliut him vp, which failing, 
Periods his comfort. 

Tim. Noble Ventidius well: 
I am not of that Feather, to make off 
My Friend when he muft neede me. I do know him 
A Gentleman, that well deferues a helpe, 
Which he fliall haue. He pay the debt, and free him. 

Mef. Your Lordfliip euer bindes him. 

Tim, Commend me to him, I will fend his ranfome, 
And being enfranchized bid him come to me ; 
'Tis not enough to helpe the Feeble vp, 
But to fupport him after. Fare you well. 

Mef. All happineffe to your Honor. Exit. 



Enter an old . 

01dm. Lord 57mc/z,heare me fpeake. 

Tim. Freely good Father. 

Oldm. Thou haft a Seruant nam'd Luciliui. 

Tim. I haue fo : What of him ? 

Oldm. Moft Noble Timon, call the man before thee. 

Tim. Attends he heere, or no? Lucillius. 

Luc. Heere at your Lordftiips feruice. 

Oldm. This Fellow heere, L.Timon, this thy Creature, 
By night frequents my houfe. I am a man 
That from my firft haue beene inclin'd to thrift, 
And my eftate deferues an Heyre more rais'd, 
Then one which holds a Trencher. 

Tim. Well : what further? 

Old. One onely Daughter haue I, no Kin elfe, 
On whom I may conferre what I haue got: 
The Maid is faire, a'ch'youngeft for a Bride, 
And I haue bred her at my deereft coft 
In Qualifies of the beft. This man of thine 
Attempts her loue : I prythee (Noble Lord) 



677 



Ioyne with me to forbid him her refort, 
My felfe haue fpoke in vaine. 

57m. The man is honeft. 

Oldm. Therefore he will be Timon, 
His honefty rewards him in it felfe, 
It muft not beare my Daughter. 

Tim. Does flie loue him ? 

Oldm. She is yong and apt : 
Our owne precedent paffions do inftrudl vs 
What leuities in youth. 

Tim. Loue you the Maid ? 

Luc. I my good Lord, and flie accepts of it. 

Oldm. If in her Marriage myconfent be miffing, 
1 call the Gods to witneffe, I will choofe 
Mine heyre from forth the Beggers of the world, 
And difpoffeffe her all. 

57m. How fliall flie be endowed, 
If flie be mated with an equall Husband? 

Oldm. Three Talents on the prefent ; in future, all. 

27m. This Gentleman of mine 
Hath feru'd me long : 

To build his Fortune, 1 will ftraine a little, 
For 'tis a Bond in men. Giue him thy Daughter, 
What you beftow, in him He counterpoize, 
And make him weigh with her. 

Oldm. Moft Noble Lord, 
Pawne me to this your Honour, flie is his. 

Tim. My hand to thee, 
Mine Honour on my promife. 

Luc. Humbly I thanke your Lordfliip, neuer may 
That ftate or Fortune fall into my keeping, 
Which is not owed to you. Exit 

Poet. Vouchfafe my Labour, 
And long liue your Lordfliip. 

Tim. I thanke you, you fliall heare from me anon : 
Go not away. What haue you there, my Friend ? 

Pain. A peece of Painting, which I do befeech 
Your Lordfliip to accept. 

57m. Painting is welcome. 
The Painting is almoft the Naturall man : 
For fince Diflionor Traffickes with mans Nature, 
He is but out-fide : Thefe Penfil'd Figures are 
Euen fuch as they giue out. I like your worke, 
And you fliall finde I like it; Waite attendance 
Til! you heare further from me. 

Pain. The Gods preferue ye. 

57m. Well fare you Gentleman : giue' me your hand. 
We muft needs dine together : fir your Iewell 
Hath fuffered vnder praife. 

level. What my Lord, difpraife ? 

57m. A meere faciety of Commendations, 
If I fliould pay you for't as 'tis extold, 
It would vnclew me quite. 

level. My Lord, 'tis rated 
As thofe which fell would giue : but you well know, 
Things of like valew differing in the Owners, 
Are prized by their Mafters. Beleeu't deere Lord, 
You mend the Iewell by the wearing it. 

57m. Well mock'd. Enter Apermanttu. 

Mer. No my good Lord, he fpeakes y common toong 
Which all men fpeake with him. 

57m. Looke who comes heere, will you be chid? 

level. Wee'l beare with your Lordfliip. 

Mer. Hee'l fpare none. 

57m. Good morrow to thee, 
Gentle Apermantiu. 

gg 2 Aper 



Timon of Athens. 



Ape. Till I be gentle, ftay thou for thy good 
When thou art Timons dogge, and thefe Knaues honeft. 

Tim. Why doft thou call them Knaues, thou know'ft 
them not ? 

Ape. Are they not Athenians ? 

Tm. Yes. 

Ape. Then I repent not. 

lev. You know me, Apemantiu? 

Ape. Thou know'ft I do, 1 call'd thee by thy name. 

Tim. Thou art proud Apemantus ? 

Ape. Of nothing fo much, as that I am not like Timon 

Tim. Whether art going ? 

Ape. To knocke out an honeft Athenians braines. 

Tim. That's a deed thou't dye for. 

cApe. Right, if doing nothing be death by th'Law. 

Tim. How lik'ft thou this picture Apemantiu? 

Ape. The beft, for the innocence. 

Tim. Wrought he not well that painted it. 

Ape. He wrought better that made the Painter, and 
yet he's but a filthy peece of worke. 

Pain. Y'are a Dogge. 

Ape. Thy Mothers of my generation : what's £he,if I 
be a Dogge ? 

Tim. Wilt dine with me Apemantui'i 

Ape. No : I eate not Lords. 

Tim, And thou ftiould'ft,thoud'ft anger Ladies. 

Ape. O they eate Lords ; 
So they come by great bellies. 

Tim. That's a lafciuious apprehenfion. 

Ape, So, thou apprehend'ft it, 
Take it for thy labour. 

Tim. How doft thou like this Iewell, Apemantiu ? 

Ape. Not fo well as plain-dealing, which wil not caft 
a man a Doit. 

Tim. What doft thou thinke 'tis worth? 

Ape. Not worth my thinking. 
How now Poet ? 

Poet. How now Philofopher ? 

Ape. Thou lyeft. 

Poet, Art not one ? 

Ape. Yes. 

Poet. Then I lye not. 

Ape. Art not a Poet ? 

Poet. Yes. 

Ape. Then thou lyeft : 
Looke in thy laft worke, where thou haft fegin'd him a 
worthy Fellow. 

Toet . That's not feign'd, he is fo. 

Ape. Yes he is worthy of thee,and to pay thee for thy 
labour. He that loues to be flattered, is worthy o'th flat- 
terer. Heauens, that I were a Lord. 

Tim. What wouldft do then Apemantiu? 

Ape. E'ne as Apemantui does now,|hate a Lord with 
my heart. 

Tim. What thy felfe ? 

Ape. I. 

T:m. Wherefore? 

Ape. That I had no angry wit to be a Lord. 1 
Art not thou a Merchant ? 

Mer. I Apemantiu. 

Ape. Traffick confound thee, if the Gods willnot. . 

Mer. If TrafEcke do it, the Gods do it. 

Ape. TrafHckes thy God,& thy God confound thee. 
Trumpet founds. Enter a Mejfenger. 

Tim. What Trumpets that i 

Mef. 'Tis Alcibiades , and fome twenty Horfe 



All of Companionship. 

Tim. Pray entertaine them, giue them guide to vs. 
You muft needs dine with me : go not you hence 
Till I haue thankt you : when dinners done 
Shew me this peece, I am ioyfull of your fights. 

Enter Alcibiades with the reft. 
Moft welcome Sir. 

cApe. So, fo ; their Aches contract, and fterue your 
fupple ioynts : that there fliould bee fmall loue amongeft 
thefe fweet Knaues, and all this Curtefie. The ftraine of 
mans bred out into Baboon and Monkey. 

Ale. Sir, you haue fau'd my longing, and I feed 
Moft hungerly on your fight. 

Tim. Right welcome Sir : 
Ere we depatt, wee'l fhare a bounteous time 
In different pleafures. 

Pray you let vs in. Exeunt, 

Enter two Lords. 

I. Lord What time a day is't Apemantiu? 

Ape. Time to be honeft. 

1 That time ferues ft'ill. 

Ape. The moft accurfed thou that ftill omitft it. 

2 Thou art going to Lord Timons Feaft. 

Ape. I, to fee meate fill Knaues, and Wine heat fooles. 
2 Farthee well, farthee well. 
Ape. Thou art a Foole to bid me farewell twice. 
2 Why Apemantiu ? 

Ape. Should'ft haue kept one to thy felfe, for I meane 
to giue thee none. 

1 Hang thy felfe. 

Ape. No I will do nothing at thy bidding : 
Make thy requefts to thy Friend. 

2 Away vnpeaceable Dogge, 
Or He fpurne thee hence. 

cApe. I will flye like a dogge, the heeles a'th'Afle. 

I Hee's oppofite to humanity. 
Comes fliall we in, 

And tafte Lord Timons bountie : he out-goes 
The verie heart of kindneffe. 

z He powres it out : fluttu the God of Gold 
Is but his Steward : no meede but he repayes 
Seuen-fold aboue it felfe : No guift to him, 
But breeds the giuer a retume : exceeding 
All vfe of quittance. 

1 The Nobleft minde he carries, 
That euer gouern'd man. 

2 Long may he liue in Fortunes. Shall we in ? 

He keepe you Company. Exeunt. 

Hoboyes Playing lowd Muficke. 

A great Banquet ferud in : and then, Enter Lord Timon, the 
States, the Athenian Lords, Ventigius which Timon re- 
deem d from prifon. Then comes dropping after all Ape- 
mantus difcontentedly life himfelfe. 

Ventig. Moft honoured Timon, 
It hath pleas'd the Gods to remember my Fathers age, 
And call him to long peace : 
He is gone happy, and has left me rich : 
Then, as in gratefull Vertue I am bound 
To your free heart, I do returne thofe Talents 
Doubled with thankes and feruice, from whofe helpe 
I deriu'd libertie. 

Tim. O by no meanes, 



Honeft Ventigius : You miftake my loue, 



I gaue 



'Timon of <tAthens. 



I gaue it freely euer, and ther's none 

Can truely fay he giues, if he receiues : 

If our betters play at that game, we muft not dare 

To imitate them : faults that are rich arefaire. 

Vint. ANoblefpirit. 

Ti'jw.Nay my Lords, Ceremony was but deuis'd at firft 
To fet a glofie on faint deeds, hollow welcomes, 
Recanting goodnefle,forry ere 'tis fhowne : 
But where there is true friend/hip, there needs none. 
Pray fit,more welcome are ye to my Fortunes, 
Then my Fortunes to me. 

I. Lord. My Lord, we alwaies haue confeft it. 

Aper. Ho ho, confeft it ? Handg'd it ? Haue you not } 

Timo. O Apermantus, you are welcome . 

Aper. No : You lhall not make me welcome : 
I come to haue thee thruft me out of doores. 

Tim. Fie, th'art a churle, ye'haue got a humour there 
Does not become a man, 'tis much too blame : 
They fay my Lords,Irafuror breuii eft, 
But yond man is verie angrie. 
Go, let him haue a Table by himfelfe : 
For he does neither affefl: companie, 
Nor is he fit for't indeed. 

Aper. Let me ftayat thine apperill Timon, 
I come to obferue, I giue thee warning on't. 

Tim. I take no heede of thee : Th'art an Athenian, 
therefore welcome : I my felfe would haue no power, 
prythee let my meate make thee filent. 

Aper. I fcorne thy meate, 'twould choake me : for I 
fliould nere flatter thee. Oh you Gods ! What a number 
of men eats Timon, and he fees 'em not ? It greeues me 
to fee fo many dip there meate in one mans blood, and 
all the madnefle is, he cheeres them vp too. 
I wonder men dare truft themfelues with men. 
Me thinks they mould enuite them without kniues, 
Good for there meate, and fafer for their Hues. 
There's much example for't, the fellow that fits next him, 
now parts bread with him, pledges the breath of him in 
a diuided draught : is the readieft man to kill him. 'Tas 
beene proued, if I were a| huge man Ifhould feare to 
drinke at meales, leaft they Ihould fpie my wind-pipes 
dangerous noates, great men ftiould drinke with harnefTe 
on their throates. 

Tim. My Lord in heart : and let the health go round. 

a. Lord. Let it flow this way my good Lord. 
Aper . Flow this way? A braue fellow. He keepes his 
tides well, thofe healths will make thee and thy ftate 
looke ill ,Ttmon. 

Heere's that which is too weake to be a finner, 
Honeft water, which nere left man i'th'mire : 
This and my food are equals, there's no ods, 
Feafts are to proud to giue thanks to the Gods. 



Apermantus Grace, 
Immortall Gods, I craue no felfe, 
I pray for no man but my felfe, 
Graunt I may neuer proue Jo fond, 
To truft man on his Oath or "Bond. 
Or a Harlot for her weeping, 
Or a Dogge that femes ajleeping , 
Or a peeper with my freedome , 
Or my friends if I fthould need "em . 
Amen. So fall too't : 
Richmenftn, and I eat root. 
Much good dich thy good heart,^ej 
Tim. Captaine, 



6 79 



Alcibiades, your hearts in the field now. 

Alci. My heart is euer at your feruice,my Lord. 

Tim. You had rather be at a breakefaft of Enemies, 
then a dinner of Friends. 

Ale. So they were bleeding new my Lord, there's no 
meat like 'em, I could wilh my beft friend at fuch a Feaft. 

Aper. Would all thofe Flatterers were thine Enemies 
then, that then thou might'ft kill 'em : & bid me to 'em. 

I. Lord. Might we but haue that happineffe my Lord, 
that you would once vfe our hearts, whereby we might 
exprefTe fome part of our zeales, we mould thinke our 
felues for euer perfect. 

Timon. Oh no doubt my good Friends, but the. Gods 
themfelues haue prouided that I lhall haue much helpe 
from you: how had you beene my Friends elfe. Why 
haue you that charitable title from thoufands ? Did not 
you chiefely belong to my heart ? I haue told more of 
you to my felfe, then you can with modeftie fpeake in 
your owne behalfe. And thus farre I confirme you. Oh 
you Gods (thinke I,) what need we haue any Friends; if 
we fhould nere haue need of 'em ? They were the moft 
needleffe Creatures liuing; fhould we nere haue vfe for 
'em ? And would moft refemble fweete Inftruments 
hung vp in Cafes, that keepes there founds to them- 
felues. Why I haue often wifht my felfe poorer, that 
I might come neerer to you : we are borne to do bene- 
fits. And what better or properer can we call our owne, 
then the riches of our Friends ? Oh what a pretious com- 
fort 'tis, to haue fo many like Brothers commanding 
one anothers Fortunes. Oh ioyes, e'ne made away er't 
can be borne : mine eies cannot hold out waterme thinks, 
to forget their Faults. I drinke to you. 

eAper. Thou weep'ft to make them drinke, Timon. 

z .Lord. Ioy had the like conception in our eies, 
And at that inftant, like a babe fprung vp. 

Aper. Ho, ho ; I laugh to thinke that babe a baftard. 

3. Lord. I promife you my Lord you mou'd me much. 

Aper. Much. 

Sound Tucket. Enter the Maskers of Amazons , with 
Lutes in their hands , daunting and playing. 

Tim. What meanes that Trumpe? How now i 

Enter Seruant. 
Ser. Pleafe you my Lord, there are certaine Ladies 
Moft defirous of admittance. 

Tim. Ladies ? what are their wils ? 

Ser. There comes with them a fore-runner my Lord, 
which beares that office, to fignifie their pleafures. 
Tim. I pray let them be admitted. 

Enter Cupid with the <&<[aske of Ladies. 

Cup, Haile to thee worthy Timon and to all that of 
his Bounties tafte:the fiue beft Sencesa cknowledge thee 
their Patron, and come freely to gratulate thy plentious 
bofome. 

There taft, touch all.pleas'd from thy Table rife: 
They onely now come but to Feaft thine eies. 

Timo. They'r wecome all, let 'em haue kind admit, 
tance.Muficke make their welcome. 

Luc. You fee my Lord, how ample y'are belou'd. 

Aper. Hoyday , 
What a fweepe of vanitie comes this way. 
They daunce ? They are madwomen, 

g g 3 Like 



Timon of nAt hens. 



Like Madnefle is the glory of this life, 

As this pompe fhewes to a little oyle and roote. 

We make our felues Fooles, to difport our felues, 

And fpend our Flatteries, to drinke thofe men, 

Vpon whofe Age we voyde it vp agen 

With poyfonous Spight and Enuy. 

Who liues, that's not depraued, or depraues ; 

Who dyes, that beares not one fpurne to their graues 

Of their Friends guift : 

I mould feare, thofe that dance before me now, 

Would one day ftampe vpon me : 'Tas bene done, 

Men fliut their doores againft a fetting Sunne, 

The Lords rife from Table, with much adoring of Timon, and 
to pew their hues, each Jingle out an Amazon, and all 
Dance , men with women , a loftie firaine or two to the 
Hoboyes, and ceafe. 

Tim. You haue done our pleafures 
Much grace (faire Ladies) 
Set a faire famion on our entertainment, 
Which was not halfe fo beautifull, and kinde : 
You haue added worth vntoo't, and lufter, 
And entertain'd me with mine owne deuice. 
I am to thanke you for't. 

I Lord. My Lord you take vs euen at the beft. 

Aper.Fiith for the worft is filthy, and would not hold 
taking, I doubt me. 

Tim. Ladies, there is an idle banquet attends you, 
Pleafe you to difpofe your felues. 

All La. Moft thankfully,my Lord. Exeunt. 

Tim. Flauius. 

Fla. My Lord. 

Tim. The little Casket bring me hither. 

Fla. Yes, my Lord. More Iewels yet ? 
There is no croffing him in's humor, 
Elfe I Ihould tell him well, yfaith 1 mould ; 
When all's fpent,hee'ld be croft then, and he could : 
'Tis pitty Bounty had not eyes behinde, 
That man might ne're be wretched for his minde. Exit. 

1 Lord. Where be our men ? 

Ser. Heere my Lord,in readinefTe. 

2 Lord. Our Horfes. 
Tim. O my Friends : 

I haue one word to fay to you : Looke you, my good L. 
I muft intreat you honour me fo much, 
As to aduance this Iewell,accept it,and weare it, 
Kinde my Lord. 

I Lord. I am fo farre already in your guifts. 

All. So are we all. 

. Enter a Seruant . 

Ser. My Lord, there are certaine Nobles of the Senate 
newly alighted, and come to vifit you. 

Tim. They are fairely welcome. 
Enter Flauiui. 

Fla. I befeech your Honor, vouchfafe me a word, it 
does concerne you neere. 

Tim. Neere ? why then another time He heare thee. 
I prythee let's be prouided to mew them entertainment. 

Fla. I fcarfe know how. 

Enter another Seruant. 

Ser. May it pleafe your Honor,Lord Luciiu\ 
(Out of his free loue) hath prefented to you 
Foure Milke-white Horfes, trapt in Siluer. 

Tim. I ihall accept them fairely : let the Prefents 
Be worthily entertain'd. 



Enter a third Seruant. 
How now ? What newes ? 

l.Ser. Pleafe you my Lord, that honourable Gentle- 
man Lord Lucull-ui, entreats your companie to morrow, 
to hunt with him, and ha's fent your Honour two brace 
of Grey-hounds. 

Tim. He hunt with him, 
And let them be receiu'd, not without faire Reward. 

Fla. What will this come to ? 
He commands vs to prouide, and giue great guifts, and 

all out of an empty Coffer : 
Nor will he know his Purfe,or yeeld me this, 
To ihew him what a Begger his heart is, 
Being of no power to make his wifhes good. 
His promifes flye fo beyond his ftate, 
That what he ipeaks is all in debt, he ows for eu'ry word: 
He is fo kinde,that he now payes intereft for't; 
His Land's put to their Bookes. Well, would I were 
Gently put out of Office, before I were forc'd out: 
Happier is he that has no friend to feede, 
Then fuch that do e'ne Enemies exceede. 
I bleed inwardly for my Lord. Exit 

Tim. You do your felues much wrong, 
You bate too much of your owne merits, 
Heere my Lord,a trifle of our Loue. 

i.Lord. With more then common thankes 
I will receyue it. 

%-Lord. O he's the very foule of Bounty. 

Tim. And now I remember my Lord, you gaue good 
words the other day of a Bay Courfer I rod on. Tis yours 
becaufe you lik'd it. 

i.L.Oh, I befeech you pardon mee, my Lord, in that. 

Tim. You may take my word my Lord : I know no 
man can iuftly praife, but what he does affeft. I weighe 
my Friends affection with mine owne : He tell you true, 
He call to you. 

All Lor. O none fo welcome. 

Tim. I take all, and your feuerall vifitations 
So kinde to heart, 'tis not enough to giue : 
Me thinkes, I could deale Kingdomes to my Friends, 
And nere be wearie. Alcibiades , 
Thou art a Soldiour, therefore fildome rich, 
It comes in Charitie to thee : for all thy liuing 
Is mong'ft the dead : and all the Lands thou haft 
Lye in a pitcht field. 

Ale. I, defil'd Land, my Lord. 

i.Lord. We are fo vertuoufiy bound. 

Tim. And fo am I to you. 

7..Lord. So infinitely endeer'd. 

Tim. All to you. Lights, more Lights. 

l.Lord. The beft of Happines, Honor, and Fortunes 
Keepe with you Lord Timon. 

Tim. Ready for his Friends. Exeunt Lords 

Aper. What a coiles heere, feruing of beckes,and iut- 
ting out of bummes. I doubt whether their Legges be 
worth the fummes that are giuen for 'em, 
Friendfriips full of dregges, 

Me thinkes falfe hearts, fhould neuer haue found legges. 
Thus honeft Fooles lay out their wealth on Curtfies. 

Tim. Now Apermantus{ if thou wert not fullen) 
I would be good to thee. 

Aper. No, He nothing; for if I mould be brib'd too, 
there would be none left to raile vponthee,and then thou 
wouldft finne the fafter. Thou giu'ft fo long Timon (I 
feare me) thou wilt giue away thy felfe in paper ftiortly. 
What needs thefe Feafts,pompes, and Vaine-glories? 

Tim. 



Timon of ^Athens. 



83 



Tim. Nay, and you begin to raile on Societie once, I 
am fworne not to giue regard to you. Farewell, & come 
with better Muficke. Sxit 

Aper. So : Thou wilt not heare mee now, thou {halt 
not then. He locke thy heauen from thee:i 
Oh that mens eares {hould be 
To Counfell deafe, but not to Flatterie. Sxit 

Enter a Senator. 

Sen. And late fiue thoufand : to Varro and to IJidore 
He owes nine thoufand, befides my former fumme, 
Which makes it fiue and twenty. Still in motion 
Of raging wafte? It cannot hold, it will not. 
If I want Gold, fteale but a beggers Dogge, 
And giue it Timon, why the Dogge coines Gold. 
If I would fell my Horfe,and buy twenty moe 
Better then he 5 why giue my Horfe to Timon. 
Aske nothing, giue it him, it Foles me ftraight 
And able Horfes : No Porter at his gate, 
But rather one that imiles,and {till inuites 
All that paffe by. It cannot hold, no reafon 
Can found his ftate in fafety. Caphis hoa, 
Capbis I fay. 

Snter Caphii. 

Ca. Heere fir, what is your pleafure. 

Sen. Get on your cloake,& haft you to Lord Timon, 
Importune him for my Moneyes, be not ceaft 
With flight deniall ; nor then filenc'd, when 
Commend me to your Mafter,and the Cap 
Playes in the right hand, thus : but tell him, 
My Vfes cry to me ; I muft fevue my turne 
Out of mine owne, his dayes and times are paft, 
And my reliances on his fradted dates 
Haue fmit my credit. I loue, and honour him, 
But muft not breake my backe, to heale his finger. 
Immediate are my needs, and my releefe 
Muft not be toft and turn'd to me in words, 
But finde fupply immediate. Get you gone, 
Put on a moft importunate afpecl, 
A vifage of demand : for I do feare 
When euery Feather ftickes in his owne wing, 
Lord Timon will be left a naked gull,i 
Which flames now a Phoenix, get you gone. 

Ca. I go fir. 

Sen. I go fir ? 
Take the Bonds along with you, 
And haue the dates in. Come. 

Ca. I will Sir. 

Sen. Go. Exeunt 

Enter Steward, with many Mies in his hand. 
Stew. No care, no (lop, fo fenfeleffe of expence, 
That he will neither know how to maintaine it, 
Nor ceafe his flow of Riot. Takes no accompt 
How things go from him, nor refume no care 
Of what is to continue: neuer minde, 
Was to be fo vnwife, to be fo kinde. 
What fhall be done, he will not heare, till feele : 
I muft be round with him, now he comes from hunting. 
Fye, fie, fie, fie. 

Enter Caphu,Ifidore,andVa 
Cap. Good euen Varro : what, you 
Var. ]s't not your bufinefle too i 
Cap. It is, and yours too, IJidore? 
Ifid. Itisfo. 



for money; 



Cap. Would we 
Var. I feare it, 



all difcharg'd 



Cap. Heere comes the Lord. 

Enter Timon , and his Traine, 

Tim. So foone as dinners done,wee'l forth againe 
My Alcibiades. With me, what is your will? 

Cap. My Lord, heere is a note of certaine dues. 

Tim. Dues? whence are you? 

Qap. Of Athens heere,my Lord. 

Tim. Go to my Steward. 

Cap. Pleafe it your Lordihip, he hath put me off 
To the fucceflion of new dayes this moneth : 
My Mafter is awak'd by great Occafion, 
To call vpon his owne, and humbly prayes you, 
That with your other Noble parts, you'l fuite, 
In giuing him his right. 

Tim. Mine honeft Friend, 
I prythee but repaire to me next morning. 

Cap. Nay, good my Lord. 

Tim. Containe thy felfe, good Friend. 

Var. One Varroes feruant,my good Lord. 

Ifid. From Ifidorc, he humbly prayes your fpeedy pay- 

Cap, If you did know my Lord, my Matters wants. 

Var. 'Twas due on forfeyture my Lord, fixe weekes, 
and paft. 

IJi. Your Steward puts me oft" my Lord, and I 
Am fent expreffely to your Lordihip. 

Tim. Giue me breath : 
I do befeech you good my Lords keepe on, 
He waite vpon you inftantly. Come hither : pray you 
How goes the world, that 1 am thus encountred 
With clamorous demands of debt, broken Bonds, 
And the detention of long fince due debts 
Againft my Honor? 

Stew. Pleafe you Gentlemen, 
The time is vnagreeable to this bufinefle : 
Your importunacie ceafe, till after dinner, 
That I may make his Lordfhip vnderftand| 
Wherefore you are not paid. 

Tim. Do fo my Friends, fee them well entertain'd. 

Stem. Pray draw neere. Exit. 

Enter Apemantut, and Foole. 

Caph. Stay,ftay, here comes the Foole with Ape man - 
tus, let's ha fome fport with 'em. 

Var. Hang him,hee'l abufe vs. 

Ifid. A plague vpon him dogge. 

Var. How doft Foole ? 

Ape. Doft Dialogue with thy fhadow ? 

Var. I fpeake not to thee. 

Ape. No 'tis to thy felfe. Come away. - 

IJi. There's the Foole hangs on your backe already. 

Ape. No thou ftand'ft fingle, th'art not on him yet. 

Qap. Where's the Foole now ? 

Ape. He laft ask'd the queftion. Poore Rogues, and 
Vfurers men, Bauds betweene Gold and want. 

Al. What are we Apemantm ? 

Ape. AfTes. 

All. Why? 

tApe, That you ask me what you are, & do not know 
your felues. Speake to 'em Foole. 

Foole. How do you Gentlemen? 

All. Gramercies good Foole : 
How does your Miftris? 

Foole. 



Timon of ^Athens. 



Foole. She's e'ne fetting on water to fcal'd fuch Chic- 
kens as you are. Would we could fee you at Corinth. 
Ape. Good, Gramercy. 

Enter Page. 

Foole. Looke you, heere comes my Matters Page. 

Page. Why how now Captaine? what do you in this 
wife Company. 
How dolt thou Apermantus} 

Ape. Would I had a Rod in my mouth, that I might 
anfwer thee profitably. 

'Boy. Pry thee Apemantus reade me the fuperfcripti- 
on of thefe Letters, I know not which is which. 

Ape. Canft not read ? 

Page. No. 

Ape. There will litle Learning dye then that day thou 
art hang'd. This is to Lord Timon, this to Alcib iades. Go 
thou was't borne a Baftard, and thou't dye a Bawd. 

Page. Thou was't whelpt a Dogge, and thou fhalt 
famifh a Dogges death. 
Anfwer not, I am gone. Exit 

Ape. E'ne fo thou out-runft Grace, 
Foole I will go with you to Lord Timons. 

Foole. Will you leaue me there ? 

Ape. If Timon ftay at home. 
You three ferue three Vfurers? 

All. I would they feru'd vs. 

Ape. So would I : 
As good a tricke as euer Hangman feru'd Theefe. 

Foole. Are you three Vfurers men ? 

All. I Foole. 

Foole. I thinke no Vfurer, but ha's a Foole to his Ser- 
uant. My Miftris is one, and I am her Foole : when men 
come to borrow of your Matters, they approach fadly, 
and go away merry : but they enter my Matters houfe 
merrily, and go away fadly. The reafon of this ? 

Var. I could render one. 

Ap. Do it then, that we may account thee a Whore- 
matter, and a Knaue, which notwithftanding thou /halt 
be no lefle efteemed. 

Varro. What is a Whoremafter Foole? 

Foole. A Foole in good cloathes, and fomething like 
thee. 'Tis a fpirit, fometime t'appeares like a Lord,fom- 
time like a Lawyer, fometime like a Philofopher, with 
two ftones moe then's artificiall one. Hee is verie often 
like a Knight ; and generally, in all fhapes that man goes 
vp and downe in, from fourefcore to thirteen, this fpirit 
walkes in. 

Var. Thou art not altogether a Foole. 

Foole. Nor thou altogether a Wife man, 
As much foolerie as I haue, fo much wit thou lack'ft.^ 

Ape. That anfwer might haue become Apemantus. 

All. Afide,afide, heere comes Lord Timon. 

Enter Timon and Steward. 

Ape. Come with me(Foole)come. 

Foole. I do not alwayes follow Louer, lelder Brother, 
aad Woman, fometime the Philofopher. 

Stew. Pray you walkeneere, 
lie fpeake with you anon. Exeunt. 

Tim. You make me meruell wherefore ere this time 
Had you not fully laide my ftate before me, 
That I might fo haue rated my expence 
As I had leaue of meanes. 

Stew. You would not heare me : 



At many leyfures I propofe. 

Tim. Go too : 
Perchance fome fingle vantages you tooke, 
When my indifpofition put you backe, 
And that vnaptneffe made your minifter 
Thus to excufe your felfe. 

' Stew. O my good Lord, 
At many times 1 brought in my accompts, 
Laid them before you, you would throw them off, 
And fay you found them in mine honeftie, 
When for fome trifling prefent you haue bid me 
Returne fo much, I haue fhookemy head, and wept: 
Yea 'gainft th'Authoritie of manners, pray 'd you 
To hold your hand more clofe : I did indure 
Not fildome, nor no flight checkes, when I haue 
Prompted you in the ebbe of your eftate, 
And your great flow of debts ; my lou'd Lord, 
Though you heare now (too late) yet nowesa time, 
The greateft of your hauing, lackes a halfe, 
To pay your prefent debts. 

Tim. Let all my Land be fold. 

Stew. 'Tis all engag'd, fome forfeyted and gone, 
And what remaines will hardly ftop the mouth 
Of prefent dues ; the future comes apace : 
What fhall defend the interim, and at length 
How goes our reck'ning? 

Tim. To Lacedemon did my Land extend. 

Stew. O my good Lord, the world is but a word, 
Were it all yours, to giue it in a breath, 
How quickely were it gone. 

Tim. You tell me true. 

Stew. If you fufpeft my Husbandry or Falfhood, 
Call me before th'exadteft Auditors, 
And fet me on the proofe. So the Gods bleffe me, 
When all our Offices haue beene oppreft 
With riotous Feeders, when our Vaults haue wept 
With drunken fpilth of Wine ; when euery roome 
Hath blaz'd with Lights, and braid with Minftrelfie, 
I haue retyr'd me to a waftefull cocke, 
And fet mine eyes at flow. 

Tim. Prythee no more. 

Stew. Heauens, haue I faid, the bounty of this Lord : 
How many prodigall bits haue Slaues and Pezants 
This night englutted : who is not Timons, 
What heart,head,fword, force, meanes,but is L. Timons: 
Great Timon, Noble, Worthy, Royall Timon : 
Ah, when the "meanes are gone, that buy this praife, 
The breath is gone, whereof this praife is made: 
Feaft won, faft loft ; one cloud of Winter fliowres, 
Thefe flyes are coucht. 

Tim. Come fermon me no further. 
No villanous bounty yet hath paft my heart ; 
Vnwifely, not ignobly haue I giuen. 
Why doft thou weepe, canft thou the confcience lacke, 
To thinke I fhall lacke friends : fecure thy heart, 
If I would broach the veffels of my loue, 
And try the argument of hearts, by borrowing, 
Men, and mens fortunes could I frankely vfe 
As 1 can bid thee fpeake. 

Ste. Affurance bleffe your thoughts. 
Tim. And in fome fort thefe wants of mine are crown 'd, 
That I account them bleffings. For by thefe 
Shall I trie Friends. You fhall perceiue 
How you miftake my Fortunes : 
I am wealthie in my Friends. 
Within there, Flauius ,Seruiliusl 

Enter 



of ^Athens. 



85 



Enter three Seruants. 

Ser. My Lord, my Lord. 

Tim. I will difpatch you feuerally. 
You to Lord Lucius , to Lord Lucullus you, I hunted 
with his Honor to day; you to Sempronius; commend me 
to their loues ; and I am proud fay, that my occafions 
haue found time to vfe 'em toward a fupply of mony : let 
the requeft be fifty Talents. 

Flam. As you haue faid, my Lord. 

Stew. Lord Luciui and Lucullus ? Humh. 
Tim. Go you fir to the Senators ; 
Of whom, euen to the States beft health ; I haue 
Deferu'd this Hearing : bid 'em fend o'th'inftant 
A thoufand Talents to me. 

Ste, I haue beene bold 
(For that I knew it the mod generall way) 
To them, to vfe your Signet,and your Name, 
But they do fhake their heads, and I am heere 
No richer in returne. 

77m. Is't true? Can't be ? 

Stew. They anfwer in a ioynt and corporate voice, 
That now they are at fall, want Treature cannot 
Do what they would, are forrie : you are Honourable, 
But yet they could haue wifht, they know not, 
Something hath beene amiffe ; a Noble Nature 
May catch a wrench ; would all were well ; tis pitty, 
And fo intending other ferious matters, 
After diftaftefull lookes ; and thefe hard Fractions 
With certaine halfe-caps,and cold mouing nods, 
They froze me into Silence. 

Tim. You Gods reward them : 
Prythee man looke cheerely. Thefe old Fellowes 
Haue their ingratitude in them Hereditary : 
Their blood is cak'd, 'tis cold, it fildome flowes, 
'Tis lacke of kindely warmth, they are notkinde ; 
And Nature, as it growes againe toward earth, 
Is fafhion'd for the iourney,dull and heauy. 
Go to Ventiddius (prythee be not fad, 
Thou art true,and honeft ; Ingenioufly I fpeake, 
No blame belongs to thee :) Ventiddius lately 
Buried his Father, by whofe death hee's ftepp'd 
Into a great eftate : When he was poore, 
Imprifon'd, and in fcarfitie of Friends, 
I cleer'd him with flue Talents : Greet him from me, 
Bid him fuppofe, fome good neceffity 
Touches his Friend, which craues to be remembred 
With thofe fiue Talents ; that had, giue't thefe Fellowes 
To whom 'tis inftant due. Neu'r fpeake, or thinke, 
That Timons fortunes 'mong his Friends can finke. 

Stew. I would I could not thinke it : 
That thought is Bounties Foe ; 
Being free it felfe, it thinkes all others fo. Exeunt 

Flaminius -waiting to Jpeake with a Lord from his iJVEafier, 
enters ajeruant to him. 

Ser.l haue told my Lord of you, he is comming down 
to you. 

Flam. I thanke you Sir. 

Enter Lucullus. 

Ser. Heere's my Lord. 

Luc. One of Lord Timons men? A Guift I warrant. 
Why this hits right : I dreampt of a Siluer Bafon & Ewre 
to night. Flaminius, honeft Flaminius, you are verie re- 
fpe&iuely welcome fir. Fill me fome Wine. And how 
does that Honourable, Compleate, Free-hearted Gentle- 



683 



man of Athens, thy very bouutifull good Lord and May- 
fter? 

Flam. His health is well fir. 

Luc. I am right glad that his health is well fir : and 
what haft thou there vnder thy Cloake, pretty Flaminius? 

Flam. Faith, nothing but an empty box Sir, which in 
my Lords behalfe, I come to intreat your Honor to fup- 
ply : who hauing great and inftant occafion to vfe fiftie 
Talents, hath fent to your Lordihip to furnifh him : no- 
thing doubting your prefent affiftance therein. 

Luc. La,la,la,la : Nothing doubting fayeshee? Alas 
good Lord ,a Noble Gentleman 'tis, if he would not keep 
fo good a houfe. Many a time and often I ha din'd with 
him, and told him on't, and come againe to fupper to him 
of purpofe, to haue him fpend leffe, and yet he wold em- 
brace no counfell,take no warning by my comming, eue- 
ry man has his fault, and honefty is his. I ha told him on't, 
but I could nere get him from't. 

Enter Seruant with Wine. 

Ser. Pleafe your Lordfhip, heere is the Wine. 

Luc. Flaminius, I haue noted thee alwayes wife. 
Heere's to thee. 

Flam. Your Lordihip fpeakes your pleafure. 
Luc. I haue obferued thee alwayes for a towardlie 
prompt fpirit, giue thee thy due, and one that knowes 
what belongs to reafon; and canft vfe the time wel, if the 
time vfe thee well. Good parts in thee ; get you gone fir- 
rah. Draw neerer honeft Flaminius. Thy Lords a boun- 
tifull Gentleman, but thou art wife, and thou know'ft 
well enough (although thou com'ft to me) that this is no 
time to lend money, efpecially vpon bare friendfhippe 
without fecuritie. Here's three Solidares for thee, good 
Boy winke at me, and fay thou faw'ft mee not. Fare thee 
well. 

Flam. Is't poffible the world fhould fo much differ, 
And we aliue that liued ? Fly damned bafeneffe 
To him that worfhips thee. 

Luc. Ha ? Now I fee thou art a Foole, and fit for thy 
Matter. Exit L. 

Flam May thefe adde to the number y may fcald thee: 
Let moulten Coine be thy damnation, 
Thou difeafe of a friend, and not himfelfe : 
Has friendfhip fuch a faint and milkie heart, 
It turnes in leffe then two nights/' O you Gods ! 
I feele my Matters paffion. This Slaue vnto his Honor, 
Has my Lords meate in him : 
Why fhould it thriue, and turne to Nutriment, 
When he is turn'd to poyfon ? 
O may Difeafes onely worke vpon't : 

And when he's ficke to death,let not that part of Nature 
Which my Lord payd for, be of any power 
To expell fickneffe, but prolong his hower. Exit. 

Enter Lucius, with three fir angers. 
Luc.Who the Lord Timon> He is my very good friend 
and an Honourable Gentleman. 

1 We know him for no leffe, thogh we are but (Gran- 
gers to him. But I can tell you one thing my Lord, and 
which I heare from common rumours ,now Lord Timons 
happie howres are done and paft, and his eftate fhrinkes 
from him. 

Lucius. Fye no, doe not beleeue it : hee cannot want 
for money. 

2 But beleeue you this my Lord, that not long agoe, 
one of his men was with the Lord Lucullus, to borrow fo 
many Talents, nay vrg'd extreamly for't, and fhewed 

what 



86 



Timon of Athens, 



i what necefiity belong'd too'c,and yet was deny'de. 

Luci. How ? 

a I tell you, deny'de my Lord. 

Luci. What a flrange cafe was that ? Now before the 
Gods I am afham'd on't. Denied that honourable man ? 
There was verie little Honour ffiew'd in't. For my owne 
part, I muft needes confeffe, I haue receyued fome fmall 
kindnefTes from him, as Money , Plate, Iewels, and fuch 
like Trifles ; nothing comparing to his : yet had hee mi- 
ftooke him, and fent to me, I mould ne're haue denied his 
Occafion fo many Talents. 

Enter SeruiliuS . 

Seruil. See, by good hap yonders my Lord, I haue 
fwet to fee his Honor. My Honor'd Lord. 

Lucil. Seruilita? You are kindely met fir. Farthewell, 
commend me to thy Honourable vertuous Lord, my ve- 
ry exquifite Friend. 

Seruil. May it pleafe your Honour, my Lord hath 

fent 

Luci. Ha? what ha's he fent? I am fo much endeercd 
to that Lord ; hee's euer fending : how (hall I thank him 
think'ft thou ? And what has he fent now ? 

Seruil. Has onely fent his prefent Occafion now my 
Lord : requeuing your Lordfhip to fupply his inftant vfe 
with fo many Talents. 

Lucil. I know his Lordfhip is but merry with me, 
He cannot want fifty fiue hundred Talents. 

Seruil. But in the mean time he wants leffe my Lord. 
If his occalion were not vertuous, 
I mould not vrge it halfe fo faithfully. 

Luc, Doft thou fpeake ferioufiy Seruiliuii 

Seruil. Vpon my foule 'tis true Sir. 

Luci. What a wicked Beaft was I to disfurniih my 
felf againft fuch a good time, when I might ha Hewn my 
felfe Honourable? How vnluckily it hapned,that I fhold 
Purchafe the day before for a little part, and vndo a great 
deale of Honour ? Seruilim. now before the Gods I am 
not able to do ("the more beaft I fay) I was fending to vfe 
Lord Timon my felfe, thefe Gentlemen can witnefie ; but 
I would not for the wealth of Athens I had done't now. 
Commend me bountifully to his good Lordfhip, and I 
hope his Honor will conceiue the faireft of mee, becaufe 
I haue no power to be kinde. And tell him this from me, 
I I count it one of my greater! affliclions fay, that I cannot 
pleafure fuch an Honourable Gentleman. Good Seruili- 
ui, will you befriend mee fo farre, as to vfe mine owne 
words to him ? 

Ser. Yes fir, I (hall. Exit Seruil. 

Lucil. He looke you out a good turne Seruilius. 
True as you faid, Timon is ftirunke indeede, 
And he that's once deny'de , will hardly fpeede. Exit . 

1 Do you obferue this Hoftilius! 

2 I, to well. 

I Why this is the worlds foule, 

And iuftofthe fame peece 

Is euery Flatterers fport : who can call him his Friend 

That dips in the fame dim ? For in my knowing 

Timon has bin this Lords Father, 

And kept his credit with his purfe : 

Supported his eftate, nay Timons money 

Has paid his men their wages. He ne're drinkes, 

But Timons Siluer treads vpon his Lip, 

And yet, oh fee the monftroufneffe of man, 
' When he lookes out in an vngratefull fhape ; 
j He does deny him (in refpeft of his) 



What charitable men affbord to Beggers. 

3 Religion grones at it. 

I For mine owne part, I neuer tafted Timon in my life 
Nor came any of his bounties ouerme, 
To marke me for his Friend. Yet I proteft, 
For his right Noble minde, illuftrious Vertue, 
And Honourable Carriage, 
Had his necefiity made vfe of me, 
I would haue put my wealth into Donation, 
And the beft halfe mould haue return'd to him, 
So much I loue his heart : Butl perceiue, 
Men muftlearne now with pitty to difpence, 
For Policy fits aboue Confcience. Exeunt. 

Enter a third Jeruant -with Sempronius ^another 
of Timons Friends. 

Semf. Muft he needs trouble me in't ? Hum. 
'Boue all others ? 

He mighthaue tried Lord Lucius, or Lucullus, 
And now Ventidgius is wealthy too, 
Whom he redeem'd from prifon. All thefe 
Owes their eftares vnto him. 

Ser. My Lord, 
They haue all bin touch'd, and found Bafe-Mettle, 
For they haue all denied him. 

Semp. How ? Haue they deny'de him ? 
Has Ventidgius and Lucullus deny'de hhn, 
And does he fend to me ? Three ? Humh? 
It ihewes but little loue, or iudgement in him, 
Muft I be his laft Refuge ? His Friends (like Phyfitians) 
Thriue, giue him ouer : Muft I take th'Cure vpon me ? 
Has much difgrac'd me in't, I'me angry at him, 
That might haue knowne my place. I fee no fenfe for't, 
But his Occafions might haue wooed me firft : 
For in my confcience, I was the firft man 
That ere receiued guift from him. 
And does he thinke fo backwardly of me now, 
That He requite it laft? No : 
So it may proue an Argument of Laughter 
To th'reft,and 'mong'ft Lords be thought a Foole : 
I'de rather then the worth of thrice the fumme, 
Had fent to me firft, but for my mindes fake : 
I'de fuch a courage to do him good. But now returne, 
And with their faint reply, this anfwer ioyne ; 
Who bates mine Honor 7 fhall not know my Coyne. Exit 

Ser. Excellent : Your Lordfhips a goodly Villain: the 
diuell knew not what he did, when hee made man Poli- 
ticke ; he crofted himfelfe by't : and I cannot thinke, but 
in the end, the Villanies of man will fet him cleere. How 
fairely this Lord ftriues to appeare foule ? Takes Vertu- i 
ous Copies to be wicked : like thofe, that vnder hotte ar- 
dent zeale, would fet whole Realmes on fire, of fuch a na- 
ture is his politike loue. 

This was my Lords beft hope, now all are fled 
Saue onely the Gods. Now his Friends are dead, 
Doores that were ne're acquainted with their Wards 
Many a bounteous yeere, muft be imploy'd 
Now to guard fure their Mafter : 
And this is all a liberall courfe allowes, 
Who cannot keepe his wealth, muft keep his houfe.£*;7. 

Enter Varros man, meeting others. All Timons Creditors to 
xv ait for his comming out. Then enter Lucius 
and Hortenjius. 
Var. man. Well met, goodmorrow Titus & Hortenjius | 

Titus I 



Timon of zAthens. 



8 7 



Tit. The like to you kinde Varro. 

Hort. Lucius, what do we meet together? 

Luci. I, and I think one bufineffe do's command vs all. 
For mine is money. 

Tit. So is theirs, and ours. 

Enter Wilotus. 

Luci. And fir Philotui too. 

Phil. Good day at once. 

Luci. Welcome good Brother. 
What do you thinke the houre ? 

Phil. Labouring for Nine. 

Luci. So much ? 

tbil. Is not my Lord feene yet ? 

Luci. Not yet. 

Phil. I wonder on't,he was wont to mine at feauen. 

Luci. I, but the dayes are waxt fhorter with him : 
You muft confider, that a Prodigall courfe 
Is like the Sunnes, but not like his recouerable, I feare : 
'Tis deepeft Winter in Lord Timons purfe, that is : One 
may reach deepe enough, and yet finde little. 

Phil. I am of your feare, for that. 

Tit. He fhew you how t'obferue a ftrange euent : 
Your Lord fends now for Money ? 

Hort. Moft true, he doe's. 

Tit. And he weares Jewels now of Timons guift, 
For which I waite for money. 

Hort. It is againft my heart. 

Luci. Marke how ftrange it fhowes, 
Timon in this, mould pay more then he owes : 
And e'ne as if your Lord fhould weare rich Iewels, 
And fend for money for 'em. 

Hort. 1'me weary of this Charge, 
The Gods can witneffe : 

I know my Lord hath fpent of Timons wealth, 
And now Ingratitude, makes it worfe then ftealth. 

Varro, Yes, mine's three thoufand Crownes: 
What's yours ? 

Luci. Fiue thoufand mine. 

Varro. 'Tis much deepe, and it fhould|feem by th'ium 
Your Mafters confidence was aboue mine, 
Elfe furely his had equall'd. 

Enter Flaminitu. 

Tit. One of Lord Timons men. 

Luc, Flaminiusi Sir , a word : Pray is my Lord readie 
to come forth i 

Flam. No, indeed he is not. 

Tit. We attend his Lordfhip : pray fignifie fo much. 

Flam. I need not tell him that, he knowes you are too 
Enter Steward in a Cloal^e, muffled. ( diligent. 

Luci. Ha : is not that his Steward muffled fo?. 
He goes away in a Clowd : Call him, call him. 

Tit. Do you heare,fir ? 

2. Varro. By your leaue, fir. 

Stew. What do ye aske of me, my Friend. 

Tit. We waite for certaine Money heere, fir. 

Stew. I, if Money were as certaine as your waiting, 
'Twere fure enough. 

Why then preferr'd you not your fummes and Billes 
When your falfe Mafters eate of my Lords meat? 
j Then they could fmile, and fawne vpon his debts, 
I And take downe th'Intreft into their glutt'nous Mawes. 
You do your felues but wrong, to ftirre me vp, 
Let me paffe quietly : 

Beieeue't, my Lord and I haue made an end, 
I haue no more to reckon, he to fpend. 

Luci. I, but this anfwer will not ferue. 



Stew. If't 'twill not ferue, 'tis not fo bafe as you, 
For you ferue Knaues. 

i. Varro. How? What does his ca/heer'd Worfhip 
mutter ? 

i.Varro. No matter what, [hee's poore, and that's re- 
uenge enough. Who can fpeake broader, then hee that 
has no houfe to put his head in ? Such may rayle againft 
great buildings. 

Enter Seruilius . 

Tit. Oh heere's Seruilim : now wee /hall know fome 
anfwere. 

Seru. If I might befeech you Gentlemen, to repayre 
fome other houre, I fhould deriue much from't. For tak't 
of my foule, my Lord leanes wondroufiy to difcontent : 
His comfortable temper has forfooke him, he's much out 
of health, and keepes his Chamber. 

Luci. Many do keepe their Chambers,are not ficke : 
And if it be fo farre beyond his health, 
Me thinkes he fhould the fooner pay his debts, 
And make a cleere way to the Gods. 

Seruil. Good Gods. 

Titus. We cannot take this for anfwer, fir. 

Flaminius within. Seruilim helpe, my Lord, my Lord. 



Enter Timon in a rage. 

Tim. What, are my dores oppos'd againft my pa/Tage ? 
Haue I bin euer free, and muft my houfe 
Be my retentiue Enemy? My Gaole ? 
The place which I haue Feafted, does it now 
(Like all Mankinde) /hew me an Iron heart? 

Luci. Put in now Titm. 

Tit. My Lord, heere is my Bill. 

Luci. Here's mine. 

l.Var. And mine, my Lord. 

i.Var. And ours, my Lord. 

Philo. All our Billes. 

Tim. Knocke me downe with 'em, cleaue mee to the 
Girdle. 

Luc. Alas, my Lord. 

Tim. Cut my heart in fummes. 

Tit. Mine, fifty Talents. 

Tim. Tell out my blood. 

Luc. Fiue thoufand Crownes, my Lord. 

Tim. Fiue thoufand drops payes that. 
What yours? and yours? 

i.Var. My Lord. 

■L.Var. My Lord. 

Tim. Teare me, take me, and the Gods fall vpon you. 
Exit Timon. 

Hort. Faith I perceiue our Mafters may throwe their 
caps at their money, thefe debts may well be call'd defpe- 
rate ones, for a madman owes 'em. Exeunt. 

Enter Timon. 

Timon. They haue e'ene put my breath from mee the 
/hues. Creditors? Diuels. 

Stew. My deere Lord. 

Tim. What if it fhould be fo? 

Stew. My Lord. 

Tim. He haue it fo. My Steward ? 

Stew. Heere my Lord. 

Tim. So fitly ? Go, bid all my Friends againe, 
Lucius, Lucullus, and Stmpronius Vllorxa : All, 
He once more feaft the Rafcals. 

Stew. O my Lord, you onely fpeake from your diftra- 
fted foule ; there's not fo much left t0| furnifh out a mo- 
derate Table. 

Timon 



Timon of Athens. 



Tim. Be it not in thy care : 
Go I charge thee, inuite them all, let in the tide 
Of" Knaues once more: my Cooke and He prouide. Exeunt 

Enter three Senators at one doore , Alcibiades meeting them, 
with Attendants . 

l.Sen. My Lord, you haue my voyce, too't, 
The faults Bloody : 
"Tis neceffary he mould dye : 
Nothing imboldens finne fo much, as Mercy. 

2 Moft true ; the Law mall bruife'em. 

Ale. Honor, health, and companion to the Senate. 

I Now Captaine. 

Ale. I am an humble Sutor to your Vertues ; 
Forpitty is the vertue of the Law, 
And none but Tyrants vfe it cruelly. 
It pleafes time and Fortune to lye heauie 
Vpon a Friend of mine, who in hot blood 
Hath ftept into the Law : which is paft depth 
To thofe that (without heede^ do plundge intoo't. 
He is a Man (letting his Fate afide) of comely Vertues, 
Nor did he foyle the facl with Cowardice, 
(And Honour in him, which buyes out his fault) 
But with a Noble Fury, and faire fpirit, 
Seeing his Reputation touch'd to death, 
He did oppofe his Foe : 
And with fuch fober and vnnoted paffion 
He did behooue his anger ere 'twas fpent, 
As if he had but prou'd an Argument. 

I Sen. You vndergo too ftrift a Paradox, 
Striuing to make an vgly deed looke faire: 
Your words haue tooke fuch paines, as if they labour'd 
To bring Man-flaughter into forme, and fet Quarrelling 
Vpon the head of Valour ; which indeede 
Is Valour mif-begot, and came into the world, 
When Setts, and Factions were newly borne. 
Hee's truly Valiant, that can wifely fuffer 
The worft that man can breath, 
And make his Wrongs, his Out-fides, 
To wearethem like hisRayment, carelefiely, 
And ne're preferre his iniuries to his heart, 
To bring it into danger. 
If Wrongs be euilles, and inforce vs kill, 
What Folly 'tis, to hazard life for III. 

<Alci. My Lord. 

l.Sen. You cannot make groffe finnes looke cleare, 
To reuenge is no Valour, but to beare. 

Alci. My Lords, then vnder fauour, pardon me, 
If I fpeake like a Captaine. 
Why do fond men expofe themfelues to Battell, 
And not endure all threats? Sleepe vpon't, 
And let the Foes quietly cut their Throats 
Without repugnancy? If there be 
Such Valour in the bearing, what make wee 
Abroad ? Why then, Women are more valiant 
That ftay at home, if Bearing carry it : 
And the AfTe, more Captaine then the Lyon? 
The fellow loaden with Irons, wifer then the Iudge ? 
If Wifedome be in fullering, Oh my Lords, 
As you are great, be pittifully Good, 
Who cannot condemne ramnefie in cold blood? 
To kill, I grant, is finnes extreameft Guft, 
But in defence, by Mercy, 'tis moft iuft. 
To be in Anger, is impietie : 
But who is Man, that is not Angrie. 
Weigh but the Crime with this. 



l.Sen. You breath in vaine. 

Alci. In vaine i 
His feruice done at Lacedemon,and Bizantium, 
Were a fumcient briber for his life. 

I What's that? 

Ale. Why fay my Lords ha's done faire feruice, 
Arid flaine in fight many of your enemies : 
How full of valour did he beare himfelfe 
In the laft Conflift,and made plenteous wounds? 

2 He has made too much plenty with him : 
He's a fworne Riotor, he has a finne 
That often drownes him, and takes his valour prifoner. 
If there were no Foes, that were enough 
To ouercome him. In that Beaftly furie, 
He has bin knowne to commie outrages, 
And cherriih Factions. 'Tis inferr'd to vs, 
His dayes are foule, and his drinke dangerous. 

I He dyes. 

Alci. Hard fate : he might haue dyed in warre. 
My Lords, if not for any parts in him, 
Though his right arme might purchafe his owne time, 
And be in debt to none : yet more to moue you, 
Take my deferts to his, and ioyne'em both. 
And for I know, your reuerend Ages loue Security, 
He pawne my Victories, all my Honour to you 
Vpon his good returnes. 
If by this Crime, he owes the Law his life, 
Why let the Warre receiue't in valiant gore, 
For Law is ftricl, and Warre is nothing more. ' 

1 We are for Law, he dyes, vrge it no more 
On height of our difpleafure : Friend, or Brother,) 
He forfeits his owne blood, that fpilles another. 

Ale. Muft it be fo ? It muft not bee : 
My Lords, I do befeech you know mee. 

2 How ? 

Ale. Call me to your remembrances. 

3 What. 

Ale. I cannot thinke but your Age has forgot me, 
It could not elfe be, I Ihould proue lb bace, 
To fue and be deny'defuch common Grace. 
My wounds ake at you. 

i Do you dare our anger ? 
'Tis in few words, but fpacious in efFeft : 
We banilh thee for euer. 

Ale. Banilh me ? 
Baniih your dotage, banilh vfurie, 
That makes the Senate vgly. 

I If after two dayes ihine, Athens containe thee, 
Attend our waightier Iudgement. 
And not to fwell our Spirit, 
He fhall be executed prefently. Exeunt. 

Ale. Now the Gods keepe you old enough, 
That you may Hue 

Onely in bone, that none may looke on you. 
I'm worfe then mad : I haue kept backe their Foes 
While they haue told their Money, and let out 
Their Coine vpon large intereft. I my felte, 
Rich onely in large hurts. All thofe,for this? 
Is this the Balfome, that the vfuring Senat 
Powres into Captaines wounds? Banimment. 
It comes not ill : I hate not to be banilht, 
It is a caufe worthy my Spleene and Furie, 
That I may ftrike at Athens. He cheere vp 
My difcontented Troopes, and lay for hearts ; 
,Tis Honour with moft Lands to be at ods, 
Souldiers ihould brooke as little wrongs as Gods. Exit. 

Enter 

686~ 






Timon of Athens. 



Enter diuers Friends at feuerall doores. 

1 The good time of day to you, fir. 

2 I alfo wifh it to you : I thinke this Honorable Lord 
did but try vs this other day. 

I Vpon that were my thoughts tyring when wee en- 
countred. I hope it is not fo low with him as he made it 
feeme in the triall of his feuerall Friends. 

2 It fhould not be, by the perfwafion of his new Fea- 
fting. 

1 I fhould thinke fo. He hath fent meean earneft in- 
uiting, which many my neere occafions did vrge mee to 
put off : but he hath coniur'd mee beyond them, and I 
muft needs appeare. 

2 In like manner was I in debt to my importunat bu- 
fineffe, but he would not heare my excufe. 1 am forrie, 
when he fent to borrow of mee, that my Prouifion was 
out. 

1 I am ficke of that greefe too,as I vnderftand how all 
things go. 

2 Euery man heares fo : what would hee haue borro- 
wed of you ? 

1 A thoufand Peeces. 

2 A thoufand Peeces? 

1 What of you ? 

2 He fent to me fir Heere he comes. 

Enter Ttmon and ^Attendants. 
Tim. With all my heart Gentlemen both ; and how 
fare you? 

1 Euer at the beft.hearing well of your Lordfhip. 

2 The Swallow followes not Summer more willing, 
then we your Lordfhip. 

77m. Nor more willingly leaues Winter, fuch Sum- 
mer Birds are men. Gentlemen, our dinner will not re- 
compence this long ftay : Feaft your eares with the Mu- 
ficke awhile : If they will fare fo harfhly o'th'Trumpets 
found : we fhall too't prefently. 

1 I hope it remaines not vnkindely with your Lord- 
fhip, that I return'd you an empty Meffenger. 

Tim. O fir, let it not trouble you. 

2 My Noble Lord. 

Tim. Ah my good Friend, what cheere ? 

The Banket brought in. 

2 My moft Honorable Lord, I am e'ne fick of fhame, 
that when your Lordfhip this other day fent to me, 1 was 
fo vnfortunate a Beggar. 

Tim. Thinke not on't, fir. 

2 If you had fent but two houres before. 

Tim. Let it not cumber your better remembrance. 
Come bring in all together. 

2 All couer'd Difhes. 

I Royall Cheare, I warrant you. 

3 Doubt not that, if money and the feafon can yeild it 

1 How do you? What's the newes ? 

3 Alcibiades is banifh'd : heare you of it? 
'Both. Alcibiades banifli'd? 
3 'Tis fo, be fure of it. 
i How ? How? 

2 I pray you vpon what ? 

Tim. My worthy Friends, will you draw neere ? 

3 He tell you more anon. Here's a Noble feaft toward 
a This is the old man ftill. 

3 Wilt hold? Wilt hold/ 

2 It do's : but time will, and fo. 



3 I do conceyue. 

Tim. Each man to his ftoole, with that fpurre as hee 
would to the lip of his Miftris : your dyet fhall bee in all 
places alike. Make not a Citie Feaft of it, to let the meat 
coole, ere we can agree vpon the firft place. Sit,fit. 
The Gods require our Thankes. 

You great Tienefaclors, Jprinkle our Society with Thanke- 
fulnejfe. For your owne guifts , make your Jelues prats' 'd: But 
referue Jiill to giue, leaft your Deities be dejpifed. Lend to each 
man enough, that one neede not lend to another . For wereyour 
Qodheads to borrow of men, men would forfakj the Gods. Make 
the Meate be beloued, more then the Man that giues it . Let 
no AJfembly of Twenty, be without afcore ofVi Haines . If there 
Jit twelue Women at the Table, let a dozen of them bee as they 
are. The reft of your Fees, Gods, the Senators of Athens, 
together with the common legge of P eople, what is amijfe in 
them, you Gods, make futeable for deftrutlion. For tbefe my 
prejent Friends , as they are to mee nothing , fo in nothing bleffe 
them, and to nothing are they welcome. 
Vncouer Dogges, and lap. 

Some Jpeake. What do's his Lordfhip meane ? 

Some other. I know not. 

Timon. May you a better Feaft neuer behold 
You knot of Mouth-Friends: Smoke, & lukewarm water 
Is your perfection. This is Timons laft, 
Who ftucke and fpangled you with Flatteries, 
Wafhes it off, and fprinkles in your faces 
Your reeking villany. Liue loath'd, and long 
Moft fmiling, fmooth, detefted Parafites, 
Curteous Deftroyers , affable Wolues, meeke Beares : 
You Fooles of Fortune, Trencher-friends, Times Flyes, 
Cap and knee-Slaues, vapours, and Minute Iackes. 
Of Man and Beaft, the infinite Maladie 
Cruft you quite o're. What do'ft thou go ? 
Soft, take thy Phyficke firft ; thou too,and thou : 
Stay I will lend thee money, borrow none. 
What? All in Motion ? Henceforth be no Feaft, 
Whereat a Villaine's not a welcome Gueft. 
Burne houfe, finke Athens, henceforth hated be 
Of Timon Man, and all Humanity. Exit 

Enter the Senators, with other Lords. 

1 How now, my Lords ? 

2 Know you rhe quality of Lord Timons fury ? 

3 Pufh, did you fee my Cap ? 

4 I haue loft my Gowne. 

1 He's but a mad Lord,& nought but humors fwaies 
him. He gaue me a Iewell th'other day, and now hee has 
beate it out of my hat. 

Did you fee my Iewell ? 

2 Did you fee my Cap. 

3 Heere 'tis. 

4 Heere lyes my Gowne. 

1 Let's make no ftay. 

2 Lord Timons mad. 

3 I feel't vpon my bones. 

4 One day he giues vs Diamonds, next day ftones. 

Exeunt the Senators. 

Enter Timon, 

Tim. Let me looke backe vpon thee. O thou Wall 
That girdles in thofe Wolues, diue in the earth, 
And fence not Athens. Matrons, turne incontinent, 
Obedience fayle in Children : Slaues and Fooles 

h h Plucke 



9° 



Timon of ^Athens . 



Plucke the graue wrinkled Senate from the Bench, 

And minifter in their fteeds, to generall Fikhes. 

Conuert o'th'Inftant greene Virginity, 

Doo't in your Parents eyes. Bankrupts, hold faft 

Rather then render backe ; out with your Kniues, 

And cut your Trufters throates. Bound Seruants, fteale, 

Large-handed Robbers your graue Matters are, 

And pill by Law. Maide. to thy Matters bed, 

Thy Miftris is o'th'Brothell. Some of fixteen, 

Plucke the lyn'd Crutch from thy old limping Sire, 

With it, beate out his Braines. Piety, and Feare, 

Religion to the Gods, Peace, Iuftice, Truth, 

Domefticke awe, Night-reft, and Neighbour-hood, 

Inftruction, Manners, Myfteries,and Trades, 

Degrees, Obferuances, Cuftomes, and Lawes, 

Decline to your confounding contraries. 

And yet Confufion liue : Plagues incident to men, 

Your potent and infectious Feauors, heape 

On Athens ripe for ftroke. Thou cold Sciatica, 

Cripple our Senators, that their limbes may halt 

As lamely as their Manners. Luft,and Libertie 

Creepe in the Mindes and Marrowes of our youth, 

That'gainft the ftreame of Vertue they may ftriue, 

And drowne themlelues in Riot. Itches, Blaines, 

Sowe all th'Athenian bofomes, and their crop 

Be generall Leprofie : Breath, infect breath, 

That their Society (as their Friendfhip) may 

Be meerely poyfon. Nothing He beare from thee 

But nakedneffe, thou deteftable Towne, 

Take thou that too, with multiplying Bannes : 

Timon will to the Woods, where he mall finde 

Th'vnkindeft Beaft, more kinder then Mankinde. 

The Gods confound (heare me you good Gods all) 

Th'Athenians both within and out that Wall : 

And graunt as Timon growes, his hate may grow 

To the whole race of Mankinde, high and low. 

Amen. Exit. 

Enter Steward with two or three Seruants. 

l Heare you M.Steward, where's our Matter? 
Are we vndone, caft off, nothing remaining? 

Stew. Alack my Fellowes, what mould I fay to you? 
Let me be recorded by the righteous Gods, 
I am as poore as you. 

1 Such a Houle broke? 

So Noble a Matter falne, all gone, and not 
One Friend to take his Fortune by the arme, 
And go along with him. 

2 As we do turne our backes 

From our Companion, throwne into his graue, 
So his Familiars to his buried Fortunes 
Slinke all away, leaue their falfe vowes with him 
Like empty purfes pickt ; and his poore felfe 
A dedicated Beggar to the Ayre, 
With his difeafe,of all ftiunn'd pouerty, 
Walkes like contempt alone. More of our Fellowes. 
Enter other Seruants . 
Stew. All broken Implements of a ruin'd houfe. 

3 Vet do our hearts weare Timons Liuery, 
That fee I by our Faces i we are Fellowes ftill, 
Seruing alike in forrow : Leak'd is our Barke, 
And we poore Mates, ftand on the dying Decke, 
Hearing the Surges threat : we mutt: all part 
Into this Sea of Ayre. 

Stew. Good Fellowes all, 



The lateft of my wealth He fhare among'ft you. 

Where euer we mall meete, for Timons fake, 

Let's yet be Fellowes. Let's (hake our heads, and fay 

As 'twere a Knell vnto our Matters Fortunes, 

We haue feene better dayes. Let each take fome : 

Nay put out all your hands : Not one word more, 

Thus part we rich in forrow, parting poore. 

Embr aee and part Jeuerall wayes. 
Oh the fierce wretchedneffe that Glory brings vs! 
Who would not wiih to be from wealth exempt^ 
Since Riches point to Mileiy and Contempt ? 
Who would be fo mock'd with Glory, or to liue 
But in a Dreame of Friendfhip, 
To haue his pompe, and all what ftate compounds, 
But onely painted like his varnifht Friends : 
Poore honett Lord, brought lowe by his owne heart, 
Vndone by Goodnefle : Strange vnvfuall blood, 
When mans worft finne is, He do's too much Good. 
Who then dares to be halfe fo kinde agen? 
For Bounty that makes Gods, do ftill marre Men. 
My deereft Lord, bleft to be moft accurft, 
Rich onely to be wretched ; thy great Fortunes 
Are made thy cheefe Afflictions. Alas (kinde Lord) 
Hee's flung in Rage from this ingratefull Seate 
Of monftrous Friends : 
Nor ha's he with him to fupply his life, 
Or that which can command it : 
He follow and enquire him out. 
He euer ferue his minde, with my beft will, 
Whilft I haue Gold, lie be his Steward ftill. Exit. 

Enter Timon in the woods. 

Tim. O bleffed breeding Sun, draw from the earth 
Rotten humidity : below thy Sifters Orbe 
Infect the ayre. Twin'd Brothers of one wombe, 
Whofe procreation, refidence, and biith, 
Scarfe is diuidant ; touch them with feuerall fortunes, 
The greater fcornes the lefler. Not Nature 
(To whom all fores lay fiege) can beare great Fortune 
But by contempt of Nature. 
Raife me this Begger , and deny't that Lord, 
The Senators mail beare contempt Hereditary, 
The Begger Natiue Honor. 
It is the Paftour Lards, the Brothers fides, 
The want that makes him leaue: who dares? who dares 
In puritie of Manhood ftand vpright 
And fay, this mans a Flatterer. If one be, 
So are they all : for euerie grize of Fortune 
Is fmooth'd by that below. The Learned pate 
Duckes to the Golden Foole. All's obliquie : 
There 'snothing leuell in our curfed Natures 
But direct villanie. Therefore be abhorr'd, 
All Feafts, Societies, and Throngs of men. 
His femblable, yea himfelfe Timon difdaines, 
Deftrudtion phang mankinde ; Earth yeeld me Rootes, 
Who feekes for better of thee, fa wee his pallate 
With thy moft operant Poyfon. What is heere ? 
Gold? Yellow, glittering, precious Gold? 
No Gods, I am no idle Votarift, 

Roots you cleere Heauens. Thus much of this will make 
Blacke, white ; fowle, faire ; wrong, right ; 
Bafe, Noble ; Old, young ; Coward, valiant. 
Ha you Gods ! why this? what this, you Gods ? why this 
Will lugge your Priefts and Seruants from your fides: 
Plucke ftout mens pillowes from below their heads. 

This 



Timon of ^Athens. 



91 



This yellow Slaue, 

Will knit and breake Religions, bleffe th'accurft, 

Make the hoare Leprofie ador'd, place Theeues, 

And giue them Title, knee,and approbation 

With Senators on the Bench : This is it 

That makes the wappen'd Widdow wed againe ; 

Shee, whom the Spittle-houfe, and vlcerous lores, 

Would caft the gorge at. This Embalmes and Spices 

To'th'Aprill day againe. Come damn'd Earth, 

Thou common whore of Mankinde, that puttes oddes 

Among the rout ofNations, I will make thee 

Do thy right Nature. March afarre off. 

Ha? A Drumme? Th'art quicke, 

But yet He bury thee : Thou't go (ftrong Theefe) 

When Gowty keepers of thee cannot ftand : 

Nay ftay thou out for earned. 



Enter Alcibiades with Drumme and Fife in warlike 
and Phrynia and Timandra. 

Ale. What art thou there ? fpeake. 
Tim. A Beaft as thou art. The Canker gnaw thy hart 
For mewing me againe the eyes of Man. 

Ale. What is thy name? Is man fo hatefull to thee,- 
That art thy felfe a Man •? 

Tim. I am cMifantropos , and hate .xtankinde. 
For thy part, I do wilh thou wert a dogge, 
That I might loue thee fomething. 

Ale. I know thee well : 
But in thy Fortunes am vnlearn'd, and ftrange. 

Tim. I know thee too, and more then that I know thee 
I not defire to know. Follow thy Drumme, 
With mans blood paint the ground Gules, Gules: 
Religious Cannons, ciuill Lawes are cruell, 
Then what mould warre be ? This fell whore of thine, 
Hath in her more deftruftion then thy Sword, 
For all her Cherubin looke. : 
Phrin. Thy lips rot off. 

Tim. J will not kiffe thee, then the rot returnes 
To thine owne lippes againe. 

Ale. How came the Noble Timon to this change ? 

■Tim. As the Moone do's, by wanting light to giue : 
But then renew I could not like the Moone, 
There were no Sunnes to borrow of. 

Ale. Noble Timon,whzt friendfhip may I do thee? 

Tim. None, but to maintaine my opinion. 

Ale. What is it Timon t 

Tim. Promife me Friendihtp,but performe none. 
If thou wilt not promife,the Gods plague thee, for thou 
art a man : if thou do'ft performe, confound thee, for 
thou art a man. 

Ale. I haue heard in fome fort of thy Miferies. 

Tim. Thou faw'ft them when I had profperitie. 

Ale. I fee them now, then was a bleffed time. 

Tim. As thine is now, held with a brace of Harlots. 

Timan. Is this th' Athenian Minion, whom the world 
Voic'd fo regardfully? 

Tim. Art thou Timandra ? Timan. Yes. 

_ Tim. Be a whore ftill, they loue thee not that vfe thee, 
giue them difeafes, leauing with thee their Lull. Make 
vfe of thy f a lt houres, feafon the flaues for Tubbes and 
Bathes, bring downe Rofe-cheekt youth to the Fubfaft, 
and the Diet. 

Timan. Hang thee Monfter. 

Ale. Pardon him fweet Timandra,'t'or his wits 
Are drown'd and loft in his Calamities. 



I haue but little Gold of late, braue Timon, 
The want whereof, doth dayly make reuolt 
In my penurious Band. I haue heard and greeu'd 
How curfed Athens, mindeleffe of thy worth, 
Forgetting thy great deeds, when Neighbour ftates 
But for thy Sword and Fortune trod vpon them. 

Tim. I prythee beate thy Drum, and get thee gone. 

Ale. I am thy Friend, and pitty thee deere Timon. 

Tim. How doeft thou pitty him whom y doft troble, 
I had rather be alone. 

<Alc. Why fare thee well: 
Heere is fome Gold for thee. 

Tim. Keepe it, I cannot eate it. 

Ale. When I haue laid proud Athens on a heape. 

Tim. Warr'ft thou 'gainft Athens. 

Ale. I Timon,and haue caufe. 

Tim. The Gods confound them all in thy Conqueft, 
And thee after, when thou haft Conquer'd. 

Ale. Why me, Timon ? 

Tim. That by killing of Villaines 
Thou was't borne to conquer my Country. 
Put vp thy Gold. Go on,heeres Gold, go on; 
Be as a Plannetary plague, when loue 
Will o're fome high-Vic'd City, hang his poyfon 
In the ficke ayre : let not thy fword skip one: 
Pitty not honour'd Age for his white Beard, 
He is an Vfurer. Strike me the counterfet Matron, 
It is her habite onely, that is honeft, 
Her felfe's a Bawd. Let not the Virgins cheeke 
Make foft thy trenchant Sword : for thofe Milke pappes 
That through the window Barne bore at mens eyes, 
Are not within the Leafe of pitty writ, 
But fet them down horrible Traitors. Spare not the Babe 
Whofe dimpled fmiles from Fooles exhaufl. their mercy; 
Thinke it a Baftard, whom the Oracle 
Hath doubtfully pronounced, the throat mall cut, 
And mince it fans remorfe. Sweare againft Obiecls, 
Put Armour on thine eares,and on thine eyes, 
Whofe proofe, nor yels of Mothers, Maides, nor Babes, 
Nor fight of Priefts in holy Veftments bleeding, 
Shall pierce a iot. There's Gold to pay thy Souldiers, 
Make large confufion : and thy fury fpent, 
Confounded be thy felfe. Speake not, be gone. 

Ale. Haft thou Gold yet, He take the Gold thou gi- 
ueft me, not all thy Counfell. 

Tim. Doft thou or doft thou not, Heauens curfe vpon 
thee. _ ■ 

Both. Giue vs fome Gold good Timon, haft y more? 

Tim. Enough to make a Whore forfweare her Trade, 
And to make Whores, a Bawd. Hold vp you Sluts 
Your Aprons mountant; you are not Othable, 
Although I know you'l fweave, terribly fweare 
Into ftrong fhudders, and to heauenly Agues - 
Th'immortall Gods that heare you. Spare your Oathes : 
He truft to your Conditions, be whores ftill. 
And he whofe pious breath feekes to conuert you, 
Be ftrong in Whore, allure him, burne him vp, 
Let your clofe fire predominate his fmoke, 
And be no turne'eoats : yet may your paines fix months 
Be quite contrary, And Thatch 
Your poore thin Roofes with burthens of the dead, 
(Some that were hang'd) no matter : 
Weare them, betray with them ; Whore ftill, 
Paint till a horfe may myre vpon your face : 
A pox of wrinkles. 

'Both. Well, more Gold, what then ? 

h h 2 Beleeue't 



9 2 



Timon of nAthens. 



Beleeue't that wee'ldo any thing for Gold. 

Tim. Consumptions (owe 
In hollow bones or" man, ftrike their fliarpe fhinnes, 
And marre mens fpurring. Cracke the Lawyers voyce, 
That he may neuer more falfe Title pleade, 
Nor found his Quillets fhrilly : Hoare the Flamen, 
That fcold'ft againft the quality of flefh, 
And not beleeues himfelte. Downe with the Nofe, 
Downe with it flat, take the Bridge quite away 
Of him, that his particular to forefee (bald 

Smels from the generall weale. Make curld'pate Ruffians 
And let the vnfcarr'd Braggerts of the Warre 
Deriue fome paine from you. Plague all, 
That your Aftiuity may defeate and quell 
The fourfe of all Erection. There's more Gold. 
Do you damne others, and let this damne you, 
And ditches graue you all. 

'Both. More counfell with more Money, bounteous 
Timon. 

Tim. More whore, more Mifcheefe firft, I haue gi- 
uen you earned. 

Ale. Strike vp the Drum towardes Athens, farewell 
Timon : if I thriue well, He vilit thee againe. 

Tim. If I hope well, He neuer fee thee more. 

Ale. I neuer did thee harme. 

Tim. Yes, thou fpok'ft well of me. 

Ale. Call'ft thou that harme ? 

Tim. Men dayly finde it. Get thee away, 
And take thy Beagles with thee. 

Ale. We but offend him, ftrike. Exeunt. 

Tim. That Nature being ficke of mans vnkindneffe 
Should yet be hungry : Common Mother, thou 
Whofe worabe vnmeafureable, and infinite breft 
Teemes and feeds all : whofe lelfefame Mettle 
Whereof thy proud Childe ('arrogant man) is puft, 
Engenders the blacke Toad, and Adder blew, 
The gilded Newt, and eyelefle venom'd Worme, 
With all th'abhorred Births below Crifpe Heauen, 
Whereon Hyperions quickning fire doth mine : 
Yeeld him, who all the humane Sonnes do hate, 
From foorth thy plenteous bofome, one poore roote : 
Enfeare thy Fertile and Conceptious wombe, 
Let it no more bring out ingratefull man. 
Goe great with Tygers, Dragons, Wolues, and Beares, 
Teeme with new Monfters, whom thy vpward face 
Hath to the Marbled Manfion all aboue 
Neuer prefented. 0,a Root, deare thankes : 
Dry vp thy Marrowes, Vines, and Plough-tome Leas, 
Whereof ingratefull man with Licouri/h draughts 
And Morfels VncYious,greafes his pure minde, 

That from it all Confideration flippes 

Enter Apemantus. 
More man ? Plague, plague. 

*Ape. I was directed hither. Men report, 
Thou doft affefi my Manners, and doft vie them. 

Tim. Tis then, becaufe thou doft not keepe a dogge 
Whom I would imitate. Confumption catch thee. 

Ape. This is in thee a Nature but inferred, 
! A poore vnmanly Melancholly fprung 
From change of future. Why this Spade? this place ? 
This Slaue-like Habit, and thefe lookes of Care ? 
Thy Flatterers yet weare Silke, drinke Wine, lye foft, 
Hugge their difeas'd Perfumes, and haue forgot 
That euer Timon was. Shame not thefe Woods, 
By putting on the cunning of a Carper. 
Be thou a Flatterer now, and feeke to thriue 



By that which ha's vndone thee ; hindge thy knee, 
And let his very breath whom thou'lt obferue 
Blow off thy Cap : praife his moil vicious ftraine, 
And call it excellent : thou waft told thus : 
Thou gau'ft thine eares (like Tapfters, that bad welcom ) 
To Knaues,and all approachers : 'Tis moft iuft 
That thou turne Ralcall, had'ft thou wealth againe, 
Rafcals mould haue't. Do not affume my likeneffe. 

Tim. Were I like thee, I'de throw away my felfe. 

*Ape. Thou haft caft away thy felfe, being like thy felf 
A Madman fo long, now a Foole : what think'ft 
That the bleake ayre, thy boyfterous Chamberlaine 
Will put thy fhirt on warme ? Will thefe moyft Trees, 
That haue out-liu'd the Eagle, page thy heeles 
And skip when thou point'ft out ? Will the cold brooke 
Candied with Ice, Cawdle thy Morning tafte 
To cure thy o're-nights furfet ? Call the Creatures, 
Whofe naked Natures liue in all the fpight 
Of wrekefull Heauen, whofe bare vnhoufed Trunkesj 
; To the conflicting Elements expos'd 
j Anfwer meere Nature : bid them flatter thee. 
O thou ihalt finde. 

Tim. A Foole of thee : depart. 

Ape. I loue thee better now, then ere I did. 

Tim. I hate thee worfe. 

Ape. Why? 

Tim. Thou flatter'ft mifery. 

Ape. I flatter not, but fay thou art a Caytiffe. 

Tim. Why do'ft thou feeke me out ? 

Ap>e. To vex thee. 

Tim. Alwayes a Villaines Office, or a Fooles. 
J Doft pleafe thy felfe in't ? 

Ape. I. 

Tim, What, a Knaue too ? 

Ape. If thou did'ft put this fowre cold habit on 
To caftigate thy pride, 'twere well : but thou 
I Doft it enforcedly : Thou'dft Courtier be againe 
Wert thou not Beggar : willing mifery 
Out-liues: incertaine pompe, is crown'd before : 
The one is filling ftill, neuer compleat : 
The other, at high wifli : beft ftate Contentleffe, 
[ Hath a diftraded and moft wretched being, 
\ Worfe then the worft, Content. 
Thou ihould'ft defire to dye, being miferable. 

Tim. Not by his breath, that is more miferable. 
Thou art a Slaue,whom Fortunes tender arme 
With fauour neuer clafpt : but bred a Dogge. 
Had'ft thou like vs from our firft fwath proceeded, 
The fweet degrees that this breefe world affords, 
To fuch as may the pafliue drugges of it 
Freely command'ft : thou would'ft haue plung'd thy felf 
In generall Riot, melted downe thy youth 
In different beds of Luft, and neuer learn'd 
The Icie precepts of refpecl, but followed 
The Sugred game before thee. But my felfe, 
Who had the world as my Confedlionarie, 
The mouthes, the tongues, the eyes, and hearts of men, 
At duty more then I could frame employment ; 
That numberleffe vpon me ftucke, as leaues 
Do on the Oake, haue with one Winters bruih 
Fell from their boughes, and left me open, bare, 
For euery ftorme that blowes. I to beare this, 
That neuer knew but better, is fome burthen : 
Thy Nature, did commence in fufferance, Time 
Hath made thee hard in't. Why Ihould'ft y hate Men ? 
They neuer flatter'd thee. What haft thou giuen r 

If 
690 



Timon of Athens. 



93 



If thou wilt curfe ; thy Father (that poore ragge) 
Muft be thy fubie<ft ; who in fpight put ftuffe 
To fome ftee-Begger, and compounded thee 
Poore Rogue, hereditary. Hence, be gone, 
If thou hadft not bene borne the worft of men, 
Thou hadft bene a Knaue and Flatterer. 
Ape. Art thou proud yet/ 
Tim. I, that I am not thee. 
Ape. I, that I was no Prodigall. 
Tim. I, that I am one now. 
Were all the wealth I haue ihut vp in thee, 
I'ld giue thee leaue to hang it. Get thee gone : 
That the whole life of Athens were in this, 
Thus would I eate it. 

Ape. Heere, I will mend thy Feaft. 
Tim. Firft mend thy company, take away thy felfe. 
Ape. So I mall mend mine owne, by'th'lacke of thine 
Tim. 'Tis not well mended fo, it is but botcht; 
If not, I would it were. 

Ape. What would'ft thou haue to Athens? 
Tim. Thee thither in a whirlewind : if thou wilt, 
Teil them there I haue Gold ,looke,fo I haue. 
Ape. Heere is no vfe for Gold. 
Tim. The beft, and trueft : 
For heere it fleepes, and do's no hyred harme. 
Ape. Where lyeft a nights Timon? 
Tim. Vnder that's aboue me. 
Where feed'ft thou a-dayes tApemantu&i 

Ape. Where my ftomacke findes meate, or rather 
where I eate it. 

Tim. Would poyfon were obedient, & knew my mind 
Ape. Where would'ft thou fend it ? 
Tim. To fawce thy dimes. 

Ape. The middle of Humanity thou neuer kneweft, 
but the extremitie of both ends. When thou waft in thy 
Gilt, and thy Perfume, they mockt thee for too much 
Curiofitie : in thy Ragges thou know'ft none, but art de- 
fpis'd for the contrary. There's a medler for thee, eate it. 
Tim. On what I hate, I feed not. 
Ape. Do'ft hate a Medler? 
Tim. I, though it looke like thee. 

Ape. And th'hadft hated Medlers fooner, y ftiould'ft 
haue loued thy felfe better now. What man didd'ft thou 
euer know vnthrift, that was beloued after his meanes? 

Tim. Who without thofe meanes thou talk'ft of, didft 
thou euer know belou'd ? 
Ape. My felfe . 

Tim. I vnderftand thee : thou had'ft fome meanes to 
keepe a Dogge. 

Apem. What things in the world canft thou neereft 
compare to thy Flatterers ? 

Tim. Women neereft, but men : men are the things 
themfelues. What would'ft thou do with the world A- 
pemantus, if it lay in thy power ? 

Ape. Giue it the Beafts, to be rid of the men. 
Tim. Would'ft thou haue thy felfe fall in the confu- 
fion of men, and remaine a Beaft with the Beafts. 
Ape. I Timon. 

Tim. A beaftly Ambition, which the Goddes graunt 
thee t'attaine to. If thou wert the Lyon, the Fox would 
beguile thee : if thou wert the Lambe, the Foxe would 
eate thee : if thou wert the Fox, the Lion would fufpecl 
thee, when peraduenture thou wert accus'd by the Affe : 
If thou wert the AfTe, thy dulnefTe would torment thee ; 
and ftill thou liu'dft but as a Breakefaft to the Wolfe. If 
thou wert the Wolfe, thy greedineffe would afflicl: thee, 



6 9 , 



& oft thou fhould'ft hazard thy life for thy dinner. Wert 
thou the Vnicorne, pride and wrath would confound 
thee, and make thine owne felte the conqueft of thy fury. 
Wert thou a Beare, thou would'ft be kill'd by the Horfe: 
wert thou a Horfe, thou would'ft be feaz'd by the Leo- 
pard : wert thou a Leopard, thou wert Germane to the 
Lion, and the fpottes of thy Kindred, were lurors on thy 
life. All thy fafety were remotion, and thy defence ab- 
fence. What Beaft could'ft thou bee, that were not fub- 
ie& to a Beaft : and what a Beaft art thou already, that 
feeft not thy loffein transformation. 

Ape. If thou could'ft pleafe me 
With fpeaking to me, thou might'ft 
Haue hit vpon it heere. 
The Commonwealth of Athens,is become 
AForreftofBeafts. 

Tim. How ha's the AfTe broke the wall, that thou art 
out of the Citie. 

Ape. Yonder comes a Poet and a Painter : 
The plague of Company light vpon thee : 
I will feare to catch it, and giue way. 
When I know not what elfe to do, 
He fee thee againe. 

Tim. When there is nothing liuing but thee, 
Thou malt be welcome. 
I had rather be a Beggers Dogge, 
Then Apemantut. 

Ape. Thou art the Cap 
Of all the Fooles aliue. 

Tim. Would thou wert cleane enough 
To fpit vpon. 

Ape. A plague on thee, 
Thou art too bad to curfe. 

Tim. All Villaines 
That do ftand by thee, are pure. 

Ape. There is no Leprofie, 
But what thou fpeak'ft. 

Tim. If I name thee, lie beate thee; 
But I mould infect my hands. 
Ape. I would my tongue 
Could rot them off. 

Tim. Away thou iffue of a mangie dogge, 
Choller does kill me, 
That thou art aliue, I fwoond to fee thee. 
Ape. Would thou would'ft burft. 
Tim. Awny thou tedious Rogue, I am forry I fhall 
lofe a ftone by thee. 
Ape. Beaft. 
Tim. Slaue. 
Ape. Toad. 

Tim. Rogue, Rogue, Rogue. 
I am fickeofthisfalfe world, and will loue nought 
But euen the meere neceffities vpon't : 
Then Timon prefently prepare thy graue : 
Lye where the light Fome of the Sea may beate 
Thy graue ftone dayly,make thine Epitaph, 
That death in me, at others hues may laugh. 
O thou fvveete King-killer, and deare diuorce 
Twixt naturall Sunne and fire : thou bright defiler 
of Himens pureft bed, thou valiant Mars, 
Thou euer, yong,freih, loued, and delicate wooer, 
Whofe Mum doth thawe the confecrated Snow 
That lyes on Dians lap, 
Thou vifible God, 
That fouldreft clofe Impoffibilities, 

And mak'ft them kiffe ; that fpeak'ft with euerie Tongue 
hh 3 To 



94 



Timon of aAthens. 



o euerie purpofe : O thou touch of hearts, 
Thinke thy flaue-man rebels, and by thy vertue 
Set them into confounding oddes, that Beafts 
May haue the world in Empire. 

Ape. Would 'twere fo, 
But not till I am dead. He fay th'haft Gold : 
Thou wilt be throng'd too ftiortly. 

Tim. Throng'd too ? 

Ape. I. 

Tim. Thy backe I prythee. 

Ape. Liue, and loue thy mifery. 

Tim. Long liue fo,and fo dye. I am quit. 

Ape. Mo things like men, 
Eate Timon, and abhorre then. Exit Apeman. 

Enter the 'Bandetti. 

1 Where ihould he haue this Gold ? It is fome poore 
Fragment, fome flender Ort of his remainder : the meere 
want of Gold, and the falling from of his Friendes, droue 
him into this Melancholly. 

2 It is nois'd 

He hath a mafle of Treafure. 

3 Let vs make the affay vpon him, if he care not for't, 
he will fupply vs eafily : if he couetoufly referue it, how 
(hall's get it ? 

2 True : for he beares it not about him: 
'Tis hid. 

1 Is not this hee ? 
All. Where? 

2 'Tis his defcription. 

3 He? I know him. 
All. Saue thee Timon. 
Tim. Now Theeues. 

All. Soldiers,not Theeues. 

Tim. Both too, and womens Sonnes. 

zAll. We are not Theeues, but men 
That much do want. 

Tim. Your greateft want is,you want much of meat : 
Why ihould you want ? Behold, the Earth hath Rootes: 
Within this Mile breake forth a hundred Springs: 
The Oakes beare Maft, the Briars Scarlet Heps, 
The bounteous Hufwife Nature, on each bum, 
Layes her full MefTe before you. Want ? why Want ? 

I We cannot liue on GrafTe, on Berries, Water, 
As Beafts, and Birds, and Fifties. 

Ti. Nor on the Beafts themfelues, the Birds & Fifties, 
You muft eate men. Yet thankes I muft you con, 
That you are Theeues profeft : that you worke not 
In holier ftiapes : For there is boundlefle Theft 
In limited Profeffions. Rafcall Theeues 
Heere's Gold. Go, fucke the fubtle blood o'th'Grape, 
Till the high Feauor feeth your blood to froth, 
And fo fcape hanging. Truft not the Phyfitian," 
His Antidotes are poyfon, and he flayes 
Moe then you Rob : Take wealth, and Hues together, 
Do Villaine do, ftnce you proteft to doo't. 
Like Workemen, He example you with Theeuery : 
The Sunnes a Theefe, and with his great attraction 
Robbes the vafte Sea. The Moones an arrant Theefe, 
And her pale fire, (he fnatches from the Sunne. 
The Seas a Theefe, whofe liquid Surge, refolues 
The Moone into Salt teares. The Earth's a Theefe, 
That feeds and breeds by a compofture ftolne 
From gen'rall excrement : each thing's a Theefe. 
The Lawes, your curbe and whip , in their rough power 



you, 



Ha's vncheck'd Theft. Loue not your felues, away, 
Rob one another, there's more Gold, cut throates, 
All that you meete are Theeues : to Athens go, 
Breake open ftioppes, nothing can you fteale 
But Theeues do loofe it : fteale lefie, for this I gim 
And Gold confound you howfoere : Amen. 

'3 Has almoft charm'd me from my Profeflion,by per- 
fwading me to it. 

1 'Tis in the malice of mankinde, that he thus aduifes 
vs not to haue vs thriue in our myftery. 

2 He beleeue him as an Enemy, 
And giue ouer my Trade. 

i Let vs firft fee peace in Athens, there is no time fo 
miferable, but a man may be true. Exit Theeues. 

Enter the Steward to Timon. 

Stew. Oh you Gods ! 
Isyon'd defpis'd and ruinous man my Lord ? 
Full of decay and fayling ? Oh Monument 
And wonder of good deeds, euilly beftow'd ! 
What an alteration of Honor has defp'rate want made ? 
What vilder thing vpon the earth, then Friends, 
Who can bring Nobleft mindes, to bafeft ends. 
How rarely does it meete with this times guife, 
When man was wiftit to loue his Enemies : 
Grant I may euer loue, and rather woo 
Thofe that would mifcheefe me, then thofe that doo. 
Has caught me in his eye, I will prefent my honeft griefe 
vnto him ; and as my Lord, ftill ferue him with my life. 
My deereft Mafter. 

Tim. Away : what art thou ? 

Stew. Haue you forgot me, Sir ? 

Tim. Why doft aske that ? I haue forgot all men. 
Then, if thou grunt'ft, th'art a man. 
I haue forgot thee. 

Stew. An honeft poore feruant of yours. 

Tim. Then I know thee not : 
I neuer had honeft man about me, I all 
I kept were Knaues, to ferue in meate to Villaines. 

Stew. The Gods are witnefTe, 
Neu'r did poore Steward weare a truer greefe 
For his vndone Lord, then mine eyes for you. 

Tim. What, doft thou weepe ? 
Come neerer, then I loue thee 
Becaufe thou art a woman, and difclaim'ft 
Fiinty mankinde : whofe eyes do neuer giue, 
But thorow Luft and Laughter : pittie's fleeping : 
Strange times y weepe with laughing, not with weeping. 

Stew. I begge of you to know me, good my Lord, 
T'accept my greefe, and whil'ft. this poore wealth lafts, 
To entertaine me as your Steward ftill. 

Tim. Had I a Steward 
So true, fo iuft, and now fo comfortable? 
It almoft turnes my dangerous Nature wilde. 
Let me behold thy face : Surely, this man 
Was borne of woman. 

Forgiue my generall, and exceptleffe raftinefle 
You perpetuall fober Gods. I do proclaime 
One honeft man : Miftake me not, but one: 
No more I pray, and hee's a Steward. 
How faine would I haue hated all mankinde, 
And thou redeem'ft thy felfe. But all faue thee, 
I fell with Curfes. 

Me thinkes thou art more honeft now, then wife : 
For, by opprefling and betraying mee, 

Thou 

691 



Timon of ^Athens. 



95 



Thou might'ft haue fooner got another Seruice : 

For many fo arriue at fecond Mafters, 

Vpon their firft Lords necke. But tell me true, 

(For I muft euer doubt, though ne're fo fure) 

Is not thy kindneffe fubtle, couetous, 

If not a Vfuring kindneffe, and as rich men deale Guifts, 

Expecting in returne twenty for one ? 

Stew. No my moft worthy Mafter,in whofe breft 
Doubt, and fufpect (alas) are plac'd too late: 
You mould haue fear'd falfe times, when you did Feaft. 
Sufpedt ftill comes, where an eftate is leaft. 
That which I ftiew, Heauen knowes, is meerely Loue, 
Dutie, and Zeale, to your vnmatched minde ; 
Care of your Food and Liuing, and beleeue it, 
My moft Honour' d Lord, 
For any benefit that points to mee, 
Either in hope, or prefent, I'de exchange 
For this one wifh, that you had power and wealth 
To requite me, by making rich your felfe. 

Tim. Looke thee, 'tis fo : thou fingly honed man, 
Heere take : the Gods out of my miferie 
Ha's fent thee Treafure. Go, liue rich and happy, 
But thus condition'd : Thou malt build from men: 
Hate all, curfe all, mew Charity to none, 
But let the famiftit flefti Hide from the Bone, 
Ere thou releeue the Begger. Giue to dogges 
What thou denyeft to men. Let Prifons fwallow 'em, 
Debts wither 'em to nothing, be men like blafted woods 
And may Difeafes licke vp their falfe bloods, 
And fo farewell, and thriue. 

Stew. O let me ftay,and comfort you, my Matter. 

Tim. If thou hat'ftCurfes 
Stay not : flye, whil'ft thou art bleft and free : 
Ne're fee thou man, and let me ne're fee thee. Exit 

Enter Poet, and Painter. 

Pain. As I tooke note of the place, it cannot be farre 
where he abides. 

Poet. What's to be thought of him ?i 
Does the Rumor hold for true, 
That hee's fo full of Gold ? 

Painter. Certaine. 
Alcibiades reports it : Phrinica and Timandylo 
Had Gold of him. He likewife enrich'd 
Poore ftragling Souldiers, with great quantity. 
'Tis faide, he gaue vnto his Steward 
A mighty fumme. 

Poet. Then this breaking of his, 
Ha's beene but a Try for his Friends ? 

Painter. Nothing elfe : 
You (hall fee him a Palme in Athens againe, 
And flouri/h with the higheft : 
Therefore, 'tis not amifTe, we tender our loues 
To him, in this fuppos'd diftreffe of his: 
It will fliew honeftly in vs, 
And is very likely, to loade our purpofes 
With what they trauaile for, 
If it be a iuftand true report, that goes 
Of his hauing. 

Poet. What haue you now 
To prefent vnto him ? 

Painter. Nothing at this time 
But my Vifitation : onely I will promife him 
An excellent Peece. 

Poet. I muft ferue him fo too ; 
Tell him of an intent that's comming toward him. 



695 



Painter. Good as the beft. 
Promifing, is the verie Ayre o'th'Time ; 
It opens the eyes of Expectation. 
Performance, is euer the duller for his afte, 
And but in the plainer and Ampler kinde of people, 
The deede of Saying is quite out of vfe. 
To Promife, is moft Courtly and falhionable ; 
Performance, is a kinde of Will or Teftament 
Which argues a great fickneffe in his iudgement 
That makes it. 

Enter Timon from his Caue. 

Timon. Excellent Workeman, 
Thoucanft not paint a man fo badde 
As is thy felfe. 

Pod. I am thinking 
What I ftiall fay I haue prouided for him : 
It muft be a perfonating of himfelfe : 
A Satyre againft the foftneffe of Profperity, 
With a Difcouerie of the infinite Flatteries 
That follow youth and opulencie. 

Timon. Muft thou needes 
Stand for a Yillaine in thine owne Worke ? 
Wilt thou whip thine owne faults in other men? 
Do fo, I haue Gold for thee. 

Poet. Nay let's feeke him. 
Then do we finne againft our owne eftate, 
When we may profit meete, and come too late. 

Painter. True : 
When the day ferues before blacke-corner'd night ; 
Finde what thou want'ft, by free and offer'd light. 
Come. 

Tim. He meete you at the turne : 
What a Gods Gold, that he is worfliipt 
In a bafer Temple, then where Swine feede ? 
'Tis thou that rigg'ft the Barke, and plow'ft the Fome, 
Setleft admired reuerence in a Slaue, 
To thee be wormipt, and thy Saints for aye : 
Be crown'd with Plagues, that thee alone obay. 
Fit I meet them. 

Poet. Haile worthy Timon. 

Pain. Our late Noble Mafter. 

Timon. Haue I once liu'd 
To fee two honeft men ? 

"Poet. Sir: 
Hauing often of your open Bounty tafted, • 
Hearing you were retyr'd, your Friends falne off, 
Whofe thankeleffe Natures ( O abhorred Spirits) 
Not all the Whippes of Heauen, are large enough' # 
What, to you, 

Whofe Starre-like Nobleneffe gaue life and influence 
To their whole being? I am rapt, and cannot couer 
Theimonftrous bulke of this Ingratitude 
With any fize of words. 

Timon. Let it go, 
Naked men may fee't the better : 
You that are honeft, by being what you are, 
Make them beft feene,and knowne. 

Pain. He, and my felfe 
Haue trauail'd in the great ftiowre of your guifts, 
And fweetly felt it. 

Timon. I, you are honeft man. 

Painter. We are hither come 
To offer you our feruice. 

Timon. Moft honeft men : 

Why 



9 6 



Timon of ^Athens. 



Why how fhall I requite you? 

Can you eate Roots, and drinke cold water, no? 

Both. What we can do, 
Wee'l do to do you feruice. 

Tim. Y'are honeft men, 
Y'haue heard that I haue Gold, 
I am fure you haue, fpeake truth, y'are honeft men. 

Pain. So it is faid my Noble Lord, but therefore 
Came not my Friend, nor I. 

Timon. Good honeft men : Thou draw'ft a counterfet 
Beft in all Athens, th'art indeed the beft, 
Thou counterfet'ft moft liuely. 

Pain. So,fo, my Lord. 

Tim. E'ne fo fir as I fay. And for thy fiftion, 
Why thy Verfe fwels with ftuffe fo fine and fmooth, 
That thou art euen Naturall in thine Art. 
But for all this (my honeft Natur'd friends) 
I muft needs fay you haue a little fault, 
Marry 'tis not monftrous in you, neither wifli I 
You take much paines to mend. 

'Both. Befeech your Honour 
To make it knowne to vs. 

Tim. You'l take it ill. 

'Both. Moft thankefully.my Lord. 

Timon. Will you indeed ? 

Both. Doubt it not worthy Lord. 

Tim. There's neuer a one of you but trufts a Knaue, 
That mightily deceiues you. 

'Both. Do we, my Lord ? 

Tim. I,and you heare him cogge, 
See him difTemble, 

Know his grofTe patchery, loue him, feede him, 
Keepe in your bofome, yet remaine affur'd 
That he's a made-vp-Villaine. 

Pain. I know none fuch, my Lord. 

Poet. Nor I. 

Timon. Looke you, 
I loue you well, lie giue you Gold 
Rid me thefe Villaines from your companies ; 
Hang them, or (tab them, drowne them in a draught, 
Confound them by fome courfe,and come to me, 
He giue you Gold enough. 
•^'Both. Name them my Lord, let's know them. 

Tim. You that way, and you this : 
But two in Company : 
Each man a part, all fingle,and alone, 
Yet an arch Villaine keepes him company : 
If where thou art, two Villaines mall not be, 
Come not neere him. If thou would'ft not recide 
But where one Villaine is, then him abandon. 
Hence, packe, there's Gold, you came for Gold ye flaues: 
You haue worke for me ; there's paymentyhence, 
You are an Alcumift, make Gold of that : 
Out Rafcall dogges. Exeunt 



Enter Steward, and , 



Senators. 

Id fpeake with Tir, 



Stem. It is vaine that you wc 
For he is fet fo onely to himfelfe 
That nothing but himfelfe, which lookes like man, 
Is friendly with him. 

i.Sen. Bring vs to his Caue. 
It is our part and promife to th'Athenians 
To fpeake with Timon. 

z.Sen. At all times alike 
Men are not ftill the fame : 'twas Time and Greefe 



I That fram'd him thus. Time with his fairer hand, 
! Offering the Fortunes of his former dayes, 

The former man may make him: bring vs to him 

And chanc'd it as it may. 
Stew. Heere is his Caue : 

Peace and content be heere. Lord Timon, Timon, 
! Lobke out, and fpeake to Friends : Th'Athenians 

By two of their moft reuerend Senate greet thee : 

Speake to them Noble Timon. 

Enter Timon out of his Caue. 

Tim. Thou Sunne that comforts burne,l 
Speake and be hang'd : 
For each true word, a blifter, and each falfe 
j Be as a Cantherizing to the root o'th 'Tongue, 
j Confuming it with fpeaking. 

I Worthy Timon. 

Tim. Of none but fuch as you, 
And you of Timon. 

I The Senators of Athens, greet thee Timon. 

Tim. I thanke them, 
And would fend them backe the plague, 
Could I but catch it for them. 

1 O forget 

What we are forry for our felues in thee : 
The Senators, with one confent of loue, 
Intreate thee backe to Athens, who haue thought 
On fpeciall Dignities, which vacant lye 
For thy beft vfe and wearing. 

2 They confefle 

Toward thee, forgetfulnefle too generall grofle ; 

Which now the publike Body, which doth fildome 

Play the re-canter, feeling in it felfe 

A lacke of Timons ayde, hath fince withall 

Of it owne fall, reftraining ayde to Timon, 

And fend forth vs, to make their forrowed render, 

Together, with a recompence more fruitfull 

Then their offence can weigh downe by the Dramme, 

I euen fuch heapes and fummes of Loue and Wealth, 

As mall to thee blot out, what wrongs were theirs, 

And write in thee the figures of their loue, 

Euer to read them thine. 

Tim. You witch me in it ; 
Surprize me to the very brinke of teares ; 
Lend me a Fooles heart, and a womans eyes, 
And He beweepe thefe comforts, worthy Senators. 

1 Therefore fo pleafe thee to returne with vs, 
And of our Athens, thine and ours to take 

The Captainfhip, thou malt be met with thankes, 

Allowed with abfolute power, and thy good name 

Liue with Authoritie : fo foone we lhall driue backe 

Of Alcibiades th'approaches wild, 

Who like a Bore too fauage, doth root vp 

His Countries peace. 

2 And makes his threatning Sword 
Againft the walles of Athens. 

I Therefore Timon. 

Tim. Well fir, I will : therefore I will fir thus : 
If Alcibiades kill my Countrymen, 
Let Alcibiades know this of Timon, 
That Timon cares not. But if he facke faire Athens, 
And take our goodly aged men by'th'Beards, 
Giuingour holy Virgins to the ftaine 
Of contumelious, beaftly, mad-brain'd warre : 
Then let him know, and tell him Timon fpeakes it, 



c Timon of zAthens. 



97 



In pitty of our aged, and our youth, 

I cannot choofe but tell him that I care not, 

And let himtak't at word : For their Kniues care not, 

While you haue throats to anfwer. For my felfe, 

There's not a whittle, in th'vnruly Campe, 

But I do prize it at my loue, before 

The reuerends Throat in Athens. So I leaue you 

To the protection of the profperous Gods, 

As Theeues to Keepers. 

Slew. Stay not, all's in vaine. 

Tim. Why I was writing of my Epitaph, 
It will be feene to morrow. My long fickneffe 
Of Health, and Liuing, now begins to mend, 
And nothing brings me all things. Go, liue ftill, 
Be Akibiades your plague ; you his, 
And laft fo long enough. 

I We fpeake in vaine. 

Tim. But yet I loue my Country , and am not 
One that reioyces in the common wracke, 
As common bruite doth put it. 

i That's well fpoke. 

Tim. Commend me to my louing Countreymen. 

1 Thefe words become your lippes as they paffe tho- 
row them. 

2 And enter in our eares, like great Triumphers 
In their applauding gates. 

Tun. Commend me to them, 
And tell them, that to eafe them of their greefes, 
Their feares of Hoftile ftrokes, their Aches loffes, 
Their pangs of Loue, with other incident throwes 
That Natures fragile Veflell doth fuftaine 
In lifes vncertaine voyage, I will fome kindnes do them, 
He teach them to preuent wilde Alcibiadh wrath. 

I I like this well, he will returne againe. 

Tim. I haue a Tree which growes heere in my Clofe, 
That mine owne vfe inuites me to cut downe, 
And fhortly muft I fell it. Tell my Friends, 
Tell Athens, in the fequence of degree, 
From high to low throughout, that who fo pleafe 
To flop Affliction, let him take his hafte ; 
Come hither ere my Tree hath felt the Axe, 
And hang himfelfe. I pray you do my greeting. 

Stew. Trouble him no further, thus you ftill ftiall 
Finde him. 

Tim. Come not to me againe, but fay to Athens, 
Timon hath made his euerlafting Manfion 
Vpon the Beached Verge of the fait Flood, 
Who once a day with his embofTed Froth' 
The turbulent Surge ihall couer ; thither come, 
And let my graue-ftone be your Oracle : 
Lippes, let foure words go by, and Language end: 
What is amifle, Plague and Infection mend. 
Graues onely be mens workes, and Death their gaine ; 
Sunne, hide thy Beames, Timon hath done his Raigne. 

Exit Timon. 

1 His difcontents are vnremoueably coupled to Na- 
ture. 

2 Our hope in him is dead : let vs returne, 
And ftraine what other meanes is left vnto vs 
In our deere perill. 

I It requires fwift foot. Exeunt. 

Enter two other Senators ,with a Mejfenger. 

I Thou haft painfully difcouer'd : are his Files 
As full as thy report ? 



oMef. I haue fpoke the leaft. 
Befides his expedition promifes prefent approach. 

2 We ftand much hazard, if they bring not Timon. 
Mef. I met a Currier, one mine ancient Friend, 

Whom though in general! part we were oppos'd, 

Yet our old loue made a particular force, 

And made vs fpeake like Friends. This man was riding 

From Akibiades to Tunons Caue, 

With Letters of intreaty, which imported 

His Fellowfhip i'th'caufe againft your City, 

In part for his fake mou'd. 

Enter the other Senators. 

1 Heere come our Brothers. 

3 No talke of Timon, nothing of him expect, 

The Enemies Drumme is heard,and fearefull icouring 

Doth choake the ayre with duft : In, and prepare, 

Ours is the fall I feare, our Foes the Snare. Exeunt 

Enter a Souldier in the Woods Jeering Timon. 
So/. By all defcription this fhould be the place. 
Whofe heere ? Speake hoa. No anfwer ? What is this ? 
Tymon is dead, who hath out-ftretcht his fpan, 
Some Beaft reade this ; There do's not liue a Man. 
Dead fure, and this his Graue, what's on this Tomb, 
I cannot read : the Charracter lie take with wax, 
Our Captaine hath in euery Figure skill ; 
An ag'd Interpreter, though yong in dayes : 
Before proud Athens hee's fet downe by this, 
Whofe fall the marke of his Ambition is. Exit. 

Trumpets found. Er.ter Alcibiades with his Powers 
before Athens. 

Ale. Sound to this Coward, and lafciuious Towne, 
Our terrible approach. 

Sounds a Parly . 
The Senators appeare -upon the wals. 
Till now you haue gone on, and fill'd the time 
With all Licentious meafure, making your willes 
The fcopeof luftice. Till now, my felfe and fuch 
As flept within the fhadow of your power 
Haue wander'd with our trauerft Armes,and breath'd] 
Our fufferance vainly : Now the time is fiufh, 
When crouching Marrow in the bearer ftrong 
Cries (of it felfe)no more : Now breathleffe wrong, 
Shall fit and pant in your great Chaires of eafe, 
And purfie Infolence fhall breake his winde 
With feare and horrid flight. 

i. Sen. Noble, and young; 
When thy firft greefes were but a meere conceit, 
Ere thou had'ft power, or we had caufe of feare, 
We fent to thee, to giue thy rages Balme, 
To wipe out our Ingratitude, with Loues 
Aboue their quantitie. 

2 So did we wooe 
Transformed Timon, to our Citties loue 

By humble Meffage, and by promift meanes : 
We were not all vnkinde, nor all deferue 
The common ftroke of warre. 

I Thefe walles of ours, 
Were not erected by rheir hands, from whom 
You haue receyu'd your greefe : Nor are they fuch, 
That thefe great Towres, Trophees, & Schools fliold fall 
For priuate faults in them. 
2 Nor are they liuing 

Who 



9 8 



Timon of ^Athens. 



Who were the motiues that you firft went out, 

(Shame that they wanted, cunning in excefle) 

Hath broke their hearts. March, Noble Lord, 

Into our City with thy Banners fpred, 

By decimation and a tythed death ; 

If thy Reuenges hunger for that Food 

Which Nature loathes, take thou the deftin'd tenth, 

And by the hazard of the fpotted dye, 

Let dye the fpotted. 

1 All haue not offended : 

For thofe that were, it is not fquare to take 
On thofe that are, Reuenge : Crimes, like Lands 
Are not inherited, then deere Countryman, 
Bring in thy rankes, but leaue without thy rage, 
Spare thy Athenian Cradle, and thofe Kin 
Which in the blufter of thy wrath muft fall 
With thofe that haue offended, like a Shepheard, 
Approach the Fold, and cull th'infecled forth, 
But kill not altogether. 

2 What thou wilt, 

Thou rather /halt inforce it with thy fmile, 
Then hew too't, with thy Sword. 

1 Set but thy foot 

Againft our rampyr'd gates, and they fhall ope : 
So thou wilt fend thy gentle heart before, 
To fay thou't enter Friendly. 

2 Throw thy Gloue, 

Or any Token of thine Honour elfe, 
That thou wilt vfe the warres as thy redrefle, 
And notasourConfufion: All thy Powers 
Shall maketheirharbourin ourTowne, till wee 
Haue feal'd thy full defire. 

Ale. Then there's my Gloue, 
Defend and open your vncharged Ports, 



Thofe Enemies of Timons, and mine owne 
Whom you your felues fhall fet out for reproofe, 
Fall and no more ; and to attone your feares 
With my more Noble meaning, not a man 
Shall paffe his quarter, or offend the ftreame 
Of Regular Iuftice in your Citties bounds, 
Bufihall be remedied to your publique Lawes 
At heauieft anfwer. 

'Both. 'Tis moit Nobly fpoken. 

Ale. Defcend, and keepe your words. 
Enter a Meffenger. 

MeJ. My Noble General!, Timon is dead, 
Entomb'd vpon the very hemme o'th'Sea, 
And on his Graueftone, this Infculpture which 
With wax I brought away : whofe foft Impreflion 
Interprets for my poore ignorance. 

Aleibiades reades the Epitaph. 
Heere lies a wretched Coarfe, of wretched Soule bereft, 
See\ not my name: A Plague conjume you , wicked Caitifs left: 
Heere lye I Timon, who a Hue, all liuing men did hate, 
Paffe by, and curfe thy fill, but paffe andftay not here thy gate. 
Thefe well expreffe in thee thy latter fpirits: 
Though thou abhorrd'ft in vs our humane griefes, 
Scornd'ft our Braines flow, and thofe our droplets, which 
From niggard Nature fall ; yet Rich Conceit 
Taught thee to make vaft Neptune weepe for aye 
On thy low Graue, on faults forgiuen. Dead 
Is Noble Timon, of whofe Memorie 
Heereafter more. Bring me into your Citie, 
And I will vfe the Oliue, with my Sword : 
Make war breed peace ; make peace ftint war,make each 
Prefcribe to other, as each others Leach. 
Let our Drummes ftrike. Exeunt. 



FINIS. 




THE 

ACTORS 



NAMES. 




TMOK of Athens. 
1 Lucius, And 

Lucullus, Wo FlatteringLords. 
Appemantus, a Qhurlijh Philofopher. 
Sempronius another flattering Lord. 
Alcibiades, an Athenian Qaptaine. 
"Poet. 
Painter. 
Jeweller. 
Merchant. 
Qertaine Senatours. 
Qertaine Masters. 
Certaine Theeues. 



Flaminius, one ofTymons Seruants. 
Seruilius, another. 
Qaphis. } 
Varro. 

Titus ' (* Seuerall Seruants to Vfure) 

Lucius. I 

Hortenjis \ 

Ventigius. one ofTymonsfalfe Friends 

Qupid. 

Sempronius. 

With diuers other Seruants, 

And ^Attendants. 




109 




THE TRAGEDIE OF 

IVLIVS C^SAR. 



nASius Primus. Sccena Prima. 



Enter Flauhii, Murellui , and, 
ouer the Stage. 

Flauius. 

HEnce : home you idle Creatures, get you home: 
Is this a Holiday ? What, know you not 
(Being Mechanicall) you ought not walke 
Vpon a labouring day, without the figne 
Of your Profefiion ? Speake, what Trade art thou ? 

Car. Why Sir, a Carpenter. 

Mur. Where is thy Leather Apron, and thy Rule? 
What doft thou with thy beft Apparrell on ? 
You fir, what Trade are you ? 

Cobl. Truely Sir, in refpeft of a fine Workman, I am 
but as you would fay, a Cobler. 

Mur. But what Trade art thou ? Anfwer me dire&Iy. 

Cob. A Trade Sir, that I hope I may vfe, with a fafe 
Confcience, which is indeed Sir,a Mender of bad foules. 

Fla. What Trade thou knaue ? Thou naughty knaue, 
what Trade? 

Cobl. Nay I befeech you Sir, be not out with me: yet 
if you be out Sir, I can mend you. 

Mur. What mean ft thou by that ? Mend mee, thou 
fawcy Fellow ? 

Cob. Why fir, Cobble you. 

Fla. Thou art a Cobler,art thou ? 

Cob. Truly fir, all that I liue by, is with the Aule : I 
meddle with no Tradefmans matters, nor womens mat- 
ters; but withal I am indeed Sir, a Surgeon to old fhooes: 
when they are in great danger, I recouer them. As pro- 
per men as euer trod vpon Neats Leather, haue gone vp- 
on my handy-worke. 

Fla. But wherefore art not in thy Shop to day? 
Why do'ft thou leade thefe men about the ftreets? 

Cob. Truly fir, to weare out their mooes, to get my 
felfe into more worke. But indeede fir, we make Holy- 
day to fee Cajar, and to reioyce in his Triumph. 

Mur. Wherefore reioyce ? 
What Conqueft brings he home? 
What Tributaries follow him to Rome, 
To grace in Captiue bonds his Chariot Wheeles ? 
You Blockes,you ftones,you worfe then fenfiefie things: 
O you hard hearts, you cruell men of Rome, 
Knew you not Pompey many a time and oft? 
Haue you climb'd vp to Walles and Battlements, 
To Towres and Windowes? Yea, to Chimney tops, 
Your Infants in your Armes, and there haue fate 
The liue-long day, with patient expectation, 



69. ., 



To fee great Pompey pafTe the ftreets of Rome : 
And when you faw his Chariot but appeare, 
Haue you not made an Vniuerfall fhout, 
That Tyber trembled vnderneath her bankes 
To heare the replication of your founds, 
Made in her Concaue Shores ? 
And do you now put on your beft attyre ? 
And do you now cull out a Holyday ? 
And do you now ftrew Flowers in his way, 
That comes in Triumph ouer Pompeyes blood ? 
Be gone, 

Runne to your houfes, fall vpon your knees, 
Pray to the Gods to intermit the plague 
That needs mud light on this Ingratitude. 

Fla. Go, go, good Countrymen, and for this fault 
AfTemble all the poore men of your fort ; 
Draw them to Tyber bankes,and weepe your teares 
Into the Channell, till the loweft ftreame 
Do kifTe the moft exalted Shores of all. 

Exeunt all the Commoners, 
See where their bafeft mettle be not mou'd, 1 
They vaniih tongue-tyed in their guiltinefTe : 
Go you downe that way towards the Capitoll, 
This way will I : Difrobe the Images, 
If you do finde them deckt with Ceremonies. 

zMur. May we do fo ? 
You know it is the Feaft of Lupercall. 

Fla. It is no matter, let no Images 
Be hung with Cajfars Trophees : He about, 
And driue away the Vulgar from the ftreets ; 
So do you too, where you perceiue them thicke. 
Thefe growing Feathers, pluckt from Cajars wing, 
Will make him flye an ordinary pitch, 
Who elfe would foare aboue the view of men, 
And keepe vs all in feruile fearefulnefTe. Exeunt 

Enter Cm jar , Antony for the Courfe ,Qalphurnia , Portia, De- 
cius , Cicero , <Brutm , Cajftiu, Cos {a, a Soothfayer-.af- 
ter them Murellui and Flauhti. 
Ca?f. Calphurnia. 
Catl{. Peace ho, Ca?Jar fpeakes. 
Caf. Calphurnia. 
Calp. Heere my Lord. 
Caf. Stand you directly in Antonio's way, 
When he doth run his courfe. Antonio. 
Ant. Cafar, my Lord. 
Caf. Forget not in your fpeed Antonio, 
To toucli Qalphurnia : for our Elders fay, 

kk The 



I IO 



The Tragedie of "Julius Qcefa 



ar. 



The Barren touched in this holy chace, 
Shake off their fterrile curfe. 

Ant. I mall remember, 
When Cajar fayes,Do this; it is perform'd. 

Caj. Set on, and leaue no Ceremony out. 

Sooth. Cajar. 

Caj. Ha? Whocalles? 

Cas\. Bid euery noyfe be ftill : peace yet againe. 

Caj. Who is it in the prefTe, that calles on me? 
I heare a Tongue (hriller then all the Muficke 
Cry, Cajar : Speake, Cajar is turn'd to heare. 

Sooth. Beware the Ides of March. 

Caj. What man is that ? 

Br. A Sooth-fayer bids you beware the Ides of March 

Caj. Set him before me, let me fee his face. 

Caff. Fellow, come from the throng, look vpon Cafar. 

Ceej. What fayft thou to me now? Speak once againe. 

Sooth. Beware the Ides of March. 

Caj. He is a Dreamer, let vs leaue him : Paffe. 

Sennet. Exeunt. Manet 'Brut. & Caff. 

Caff. Will you go fee the order of the courfe ? 

=Brut. Not I. 

Caff. I pray you do. 

Brut. I am not Gamefom: I do lacke fome part 
Of that quicke Spirit that isin Antony : 
Let me not hinder Caffui your defires ; 
He leaue you. 

C"ffi. 'Brutus, I do obferue you now of late : 
I haue not from your eyes, that gentleneffe 
And mew ofLoue,as I was wont to haue :i 
You beare too ftubborne,and too ftrange a hand 
Ouer your Friend, that loues you. 

Bru. Caffus, 
Be not deceiu'd : If I haue veyl'd my looke, 
I turne the trouble of my Countenance 
Meerely vpon my felfe. Vexed I am 
Of late, with paffions of fome difference, 
Conceptions onely proper to my felfe, 
Which giue fome foyle (perhaps) to my Behauiours : 
But let not therefore my good Friends be greeu'd 
( Among which number Caffus be you one) 
Nor conftrue any further my neglect, 
Then that poore Brutus with himfelfe at warre, 
Forgets the fhewes of Loue to other men. 

Caff. Then Brutus, I haue much miftook your paflion, 
By meanes whereof, this Bred of mine hath buried 
Thoughts of great value, worthy Cogitations. 
Tell me good 'Brutus, Can you fee your face ? 

Brutus. No Caffus : 
For the eye fees not it felfe but by reflection, 
By fome other things. 

Caffus. 'Tis iuft, 
And it is very much lamented Brutus, 
That you haue no fuch Mirrors, as will turne 
Your hidden worthineffe into your eye, 
That you might fee your fliadow : 
I haue heard, 

Where many of the beft refpeft in Rome, 
(Except immortall Cajar) fpeaking of Brutus,' 
And groaning vnderneath this Ages yoake, 
Haue wifiYd, that Noble Brutus had his eyes. 

Bru. Into what dangers, would you 
Leade me Caffus ? 

That you would haue me feeke into my felfe , 
For that which is not in me? 

Caj. Therefore good Brutus, be prepar'd to heare : 



And fince you know, you cannot fee your felfe 

So well as by Refleaion; I your Glaffe, 

Will modeftly difcouer to your felfe 

That of your felfe, which you yet know not of. 

And be not iealous on me,gentle Brutus : 

Were I a common Laughter, or did vfe 

To ftale with ordinary Oathes my loue 

To euery new Protefter : if you know, 

That I do fawne on men, and hugge them hard, 

And after fcandall them : Or if you know, 

That I profeffe my felfe in Banquetting 

To all the Rout, then hold me dangerous. 

Flourijh, and Shout. 

Bru. What meanes this Showting? 
I do feare, the People choofe Cajar 
For their King. 

Caff. I, do you feare it? 
Then muft I thinke you would not haue it fo. 

Bru. I would not Caffus, yet I loue him well : 
But wherefore do you hold me heere fo long ? 
What is it, that you would impart to me ? 
If it be ought toward the generall good, 
Set Honor in one eye, and Death i'th other, 
And I will looke on both indifferently : 
For let the Gods fo fpeed mee, as I loue 
The name of Honor, more then I feare death. 

Caff. I know that vertue to be in you Brutus, 
As well as I do know your outward fauour. 
Well, Honor is the fubieft of my Story : 
I cannot tell, what you and other men 
Thinke of this life : But for my Angle felfe, 
I had as liefe not be, as liue to bej 
In awe of fuch a Thing, as I my felfe. 
I was borne free as Cajar, fo were you, 
We both haue fed as well, and we can both 
Endure the Winters cold, as well as hee. 
For once, vpon a Rawe and Guftie day, 
The troubled Tyber, chafing with her Shores, 
Cajar faide to me, Dar'ft thou C a 3 M now 
Leape in with me into this angry Flood, 
And fwim to yonder Point/ Vpon the word, 
Accoutred as I was, I plunged in, 
And bad him follow : fo indeed he did. 
The Torrent roar'd, and we did buffet it 
With lufty Sinewes, throwing it afide, 
And (temming it with hearts of Controuerfie. 
But ere we could arriue the Point propos'd, 
Cajar cride, Helpe me Caffus, ox I finke. 
I ( as z&neas, our great Anceftor, 
Did from the Flames of Troy, vpon his moulder 
The old cAncbyjes beare) fo, from the waues of Tyber 
Did I the tyred Qajar : And this Man, 
Is now become a God, and Caffus is 
A wretched Creature, and muft bend his body, 
If Cajar carelefiy but nod on him. 
He had a Feauer when he was in Spaine, 
And when the Fit was on him, I did marke 
How he did make : Tis true, this God did make, 
His Coward lippes did from their colour flye, 
And that fame Eye, whofe bend doth awe the World, 
Did loofe his Luftre : I did heare him grone : 
I, and that Tongue of his, that bad the Romans 
Marke him, and write his Speeches in their Bookes, 
Alas, it cried, Giue me fome drinke Titinius,\ 



The Tragedie of Julius Qcefa 



in 



As a ficke Girle : Ye Gods, it doth amaze me, 
A man of fuch a feeble temper mould 
So get the ftart of the Maiefticke world, 
And beare the Palme alone. 

Shout. Flourijh. 

Bru. Another generall fhout ? 
I do beleeue, that thefe applaufes are 
For fome new Honors, that a're heap'd on Cafar. 

CaJJi. Why man, he doth beftride the narrow world 
Like a Coloffus,and we petty men 
Walke vnder his huge legges,and peepe about 
To finde our felues difhonourable Graues. 
Men atfometime, are Matters of their Fates. 
The fault (deere i Brutus)\% not in our Starres, 
| But in ourSelues, that we are vnderlings. 
Brutus and Cafar : What mould be i n that Cafar ? 
Why fhould that name be founded more then yours ? 
Write them together : Yours, is as faire a Name : 
Sound them, it doth become the mouth afwell : 
Weigh them, it is as heauy : Coniure with 'em, 
Brutus will ftart a Spirit as foone as Cafar, 
Now in the names of all the Gods at once, 
Vpon what meate doth this our Cafar feede, 
That he is growne fo great ? Age, thou art fham'd. 
Rome, thou haft loft the breed of Noble Bloods. 
When went there by an Age, fince the great Flood, 
But it was fam'd with more then with one man ? 
When could they fay (till now)that talk'd of Rome, 
That her wide Walkes incompaft but one man ? 
Now is'it Rome indeed, and Roome enough 
When there is in it but one onely man. 
O! you and I, haue heard our Fathers fay, 
There was a 'Brutus once, that would haue brook'd 
Th'eternall Diuell to keepe his State in Rome, 
As eafilyasaKing. 

Bru. That you do loue me, I am nothing iealous: 
What you would worke me too, I haue fome ayme : 
Howl haue thought of this, and of thefe times 
I lhall recount heereafter. For this prefent, 
I would not fo (with loue I might intreat you) 
Be any further moou'd : What you haue faid, 
I will confider: what you haue to fay 
I will with patience heare, and finde a time 
Both meete to heare, and anfwerfuch high things. 
Till then, my Noble Friend, chew vpon this : 
Brutus had rather be a Villager, 
Then to repute himfelfe a Sonne of Rome 
Vnder thefe hard Conditions,as this time 
Is like to lay vpon vs. 

CaJJi. I am glad that my weake words 
Haue ftrucke but thus much mew of fire from Brutus. 

Enter Cafar and his Traine. 

*Brn. The Games are done, 
And Cafar is returning. 

Cajfi. As they paiTe by, 
Plucke Caska by the Sleeue, 
And he will (after his fowre fafliion) tell you 
What hath proceeded worthy note to day. 

Bru. I will do fo : but looke you CaJJius, 
The angry fpot doth glow on Cafars brow, 
And all the reft, looke like a chidden Traine ; 
Calpburnias Cheeke is pale, and Cicero 
Lookes with fuch Ferret,and fuch fiery eyes ] 
As we haue feene him in the Capitoll 



-oi 



Being croft in Conference, by fome Senators. 

CaJJi. Caska will tell vs what the matter is. 

Caf. Antonio. 

Ant. Cafar. 

Caf. Let me haue men about me, that are fat, 
Sleeke-headed men, and fuch as fleepe a-nights : 
Yond CaJJius has a leane and hungry looke, 
He thinkes too much : fuch men are dangerous. 

Ant. Feare him not Cafar, he's not dangerous, 
He is a Noble Roman, and well giuen. 

Caf. Would he were fatter ; But I feare him not : 
Yet if my name were lyable to feare, 
I do not know the man I fhould auoyd 
So foone as that fpare CaJJius. He reades much, 
He is a great OMeruer, and he lookes 
Quite through the Deeds of men. He loues no Playes, 
As thou doft Antony : he heares no Muficke ; 
Seldome he fmiles, and fmiles in fuch a fort 
As if he mock'd himfelfe, and fcorn'd his fpirit 
That could be mou'd to fmile at any thing. 
Such men as he, be neuer at hearts eafe, 
Whiles they behold a greater then themfelues, 
And therefore are they very dangerous. 
I rather tell thee what is to be fear'd, 
Then what I feare : for alwayes I am Cafar. 
Come on my right hand, for this eare is deafe, 
And tell me truely, what thou think'ft of him. Sennit. 
Exeunt Cafar and his Traine. 

Cas\. You pul'd me by the cloake, would you fpeake 
with me ? 

Bru, I Caska, tell vs what hath chanc'd to day 
That Cafar lookes fo fad. 

Qa6\. Why you were with him, were you not ? 

'Bru. I fhould not then aske C^kfi what had chanc'd. 

Cas\. Why there was a Crowne offer'd him; & being 
offer'd him, he put it by with the backe of his hand thus, 
and then the people fell a fhouting. 

Bru. What was the fecond noyfe for ? 

Cas\. Why for that too. 

CaJJi. They fhouted thrice: what was the laft cry for? 

Cas\. Why for that too. 

Bru. Was the Crowne offer'd him thrice ? 

Cas\. I marry was't, and hee put it by thrice, euerie 
time gentler then other ; and at euery putting by, mine 
honeft Neighbors fhowted. 

CaJJi. Who offer'd him the Crowne ? 

Cask,. Why Antony. 

'Bru. Tell vs the manner of it,gentle Caska. 

Caska. I can as well bee hang'd as tell the manner of 
it : It was meere Foolerie, I did not marke it. I fawe 
zMarke Antony offer him a Crowne, yet 'twas not a 
Crowne neyther, 'twas one of thefe Coronets : and as I 
told you, hee put it by once : but for all that, to my thin- 
king, he would faine haue had it. Then hee offered it to 
him againe : then hee put it by againe : but to my think- 
ing, he was very loath to lay his fingers off it. And then 
he offered it the third time ; hee put it the third time by, 
and ftill as hee refus'd it, the rabblement howted, and 
clapp'd their chopt hands, and threw vppe their fweatie 
Night-cappes, and vttered fuch a deale of ftinking 
breath, becaufe Cafar refus'd the Crowne, that it had 
falmoft) choaked Cafar : for hee fwoonded, and fell 
downe at it : And for mine owne part, I durft not laugh, 
for feare of opening my Lippes, and receyuing the bad 
Ayre. 

kk 2 Cajfi. 



112 



The Tragedie of Julius Qcefar. 



Cajft. But foft I pray you : what, did Cajar fwound ? 

Cai\. He fell downe in the Market-place,and foam'd 
at mouth, and was fpeechlefle. 

Brut. "Tis very like he hath the Falling ficknefle. 

Cajji. No, Cajar hath it not: but you, and I, 
And honeft Casfyt,we haue the Falling ficknefle. 

Cai\. I know not what you meane by that, but I am 
fure Cajar fell downe. If the tag-ragge people did not 
clap him, and hifle him, according as he pleas'd, and dif- 
pleas'd them, as they vfe to doe the Players in the Thea- 
tre, I am no true man. 

'Brut. Whatfaid he, when he came vnto himfelfe ? 
Cas\ Marry, before he fell downe, when he perceiu'd 
the common Heard was glad he refus'd the Crowne, he 
pluckt me ope his Doublet, and offer'd them his Throat 
to cut : and I had beene a man of any Occupation, if I 
would not haue taken him at a word , I would I might 
goe to Hell among the Rogues, and fo hee fell. When 
he came to himfelfe againe, hee faid, If hee had done, or 
faid any thing amifle,he defir'd their Worlhips to thinke 
it was his infirmitie. Three or foure Wenches where I 
flood, cryed, Alafle good Soule, and forgaue him with 
all their hearts : But there's no heed to be taken of them; 
if Cajar had ftab'd their Mothers, they would haue done 
no lefle. 

'Brut. And after that, he came thus fad away. 

Cask. I. 

CaJJi. Did Cicero fay any thing ? 

Cas\. I, he fpoke Greeke. 

Cajji. To what effedr. ? 

Cas\. Nay, and I tell you that, lie ne're looke you 
i'th' face againe. But thofe that vnderftood him, fmil'd 
at one another, and fhooke their heads : but for mine 
owne part, it was Greeke to me. I could tell you more 
newes too : Murrellui and Flauius, for pulling Scarries 
off Cajars Images, are put to filence. Fare you well. 
There was more Foolerie yet , if I could remem- 
ber it. 

Cajji. Will you fuppe with me to Night, Caskat 

Cas\. No, I am promis'd forth. 

Cajji. Will you Dine with me to morrow ? 

Cas\. I, if I be aliue, and your minde hold, and your 
Dinner worth the eating. 

Cajji. Good,l will expeft you. 

Cas\. Doe fo : farewell both. Exit. 

'Brut. What a blunt fellow is this growne to bei 
He was quick Mettle, when he went to Schoole. 

Cajfi. So is he now, in execution 
Of any bold, or Noble Enterprize, 
How-euer he puts on this tardie forme : 
This Rudenefle is a Sawce to his good Wit, 
Which giues men ftomacke to difgeft his words 
With better Appetite. 

Brut. And fo it is : 
For this time I will leaue you : 
To morrow, if you pleafe to fpeake with me, 
I will come home to you : or if you will, 
Come home to me, and I will wait for you. 

Cajji. I will doe fo: till then, thinke of the World. 
Exit 'Brum. 
Well Brutm , thou art Noble : yet I fee, 
Thy Honorable Mettle may be wrought 
From that it is difpos'd : therefore it is meet, 
That Noble mindes keepe euer with their likes : 
For who fo firme,tbat cannot be feduc'd ? 
Cajar doth beare me hard, but he loues Brutus. 



If I were 'Brutus now, and he were Cajfius, 

He mould not humor me. I will this Night, 

In feuerall Hands, in at his Windowes throw, 

As if they came from feuerall Citizens, 

Writings, all tending to the great opinion 

That Rome holds of his Name : wherein obfcurely 

Cajars Ambition mall be glanced at. 

And after this.let Cajar feat him fure, 

For wee will fluke him, or worfe dayes endure. 

Exit. 

Thunder, and Lightning. Enter Cas\a, 
and Cicero. 

Cic. Good euen, Cos ka : brought you Cajar home? 
Why are you breathlefle, and why flare you fo ? 

Cai\. Are not you- mou'd, when all the fway of Earth 
Shakes, like a thing vnfirme ? O Cicero, 
I haue feene Tempefts,when the fcolding Winds 
Haue riu'd the knottie Oakes,and I haue feene 
Th'ambitious Ocean fwell, and rage, and foame, 
To be exalted with the threatning Clouds: 
But neuer till to Night, neuer till now, 
Did I goe through a Tempeft-dropping-nre, 
Eyther there is a Ciuill ftrife in Heauen, 
Or elfe the World, too fawcie with the Gods, 
Incenfes them to fend deftruftion. 

Cic, Why, faw you any thing more wonderfull ? 

Cas\. A common flaue, you know him well by fight, 
Held vp his left Hand, which did flame and burne 
Like twentie Torches ioyn'd; and yet his Hand, 
Not fenfible of fire,remain'd vnfcorch'd. 
Befides, I ha'not fince put vp my Sword, 
Againft the Capitoll I met a Lyon, 
Who glaz'd vpon me, and went furly by, 
Without annoying me. And there were drawne 
Vpon a heape,a hundred gaftly Women, 
Transformed with their feare, who fwore, they faw 
Men, all in fire,walke vp and downe the ftreetes. 
And yefterday,the Bird of Night did fit, 
Euen at Noone-day,vpon the Market place, _ 
Howting,and flireeking. When thefe Prodigies 
Doe fo conioyntly meet, let not men fay, 
Thefe are their Reafons, they are Naturall : 
For I beleeue,they are portentous things 
Vnto the Clymate,that they point vpon. 

Cic. Indeed, it is a ftrange-difpofed time : 
But men may conftrue things after their faihion, 
Cleane from the purpofe of the things themfelues. 
Comes Cajar to the Capitoll to morrow ? 

Casl(_ He doth : for he did bid Antonio 
Send word to you, he would be there to morrow. 

Cic. Good-night then, Cas\a : 
This difturbed Skie is not to walke in. 

Cask.. Farewell Cicero. Exit Cicero. 

Enter Cajjius. 

Cafji. Who's there? 

Ccu\. A Romane. 

Cajji. Ca6\a, by your Voyce. 

Cas{. Your Eare is good. 
Cajjiu6,vihzt Night is this? 

CaJJi. A very pleafing Night to honeft men. 

Cas\. Who euer knew the Hea'uens menace fo ? 

Cajji. Thofe that haue knowne the Earth fo full of 
faults. 

For 



The Tragedie of Julius Qtzfar. 



n 3 



For my part, I haue walk'd about the ftreets, 

Submitting me vnto the perillous Night; 

And thus vnbraced, Cas/^a,zs you fee, 

Haue bar'd my Bofome to the Thunder-ftone : 

And when the croffe blew Lightning feem'd to open 

The Breft of Heauen, I did prefent my felfe 

Euen in the ayme,and very flam of it. (uens ; 

Cas\. But wherefore did you fo much tempt the Hea- 
It is the part of men, to feare and tremble, 
When the moft mightie Gods, by tokens fend 
Such dreadfull Heraulds,to aftonifh vs. 

CaJJi. You are dull, Caska : 
And thofe fparkes of Life, that fhould be in a Roman, 
You doe want, or elfe you vfe not. 
You looke pale, and gaze, and put on feare, 
And caft your felfe in wonder, 
To fee the ftrange impatience of the Heauens : 
But if you would confider the true caufe, 
Why all thefe Fires, why all thefe gliding Ghofts, 
Why Birds and Beafts,from qualitie and kinde, 
Why Old men,Fooles,and Children calculate, 
Why all thefe things change from their Ordinance, 
Their Natures, and pre-formed Faculties, 
To monftrous qualitie; why you mail finde, 
That Heauen hath infus'd them with thefe Spirits, 
To make them Inftruments of feare, and warning, 
Vnto fome monftrous State. 
Now could I (Caska) name to thee a man, 
Moft like this dreadfull Night, 
That Thunders, Lightens, opens Graues,and roares, 
As doth the Lyon in the Capitoll : 
A man no mightier then thy felfe, or me, 
In perfonall acTion ; yet prodigious growne, 
And fearefull,as thefe ftrange eruptions are. 

Cas\. 'Tis Cajar that you meane : 
Is it net, Cajfius ? 

Cajfi. Let it be who it is : for Romans now 
Haue Thewes,and Limbes,like to their Anceftors; 
But woe the while, our Fathers mindes are dead, 
And we are gouern'd with our Mothers fpirits, 
Our yoake, and fufferance, mew vs Womaniffi. 

Cas\. Indeed, they fay, the Senators to morrow 
Meane to eftablifh Cajar as a King : 
And he mail weare his Crowne by Sea, and Land, 
In euery place, faue here in Italy. 

CaJJi. I know where I will weare this Dagger then ; 
CaJJius from Bondage will deliuer Caffws : 
Therein, yee Gods, you make the weake moft ftrong; 
Therein, yee Gods, you Tyrants doe defeat. 
Nor Stonie Tower, nor Walls of beaten BrafTe, 
Nor ayre-lefle Dungeon, nor ftrong Linkes of Iron, 
Can be retentiue to the ftrength of fpirit: 
But Life being wearie of thefe worldly Barres, 
Neuer lacks power to difmiffe it felfe. 
If I know this, know all the World befides, 
That part of Tyrannie that I doe beare, 
I can fhake off at pleafure. Thunder fiill. 

Cas\. So can I : 
So euery Bond-man in his owne hand beares 
The power to cancell his Captiuitie. 

Cajfi. And why mould Ctzjar be a Tyrant then ? 
Poore man, I know he would not be a Wolfe, 
But that he fees the Romans are but Sheepe : 
He were no Lyon, were not Romans Hindes. 
Thofe that with hafte will make a mightie fire, 
Begin it with weake Strawes. What tram is Rome ? 



What Rubbim,and what Offall ? when it femes 
For the bafe matter, to illuminate 
So vile a thing as Cajar. But oh Griefe, 
Where haft thou led me ? I (perhaps,) fpeake this 
Before a willing Bond-man : then I know 
My anfwere moft be made. But I am arm'd, 
And dangers are to me indifferent. 

Cas\. You fpeake to G»^a,and to fuch a man, 
That is no Hearing Tell-tale. Hold, my Hand : 
Be factious for redreffe of all thefe Griefes, 
And I will fet this foot of mine as farre, 
As who goes fartheft. 

Cajfi. There's a Bargaine made. 
Now know you, Cas\a,\ haue mou'd already 
Some certaine of the Nobleft minded Romans 
To vnder-goe, with me, an Enterprize, 
Of Honorable dangerous confequence ; 
And I doe know by this, they ftay for me 
In Pompeyes Porch : for now this fearefull Night, 
There is no ftirre,or walking in the ftreetes ; 
And the Complexion of the Element 
Is Fauors, like the Worke we haue in hand, 
Moft bloodie,fierie,and moft terrible. 

Enter Cinna. 

Cas\a. Stand clofe a while, for heere comes one in 
hafte. 

Cajfi. 'Tis Cinna, I doe know him by his Gate, 
He is a friend. Cinna, where hafte you fo ? 

Cinna. To finde out you : Who's that, Mttellus 
Cymber ? 

CaJJi. No, it is Caska, one incorporate 
To our Attempts. Am I not ftay'd for, Cinna ? 

Cinna. I am glad on't. 
What a fearefull Night is this ? 
There's two or three of vs haue feene ftrange fights. 

CaJJi. Am I not ftay'd for? tell me. 

Cinna. Yes, you are. O CaJJius, 
If you could but winne the Noble Brutus 
To our party — . 

Cajft. Be you content. Good Cinna,take this Paper, 
And looke you lay it in the Pretors Chayre, 
Where 'Brutus may but finde it : and throw this 
In at his Window ; fet this vp with Waxe 
Vpon old Brutus Statue : all this done, 
Repaire to Pompeyes Porch, where you fhall. finde vs. 
Is T)eeius Brutus and Trebonius there ? 

Cinna. All, but Metellm Cymber, and hee's gone 
To feeke you at your houfe. Well, I will hie, 
And fo beftow thefe Papers as you bad me. 

CaJJi. That done,repayre to Pompeyes Theater, 

Exit Cinna. 
Come Cas\a, you and I will yet, ere day, 
See Brutus at his houfe : three parts of him 
Is ours alreadie, and the man entire 
Vpon the next encounter, yeelds him ours. 

Cas\. 0,he fits high in all the Peoples hearts : 
And that which would appeare Offence in vs, 
His Countenance, like richeft Alchymie, 
Will change to Vertue,and to Worthineffe. 

CaJJi. Him, and his worth, and our great need of him, 
You haue right well conceited : let vs goe, 
For it is after Mid-night, and ere day, 
We will awake him, and be fure of him. 

Exeunt, 
k k 3 AElus 



ii 4 



The Tragedie of Julius Qcefar. 



ASius Secundus. 



Enter 'Brutus in his Orchard. 

Brut. What Lucius, hoe ? 
I cannot, by the progreffe of the Starres, 
Giue gueffe how neere to day— Lucius, I fay ? 
I would it were my fault to fleepe fo ibundly. 
When Lucius, when ? awake, I fay: what Lucius ? 
Enter Lucius. 

Luc. Call'd you, my Lord ? 

'Brut. Get me a Tapor in my Study, Lucius : 
When it is lighted, come and call me here. 

Luc. I will, my Lord. Exit. 

Brut. It muft be by his death : and for my part, 
I know no perfonall caufe,to fpurne at him, 
But for the generall. He would be crown'd : 
How that might change his nature, there's the queftii 
It is the bright day, that brings forth the Adder, 
And that craues warie walking : Crowne him that, 
And then I graunt we put a Sting in him, 
That at his will he may doe danger with. 
Th'abufe of GreatnefTe, is, when it dis-ioynes 
Remorfe from Power : And to fpeake truth of Cajar, 
I haue not knowne,when his Affections fway'd 
More then his Reafon. But 'tis a common proofe, 
That LowlynefTe is young Ambitions Ladder, 
Whereto the Climber vpward turnes his Face : 
But when he once attaines the vpmoft Round, 
He then vnto the Ladder turnes his Backe, 
Lookes in the Clouds,fcorning the bafe degrees 
By which he did afcend : fo Cajar may ; 
Then lead he may,preuent. And fmce the Quarrell 
Will beare no colour,for the thing he is, 
Fafliion it thus; that what he is, augmented, 
Would runne to thefe,and thefe extremities : 
And therefore thinke him as a Serpents egge, 
Which hatch'd, would as his kinde grow mifchieuous; 
And kill him in the mell. 

Enter Lucius. 

Luc. The Taper burneth in your Clofet,Sir : 
Searching the Window for a Flint, I found 
This Paper, thus feal'd vp,and I am fure 
It did not lye there when I went to Bed. 

Giues him the Letter. 

Brut. Get you to Bed againe,it is not day : 
Is not to morrow ( Boy; the firft of March ? 

Luc. I know not, Sir. 

Brut. Looke in the Calender, and bring me word. 

Luc. I will, Sir. Exit. 

Brut. The exhalations, whizzing in the ayre, 
Giue fo much light, that I may reade by them. 

Opens the Letter,and reades. 
'Brutus thoujleeffl ; awake, and fee thyjelfe : 
Shall Rome, &c. Jpeake ,ftrike , redreffe. 
'Brutus, thoujleeffl : awake. 
Such instigations haue beene often dropt, 
Where 1 haue tooke them vp : 
Shall Rome, &c. Thus muft I piece it out : 
Shall Rome ftand vnder one mans awe ? What Rome? 
My Anceftors did from the ftreetes of Rome 
The Tarquin driue, when he was call'd a King. 
Speake,Jlrike, redreffe. Am I entreated 



To fpeake, and ftrike ? O Rome, I make thee promife, 
If the redreffe will follow, thou receiueft 
Thy full Petition at the hand of Brutus. 
Enter Lucius. 

Luc. Sir, March is wafted fifteene dayes. 

Knocks within. 

Brut. 'Tis good. Go to the Gate,fome body knocks : 
Since Caffius firft did whet me againft Cajar, 
I haue not flept. 

Betweene the afting of a dreadfull thing, 
And the firft motion, all the Interim is 
Like a Phantafma, or a hideous Dreame : 
The Genius, and the mortall Inftruments 
Are then in councell ; and the ftate of a man, 
Like to a little Kingdome, fuffers then 
The nature of an Infurreftion. 

Enter Lucius. 

Luc. Sir,'tis your Brother Caffius at the Doore, 
Who doth defire to fee you. 

'Brut. Is he alone f 

Luc. No, Sir, there are moe with him. 

Brut. Doe you know them f 

Luc, No, Sir, their Hats are pluckt about their Eares, 
And halfe their Faces buried in their Cloakes, 
That by no meanes I may difcouer them, 
By any marke of fauour. 

'Brut . Let 'em enter : 
They are the Faction. O Confpiracie, 
Sham'ft thou to mew thy dang'rous Brow by Night, 
When euills are moft free ? O then, by day 
Where wilt thou finde a Cauerne darke enough, 
To maske thy monftrous Vifage?Seek none Confpiracie, 
Hide it in Smiles, and Affabilitie: 
For if thou path thy natiue femblance on, 
Not Erebus it felfe were dimme enough, 
To hide thee from preuention. 

Enter the Conffirators, Caffius, Caska, Decius, 
Cinna, Metellus,and Trebonius. 

Qaff. I thinke we are too bold vpon your Reft : 
Good morrow "Brutus, doe we trouble you? 

Brut. I haue beene vp this howre, awake all Night : 
Know 1 thefe men, that come along with you ? 

Caff. Yes,euery man of them ; and no man here 
But honors you : and euery one doth wilh, 
You had but that opinion of your felfe, 
Which euery Noble Roman beares of you. 
This is Trebonius. 

'Brut. He is welcome hither. 

Caff. This. Decius 'Brutus. 

Brut. He is welcome too. 

Caff. This, Caska ; this, Cinna ; and this, zMetetlus j 
Cymber. 

Brut. They are all welcome. 
What watchfull Cares doe interpofe themfelues 
Betwixt your Eyes, and Night? 

Caff. Shall I entreat a word ? They whiff er. 

Decius. Here lyes the Eaft : doth not the Day breake 
heere ? 

Cask. No. 

Cin. O pardon, Sir, it doth ; and yon grey Lines, 
That fret the Clouds, are Meffengers of Day. 

Cas\. You mall confeffe.that you are both deceiu'd : j 
Heere, as I point my Sword, the Sunne arifes, 
Which is a great way growing on the South, 

Weigh- * 



The Tragedie of Julius Qce fa 



JI 5 



Weighing the youthfull Seafon of the yeare. 

Some two moneths hence, vp higher toward the North 

He firft prefents his fire, and the high Eaft 

Stands as the Capitoll, dire&ly heere. 

'Bru. Giue me your hands allouer,one by one. 

Caf. And let vs fweare our Refolution. 

'Brut. No, not an Oath : if not the Face of men, 
The fufferance of our Soules, the times Abufe ; 
If thefe be Motiues weake, breake off betimes, 
And euery man hence, to his idle bed : 
So let high-fighted-Tyranny range on, 
Till each man drop by Lottery. But if thefe 
(As I am fure they do) beare fire enough 
To kindle Cowards, and to fteele with valour 
The melting Spirits of women. Then Countrymen, 
What neede we any fpurre, but our owne caufe, 
To pricke vs to redrefle ? What other Bond, 
Then fecret Romans, that haue fpoke the word, 
And will not palter ? And what other Oath, 
Then Honefty to Honefty ingag'd, 
That this ftiall be, or we will fall for it. 
Sweare Priefts and Cowards, and men Cautelous 
Old feeble Carrions, and fuch fuffering Soules 
That welcome wrongs : Vnto bad caufes, fweare 
Such Creatures as men doubt; but do not ftaine 
The euen vertue of our Enterprize, 
Nor th'infuppreffiue Mettle of our Spirits, 
To thinke, that or our Caufe, or our Performance 
Did neede an Oath. When euery drop of blood 
That euery Roman beares, and Nobly beares 
Is guilty of a feuerall Baftardie, 
If he do breake the fmalleft Particle 
Of any promife that hath paft from him. 

Caf. But what of Cicero? Shall we found him ? 
I thinke he will ftand very ftrong with vs. 

Cas\. Let vs not leaue him out. 

Cyn. No, by no meanes. 

Metel. O let vs haue him, for his Siluer haires 
Will purchafe vs a good opinion : 
And buy mens voyces, to commend our deeds : 
It mail be fayd, his iudgement rul'd our hands, 
Our youths, and wildenefie,ihall no whit appeare, 
But all be buried in his Grauity. 

"Bru. O name him not ; let vs not breake with him, 
For he will neuer follow any thing 
That other men begin. 

Caf. Then leaue him out. 

Cas\. Indeed, he is not fit. 

Decius. Shall no man elfe be toucht.but onely Cafar ? 

Caf. Decius well vrg'd : I thinke it is not meet, 
Marine Antony, fo well belou'd of Cafar, \ 
Should out-liue Cafar, we ftiall finde of him 
A ftirew'd Contriuer. And you know, his meanes 
If he improue them, may well ftretch fo farre 
As to annoy vs all : which to preuent, 
Let Antony and Cafar fall together. 

Bru. Our couile will feeme too bloody, Caius Cafsius , 
To cut the Head off, and then hacke the Limbes: 
Like Wrath in death, and Enuy afterwards : 
For Antony, is but a Limbe of Cafar. 
Let's be Sacrifices, but not Butchers Caius : 
We all ftand vp againft the fpirit of Cafar, 
And in the Spirit of men, there is no blood : 
O that we then could come by C a f ars Spirit, 
And not difmember Cafar t But (alas) 
Cafar muft bleed for it. And gentle Friends, 



Let's kill him Boldly, but not Wrathfully : 
Let's carue him, as a Diih fit for the Gods, 
Not hew him as a Carkaffe fit for Hounds: 
And let our Hearts, as fubtle Matters do, 
Stirre vp their Seruants to an a&e of Rage, 
And after feeme to chide 'em. This ftiall make 
Our purpofe Neceffary,and not Enuious. 
Which fo appearing to the common eyes, 
We ftiall be call'd Purgers, not Murderers. 
And for Marine Antony, th\nke not of him : 
For he can do no more then Caf an, Arme, 
When Cafars head is off. 

Caf. Yet I feare him,' 
For in the ingrafted loue he beares to Cafar. 

'Bru. Alas,good Cafsius, do not thinke of him : 
If he loue Cajar, all that he can do 
Is to himfelfe; take thought,and dye for Cafar, 
And that were much he fhould : for he is giuen 
To fports, to wildeneffe, and much company. 

Treb. There is no feare in him; let him not dye, 
For he will liue, and laugh at this heereafter. 

Cloche flri^es. 

'Bru. Peace, count the Clocke. 

Caf. The Clocke hath ftricken three. 

Treb. 'Tis time to part. 

Caff But it is doubtfull yet, 
Whether Cafar will come forth to day, or no : 
For he is Superftitious growne of late, 
Quite from the maine Opinion he held once, 
Of Fantafie, ofDreames, and Ceremonies: 
It may be, thefe apparant Prodigies, 
The vnaccuftom'd Terror of this night, 
And the perfwafion of his Augurers, 
May hold him from theCapitoll to day. 

'Decius. Neuer feare that : If he be fo refolu'd, 
I can ore-fway him : For he loues to heare, 
That Vnicornes may be betray'd with Trees, 
And Beares with Glaffes, Elephants with Holes, 
Lyons with Toyles, and men with Flatterers. 
But, when I tell him, he hates Flatterers, 
He fayes,he does; being then moft flattered. 
Let me worke : 

For I can giue his humour the true bent ; 
And I will bring him to the Capitoll. 

Caf. Nay, we will all of vs, be there to fetch him. 

Bru. By the eight houre,is that the vttermoft? 

Cin. Be that the vttermoft, and faile not then. 

Met, C alus Ligarius doth beare Cafar hard, 
Who rated him for fpeaking well of Pomfey ; 
I wonder none of you haue thought of him. 

'Bru. Now good <£Metellus go along by him : 
He loues me well, and I haue giuen him Reafons, 
Send him but hither, and He faftiion him. 

Caf. The morning comes vpon's : 
Wee'l leaue you 'Brutus, 

And Friends difperfe your felues; but all remember 
What you haue faid, and ftiew your felues true Romans. 

Bru. Good Gentlemen, looke frelh and merrily, 
Let not our lookes put on our purpofes, 
But beare it as our Roman Aftors do, 
With vntyr'd Spirits, and formall Conftancie, 
And fo good morrow to you euery one. Exeunt. 

Manet Brutus. 
Boy : Lucius : Faft afleepe ? It is no matter, 
Enioy the hony-heauy-Dew of Slumber : 
Thou haft no Figures, nor no Fantafies, 

Which 



u6 



The Tragedie of 'Julius Qcefar. 



*^hich bufie care drawes, in the braines of men ; 
Therefore thou fleep'ft fo found. 

Enter Portia. 

Tor. Brutus, my Lord. 

Bru. Portia: What meane you?wherfore rife you now? 
It is not for your health, thus to commit 
Your weake condition, to the raw cold morning. 

Por. Nor for yours neither. Y'haue vngently Brutui 
Stole from my bed : and yefternight at Supper 
You fodainly arofe,and walk'd about, 
Mufing, and fighing, with your armes a-crofle : 
And when I ask'd you what the matter was, 
You ftar'd vpon me, with vngentle lookes. 
I vrg'd you further, then you fcratch'd your head, 
And too impatiently ftampt with your foote : 
Yet I infifted, yet you anfwer'd not, 
But with an angry wafter of your hand 
Gaue figne for me to leaue you : So I did, 
Fearing to ftrengthen that impatience 
Which feem'd too much inkindled ; and withall, 
Hoping it was but an efFeft of Humor, 
Which fometime hath his houre with euery man. 
It will not let you eate, nor talke, nor fleepe ; 
And could it worke fo much vpon your lhape, 
As it hath much preuayl'd on your Condition, 
I fhould not know you Brutus. Deare my Lord, 
Make me acquainted with your caufe of greefe. 

'Bru. I am not well in health, and that is all. 

Por, 'Brutus is wife, and were he not in health, 
He would embrace the meanes to come by it. 

Bru. Why fo I do : good Portia go to bed. 

Por. Is 'Brara.s ficke? And is it Phyficall 
To walke vnbraced, and fucke vp the humours 
Of the danke Morning ? What, is 'Brum ficke? 
And will he fteale out of his wholfome bed 
To dare the vile contagion of the Night? 
And tempt the Rhewmy,and vnpurged Ayre, 
To adde vnto hit ficknefTe ? No my Brutui, 
You haue fome ficke Offence within your minde, 
Which by the Right and Vertue of my place 
I ought to know of: And vpon my knees, 
I charme you, by my once commended Beauty, 
By all your vowes of Loue, and that great Vow 
Which did incorporate and make vs one, 
That you vnfold to me, your felfe; your halfe 
Why you are heauy : and what men to night 
Haue had refort to you : for heere haue beene 
Some fixe or feuen, who did hide their faces 
Euen from darkneffe. 

'Bru. Kneele not gentle Portia. 

Por. I fhould not neede, if you were gentle Brutui. 
Within tho Bond of Marriage, tell me Brutui, 
Is it excepted, I fhould know no Secrets 
That appertaine to you ? Am I your Selfe, 
But as it were in fort, or limitation ? 
To keepe with you at Meales, comfort your Bed, 
And talke to you fometimes ? Dwell I but in the Suburbs 
Of your good pleafure ? If it be no more, 
Portia is Brutus Harlot, not his Wife. 

'Bru. You are my true and honourable Wife, 
As deere to me, as are the ruddy droppes 
That vifit my fad heart. 

Por. If this were true, then fhould I know thisifecret. 
I graunt I am a Woman; but withall, 
A Woman that Lord 'Brutui tooke to Wife : 
I graunt I am a Woman; but withall, 



A Woman well reputed : Qatoh Daughter. 

Thinke you, I am no ftronger then my Sex 

Being fo Father'd, and fo Husbanded ? 

Tell me your Counfels, I will not difclofe 'em : 

I haue made ftrong proofe of my Conftancie, 

Giuing my felfe a voluntary wound 

Heere, in the Thigh : Can I beare that with patience, 

And not my Husbands Secrets? 

Bru. O ye Gods I 
Render me worthy of this Noble Wife. Knock?. 

Harke,harke,one knockes : Portia go in a while, 
And by and by thy bofome fhall partake 
The fecrets of my Heart. 
All my engagements, I will conftrue to thee, 
All the Charraftery of my fad browes: 
Leaue me with haft. Exit Portia. 

Enter Luciui and Ligariui. 
Lucius, who's that knockes. 

Luc. Heere is a ficke man that would fpeak with you. 

Bru. Caius Ligarius, that Metellus fpake of. 
Boy,ftand afide. Caius Ligariui, how? 

Cai. Vouchfafe good morrow from a feeble tongue. 

Bru. O what a time haue you chofe out braue Caius 
To weare a Kerchiefe ? Would you were not ficke. 

Cai. I am not ficke, if Brutus haue in hand 
Any exploit worthy the name of Honor. 

Bru. Such an exploit haue I in hand Ligarius, 
Had you a healthfull eare to heare of it. 

Cai. By all the Gods that Romans bow before, 
I heere difcard my fickneffe. Soule of Rome, 
Braue Sonne, deriu'd from Honourable Loines, 
Thou like an Exorcift, haft coniur'd vp 
My mortified Spirit. Now bid me runne, 
And I will ftriue with things impofTible,i 
Yea get the better of them. What's to do? 

'Bru. A peece of worke, 
That will make ficke men whole. 

Cai. But are not fome whole, that we mult make ficke? 

Bru. That miifl we alfo. What it is my Caius, 
I fhall vnfold to thee, as we are going, 
To whom it muft be done. 

Cai. Set on your foote, 
And with a heart new-fir'd, I follow you, 
To do I know not what : but it fufficeth 
That "Brutus leads me on. Thunder, 

Bru. Follow me then. Exeunt 

Thunder & Lightning. 
Enter Iulius Cajar in his Night-gomne. 

Ctefar. Nor Heauen, nor Earth, 
Haue beene at peace to night : 
Thrice hath Calphurnia, in her fleepe cryed out, 
Helpe, ho : They murther Ca*far. Who's within ? 
Enter a Seruant. 
Ser. My Lord. 

Caf. Go bid the Priefts do prefent Sacrifice, 
And bring me their opinions of SuccefTe. 

Ser. I will my Lord. Exit 

Enter Calphurnia. 
Ca/.What mean you Cajarl Think you to walk forth ? 
You fhall not ftirre out of your houfe to day. 

Caf. Cajar fhall forth; the things that threaten'd me, 
Ne're look'd but on my backe : When they fhall fee 
The face of Qafar, they are vanifhed. 

Calp. 
706 



The Tragedie of Julius Q^f - 



ar. 



nj 



Calf. Cajar, I neuer ftood on Ceremonies, 
Yet now they fright me : There is one within, 
Befides the things that we haue heard and feene, 
Recounts mod horrid fights feene by the Watch. 
A Lionneffe hath whelped in the ftreets, 
And Graues haue yawn'd, and yeelded vp their dead ; 
Fierce fiery Warriours fight vpon the Clouds 
In Rankes and Squadrons, and right forme of Warre 
Which drizel'd blood vpon the Capitoll: 
The noife of Battell hurtled in the Ayre : 
Horfles do neigh, and dying men did grone, 
And Ghofts did fhrieke and fqueale about the ftreets. 

Cajar, thefe things are beyond all vfe, 
And I do feare them. 

Caj. What can be auoyded 
Whole end is purpos'd by the mighty Gods? 
Yet Cajar fhall go forth : for thefe Predictions 
Are to the world in generall, as to Cajar. 

Calp. When Beggers dye, there are no Comets feen, 
The Heauens themfelues blaze forth the death of Princes 

Caj. Cowards dye many times before their deaths, 
The valiant neuer tafte of death but once : 
Of all the Wonders that I yet haue heard, 
It feemes to me moft ftrange that men ihould feare, 
Seeing that death, a neceflary end 
Will come, when it will come. 

Enter a Seruant. 
What fay the Augurers? 

Ser. They would not haue you to ftirre forth to day. 
Plucking the intrailes of an Offering forth, 
They could not finde a heart within the beaft. 

Caj. The Gods do this in fhame of Cowardice: 
Cajar ihould be a Beaft without a heart 
If he ihould (ray at home to day for feare : 
No Cajar fhall not; Danger knowes full well 
That Cajar is more dangerous then he. 
We heare two Lyons litter' d in one day, 
And I the elder and more terrible, 
And Cajar ihall go foorth. 

Calp. Alas my Lord, 
Your wifedome is confum'd in confidence : 
Do not go forth to day : Call it my feare, 
That keepes you in the houfe, and not your owne. 
Wee'l fend <3V[ar\ Antony to the Senate houfe, 
And he fhall fay, vou are not well to day : 
Let me vpon my knee.preuaile in this. 

Qaj. Marl^ Antony ihall fay I am not well, 
And for thy humor, I will ftay at home. 

Enter Deciui. 
Heere's Deciui 'Brutus, he fhall tell them fo. 

Deci. Cajar, z\\ haile : Good morrow worthy Qajar, 

1 come to fetch you to the Senate houfe. 

Caj. And you are come in very happy time, 
To beare my greeting to the Senators, 
And tell them that I will not come to day: 
Cannot, is falfe : and that I dare not,falfer: 
I will not come to day, tell them fo Deciui. 

Calp. Say he is ficke. 

Caj. Shall C*far fend a Lye ? 
Haue I in Conqueft ftretcht mine Arme fo farre, 
To be afear'd to tell Gray-beards the truth: 
Deciui, go tell them, Cajar will not come. 

Tied. Moft mighty Cajar,\et me know fome caufe, 
Left I be laught at when 1 tell them fo. 

Caj. The caufe is in my Will, I will not come, 
That is enough to fatisfie the Senate. 



But for your priuate fa tisf action, 
Becaufe I loue you, I will let you know. 
Calphurnia heere my wife, ftayes me at home : 
She dreampt to night, lhe faw my Statue, 
Which like a fountaine, with an hundred fpouts 
Did run pure blood : and many lufty Romans 
Came fmiling,& did bathe their hands in it : 
And thefe does fhe apply, for warnings and portents, 
And euils imminent ; and on her knee 
Hath begg'd, that I will ftay at home to day. 

Deci. This Dreame is all amiffe interpreted, 
It was a vifion, faire and fortunate : 
Your Statue fpouting blood in many pipes, 
In which fo many fmiling Romans bath'd, 
Signifies, that from you great Rome ihall fucke 
Reuiuing blood, and that great men fhall preffe 
For Tinc"tures,Staines,Reliques,and Cognifance. 
This by Calphurnia 's Dreame is fignified. 

Corf. And this way haue you well expounded it. 

"Deci. I haue, when you haue heard what I can fay : 
And know it now, the Senate haue concluded 
To giue this day, a Crowne to mighty Cajar. 
If you ihall fend them word you will not come, 
Their mindes may change. Befides, it were a mocke 
Apt to be render'd, for fome one to fay, 
Breake vp the Senate, till another time : 
When Cajars wife (hall meete with better Dreames. 
If Cajar hide himfelfe, fhall they not whifper 
Loe Cajar is affraid ? 

Pardon me Ca?far, for my deere deere loue 
To your proceeding, bids me tell you this: 
And reafon to my loue is liable. 

Qaj.riovt foolifh do your fears feeme now Calphurnia! 
I am alhamed I did yeeld to them. 
Giue me my Robe, for I will go. 

Enter 'Brutus, Ligariui, Metellui , Cai\a, Trebo- 
niui, Cynna,andPubliui. 
And looke where Publius is come to fetch me. 

Pub. Good morrow Cajar. 

Caj. Welcome Publiui. 
What 'Brutus, are you ftirr'd fo earely too? 
Good morrow Qasha : Caiui Ligarius, 
Cajar was ne're fo much your enemy, 
As that fame Ague which hath made you leane. 
What is't a Clocke ? 

'Bru. Cajar, 'tis ftrucken eight. 

Caj. I thanke you for your paines and curtefie. 
Enter Antony. 
See, Antony that Reuels long a-nights 
Is notwithstanding vp. Good morrow Antony. 

Ant. So to moft Noble Cajar 

Caj. Bid them prepare within : 
I am too blame to be thus waited for. 
Now Cynna, now Metellui ; what Treboniui, 
I haue an houres talke in ftore for you: 
Remember that you call on me to day : 
Be neere me, that I may remember you. 

Treb. Cajar I will : and fo neere will I be, 
That your beft Friends fhall wifh I had beene further. 

Caj.Good Friends go in, and tafte fome wine with me 
And we (like Friends) will ftraight way go together. 

Bru. That euery like is not the fame, O Cajar, 
The heart of Brutus earnes to thinke vpon. Exeunt 

Enter Artemidorui. 
Cajar, beware of Brutus, take heede of Cajsius ; come not 



Hi 



The Tragedie of 'Julius Qcefar. 



neere Cast^a , haue an eye to Cynna, truji not Trebonius , marine 
well zMetellus Cymber, Tlecius Brutus hues tbee not : Thou 
haft wrong 1 d Caius Ligarius . There is but one m'tnde in all 
theft men, and it is bent againft Cafar : If thou beeft not Irn- 
mortall,lool{e about you : Security giues way to Conjpiracie . 
The mighty Gods defend thee. 

Thy Louer, Artemidorus. 
Heere will I ftand, till Cafar paffe along, 
And as a Sutor will I giue him this: 
My heart laments, that Vertue cannot liue 
Out of the teeth of" Emulation. 
If thou reade this, O Co-far, thou mayeft liue; 
If not, the Fates with Traitors do contriue. Exit. 

Enter Portia and Lucius. 

Por. I prythee Boy,run to the Senate-houle, 
Stay not to anfwer me, but get thee gone. 
Why doeft thou (by ? 

Luc. To know my errand Madam. 

Por. I would haue had thee there and heere agen 
Ere I can tell thee what thou (hould'ft do there : 

Conftancie, be ftrong vpon my fide, 

Set a huge Mountaine 'tweene my Heart and Tongue : 
i haue a mans minde, but a womans might : 
j How hard it is for women to keepe counfell. 
Art thou heere yet ? 

Luc. Madam, what ihould I do? 
R.un to the Capitoll,and nothing elfe ? 
And fo returne to you, and nothing elfe? 

Por. Yes, bring me word Boy, if thy Lord look well, 
For he went fickly forth : and take good note 
What Cafar doth, what Sutors preffe to him. 
Hearke Boy, what noyfe is that? 

Luc. I heare none Madam. 

Por. Prythee liften well : 

1 heard a bufsling Rumor like a Fray, 
And the winde brings it from the Capitoll. 

Luc. Sooth Madam, I heare nothing. 
Enter the Soothfayer, 

Por. Come hither Fellow, which way haft thou bin ? 

Sooth. At mine owne houfe,good Lady. 

Por. What is't a clocke ? 

Sooth. About the ninth houre Lady. 

Por, Is Cafar yet gone to the Capitoll ? 

Sooth. Madam not yet, I go to take my ftand, 
To fee him paffe on to the Capitoll. 

Por. Thou haft fome fuite to Cafar, hud thou not? 

S'joth. That I haue Lady,if it will pleafe Cafar 
To be fo good to Co-far, as to heare me : 
I (hall befeech him to befriend himfelfe. 

Por. Why know'ft thou any harme's intended to- 
wards him ? 

Sooth. None that I know will be, 
Much that I feare may chance : 
Goud morrow to you : heere the ftreet is narrow : 
The throng that followes Co-far at the heeles, 
Of Senators, of Praetors, common Sutors, 
Will crowd a feeble man (almoft) to death : 
He get me to a place more voyd, and there 
Speake to great Co-far as he comes along. Exit 

Tor. I muft go in : 
Aye me / How weake a thing 
The heart of woman is? O Brutus, 
The Heauens fpeede thee in thine enterprize. 
Sure the Boy heard me : Brutus hath a fuite 
That Co-far will not grant. O, I grow faint: 
Run Lucius, and commend me to my l.urd, 



Say I am merry ; Come to me againe, 

And bring me word what he doth fay to the 



AStus Terti 



Enter Cafar, <Brutus, Cafftus, Cas{a, Decius, Mete litis, Tre- 
bonius , Cynna, Antony, Lepidus , Artimedorus , Pub- 
lius,and the Soothfayer. 

Co-f. The Ides of March are come. 

Sooth. I Qafar, but not gone. 

Art. Haile Co-far : Read this Scedule. 

Deci. Trebonius doth delire you to ore-read 
(At your beft leyfure) this his humble fuite. 

Art. O Cafar , reade mine firft : for mine's a fuite 
Thatitouches Cafar neerer. Read it great Cafar. 

Caf. What touches vs our felfe,(hall be laft feru'd. 

Art. Delay not Cafar, read it inftantly. 

Caf. What, is the fellow mad ? 

Pub. Sirra,giue place. 

Cajfi. What,vrge you your Petitions in the ftreet? 
Come to the Capitoll. 

Popil. I wj(h your enterprize to day may thriue. 

Cajfi. What enterprize Popillius ? 

Pofil. Fare you well. 

<Bru. What faid Popillius Lena ? 

Cafft. He wi(ht to day our enterprize might thriue : 
I feare our purpofe is difcouered. 

'Bru. Looke how he makes to Cafar: marke him. 

Cafft. Caska be fodaine,for we feare preuention. 
Brutus what (hall be done? If this be knowne, 
Cafftus or Qafar neuer fhall turne backe, 
For I will (lay my felfe. 

Bru. Cafftus be conftant : 
Popillius Lena fpeakes not of our purpofes, 
For looke he fmiles, and Cafar doth not change. 

Cafft. Trebonius knowes his time : for look you Brutus 
He drawes Mar!^ Antony out of the way. 

Deci. Where is Metellus Cimber, let him go, 
And prefently preferre his fuite to Cafar. 

Bru. He is addreft : preffe neere,and fecond him. 

Cin. Caska, you are the firft that reares your hand. 

Caf. Are we all ready? What is now amiffe, 
That Cafar and his Senate muft redreffe ? 

Metel. Moft high,moft mighty, and moft puifant Cafar 
Metellus Cymber throwes before thy Seate 
An humble heart. 

Caf. I muft preuent thee Cymber: 
The(e couchings,and thefe lowly courtefies 
Might fire the blood of ordinary men, 
And turne pre-Ordinance,and firft Decree, 
Into the lane of Children. Be not fond, 
To thinke that Cafar beares fuch Rebell blood 
That will be thaw'd from the true quality 
With that which melteth Fooles, 1 meane fweet words, 
Low-crooked-curtfies, and bale Spaniell fawning: 
Thy Brother by decree is banifhed : 
If thou doeft bend, and pray, and fawne for him, 
1 fpurne thee like a Curre out of my way : 
Know, Cafar doth not wrong, nor without caufe 
Will he be fatisfied. 

Metel.ls there no voyce more worthy then my owne, 

To 

fo%— 



The Tragedie of Ju/ius Qcefa 



119 



To found more fweetly in great Cafars eare, 
For the repealing of my banifh'd Brother ? 

Bru. I kiffe thy hand, but not in flattery Cafar : 
Defiring thee, that Publius Cymber may 
Haue an immediate freedome of repeale. 

Caf What Brutus ? 

Caffi. Pardon Cafar : Cafar pardon : 
As lowe as to thy foote doth QaffiM fall, 
To begge infrancbifement for "Publius Cymber. 

CaJ. I could be well mou'd, if I were as you, 
If I could pray to mooue, Prayers would mooue me : 
But I am conftant as the Northerne Starre, 
Of whofe true fixt, and refting quality, 
There is no fellow in the Firmament. 
The Skies are painted with vnnumbred fparkes, 
They are all Fire, and euery one doth fhine : 
But, there's but one in all doth hold his place. 
So, in the World; 'Tis furnifh'd well with Men, 
And Men are Flefh and Blood, and apprehenfiue; 
Yet in the number, I do know but One 
That vnaffayleable holds on hisRanke, 
Vnfhak'd of Motion : and that I am he, 
Let me a little fhew it, euen in this : 
That I was conftant Cymber mould be banifh'd, 
And conftant do remaine to keepe him fo. 

Onna. O Qatfar. 

Caf. Hence : Wilt thou lift vp Olympus ? 

Decius. Great Cafar. 

Caf. Doth not "Brutus bootleffe kneele ? 

Cas\. Speake hands for me. 

They /tab Cafar. 

Caf. St Tu <Bruti ? Then fall Cafar. Dyes 

Cin. Liberty, Freedome ; Tyranny is dead, 
Run hence, proclaime, cry it about the Streets. 

Cafft. Some to the common Pulpits, and cry out 
Liberty, Freedome, and Enfranchifement. 
■ Bru. People and Senators, be not affrighted : 
Fly not, ftand ftill : Ambitions debt is paid. 

Cas{. Go to the Pulpit Brutus. 
; Dec. And Caffius too. 
j ""Bru. Where's Publius ? 

Cin. Heere, quite confounded with this mutiny. 

Met. Stand faft together, leaft fome Friend of Cajars 
Should chance 

Bru. Talke not of ftanding. Publius good cheere, 
There is no harme intended to your perfon, 
Nor to no Roman elfe: fo tell them Publius. 

Cafft. And leaue vs Publius, leaft that the people 
Ruining on vs, fhould do your Age fome mifchiefe. 

"Bru. Do fo, and let no man abide this deede, . 
But we the Doers. 

Enter Trebonius. 

Caff. Where is Antony ? 

Treb. Fled to his Houfe amaz'd: 
Men, Wiues,and Children, ftare, cry out, and run, 
As it were Doomefday. 

Bru. Fates,we will know your pleafures : 
j That we fhall dye we know, 'tis but the time 
j And drawing dayes out, that men ftand vpon. 

Cas\. Why he that cuts off twenty yeares of life, 
Cuts off fo many yeares of fearing death. 

'Bru. Grant that, and then is Death a Benefit : 
So are we Cafars Friends, that haue abridg'd 
His time of fearing death. Stoope Romans, ftoope, 
! And let vs bathe our hands in Cafars blood 
I Vp to the Elbowes, and befmeare our Swords: 



Then walke we forth, euen to the Market place, 
And wauing our red Weapons o're our heads, 
Let's all cry Peace, Freedome, and Liberty. 

Cafft. Stoop then, and wafh. How many Ages hence 
Shall this our lofty Scene be a&ed ouer, 
In State vnborne, and Accents yet vnknowne? 

"Bru. How many times fhall Cafar bleed in fport, 
That now on Pomjbeyes Bafis lye along, 
No worthier then the duft? 

Cajfu So oft as that fhall be, 
So often fhall the knot of vs be call'd, 
The Men that gaue their Country liberty. 

•Dec. What, fhall we forth? 

Caffi. I, euery man away. 
Brutus fhall leade, and we will grace his heeles 
With the moft boldeft,and beft hearts of Rome. 
Enter a Seruant. 

Bru. Soft, who comes heere? A friend of Antonies. 

Ser. Thus "Brutus did my Mafter bid me kneele ; 
Thus did Marl^ ^Antony bid me fall downe, 
And being proftrate, thus he bad me fay : 
Brutus is Noble, Wife, Valiant,and Honeft ; 
Cafar was Mighty, Bold, Royall, and Louing : 
Say, I loue Brutus, and I honour him ; 
Say, I fear'd Cafar, honour'd him, and lou'd him. 
If Brutus will vouchfafe, that Antony 
May fafely come to him, and be refolu'd 
How Cafar hath deferu'd to lye in death, 
Mar\ Antony, fhall not loue Cafar dead 
So well as 'Brutus liuing ; but will follow 
The Fortunes and Aft'ayres of Noble Brutus, 1 
Thorough the hazards of this vntrod State, 
With all true Faith. So fayes my Mafter Antony. 

Bru, Thy Mafter is a Wife and Valiant Romane, 
I neuer thought him worfe : 
Tell him, fo pleafe him come vnto this place 
He fhall be fatisfied : and by my Honor 
Depart vntouch'd. 

Ser. He fetch him prefently. Exit Seruant. 

"Bru. 1 know that we fhall haue him well to Friend. 

C°ffi- I wifh we ma y : But yet haue I a minde 
That feares him much sand my mifgiuing ftilj 
Falles fhrewdly to the purpofe. 

Enter Antony. 

Bru. But heere comes Antony : 
Welcome Mar\ Antony. 

Ant. O mighty Cafar [Doft thou lye folowe? 
Are all thy Conquefts,Glories,Triumphes,Spoiles, 
Shrunke to this little Meafure ? Fare thee well. 
I know not Gentlemen what you intend, 
Who elfe muft be let blood, who elfe is ranke : 
If I my felfe, there is no houre fo fit 
As Cafars deaths houre ; nor no Inftrument 
Of halfe that worth, as thofe your Swords; made rich 
With the moft Noble blood of all this World. 
I do befeech yee, if you beare me hard, 
Now, whil'ft your purpled hands do reeke and fmoake, 
Fulfill your pleafure. Liue a thoufand yeeres, 
I fhall not finde my felfe fo apt to dye. 
No place will pleafe me fo, no meane of death, 
As heere by Cafar, and by you cut off", 
The Choice and Mafter Spirits of this Age. 

'Bru. O Antony \ Begge not your death of vs : 
Though now we muft appeare bloody and cruell, 
As by our hands, and this our prelent A&e 
You fee we do : Yet fee you but our hands, 

And 



120 



The Tragedie of ^Julius Qcefar. 



And this, the bleeding bufinelTe they haue dor e: 
Our hearts you fee not, they are pittifull : 
And pitty to the generall wrong of Rome, 
As fire driues out fire, fo pitty, pitty 
Hath done this deed on Cafar. For your part, 
To you, our Swords haue leaden points Marine Antony : 
Our Armes in ftrength of malice, and our Hearts 
Of Brothers temper, do receiue you in, 
With all kinde loue, good thoughts, and reuerence. 

Cajji. Your voyce (hall be as ftrong as any mans, 
In the difpofing of new Dignities. 

Bru. Onely be patient, till we haue appeas'd 
The Multitude, befide themfelues with feare, 
And then, we will deliuer you the caufe, 
Why I, that did loue Cafar when I ftrooke him, 
Haue thus proceeded. 

Ant. I doubt not of your Wifedome : 
Let each man render me his bloody hand. 
Flrft i^Marcui Brutiu will 1 make with you ; 
Next Caiui Caffiui do I take your hand ; 
Now Decun Brutui yours; now yours Metellui; 
Yours Cinna; and my valiant Castyi, yours; 
Though laft, not leaft in loue, yours good Trebomui t 
Gentlemen all : Alas, what mall I fay, 
My credit now ftands on fuch flippery ground, 
That one of two bad wayes you mult conceit me, 
Either a Coward, or a Flatterer. 
That I did loue thee Cafar, O 'tis true : 
If then thy Spirit looke vpon vs now, 
Shall it not greeue thee deerer then thy death, 
To fee thy Antony making his peace, 
Shaking the bloody fingers of thy Foes? 
Moft Noble, in the prefence of thy Coarfe, 
Had I as many eyes, as thou haft wounds, 
Weeping as faft as they ftreame forth thy blood, 
It would become me better, then to clofe 
In tearmes of Friend/hip with thine enemies. 
Pardon me luliui, heere was't thou bay'd braue Hart, 
Heere did'ft thou fall, and heere thy Hunters ftand 
Sign'd in thy Spoyle,and Crimfon'd in thy Lethee. 
O World! thou waft the Forreft to this Hart, 
And this indeed, O World, the Hart of thee. 
How like a Deere, ftroken by many Princes, 
Doft thou heere lye ? 

Cafii. Mar{ Antony. 

Ant. Pardon me Caiui Caffmi : 
The Enemies of Cafar, mail fay this: 
Then, in a Friend, it is cold Modeftie. 

Cafft. I blame you not for praifing Cafar fo, 
But what compacf meane you to haue with vs ? 
Will you be prick'd in number of our Friends, 
Or mall we on, and not depend on you? 

Ant. Therefore I tooke your hands, but was indeed 
Sway'd from the point, by looking downe on Cafar. 
Friends am I with you all, and loue you all, . 
Vpon this hope, that you mail giue me Reafons, 
Why,and wherein, Cafar was dangerous. 

Bru. Or elfe were this a fauage Spectacle : 
Our Reafons are fo full of good regard, 
That were you Antony, the Sonne of Cafar, 
You ihould be fatisfied. 

Ant. That's all I feeke, 
And am moreouer futor, that I may 
Produce his body to the Market-place, 
And in the Pulpit as becomes a Friend, 
Speake in the Order of his Funerall. 



Bru. You mall Marty: Antony. 

CaJJi. c Brutm,a. word with you : 
You know not what you do; Do not confent 
That Antony fpeake in his Funerall: 
Know you how much the people may be mou'd 
By that which he will vtter. 

Bru. By your pardon : 
I will my felfe into the Pulpit firft, 
And (hew the reafon of our Cafars death. 
What Antony mail fpeake, I will proteft 
He fpeakes by leaue,and by permifsion: 
And that we are contented Cafar mall 
Haue all true Rites,and lawfull Ceremonies, 
It (hall aduantage more, then do vs wrong. 

Cafft. I know not what may fall, I like it not. 

Bru. zJrfarl^ cAntony, heere take you Cafars body : 
You (hall not in your Funerall fpeech blame vs, 
But fpeake all good you can deuife of Cafar, 
And lay you doo't by our permifsion : 
Elfe mall you not haue any hand at all 
About his Funerall. And you mail fpeake 
| In the fame Pulpit whereto I am going, 
After my fpeech is ended. 

Ant. Be it fo : 
I do defire no more. 

Bru. Prepare the body then, and follow vs. Exeunt. 

Manet Antony. 
O pardon me, thou bleeding peece of Earth : 
That I am meeke and gentle with thefe Butchers. 
Thou art the Ruines of the Nobleft man 
That euer liued in the Tide of Times. 
Woe to the hand that (hed this coftly Blood. 
Ouer thy wounds, now do I Prophefie, 
(Which like dumbe mouthes do ope their Ruby lips, 
To begge the voyce and vtterance of my Tongue) 
A Curfe (hall light vpon the limbes of men; 
Domefticke Fury, and fierce Ciuill|ftrife, 
Shall cumber all the parts of Italy : 
Blood and deftrucYion mall be fo in vfe, 
And dreadfull Obiec~b fo familiar, 
That Mothers mall but fmile.when they behold 
Their Infants quartered with the hands of Warre: 
All pitty choak'd with cuftome of fell deeds, 
And Cafars Spirit ranging for Reuenge, 
With Ate by his fide, come hot from Hell, 
Shall in thefe Confines, with a Monarkes voyce, 
Cry hauocke, and let (lip the Dogges of Warre, 
That this foule deede, (hall fmell aboue the earth 
With Carrion men, groaning for Buriall. 
Enter OElauio's Seruant. 
You ferue OBauiui Cafar, do you not? 

Ser. I do Marty Antony. 

Ant. Qafar did write for him to come to Rome. 

Ser. He did receiue his Letters, and is comming, 

And bid me fay to you by word of mouth 

O Cafar ! 

Ant. Thy heart is bigge : get thee a-part and weepe : 
Pafsion I fee is catching from mine eyes, 
Seeing thofe Beads of forrow ftand in thine, 
Began to water. Is thy Mafter comming? 

Ser. He lies to night within feuen Leagues of Rome. 

Ant. Port backe with fpeede, 
And tell him what hath chanc'd : 
Heere is a mourning Rome, a dangerous Rome, 
No Rome of fafety for OBauiui yet, 
Hie hence, and tell him fo. Yet ftay a-while, 

Thou 



TbeTragedie of Julius Cafar. 



Thou {halt not backe, till I haue borne this courfe 

Into the Market place : There mall I try 

In my Oration, how the People take 

The cruell iffue of thefe bloody men, 

According to the which, thou /halt difcourfe 

To yong Oftauius, of the ftate of things. 

Lend me your hand. Exeunt 

Enter Brutus and goes into the Pulpit ,'and Cafjl- 
vi, ■with the Plebeians. 

Pie. We will be fatisfied : let vs be fatisfied. 

'Bru. Then follow me, and giue me Audience friends. 
CaJJius go you into the other ftreete, 
And part the Numbers : 

Thofe that will heare me fpeake, let 'em ftay heere ; 
Thofe that will follow CaJJius, go with him, 
And publike Reafons mall be rendred 
Of Cafars death. 

i.Ple. I will heare Brutus fpeake. 

2. I will heare CaJJius, and compare their Reafons, 
When feuerally we heare them rendred. 

3. The Noble Brutus is afcended: Silence. 
"Bru. Be patient till the laft. 

Romans, Countrey-men, and Louers, heare mee for my 
caufe, and be filent, that you may heare. Beleeue me for 
mine Honor, and haue refpect to mine Honor, that you 
may beleeue. Cenfure me in your Wifedom, and awake 
your Senfes, that you may the better ludge. If there bee 
any in this Affembly, any deere Friend of Cafars, to him 
I fay, that Brutus loue to Ca>far, was no leffe then his. If 
then, that Friend demand, why 'Brutus rofe againft Ca- 
far, this is my anfwer : Not that I lou'd Cafar leffe, but 
that I lou'd Rome more. Had you rather Cafar were li- 
uing, and dye all Slaues ; then that Cafar were dead, to 
liue all Free-men ? As Cafar lou'd mee, I weepe for him ; 
as he was Fortunate, I reioyce at it ; as he was Valiant, I 
honour him : But, as he was Ambitious, I flew him. There 
is Teares, for his Loue : Ioy, for his Fortune : Honor, for 
his Valour : and Death, for his Ambition. Who is heere 
fo bafe, that would be a Bondman ? If any,fpeak,for him 
haue I offended. Who is heere fo rude, that would not 
be a Roman? If any,fpeak, for him haue I offended. Who 
is heere fo vile, that will not loue his Countrey? If any, 
fpeake, for him haue I offended. I paufe for a Reply. 

cAll. None Btutus, none. 

Brutus. Then none haue I offended. I haue done no 
more to Cafar ,then you fhall do to "Brutus. The Quefti- 
on of his death, is inroll'd in the Capitoll : his Glory not 
extenuated, wherein he was worthy; nor his offences en- 
forc'd, for which he fuffered death. 

Enter eMar\ Antony, with Cafars body. 

Heere comes his Body, mourn'd by Marly Antony, who 
though he had no hand in his death, fhall receiue the be- 
nefit of his dying, a place in the Comonwealth, as which 
of you fhall not. With this I depart, that as I flewe my 
beft Louer for the good of Rome, I haue the fame Dag- 
ger for my felfe,when it fhall pleafe my Country to need 
my death. 

All. Liue "Brutus, liue, liue. 

1. Bring him with Triumph home vnto his houfe. 

2. Giue him a Statue with his Anceftors. 

3. Let him be Cafar. 

4. Cafars better parts, 



Shall be Crown'd in Brutus. 

1. Wee'l bring him to his Houfe, 
With Showts and Clamors. 

Bru. My Country-men. 

2, Peace, filence, Brutus fpeakes. 
I. Peace ho. 

'Bru. Good Countrymen, let me depart alone, 
And (for my fake)ftay heere with Antony: 
Do grace to Cafars Corpes,and grace his Speech 
Tending to Cafars Glories, which Marly Antony 
(By our permiffion) is allow'd to make. 
I do intreat you, not a man depart, 
Saue I alone, till Antony haue fpoke. Exit 

I Stay ho, and let vs heare Mark^ Antony. 

3 Let him go vp into the publike Chaire, 
Wee'l heare him : Noble Antony go vp. 

Ant. For "Brutus fake, I am beholding to you. 

4 What does he fay of Brutus? 

3 He fayes,for Brutus fake 

He findes himfelfe beholding to vs all. 

4 'Twere beft he fpeake no harme of Brutus heere ? 

1 This Cafar was a Tyrant. 
3 Nay that's certaine : 

We are bleft that Rome is rid of him. 

2 Peace, let vs heare what Antony can fay. 
Ant. You gentle Romans. 

All. Peace hoe, let vs heare him. 

^n. Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears: 
I come to bury Cafar, not to praife him : 
The euill that men do, liues after them, 
The good is oft enterred with their bones, 
So let it be with Cafar. The Noble Brutus, 
Hath told you Cafar was Ambitious : 
If it were fo, it was a greeuous Fault, 
And greeuoufly hath Cafar anfwer'd it. 
Heere, vnder leaue of Brutus, and the reft 
(For Brutus is an Honourable man, 
So are they all; all Honourable menj 
Come I to fpeake in Cafars Funerall. 
He was my Friend, faithfull,and iuft to me ; 
But Brutus fayes , he was Ambitious, 
And "Brutus is an Honourable man. 
He hath brought many Captiues home to Rome, 
Whofe Ranfomes, did the generall Coffers fill : 
Did this in Cafar feeme Ambitious ? 
When that the poore haue cry'de, Cafar hath wept: 
Ambition fhould be made of fterner ftuffe, 
Yet "Brutus fayes, he was Ambitious : 
And "Brutus is an Honourable man. 
You all did fee, that on the Lupercall, 
I thrice prefented him a Kingly Crowne, 
Which he did thrice refufe. Was this Ambition ? 
Yet "Brutus fayes, he was Ambitious : 
And fure he is an Honourable man. 
I fpeake not to difprooue what "Brutus fpojte, 
But heere I am, to fpeake what 1 do know ; 
You all did loue him once, not without caufe, 
What caufe with-holds you then, to mourne for him ? 
O Iudgement ! thou are fled to brutifh Beafts, 
And Men haue loft their Reafon. Beare with me, 
My heartis in the Coffin there with Cafar, 
And I muft pawfe,till it come backe to me. 

1 Me thinkes there is much reafon in his fayings. 

2 If thou confider rightly of the matter, 

Cafar ha's had great wrong. (his place. 

3 Ha's hee Matters ? I feare there will a worfe come in 

1 1 4 Marke 



122 



The Tragedie of Julius Qcejar. 



4. Mark'd ye his words? he would not take y Crown, 
Therefore 'tis certaine,he was not Ambitious., 

1. If it be found fo, fome will deere abide it. 

2. Poore foule, his eyes are red as fire with weeping. 

3. There's not a Nobler man in Rome then Antony. 

4. Now marke him, he begins againe to fpeake. 
Ant. But yefterday, the word of Cajar might 1 

Haue flood againft the World : Now lies he there, 
And none fo poore to do him reuerence. 

Maifters ! if I were difpos'd to ftirre 
Your hearts and mindes to Mutiny and Rage, 

1 fliould do 'Brutus wrong, and Cajjius wrong: 
Who (you all know) are Honourable men. 

I will not do them wrong : I rather choofe 

To wrong the dead, to wrong my felfe and you, 

Then I will wrong fuch Honourable men. 

But heere's a Parchment, with the Seale o{ Cajar, 

I found it in his Cloffet, 'tis his Will : 

Let but the Commons heare this Teftament : 

('Which pardon me) I do not meane to reade, 

And they would go and kifle dead Cajars wounds, 

And dip their Napkins in his Sacred Blood ; 

Yea, begge a haire of him for Memory, 

And dying, mention it within their Willes, 

Bequeathing it as a rich Legacie 

Vnto their ifTue. 

4 Wee'l heare the Will, reade it Marine Antony. 
All. The Will, the Will; we will heare Cajars Will. 
Ant. Haue patience gentle Friends, I muft not read it. 
It is not meete you know how Cajar lou'd you : 
You are not Wood, you are not Stones, but men : 
And being men, hearing the Will of Cajar, 
It will inflame you, it will make you mad; 
'Tis good you know not that you are his Heires, 
For if you fliould, O what would come of it ? 

4 Read the Will, wee'l heare it Antony; 
You fliall reade vs the Will, Cajar, Will. 

Ant. Will you be Patient? Will you flay a-while ? 
I haue o're-fhot my felfe to tell you of it, 
I feare I wrong the Honourable men, 
Whofe Daggers haue ftabb'd Cajar : I do feare it. 

4 They were Traitors : Honourable men ? 

All. The Will,the Teftament. 

2 They were Villaines,Murderers:the Will, read the 
Will. 

Ant. You will compell me then to read the Will : 
Then make a Ring about the Corpes of Cajar, 
And let me fliew you him that made the Will : 
Shall I defcend? And will you giue me leaue ? 

All. Come downe. 

2 Defcend. 

3 You (hall haue leaue. 

4 A Ring, ftand round. 

1 Stand from the Hearfe, ftand from the Body. 

2 Roome for Antony, moft Noble Antony. 
Ant. Nay prefle not fo vpon me, ftand farre off". 
All. Stand backe: roome,beare backe. 

Ant. If you haue teares , prepare to flied them now. 
You all do know this Mantle, I remember 
The firft time euer Cajar put it on, 
'Twas on a Summers Euening in his Tent, 
That day he ouercame the Neruy. 
Looke,in this place ran Cajjius Dagger through : 
See what a rent the enuious Cas\a made : 
Through this, the wel-beloued 'Brutus ftabb'd, 
And as he pluck'd his curfed Steele away : 



Marke how the blood of Cafar followed it, 

As rulhing out of doores, to be refolu'd 

If Brutus fo vnkindely knock'd, or no : 

For 'Brutus, as you know, was Cajars Angel. 

Iudge,0 you Gods,how deerely Cajar lou'd him: 

This was the moft vnkindeft cut of all. 

For when the Noble Cajar faw him ftab, 

Ingratitude, more ftrong then Traitors armes, 

Quite vanquifti'd him: then burft his Mighty heart, 

And in his Mantle, muffling vp his face, 

Euen at the Bafe of Pompeyes Statue 

(Which all the while ran blood)great Cajar fell. 

O what a fall was there,my Countrymen? 

Then I,and you,and all of vs fell downe, 

Whil'ft bloody Treafon flourifli'd ouer vs. 

now you weepe, and I perceiue you feele 
The dint of pitty : Thefe are gracious droppes. 
Kinde Soules,what weepe you,when you but behold 
Our Cajars Vefture wounded ? Looke you heere, 
Heere is Himfelfe,marr'd as you fee with Traitors. 

1. O pitteous fpeftacle ! 

2. O Noble Cajar ! 

3. O wofull day ! 

4. O Traitors, Villaines ! 

1. O moft bloody fight ! 

2. We will be reueng'd : Reuenge 
About, feeke, burne, fire, kill, flay, 
Let not a Traitor liue. 

Ant. Stay Country-men. 

1. Peace there, heare the Noble Antony. 

2. Wee'l heare him, wee'l follow him, wee'l dy with 
him. (y>>u vp 

Ant. Good Friends, fweet Friends, let me not ftirre 
To fuch a fodaine Flood of Mutiny : 
They that haue done this Deede,are honourable. 
What priuate greefes they haue, alas I know not, 
That made them do it : They are Wife, and Honourable, 
And will no doubt with Reafons anfwer you. 

1 come not (Friends,) to fteale away your hearts, 
I am no Orator, as 'Brutus is ; 

But (as you know me all) a plaine blunt man 

That loue my Friend, and that they know full well, 

That gaue me publike leaue to fpeake of him: 

For I haue neyther writ nor words, nor worth, 

Action, nor Vtterance, nor the power of Speech, 

To ftirre mens Blood. I onely fpeake right on : 

I tell you that, which you your felues do know, 

Shew you fweet Cajars wounds, poor poor dum mouths 

And bid them fpeake for me : But were I 'Brutus, 

And 'Brutus Antony, there were an Antony 

Would ruffle vp your Spirits,and put a Tongue 

In euery Wound of Cajar, that fliould moue 

The ftones of Rome, to rife and Mutiny. 

*All. Wee'l Mutiny. 

1 Wee'l burne the houfe of Brutus. 

3 Away then,come,feeke the Confpirators. 

Ant. Yet heare me Countrymen, yet heare me fpeake 

All. Peace hoe, heare Antony, moft Noble Antony. 

Ant. Why Friends, you go to do you know not what: 
Wherein hath Cajar thus deferu'd your loues? 
Alas you know not, I muft tell you then : 
You haue forgot the Will I told you of. 

All. Moft true, the Will, let's ftay and heare the Wil. 

Ant. Heere is the Will,and vnder Cajars Seale: 
To euery Roman Citizen he giues, 
To euery feuerall man,feuenty fiue Drachmaes. 

y 2. Pie. 



'The Tragedie of Julius Qcefar. 



123 



2 Pie. Moft Noble Cajar , wee'l reuenge his death. 

3 Pie. O Royall Cajar. 

Ant. Heare me with patience. 

All. Peace hoe 

Ant. Moreouer, he hath left you all his Walkes, 
His priuate Arbors, and new-planted Orchards, 
On this fide Tyber, he hath left them you, 
And to your heyres for euer : common pleafures 
To walke abroad, and recreate your felues. 
Heere was a Cajar: when comes fuch another? 

I. Pie. Neuer,neuer : come, away, away : 
Wee'l burne his body in the holy place, 
And with the Brands fire the Traitors houfes. 
Take vp the body. 

2.. Pie. Go fetch fire. 

1-Ple. Plucke downe Benches. 

H-.P/e, Plucke downe Formes, Windowes,any thing. 
Exit Plebeians . 

Ant. Now let it worke : Mifcheefe thou art a-foot, 
Take thou what courfe thou wilt. 
How now Fellow i 

Enter Seruant. 

Ser. Sir, O&auius is already come to Rome. 

Ant. Where is hee ? 

Ser. He and Lepidus are at Cajars houfe. 

Ant. And thither will I ftraight, to vifit him: 
He comes vpon a wifh. Fortune is merry, 
And in this mood will giue vs any thing. 

Ser. I heard him fay, Brutus and Cajfius 
Are rid like Madmen through the Gates of Rome. 

Ant. Belike they had fome notice of the people 
How I had moued them. Bring me to O&auius. Exeunt 

Enter Qinna the Poet, and after bim the Plebeians. 

Cinna. I dreamt to night, that I did feaft with Cajar , 
And things vnluckily charge my Fantafie : 
I haue no will to wander foorth of doores, 
Yet fomething leads me foorth. 

1. What is your name ? 

2. Whether are you going ? 

3. Where do you dwell ? 

4. Are you a married man, or a Batchellor? 

2. Anfwer euery man directly. 
1. I,and breefely. 

4. I, and wifely. 

3. I, and truly, you were beft. 

Cin. What is my name/ Whether am I going? Where 
do I dwell ? Am I a married man, or a Batchellour ? Then 
to anfwer euery man, directly and breefely, wifely and 
truly : wifely I fay, I am a Batchellor. 

2 That's as much as to fay, they are fooles that mar- 
rie : you'l beare me a bang for that I feare : proceede di- 
rectly. 

Cinna. Directly I am going to Cajar s Funerall. 

1. As a Friend, or an Enemy ? 
Cinna. As a friend. 

2. That matter is anfwered directly. 

4. For your dwelling : breefely. 

Cinna. Breefely, I dwell by the Capitoll. 

3. Your name fir,truly. 
Cinna. Truly, my name is Cinna. 

1. Teare him to peeces, hee's a Confpirator. 
Cinna. I am Cinna the Poet,l am Cinna the Poet. 

4. Teare him for his bad verfes, teare him for his bad 
Verfes. 



Cin. I am not Cinna the Confpirator. 

4. It is no matter, his name's Cinna, plucke but his 
name out of his heart, and turne him going. 

3. Teare him, tear him; Come Brands hoe, Firebrands: 
to 'Brutus, to Cajfius, burne all. Some to 1)eeius Houfe, 
and fome to Casl$as; fome to Ligarius : Away, go. 

Exeunt all the Plebeians. 



Affius Quart us. 



Enter Antony , O&auius , and Lepidus. 

Ant.The.fe many then mail die, their names are prickt 

O&a.Your Brother too muft dyexonfent you Lepidus ? 

Lep. I do confent. 

O&a. Pricke him downe Antony. 

Lep. Vpon condition Publius mail not Hue, 
Who is your Sifters fonne, Marine Antony. 

Ant. He ftwll not Hue; looke, with a fpot I dam him. 
But Lepidus, go you to Cajars houfe : 
Fetch the Will hither,and we mall determine 
How to cut off fome charge in Legacies. 

Lep. What? mail I finde you heere ? 

O&a. Or heere, or at the Capitoll. Exit Lepidus 

Ant. This is a flight vnmeritable man, 
Meet to be fent on Errands : is it fit 
The three-fold World diuided, he fliould ftand. 
One of the three to ihare it t 

O&a. So you thought him, 
And tooke his voyce who mould be prickt to dye 
In our blacke Sentence and Profcription. 

Ant. O&auius, 1 haue feene more dayes then you, 
And though we lay thefe Honours on this man, 
To eafe our felues of diuers fland'rous loads, 
He fhall but beare them, as the AfTe beares Gold, 
To groane and fwet vnder the BufinefTe, 
Either led or driuen,as we point the way: 
And hauing brought our Treafure, where we will, 
Then take we downe his Load, and turne him oft" 
(Like to the empty Affe)to fhake his eares, 
And graze in Commons. 

O&a. You may do your will : 
But hee's a tried, and valiant Souldier. 

Ant. So is my Horfe O&auiui, and for that 
] do appoint him ftore of Prouender. 
It is a Creature that I teach to fight, 
To winde, to flop, to run directly on : 
His corporall Motion, gouern'd by my Spirit, 
And in fome tafte, is Lepidus but i'o : 
He muft be taught, and train'd,and bid go forth : 
A barren fpirited Fellow; one that feeds 
On Obiefts, Arts, and Imitations. 
Which out of vfe, and ftal'de by other men 
Begin his famion. Do not talke of him, 
But as a property : and now O&auius, 
Liften great things. Bmtus and Cajfius 
Are leuying Powers; We muft ftraight make head : 
Therefore let our Alliance be combin'd, 
Our beft Friends made, our meanes ftretcht, 
And let vs prefently go fit in Counceil, 
How couert matters may be beft d'riclos'd, 
And open Perils fureft aniwered. 

O&a. Let vs do fo : for we are at the ftake, 

11 2 And 



I2 4 



The Tragedie of Julius Qaifa 



And bayed about with many Enemies, 

And fome that fmile haue in their hearts I feare 

Millions of Mifcheefes. Exeunt 

| Tlrum. Enter 'Brutus, Lucillius, and the Army, Tu'miui 
and Pindarus meete them. 

'Bru. Stand ho. 

Lucil, Giue the word ho, and Stand. 

Bru. What now Lucilliusjn CaJJius neere t 

Lucil. He is at hand, and Pindarus is come 
\ To do you falutation from his Matter. 

'Bru. He greets me well. Your Matter Pindarus 
In his owne change, or by ill Officers, 
Hath giuen me fome worthy caufe to with 
Things done, vndone : Butif he be at hand 
I mall be fatisfied. 

Pin. I do not doubt 
But that my Noble Mafter will appeare 
Such as he is, full of regard, and Honour. 

Bru. He is not doubted. A word Lucillius 
How he receiu'd you : let me be refolu'd. 

Lucil. With courtefie,and with refpeft enough, 
But not with fuch familiar inftances, 
Nor with fuch free and friendly Conference 
As he hath vs'd of old. 

Bru. Thou haft defcrib'd 
A hot Friend, cooling : Euer note Lucillius, 
When Loue begins to ficken and decay 
It vfeth an enforced Ceremony. 
There are no trickes, in plaine and fimple Faith : 
But hollow men, like Horfes hot at hand, 
Make gallant ihew,and promife of their Mettle : 

Low March within. 
But when they mould endure the bloody Spurre, 
They fall their Crefts,and like deceitfull lades 
Sinke in the Triall. Comes his Army on ? 

Lucil.Tlhey meane this night in Sardis to be quartered: 
The greater part, the Horfe in generall 
Are come with CaJJius. 

Enter Cajftu! and his Pavers. 

"Bru. Hearke,he is arriu'd : 
March gently on to meete him. 

CaJJi. Stand ho. 

Bru. Stand ho, fpeake the word along. 
Stand. 
Stand. 
Stand. 

CaJJi. Mod Noble Brother,you haue done me wrong. 

Bru. Iudge me. you Gods; wrong I mine Enemies? 
And if not fo, how mould I wrong a Brother. 

CaJJi. 'Brutus, this fober forme of yours, hides wrongs, 
And when you do them 

'Brut. CaJJius, be content, 
Speake your greefes foftly, I do know you well. 
Before the eyes of both our Armies heere 
(Which mould perceiue nothing but Loue from vs) 
Let vs not wrangle. Bid them moue away :' 
! Then in my Tent Cafftus enlarge your Greefes, 
i And I will giue you Audience. 

CaJJi. Pindarus, 
Bid our Commanders leade their Charges off 
A little from this ground. 

'Bru. Lucillius, do you the like, and let no man 
Come to our Tent, till we haue done our Conference. 
Let Lucius and Titinius guard our doore. Exeunt 

Manet Brutus and Caffius. 



Cajfi. That you haue wrong'd me, doth appear in this: 
You haue condemned, and noted Lucius Pclla 
For taking Bribes heere of the Sardians ; 
Wherein my Letters, praying on his fide, 
Becaufe I knew the man was flighted off. 

'Brn. You wrong'd your felfe to write in fuch a cafe. 

CaJJi. In fuch a time as this, it is not meet 
That euery nice offence mould beare his Comment. 

Bru. Let me tell you CaJJius, you your felfe 
Are much condemn'd to haue an itching Palme, 
To fell, and Mart your Offices for Gold 
To Vndeferuers. 

CaJJi. I, an itching Palme ? 
You know that you are Brutus that fpeakes this, 
Or by the Gods, this fpeech were elfe your laft. 

'Bru. The name of CaJJius Honors this corruption, 
And Chafticement doth therefore hide his head. 

CaJJi. Chafticement? 

'Bru. Remember March, the Ides of March remeber : 
Did not great Julius bleede for Iuftice fake ? 
What Villaine touch'd his body, that did ftab, 
And not for Iuftice? What? Shall one of Vs, 
That ftrucke the Formoft man of all this World, 
But for fupporting Robbers : mall we now, 
Contaminate our fingers, with bafe Bribes? 
And fell the mighty fpace of our large Honors 
For fo much tram, as may be grafped thus? 
I had rather be a Dogge,and bay the Moone, 
Then fuch a Roman. 

Caffi. Brutus, baite not me, 
He not indure it : you forget your felfe 
To hedge me in. I am a Souldier, I, 
Older in practice, Abler then your felfe 
To make Conditions. 

'Bru. Go too : you are not CaJJius. 

CaJJi. I am. 

'Bru. I fay, you are not. 

CaJJi. Vrge me no more, I mall forget my felfe : 
Haue minde vpon your health : Tempt me no farther. ' 

Bru. Away flight man. 

Caffi. Is't poffible ? 

'Bru. Heare me, for I will fpeake. 
Muft I giue way, and rontne to your rafli Choller? 
Shall I be frighted, when a Madman flares ? 

CaJJi. O ye Gods, ye Gods, Muft I endure all this? 

Bru. All this? 1 more : Fret till your proud hart break. 
Go {hew your Slaues how Chollericke you are, 
And make your Bondmen tremble. Muft I bouge ? 
Muft I obferue you ? Muft I ftand and crouch 
Vnder your Teftie Humour ? By the Gods, 
You mall digeft the Venom of your Spleene 
Though it do Split you. For, from this day forth, 
He vfe you for my Mirth, yea for my Laughter 
When you are Wafpifli. 

CaJJi. Is it come to this ? 

'Bru. You fay, you are a better Souldier : 
Let it appeare fo; make your vaunting true, 
And it (hall pleafe me well. For mine owne part, 
I {hall be glad to learne of Noble men. 

CaJJ. You wrong me euery way : 
You wrong me Brutus : 
I {aide, an Elder Souldier, not a Better. 
Did I fay Fetter ? 

Bru. If you did, I care not. (me. 

CaJJ. When cJjar liu'd,he durft not thus haue mou'd 

"Brut. Peace, peace, you durft not fo haue tempted him. 



The Tragedte of "Julius Qafar. 



125 



Caffi. I durft not. 

Bru. No. 

Caffi. What? durft not tempt him ? 

Bru. For your life you durft not. 

Caffi. Do not prefume too much vpon my Loue, 
I may do that I ftiall be forry for. 

'Bru. You haue done that you fhould be forry for. 
There is no terror Caffius in your threats : 
For I am Arm'd fo ftrong in Honefty, 
That they pafTe by me, as the idle winde, 
Which I refpeft not. I did fend to you 
For certaine fummes of Gold, which you deny'd me, 
For I can raife no money by vile meanes : 
By Heauen, I had rather Coine my Heart, 
And drop my blood for Drachmaes, then to wring 
From the hard hands of Peazants, their vile trafli 
By any indirection. I did fend 
To you for Gold to pay my Legions, 
Which you deny'd me : was that done like Caffius ? 
Should I haue anfwer'd Caius Cajftus fo ? 
When Marcus Brutus growes fo Couetous, 
To iocke fuch Rafcall Counters from his Friends, 
Be ready Gods with all your Thunder-bolts, 
Dafh him topeeces. 

Cajfi. I deny'd you not. 

Bru. You did. 

Caffi. I did not. He was but a Foole 
That brought my anfwer ba.Qk.'Brutus hath riu'd my hart: 
A Friend Ihould beare his Friends infirmities; 
But Brutus makes mine greater then they are. 

'Bru. I do not, till you practice them on me. 

Caff. You loue me not. 

'Bru. I do not like your faults. 

Caffi. A friendly eye could neuer fee fuch faults. 

Bru. A Flatterers would not, though they do appeare 
As huge as high Olympus. 

C a ff- Come Antony, and yong Oclauius come,l 
Reuenge your felues alone on Caffius-, 
For Caffius is a- weary of the World : 
Hated by one he loues, brau'd by his Brother, 
Check'd like a bondman, all his faults obferu'd, 
Set in a Note-booke, learn'd,and con'd by roate 
To caft into my Teeth. O I could weepe 
My Spirit from mine eyes. There is my Dagger, 
And heere my naked Brer.ft : Within , a Heart 
Deerer then Pluto's Mine, Richer then Gold: 
If that thou bee'ftaRoman, take it foorth. 
I that deny'd thee Gold, will giue my Heart : 
Strike as thou did'ft at Cafar : For 1 know, 
When thou did'ft hate him worft, y loued'ft him better 
Then euer thou loued'ft Caffius. 

'Bru. Sheath your Dagger : 
Be angry when you will, it fhall haue fcope : 
Do what you will, Difhonor, fhall be Humour. 
O Caffius, you are yoaked with a Lambe 
That carries Anger, as the Flint beares fire, 
Who much inforced, lhewes a haftie Sparke, 
And ftraite is cold agen. 

Caff. Hath Caffius liu'd 
To be but Mirth and Laughter to his 'Brutus, 
When greefe and blood ill temper'd, vexeth him ? 

'Bru. When I fpoke that, I was ill remper'd too.s 

Cafft. Do you confeffe fo much? Giue me your hand. 

'Bru. And my heart too. 

Caffi. O "Brutus ! 

Bru. What's the matter ? 



Caff. Haue not you loue enough to beare with me, 
When that rafti humour which my Mother gaue me 
Makes me forgetfull. 

Bru. Yes Cafsius, and from henceforth 
When you are ouer-earneft with your Brutus, 
Hee'l thinke your Mother chides, and leaueyou fo. 

Enter a Poet. 

Poet. Let me go in to fee the Generals, 
There is fome grudge betweene 'em, 'tis not meete 
They be alone. 

Lucil. You lhall not come to them. 

Poet. Nothing but death (hall ftay me. 

Caf. How now? What's the matter? 

Poet. For fhame you Generals; what do you meane ? 
Loue, and be Friends, as two fuch men ihould bee, 
For I haue feene more yeeres I'me fure then yee. 

Caf. Ha, ha, how vildely doth this Cynicke rime? 

'Bru. Get you hence firra : Sawcy Fellow,hence. 

Caf. Beare with him Brutus,'t\s his faftiion. 

Brut. He know his humor, when he knowes his time : 
What fhould the Warres do with thefe Iigging Fooles ? 
Companion , hence. 

Caf. A way, a way be gone. Exit Poet 

Bru. Ludllius and Titinius bid the Commanders 
Prepare to lodge their Companies to night. 

Caf. And come your felues, & bring Meffala with you 
Immediately to vs. 

'Bru. Lucius, a bowle of Wine. 

Caf. I did not thinke you could haue bin fo angry. 

'Bru. O Caffius, I am ficke of many greefes. 

Caf. Of your Philofophy you make no vfe, 
If you giue place to accidental! euils. 

Bru. No man beares forrow better. Portia is dead. 

Caf. Ha? Portia} 

•Bru. She is dead. 

Caf. How fcap'd I killing, when I croft you fo ? 

infupportable, and touching loffe ! 
Vpon what fickneffe ? 

'Bru. Impatient of my abfence, 
And greefe, that yong Oclauius with Mar\ Antony 
Haue made themfelues fo ftrong : For with her death 
That tydings came. With this flie fell diftraift, 
And (her Attendants abfent) fwallow'd fire-. 

Caf. And dy'd fo? 

'Bru. Euen fo. 

Caf. O ye immortall Gods ! 

Enter "Boy with Wine, and Tapers. 

Bru. Speak no more of her:Giue me a bowl of wine, 
In this I bury all vnkindneffe Cafsius. Drinks 

Caf. My heart is thirfty for that Noble pledge. 
Fill Lucius, till the Wine ore-fwell the Cup : 

1 cannot drinke too much of 'Brutus loue. 

Enter Titinius and Meffala. 

'Brutus. Come in Titinius : 
Welcome good <£\'[cffala: 
Now fit we dole abuut this Taper heere, 
And call in queftion our neceffities. 

Caff. Tortia, art thou gone ? 

Bru, No more I pray you. 
Meffala, I haue heere receiued Letters, 
That yong Oclauius, and Marine Antony 
Come downe vpon vs with a mighty power, 
Bending their Expedition toward Philipfi. 

11 3 Meff. 



126 



The Tragedie of Julius Qafar. 



Mejf. My felfe haue Letters of the felfe-fame Tenure. 

Bru. With what Addition. 

Mejf. That by profcription,and billes of Outlarie, 
Oilauius, Antony, and Lepidus, 
Haue put to death, an hundred Senators. 

Bru. Therein our Letters do not well agree : 
Mine fpeake of feuenty Senators, that dy'de 
By their profcriptions, Cicero being one. 

CaJJi. Cicero one ? 

MeJfa.Cicero is dead, and by that order of profcription 
Had you your Letters from your wife, my Lord? 

Bru. No Mejfala. 

Mcjfa. Nor nothing in your Letters writ of her ? 

Bru. Nothing Mejfala. 

Mejfa. That me thinkes is ftrange. 

Bru. Why aske you ? 
Heare you ought of her, in yours? 

Mejfa. No my Lord. 

'Bru. Now as you are a Roman tell me true. 

(tffejfa. Then like a Roman, beare the truth I tell, 
For certaine me is dead, and by ftrange manner. 

'Bru. Why farewell Portia: We muft die Mejfala : 
With meditating that ihe muft dye once, 
I haue the patience to endure it now. 

<LMeJ[a. Euen fo great men, great loffes mold indure. 

CaJJi. I haue as much of this in Art as you, 
But yet my Nature could not beare it fo. 

Bru. Well, to our worke aliue. What do you thinke 
Of marching to PbUippi prefently. 

CaJJi. I do not thinke it good. 

Bru. Yourreafon? 

CaJJi. This it is: 
'Tis better that the Enemie feeke vs, 
So mall he wafte his meanes, weary his Souldiers, 
Doing himfelfe offence, whil'ft we lying ftill, 
Are full of reft, defence, and nimblenefle. 

'Bra.Good reafons muft of force giue place to better : 
The people 'twixt PbUippi, and this ground 
Do ftand but in a forc'd affection : 
For rhey haue grug'd vs Contribution. 
The Enemy, marching along by them, 
By them mall make a fuller number vp, 
Come on refrefht, new added, and encourag'd : 
From which aduantage ftiall we cut him off. 
If at PbUippi we do face him there, 
Thefe people at our backe. 

CaJJi. Heare me good Brother. 

'Bru. Vnder your pardon. You muft note befide, 
That we haue tride the vtmoft of our Friends : 
Our Legions are brim full, our caufe is ripe, 
The Enemy encreafeth euery day, 
We at the height, are readie to decline. 
There is a Tide in the affayres of men, 
Which taken at the Flood, leades on to Fortune : 
Omitted, all the voyage of their life, 
Is bound in Shallowes,and in Miferies. 
On fuch a full Sea are we now a-float, 
And we muft take the current when it ferues, 
Or loofe our Ventures. 

CaJJi. Then with your will go on : wee'l along 
Our felues,and meet them at PbUippi. 

'Bru. The deepe of night is crept vpon our talke, 
And Nature muft obey Neceflitie, 
Which we will niggard with a little reft : 
There is no more to fay. 

CaJJi. No more, good night, 



Early to morrow will we rife, and hence. 
. Enter Lucius. 

Bru. Lucius my Gowne: farewell good Mejfala, 
Good night Titinius : Noble, Noble CaJJius, 
Good night, and good repofe. 

CaJJi. O my deere Brother : 
This was an ill beginning of the night : 
Neuer come fuch diuifion 'tweene our foules : 
Let it not Brutus. 

Enter Lucius with the Gowne. 

'Bm. Euery thing is well. 

CaJJi. Good night my Lord. 

'Bru. Good night good Brother. 

Tit. Mejfa. Good night Lord Brutui. 

'Bru. Farwell euery one. Exeunt. 

Giue me the Gowne. Where is thy lnftrument ? 

Luc. Heere in the Tent. 

'Bru. What, thou fpeak'ft drowfily? 
Poore knaue I blame thee not, thou art ore-watch'd. 
Call Claudio, and fome other of my men, 
He haue them fleepe on Cufhions in my Tent. 

Luc. Varrus,ani Claudio. 

Enter Varrus and Claudio. 

Var, Cals my Lord ? 

'Bru. I pray you firs, lye in my Tent and fleepe, 
It may be I mail raife you by and by 
On bufmeffe to my Brother Cajftus. 

Var. So pleafe you, we will ftand, 
And watch your pleafure. 

Bru. I will it not haue it fo : Lye downe good firs, 
It may be I mall otherwife bethinke me. 
Looke Lucius, heere's the booke I fought for fo : 
I put it in the pocket of my Gowne. 

Luc. I was fure your Lordihip didmot giue it me. 

Bru. Beare with me good Boy, I am much forgetfull. 
Canft thou hold vp thy heauie eyes a-while, 
And touch thy lnftrument a ftraine or two. 

Luc. I my Lord, an't pleafe you. 

'Bru. It does my Boy : 
I trouble thee too much, but thou art willing. 

Luc. It is my duty Sir. 

'Brut. I mould not vrge thy duty paft thy might, 
I know yong bloods looke for a time of reft. 

Luc. I haue flept my Lord already. 

'Bru. It was well done, and thou malt fleepe againe: 
I will not hold thee long. If 1 do liue, 
I will be good to thee. 

Mujicke, and a Song. 
This is a fleepy Tune : O Murd'rous Humbler J 
Layeft thou thy Leaden Mace vpon my Boy, 
That playes thee Muficke ? Gentle knaue good night : 
I will not do thee fo much wrong to wake thee : 
If thou do'ft nod, thou break'ft thy lnftrument, 
He take it from thee, and (good Boy ) good night. 
Let me fee, let me fee; is not the Leafe turn'd downe 
Where I left reading? Heere it is I thinke. 

Enter the Ghoft oj Cajar. 
How ill this Taper burnes. Ha ! Who comes heere ? 
I thinke it is the weakeneffe of mine eyes 
That lhapes this monftrous Apparition. 
It comes vpon me : Art thou any thing ? 
Art thou fome God, fome Angell, or fomeDiuell, 
That mak'ft my blood cold, and my haire to ftare ? 
Speake to me, what thou art. 

Ghoji. Thy euill Spirit Brutus ? 

Bru. Why com'ft thou ? 

Ghoft. 
716 



'The Tragedie of "Julius Qtefar. 



127 



Ghofi. To tell thee thou (halt fee me at Pbilippi. 

Brut. Well : then I (hall fee thee againe ? 

Gboji. I, at Pbilippi. 

Brut. Why 1 will fee thee at Pbilippi then: 
Now I haue taken heart, thou vanifheft. 
Ill Spirit, I would hold more talke with thee. 
Boy, Lucius ,Varrus , Claudia, Sirs : Awake : 
Claudia. 

Luc. The ftrings my Lord, are falfe. 

Bru. He thinkes he ftillis at his Instrument. 
Lucius, awake. 

Luc. My Lord. 

'Bru. Did'ft thou dreame Lucus, that thou fo cryedft 
out? 

Luc. My Lord, I do not know that I did cry. 

'Bru . Yes that thou did'ft : Did'ft thou fee any thing ? 

Luc. Nothing my Lord. 

Bru. Sleepe againe Lucius: Sirra Claudia, Fellow, 
Thou : Awake. 

Var. My Lord. 

Clau. My Lord. 

'Bru. Why did you fo cry out firs, in your fieepe ? 

Both. Did we my Lord ? 

Bru. I : faw you any thing? 

Var. No my Lord, 1 faw nothing. 

Qlau. Nor I my Lord. 

"Bru. Go, and commend me to my Brother Cajjius : 
Bid him fet on his Powres betimes before, 
And we will follow. 

Both. It mall be done my Lord. Exeunt 



A5lus Quintus. 



Enter Otlauius , Antony ,and their Army. 

Otla. Now Antony, our hopes are anfwered , 
You faid the Enemy would not come downe, 
But keepe the Hilles and vpper Regions: 
It proues not fo : their battailes are at hand, 
They meane to warne vs at Pbilippi heere : 
Anfwering before we do demand of them. 

Ant. Tut I am in their bofomes,and I know 
Wherefore they do it : They could be content 
To vifit other places, and come downe 
With fearefull brauery: thinking by this face 
To fallen in our thoughts that they haue Courage ; 
But 'tis not fo. 

Enter a MeJJenger. 
Mef. Prepare you Generals, 
The Enemy comes on in gallant (hew : 
Their bloody figne of Battell is hung out, 
And fomething to be done immediately. 

tAnt. Otlauius, leade your Battaile foftly on 
Vpon the left hand of the euen Field. 

Ocla. Vpon the right hand I, keepe thou the left. 

Ant, Why do you croffe me in this exigent. 

Ocla. I do not croffe you : but 1 will do fo. March. 

T)rum. Enter Brutus , Cajjius , & their Army. 
Bru. They ftand,and would haue parley. 
Qaffu Stand faft Titinius, we muft out and talke. 
Otla. Mar\ Antony, (hall we giue figne of Battaile ? 
Ant . No Cafar, we will anfwer on their Charge. 



Make forth, the Generals would haue fome words. 

Oft. Stirre not vntill the Signall. 

Bru. Words before blowes : is it fo Countrymen? 

Ocla. Not that we loue words better, as you do. 

Bru.GooA words are better then bad ftrokes Otlauius. 

An.ln your bad ftrokes 'Brutus, you giue good words 
WitnefTe the hole you made in Cafars heart, 
Crying long liue, Haile Cafar. 

Caffi. Antony, 
The pofture of your blowes arc yet vnknowne ; 
But for your words, they rob the Hibla Bees, 
And leaue them Hony-leffe. 

Ant. Not (tingleffe too. 

'Bru. O yes, and foundlefTe too : 
For you haue ftolne their buzzing Antony, 
And very wifely threat before you fting. 

Ant. Villains : you did not fo, when your vile daggers 
Hackt one another in the fides of Cafar : 
You (hew'd your teethes like Apes, 
And fawn'd like Hounds, 

And bow'd like Bondmen, kiffing Cafars feete ; 
Whil'ft damned Cas\a, like a Curre, behinde 
Strooke Cafar on the necke. O you Flatterers. 

Caffi. Flatterers ? Now 'Brutus thanke your felfe, 
This tongue had not offended fo to day, 
If Caffius might haue rul'd. 

Ocla. Come, come, the caufe. If arguing make vs fwet, 
The proofe of it will turne to redder drops : 
Looke, I draw a Sword againft Confpirators, 
When thinke you that the Sword goes vp againe ? 
Neuer till Cafars three and thirtie wounds 
Be well aueng'd; or till another Cafar 
Haue added (laughter to the Sword of Traitors. 

"Brut. Cafar, thou canft not dye by Traitors hands, 
Vnleffe thou bring'ft them with thee. 

Ocla. So I hope: 
I was not borne to dye on 'Brutus Sword. 

Bru. O if thou wer't the Nobleft of thy Straine, 
Yong-man, thou could'ft not dye more honourable. 

Cafji. A peeuifli School-boy, worthies of fuch Honor 
Ioyn'd with a Masker, and a Reueller. 

Ant. Old Caffius (till. 

Otla. Come ^Antony : away: 
Defiance Traitors, hurle we in your teeth. 
If you dare fight to day, come to the Field ; 
If not, when you haue ftomackes. 

Exit Otlauius , Antony , and Army 

CaJJi. Why now blow winde, fwell Billow, 
And fwimme Barke : 
The Storme is vp, and all is on the hazard. 

'Bru. Ho Lucillius, hearke, a word with you. 

Lucillius and Mejfala fiand forth. 

Luc. My Lord. 

Caffi Mejfala. 

Meffa. What fayes my Generall ? 

Caffi. oMeJfala,th\s is my Birth-day : as this very day 
Was Caffius borne. Giue me thy hand Mejfala : 
Be thou my witneffe, that againft my will 
(As Pompey was) am I compell'd to fet 
Vpon one Battell all our Liberties. 
You know, that I held Epicurus ftrong, 
And his Opinion : Now 1 change my minde, 
And partly credit things that do prefage. 
Comming from Sardu, on our former Enfigne 
Two mighty Eaglesfell, and there they pearch'd, 
Gorging and feeding from our Soldiers hands, 

Who 



The Tragedie of "Julius Qcefar. 



Who to Philippi heere conforted vs : 

This Morning are they fled away, and gone, 

And in their fteeds, do Rauens, Crowes, and Kites 

Fly ore our heads, and downward looke on vs 

As we were fickely prey ; their ftiadowes feeme 

A Canopy moft fatall, vnder which 

Our Army lies, ready to giue vp the Ghoft. 

oMeffa. Beleeue not fo. 

Caff. I but beleeue it partly, 
For I am frefti of fpirit,and refolu'd 
To meete all perils, very conftantly. 

Bru. Euen fo Lucillius. 

Qaffi. Now moft Noble "Brutus, 
The Gods to day fiand friendly, that we may 
Louers in peace, leade on our dayes to age. 
But fince the affayres of men reftsftill incertaine, 
Let's reafon with the worft that may befall. 
If we do lofe this Battaile, then is this 
The very laft time we ftiall fpeake together : 
What are you then determined to do ? 

Bru. Euen by the rule of that Philofopby, 
By which I did blame Qato, for the death 
Which he did giue himfelfe, I know not how : 
But I do finde it Cowardly, and vile, 
For feare of what might fall, fo to preuent 
The time of life, arming my felfe with patience, 
To ftay the prouidence of fome high Powers, 
That gouerne vs below. 

Cajfu Then, if we loofe this Battaile, 
You are contented to be led in Triumph 
Thorow the ftreets of Rome. 

Bru. No Caffius, no : 
Thinke not thou Noble Romane, 
That euer Brutus will go bound to Rome, 
He beares too great a minde. But this fame day 
Muft end that worke, the Ides of March begun. 
And whether we ftiall meete againe, I know not : 
Therefore our euerlafting farewell take: 
For euer, and for euer, farewell Caffius, 
If we do meete againe, why we fhall fmile ; 
If not, why then this parting was well made. 

Caff. For euer,and for euer, farewell Brutus : 
If we do meete againe, wee'l fmile indeede ; 
If not, 'tis true, this parting was well made. 

Bru. Why then leade on. O that a man might know 
The end of this dayes bufineffe, ere it come : 
But it fuffketh, that the day will end, 
And then the end is knowne. Come ho,away. Exeunt. 

Alarum. Enter Brutus and Meffala. 

<Bru. Ride, ride Mcjfala, ride and giue thefe Billes 
Vnto the Legions,on the other fide. 

Lowd Alarum. 
Let them fet on at once : for I perceiue 
But cold demeanor in Oclauws wing : 
And fodaine pulh giues them the ouerthrow : 
Ride, ride Meffala, let them all come downe. Exeunt 



Alarums. 



Caffius and Tit 



Caff. O looke Titinius, looke, the Villaines flye : 
My felfe haue to mine owne turn'd Enemy: 
This Enfigne heere of mine was turning backe, 
I flew the Coward, and did take it from him. 

Titin. O Caffius, Brutus gaue the word too early, 



Who hauing fome aduantage on Oclauius, 
Tooke it too eagerly : his Soldiers fell to fpoyle, 
Whil'ft we by Antony are all inclos'd. 

Enter Pindarus. 

Pind. Fly further off my Lord : flye further off, 
Mar\ Antony is in your Tents my Lord : 
Flye therefore Noble Caffius, flye farre off. 

Caff, This Hill is farre enough. Looke, look Titinius 
Are thofe my Tents where I perceiue the fire ? 

Tit. They are, my Lord. < 

Caffi. Titinius, if thou loueft me, 
Mount thou my horfe, and hide thy fpurres in him, 
Till he haue brought thee vp to yonder Troopes 
And heere againe, that I may reft affur'd 
Whether yond Troopes, are Friend or Enemy. 

Tit. I will be heere againe, euen with a thought. Exit. 

Caff. Go Pindarus, get higher on that hill, 
My fight was euer thicke : regard Titinius, 
And tell me what thou not'ft about the Field. 
This day I breathed firft, Time is come round, 
And where I did begin, there fhall I end, 
My life is run his compaffe. Sirra, what newes? 

Find. cAboue. O my Lord. 

Caffi. What newes ? 

Pind. Titinius is enclofed round about 
With Horfemen, that make to him on the Spurre, 
Yet he fpurres on. Now they are almoft on him : 
Now Titinius. Now fome light : O he lights too. 
Hee's tane. Showt. 

And hearke, they ftiout for ioy, 

Caffi. Come downe, behold no more : 
O Coward that I am, to liue fo long, 
To fee my beft Friend tane before my face. 

Enter Pindarus. 
Come hither firrah : In Partbia did I take thee Prifoner, 
And then I fwore thee, fauing of thy life, 
That whatfoeuer I did bid thee do, 

Thou ftiould'ft attempt it. Come now, keepe thine oath, 
Now be a Free-man, and with this good Sword 
That ran through Cafars bowels, fearch this bofome. 
Stand not to anfwer: Heere, take thou the Hilts, 
And when my face is couer'd,as 'tis now, 

Guide thou the Sword Cajar, thou art reueng'd, 

Euen with the Sword that kill'd thee. 

Pin. So, I am free, 
Yet would not fo haue beene 
Durft I haue done my will.O Caffius, 
Farre from this Country Pindarus ftiall run, 
Where neuer Roman ftiall take note of him. 

Enter Titinius and Meffala. 

Meffa. It is but change, Titinius : for Oclauius 
Is ouerthrowne by Noble Brutus power, 
As Caffus Legions are by Antony. 

Titin. Thefe tydings will well comfort Caffius. 

Meffa. Where did you leaue him. 

Titin. All difconfolate, 
With Pindarus his Bondman, on this Hill. 

Meffa. Is not that he that lyes vpon the ground ? 

Titin. He lies not like the Liuing. O my heart ! 

Meffa. Is not that hee ? 

Titin. No, this was he Meffala, 
But Caffus is no more. O fetting Sunne : 
As in thy red Rayes thou doeft finke to night ; 






The Tragedie of Julius Qafar. 



129 



So in his red blood Cajsius day is fet. 
The Sunne of Rome is fet. Our day is gone, 
Clowds,Dewes,and Dangers come; our deeds are done: 
Miftruft of my fuccefTe hath done this deed. 

Mejfa. Miftruft of good fuccefle hath done this deed. 

hatefull Error, Melancholies Childe : 

Why do'ft thou {hew to the apt thoughts of men 

i The things that are not ? O Error foone conceyu'd, 

! Thou neuer com'ft vnto a happy byrth, 
But kil'ft the Mother that engendred thee. 

Tit. What Pindarus? Where art thou Pindarus? 
• Mffa. Seeke him Titinius, whM I go to meet 
The Noble Brutus, thrufting this report 

I Into his eares ; I may fay thrufting it : 

I For piercing Steele, and Darts inuenomed, 
Shall be as welcome to the eares of 'Brutus, 
As tydings of this fight. 

Tit. Hve you Meffala, 
And I will' feeke for Pindarus the while : 
Why did'ft thou fend me forth braue Cajsius ? 
Did I not meet thy Friends, and did not they 
Put on my Browes this wreath of Viftorie, 
And bid me giue it thee? Did'ft thou not heare their 

I Alas, thou haft mifconftrued euery thing. (fliowts? 

i But hold thee, take this Garland on thy Brow, 

1 Thy Brutus bid me giue it thee, and I 
Will do his bidding. 'Brutus, come apace, 
And fee how I regarded Caius Cajsius : 
By your leaue Gods: This is a Romans part, 
Come Cajsius Sword, and finde Titinius hart. Dies 

Alarum. Enter 'Brutus, Mejfala, yong Cato , 
Strata, Volumnius , and Lucillius. 

Bru. Where, where Mejfala, doth his body lye ? 

Mejfa. Loe yonder, and Titinius mourning it. 

'Bru. Titinius face is vpward. 

Cato. He is flaine. 

Bru. O Iulius Coejar, thou art mighty yet, 
Thy Spirit waikes abroad, and turnes our Swords 
In our owne proper Entrailes. Low Alarums. 

Cato. Braue Titinius, 
Looke where he haue not crown'd dead Cajsius. 

Bru. Are yet two Romans liuing fuch as thefe ? 
The laft of all the Romans, far thee well : 
It is impoffible, that euer Rome 
Should breed thy fellow. Friends I owe mo teares 
To this dead man, then you ihall fee me pay. 

1 (hall finde time, Cajsius : I ihall Jinde time. " 
Come therefore, and to Tharjus fend his body, 
His Funerals Ihall not be in our Campe, 
Leaft it difcomfort vs. Lucillius come, 

And come yong Cato, let vs to the Field, 

Labio and Flauio fet our Battailes on : 

'Tis three a clocke, and Romans yet ere night, 

We ihall try Fortune in a fecond fight. Exeunt. 

Alarum. Enter Brutus, Mejfala, Cato, Lucillius, 
and Flauius. 
'Bru. Yet Country-men : O yet, hold vp your heads. 
Cam. What Baftard doth not? Who will go with me? 
I will proclaime my name about the Field. 
I am the Sonne of Marcus Cato, hoe. 
A Foe to Tyrants,and my Countries Friend. 
I am the Sonne of Marcus Cato,hoe. 

Enter Souldiers .and fight. 
And I am 'Brutus, Marcus Brutus, I, 



Brutus my Countries Friend : Know me for Brutus. 

Luc. O yong and Noble Cato, art thou downe ? 
Why now thou dyeft, as brauely as Titinius, 
And may'ft be honour'd, being Cato's Sonne. 

Said. Yeeld, or thou dyeft. 

Luc, Onely I yeeld to dye : 
There isfo much, that thou wilt kill me ftraight : 
Kill 'Brutus, and be honour'd in his death. 

Sold. We muft not : a Noble Prifoner. 

Enter tAntony. 

z.Sold. Roome hoe : tell Antony, Brutus is tane. 

z -Sold. He tell thee newes. Heere comes the Generall, 
Brutus is tane, Brutus is tane my Lord. 

Ant. Where is hee ? 

Luc. Safe Antony, Brutus is fafe enough : 
I dare aflure thee, that no Enemy 
Shall euer take aliue the Noble Brutus : 
The Gods defend him from fo great a ihame, 
When you do finde him, or aliue, or dead, 
He will be found like Brutus, like himfelfe. 

Ant. This is not 'Brutus friend, but I aflure you, 
A prize no lefTe in worth ; keepe this man fafe, 
Giue him all kindneffe. I had rather haue 
Such men my Friends, then Enemies. Go on, 
And fee where Brutus be aliue or dead, 
And bring vs word, vnto OUauius Tent : 
How euery thing is chanc'd. Exeunt. 

Enter 'Brutus, Dardanius, Clitui, Strato, 
and Volumnius. 

'Brut. Come poore remaines of friends, reft on this 
Rocke. 

C/'it. StatiUius fhew'd the Torch-light, but my Lord 
He came not backe: he is or tane, or flaine. 

'Brut. Sit thee downe, Clitus : flaying is the word, 
It is a deed in fafhion. Hearke thee, Clitus. 

Clit. What I , my Lord ? No, not for all the World. 

Brut. Peace then, no words. 

Clit. He rather kill my felfe. 

Brut. Hearke thee, Dardanius. 

Dard. Shall I doe fuch a deed? 

Clit. O Dardanius. 

Dard. O Clitus. 

Clit. What ill requeft did 'Brutus make to thee ? 

Dard. To kill him,£/;7za: looke he meditates. 

Clit. Now is that Noble VeiTell full of griefe, 
That it runnes ouer euen at his eyes. 

Brut. Come hither, good Volumnius, lift a word. 

Volum. What fayes my Lord ? 

'Brut. Why this, Volumnius : 
The Ghoft of Ca?jar hath appear'd to me 
Two feuerall times by Night : at Sardis,once ; 
And this laft Night, here in Philippi fields : 
I know my houre is come. 

Volum. Not fo, my Lord. 

Brut. Nay, I am fure it is, Volumnius. 
Thou feeft the World, Volumnius, how it goes, 
Our Enemies haue beat vs to the Pit : L^rr Alarums. 

It is more worthy, to leape in our felues, 
Then tarry till they puih vs. Good Volumnius, 
Thou know'ft,that we two went to Schoole together: 
Euen for that our loue of old, I prethee 
1 Hold thou my Sword Hilts, whileft I runne on it. 

Vol. That's not an Office for a friend, my Lord. 
Alarum Bill. 



Clit. Fly, 



3° 



The Tr age die of "Julius Qcefar. 



Cly. Fly, flye my Lord, there is no tarrying heere. 

c Bru. Farewell to you, and you, and you Volumnim. 
Strata, thou haft bin all this while afleepe : 
Farewell to thee, to Strato, Countrymen : 
My heart doth ioy, that yet in all my life, 
I found no man, but he was true to me. 
I ihall haue glory by this loofing day 
More then OBauiui, and Marine ^Antony, 
By this vile Conqueft lhall attaine vnto. 
So fare you well at once, for Brutui tongue 
Hath almoft ended his liues Hiftory : 
Night hangs vpon mine eyes, my Bones would reft, 
That haue but labour'd, to attaine this houre. 






Cry -within, Flye, flye, flye. 



Cly. Fly my Lord, flye. 

Bru. Hence: I will follow : 
I prythee Strato, ftay thou by thy Lord, 
Thou art a Fellow of a good refpeft : 
Thy life hath had fomefmatch of Honor in it, 
Hold then my Sword, and turne away thy face, ] 
While I do run vpon it. Wilt thou Strato ? 

Stra. Giue me your hand firft. Fare you wel my Lord. 

Bru. Farewell good Strato. Cuejar, now be ftill, 

I kill'd not thee with halfe fo good a will. Dyes. 

Alarum. Retreat. Enter Antony , OBauiui , Mejfala, 

Lucill'iui , and the Army. 
OBa. What man is that? 



<&TeJfa. My Matters man. Strato, where is thy Mafter? 

Stra. Free from the Bondage you are in Mejfala, 
The Conquerors can but make a fire of him : 
For Brutui onely ouercame himfelfe, 
And no man elfe hath Honor by his death. 

Lucil. So Brutui ftiould be found. I thank thee Brutui 
That thou haft prou'd Lucllliui faying true, 

Oaa. All that feru'd ""Brutus,! will entertaine them. 
Fellow, wilt thou beftow thy time with me? 

Stra. I, if Mejfala will preferre me to you. 

OBa. Do fo , good Mejfala. 

vMeJfa. How dyed my Mafter Strato ? 

Stra. I held the Sword, and he did run on it. 

Mejfa. OBauius, then take him to follow thee, 
That did the lateft feruice to my Mafter. 

Ant. This was the Nobleft Roman of them all : 
All the Confpirators faue onely hee, 
Did that they did, in enuy of great Cafar : 
He, onely in a generall honeft thought, 
And common good to all, made one of them. 
His life was gentle, and the Elements 
So mixtin him, that Nature might ftand vp, 
And fay to all the world; This was a man. 

OBa. According to his Vertue, let vs vfe him 
Withall Refpea.and Rites of Buriall. 
Within my Tent his bones to night ihall ly, 
Moft like a Souldier ordered Honourably : 
So call the Field to reft, and let's away, 
To part the glories of this happy day. Exeunt omnes. 



FINIS. 







l V 




THE TRAGEDIE OF 

MACBETH. 

zABus Primus. Sccena 'Prima. 



Thunder and Lightning. Enter three Witches. 

Hen fliall we three meet againe? 
In Thunder, Lightning, or in Raine ? 

2. When the Hurley-burley's done, 
When the Battaile's loft, and wonne. 

3. That will be ere the fet of Sunne. 
1. Where the place? 

a. Vpon the Heath. 
3. There to meet with Macbeth. 
I. I come, Gray-Malkin. 

All. Padoc\ calls anon : faire is foule, and foule is faire, 
Houer through the fogge and filthie ayre. Exeunt. 




Scena Secunda. 



Alarum within. Enter King cflfalcome, Donal- 

baine, Lenox, nith attendants, meeting 

a bleeding Captaine. 

King. What bloody man is that? he can report, 
As feemeth by his plight, of the Reuolt 
The neweft ftate. 

Mai. This is the Serieant, 
Who like a good and hardie Souldier fought 
'Gainft my Captiuitie: Haile braue friend ; 
Say to the King, the knowledge of the Broyle," 
As thou didft leaue it. 

Cap. Doubtfull it flood, 
As two fpent Swimmers, that doe cling together, 
And choake their Art : The mercilefTe Macdonwald 
(Worthie to be a Rebell, fcr to that 
The multiplying Villanies of Nature 
Doe fwarme vpon him) from the Wefterne Ifles 
Of Kernes and Gallowgrofles is fuprly'd, 
And Fortune on his damned Quarry i'miling, 
Shew'd like a Rebells Whore : but all's too weake : 
For braue Macbeth (well hee deferues that Name) 
Difdayning Fortune, with his brandifht Steele, 
Which fmoak'd with bloody execution 
(Like Valours Minion) caru'd out his paffage, 
Till hee fac'd the Slaue: 

Which neu'r fliooke hands, nor bad farwell to him, 
Till he vnfeam'd him from the Naue toth' Chops, 
And fix'd his Head vpon our Battlements. 



King. O valiant Coufin, worthy Gentleman. 

Cap. As whence the Sunne 'gins his reflection, 
Shipwracking Stormes, and direfull Thunders : 
So from that Spring, whence comfort feem'd to come, 
Difcomfort fwells: Marke King of Scotland, marke, 
No fooner Iuftice had, with Valour arm'd, 
Compell'd thefe skipping Kernes to truft their heeles, 
But the Norweyan Lord, furueying vantage, 
With furbufht Armes, and new iupplyes of men, 
Began a frefli affault. 

King. Difmay'd not this our Captaines, Macbeth and 
'Banquoh ? 

Cap. Yes, as Sparrowes, Eagles; 
Or the Hare, the Lyon : 
If I fay footh, I muft report they were 
As Cannons ouer-charg'd with double Cracks, 
So they doubly redoubled ftroakes vpon the Foe : 
Except they meant to bathe in reeking Wounds, 
Or memorize another Golgotha, 
I cannot tell : but I am faint, 
My Games cry for helpe. 

King. So well thy words become thee, as thy wounds, I 
They fmack of Honor both : Goe get him Surgeons. 

Enter Roffe and Angus. 
Who comes here ? 

Mai. The worthy Thane of Roffe. 

Lenox. What a hafte lookes through his eyes? 
So fhould he looke, that feemes to fpeake things ftrange. ; 

Roffe. God faue the King. 

King. Whence cam'ft thou, worthy Thane ? 

Roffe. From Fiffe, great King, 
Where the Norweyan Banners flowt the Skie, 
And fanne our people cold. 
Normay himfelfe, with terrible numbers, 
Affifted by that moft difloyall Traytor, 
The Thane of Cawdor, began a difmall Conflict, 
Till that TSellonas Bridegroome, lapt in proofe, 
Confronted him with felfe-comparifons, 
Point againft Point, rebellious Arme 'gainft Arme, 
Curbing his lauifh fpirit: and to conclude, 
The Viftorie fell on vs. 

King. Great happineffe. 

Roffe. That now, Sveno, the Norwayes King, 
Craues composition : 

Nor would we deigne him buriall of his men, 
Till he disburfed, at Saint tylmes ynch, 
Ten thoufand Dollars, to our generall vfe. 

King. No 



7 »i 



132 



The Tragedie of ^Macbeth. 



King. No more that Thane of Cawdor (lull deceiue 
Our Bofonie inrereft : Goe pronounce his prefent death, 
And with his former Title greet Macbeth, 

RoJJe. He fee it done. 

King;. What he hath loft, Noble Macbeth hath wonne. 
£ Exeunt. 



Scena Tertia. 



Thunder. Enter the three Witches. 

1. Where haft thou beene,Sifter ? 

2. Killing Swine. 

3. Sifter, where thou ? 

1. A Saylors Wire had Cheftnuts in her Lappe, 
And mouncht, & mouncht,and mouncht: 

Giue me, quoth I. 

Aroynt thee, Witch, the rumpe-fed Ronyon cryes. 

Her Husband's to Aleppo gone, Matter o'th' Tiger : 

But in a Syue lie thither fayle, 

And like a Rat without a tayle, 

lie doe, He doe, and lie doe. 

2. lie giue thee a Winde. 
1. Th'art kinde. 

3. And I another. 

I. I my felfe haue all the other, 
And the very Ports they blow, 
All the Quarters that they know, 
I'th' Ship-mans Card. 



He d 



reyn 



him drie as Hay: 



Slecpe fhall neyther Night nor Day 
Hang vpon his Pent-houfe Lid : 
He (hall liue a man forbid: 
Wearie Seu'nights,nine times nine, 
Shall he dwindle, peake, and pine : 
Though his Barke cannot be loft, 
Yet it fhall be Tempeft-toft. 
Looke what I haue. 

2. Shew me, (hew me. 

I. Here I haue a Pilots Thumbe, 
Wrackt,as homeward he did come. 

3. A Drumme, a Drumme : 
Macbeth doth come. 

All. The weyward Sifteis,hand in hand, 
Pofters of the Sea and Land, 
Thus doe goe, about, about, 
Thrice to thine,and thrice to mine, 
And thrice agiine,to make vp nine. 
Peace, the Charme's wound vp. 



Enter Macbeth and 



anqu 



Macb. So foule and faire a day I haue not feene. 

TSanquo. How farre is't call'd to Soris? What are thefe. 
So wither'd, and fo wilde in their a tyre, 
That looke not like th'Inhabitants o'th'Earth, 
And yet are on't? Liue you, or are you aught 
That man may queftion ? you feeme to vnderftand me, 
By each at once her choppie finger laying 
Vpon her skinnie Lips: you (hould be Women, 
And yet your Beards forbid me to interprete 
That you are fo. 



Mac. Speake if you can : what are you ? 

1. All haile Macbeth,ha\le to thee Thane of Glarois. 

2. All haile Macbeth, haile to thee Thane of Cawdor. 

3. All haile Macbeth,xhat (halt be King hereafter. 
T>anq. Good Sir, why doe you ftart,and feeme to feare 

Things that doe found fo faire? i'th' name of truth 

Are ye fantafticall,or that indeed 

Which outwardly ye (hew? My Noble Partner 

You greet with prefent Grace, and great prediction 

Of Noble hauing, and of Royall hope, 

That he feemes wrapt withall : to me you fpeake not. 

If you can looke into the Seedes of Time, 

And fay, which Graine will grow, and which will not, 

Speake then to me, who neyther begge, nor feare 

Your fauors,nor your hate. 

1. Hayle. 

2. Hayle. 

3. Hayle. 

1. Leffer then Macbeth, and greater. 

2. Not fo happy, yet much happyer. 

3. Thou ltia It get Kings, though thou be none : 
So all haile Macbetb,and Banquo. 

1. TSanquo, and Macbeth, all haile. 

Maib. Stay you imperfect Speakers,'ell me more: 
By Swells death, I know I am Thane of Glamis, 
But how, of Cawdor? the Thane of Cawdor liues 
A profperous Gentleman : And to be King, 
Stands not within the profpedt of beleefe, 
No more then to be Cawdor. Say from whence 
You owe this ftrange Intelligence, or why 
Vpon this blafted Heath you (top our way 
With fuch Prophetique greeting? 
Speake, I charge you. Witches vanijo. 

Banq. The Earth hath bubbles,as the Water ha's; 
And thefe are of them : whither are they vanifh'd ? 

Macb. Into the Ayre : and what feem'd corporall, 
Melted, as breath into the Winde. 
Would they had ftay'd. 

'Banq. Were fuch things here.as we doe fpeake about? 
Or haue we eaten on the infane Root, 
That takes the Reafon Prifoner? 

Macb. Your Children (hall be Kings. 

Banq. You (hall be King. 

Macb. And Thane of Cawdor too : went it not fo ? 

Banq. Toth'felfe-fame tune, and words: who's here? 

Enter %cjfe and Angui. 

RoJJe. The King hath happily receiu'd, Macbeth, 
The newes of thy fucceffe : and when he reades 
Thy perfonall Venture in the Rebels fight, 
His Wonders and his Prayfes doe contend, 
Wnich (hould be thine, or his: filenc'd with that, 
It viewing ore the reft o'th'felfe-fame day, 
He findes thee in the (tout Norweyan Rankes, 
Nothing afeard of what thy felfe didft make 
Strange Images of death, as thick as Tale 
Can poft with poft, and euery one did beare 
Thy prayfes in his Kingdomes great defence, 
And powr'd them downe before him. 

Ang. Wee are fent, 
To giue thee from our Royall Mafter thanks, 
Onely to harrold thee into his fight, 
Not pay thee. 

RoJJe. And for an earned of a greater Honor, 
He bad me, from him, call thee Thane of Cawdor: 



The Tragedie of ^Macbeth. 133 


In which addition, haile moft worthy Thane, 




For it is thine. 

Banq. What, can the Deuill fpeake true ? 


Scena Quarta. 


Macb. The Thane of Cawdor liues : 
Why doe you dreffe me in borrowed Robes ? 






Ang. Who was the Thane, liues yet, 


Flourijh. Enter King , Lenox , Malcolme , 


But vnder heauie Iudgement beares that Life, 


Donalbaine, and Attendants, 


Which he deferues to loofe. 




Whether he was combin'd with thofe of Norway, 


King. Is execution done on Cawdor ? 


Or did lyne the Rebell with hidden helpe, 


Or not thofe in Commiffion yet return'd ? 


And vantage ; or that with both he labour'd 


Mai. My Liege, they are not yet come back. 


In his Countreyes wracke, I know not : 


But I haue fpoke with one that law him die : 


But Treafons Capitall, confefs'd,and prou'd, 


Who did report, that very frankly hee 


Haue ouerthrowne him. 


Confefs'd his Treafons, implor'd your Highnefle Pardon, 


Macb. Glamys,and Thane of Cawdor : 


And r et forth a deepe Repentance : 


The greateft is behinde. Thankes for your paines. 


Nothing in his Life became him, 


Doe you not hope your Children lhall be Kings, 


Like the leauing it. Hee dy'de, 


When thofe that gaue the Thane of Cawdor to me, 


As one that had beene ftudied in his death, 


Promis'd no leffe to them. 


To throw awav the deareft thing he ow'd, 


"Banq. That trufted home, 


As 'twere a careleffe Trifle. 


Might yet enkindle you vnto the Crowne, 


King. There's no Art, 


Befides the Thane of Cawdor. But 'tis Arrange : 


To finde the Mindes conftrudVion in the Face : 


And oftentimes, to winne vs to our harme, 


He was a Gentleman, on whom I built 


The Inftruments of Darkneffe tell vs Truths, 


An abfolute Truft. 


Winne vs with honeft Trifles, to betray's 


Enter Macbeth, Banquo,Ro(fe, and Angus. 


In deepeft confequence. 


O worthyeft Coufin, 


Coufins, a word, I pray you. 


The finne of my Ingratitude euen now 


Macb. Two Truths are told, 


Was heauie on me. Thou art fo farre before, 


As happy Prologues to the fwelling Aft 


That fwifteft Wing of Recompence is flow, 


Of the Imperiall Theame. I thanke you Gentlemen : 


To ouertake thee. Would thou hadft leffe deferu'd, 


This fupernaturall folliciting 


That the proportion both of thanks, and payment, 


Cannot be ill ; cannot be good. 


Might haue beene mine : onely I haue left to fay, 


If ill ? why hath it giuen me earneft of fuccefie, 


More is thy due, then more then all can pay. 


Commencing in a Truth? I am Thane of Cawdor. 


Macb. The feruice,and the loyaltie I owe, 


If good ? why doe I yeeld to that fuggeftion, 


In doing it, payes it felfe. 


Whofe horrid Image doth vnfixe my Heire, 


Your Highneffe part,is to receiue our Duties: 


And make my feated Heart knock at my Ribbes, 


And our Duties are to your Throne, and State, 


Againft the vfe of Nature? Prefent Feares 


Children, and Seruants; which doe but what they fliould, 


Are leffe then horrible Imaginings : 


By doing euery thing fafe toward your Loue 


My Thought, whofe Murther yet is but fantafticall, 


And Honor. 


Shakes fo my Angle ftate of Man, 


King. Welcome hither : 


That Function is fmother'd in furmife, 


I haue begun to plant thee,and will labour 


And nothing is, but what is not. 


To make thee full of growing. Noble Banquo, 


Banq. Looke how our Partner's rapt. 


That haft no leffe deferu'd, nor muft be knowne 


Macb. If Chance will haue me King, 


No leffe to haue done fo : Let me enfold thee, 


Why Chance may Crowne me, 


And hold thee to my Heart. 


Without my ftirre. 


"Banq. There if I grow, 


Banq. New Honors come vpon him 


The Harueft is yourowne. 


Like ourftrange Garments, cleaue not to their mould, 


King. My plenteous Ioyes, 


But with the aid of vfe. 


Wanton in fulneffe,feeke to hide themfelues 


Macb. Come what come may, 


In drops of forrow. Sonnes,Kinfmen,T£<2Hfj, 


Time, and the Houre,runs through the rougheft Day. 


And you whofe places are the neareft, know, 


Banq. Worthy (LMacbetb , wee ftay vpon your ley- 


We will eftabli/h our Eftate vpon 


fure. 


Our elded, Malcolme, whom we name hereafter, 


Macb. Giue me your fauour : 


The Prince of Cumberland : which Honor muft 


My dull Braine was wrought with things forgotten. 


Not vnaccompanied, inueft him onely, 


Kinde Gentlemen, your paines are regiftred, 


But fignes of Noblencffe,like Starres,fliall fhine 


Where euery day I turne the Leafe, 


On all deferuers. From hence to Envernes, 


To reade them. 


And binde vs further to you. 


Let vs toward the King : thinke vpon 


Macb. The Reft is Labor, which is not vs'd for you : 


What hath chanc'd : and at more time, 


He be my felfe the Kerbenger,and make ioyfull 


The Interim hauing weigh'd it, let vs fpeake 


The hearing of my Wife, with your approach : 


Our free Hearts each to other. 


So humbly take my leaue. 


Banq. Very gladly. 


King. My worthy Cawdor. 


Macb. Till then enough : 


Macb.The Prince of Cumberland: that is a ftep, 


Come friends. Exeunt. 


On which I muft fall downe,or elfe o're-leape, 




m m For 



J 34 



The Tr age die of ^Macbeth. 



or in my way it lyes. Starres hide your fires, 
Let not Light fee my black and deepe defires : 
The Eye winke at the Hand; yet let that bee, 
Which the Eye feares, when it is done to fee. Exit. 

King. True, worthy Banquo : he is full fo valiant, 
And in his commendations, I am fed : 
It is a Banquet to me. Let's after him, 
Whofe care is gone before, to bid vs welcome : 
It is a peerelefTe Kinfman. Flourijh. Exeunt . 



Scena Quinta. 



Enter sMacbeths Wife alone with a Letter, 

Lady. They met me in the day of fucceffe : and I haue 
learn d by the perfeiTft report, they haue more in them, then 
mortal! knowledge. When I burnt in defire to quejlion them 
further, they made themfelues Ayre, into which they -vanijh'd. 
Whiles I flood rapt in the wonder of it, came Miffiues from 
the King, who all-haiVd me Thane of Cawdor , by which Title 
before, thefe weyward Sifters faluted me, and referred me to 
the comming on of time, with haile King that fralt be. This 
haue I thought good to deliuer thee ( my deareft Partner of 
Greatneffe ) that thou might's!: not loofe the dues of reioycing 
by being ignorant of what Greatneffe it promis'd thee. Lay 
it to thy heart, and farewell. 
Glamys thou art, and Cawdor, and malt be 
What thou art promis'd: yet doe I feare thy Nature, 
It is too full o'th' Milke of humane kindnefTe, 
To catch the neereft way. Thou would'ft be great, 
Art not without Ambition, but without 
The illneffe fhould attend it. What thou would'ft highly, 
That would'ft thou holily: would'ft not play falfe, 
And yet would'ft wrongly winne. 
Thould'ft haue, great Glamys, that which cryes, 
Thus thou muft doe, if thou haue it ; 
And that which rather thou do'ft feare to doe, 
Then wifheft mould be vndone. High thee hither, 
That I may powre my Spirits in thine Eare, 
And chaftife with the valour of my Tongue 
All that impeides thee from the Golden Round, 
Which Fate and Metaphyficall ayde doth feeme 
To haue thee crown'd withall. Enter Meffenger. 

What is your tidings? 

Meff. The King comes here to Night. 

Lady. Thou'rt mad to lay it. 
Is not thy Mafter with him ? who, wer't fo, 
Would haue inform 'd for preparation. 

MeJf.So pleafe you, it is true: our Thane is comming : 
One of my fellowes had the fpeed of him ; 
Who almoft dead for breath, had fcarcely more 
Then would make vp his MefTage. 

Lady. Giue him tending, 
He brings great newes. Exit Meffenger. 

The Rauen himfelfe is hoarfe, 
That croakes the fatall entrance of Duncan 
Vnder my Battlements. Come you Spirits, 
That tend on mortall thoughts, vnfex me here, 
And fill me from the Crowne to the Toe, top-full 
Of direft Crueltie : make thick my blood, 
Stop vp th'acceffe,and paffage to Remorfe, 
That no compunftibus vifitings of Nature 



Shake my fell purpofe, nor keepe peace betweene 

Th'effeift,and hit. Come to my Womans Brefts, 

And take my Milke for Gall, you murth'ring Minifters, 

Where-euer,in your fightleffe fubftances, 

You wait on Natures Mifchiefe. Come thick Night, 

And pall thee in the dunneft fmoake of Hell, 

That my keene Knife fee not the Wound it makes, 

Nor Heauen peepe through the Blanket of the darke, 

To cry, hold, hold. Enter Macbeth. 

Great Glamys, worthy Cawdor, 

Greater then both, by the all-haile hereafter, 

Thy Letters haue tranfported me beyond 

This ignorant prefent,and I feele now 

The future in the inftant. 

Macb. My deareft Loue, 
Duncan comes here to Night. 

Lady. And when goes hence ? 

Macb. To morrow, as he purpofes. 

Lady. O neuer, 
Shall Sunne that Morrow fee. 
Your Face, my Thane, is as a Booke, where men 
May reade ftrange matters, to beguile the time. 
Looke like the time,beare welcome in your Eye, 
Your Hand, your Tongue: looke like th'innocent flower, 
But be the Serpent vnder't. He that's comming, 
Muft be prouided for : and you fhall put 
This Nights great Bufineffe into my difpatch, 
Which (hall to all our Nights, and Dayes to come, 
Giue folely foueraigne fway, and Mafterdome. 

Macb. We will fpeake further. 

Lady. Onely looke vp cleare : 
To alter fauor, euer is to feare : 
Leaue all the reft to me. Exeunt. 



Scena Sexta. 



Hoboyes , and Torches. Enter King . Malcolme , 

Donalbaine, TSanquo, Lenox, Macduff, 

Roffe, Angus, and Attendants. 

King. This Caftle hath a pleafant feat, 
The ayre nimbly and fweetly recommends it felfe 
Vnto our gentle fences. 

'Banq. This Gueft of Summer, 
The Temple-haunting Barlet does approue, 
By his loued Manfonry,that the Heauens breath 
Smells wooingly here : no Iutty frieze, 
Buttrice,nor Coigne of Vantage, but this Bird 
Hath made his pendant Bed, and procreant Cradle, 
Where they muft breed, and haunt: I haue obferu'd 
The ayre is delicate. Enter Lady. 

King. See, fee, our honor'd HoftefTe : 
The Loue that followes vs, fometime is our trouble, 
Which ftill we thanke as Loue. Herein I teach you, 
How you mall bid God-eyld vs for your paines, 
And thanke vs for your trouble. 

Lady. All our feruice, 
In euery point twice done, and then done double, 
Were poore,and fingle Bufineffe, to contend 
Againfl thofe Honors deepe, and broad, 
Wherewith your Maieftie loades our Houfe : 
For thofe of old, and the late Dignities, 
Heap'd vp to them, we reft your Ermites. 

King. Where's 



'The Tragedie of ^Macbeth. 



J 35 



King. Where's the Thane of Cawdor ? 
We courft him at the heeles, and had a purpofe 
To be his Purueyor : But he rides well, 
And his great Loue (lharpe as his Spurrejhath holp him 
To his home before vs : Faire and Noble Hofteffe 
We are your gueft to night. 

La. Your Seruants euer, 
Haue theirs, themfelues,and what is theirs in compt, 
To make their Audit at your Highneffe pleafure, 
Still to returne your owne. 

King. Giue me your hand : 
Conduct me to mine Hoft we loue him highly, 
And ftiall continue, our Graces towards him. 
By your leaue Hofteffe. Exeunt 



Scena Septima. 



Ho-boyes. Torches. 

Enter a Sewer, and diners Seruants with T)ifhes and Seruice 
ouer the Stage. Then enter Macbeth. 
Macb . If it were done, when 'tis done, then 'twer well, 
It were done quickly : If th' Affaflination 
Could trammell vp the Confequence,and catch 
With his furceafe, Succeffe : that but this blow 
Might be the be all, and the end all. Heere, 
But heere, vpon this Banke and Schoole of time, 
Wee'ld iumpe the life to come. But in thefe Cafes, 
We ftill haue judgement heere, that we but teach 
Bloody Inftruftions, which being taught, returne 
To plague th' Inuenter, This euen-handed luftice 
Commends th'Ingredience of our poyfon'd Challice 
To our owne lips. Hee's heere in double truft ; 
Firft,as I am his Kinfman, and his Subieft, 
Strong both againft the Deed : Then, as his Hoft, 
Who fhould againft his Murtherer fhut the doore, 
Not beare the knife my felfe. Befides,this T)uncane 
Hath borne his Faculties fo meeke ; hath bin 
So cleere in his great Office, that his Vertues 
Will pleade like Angels, Trumpet-tongu'd againft 
The deepe damnation of his taking off: 
And Pitty, like a naked New-borne-Babe, 
Striding the blaft, or Heauens Cherubin, hors'd 
Vpon the fightlefTe Curriors of the Ayre, 
Shall blow the horrid deed in euery eye, 
That teares fhall drowne the winde. I haue no Spurre 
To pricke the fides of my intent, but onely 
Vaulting Ambition, which ore-leapes it felfe, 
And falles on th'other. Enter Lady. 

How now ? What Newes ? 

La.He has almoft fupt:why haue you left the chamber? 

Mac. Hath he ask'd for me ? 

La. Know you not, he ha's ? 

Mac, We will proceed no further in this Bufineffe : 
He hath Honour'd me of late,and I haue bought 
Golden Opinions from all forts of people, 
Which would be worne now in their neweft gloffe, 
Not call afide fo foone. 

La. Was the hope drunke, 
Wherein you dreft your felfe ? Hath it flept fince ? 
And wakes it now to looke fo greene, and pale, 
At what it did fo freely ? From this time, 
Such I account thy loue. Art thou affear'd 
To be the fame in thine owne A6t,and Valour, 
As thou art in defire ? Would'ft thou haue that 



Which thou efteem'ft the Ornament of Life, 
And liue a Coward in thine owne Efteeme? 
Letting I dare not, wait vpon I would, 
Like the poore Cat i'th'Addage. 

Macb. Prythee peace : 
I dare do all that may become a man, 
Who dares no more, is none. 

La. What Beaft was't then 
That made you breake this enterprize to me ? 
When you durft do it, then you were a man : 
And to be more then what you were, you would 
Be fo much more the man. Nor time, nor place 
Did then adhere, and yet you would make both : 
They haue made themfelues, and that their fitneffe now 
Do's vnmake you. I haue giuen Sucke, and know 
How tender 'tis to loue the Babe that milkes me, 
I would, while it was fmyling in my Face, 
Haue pluckt my Nipple from his BonelefTe Gummes, 
And dafht the Braines out, had I fo fworne 
As you haue done to this. 

Macb . If we ftiould faile ? 

Lady. We faile ? 
But fcrew your courage to the flicking place, 
And wee'le not fayle : when Duncan is afleepe, 
(Whereto the rather fhall his dayes hard Iourney 
Soundly inuite him) his two Chamberlaines 
Will I with Wine,and WaffelI,fo conuince, 
That Memorie,the Warder of the Braine, 
Shall be a Fume, and the Receit of Reafon 
A Lymbeck onely : when in Swinilh fleepe, 
Their drenched Natures lyes as in a Death, 
What cannot you and I performe vpon 
Th'vnguarded Duncan? What not put vpon 
His fpungie Officers? who fhall beare the guilt 
Of our great quell. 

Macb. Bring forth Men-Children onely : 
For thy vndaunted Mettle fhould compofe 
Nothing but Males. Will it not be receiu'd, 
When we haue mark'd with blood thofe fleepie two 
Of his owne Chamber, and vs'd their very Daggers, 
That they haue don't ? 

Lady. Who dares receiue<it other, 
As we fhall make our Griefes and Clamor rore, 
Vpon his Death ? 

Macb. I am fettled, and bend vp 
Each corporall Agent to this terrible Feat. 
Away, and mock the time with faireft fhow, 
Falfe Face muft hide what the falfe Heart doth know. 
Exeunt. 



ABus Secundus. Scena 'Prima. 



Enter c Banquo,and Fleance ,mith a Torch 
before him . 
'Banq . How goes the Night, Boy? 
Fleance. The Moone is downe : I haue not heard the 
Clock. 

Ban j . And fhe goes downe at Twelue. 
Fleance. I take't,'tis later, Sir. 
Banq. Hold, take my Sword : 
There's Husbandry in Heauen, 
Their Candles are all out: take thee that too. 

m m 2 A 



136 



The Tragedie of ^Macbeth. 



A heauie Summons lyes like Lead vpon me, 

And yet I would not fleepe : 

Mercifull Powers, reftralne in me the curfed thoughts 

That Nature giues way to in repofe. 

Enter Macbeth, and a Seruant with a Torch. 

Giue me my Sword : who's there ? 

Macb. A Friend. 

'Banq.Whut Sir,not yet at reft? the King's a bed. 
He hath beene in vnufuall Pieafure, 
And fent forth great Largeffe to your Offices. 
This Diamond he greetes your Wire withall, 
By the name of moft kind HoftefTe, 
And ftiut vp in meafureleffe content. 

Mac. Being vnprepar'd, 
Our will became the feruant to defeft, 
Which elfe fhould free haue wrought. 

<Banq. All's well. 
I dreamt laft Night of the three weyward Sifters: 
To you they haue (hew'd fome truth. 

Macb . I thinke not of them : 
Yet when we can entreat an houre to ferue, 
We would fpend it in fome words vpon that Bufineffe, 
If you would graunt the time. 

Banq. At your kind'ft leyfure. 

Macb. If you mail cleaue to my confent, 
When 'tis, it mall make Honor for you. 

Banq. So I lofe none, 
In feeking to augment it, but ftill keepe 
My Bofome franchis'd,and Allegeance cleare, 
I (hall be counfail'd. 

Macb. Good repofe the while. 

Banq. Thankes Sir: the like to you. Exit Banquo. 

Macb. Goe bid thy Miftreffe, when my drinke is ready, 
She ftrike vpon the Bell. Get thee to bed. Exit. 

Is this a Dagger,which I fee before me, 
The Handle toward my Hand?Come,let me clutch thee: 
I haue thee not,and yet I fee thee ftill. 
Art thou not fatall Virion, fenfible 
To feeling, as to fight? or art thou but 
A Dagger of the Minde,a falfe Creation, 
Proceeding from the heat-oppreffed Braine ■? 
I fee thee yet, in forme as palpable, 
As this which now I draw. 
Thou marftull'ft me the way that I was going, 
And fuch an Inftrument I was to vfe. 
Mine Eyes are made the fooles o'th'other Sences, 
Or elfe worth all the reft : I fee thee ftill ; 
And on thy Blade, and Dudgeon, Gouts of Blood, 
Which was not fo before. There's no fuch thing: 
It is the bloody Bufineffe, which informes 
Thus to mine Eyes. Now o're the one halfe World 
Nature feemes dead, and wicked Dreames abule 
The Curtain'd fleepe : Witchcraft celebrates 
Pale Heccats Offrings: and wither'd Murther, 
Alarum'd by his Centinell,che Wolfe, 
Whofe howle's his Watch, thus with his ftealthy pace, 
With Tarquins raui/hing fides, towards his defigne 
Moues like a Ghoft. Thou fowre and firme-fet Earth 
Heare not my fteps, which they may walke, for feare 
Thy very ftones prate of my where-about, 
And take the prefent horror from the time, 
Which now futes with it. Whiles I threat, he liues: 
Words to the heat of deedes too cold breath giues. 
cA Bell rings. 



I goe, and it is done: the Bell inuites me. 
Heare it not,Duncan, for it is a Knell, 
That fummons thee to Heauen,or to Hell. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Lady. 
La.That which hath made the drunk,hath made me bold: 
What hath quench'd them, hath giuen me fire. 
Hearke, peace : it was the Owle that (hriek'd, 
The fatall Bell-man, which giues the ftern'ft good-night. 
He is about it, the Doores are open : 
And the furfeted Groomes doe mock their charge 
With Snores. I haue drugg'd their Poflets, 
That Death and Nature doe contend about them, 
Whether they liue,or dye. 

Enter Macbeth. 

Macb. Who's there? what hoa? 

Lady. Alack, I am afraid they haue awak'd, 
And 'tis not done: th'attempt,and not the deed, 
Confounds vs: hearke: I lay'd their Daggers ready, 
He could not miffe 'em. Had he not reiembled 
My Father as he flept, I had don't. 
My Husband ? 

Macb. I haue done the deed : 
Didft thou not heare a noyfe ? 

Lady.l heard the Owle fchreame,and the Crickets cry. 
Did not you fpeake ? 

Macb. When? 

Lady. Now. 

Macb. As I defcended? 

Lady. I. 

Macb. Hearke, who lyes i'th'fecond Chamber? 

Lady. T>ona/baine. 

Mac. This is a forry fight. 

Lady. A foolifh thought, to fay a forry fight. 

Macb. There's one did laugh in's fleepe, 
And one cry'd Murther, that they did wake each other: 
I ftood,and heard them : But they did fay their Prayers, 
And addreft them againe to fleepe. 

Lady. There are two lodg'd together. 

Macb. One cry'd God blefie vs,and Amen the other, 
As they had feene me with thefe Hangmans hands: 
Liftning their feare, I could not fay Amen, 
When they did fay God bleffe vs. 

Lady. Confider it not fo deepely. 

Mac. But wherefore could not I pronounce Amen ? 
I had moft need of Bleffing,and Amen ftuck in my throat. 

Lady. Thefe deeds mult not be thought 
After thefe wayes : fo,it will make vs mad. 

Macb. Me thought I heard a voyce cry, Sleep no more: 
oMacbeth does murther Sleepe, the innocent Sleepe, 
Sleepe that knits vp the rauel'd Sleeue of Care, 
The death of each dayes Life, fore Labors Bath, 
Balme of hurt Mindes,great Natures fecond Courfe, 
Chiefe nourifher in Life's Feaft. 

Lady. What doe you meane ? 

Macb. Still it cry'd, Sleepe no more to all the Houfe : 
Glamu hath murther'd Sleepe, and therefore Cawdor 
Shall fleepe no more: Macbeth (hall fleepe no more. 

Lady. Who was it, that thus cry'd? why worthy Thane, 
You doe vnbend your Noble ftrength,to thinke 
So braine-fickly of things: Goe get fome Water, 

And 



"726" 



The Tragedie of ^Macbeth. 



m 



And waft this filthie Witnefle from your Hand. 
Why did you bring thefe Daggers from the place? 
They muft lye there : goe carry them, and fmeare 
The fleepie Groomes with blood. 

Macb. lie goe no more : 
I am afraid, to thinke what I haue done : 
Looke on't againe, I dare not. 

Lady. Infirme of purpofe : 
Giue me the Daggers: the fleeping.and the dead, 
Are but as Pictures : 'tis the Eye of Child-hood, 
That feares a painted Deuill. If he doe bleed, 
He guild the Faces of the Groomes withall, 
For it muft feeme their Guilt. Exit. 

Knccke within. 

Macb. Whence is that knocking ? 
How is't with me, when euery noyfe appalls me ? 
What Hands are here ? hah : they pluck out mine Eyes 
Will all great Neptunes Ocean warn this blood 
Cleane from my Hand? no: this my Hand will rather 
The multitudinous Seas incarnardine, 
Making the Greene one, Red. 

Enter Lady. 

Lady. My Hands are of your colour : but I'ihame 
To weare a Heart fo white. Knocke- 

I heare a knocking at the South entry : 
Retyre we to our Chamber : 
A little Water cleares vs of this deed. 
How eafie is it then ? your Conftancie 
Hath left you vnattended. Knocke. 

Hearke, more knocking. 

Get on your Night-Gowne, lead: occafion call vs, 
And mew vs to be Watchers : be not loft 
So poorely in your thoughts. 

Macb. To know my deed, Knocks. 

'Twere beft not know my felfe. 
Wake Duncan with thy knocking : 
I would thou could'ft. Exeunt. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter a Porter. 

Knocking within. 
Porter. Here's a knocking indeede : if a, man were 
Porter of Hell Gate, hee mould haue old turning the 
Key. Knock- Knock, Knock, Knock. Who's there 
i'th'name of Belzebub ? Here's a Farmer, that hang'd 
himfelfe on th'expeftation of Plentie:Come in time, haue 
Napkins enow about you, here you'le fweat for't. Knock. 
Knock, knock. Who's there in th 'other DeuilsName? 
Faith here's an Equiuocator, that could fweare in both 
the Scales againft eyther Scale, who committed Treaibn 
enough for Gods fake, yet could not equiuocate to Hea- 
uen : oh come in, Equiuocator. Knoik; Knock, 

Knock, Knock. Who's there? 'Faith here's an Englim 
Taylor come hither, for dealing out of a French Hole: 
Come in Taylor, here you may roft your Goofe. Knocks 
Knock, Knock. Neuer at quiet : What are you ? but this 
place is too cold for Hell. He Deuill-Porrer it no further: 
I had thought to haue let in fome of all ProfeiTions, that 
goe the Primrofe way to th'euerlafting Bonfire. Knock; 
Anon,anon,I pray you remember the Porter. 



Enter Macduff, and Lenox. 

Macd. Was it fo late, friend, ere you went to Bed, 
That you doe lye fo late ? 

Port. Faith Sir, we were carowfing till the fecond Cock: 
And Drinke,Sir, is a great prouoker of three things. 

Macd. What three things does Drinke elpecially 
prouoke / 

Port. Marry, Sir, Nofe-painting, Sleepe, and Vrine. 
Lecherie, Sir, it prouokes, and vnprouokes : it prouokes 
the defire,but it takes away the performance. Therefore 
much Drinke may be faid to be an Equiuocator with Le- 
cherie: it makes him, and it marres him; it fets him on, 
and it takes him off; it perfwades him, and dif-heartens 
him ; makes him ftand too,and not ftand too : in conclu- 
sion, equiuocates him in a fleepe,and giumg him the Lye, 
leaues him. 

Macd. I beleeue, Drinke gaue thee the Lye laft Night. 

Port. That it did,Sir,i'the very Throat on me: but I 
requited him for his Lye, and (I thinke)being too ftrong 
for him, though he tooke vp my Legges fometime, yet 1 
made a Shift to caft him. 

Enter Macbeth. 

Macd. Is thy Matter ftirring ? 
Our knocking ha's awak'd him: here he comes. 

Lenox. Good morrow, Noble Sir. 

Macb. Good morrow both. 

Macd. Is the King ftirring, worthy Thane ? 

Macb. Not yet. 

Macd. He did command me to call timely on him, 
I haue almoft dipt the houre. 

Ma b. He bring you to him. 

Macd. I know this is a ioyfull trouble to you : 
But yet 'tis one. 

Macb. The labour we delight in,Phyficks paine : 
This is the Doore. 

Macd. He make fo bold to call, for'tis my limitted 
feruice. Exit Macduffe. 

Lenox. Goes the King hence to day? 

Macb. He does : he did appoint fo. 

Lenox. The Night ha's been vnruly : 
Where we lay, our Chimneys were blowne downe, 
And (as they fay) lamentings heard i'th'Ayre 
Strange Schreemes of Death, 
And Prophecying, with Accents terrible, 
Of dyre Combuftion, and confus'd Euents, 
New hatch'd toth' wofull time 
The obfcure Bird clamor'd the liue-long Night. 
Some fay, the Earth was feuorous, 
And did make. 

Macb. 'Twas a rough Night. 

Lenox. My young remembrance cannot paralell 
A fellow to it. 

Enter cMacduff. 

Macd. O horror, horror, horror, 
Tongue nor Heart cannot conceiue, nor name thee. 

Macb. and Lenox. What's the matter? 

Macd. Confufion now hath made his Mafter-peece: 
Moll facrilegious Murther hath broke ope 
The Lords anoynted Temple, and ftole thence 
The Life o'th' Building. 

Macb. What is't you fay, the L' r e ? 

Lenox. Meane you his Maieftie? 

Macd. Approch the Chamber, and deftroy your light 
With a new Gorgon. Doe not bid me fpeake : 

m m 3 See, 



138 



The Tr age die of ^Macbeth. 



See,and then fpeake your felues : awake,awake, 

Exeunt Macbeth and Lenox. 
Ring the Alarum Bell : Murther, and Treaibn, 
"Banquo, and Donalbaine : Malcolme awake, 
Shake off this Downey fleepe, Deaths counterfeit, 
And looke on Death itfelfe : vp,vp,and fee 
The great Doomes Image: Malcolme, Banquo, 
As from your Grauesrife vp,and walke like Sprights, 
To countenance this horror. Ring the Bell. 
Bell rings. Enter Lady. 

Lady. What's the Bufineffe ? 
Thatfuch a hideous Trumpet calls to parley 
The fleepers of the Houfe? fpeake, fpeake. 

Macd. O gentle Lady, 
'Tis not for you to heare what I can fpeake : 
The repetition in a Womans eare, 
Would murther as it fell. 

Enter "Banquo. 

"Banquo^anquo, Our Royall Matter's murther'd. 
Lady. Woe, alas : 

What, in our Houfe ? 

Ban. Too cruell,any where. 
Deare Duff, I prythee contradict thy felfe, 
And fay, it is not fo. 

Enter Macbeth , Lenox, and Rojfe. 

Macb. Had I but dy'd an houre before this chance, 

1 had liu'd a bleffed time : for from this inftant, 
There's nothing ferious in Mortalitie : 

All is but Toyes : Renowne and Grace is dead, 
The Wine of Life is drawne,and the meere Lees 
Is left this Vault, to brag of. 

Enter Malcolme and Donalbaine. 

Dona/. What is amifle » 

Macb. You are, and doe not know't : 
The Spring,the Head, the Fountaine of your Blood 
Is ftopt, the very Source of it is ftopt. 

Macd. Your Royall Father's murther'd. 

Mai. Ch, by whom ? 

Lenox. Thofe of his Chamber,as it feem'd,had don't: 
Their Hands and Faces were all badg'd with blood, 
So were their Daggers, which vnwip'd,we found 
Vpon their Pillowes: they ftar'd,and were diftracled, 
No mans Life was to be trufted with them. 

Macb. 0,yet I doe repent me of my furie, 
That 1 did kill them. 

Macd. Wherefore did you fo ? 

Macb-Who can be wife.amaz'd, temp'rate.& furious, 
Loyall,and Neutrall,in a moment? No man: 
Th'expedition of my violent Loue 
Out-run the pawier, Reafon. Here lay Duncan, 
His Siluer skinne, lac'd with his Golden Blood, 
And his gafh'd Stabs,look'd like a Breach in Nature, 
For Ruines waftfull entrance : there the Murtherers, 
Steep'd in the Colours of their Trade ; their Daggers 
Vnmannerly breech'd with gore : who could refraine, 
That had a heart to loue ; and in that heart, 
Courage, to make's loue knowne? 

Lady. Helpe me hence, hoa. 

Macd. Looke to the Lady. 

Mai. Why doe we hold our tongues, 
That moft may clayme this argument for ours ? 

"Donah What mould be l'poken here, 



Where our Fate hid in an augure hole, 
May rum, and feize vs? Let's away, 
Our Teares are not yet brew'd. 

Mai. Nor our ftrong Sorrow 
Vpon the foot of Motion. 

Banq. Looke to the Lady : 
And when we haue our naked Frailties hid, 
That fuffer in expofure ; let vs meet, 
And queftion this moft bloody piece of worke, 
To know it further. Feares and fcruples make vs: 
In the great Hand of God I ftand,and thence, 
Againft the vndivulg'd pretence, I fight 
Of Treafonous Mallice. 

Macd. And fo doe I. 

All. So all. 

Macb. Let's briefely put on manly readinefle, 
And meet i'th'Hall together. 

All. Well contented. Exeunt. 

Male. What will you doe ? 
Let's not confort with them : 
To lhew an vnfelt Sorrow, is an Office 
Which the falfe man do's eafie. 
lie to England. 

Don. To Ireland, I : 
Our feperated fortune (hall keepe vs both the fafer : 
Where we are, there's Daggers in mens Smiles; 
The neere in blood, the neerer bloody. 

Male. This murtherous Shaft that's /hot, 
Hath not yet lighted:and our fa f eft way, 
Is to auoid the ayme. Therefore to Horfe, 
And let vs not be daintie of leaue-taking, 
But ihift away : there's warrant in that Theft, 
Which fteales it felr'e, when there's no mercie left. 
Exeunt. 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter Roffe,reitb an Old man. 

Old man. Threefcore and ten I can remember well, 
Within the Volume of which Time,l haue feene 
Houres dreadfull,and things ftrange: but this fore Night 
Hath trifled former knowings. 

Rrffe. Ha, good Father, 
Thou feeft the Heauens, as troubled with mans Aft, 
Threatens his bloody Stage: byth' Clock 'tis Day, 
And yet darke Night ftrangles the trauailing Lampe : 
Is't Nights predominance, or the Dayes fhame, 
That Darkneffe does the face of Earth incombe, 
When liuing Light mould kiife it ? 

Old man. 'Tis vnnaturall, 
Euen like the deed that's done : On Tuefday laft, 
A Faulcon towring in her pride of place, 
Was by a Mowiing Owle hawkt at,and kill'd. 

Rojfe. And Duncans Horfes, 
(A thing moft ftrange, and certaine) 
Beauteous, and fwift, the Minions of their Race, 
Turn'd wilde in nature, broke their ftalls,flong out, 
Contending 'gainft Obedience, as they would 
Make Warre with Mankinde. 

Old man. 'Tis faid.they eate each other. 

Rojfe. They did fo : 

To 

728 



The T rage die of SMacbeth. 



J 39 



To th'amazement of mine eyes that look'd vpon't. 

Enter Macduffe. 
Heere comes the good Macduffe. 
How goes the world Sir, now ? 

Macd. Why fee you not ? 

Rc/f.ls't known who did this more then bloody deed? 

Macd. Thofe that Macbeth hath ilaine. 

Roff. Alas the day, 
What good could they pretend ? 

Macd. They were fubborned, 
Malcolme, and Donalbaine the Kings two Sonnes 
Are ftolne away and fled, which puts vpon them 
Sufpition of the deed. 

Rcffe. 'Gainft Nature ftill, 
Thriftlefie Ambition, that will rauen vp 
Thine owne liues meanes : Then 'tis moft like, 
The Soueraignty will fall vpon Macbeth. 

ojlfacd. He is already nam'd, and gone to Scone 
To be inuefted. 

RoJJe. Where is Duncans body ? 

Macd. Carried to Colmekill, 
The Sacred Store-houfe of his Predeceffors, 
And Guardian of their Bones. 

RoJJe. Will you to Scone ? 

zMacd. No Cofin, He to Fife. 

%offe- Well, I will thither. 

Macd. Well may you fee things wel done there: Adieu 
Leaft our old Robes fit eafier then our new. 

'Rofe. Farewell, Father. 

Old M. Gods benyfon go with you, and with thofe 
That would make good of bad, and Friends of Foes. 

Exeunt omnes 



Affius Tertius. Scena T'rima. 



Enter 'Bar.quo. 
'Banq. Thou haft it now, King, Cawdor, Glamis, all, 
As the weyard Women promis'd, and I feare 
Thou playd'ft moft fowly for't : yet it was faide 
It mould not ftand in thy Pofterity, 
But that my felfe Ihould be the Roote,and Father 
Of many Kings. If there come truth from them, 
As vpon thee cMacbetb, their Speeches mine, 
Why by the verities on thee made good, 
May they not be my Oracles as well, 
And fet me vp in hope. But huih,no more. 

Senit founded. Enter Macbeth at King, Lady Lenox, 
RoJJe, Lords, and Attendants. 

Macb. Heere's our chiefe Gueft. 

La. If he had beene forgotten, 
It had bene as a gap in our great Feaft, 
And all-thing vnbecomming. 

Macb. To night we hold a folemne Supper fir, 
And He requeft your prefence. 

Banq. Let your HighnefTe 
Command vpon me, to the which my duties 
Are with a moft indiffoluble tye 
For euer knit. 

Macb. Ride you this afternoone ? 

Ban. I, my good Lord. 

Macb. We mould haue elfe defir'd your good aduice 



7^9 



(Which ftill hath been both graue,and profperous) 
In this dayes Councell : but wee'le take to morrow. 
Is't farre you ride ? 

'Ban. As farre, my Lord, as will fill vp the time 
'Twixt this, and Supper. Goe not my Horfe the better, 
I muft become a borrower of the Night, 
For a darke houre,or twaine. 

Macb. Faile not our Feaft. 

■Saw. My Lord, I will not. 

Macb. We heare our bloody Cozens are beftow'd 
In England, and in Ireland, not confefsing 
Their cruell Parricide, filling their hearers 
With ftrange inuention. But of that to morrow, 
When therewithal], we ftiall haue caufe of State, 
Crauing vs ioyntly. Hye you to Horfe : 
Adieu, till you returne at Night. 



Goes Flear.ce 



\ mi 



'Ban. I, my good Lord : our time does call vpon's. 

Macb. I wifh your Horfes fwift, and fure of foot : 
And fo I doe commend you to their backs. 
Farwell. Exit Banquo. 

Let euery man be mafter of his time, 
Till feuen at Night, to make focietie 
The fweeter welcome : 

We will keepe our felfe till Supper time alone : 
While then, God be with you. Exeunt Lords. 

Sirrha, a word with you : Attend thofe men 
Our pleafure ? 

Seruant. They are, my Lord, without the Pallace 
Gate. 

Macb. Bring them before vs. Exit Seruant. 

To be thus, is nothing, but to be fafely thus : 
Our feares in 'Banquo fticke deepe, 
And in his Royaltie of Nature reignes that 
Which would be fear'd. 'Tis much he dares, 
And to that dauntlefle temper of his Minde, 
He hath a Wifdome, that doth guide his Valour, 
To act in fafetie. There is none but he, 
Whofe being I doe feare : and vnder him, 
My Genim is rebuk'd,as it is faid 
Mar{ Anthonies was by Cajar. He chid the Sifters, 
When firft they put the Name of King vpon me, 
And bad them fpeake to him. Then Prophet-like, 
They hayl'd him Father to a Line of Kings. 
Vpon my Head they plac'd a fruitlefle .Crowne, 
And put a barren Scepter in my Gripe, 
Thence to be wrencht with an vnlineall Hand, 
No Sonne of mine fucceeding : if't be fo, 
For Banquets Iffue haue I fil'd my Minde, 
For them, the gracious Duncan haue I murther'd, 
Put Rancours in the Veflell of my Peace - 
Onely for them, and mine eternall Iewell 
Giuen to the common Enemie of Man, 
To make them Kings, the Seedes of 'Banquo Kings. 
Rather then fo,come Fate into the Lyft, 
And champion me to th'vtterance. 
Who's there ? 

Enter Seruant .and two Mm therers. 



Now goe to the Doore, and ftay there till we call. 
Exit Seruc 
Was it not yefterday we fpoke together ? 

Murth. It was, fo pleafe your HighnefTe. 

Macb. Well then, 
Now haue you confider'd of my fpeeches : 



14-0 



The Tragedie of ^Macbeth. 



Know, that it was he, in the times paft, 

Which held you fo vnder fortune, 

Which you thought had been our innocent felfe. 

This I made good to you, in our iaft conference, 

Paft in probation with you : 

How you were borne in hand, how croft : 

The Instruments : who wrought with them : 

And all things elfe,that might 

To halfe a Soule,and to a Notion craz'd, 

Say, Thus did "Banquo. 

1 . Murth. You made it knowne to vs. 

Macb . I did fo : 
And went further, which is now 
Our point of fecond meeting. 
Doe you fmde your patience fo predominant, 
In your nature, that you can let this goe ? 
Are you fo GofpelFd, to pray for this good man, 
And for his Ilfue, whofe heauie hand 
Hath bow'd you to the Graue, and begger'd 
Yours for euer ? 

1 . Murth. V/e are men, my Liege. 

Macb. I, in the Catalogue ye goe for men, 
As Hounds,and Greyhounds, Mungrels, Spaniels, Curr 
Showghes, Water-Rugs, and Demy-Wolues are dipt 
All by the Name of Dogges : the valued file 
Diftinguifhes the fwift,the flow, the fubtle, 
The Houfe-keeper, the Hunter, euery one 
According to the gift, which bounteous Nature 
Hath in him clos'd: whereby he does receiue 
Particular addition, from the Bill, 
That writes them all alike : and fo of men. 
Now, if you haue a ftation in the file, 
Not i'th' worft ranke of Manhood, lay't, 
And I will put that Bufinefle in your Bofornes, 
Whofe execution takes your Enemie off, 
Grapples you to the heartjand loue of vs, 
Who weare our Health but fickly in his Life, 
Which in his Death were perfect. 

2. Murth. I am one, my Liege, 
Whom the vile Blowes and Buffets of the World 
Hath fo incens'd,that I am reckleife what I doe, 
To fpight the World. 

1. Murth. And I another, 
So wearie with Dilafters, tugg'd with Fortune, 
That I would fet my Life on any Chance, 
To mend it, or be rid on't. 

Macb. Both of you know 'Bar.quo was your Enemi 

Murth. True, my Lord. 

Macb. So is he mine: and in fuch bloody diftance, 
That euery minute of his being, thrufts 
Againft my neer'ft of Life: and though I could 
With bare-fae'd power fweepe him from my fight, 
And bid my will auouch it ; yet I muft not, 
For certaine friends that are both his, and mine, 
Whofe loues I may not drop, but wayle his fall, 
Who I my felfe ftruck downe : and thence it is, 
That I to your afiiftance doe make loue, 
Masking the BufineiTe from the common Eye, 
For fundry weightie Reafons. 

z. Murth. We ftiall,my Lord, 
Performe what you command vs. 

l. Murth. Though our Liues-- 

Macb. Your Spirits mine through you. 
Within this houre, at moft, 
I will aduife you where to plant your felues, 
Acquaint you with the perfect Spy o'th'time, 



The moment on't,for't muft be done to Night, 
And fomething from the Pallace : alwayes thought, 
That I require a cleareneffe ; and with him, 
To leaue no Rubs nor Botches in the Worke : 
Fleans, his Sonne, that keepes him companie, 
Whofe abfence is no lefi'e materiall to me, 
Then is his Fathers, muft embrace the fate 
Of that darke houre : relblue your felues apart, 
lie come to you anon. 

Murth. We are refolu'd,my Lord. 

Macb. lie call vpon you ftraight : abide within, 
It is concluded : 'Banquo, thy Soules flight, 
if it finde Heauen,muft finde it out to Night. Exeunt. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter cMacbetbs Lady , and a Seruant. 

Lady. Is Banquo gone from Court ? 

Seruant. 1, Madame, but returnes againe to Night. 

Lady. Say to the King, I would attend his leyfure, 
For a few words. 

Seruant. Madame, I will. Exit. 

Lady. Nought's had, all's fpent, 
Where our defire is got without content : 
'Tis fafer,to be that which we deftroy, 
Then by deftrucYion dwell in doubtfull ioy. 

Enter zMacbeth. 
How now,my Lord, why doe you keepe alone ? 
Of forryeft Fancies your Companions making, 
Vfmg thofe Thoughts, which Ihould indeed haue dy'd 
With them they thinke on: things without all remedie 
Should be without regard: what'sidone, is done. 

Macb. We haue fcorch'd the Snake, not kill'd it: 
Shee'le clofe,and be her felfe, whileft our poore Mallice 
Remaines in danger of her former Tooth. 
But let the frame of things dif-ioynt, 
Both the Worlds fuffer, 

Ere we will eate our Meale in feare, and fleepe 
In the affliction of thefe terrible Dreames, 
That ihake vs Nightly: Better be with the dead, 
I Whom we, to gayne our peace, haue fent to peace, 
I Then on the torture of the Minde to lye 
In reftleflfe extafie. 
T>uncane is in his Graue : 
After Lifes fitfull Feuer, he fieepes well, 
Treafon ha's done his worft : nor Steele, nor Poyfon, 
I Mallice domeftique, forraine Leuie, nothing, 
Can touch him further. 

Lady. Come on : 
Gentle my Lord,fleeke o're your rugged Lookes, 
Be bright and Iouiall among your Guefts to Night. 

Macb. So ihall I Loue, and fo I pray be you : 
Let your remembrance apply to Banquo, 
Prefent him Eminence, both with Eye and Tongue : 
Vnfafe the while, that wee muft laue 
Our Honors in thefe flattering ftreames, 
And make our Faces Vizards to our Hearts, 
j Difguiling what they are. 

Lady. You muft leaue this. 

Macb. O.full of Scorpions is my Minde,deare Wife : 
Thou know'ft,that Banquo and his Fleam liues. 

Lady. But 



The Tragedie of ^Macbeth. 



141 



Lady. . But in them, Natures Coppie's not eterne. 

Macb. There's comfort yet, they are affaileable, 
Then be thou iocund : ere the Bat hath flowne 
His Cloyfter'd flight, ere to black Eeccats fummons 
The fliard-borne Beetle, with his drowfie hums, 
Hath rung Nights yawning Peale, 
There fhall be done a deed of dreadfull note. 

Lady. What's to be done ? 

Macb. Be innocent of the knowledge, deareft Chuck, 
Till thou applaud the deed: Come, feeling Night, 
Skarfe vp the tender Eye of pittifull Day, 
And with thy bloodie and inuifible Hand 
Cancell and teare to pieces that great Bond, 
Which keepes me pale. Light thickens, 
And the Crow makes Wing toth' Rookie Wood : 
Good things of Day begin to droope,and drowfe, 
Whiles Nights black Agents to their Prey's doe rowfe. 
Thou maruell'ft at my words : but hold thee ftill, 
Things bad begun, make ftrong themfelues by ill : 
So prythee goe with me. Exeunt . 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter three Murtherers. 

1. But who did bid thee ioyne with vs? 
3. Maebeth. 

2. He needes not our miftruft, fince he deliuers 
Our Offices, and what we haue to doe, 

To the direftion iuft. 

1. Then ftand with vs : 

The Weft yet glimmers with fome ftreakes of Day. 
Now fpurres the lated Traueller apace, 
To gayne the timely Inne, end neere approches 
The fubiefl of our Watch. 

3. Hearke,I heare Horfes. 

c Banquo within. Giue vs a Light there, hoa. 

2. Then 'tishee : 

The reft, that are within the note of expectation, 
Alreadie are i'th'Court. 
I. His Horfes goe about. 

3. Almoft a mile : but he does vfually, 

So all men doe, from hence toth'Pallace Gate 
Make it their Walke. 



Enter 



Ban quo a 
a Light. 



id Fleam , with a Torch. 



2. A. Light, 

3. 'Tis hee. 

1. Stand too'U 

Ban. It will be Rayne to Night. 

1. Let it come downe. 

■"Ban. O, Trecherie I 
Flye good Fleam, flye, flye, flye, 
Thou may'ft reuenge. O Slaue ! 

3. Who did ftrike out the Light ? 

1. Was't not the way ? 

3. There's but one downe: the Sonne is fled. 

2. We haue loft 
Beft halfe of our Affaire. 

1. Well, let's away, and lay how much is done. 



Sccena Quarta. 



Banquet prepared. Enter oSfyfacbetb, Lady, Rofie, Lenox, 
Lords, and ^Attendants. 

Macb. You know your owne degrees, fit downe: 
At firft and laft,the hearty welcome. 

Lords. Thankes to your Maiefty. 

Macb. Our felfe will mingle with Society, 
And play the humble Hoft : 
Our Hoftefie keepes her State, but in beft time 
We will require her welcome. 

La. Pronounce it for me Sir, to all our Friends, 
For my heart fpeakes,they are welcome. 
Enter fir fi <tMurtherer. 

Macb.See they encounter thee with their harts thanks 
Both fides are euen : heere He fit i'th'mid'ft, 
Be large in mirth, anon wee'l drinke a Meaiure 
The Table round. There's blood vpon thy face. 

Mur. 'Tis 'Banquo's then. 

Macb. 'Tis better thee without, then he within. 
Is he difpatch'd i 

Mur. My Lord his throat is cut, that I did for him. 

Mac. Thou art the beft o'th'Cut-throats, 
Yet hee's good that did the like for Flcans : 
If thou did'ft it, thou art the Non-pareill. 

Mur. MoftRoyallSir 
Fleans is fcap'd. 

tiMacb. Then comes my Fit againe : 
I had elfe beene perfedt ; 
Whole as the Marble, founded as the Rocke, 
As broad, and generall, as the cafing Ayre: 
But now I am cabin'd, crib'd, confin'd, bound in' 
To fawcy doubts, and feares. But Banquo's fafe ? 

Mur. I, my good Lord : fafe in a ditch he bides, 
With twenty trenched ga/hes on his head 5 
The leaft a Death to Nature. 

Macb. Thankes for that: 
There the growne Serpent lyes, the worme that's fled 
Hath Nature that in time will Venom breed, 
No teeth for th'prefent. Get thee gone, to morrow 
Wee'l heare our felues againe. Exit Murderer. 

Lady. My Royall Lord, 
You do not giue the Cheere, the Feaft is fold 
That is not often vouch'd, while 'tis a making : 
'Tis giuen, with welcome : to feede were beft at home : 
From thence, the fawce to meate is Ceremony, 
Meeting were bare without it. 

Enter the Ghoft of Banquo, and fits in Macbeths place. 

<tMacb. Sweet Remembrancer : 
Now good digeftion waite on Appetite, 
And health on both. 

Lenox. May't pleafe your Highnefle fit. 

Macb. Here had we now our Countries Honor,roofd, 
Were the grae'd perfon of our 'Banquo preient : 
Who, may I rather challenge for vnkindnefle, 
Then pitty for Mifchance. 

Roffe. Hisabfence(Sir) 
Layes blame vpon his promife. Pleas't your Highnefle 
To grace vs with your Royall Company ? 

Mcab. 



142 



The Tragedie of ^Macbeth. 



Macb. The Table's full. 

Lenox. Heere is a place referu'd Sir. 

Macb. Where? 

Lenox. Heere my good Lord. 
What is't that moues your HighnefTe ? 

itMacb. Which of you haue done this? 

Lords. What, my good Lord ? 

Macb. Thou canft not fay I did it: neuer fhake 
Thy goary lockes at me. 

RoJJe. Gentlemen rife, his Highneffe is not well. 

Lady. Sit worthy Friends : my Lord is often thus, 
And hath beene from his youth. Pray you keepe Seat, 
The fit is momentary, vpon a thought 
He will againe be well. If much you note him 
You mall offend him, and extend his Paffion, 
Feed, and regard him not. Are you a man? 

Macb. I, and a bold one, that dare looke on that 
Which might appall the Diuell. 

La. O proper ftuffe : 
This is the very painting of your feare : 
This is the Ayre-drawne-Dagger which you faid 
Led you to 'Duncan. O, thefe flawesand ftarts 
(Impoftors to true feare) would well become 
A womans ftory, at a Winters fire 
Authoriz'd by her Grandam : ihame it felfe, 
Why do you make fuch faces? When all's done 
You looke but on a ftoole. 

Macb. Prythee fee there : 
Behold, looke, loe, how fay you : 
Why what care I, if thou canft nod, fpeake too. 
If Charnell houfes, and our Graues muft fend 
Thofe that we bury, backe; our Monuments 
Shall be the Mawes of Kytes. 

La. What? quite vnmann'd in folly. 

Macb. If I ftand heere, I faw him. 

La. Fie for ihame. 

Macb. Blood hath bene flied ere now, i'th'olden time 
Ere humane Statute purg'd the gentle Weale : 
I, and fince too, Murthers haue bene perform'd 
Too terrible for the eare. The times has bene, 
That when the Braines were out, the man would dye, 
And there an end : But now they rife againe 
With twenty mortall murthers on their crownes, 
And pufti vs from our ftooles. This is more ftrange 
Then fuch a murther is. 

La. My worthy Lord 
Your Noble Friends do lacke you. 

Macb. I do forget: 
Do not mufe at me my moft worthy Friends, 
I haue a ftrange infirmity, which is nothing 
To thofe that know me. Come,loue and health to all, 
Then He fit downe : Giue me fome Wine,fill full : 

Enter Gboft. 
I drinke to th'generall ioy o'th'whole Table, 
And to our deere Friend ^Banauo, whom we miffe : 
Would he were heere : to all, and him we thirft, 
And all to all. 

Lords. Our duties, and the pledge. 

c^fac.Auant, & quit my fight, let the earth hide thee: 
Thy bones are marrowleffe, thy blood is cold : 
Thou haft no fpeculation in thofe eyes 
Which thou doft glare with. 

La. Thinke of this good Peeres' 
But as a thing of Cuftome : 'Tis no other, 
Onely it fpoyles the pleafure of the time. 

Macb. What man dare, I dare : 



Approach thou like the rugged Ruffian Beare, 
The arm'd Rhinoceros, or th'Hircan Tiger, 
Take any fhape but that, and my firme Nerues 
Shall neuer tremble. Or be aliue againe, 
And dare me to the Defart with thy Sword : 
If trembling I inhabit then, proteft mee 
The Baby of a Girle. Hence horrible ftiadow, 
Vnreall mock'ry hence. Why fo, being gone 
I am a man againe : pray you fit ftill. 

La. You haue difplac'd the mirth, 
Broke the good meeting, with moft admir'd diforder. 

Macb. Can fuch things be, 
And ouercome vs like a Summers Clowd, 
Without our fpeciall wonder? You make me ftrange 
Euen to the difpofition that I owe, 
When now I thinke you can behold fuch fights, 
And keepe the naturall Rubie of your Cheekes, 
When mine is blanch'd with feare. 

Rojfe. What fights, my Lord? 

La. I pray you fpeake not : he growes worfe & worfe 
Queftion enrages him : at once, goodnight. 
Stand not vpon the order of your going, 
But go at once. 

Len. Good night, and better health 
Attend his Maiefty. 

La. A kinde goodnight to all. Exit Lords. 

Macb. It will haue blood they fay : 
Blood will haue Blood : 

Stones haue beene knowne to moue,& Trees to fpeake : 
Augures, and vnderftood Relations, haue 
By Maggot Pyes,& Choughes, & Rookes brought forth 
The fecret'ft man of Blood. What is the night? 

La. Almoft at oddes with morning, which is which. 

Macb.How fay 'ft thou that Macduff denies his perfon 
At our great bidding. 

La: Did you fend to him Sir? 

Macb. I heare it by the way : But I will fend : 
There's not a one of them but in his houfe 
I keepe a Seruant Feed. I will to morrow 
(And betimes I will) to the weyard Sifters. 
More (hall they fpeake : for now I am bent to know 
By the worft meanes, the worft, for mine owne good, 
All caufes ftiall giue way. I am in blood 
Stept in fo farre, that fhould I wade no more, 
Returning were as tedious as go ore : 
Strange things I haue in head, that will to hand, 
Which muft be afled, ere they may be fcand. 

La. You lacke the feafon of all Natures, (leepe. 

Macb.Come, wee'l to fleepe : My ftrange & felf-abufe 
Is the initiate feare, that wants hard vfe : 
We are yet but yong indeed. Exeunt. 



Scena Quint a. 



Thunder. Enter the three Witches, meeting 
Hecat. 

I. Why how now Hecat, you looke angerly ? 

Hec. Haue I not reafon (Beldams) as you are ? 
Sawcy, and ouer-bold, how did you dare 
To Trade, and Trafhcke with Macbeth, 
In Riddles, and Affaires of death ; 



The Tragedie of ^Macbeth* 



H3 



And I the Miftris of your Charmes, 

The clofe contriuer of all harmes, 

Was neuer call'd to beare my part, 

Or fhew the glory of our Art ? 

And which is worfe, all you haue done 

Hath bene but for a wayward Sonne, 

Spightfull, and wrathfull, who (as others do) 

Loues for his owne ends, not for you. 

But make amends now: Get you gon, 

And at the pit of Acheron 

Meete me i'th'Morning : thither he 

Will come, to know his Deftinie. 

Your VefTels, and your Spels prouide, 

Your Charmes, and euery thing befide ; 

I am for th'Ayre : This night lie fpend 

Vnto a difmall, and a Fatall end. 

Great bufinefie muft be wrought ere Noone. 

Vpon the Corner of the Moone 

There hangs a vap'rous drop, profound, 

He catch it ere it come to ground ; 

And that diftill'd by Magicke (lights, 

Shall raife fuch Artificiall Sprights, 

As by the ftrength of their illufion, 

Shall draw him on to his Confufion. 

He Ihall fpurne Fate, fcorne Death, and beare 

His hopes 'boue Wifedome, Grace, and Feare: 

And you all know, Security 

Is Mortals cheefeft Enemie. 

Mujlcke,and a Song. 
Hearke, I am call'd : my little Spirit fee 
Sits in a Foggy cloud, and ftayes for me. 

Sing within. Come away, come away, (TV. 
I Come, let's make half, fhee'l foone be 
Backe againe. Exeunt. 



Scczna Sexta. 



Enter Lenox,and another Lord. 

Lenox. My former Speeches, 
Haue but hit your Thoughts 
Which can interpret farther : Onely I fay 
Things haue bin ftrangely borne. The gracious Duncan 
Was pittied of Macbeth : marry he was dead : 
And the right valiant Banquo walk'd too late, • 
Whom you may fay (if t pleafe youj Fleans kill'd, 
For Fleans fled : Men muft not walke too late. 
Who cannot want the thought, how monftrous 
It was for Malcolme, and for Donalbane 
To kill their gracious Father ? Damned Fadt, 
How it did greeue Macbeth ? Did he not ftraight 
In pious rage, the two delinquents teare, 
That were the Slaues of drinke, and thralles of fleepe ? 
Was not that Nobly done? I, and wifely too : 
For 'twould haue anger'd any heart aliue 
To heare the men deny't. So that I fay, 
He ha's borne all things well, and I do thinke, 
That had he Duncans Sonnes vnder his Key, 
(As,and't pleafe Heauen he lhall not) they mould finde 
What 'twere to kill a Father : So mould Fleans. 
But peace ; for from broad words, and caufe he fayl'd 
His prefence at the Tyrants Feaft, I heare 
'tMacduffe liues in difgrace. Sir,can you tell 



Where he beftowes himfelfe? 

Lord. The Sonnes of Duncane 
(From whom this Tyrant holds the due of Birth) 
Liues in the Englifli Court, and is receyu'd 
Of the moft Pious Edward, with fuch grace, 
That the maleuolence of Fortune, nothing 
Takes from his high refpect. Thither Macduffe 
Is gone, to pray the Holy King, vpon his ayd 
To wake Northumberland, and warlike Seyward, 
That by the helpe of thefe (with him abouej 
To ratine the Worke) we may againe 
Giue to our Tables meate, fleepe to our Nights: 
Free from our Feafts,and Banquets bloody kniues ; 
Do faithfull Homage,and receiue free Honors, 
All which we pine for now. And this report 
Hath fo exafperate their King, that hee 
Prepares for fome attempt of Warre. 

Len. Sent he to Macduffe ? 

Lord. He did : and with an abfolute Sir, not I 
The clowdy Meflenger turnes me his backe, 
And hums; as who ihould fay, you'l rue the time 
That clogges me with this Anfwer. 

Lenox. And that well might 
Aduife him to a Caution, t'hold what diftance 
His wifedome can prouide. Some holy Angell 
Flye to the Court of England, and vnfold 
His MeflTage ere he come, that a fwift blefling 
May foone returne to this our fuffering Country, 
Vnder a hand accurs'd. 

Lord. He fend my Prayers with him. Exeunt 



A5ius Quartus. Scena ^rima. 



Thunde; 



Enter the three Witches . 



1 Thrice the brinded Cat hath mew'd. 

2 Thrice, and once the Hedge-Pigge whin'd. 

3 Harpier cries, 'tis time, 'tis time. 

1 Round about the Caldron go : 
In the poyfond Entrailes throw 
Toad, that vnder cold ftone, 
Dayes and Nights, ha's thirty one : 
Sweltred Venom fleeping got, 
Boyle thou firft i'th'charmed pot. 

All. Double, double, toile and trouble ; 
Fire burne, and Cauldron bubble. 

2 Fillet of a Fenny Snake, 

In the Cauldron boyle and bake : 
Eye of Newt, and Toe of Frogge, 
Wooll of Bat, and Tongue of Dogge : 
Adders Forke, and Blinde-wormes Sting, 
Lizards legge, and Howlets wing : 
For a Charme of powrefull trouble, 
Like a Hell-broth, boyle and bubble. 

cAll. Double, double, toyle and trouble, 
Fire burne, and Cauldron bubble. 

3 Scale of Dragon, Tooth of Wolfe, 
Witches Mummey, Maw, and Gulfe 
Of the rauin'd fait Sea Iharke : 
Roote of Hemlocke, digg'd i'th'darke : 
Liuer of Blafpheming lew, 

Gall of Goate, and Slippes of Yew, 
Sliuer'd in the Moones Ecclipfe : 



H4 



The Tragedie of ^Macbeth. 



Nofe of Turke,and Tartars lips : 
Finger of Birch-ftrangled Babe, 
Ditch-deliuer'd by a Drab, 
Make the Grewell thicke, and flab. 
Adde thereto a Tigers Chawdron, 
For th'Ingredience of our Cawdron. 

All. Double, double, toyle and trouble, 
Fire burne,and Cauldron bubble. 

2 Coole it with a Baboones blood, 
Then the Charme is firme and good. 

Enter Hecat,and the other three Witches. 

Hec. O well done : I commend your paines, 
And euery one fliall fhare i'th'gaines : 
And now about the Cauldron fing 
Like Elues and Fairies in a Ring, 
Inchanting all that you put in. 

Muficke and a Song. ""Blacke Spirits, &c. 
2 By the pricking of my Thumbes, 
Something wicked this way comes: 
Open Lockes,who euer knockes. 
Enter Macbeth. 

Macb.How now you fecret, black, & midnight Hags? 
What is't you do? 

All. A deed without a name. 

Macb. I coniure you, by that which you ProfefTe, 
(How ere you come to know it) anfwer me : 
Though you vntye the Windes, and let them fight 
Againft the Churches : Though the yefty Waues 
Confound and fwallow Nauigation vp : 
Though bladed Corne be lodg'd,& Trees blown downe, 
Though Caftles topple on their Warders heads : 
Though Fallaces, and Pyramids do Hope 
Their heads to their Foundations: Though the treafure 
Of Natures Germaine, tumble altogether, 
Euen till defhudtion ficken : Anfwer me 
To what I aske you- 

1 Speake. 

2 Demand. 

3 Wee'l anfwer. 

I Say, if th'hadft rather heare it from our mouthes, 
Or from our Mafters. 

Macb. Call 'em : let me fee 'em. 

I Powre in Sowes blood, that hath eaten 
Her nine Farrow: Greaze that's fweaten 
From the Murderers Gibbet, throw 
Into the Flame. 

All. Come high or low : 
Thy Selfe and Office deaftly fliow. Thunder. 

I . Appar ation, an Armed Head. 

Macb. Tell me, thou vnknowne power. 

I He knowes thy thought : 
Heare his fpeech, but fay thou nought. 

I Appar. Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth: 
Beware Macduffe, 
Beware the Thame of Fife : difmifTe me. Enough. 

He T)efcends. 

Macb.What ere thou art, for thy good caution, thanks 
Thou haft harp'd my feare aright. But one word more. 

1 He will not be commanded : heere's another 

More potent then the firft. Thunder. 

2 Apparition, a Bloody Childe. 

2 Appar. cMacbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth. 
Macb. Had I three eares, Il'd heare thee. 
2 Appar. Be bloody, bold,& refolute : 



Laugh to fcorne 

The powre of man : For none of woman borne 

Shall harme Macbeth. "Defends. 

Mac. Then Hue Macduffe-.wbzt need I feare of thee? 
But yet He make affurance : double fure, 
And take a Bond of Fate : thou malt not Hue, 
That I may tell pale-hearted Feare, it lies ; 
And fleepe in fpight of Thunder. Thunder 

3 Apparation,a Childe Qr owned, with a Tree in his hand. 
What is this, that rifes like the iiTue of a King, 
And weares vpon his Baby-brow, the round 
And top of Soueraignty ? 

All. Liften, but fpeake not too't. 

3 Appar. Be Lyon metled, proud, and take no care: 
Who chafes, who frets, or where Confpirers are : 
Macbeth fliall neuer vanquifti'd be, vntill 
Great Byrnam Wood, to high Dunfmane Hill 
Shall come againft him. Descend. 

Macb. That will neuer bee : 
Who can imprefie the Forreft, bid the Tree 
Vnfixe his earth-bound Root? Sweet boadments,good : 
Rebellious dead, rife neuer till the Wood 
Of Byrnan rife, and our high plac'd Macbeth 
Shall Hue the Leafe of Nature, pay his breath 
To time, and mortall Cuftome. Yet my Hart 
Throbs to know one thing : Tell me, if your Art 
Can tell fo much : Shall Banquo's iffue euer 
Reigne in this Kingdome ? 

All. Seeke to know no more. 

Macb. I will be fatisfied. Deny me this, 
And an eternall Curfe fall on you : Let me know.] 
Why finkes that Caldron / & what noife is this? Hoboyes 

1 Shew. 

2 Shew. 

3 Shew. 

All. Shew his Eyes, and greeue his Hart, 
Come like lhadowes, fo depart. 

A pew of eight Kings, and 'Banquo lajl,with a glajje 
in his hand. 

Macb. Thou art too like the Spirit of Banquo: Down: 
Thy Crowne do's feare mine Eye-bals. And thy haire 
Thou other Gold-bound-brow, is like the firft : 
A third, is like the former. Filthy Hagges, 

Why do you fliew me this? A fourth ? Start eyes ! 

What will tife Line ftretch out to'th'cracke of Doome ? 

Another yet ? A feauenth? He fee no more : 

And yet the eight appeares, who beares a glaffe, 

Which fliewes me many more : and fome i fee, 

That two-fold Balles, and trebble Scepters carry. 

Horrible fight: Now I fee 'tis true, 

For the Blood-bolter'd Bar.quo fmiles vpon me, 

And points at them for his. What? is this fo ? 

I I Sir, all this is fo. But why 
Stands <£l£acbeth thus amazedly ? 
Come Sifters, cheere we vp his fprights, 
And Ihew the belt of our delights. 
He Charme the Ayre to giue a found, 
While you performe your Antique round : 
That this great King may kindly fay, 
Our duties, did his welcome pay. Muficke. 

The Witches Dance,and -vanifh. 

cMacb. Where are they ? Gone i 
Let this pernitious houre, 
Stand aye accurfed in the Kalender. 
Come in, without there. Enter Lenox. 

Lenox. What's your Graces will. 

Macb. 



The Tragedie of 3/Lacbeth. 



H5 



Macb. Saw you the Weyard Sifters ? 

Lenox. No my Lord. 

Macb. Came they not by you ? 

Lenox. No indeed my Lord. 

Macb. Infe&ed be the Ayre whereon they ride, 
And damn'd all thofe that truft them. I did heare 
The gallopping of Horie. Who was't came by ? 

Len. "Tis two or three my Lord , that bring you word : 
Macduff \s fled to England. 

Macb. Fled to England ? 

Len. I, my good Lord. 

Macb. Time, thou anticipat'ft my dread exploits: 
The flighty purpofe neuer is o're-tooke 
Vnleffe the deed go with it. From this moment, 
The very firftlings of my heart fhall be 
The firftlings of my hand. And euen now 
To Crown my thoughts with Afts:be it thoght & done: 
The Caftle of Macduff, I will furprize. 
Seize vpun Fife; giue to th'edge o'th'Sword 
His Wife, his Babes, and all vnfortunate Soules 
That trace him in his Line. No boafling like a Foole, 
This deed lie do, before this purpofe coole, 
But no more fights. Where aie thefe Gentlemen ? 
Come bring me where they are. Exeunt 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter MacduffcS Wife, her Son, and Rcffe. 

Wife. What had he done, to make him fly the Land; 

"Roffe. You muft haue patience Madam. 

Wife. He had none : 
His flight was madneffe : when our Actions do not, 
Our feares do make vs Traitors. 

Roffe. You know not 
Whether it was his wifedome,or his feare. 

Wife. Wifedom? to leaue his wife, to leaue his Babes, 
I His Manfion,and his Titles, in a place 
\ From whence himfelie do's flye? He loues vs not, 
' He wants the naturall touch. For the poore Wren 
; (The moft diminitiue of Birds) will fight, 
Her yong ones in her Neft, againft the Owlet-. 
All is the Feare, and nothing is the Loue ; 
As little is the Wifedome, where the flight 
So runnes againft all reafon. 

%offe. My deereft Cooz, 
I pray you fchoole your felfe. But for your Husband, 
He is Noble, Wife, Iudicious,and beft knowes 
The fits o'tb'Seafon. I dare not fpeake much further, 
But cruell are the times, when we are Traitors 
And do not know our felues : when we hold Rumor 
From what we feare, yet know not what we feare, 
But floate vpon a wilde and violent Sea 
Each way, and moue. I take my leaue of you : 
Shall not be long but lie be heere againe : 
Things at the word will ceafe,or elfe climbe vpward, 
To what they were before. My pretty Cofme, 
Bleffing vpon you. 

Wife. Father'd he is, 
And yet hee's Father-lefle. 

^ffje. I am fo much a Foole, fhould I ftay longer 
It would be my difgraoe, and your difcomfort. 
I take my leaue at once. Exit R'ffe. 



Wife. Sirra, your Fathers dead, 
And what will you do now? How will you liue ? 

Son. As Birds do Mother. 

Wife. What with Wormes,and Flyes? 

Son. With what I get I meane, and fo do they. 

Wife. Poore Bird, 
Thou'dft neuer Feare the Net, nor Lime, 
The Pitfall, nor the Gin. 

Son. Why fhould I Mother ? 



Poore Birds the 



fet for : 



My Father is not dead for all your faying. 

Wife. Yes, he is dead : 
How wilt thou do for a Father? 

Son. Nay how will you do for a Husband ? 

Wife. Why I can buy me twenty at any Market. 

Son. Then you'l by 'em to fell againe. 

Wife. Thou fpeak'ft withall thy wit, 
And yet l'faith with wit enough for thee. 

Son. Was.my Father a Traitor, Mother ?, 

Wife. I, that he was. 

Son. What is a Traitor ? 

Wife. Why one that fweares,and lyes. 

Son. And be all Traitors, that do fo. 

Wife. Euery one that do's fo, is a Traitor, 
And muft be hang'd. 

Son. And muft they all be hang'd, that fwear and lye ? 

Wife. Euery one. 

Son. Who muft hang them i 

Wife. Why, the honeft men. 

Son. Then the Liars and Swearers are Fools: for there 
are Lyars and Swearers enow,' to beate the honeft men, 
and hang vp them. 

Wife. Now God helpe thee, poore Monkie : 
But how wilt thou do for a Father ? 

Son. If he were dead, youl'd weepe for him : if you 
would not, it were a good figne, that I fhould quickely 
haue a new Father. 

Wife. Poore pratler, how thou talk'ft ? 
Enter a Meffenger. 

Mef-Bleffe you faire Dame : I am not to you known, 
Though in your ftate of Honor I am perfect. ; 
I doubt fome danger do's approach you neerely. 
If you will take a homely mans aduice, 
Be not found heere : Hence with your little ones 
To fright you thus. Me thinkes I am too fauage: 
To do worfe to you, were fell Cruelty, 
Which is too nie your perfon. Heauen preferue you, 
I dare abide no longer. Exit Mefj'enger 

Wife. Whether fhould I flye ? 
I haue done no harme. But I remember now 
I am in this earthly world : where to do harme 
Is often laudable, to do good fometime 
Accounted dangerous folly. Why then (alas) 
Do I put vp that womanly defence, 
To fay I haue done no harme? 
What are thefe faces ? 

Enter Murtberers. 

Mur. Where is your Husband ? 

Wife. I hope in no place fo vnfanclified, 
Where fuch as thou may'ft finde him. 

Mur. He's a Traitor. 

Son. Thou ly'ft thou fhagge-ear'd Villaine. 

Mur. What you Egge ? 
Yong fry of Tieachery .? 

Son. He ha's kill'd me Mother, 
Run away I pray you. Exit crying Murtber. 

N n Seen,. 



146 



The Tragedie of ^Macbeth. 



Scana Tertia. 



Enter Malcohne and Macduffe. 

Mai. Let vs feeke out fome defolate (hade, & there 
Weepe our fad bofomes empty. 

<^Macd. Let vs rather 
Hold fuft the mortal] Sword : and like good men, 
Beftride our downfall Birthdome : each new Morne, 
New Widdowes howle, new Orphans cry, new forowes 
Strike heauen on the face, that it refounds 
As if it felt with Scotland, and yell'd out 
Like Syllable of Dolour. 

Mai. What I beleeue, He waile ; 
What know, beleeue ; and what I can redreffe, 
As I (hall finde the time to friend : I wil. 
What you haue fpoke, it may be fo perchance. 
This Tyrant, whofe fole name blifters our tongues, 
Was once thought honeft : you haue lou'd him well, 
He hath not touch'd you yet. I am yong, but fornething 
You may difcerne of him through me, and wifedome 
To offer vp a weake, poore innocent Lambe 
T'appeafe an angry God. 

Macd. I am not treacherous. 

Male. But Macbeth is. 
A good and vertuous Nature may recoyle 
In an Imperiall charge. But I mail craue your pardon : 
That which you are, my thoughts cannot tranfpofe ; 
Angels are bright ftill, though the brighter! fell. 
Though all things foule, would wear the brows of grace 
Yet Grace muft ftill looke fo. 

Macd. I haue loft my Hopes. 

Male. Perchance euen there 
Where I did finde my doubts. 
Why in that rawneffe left you Wife,and Childe? 
Thofe precious Motiues, thofe ftrong knots of Loue, 
Without leaue-taking. I prav you, 
Let not my Iealoufies, be your Dishonors, 
But mine owne Safeties : you may be rightly iuft, 
What euer I mall thinke. 

Macd. Bleed, bleed poore Country, 
Great Tyrrany, lay thou thy bafis fure, 
For goodneffe dare not check thee : wear y thy wrongs, 
The Title, is affear'd. Far thee well Lord, 
I would not be the Villaine that thou think'ft, 
For the whole Space that's in the Tyrants Grafpe, 
And the rich Eaft to boot. 

Mai. Be not offended : 
I fpeake not as in abfolute feare of you : 
I thinke our Country finkes beneath the yoake, 
It weepes, it bleeds, and each new day a gam 
Is added to her wounds. I thinke withall, 
There would be hands vplifted in my right: 
And heere from gracious England haue I offer 
Of goodly thoufands. But for all this, 
When I mail treade vpon the Tyrants head, 
Or weare it on my Sword ; yet my poore Country J 
Shall haue more vices then it had before, 
More fuffer, and more fundry wayes then euer,| 
By him that mall fucceede. 

Macd. What mould he be ? 

Mai. It is my felfe I meane : in whom I know 
All the particulars of Vice fo grafted, 



That when they lhall be open'd, blacke Macbeth 
Will feeme as pure as Snow, and the poore State 
Efteeme him as a Lambe, being compar'd 
With my confineleffe harmes. 

'Macd. Not in the Legions 
Of horrid Hell, can come a Diuell more damn'd 
In euils, to top Macbeth. 

Mai. I grant him Bloody, 
Luxurious, Auaricious, Falfe, Deceitfull, 
Sodaine, Malicious, fmacking of euery finne 
Thatha's a name. But there's no bottome, none 
In my Voluptuoufneffe : Your Wiues, your Daughters, 
Your Matrons, and your Maides, could not fill vp 
The Cefterne of my Luft,and my Defire 
All continent Impediments would ore-beare 
That did oppofe my will. Better Macbeth, 
Then fuch an one to reigne. 

Macd. Boundleffe intemperance 
In Nature is a Tyranny : It hath beene 
Th'vntimely emptying of the happy Throne, 
And fall of many Rings. But feare not yet 
To take vpon you what is yours : you may 
Conuey your pleafures in a fpacious plenty, 
And yet feeme cold. The time you may fo hoodwinke : 
We haue willing Dames enough: there cannot be 
That Vulture in you, to deuoure fo many 
As will to Greatneffe dedicate themfelues, 
Finding it fo inclinde. 

Mai With this, there growes 
In my moft ill-compos d Affection, fuch 
A ftanchleffe Auarice, that were I King, 
I mould cut off the Nobles for their Lands, 
Defire his Iewels, and this others Houfe, 
And my more-hauing, would be as a Sawce 
To make me hunger more, that I (hould forge 
Quarrels vniuft againft the Good and Loyall, 
Deftroying them for wealth. 

Macd. This Auarice 
ftickes deeper : growes with more pernicious roote 
Then Summer-feeming Luft : and it hath bin 
The Sword of our (laine Kings: yet do not feare, 
Scotland hath Foyfons, to fill vp your will 
Of your meere Owne. All thefe are portable, 
With other Graces weigh'd. 

Mai. But I haue none. The King-becoming Graces, 
As Iuftice, Verity, Temp'rance, Stableneffe, 
Bounty, Perfeuerance, Mercy, Lowlinefle, 
Deuotion, Patience, Courage, Fortitude, 
I haue no relliih of them, but abound 
In the diuifion of each feuerall Crime, 
Acting it many wayes. Nay, had I powre, I mould 
Poure the fweet Milke of Concord, into Hell, 
Vprore the vniuerfall peace, confound 
All vnity on earth. 

Macd. O Scotland, Scotland. 

Mai. If fuch a one be fit to gouerne, fpeake : 
I am as I haue fpoken. 

Mac. Fit to gouern?No not to liue. O Natio miferable ! 
With an vntitled Tyrant, bloody Sceptred, 
When (halt thou fee thy wholfome dayes againe? 
Since that the trueft Iffue of thy Throne 
By his owne Interdiction ftands accuft, 
And do's blafpheme his breed ? Thy Royall Father 
Was a moft Sainted-King : the Queene that bore thee, 
Oftner vpon her knees, then on her feet, 
Dy'de euery day (he liu'd. Fare thee well, 

Thefe 

73<5 






The Tragedie of ^Macbeth. 



H7 



Thefe Euils thou repeat'ft vpon thy felfe, 
Hath banifh'd me from Scotland. O my Breft, 
Thy hope ends heere. 

oMal. Macduff, this Noble paffion 
Childe of integrity, hath from my foule 
Wip'd the blacke Scruples, reconcil'd my thoughts 
To thy good Truth, and Honor. Diuellifti eMacbetb, 
By many of thefe traines, hath fought to win me 
Into his power : and modeft Wifedome pluckes me 
From ouer-credulous haft : but God aboue 
Deale betweene thee and me; For euen now 
I put my felfe to thy Direction, and 
Vnfpeake mine owne detraction. Heere abiure 
The taints,and blames I laide vpon my felfe, 
For ftrangers to my Nature. I am yet 
Vnknowne to Woman, neuer was forfworne, 
Scarfely haue coueted what was mine owne. 
At no time broke my Faith, would not betray 
The Deuill to his Fellow, and delight 
No leffe in truth then life. My firft falfe fpeaking 
Was this vpon my felfe. What I am truly 
Is thine, and my poore Countries to command : 
Whither indeed, before they heere approach 
Old Seyrcard with ten thoufand warlike men 
Already at a point, was fetting foorth : 
Now wee'l together, and the chance of goodneffe 
Be like our warranted Quarrell. Why are you filent? 

Macd. Such welcome, and vnwelcom things at once 
'Tis hard to reconcile. 

Enter a DoEior. 

Mai. Well, more anon. Comes the King forth 
I pray you ? 

Doff. I Sir: there are a crew of wretched Soules 
That ftay his Cure : their malady conuinces 
The great affay of Art. But at his touch, 
Such fanctity hath Heauen giuen his hand, 
They prefently amend. Exit. 

Mai. I thanke you Doctor. 

Macd. What's the Difeafe he meanes ? 

Mai. Tiscall'd the Euill. 
A moft myraculous worke in this good King, 
Which often fince my heere remaine in England, 
I haue feene him do : How he folicites heauen 
Himfelfe beft knowes: but ftrangely vifited people 
All fwolne and Vlcerous, pittifull to the eye, 
The meere difpaire of Surgery, he cures, 
Hanging a golden ftampe about their neckes, 
Put on with holy Prayers, and 'tis fpoken 
To the fucceeding Royalty he leaues 
The healing Benediction. With this ftrange vertue, 
He hath a heauenly guift of Prophefie, 
And fundry Bleffings hang about his Throne, 
That fpeake him full of Grace. 

Enter Roffe. 

Macd. See who comes heere. 

Male. My Countryman : but yet I know him nor. 

Macd. My euer gentle Cozen, welcome hither. 

Male. I know him now. Good God betimes remoue 
The meanes that makes vs Strangers. 

Roffe. Sir, Amen. 

Macd. Stands Scotland where it did ? 

Roffe. Alas poore Countrey, 
Almoft aft'raid to know it felfe. It cannot 
Be call'd our Mother, but our Graue ; where nothing 
But who knowes nothing, is once feene to fmile: 
Where fighes,and groanes,and fhrieks that rent the ayre 



Are made, not mark'd : Where violent forrow feemes 

A Moderne extafie : The Deadmans knell, 

Is there fcarfe ask'd for who, and good mens Hues 

Expire before the Flowers in their Caps, 

Dying, or ere they ficken. 

Macd. Oh Relation; too nice, and yet too true. 

Male. What's the neweft griefe ? 
~Roffe. That of an houres age, doth hiffe the fpeaker, 
Each minute teemes a new one. 
Macd. How do's my Wife? 

Roffe. Why well. 

vMacd. And all my Children ? 

Roffe. Well too. 

Macd. The Tyrant ha's not batter'd at their peace ? 

-Ro/i£.No,they were wel at peace, when I did leaue 'em 

Macd. Be not a niggard of your fpeech : How gos't? 

Roffe. When I came hither to tranfport the Tydings 
Which I haue heauily borne, there ran a Rumour 
Of many worthy Fellowes, that were out, 
Which was to my beleefe witneft the rather, 
For that I faw the Tyrants Power a-foot. 
Now is the time of helpe : your eye in Scotland 
Would create Soldiours, make our women fight, 
To doffe their dire diftreffes, 

Male. Bee't their comfort 
We are comming thither : Gracious England hath 
Lent vs good Seynard, and ten thoufand men, 
An older, and a better Souldier, none 
That Chriftendome giues out. 

Roffe. Would I could anfwer 
This comfort with the like. But I haue words 
That would be howl'd out in the defert ayre, 
Where hearing mould not latch them. 

sJWacd. What concerne they, 
The generall caufe, or is it a Fee-griefe 
Due to fome fingle breft? 

Roffe. No minde that's honeft 
But in it mares fome woe, though the maine part 
Pertaines to you alone. 

Macd. If it be mine 
Keepe it not from me, quickly let me haue it. 

Roffe. Let not your eares difpife my tongue for euer, 
Which mail poffeffe them with the heauieft found 
That euer yet they heard. 

Macd. Humh : I gueffe at it. 

Roffe, Your Caftle is furpriz'd : your Wife,and Babes 
Sauagely flaughter'd : To relate the manner 
Were on the Quirry of thefe murther'd Deere 
To adde the death of you. 

Male. Mercifull Heauen : 
What man, ne're pull your hat vpon your browes : 
Giue forrow words ; the griefe that do's not fpeake, 
Whifpers the o're-fraught heart, and bids it breake. 

Macd. My Children too ? 

Ro. Wife, Children, Seruants, all that could be found. 

Macd. And I muft be from thence?My wife kil'd too? 

Roffe. I haue faid. 

Male. Be comforted. 
Let's make vs Med'cines of our great Reuenge, 
To cure this deadly greefe. 

eMacd. He ha's no Children. All my pretty ones? 
Did you fay All ? Oh Hell-Kite ! All ? 
What, All my pretty Chickens, and their Damme 
At one fell fwoope ? 

Male. Difpute it like a man. 

Macd. I ihall do fo : 

Nn 2 But 



148 



The Tragedie of ^Macbeth. 



But I muft alfo feele it as a man ; 

I cannot but remember fuch things were 

That were moft precious to me : Did heauen looke on, 

And would not take their part? Sinfull Macduff, 

They were all ftrooke for thee : Naught that I am, 

Not for their owne demerits, but for mine 

Fell flaughter on their foules : Heauen reft them now. 

Mai. Be this the Whetftone of your fword, let griefe 
Conuert to anger : blunt not the heart, enrage it. 

Macd. O I could play the woman with mine eyes, 
And Braggart with my tongue. But gentle Heauens, 
Cut fhort all intermiffion : Front to Front, 
Bring thou this Fiend of Scotland, and my felfe 
Within my Swords length fet him, if he fcape 
Heauen forgiue him too. 

Mai. This time goes manly : 
Come go we to the King, our Power is ready, 
Our lacke is nothing but our leaue. (^Macbeth 
Is ripe for ftiaking, and the Powres aboue 
Put on their Instruments : Receiue what cheere you may, 
The Night is long, that neuer findes the Day. Exeunt 



Aclus Quintus. Scena ^Prima. 



Enter a DoBor of Phyfic{e, and a Wayting 
Gentlewoman. 

DoB. I haue too Nights watch'd with you, but can 
perceiue no truth in your report. When was it fhee laft 
walk'd f 

Gent. Since his Maiefty went into the Field, I haue 
feene her rife from her bed, throw her Night-Gown vp- 
pon her, vnlocke her Cloffet, take foorth paper, folde it, 
write vpon't, read it, afterwards Seale it, and againe re- 
turne to bed ; yet all this while in a moft faft fleepe. 

T>oB. A great perturbation in Nature, to receyue at 
once the benefit of fleep, and do the effefts of watching. 
In this Aumbry agitation, befides her walking, and other 
aftuall performances, what (at any time) haue you heard 
her fay ? 

Gent. That Sir, which I will not report after her. 

DoH. You may to me, and 'tis moft meet you mould. 

Gent. Neither to you, nor any one,hauing no witneffe 
to confirme my fpeech. Enter Lady, with a Taper. 

Lo you, heere me comes : This is her very guife,and vp- 
on my life faft afleepe : obferue her, ftand clofe. 

DoB. How came fhe by that light? 

Gent. Why it flood by her : ftie ha's light by her con- 
tinually, 'tis her command. 

Docl. You fee her eyes are open. 

Gent. I but their fenfe are ftiut. 

Doff. What is it me do's now ? 
Looke how me rubbes her hands. 

Gent. It is an accuftom'd acYion with her, to feeme 
thus warning her hands : I haue knowne her c utinue in 
this a quarter of an houre. 

Lad. Yet heere '3 a fpot. 

Docl. Heark, me fpeaks, I will fet downe what comes 
from her, to fatisfie my remembrance the more ftrongly. 

La. Out damned fpot : out I fay. One : Two : Why 
then 'tis time to doo't : Hell is murky. Fye,my Lord, fie, 
a Souldier,and affear'd? what need we feare'who knowes 
it, when none can call our powre to accompt : yet who 



would haue thought the olde man to haue had fo much 
blood in him. 

Dot!. Do you marke that ? 

Lad.The Thane of Fife, had a wife : where is me now? 
What will thefe hands ne're be cleane ? No more o'that 
my Lord, no more o'that : you marre all with this ftar- 
ting. 

Dotl. Go too, go too : 
You haue knowne what you mould not. 

Gent. She ha's fpoke what fhee mould not, I am fure 
of that : Heauen knowes what me ha's knowne. 

La. Heere's the fmell of the blood ftill : all the per- 
fumes of Arabia will not fweeten this little hand. 
Oh, oh, oh. 

DoB. What a figh is there? The hart is forely charg'd. 

Gent. I would not haue fuch a heart in my bofome, 
for the dignity of the whole body. 

DoB. Well, well, well. 

Gent. Pray God it be fir. 

Docl. This difeafe is beyond my pra&ife : yet 1 haue 
knowne thofe which haue walkt in their fleep, who haue 
dyed holily in their beds. 

Lad. Wafti your hands, put on your Night-Gowne, 
looke not fo pale : I tell you yet againe Banquo^s buried ; 
he cannot come out on's graue. 

DoB. Euenfo? 

Lady. To bed, to bed : there's knocking at the gate : 
Come, come, come, come, giue me your hand : What's 
done, cannot be vndone. To bed, to bed, to bed. 

Exit Lady. 

DoB. Will me go now to bed ? 

Gent. Directly. 

DoB. Foule whifp'rings are abroad : vnnaturall deeds 
Do breed vnnaturall troubles : infe&ed mindes 
To their deafe pillowes will difcharge their Secrets : 
More needs me the Diuine, then the Phyfitian : 
God, God forgiue vs all. Looke after her, 
Remoue from her the meanes of all annoyance, 
And ftill keepe eyes vpon her: So goodnight, 
My minde me ha's mated, and amaz'd my fight. 
I thinke, but dare not fpeake. 

Gent. Good night good Doctor. Exeunt. 



Scena Secunda. 



Drum and Colours. Enter Mentetb, Catbnes, 
Angui, Lenox, Soldiers. 

Ment.The Englifh powre is neere, led on by Malcolm, 
His Vnkle Seyvard, and the good Macduff. 
Reuenges burne in them : for their deere caufes 
Would to the bleeding, and the grim Alarme 
Excite the mortified man. 

Ang. Neere Byrnan wood 
Shall we well meet them, that way are they comming. 

Catb. Who knowes if Dona Wane be with his brother? 

Len. For certaine Sir, he is not : I haue a File 
Of all the Gentry ; there is Seywards Sonne, 
And many vnruffe youths, that euen now 
Proteft their firft of Manhood. 

Ment. What do's the Tyrant. 

Catb. Great Dunfinane he ftrongly Fortifies : 
Some fay hee'smad : Others, thatleffer hate him, 
Do call it valiant Fury, but for certaine 

He 

738~~ 



The ¥ rage die of iMacbeth. 



149 



He cannot buckle his diftemper'd caufe 
Within the belt of Rule. 

Ang. Now do's he feele 
His fecret Murthers (ticking on his hands, 
Now minutely Reuolts vpbraid his Faith-breach : 
Thofe he commands, moue onely in command, 
Nothing in loue : Now do's he feele his Title 
Hang loofe about him, like a Giants Robe 
Vpon a dwarliih Theefe. 

Merit. Who then (hall blame 
His pefter'd Senfes to recoyle,and ftart, 
When all that is within him, do's condemne 
It felfe, for being there. 

Cath. Well, march we on, 
To giue Obedience, where 'tis truly ow'd : 
Meet we the Med'cine of the fickly Weale, 
And with him poure we in our Countries purge, 
Each drop of vs. 

Lenox. Or fo much as it needes, 
To dew the Soueraigne Flower, and drowne the Weeds: 
Make we our March towards Birnan. Exeunt marching. 



Scana Tertia. 



Snter Macbeth, T>oBor,and Attendants. 

Macb. Bring me no more Reports, let them flye all : 
Till Byrnane wood remoue to Dunfinane, 
I cannot taint with Feare. What's the Boy zMalcolme ? 
Was he not borne of woman ? The Spirits that know 
All mortall Confluences, haue pronounc'd me thus: 
Feare not Macbeth, no man that's borne of woman 
Shall ere haue power vpon thee. Then fly falfe Thanes, 
And mingle with the Engliih Epicures, 
The minde I fway by, and the heart I beare, 
Shall neuer fagge with doubt, nor (hake with feare. 

The diuell damne thee blacke, thou cream-fac'd Loone •■ 
Where got'ft thou that Goofe-looke. 

Ser. There is ten thoufand. 

Macb. Geefe Villaine? 

Ser. Souldiers Sir. 

Macb. Go pricke thy face, and ouer-red thy feare 
Thou Lilly-liuer'd Boy. What Soldiers, Patch ? 
Death of thy Soule, thofe Linnen cheekes of thjne 
Are Counfailers to feare. What Soldiers Whay-face? 

Ser, The Engliih Force, fo pleafe you. 

Macb. Take thy face hence. Seyton, I am rick at hart, 
When I behold : Seyton, I fay, this pu(h 
Will cheere me euer, or dif-eate me now. 
I haue liu'd long enough : my way of life 
Is falne into the Seare, the yellow Leafe, 
And that which (hould accompany Old-Age, 
As Honor, Loue, Obedience, Troopes of Friends, 
I muft not looke to haue : but in their fteed, 
Curfes, not lowd but deepe, Mouth-honor, breath 
Which the poore heart would faine deny, and dare not. 
Seyton ? 

Enter Seyton. 

Sey. What's your gracious pleafure ? 

zMacb. What Newes more ? 

Sey. All is confirm'd my Lord, which was reported. 

Macb. lie fight, till from my bones,my flefh be hackt. 



Giue me my Armor. 

Seyt. 'Tis not needed yet. 

Macb. He put it on : 
Send out moe Horfes, skirre the Country round, 
Hang thofe that talke of Feare. Giue me mine Armor : 
How do's your Patient, Doftor? 

^DoB. Not fo ficke my Lord, 
As Ihe is troubled with thicke-comming Fancies 
That keepe her from her reft. 

Macb. Cure of that : 
Can'ft thou not Minifter to a minde difeas'd, 
Plucke from the Memory a rooted Sorrow, 
Raze out the written troubles of the Braine, 
And with fome fweet Obliuious Antidote 
Cleanfe the ftufft bofome, of that perillous ftufFe 
Which weighes vpon the heart? 

DoB. Therein the Patient 
Muft minifter to himfelfe. 

Macb. Throw Phyficke to the Dogs, He none of it. 
Come, put mine Armour on : giue me my Staffe : 
Seyton, fend out : Doftor, the Thanes flyefrom me: 
Come fir, difpatch. If thou could'ft Doftor, caft 
The Water of my Land, finde her Difeafe, 
And purge it to a found and priftiue Health, 
I would applaud thee to the very Eccho, 
That (hould applaud againe. Pull't off I fay, 
What Rubarb, Cyme, or what Purgatiue drugge 
Would fcowre thefe Englifti hence : hear'ft y of them ? 

DoB. I my good Lord : your Royall Preparation 
Makes vs heare fometbing. 

Macb. Bring it after me : 
I will not be afFraid of Death and Bane, 
Till Birnane Forreft come to Dunfinane. 

T)oB. Were I from Dunfinane away, and cleere, 
Profit againe (hould hardly draw me heere. Exeunt 



Scena Quarta. 



Drum and Colours. Enter <CMalcolme,Sey-aard, Mac duff e, 

Seywards Sonne, Menteth, Cathnes, Angus, 

and Soldiers Marching. 

Male. Cofins, I hope the dayes are neere at hand 
That Chambers will be fafe. 

Ment. We doubt it nothing. 

Syetn. What wood is this before vs? 

Ment. The wood of Birnane. 

Male, Let euery Souldier hew him downe a Bough, 
And bear't before him, thereby (hall we (hadow 
The numbers of our Hoaft, and make difcouery 
Erre in report of vs. 

Sold. It (hall be done. 

Sym. We learne no other, but the confident Tyrant 
Keepes ftill in Dunfinane.and will indure 
Our fetting downe befor't. 

Male. 'Tis his maine hope : 
For where there is aduantage to be giuen, 
Both more and lefTe haue giuen him the Reuolt, 
And none ferue with him, but conftrained things, 
Whofe hearts are abfent too. 

eMacd. Let our iuft Cenfures 
Attend the true euent, and put we on 

nn 3 Induftrinus 



1 S° 



The Tr age die of ^Macbeth. 



Induftrious Souldieilhip. 

Sey. The time approaches, 
That will with due decifion make vs know 
What we (hall fay we haue,and what we owe : 
Thoughts fpeculatiue, their vnfure hopes relate, 
But certaine ilTue, flroakes muft arbitrate, 
Towards which, aduance the warre. Exeunt i 



Scena Quinta. 



Enter Macbeth, Seyton, & Souldiers, with 
Drum and Colours. 

zTlfacb. Hang out our Banners on the outward walls, 
The Cry is ftill, they come : our Caftles ftrength 
Will laugh a Siedge to fcorne : Heere let them lye, 
Till Famine and the Ague eate them vp : 
Were they not forc'd with thofe that (hould be ours, 
We might haue met them darefull, beard to beard, 
And beate them backward home. What is that noyfe? 
A Cry within of Women. 

Sey. It is the cry of women, my good Lord. 

Macb. I haue almoft forgot the tafte of Feares : 
The time ha's beene, my fences would haue cool'd 
To heare a Night-fhrieke, and my Fell of haire 
Would at a diimall Treatife rowze, and ftirre 
As life were in't. I haue fupt full with horrors, 
DireneiTe familiar to my flaughterous thoughts 
Cannot once ftart me. Wherefore was that cry? 

Sey. The Queene ('my Lord) is dead. 

Macb. She mould haue dy'de heereafter ; 
There would haue beene a time for fuch a word : 
To morrow, and to morrow, and to morrow, 
Creepes in this petty pace from day to day, 
To the laft Syllable of Recorded time : 
And all our yefterdayes, haue lighted Fooles 
The way to dufty death. Out, out, breefe Candle, 
Life's but a walking Shadow, a poore Player, 
That ftruts and frets his houre vpon the Stage, 
And then is heard no more. It is a Tale 
Told by an Ideot, full of found and fury 
Signifying nothing. Enter a cffleffenger. 

Thou com'ft to vfe thy Tongue : thy Story quickly. 

Mef. Gracious my Lord, 
I (hould report that which I fay I law, 
But know not how to doo't. 

Macb. Well, fay fir. 

Mef. As I did ftand my watch vpon the Hill 
I look'd toward Byrnane, and anon me thought 
The Wood began to moue. 

Macb. Lyar,and Slaue. 

Mef. Let me endure your wrath, if't be not fo : 
Within this three Mile may you fee it comming. 
I fay, a mouing Groue. 

Macb. If thou fpeak'ft fhlfe, 
Vpon the next Tree ihall thou hang aliue 
Till Famine cling thee: If thy fpeech be footh, 
I care not if thou doft for me as much. 
I pull in Refolution, and begin 
To doubt th'Equiuocation of the Fiend, 
That lies like truth. Feare not, till Byrnane Wood 
Do come to Dunlinane, and now a Wood 



Comes toward Dunfmane. Arme, Arme,and out, 
If this which he auouches, do's appeare, 
There is nor flying hence, nor tarrying here. 
I 'ginne to be a-weary of the Sun, 
And wifh th'eftate o'th'world were now vndon. 
Ring the Alarum Bell, blow Winde, come wracke, 
At leaft wee'l dye with Harnefle on our backe. Exeunt 



Scena Sexta. 



Drumme and Colours. 
Enter Malcolme, Seyward, Macduffe,and their cArmy, 
with c Boughes. 

Mai. Now neere enough : 
Your leauy Skreenes throw downe, 
And (hew like thofe you are : You (worthy Vnkle) 
Shall with my Colin your right Noble Sonne 
Leade our firft Battell. Worthy Macduffe, and wee 
Shall take vpon's what elfe remaines to do, 
According to our order. 

Sey. Fare you well : 
Do we but (inde the Tyrants power to night, 
Let vs be beaten, if we cannot fight. 

Macd. Make all our Trumpets fpeak,giue the all breath 
Thofe clamorous Harbingers of Blood, & Death. Exeunt 
Alarums continued. 



Scena Septima. 



Enter Macbeth. 

Macb. They haue tied me to a (lake, I cannot flye, 
But Beare-like I muft fight the courfe. What's he 
That was not borne of Woman? Such a one 
Am I to feare, or none. 

Enter young Seyward. 

T. Sey. What is thy name ? 

Macb. Thou'lt be affraid to heare it. 

T. Sey. No : though thou call'ft thy felfe a hoter name 
Then any is in hell. 

Macb. My name's oMacbeth. 

T. Sey. The diuell himfelfe could not pronounce a Title 
More hatefull to mine eare. 

Macb. No : nor more fearefull. 

T.Sey. Thou lyeft abhorred Tyrant, with my Sword 
He proue the lye thou fpeak ft. 

Fight, and young Seyward Jlaine. 

Macb. Thou was't borne of woman ; 
But Swords I fmile at, Weapons laugh to fcorne, 
Brandiih'd by man that's of a Woman borne. Exit. 

Alarums. Enter Macduffe. 

Macd. That way the noife is : Tyrant (hew thy face, 
If thou beeft flaine, and with no ftroake of mine, 
My Wife and Childrens Ghofts will haunt me ftill : 
I cannot ftrike at wretched Kernes, whofe armes 
Are hyr'd to beare their Staucs ; either thou Macbeth, 
Or elfe my Sword with an vnbattered edge 
I (heath againe vndeeded. There thou (hould'ft be, 
By this great clatter, one of greater!: note 

Seemes 



The Tr age die ofSVLacbeth. 



H* 



Seemes bruited. Let me finde him Fortune, 

And more I begge not. Exit . Alarums. 

Enter ePbfalcolme and Seyward. 

Sey. This way my Lord, the Caftles gently rendred : 
The Tyrants people, on both fides do fight, 
The Noble Thanes do brauely in the Warre, 
The day almoft it felfe profeffes yours, 
And little is to do. 

Male. We haue met with Foes 
That ftrike befide vs. 

Sey. Enter Sir, the Caftle. Exeunt. Alarum 

Enter Macbeth. 

Macb. Why mould I play the Roman Foole,and dye 
On mine owne fword ? whiles I fee liues, the games 
Do better vpon them. 

Snter Macduffe. 

Macd. Turne Hell-hound, turne. 

Macb. Of all men elfe I haue auoyded thee : 
But get thee backe, my foule is too much charg'd 
With blood of thine already. 

eM'acd. I haue no words, 
My voice is in my Sword, thou bloodier Villaine 
Then tearmes can giue thee out. Fight < Alarum 

Macb. Thou loofeft labour, 
As eafie may'ft thou the intrenchant Ayre 
With thy keene Sword impreffe, as make me bleed : 
Let fall thy blade on vulnerable Crefts, 
I beare a charmed Life, which muft not yeeld 
To one of woman borne. 

Macd. Difpaire thy Charme, 
And let the Angell whom thou ftill haft feru'd 
Tell thee, Macduffe was from his Mothers womb 
Vntimely ript. 

Macb. Accurfed be that tongue that tels mee fo ; 
For it hath Cow'd my better part of man : 
And be thefe Iugling Fiends no more beleeu'd, 
That palter with vs in a double fence, 
That keepe the word of promife to our eare, 
And breake it to our hope, lie not fight with thee. 

Macd. Then yeeld thee Coward, 
And liue to be the mew, and gaze o'th'time. 
Wee'l haue thee, as our rarer Monfters are 
Fainted vpon a pole, and vnder-writ, 
Heere may you fee the Tyrant. 

Macb. I will not yeeld 
To kiffe the ground before young Malcolmes feet, 
And to be baited with the Rabbles curfe. 
Though Byrnane wood be come to Dunfinane, 
And thou oppos'd, being of no woman borne, 
Yet I will try the laft. Before my body, 
I throw my warlike Shield : Lay on Macduffe, 
And damn'd be him, that firft cries hold, enough. 

Sxeunt Jighting. Alarums. 



Enter Fighting, and Macbeth Jlaine. 

Retreat, and Flourijh. Enter with Drumme and Colours , 
Malcolm, Seyward, Roffe , Thanes , & Soldiers. 

Mai. I would the Friends we miffe, were fafe arriu'd- 

Sey. Some muft go off: and yet by thefe I fee, 
So great a day as this is cheapely bought. 

Mai. Macduffe is miffing, and your Noble Sonne. 

Roffe.Your fon my Lord, ha's paid a fouldiers debt, 
He onely liu'd but till he was a man, 
The which no fooner had his Proweffe confirm'd 
In the vnfhrinking ftation where he fought, 
But like a man he dy'de. 

Sey. Then he is dead ? 

Roffe.I,and brought off the field : your caufe of forrow 
Muft not be meafur'd by his worth, for then 
It hath no end. 

Sey. Had he his hurts before * 

'Rjffe. I, on the Front. 

Sey. Why then, Gods Soldier be he : 
Had I as imny Sonnes, as I haue haires, 
I would not wifh them to a fairer death: 
And fo his Knell is knoll'd. 

Mai. Hee's worth more forrow, 
And that He fpend for him. 

Sey. He's worth no more , 
They fay he parted well, and paid his fcore, 
And fo God be with him. Here comes newer comfort. 
Enter Macduffe;with Macbeths head. 

Macd. Haile King, for fo thou art. 
Behold where ftands 

Th'Vfurpers curfed head : the time is free : 
I fee thee compaft with thy Kingdomes Pearle, 
That fpeake my falutation in their minds : 
Whofe voyces I defire alowd with mine. 
Haile King of Scotland. 

All. Haile King of Scotland. Flourijh. 

Mai. We fhall not fpend a large expence of time, 
Before we reckon with your feuerall loues, 
And make vs euen with you. My Thanes and Kinfmen 
Henceforth be Earles, the firft that euer Scotland 
In fuch an Honor nam'd : What's more to do, 
Which would be planted newly with the time, 
As calling home our exil'd Friends abroad, 
That fled the Snares of watchfull Tyranny, 
Producing forth the cruell Minifters 
Of this dead Butcher,and his Fiend-like Queene ; 
Who(as'tis thought) by felfe and violent hands, 
Tooke off her life. This,and what needfull elfe 
That call's vpon vs, by the Grace of Grace, 
We will performe in meafure, time,and place : 
So thankes to all at once, and to each one, 
Whom we inuite, to fee vs Crown'd at Scone. 

Flourijh. Exeunt Omnes. 



FINIS. 



!5 2 




THE TRAGEDIE OF 

HAMLET, Prince of Denmarke. 



<t45ius ^Primus. Scoena Vrima. 




Enter 'Barnardo and Francifco two Centinels. 

'Barnardo, 
Ho's there ? 

Fran. Nay anfwer me : Stand & vnfold 
your felfe. 

Bar. Long Hue the King. 

Fran. Barnardo ? 

Fran. You come moft carefully vpon your houre. 
Bar. 'Tis now ftrook twelue, get thee to bed Francifco. 
Fran. For this releefe much thankes : 'Tis bitter cold, 
And I am ficke at heart. 

''Barn. Haue you had quiet Guard ? 

Fran. Not a Moufe ftirring. 

'Barn. Well, goodnight. If you do meet Horatio and 
Marcellui, the Riuals of my Watch, bid them make haft. 
Enter Horatio and Marcellui . 

Fran. I thinke I heare them. Stand : who's there ? 

Hor. Friends to this ground. 

Mar. And Leige-men to the Dane. 

Fran. Giue you good night. 

Mar. O farwel honeft Soldier, who hath relieu'd you? 

Fra. 'Barnardo ha's my place: giue you goodnight. 

Exit Fran. 

Mar. Holla "Barnardo. 

''Bar. Say, what is Horatio there ? 

Hor. A peece of him. 

'Bar. Welcome Horatio, welcome good Marcellui. 

Mar. What, ha's this thing appear'd againe to night. 

Bar, I haue feene nothing. 

Mar. Horatio faies, 'tis but our Fantafie, 
And will not let beleefe take hold of him 
Touching this dreaded fight, twice feene of vs, 
Therefore I haue intreated him along 
With vs, to watch the minutes of this Night, 
That if againe this Apparition come, 
He may approue our eyes, and fpeake to it. 

Hor. Tuih,tu(h, 'twill not appeare. 

Bar. Sit downe a-while, 
And let vs once againe affaile your eares, 
That are fo fortified againft our Story, 
What we two Nights haue feene. 

Hor. Well, fit we downe, 
And let vs heare ^Barnardo fpeake of this. 

'Barn. Laft night of all, 
When yond fame Starre that's Weftward from the Pole 
Had made his courfe t'illume that part uf Heauen 



Where now it burnes, Marcellui and my felfe, 
The Bell then beating one. 

(Mar. Peace, breake thee off: Enter the Qhoft. 

Looke where it comes againe. 

Barn. In the fame figure, like the King that's dead. 

Mar. Thou art a Scholler; fpeake to it Horatio. 

Barn. Lookes it not like the King ? Marke it Horatio. 

Hora. Moft like: It harrowes me with fear & wonder 

'Barn. It would be fpoke too. 

Mar. Queftion it Horatio. 

Hor. What art thou that vfurp'ft this time of night, 
Together with that Faire and Warlike forme 
In which the Maiefty of buried Denmarke 
Did fometimes march : By Heauen I charge thee fpeake. 

Mar. It is offended. 

Barn. See, it ftalkes away. 

Hor. Stay: fpeake; fpeake : I Charge thee, fpeake. 
Exit the Ghofl. 

Mar. 'Tis gone, and will not anfwer. 

Barn. How now Horatio} You tremble & look pale: 
Is not this fomething more then Fantafie ? 
What thinke you on't •? 

Hor. Before my God, I might not this beleeue 
Without the fenfible and true auouch 
Of mine owne eyes. 

Mar. Is it not like the King ? 

Hor. As thou art to thy felfe, 
Such was the very Armour he had on, 
When th'Ambitious Norwey combatted : 
So frown'd he once, when in an. angry parle 
He fmot the fiedded Pollax on the Ice. 
'Tis ftrange. 

Mar. Thus twice before, and iuft at this dead houre, 
With Martiall ftalke, hath he gone by our Watch. 

Hor.ln what particular thought to work, I know not : 
But in the groffe and fcope of my Opinion, 
This boades fome ftrange erruption to our State. 

Mar. Good now fit downe, & tell me he that knowes 
Why this fame ftrift and moft obferuant Watch, 
So nightly toyles the fubieft of the Land, 
And why fuch dayly Caft of Brazon Cannon 
And Forraigne Mart for Implements of warre : 
Why fuch impreffe of Ship-wrights, whofe fore Taske 
Do's not diuide the Sunday from the weeke, 
What might be toward, that this fweaty haft 
Doth make the Night ioynt-Labourer with the day : 
Who is't that can informe me? 
Hor. That can I, 



The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



153 



At leaft the whifper goes fo : Our laft King, 

Whofe Image euen but now appeared to vs, 

Was (as you know) by Fortinbras of Norway, 

(Thereto prick'd on by a moft emulate Pride) 

Dar'd to the Combate. In which, our Valiant Hamlet., 

(For fo this fide of our knowne world efteem'd him) 

Did flay this Fortinbras : who by a Seal'd Compad, 

Well ratified by Law, and Heraldrie, 

Did forfeite (with his life) all thofe his Lands 

Which he flood feiz'd on, to the Conqueror : 

Againft the which, a Moity competent 

Was gaged by our King : which had return'd 

To the Inheritance of Fortinbras, 

Had he bin Vanquisher, as by the fame Cou'nant 

And carriage of the Article defigne, 

His fell to Hamlet. Now fir, young Fortinbras, 

Of vnimproued Mettle, hot and full, 

Hath in the skirts of Norway, heere and there, 

Shark'd vp a Lift of Landleffe Refolutes, 

For Foode and Diet, to fome Enterprize 

That hath a ftomacke in't : which is no other 

(And it doth well appeare vnto our State,) 

But to recouer of vs by ftrong hand 

And termes Compulfaf.iue, thofe forefaid Lands 

So by his Father loft : and this (I take it) 

Is the maine Motiue of our Preparations, 

The Sourfe of this our Watch, and the cheefe head 

Of this poft-haft, and Romage in the Land. 

Enter Ghofl againe. 
But foft, behold: Loe, where it comes againe :l 
He croffe it, though it blaft me. Stay Illufion : 
If thou haft any found, or vfe of Voyce, 
Speake to me. If there be any good thing to be done, 
That may to thee do eafe, and grace to me ; fpeak to me. 
If thou art priuy to thy Countries Fate 
(Which happily foreknowing may auoyd) Oh fpeake. 
Or, if thou haft vp-hoorded in thy life 
Extorted Treafure in the wombe of Earth, 
(For which, they fay, you Spirits oft walke in deathj 
Speake of it. Stay, and fpeake. Stop it Marcellus. 
Mar. Shall I ftrike at ir with my Partizan ? 
Hor. Do, if it will not ftand. 
<Bari2. 'Tis heere. 
Hor. 'Tis heere. 

Mar. 'Tis gone. Exit Gboft. 

We do it wrong, being fo Maiefticall 
To offer it the mew of Violence, 
For it is as the Ayre, invulnerable, 
And our vaine blowes, malicious Mockery. 

'Barn. It was about to fpeake, when the Cocke crew. 
Hor. And then it ftarted, like a guilty thing 
Vpon a fearfull Summons. I haue heard, 
The Cocke that is the Trumpet to the day, 
Doth with his lofty and fhrill-founding Throate 
Awake the God of Day : and at his warning, 
Whether in Sea, or Fire, in Earth, or Ayre, 
Th'extrauagant, and erring Spirit, hyes 
To his Confine. And of the truth heerein, 
This prefent Obiect made probation. 

Mar. It faded on the crowing of the Cocke. 
Some fayes, that euer 'gainft that Seafon comes 
Wherein our Sauiours Birth is celebrated, 
The Bird of Dawning fingeth all night long: 
And then fthey fay) no Spirit can walke abroad, 
The nights are wholfome, then no Planets ftrike, 
No Faiery talkes, nor Witch hath power to Charme : 



So hallow'd, and fo gracious is the time. 

Hor. So haue I heard, and do in part beleeue it. 
But looke, the Morne in Ruffet mantle clad, 
Walkes o're the dew of yon high Eafterne Hill, 
Breake we our Watch vp, and by my aduice 
Let vs impart what we haue feene to night 
Vnto yong Hamlet. For vpon my life, 
This Spirit dumbe to vs, will fpeake to him : 
Do you confent we mall acquaint him with it, 
As needfull in our Loues, fitting our Duty ? 

Mar. Let do't 1 pray, and I this morning know 
Where we fliall finde him moft conueniently. Exeunt 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Claudius King of Denmarke, Gertrude the Queene, 

Hamlet, Polonius , Laertes, and bis Sifter 0- 

phelia, Lords ^Attendant . 1 

King. Though yet of Hamlet our deere Brothers death 
The memory be greene : and that it vs befitted 
To beare our hearts in greefe, and our whole Kingdome 
To be contracted in one brow of woe : 
Yet fo farre hath Difcretion fought with Nature, 
That we with wifeft forrow thinke on him, 
Together with remembrance of our felues. 
Therefore our fometimes Sifter, now our Queen, 
Th'Imperiall Ioyntreffe of this warlike State, 
Haue we, as 'twere, with a defeated ioy, 
With one Aufpicious, and one Dropping eye, 
With mirth in Funerall, and with Dirge in Marriage, 
In equall Scale weighing Delight and Dole 
Taken to Wife ; nor haue we heerein barr'd 
Your better Wiiedomes, which haue freely gone 
With this affaire along, for all our Thankes. 
Now followes, that you know young Fortinbras, 
Holding a weake fuppofall of our worth ; 
Or thinking by our late deere Brothers death, 
Our State to be difioynt, and out of Frame, 
Colleagued with the dreame of his Aduantage ; 
He hath not fayl'd to pefter vs with Meffage, 
Importing the furrender of thofe Lands 
Loft by his Father : with all Bonds of Law 
To our moft valiant Brother. So much for him. 

Enter Voltemand and Cornelius. 
Now for our felfe, and for this time of meeting 
Thus much the bufineffe is. We haue heere writ 
To Norway, Vncle of young Fortinbras , 
Who Impotent and Bedrid, fcarfely heares 
Of this his Nephewes purpofe, to fuppreffe 
His further gate heerein. In that the Leuies, 
The Lifts, and full proportions are all made 
Out of his fubiect : and we heere difpatch 
You good Cornelius, and you Voltemand, 
For bearing of this greeting to old Norway, 
Giuing to you no further perfonall power 
To bufineffe with the King, more then the fcope 
Of thefe dilated Articles allow : 
Farewell and let your haft commend your duty. 

Volt. In that, and all things, will we fliew our duty. 

King. We doubt it nothing, heartily farewell. 

Exit Voltemand and Qornelius. 
And now Laertes, what's the newes with you? 

You 



i54 



The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



You told vs of fome fuite. What is't Laertes} 

You cannot fpeake of Reafon to the Dane, 

And loofe your voyce. What would'ft. thou beg Laertes, 

That fhall not be my Offer, not thy Asking ? 

The Head is not more Natiue to the Heart, 

The Hand more Inftrumentall to the Mouth, 

Then is the Throne of Denmarke to thy Father. 

What would'ft thou haue Laertes? 

Laer. Dread my Lord, 
Your leaue and fauour to returne to France, 
From whence, though willingly I came to Denmarke 
To fhew my duty in your Coronation, 
Yet now I muft confeffe, that duty done, 
My thoughts and wifhes bend againe towards France, 
And bow them to your gracious leaue and pardon. 

King. Haue you your Fathers leaue ? 
What fayes Pol'.onim ? 

Pol. He hath my Lord|: 
I do befeech you giue him leaue to go. 

King. Take thy faire houre Laertes, time be thine, 
And thy beft graces fpend it at thy will : 
But now my Colin Hamlet, and my Sonne? 

Ham. A little more then kin, and lefTe then kinde. 

King. How is it that the Clouds ftill hang on you ? 

Ham. Not fo my Lord, I am too much i'th'Sun. 

S^ueen. Good Hamlet caft thy nightly colour off, 
And let thine eye looke like a Friend on Denmarke. 
Do not for euer with thy veyled lids 
Seeke for thy Noble Father in the duft ; 
Thou know'ft 'tis common, all that Hues muft dye, 
Paffing through Nature, to Eternity. 

Ham. I Madam, it is common. 

Queen. Jf it be 5 
Why feemes it fo particular with thee. 

Ham.Seemes Madam? Nay, it is : I know not Seemes: 
'Tis not alone my Inky Cloake (good Mother,) 
NorCuftomary fuites of folemne Blacke, 
Nor windy fufpiration of forc'd breath, 
No, nor the fruitfull Riuer in the Eye, 
Nor the deiefted hauiour of the Vifage, 
Together with all Formes, Moods, fhewes of Griefe, 
That can denote me truly. Thefe indeed Seeme, 
For they are aftions that a man might play : 
But I haue that Within, which paffeth fhow ; 
Thefe, but the Trappings, and the Suites of woe. 

King. 'Tis fweet and commendable 
In your Nature Hamlet, 

To giue thefe mourning duties to your Father: 
But you muft know, your Father loft a Father, 
That Father loft, loft his , and the Suruiuer bound 
In filiall Obligation, for fome terme 
To do obfequious Sorrow. But to perfeuer 
In obftinate Condolement, is a courfe 
Of impious ftubbornneffe. 'Tis vnmanly greefe, 
It fhewes a will molt incorre£l to Heauen, 
A Heart vnfortified, a Minde impatient, 
An Vnderftanding fimple, and vnfchool'd : 
For, what we know muft be, and is as common 
As any the moft vulgar thing to fence, 
Why mould we in our peeuiih Oppoiition 
Take it to heart? Fye, 'tis a fault to Heauen, 
A fault againft the Dead, a fault to Nature, 
To Reafon moft abfurd, whofe common Theame 
Is death of Fathers, and who ftill hath cried, 
From the firft Coarfe,till he that dyed to day, 
This muft be fo. We pray you throw to earth 



This vnpreuayling woe, and thinke or vs 

As of a Father ; For let the world take note, 

You are the moft immediate to our Throne, 

And with no lefTe Nobility of Loue, 

Then that which deereft Father beares his Sonne, 

Do I impart towards you. For your intent 

In going backe to Schoole in Wittenberg, 

It is moft retrograde to our defire : 

And we befeech you, bend you to remaine 

Heere in the cheere and comfort of our eye, 

Our cheefeft Courtier Cofin, and our Sonne. 

S^u. Let not thy Mother lofe her Prayers Hamlet : 
I prythee ftay with vs, go not to Wittenberg. 

Ham. I fhall in all my beft 
Obey you Madam. 

King. Why 'tis a louing, and a faire Reply, 
Be as our felfe in Denmarke. Madam come, 
This gentle and vnforc'd accord of Hamlet 
Sits fmiling to my heart ; in grace whereof, 
No iocond health that Denmarke drinkes to day, 
But the great Cannon to the Clowds fhall tell, 
And the Kings Rouce, the Heauens mail bruite againe, 
Refpeaking earthly Thunder. Come away. Exeunt 

(JWIanet Hamlet. 

Ham. Oh that this too too folid Flefh, would melt, 
Thaw, and refolue it felfe into a Dew : 
Or that the Euerlafting had not fixt 
His Cannon 'gainft Selfe-flaughter. O God, O God ! 
How weary, ftale, flat, and vnprofitable 
Seemes to me all the vfes of this world ? 
Fie on't? Oh fie, fie, 'tis an vnweeded Garden 
That growes to Seed : Things rank, and grofle in Nature 
PofTeffe it meerely. That it fhould come to this : 
But two months dead : Nay, not fo much; not two, 
So excellent a King, that was to this 
Hiperion to a Satyre : fo louing to my Mother, 
That he might not beteene the windes of heauen 
Vifit her face too roughly. Heauen and Earth 
Muft I remember : why fhe would hang on him, 
As if encreafe of Appetite had growne 
By what it fed on ; and yet within a month ? 
Let me not thinke on't : Frailty, thy name is woman. 
A little Month, or ere thofe fhooes were old, 
With which fhe followed my poore Fathers body 
Like Niobe, all teares. Why me, euen fhe. 
(O Heauen ! A beaft that wants difcourfe of Reafon 
Would haue mourn'd longer) married with mine Vnkle, 
My Fathers Brother : but no more like my Father, 
Then I to Hercules. Within a Moneth ? 
Ere yet the fait of moft vnrighteous Teares 
Had left the flufhing of her gauled eyes, 
She married. O moft wicked fpeed, to poft 
With fuch dexterity to Inceftuous fheets : 
It is not, nor it cannot come to good. 
But breake my heart, for I muft hold my tongue. 

Enter Horatio, 'Barnard, and MarcelliU. 

Hor. Haile to your Lordfhip. 

Ham. I am glad to fee you well : 
Horatio, or I do forget my felfe. 

Hor. The fame my Lord, 
And your poore Seruant euer. 

Ham. Sir my good friend, 
He change that name with you : 
And what make you from Wittenberg Horatio} 



The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



155 



Marcellus. 

Mar. My good Lord. 

Ham. I am very glad to fee you : good euen Sir. 
But what in faith make you from Wittemberge? 

Hor. A truant difpofition, good my Lord. 

Ham. I would not ruue your Enemy fay fo; 
Nor fhall you doe mine eare that violence, 
To make it trufter of your owne report 
Again ft your felfe. I know you are no Truant: 
But what is your affaire in Eljenour ? 
Wee'l teach you to drinke deepe, ere you depart. 

Hor. My Lord, I came to fee your Fathers Funerall. 

Ham. I pray thee doe not mock me (fellow Student) 
I thinke it was to fee my Mothers Wedding. 

Hor. Indeed my Lord, it followed hard vpon. 

Ham. Thrift, thrift Horatio: the Funerall Bakt-meats 
Did coldly furniih forth the Marriage Tables; 
Would I had met my deareft foe in heauen, 
Ere I had euer feene that day Horatio. 
My father, me thinkes I fee my father. 

Hor. Oh where my Lord? 

Ham. In my minds eye (Horatio) 

Hor. I faw him once; he was a goodly King. 

Ham. He was a man, take him for all in all : 
I lhall not look vpon his like againe. 

Hor. My Lord, I thinke I faw him yefternight. 

Ham. Saw? Who i 

Hor. My Lord, the King your Father. 

Ham. The King my Father? 

Hor. Seafon your admiration for a while 
With an attent eare; till I may deliuer 
Vpon the witneffe of thefe Gentlemen, 
This maruell to you. 

Ham. For Heauens loue let me heare. 

Hor. Two nights together, had thefe Gentlemen 
(Marcellus and Barnardo) on their Watch 
In the dead waft and middle of the night 
Beene thus encountred. A figure like your Father, 
Arm'd at all points exactly, Cap a Pe, 
Appeares before them, and with follemne march 
Goes flow and ftately : By them thrice he walkt, 
By their oppreft and feare-iurprized eyes, 
Within his Truncheons length; whilft they beftil'd 
Almoft to lelly with the Act of feare, 
Stand dumbe and fpeake not to him. This to me 
In dreadfull fecrecie impart they did, 
And I with them the third Night kept the Watch, 
Whereas they had deliuer'd both in time, 
Forme of the thing; each word made true and good, 
The Apparition comes. I knew your Father : 
Thefe hands are not more like. 

Ham. But where was this? 

Mar. My Lord, vpon the platfcrme where we watcht. 

Ham. Did you not fpeake to it? 

Hor. My Lord, I did; 
But anfwere made it none : yet once me thought 
It lifted vp it head, and did addrefle 
It felfe to motion, like as it would fpeake : 
But euen then, the Morning Cocke crew lowd ; 
And at the found itflirunke in haft away, 
And vanifht from our fight. 

Ham. Tis very ftrange. 

Hor. As I doe liue my honourd Lord 'tis true ; 
And we did thinke it writ downe in our duty 
To let you know of it. 

Ham. Indeed, indeed Sirs; but this troubles me. 



745 



Hold you the watch to Nights 

'Both. We doe my Lord. 

Ham. Arm'd, fay you? 

Both. Arm'd, my Lord. 

Ham. From top to toe/ 

'Both. My Lord, from head to foute. 

Ham.. Then faw you not his face.? 

Hor. O yes, my Lord, he wore his Beauer vp. 

Ham. What, lookt he frowningly? 

Hor. A countenance more in forrow then in anger. 

Ham. Pale, or red? 

Hor. Nay very pale. 

Ham. And fixt his eyes vpon you? 

Hor. Moft conftantly. 

Ham. I would I had beene there. 

Hor. It would haue much amaz'd you. 

Ham. Very like, very like : ftaiditlong? (dred. 

Hor. While one with moderate haft might tell a hun- 

tJLll. Longer, longer. 

Hor. Not when I faw't. 

Ham. His Eeard was grifly.? no. 

Hor. It was, as I haue feene it in his life, 
A Sable Siluer'd. (gaine. 

Ham. He watch to Night ; perchance 'twill wake a- 

Hor. I warrant you it will. 

Ham. If it afTume my noble Fathers perfon, 
He fpeake to it, though Hell it felfe Ihould gape 
And bid me hold my peace. I pray you all, 
If you haue hitherto conceald this fight; 
Let it bee treble in your filence ftill: 
And whatfoeuer els fhall hap to night, 
Giue it an vnderftanding but no tongue; 
I will requite your loues; Co, fare ye well : 
Vpon the Platforme twixt eleuen and twelue, 
lie vifit you. 

All. Our duty to your Honour. Exeunt. 

Ham. Your loue, as mine to you: farewell. 
My Fathers Spirit in Armes ? All is not well: 
1 doubt fome foule play : would the Night were come ; 
Till then fit ftill my foule; foule deeds will rife, 
Though all the earth orewhelm them to mens eies. Exit. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Laertes and Ophelia. 

Laer. My neceffaries are imbark't; Farewell : 
And Sifter, as the Winds giue Benefit, 
And Conuoy is affiftant; doe not fleepe, 
But let me heare from you. 

Ophel. Doe you doubt that? 

Laer, For Hamlet, and the trifling of his fauours, 
Hold it a fafliion and a toy in Eloud; 
A Violet in the youth of Primy Nature; 
Froward,not permanent; fweet not lading 
The fuppliance of a minute? No more. 

Ophel. No more but fo. 

Laer. Thinke it no more : 
For nature creffant does not grow alone, 
In thewes and Bulke : but as his Temple waxes, 
The inward feruice of the Mindeand Soule 
Crowes wide withall. Perhaps he loues you now, 
And now no foyle nor cautell doth befmerch 



The 



: of his feare : but you muft fea 



i 5 6 



The Tr age die of Hamlet. 



His greatneffe weigh'd, his will is not his owne ; 

For hee himfelfe is fubiedt to his Birth : 

Hee may not, as vnuallued perfons doe, 

Carue for himfelfe ; for, on his choyce depends 

The fandtity and health of the weole State. 

And therefore muft his choyce be circumfcrib'd 

Vnto the voyce and yeelding of that Body, 

Whereof he is the Head. Then if he fayes he loues you, 

It fits your wifedome fo farre to beleeue it ; 

As he in his peculiar Sett and force 

May giue his faying deed: which is no further, 

Then the maine voyce of Denmark goes withall. 

Then weigh what lofTe your Honour may fufta'.ne, 

If with too credent eare you lift his Songs ; 

Or lofe your Heart; or your chaft T reafure open 

To his vnmaftred importunity. 

Feare it Ophelia, feare it my deare Sifter, 

And keepe within the reare of your Afteftion; 

Out of the fhot and danger of Defire. 

The charieft Maid is Prodigall enough, 

If fhe vnmaske her beauty to the Moone : 

Vertue it felfe fcapes not calumnious ftroakes, 

The Canker Galls, the Infants of the Spring 

Too oft before the buttons be difclos'd, 

And in the Morne and liquid dew of Youth, 

Contagious blaftments are moft imminent. 

Be wary then, beft fafety lies in feare; 

Youth to it felfe rebels, though none elfe neere. 

Ophe. I Ihall th'eftecT: of this good Leflon keepe, 
As watchmen to my heart : but good my Brother 
Doe not as fome vngracious Paftors doe, 
Shew me the fteepe and thorny way to Heauen; 
Whilft like a puft and reckleffe Libertine 
Himfelfe, the Primrofe path of dalliance treads, 
And reaks not his owne reade. 

Laer. Oh, feare me not. 

Enter Pclonius. 
I ftay too long ; but here my Father comes : 
A double bleffing is a double grace; 
Occafion fmiles vpon a fecond leaue. 

Polon. Yet heere Laertes? Aboord, aboord for ihame, 
The winde fits in the ihoulder of your faile, 
And you are ftaid for there : my bleffing with you; 
And thefe few Precepts in thy memory, 
See thou Character. Giue thy thoughts no tongue, 
Nor any vnproportion'd thought his Aft : 
Be thou familiar; but by no meanes vulgar: 
The friends thou haft, and their adoption tride, 
Grapple them to thy Soule, with hoopes of Steele : 
But doe not dull thy palme, with entertainment 
Of each vnhatch't, vnfledg'd Comrade. Beware 
Of entrance to a quarrell : but being in 
Bear't that th'oppofed may beware of thee. 
Giue euery man thine eare;but few thy voyce: 
Take each mans cenfure;but referue thy iudgement : 
Coftly thy habit as thy purfe can buy ; 
But not expreft in fancie; rich, not gawdie: 
For the Apparell oft proclaimes the man. 
And they in France of the beft ranck and ftation, 
Are of a moft felecl: and generous cheff in that. 
Neither a borrower, nor a lender be; 
For lone oft lofes both it felfe and friend: 
And borrowing duls the edge of Husbandry. 
This aboue all; to thine owne felfe be true: 
And it muft follow, as the Night the Day, 
Thou canft not then be falfe to any man. 



Farewell: my Bleffing feafon this in thee. 

Laer. Moft humbly doe I take my leaue, my Lord. 

Polon. The time inuites you, goe, your feruants tend. 

Laer. Farewell Ophelia, and remember well 
What I haue faid to you. 

Ofbe. Tis in my memory lockt, 
And you your felfe fhall keepe the key of it. 

Laer. Farewell. Exit Laer. 

Polon. What ift Ophelia he hath faid to you i 

Ophe. So pleafe you,fomthing touching the L. Hamlet. 

Polon. Marry, well bethought: 
Tis told me he hath very oft of late 
Giuen priuate time to you; and you your felfe 
Haue of your audience beene moft free and bounteous. 
If it be fo, as fo tis put on me; 
And that in way of caution : I muft tell you, 
You doe not vnderfbnd your felfe fo cleerely, 
As it behoues my Daughter, and your Honour. 
What is betweene you, giue me vp the truth? 

Ophe. He hath my Lord of late, made many tenders 
Ofhisaffeftion to me. 

Tolon. Affection, puh. You fpeake like a greene Girle, 
Vnfifted in fuch perillous Circumftance. 
Doe you beleeue his tenders, as you call them? 

Ophe. I do not know, my Lord, what I fhould thinke. 

Polon. Marry He teach you; thinke your felfe a Baby, 
That you haue tane his tenders for true pay, 
Which are not ftarling. Tender your felfe more dearly; 
Or not to crack the winde of the poore Phrafe, 
Roaming it thus, you'l tender me a foole. 

Ophe My Lord, he hath importun'd me with loue, 
In honourable fafhion. 

Polon. I, fafhion you may call it, go too, go too. 

Ophe. And hath giuen countenance to his fpeech, 
My Lord, with all the vowes of Heauen. 

Polon. I, Springes to catch Woodcocks. I doe know 
When the Bloud bumes,how Prodigall the Soule 
Giues the tongue vowes: thefe blazes, Daughter, 
Giuing more light then heate; extinct in both, 
Euen in their promife, as it is a making; 
You muft not take for fire. For this time Daughter, 
Be fomewhat fcanter of your Maiden prefence; 
Set your entreatments at a higher rate, 
Then a command to parley. For Lord Hamlet, 
Beleeue fo much in him, that he is young, 
And with a larger tether may he walke, 
Then may be giuen you. In few, Ophelia, 
Doe not beleeue his vowes; for they are Breakers, 
Not of the eye, which their Inueftments fhow : 
But meere implorators of vnholy Sutes, 
Breathing like fandtified and pious bonds, 
The better to beguile. This is for all : 
I would not, in plaine tearmes, from this time forth, 
Haue you fo flander any moment leifure, 
A.s to giue words or talke with the Lord Hamlet: 
Looke too't, I charge you; come your wayes. 

Ophe. I fhall obey my Lord. Exeunt. 

Enter Hamlet, Horatio, Marcellui. 
Ham. The Ayre bites fhrewdly : is it very cold? 
Hor. It is a nipping and an eager ayre. 
Ham. What hower now? 
Hor. I thinke it lacks of twelue. 

Mar. No, it is ftrooke. (feafon, 

Hor. Indeed I heard it not: then it drawes neere the 
Wherein the Spirit held his wont to walke. 

What 

T46 - 



The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



257 



™hat does this meane my Lord ? (roufe, 

Ham. The King doth wake to night, and takes his 
Keepes waffels and the fwaggering vpfpring reeles, 
AnJ as he dreines his draughts of Renifh downe, 
The kettle Drum and Trumpet thus bray out 
The triumph of his Pledge. 
Horat . Is it a cuftome ? 
Ham. I marry i ft; 
And to my mind, though I am natiue heere, 
And to the manner borne: It is a Cuftome 
More honour'd in the breach, then the obferuance. 
Enter Gboft. 
Hor. Looke my Lord, it comes. 
Ham. Angels and Minifters of Grace defend vs: 
Be thou a Spirit of health, or Goblin damn'd, 
Bring with thee ayres from Heauen,or blafts from Hell, 
Be thy euents wicked or charitable, 
Thou com'ft in fuch a queftionable Ihape 
That I will fpeake to thee. He call thee Hamlet, 
King, Father, Royall Dane : Oh,oh,anfwer me, 
Let me not burft in Ignorance ; but tell 
Why thy Canoniz'd bones Hearfed in death, 
Haue burft their cerments, why the Sepukher 
Wherein we faw thee quietly enurn'd, 
Hath op'd his ponderous and Marble iawes, 
To caft thee vp againe ? What may this meane ? 
That thou dead Coarfe againe in compleat fteele, 
Reuifits thus the glimpfes of the Moone, 
Making Night hidious? And we fooles of Nature, 
So horridly to make our difpofition, 
With thoughts beyond thee; reaches of our Soules, 
Say, why is this? wherefore? what mould we doe ? 
Ghofi bzckens Hamlet. 
Hor. It beckons you to goe away with it, 
As if it fome impartment did defire 
To you alone. 

Mar. Looke with what courteous action 
It wafts you to a more remoued ground : 
But doe not goe with it. 

Hor. No, by no meanes. 

Ham. It will not fpeake: then will I follow it. 

Hor. Doe not my Lord. 

Ham. Why, what mould be the feare ? 
I doe not fet my life at a pins fee; 
And for my Soule, what can it doe to that? 
Being a thing immortall as it felfe : 
It waues me forth againe; He follow it. 

Hor. What if it tempt you toward the Floud my Lord? 
Or to the dreadfull Sonnet of the Cliffe, 
That beetles o're his bafe into the Sea, 
And there afTumes fome other horrible forme, 
Which might depriue your Soueraignty of Reafon, 
And draw you into madneffe thinke of it? 

Ham. It wafts me ftill : goe on, He follow thee. 

Mar. You mall not g<>e my Lord. 

Ham. Hold off your hand. 

Hor. Be rul'd,you mall not goe. 

Ham. My fate cries out, 
And makes each petty Artire in this body, 
As hardy as theNemian Lions nerue: 
Still am I cal'd ? Vnhand me Gentlemen : 
By Heau'n, He make a Ghoft of him that lets me : 
I fay away, goe on, He follow thee. 

Exeunt Qboft & Hamlet. 

Hor. He waxes defperate with imagination. 

Mar. Let's folio w;'tis not fit thus to obey him. 



Hor. Haue after, to what iflue will this come? 

Mar. Something is rotten in the State of Denmarke 

Hor. Heauen will direct it. 

Mar. Nay, let's follow him. Exeunt. 

Enter Ghojl and Hamlet. (ther. 

Ham: Where wilt thou lead me ? fpeak ; He go no fur- 

Gbo. Marke me. 

Ham. I will. 

Gho. My hower is almoft come, 
When I to fuiphurous and tormenting Flames 
Muft render vp my felfe. 

Ham. Alas poore Ghoft. 

Gho. Pitty me not, but lend thy ferious hearing 
To what I mall vnfold. 

Ham. Speake, I am bound to heare. 

Gbo. So art thou to reuenge, when thou /halt heare 

Ham. What? 

Gbo. I am thy Fathers Spirit, 
Doom'd for a certaine terme to walke the night; 
And for the day confin'd to faft in Fiers, 
Till the foule crimes done in my dayes of Nature 



Are 



and purg'd 



But that I am forbid 



To tell the fecrets of my Prifon-Houfe; 

I could a Tale vnfold, whofe lighted word 

Would harrow vp thy foule, freeze thy young blood, 

Make thy two eyes like Starres, ftart from their Spheres, 

Thy knotty and combined locks to part, 

And each particular haire to ftand an end, 

Like Quiiles vpon the fretfull Porpentine : 

But this eternall blafon muft not be 

To eares of flefh and bloud; lift Hamlet, oh lift, 

If thou didft euer thy deare Father lovre. 

Ham. Oh Heauen ! 

Gbo. Reuenge his foule and moft vnnaturall Murther. 

Ham. Murther? 

Gboft. Murther moft foule, as in the beft it is; 
But this moft foule, ftrange, and vnnaturall. 

Ham. Haft, haft me to know it, 
That with wings as fwift 
As meditation, or the thoughts of Loue, 
May fweepe to my Reuenge. 

Gboft. I finde thee apt, 
And duller fhould'ft thou be then the fat weede 
That rots it felfe in eafe, on Lethe Wharfe, 
Would'ft thou not ftirre in this. Now Hamlet heare : 
It's giuen out, that fleepingin mine Orchard, 
A Serpent ftung me : fo the whole eare of Denmarke, 
Is by a forged proceffe of my death 
Rankly abus'd : But know thou Noble youth, 
The Serpent that did fting thy Fathers life, 
Now weares his Crowne. 

Ham. O my Propheticke foule : mine Vncle ? 

Gboft. I that inceftuous, that adulterate Beaft 
With witchcraft of his wits, hath Traitorous guifts. 
Oh wicked Wit,and Gifts, that haue the power 
So to feduce? Won to to this ihamefull Luft 
The will of my moft feeming vertuous Queene: 
Oh Hamlet, what a falling off was there, 
From me, whofe loue was of that dignity, 
That it went hand in hand, euen with the Vow 
I made to her in Marriage; and to decline 
Vpon a wretch, whofe Naturall gifts were poore 
To thofe of mine. But Vertue.as it neuer wil be moued 
Though Lewdneffe court it in a fhape of Heauen : 
So Luft, though to a radiant Angell link'd, 
Will fate it felfe in a Celeftiallbed,& prey on Garbage. 
Oo Bu 



25 ; 



The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



But foft, me thinkes I fent the Mornings Ayre; 

Briefe let me be : Sleeping within mine Orchard, 

My cuftome alwayes in the afternoone; 

Vpon my fecure hower thy Vncle ftole 

With iuyce of curfed Hebenon in a Violl, 

And in the Porches of mine eares did poure 

The leaperous Diftilment; whofe effccT: 

Holds fuch an enmity with bloud of Man, 

That fwift asQuick-filuer,it courfes through 

The naturall Gates and Allies of the Body; 

And with a fodaine vigour it doth pofTet 

And curd, like Aygre droppings into Milke, 

The thin and wholiome blood : fo did it mine ; 

And a moft inftant Tetter bak'd about, 

Moft Lazar-like, with vile and loathfome cruft, 

All my fmooth Body. 

Thus was I, fleeping, by a Brothers hand, 

Of Life, of Crowne, and Queene at once difpatcht; 

Cut offeuen in the Bloffomes of my Sinne, 

Vnhouzzled, difappointed, vnnaneld, 

No reckoning made, but fent to my account 

With all my imperfections on my head; 

Oh horrible, Oh horrible, moft horrible: 

If thou haft nature in thee beare it not; 

Let not the RoyaJl Bed of Denmarke be 

A Couch for Luxury and damned Inceft. 

But howfoeuer thou purfueft this Acl, 

Taint not thy mind ; nor let thy Soule contriue 

Againft thy Mother ought; leaue her to heauen , 

And to thofe Thornes that in herbofome lodge, 

To pricke and fting her. Fare thee well at once; 

The Glow-worme fhowes the Matine to be neere, 

And gins to pale his vneffe&uall Fire: 

Adue,adue, Hamlet : remember me. Exit. 

Ham. Oh all you hoft of Heauen ! Oh Earth; what els? 
And mail I couple Hell ? Oh fie : hold my heart; 
And you my finnewes,grow not inftant Old; 
But beare me ftiffely vp: Remember thee? 
I, thou poore Ghoft, while memory holds a feate 
In this diftra&ed Globe : Remember thee ? 
Yea, from the Table of my Memory, 
lie wipe away all triuiall fond Records, 
All fawes of Bookes,all formes, all prefures paft, 
That youth and obferuation coppied there; 
And thy Commandment all alone (hall liue 
Within the Eooke and Volume of my Braine, 
Vnmixt with bafer matter; yes, yes, by Heauen : 
Oh moft pernicious woman J 
Oh Villaine, Villaine, fmiling damned Villaine! 
My Tables, my Tables; meet it is I fet it downe, 
That one may fmile.and fmileand be a Villaine; 
At lead: I'm fure it may be fo in Denmarke ; 
So Vnckle there you are : now to my word; 
It is; Adue,Adue, Remember me : I haue fworn't. 

Hor.& Mar.within. My Lord, my Lord. 
Enter Horatio and Marcelliu. 

Mar. Lord Hamlet. 

Hor. Heauen fecure him. 

Mar. So be it. 

Hor. Illo, ho, ho, my Lord. 

Ham. Hillo, ho, ho, boy; come bird, come. 

Mar. How ift't my Noble Lord ? 

Hor. What newes, my Lord? 

Ham. Oh wonderful! ! 

Hor. Good my Lord tell it. 

Ham. No you'l reuealeit. 



Hor, Not I, my Lord, by Heauen. 

Mar. Nor I, my Lord. (think it? 

Ham. How fay you then, would heart of man once 
But you'l be fecret? 

'Both. I, by Heau'n, my Lord. 

Ham. There's nere a villaine dwelling in all Denmarke j 
But hee's an arrant knaue. 

Hor. There needs no Ghoft my Lord, come from the 
Graue, to tell vs this. 

Ham. Why right,you are i'th' right; 
And fo, without more circumftance at all, 
I hold it fit that we make hands,and part: 
You, as your bufines and defires mall point you : 
For euery man ha's bufineffe and defire, 
Such as it is : and for mine owne poore part, 
Looke you, He goe pray. 

Hor. Thefe are but wild and hurling words, my Lord. 

Ham. I'm forry they offend you heartily : 
Yes faith, heartily. 

Hor. There's no offence my Lord. 

Ham. Yes, by Saint Patricl{e,hut there is my Lord, 
And much offence too, touching this Vifion heere : 
It is an honeft Ghoft, that let me tell you : 
For your delire to know what is betweene vs, 
O'remafter't as you may. And now good friends, 
As you are Friends,Schollers and Soldiers, 
Giue me one poore requeft. 

Hor. What is't my Lord? we will. 

Ham. Neuer make known what you haue feen to night. 

'Both. My Lord, we will not. 

Ham. Nay, but fwear't. 

Hor. Infaith my Lord, not I. 

Mar. Nor I my Lord : in faith. 

Ham. Vpon my fword. 

Marcel/. We haue fworne my Lord already. 

Ham. Indeed, vpon my fword, Indeed. 

Gho. Sweare. Ghoji cries vnder the Stage. 

Ham. Ah ha boy,fayeft thou fo. Art thou there true- 
penny ? Come one you here this fellow in the felleredge 
Confent to fweare. 

Hor. Propofe the Oath my Lord. 

Ham. Neuer to fpeake of this that you haue feene. 
Sweare by my fword. 

Gho. Sweare. 

Ham. Hie & itbiaue? Then wee'l fnift for grownd, 
Come hither Gentlemen, 
And lay your hands againe vpon my fword, 
Neuer to fpeake of this that you haue heard: 
Sweare by my Sword. 

Gho. Sweare. (faft? 

Ham. Well faid old Mole,can'ft worke i'th' ground fo 
A worthy Pioner, once more remoue good friends. 

Hor. Oh day and nightibut this is wondrous ftrange. 

Ham. And therefore as a ftranger giue it welcome. 
There are more things in Heauen and Earth, Horatio, 
Then are dream't of in our Philofophy But come, 
Here as before, neuer fo helpe you mercy, 
How ftrange or odde fo ere I beare my felfe; 
(As I perchance heereafter (hall thinke meet 
To put an Anticke difpofition on : ) 
That you at fuch time feeing me, neuer (hall 
With Armes encombred thus, or thus, head (hake; 
Or by pronouncing of fome doubtf'ull Phrafe; 
As well, we know,or we could and if we would, 
Or if we lift to fpeake ; or there be and if there might, 
Or fuch ambiguous giuing out to note, 

That 



The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



2 59 



That you know ought of m^ this n ot to doe : 

So grace and mercy at yo ur mo ft neede helpe you 

Sweare. 

Gbofi. Sweare. 

Ham. Rett, reft perturbed Spirit : fo Gentlemen, 
With all my loue I doe commend me to you ; 
And what i'o poore a man as Hamlet is, 
May doe t'expreffe his loue and friending to you, 
God willing /hall not lacke : let vs goe in together, 
And ftill your fingers on your lippes I pray, 
The time is out of ioynt : Oh curfed fpight, 
That euer I was borne to fet it right. 
Nay, come let's goe together. Exeunt. 



ASlus Secundus. 



Enter Solonius ,and Reynoldo. 

talon. Giue him his money, and thefe notes Reynoldo. 

Reynol. I will my Lord. 

Polon. You fhall doe maruels wifely: good Reynoldo, 
Before you vifite him you make inquiry 
Of his behauiour. 

Reynol. My Lord, I did intend it. 

Polon. Marry, well faid ; 
Very well faid. Looke you Sir, 
Enquire me firft what Danskers are in Paris ; 
And how, and who;wbat meanesjand where they keepe: 
Whjt company, at what expence : and finding 
By this encompafTement and drift of queftion, 
That they doe know my fonne: Come you more neerer 
Then your particular demands will touch it, 
Take you as 'twere Come diltant knowledge of him, 
And thus I know his father and his friends, 
And in part him. Doe you marke this Reynoldo? 

Reynol. I, very well my Lord. 

Polon. And in part him, but you may fay not well; 
But if't be hee I meane, hees very wilde; 
Addicted fo and fo; and there put on him 
What forgeries you pleafe : marry, none fo ranke, 
As may difhonour him ; take heed of that : 
But Sir, fuch wanton, wild, and vfuall (lips, 
As are Companions noted and moft knowne 
'i'o youth and liberty. 

%eynd. As gaming my Lord. 

Talon. I, or drinking, fencing, fwearing, 
Quarelling, drabbiug. You may goe fo farre. 

Reynol. My Lord that would difhonour him. 

"Solon. Faith no, as you may feafon it in the charge; 
You muft not put another fcandall on him, 
That hee is open to Incontinencie; 

That's not my meaning: but breath his faults fo quaintly, 
That they may feeme the taints of liberty; 
The flam and out-breake of a fiery minde, 
A fauagenes in vnreclaim'd bloud of generall affault. 

Reynol. But my good Lord. 

Polon. Wherefore Ihould you doe this ? 

Reynol. I my Lord, I would know that. 

Polon. Marry Sir, heere's my drift, 
And I belieue it is a fetch of warrant: 
You laying thefe flight falleyes on my Sonne, 
As 'twere a thing a little foil'd i'th' working : (found, 

Marke you your party in conuerfe ; him you would 
Hauing euer feene. In the prenuminate crimes, 



749 



The youth you breath of guilty, be affur'd 
He clofes with you in this confequence: 
Good fir, or fo,or friend, or Gentleman. 
According to the Phrafe and the Addition, 
Of man and Country. 

Reynol. Very good my Lord. 

Polon. And then Sir does he this ? 
He does : what was I about to fay? 
I was about to fay fomthing : where did I leaue ? 

Reynol. At clofes in the confequence : 
At friend, or fo,and Gentleman. 

Polon. At clofes in the confequence, I marry, 
He clofes with you thus. I know the Gentleman, 
I faw him yefterday, or tother day; 
Or then or then, with fuch and fuch;and as you fay, 
There was he gaming, there o'retooke in's Roufe, 
There falling out at Tennis ; or perchance, 
I faw him enter fuch a houfe of faile; 
Videlicet,?. Brothell, or fo forth. See you now; 
Your bait of falfhood, takes this Cape of truth ; 
And thus doe we of wifedome and of reach 
With windlcfles,and with affaies of Bias, 
By indirections finde directions out: 
So by my former Lecture and aduice 
Shall you my Sonne; you haue me,haue you not? 

%eynol. My Lord I haue. 

Polon. God buy you; fare you well. 

Reynol. Good my Lord. 

"Solon. Obferue his inclination in yourfelfe. 

Reynol. I fhall my Lord. 

Polon. And let him plye his Muficke. 

Reynol. Well, my Lord. Exit. 

Enter Ophelia. 

Polon. Farewell : 
How now Ophelia, what's the matter ? 

Ophe. Alas my Lord, I haue beene fo affrighted. 

Polon. With what,in the name of Heauen? 

Ophe. My Lord, as I was fowing in my Chamber, 
Lord Hamlet with his doublet all vnbrae'd, 
No hat vpon his head, his ftockings foul'd, 
Vngartred, and downe giued to his Anckle, 
Pale as his fhirt, his knees knocking each other, 
And with a looke fo pitious in purport, 
As if he had been loofed out of hell, 
To fpeake of horrors : he comes before me. 

"Solon. Mad for thy Loue ? 

Ophe. My Lord, I doe not know : but truly I do feare it. 

Polon. What faid he? 

Ophe. He tooke me by the wrift,and held me hard ; 
Then goes he to the length of all his arme; 
And with his other hand thus o're his brow, 
He fals to fuch perufall of my face, 
As he would draw it. Long ftaid he fo, 
At laft.a little making of mine Arme : 
And thrice his head thus wauing vp and downe; 
He rais'd a figh,fo pittious and profound, 
That it did feeme to matter all his bulke, 
And end his being. That done, he lets me goe, 
And with his head ouer his fhouldeis turn'd, 
He feem'd to finde his way without his eyes, 
For out adores he went without their helpe; 
And to the laft, bended their light on me. 

Polon. Goe with me, I will goe feeke the King, 
This is the very extafie of Loue, 
Whofe violent property foredoes it felfe, 

And 



260 



The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



And leads the will to defperate Vndertakings, 
As oft as any paffion vnder Heauen, 
That does afflift our Natures. I am forrie, 
What haue you giuen him any hard words of late? 

Opbe. No my good Lord : but as you did command, 
I did repell his Letters, and deny'de 
His accefTe to me. 

Pol. That hath made him mad. 
I am forrie that with better fpeed and iudgement 
I had not quoted him. I feare he did but trifle, 
And meant to wracke thee : but befhrew my iealoufie : 
It feemes it is as proper to our Age, 
To caft beyond our felues in our Opinions, 
As it is common for the yonger fort 
To lacke difcretion. Come, go we to the King, 
This muft be knowne, w being kept clofe might moue 
More greefe to hide, then hate to vtter loue. Exeunt. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter King, Queene, Rojincrane , and Guilden- 
Jierne Cumalys. 

King. Welcome deere Pojincrance and Guildenflerne. 
Moreouer, that we much did long to fee you, 
The neede we haue to vfe you, did prouoke 
Our haftie fending. Something haue you heard 
Of Hamlets transformation : fo I call it, 
Since not th'exterior, nor the inward man 
Refembles that it was. What it mould bee 
More then his Fathers death, that thus hath put him 
So much from th'vnderftanding of himfelfe, 
I cannot deeme of. I intreat you both, 
That being of fo young dayes brought vp with him : 
And fince fo Neighbour'd to his youth, and humour, 
That you vouchfafe your reft heere in our Court 
Some little time : fo by your Companies 
To draw him on to pleafures,and to gather 
So much as from Occafions you may gleane, 
That open'd lies within our remedie. 

Qu. Good Gentlemen, he hath much talk'd of you, 
And fure I am, two men there are not liuing, 
To whom he more adheres. If it will pleafe you 
To fhew vs fo much Gentrie, and good will, 
As to expend your time with vs a-while, 
For the fupply and profit of our Hope, 
Your Vifitation Hull receiue fuch thankes 
As fits a Kings remembrance. 

Roftn. Both your Maiefties 
Might by the Soueraigne power you haue of vs, 
Put your dread pleafures, more into Command 
Then to Entreatie. 

Guil. We both obey, 
And here giue vp our felues, in the full bent, 
To lay our Seruices freely at your feete, 
To be commanded. 

King. Thankes Rofvicrance, and gentle Guildenflerne. 

S]u. Thankes Guildenflerne and gentle Rofincrance. 
And I befeech you inftantly to vifit 
My too much changed Sonne. 
Go fome of ye, 
And bring the Gentlemen where Hamlet is. 

Guil. Heauens make our prefence and our pra&ifes 
Pleafant and helpfull to him. Exit. 



Queene. Amen. 

Enter Polonitu. 

Pol. Th'AmbafTadors from Norwey, my good Lord, 
Are ioy fully return'd. 

King. Thou ftill haft bin the Father of good Newes. 

Pol. Haue I, my Lord ? AfTure you, my good Liege, 
I hold my dude, as I hold my Soule, 
Both to my God, one to my gracious King : 
And I do thinke, or elfe this braine of mine 
Hunts not the traile of Policie,fo fure 
As I haue vs'd to do : that I haue found 
The very caufe of Hamlets Lunacie. 

King. Oh fpeake of that, that I do long to heare. 

Tol. Giue firft admittance to th'AmbafTadors, 
My Newes Ihall be the Newes to that great Feaft. 

King. Thy felfe do grace to them, and bring them in. 
He tels me my fweet Queene, that he hath found 
The head and fourfe of all your Sonnes diftemper. 

S^u. I doubt it is no other, but the maine, 
His Fathers death, and our o're-hafty Marriage. 
Enter Toloniiu ,Voltumand, and Cornelius. 

King. Well, we mall fift him. Welcome good Frends: 
Say Voltumand, what from our Brother Norwey / 

Volt. Moft faire returne of Greetings, and Defires. 
Vpon our firft, he fent out to fuppreffe 
His Nephewes Leuies, which to him appear'd 
To be a preparation 'gainft the Poleak : 
But better look'd into, he truly found 
It was againft your Highnefle, whereat greeued,] 
That fo his SicknefTe, Age,and Impotence 
Was falfely borne in hand, fends out Arrefts 
On Fortinbras, which he (in breefe) obeyes, 
Receiues rebuke from Norwey: and in fine, 
Makes Vow before his Vnkle, neuer more 
To giue th'afTay of Armes againft your Maieftie. 
Whereon old Norwey, ouercome with ioy, 
Giues him three thoufand Crownes in Annuall Fee, 
And his Commiflion to imploy thofe Soldiers 
So leuied as before, againft the Poleak : 
With an intreaty heerein further fhewne, 
That it might pleafe you to giue quiet pafTe 
Through your Dominions,for his Enterprize, 
On fuch regards of fafety and allowance, 
As therein are fet downe. 

King. It likes vs well : 
And at our more confider'd time wee'l read, 
Anfwer,and thinke vpon this BufinefTe. 
Meane time we thanke you, for your well-tooke Labour. 
Go to your reft, at night wee'l Feaft together. 
Moft welcome home. Exit Ambajf. 

Pol. This bufinefle is very well ended. 
My Liege, and Madam, to expoftulate 
What Maieftie mould be, what Dutie is, 
Why day is day ; night.night; and time is time. 
Were nothing but to wafte Night,Day,and Time. 
Therefore, fince Breuitie is the Soule of Wit, 
And tedioufnefTe, the limbes and outward flourilhes, 
I will be breefe. Your Noble Sonne is mad : 
Mad call I it; for to define true MadnefTe, 
What is't, but to be nothing elfe but mad. 
But let that go. 

Qu. More matter, with lefTe Art. 

Pol. Madam,] fweare I vfe no Art at all : 
That he is mad, 'tis true : 'Tis true 'tis pittie, 
And pittie it is true : A foolifh figure, 
But farewell it : for I will vfe no Art. 

Mad 



The Tr age die of Hamlet. 



261 



Mad let vs grant him then : and now remaines 

That we finde out the caufe of this effecT:, 

Or rather fay, the caufe of this defeft; 

For this effeft defe&iue, comes by caufe, 

Thus it remaines, and the remainder thus. Perpend, 

I haue a daughter : haue,whil'ft She is mine, 

Who in her Dude and Obedience, marke, 

Hath giuen me this : now gather, and furmife. 

The Letter. 
To the Qelefiiall,and my Soules Idoll, the moft beautified 0- 

phelia. 
That's an ill Phrafe, a vilde Phrafe, beautified is a vilde 
Phrafe : but you fhail heare thefe in her excellent white 
bofome, thefe. 

2>u. Came this from Hamlet to her. 

Pol. Good Madam ftav awhile, I will be faithfull. 
Doubt thou, the Starrer are fire, 
Doubt, that the Sunne doth moue : 
Doubt Truth to be a Lier, 
But neuer Doubt , I hue. 

deere Ophelia, I am ill at thefe Numbers: 1 haue not Art to 
reckon my grones ; but that I hue thee bejl, oh mofl Tlcji be- 
leeue it. tAdieu. 

Thine euermore mofl deere Lady, whilfl this 
cMachine is to him, Hamlet. 
This in Obedience hath my daughter Shew'd me : 
And more aboue hath his foliciting, 
As they fell out by Time, by Meanes,and Place, 
All giuen to mine eare. 

King. But how hath She receiu'd his Loue? 

Pol. What do you thinke of me ? 

King. As of a man, faithfull and Honourable. 

Pol.l wold faine proue fo.But what might you think ? 
When I had feene this hot loue on the wing, 
As I perceiued it, I muft tell you that 
Before my Daughter told me,what might you 
Or my deere Maieftie your Queene heere, think, 
If I had playd the Deske or Table-booke, 
Or giuen my heart a winking, mute and dumbe, 
Or look'd vpon this Loue, with idle fight, 
What might you thinke ? No, I went round to worke, 
And (my yong Miftris) thus I did befpeake 
Lord Hamlet is a Prince out of thy Starre, 
This muft not be : and then, I Precepts gaue her, 
That me mould locke her felfe from his Refort, 
Admit no MefTengers, receiue no Tokens : 
Which done, /he tooke the Fruites of my Aduice, 
And he repulfed. A Short Tale to make, 
Fell into a Sadnefie, then into a Faft, 
Thence to a Watch, thence into a Weaknefle, 
Thence to a LightnefTe,and by this declenfion 
InM the MadnefTe whereon now he raues, 
And all we waile for. 

King. Do you thinke 'tis this? 

Qu. It may be very likely. 

Po/.Hath there bene fuch a time, I'de fain know that, 
That I haue poffitiuely faid, 'tis fo, 
When it prou'd otherwife? 

King. Not that I know. 

Pol. Take this from this; if this be otherwife, 
If Circumftances leade me, I will finde 
Where truth is hid, though it were hid indeede 
Within the Center. 

King. How may we try it further ? 

Pol. You know fometimes 
He walkes foure houres together, heere 



75" 



In the Lobby. 

Qu. So he ha's indeed. 

Pol. At fuch a time He loofe my Daughter to him, 
Be you and I behinde an Arras then, 
Marke the encounter : If he loue her not, 
And be not from his reafon falne thereon ; 
Let me be no Affiftant for a State, 
And keepe a Farme and Carters. 

King. We will try it. 

Enter Hamlet reading on a Booke. 

<$u. But looke where fadly the poore wretch 
Comes reading. 

'Sol. Away I do befeech you, both away, 
He boord him prefently. Exit King & S^ueen. 

Oh giue me leaue. How does my good Lord Hamlet f 

Ham. Well, God-a-mercy. 

Pol. Do you know me, my Lord ? 

Ham. Excellent, excellent well : y'are a Fishmonger. 

Pol. Not I my Lord. 

Ham. Then I would you were fo honeft a man. 

"Pol. Honeft, my Lord? 

Ham. I fir, to be honeft as this world goes, is to bee 
one man pick'd out of two thoufand. 

Tol. That's very true,my Lord. 

Ham. For if the Sun breed Magots in a dead dogge, 

being a good kiffing Carrion 

Haue you a daughter ? 

Pol. I haue my Lord. 

Ham. Let her not walke i'th'Sunne : Conception is a 
blefsing, but not as your daughter may conceiue.Friend 
looke too't. 

Po/.How fay you by thatPStill harping on my daugh- 
ter: yet he knew me not at firft; he faid I was a Fishmon- 
ger : he is farre gone, farre gone : and truly in my youth, 
I fufFred much extreamity for loue : very neere this. He 
fpeake to him againe. What do you read my Lord? 

Ham. Words, words, words. 

Pol. What is the matter, my Lord? 

Ham. Betweene who ? 

Pol. I meane the matter you meane,my Lord. 

Ham. Slanders Sir : for the Satyricall (laue faies here, 
that old men haue gray Beards; that their faces are wrin- 
kled : their eyes purging thicke Amber, or Plum-Tree 
Gumme : and that they haue a plentifull locke of Wit, 
together with weake Hammes. All which Sir, though I 
moft powerfully, and potently beleeue ; yet I holde it 
not Honeftie to haue it thus fet downe : For you your 
felfe Sir, Should be old as I am, if like a Crab you could 
go backward. 

Pol, Though this be madnefTe, 
Yet there is Method in't : will you walke 
Out of the ayre my Lord ? 

Ham. Into my Graue? 

Pol. Indeed that is out o'th'Ayre : 
How pregnant (fometimes) his Replies are? 
A happinefie, 

That often MadnefTe hits on, 
Which Reafon and Sanitie could not 
So profperoufiy be deliuer'd of. 
I will leaue him, 

And fodainely contriue the meanes of meeting 
Betweene him, and my daughter. 
My Honourable Lord, I will moft humbly 
Take my leaue of you. 

00 1 Ham 



262 



The Tr age die of Hamlet. 



Ham. You cannot Sir take from me any thing, that I 
will more willingly part withall , except my life, my 
life. 

Solon. Fare you well my Lord. 

Ham. Thefe tedious old fooles. 

"Solon. You goe to feeke my Lord Hamlet ; there 
hee is. 

Enter Rofineran and Guildenjlerne . 

Rofin. God faue you Sir. 

Guild. Mine honour' d Lord ? 

Rofin. My moft deare Lord ? 

Ham. My excellent good friends ? How do'ft thou 
Guildenjlerne} Oh, Rofincrane ; good Lads : How doe ye 
both ? 

Rofin. As the indifferent Children of the earth. 

Guild. Happy, in that we are not ouer-happy : on For' 
tunes Cap, we are not the very Button. 

Ham. Nor the Soales of her Shoo ? 

Rofin. Neither my Lord. 

Ham. Then you liue about her wafte, or in the mid- 
dle of her fauour? 

Quit. Faith, her priuates, we. 

Ham. In the fecret parts of Fortune ? Oh, moft true : 
fhe is a Strumpet. What's the newes? 

%ofin. None my Lord; but that the World's growne 
honeft. 

Ham. Then is Doomefday neere : But your newes is 
not true. Let me queftion more in particular : what haue 
you my good friends, deferued at the hands of Fortune, 
that fhe fends you to Prifon hither? 

Guil. Prifon, my Lord ? 

Ham. Denmark's a Prifon. 

Rofin. Then is the World one. 

Ham. A goodly one, in which there are many Con- 
fines, Wards, and Dungeons; Denmarl^e being one o'th' 
worft. 

Rofin. We thinke not fo my Lord, 

Ham. Why then 'tis none to youjfor there is nothing 
either good or bad, but thinking makes it fo : to me it is 
a prifon. 

Rofin. Why then your Ambition makes it one : 'tis 
too narrow for your minde. 

Ham. O God, I could be bounded in a nutfhell, and 
count my felfe a King of infinite fpace ; were it not that 
I haue bad dreames. 

Guil. Which dreames indeed are Ambition : for the 
very fubftance of the Ambitious, is meerely the fhadow 
of a Dreame. 

Ham. A dreame it felfe is but a fhadow. 

Rofin. Truely , and I hold Ambition of i'o ayry and 
light a quality, that it is but a fhadowes fhadow. 

Ham. Then are our Beggers bodies ; and our Mo- 
narchs and out-ftretcht Heroes the Beggers Shadowes: 
fhall wee to th' Court : for, by my fey I cannot rea- 
fon ? 

'Both. Wee'l wait vpon you. 

Ham. No fuch matter. I will not fort you with the 
reft of my feruants : for to fpeake to you like an honeft 
man : 1 am moft dreadfully attended; but in the beaten 
way of friendfhip. What make you at Elfonower? 
So/in. To vifit you my Lord, no other occafion. 

Ham. Begger that I am, I am euen poore in thankes; 
but I thanke you : and Aire deare friends my thanks 
are too deare a halfepeny ; were you not fent for? Is it 
your owne inclining ? Is it a free yifitation ? Come, 



deale iuftly with me : come, come; nay fpeake. 

Guil. What fhould we fay my Lord .? 

Ham. Why any thing. But to the purpofe; you were 
fent for; and there is a kinde confeffion in your lookes; 
which your modefties haue not craft enough to co- 
lor, I know the good King & Queene haue fent for you. 

Rofin. To what end my Lord ? 

Ham. That you muft teach me : but let mee coniure 
you by the rights of our fellowfhip, by the confonancy of 
our youth, by the Obligation of our euer-preferued loue, 
and by what more deare, a better propofer could charge 
you withall ; be euen and direct with me, whether you 
were fent for or no. 

Rofin. What fay you ? 

Ham. Nay then 1 haue an eye of you: if you loue me 
hold not off. 

Guil. My Lord, we were fent for. 

Ham. I will tell you why ; fo fhall my anticipation 
present your difcouery of your fecricie to the King and 
Queene:moult no feather, I haue of late, but wherefore 
1 know not, loft all my mirth, forgone all cuftome of ex- 
ercife; and indeed, it goes fo heauenly with my difpofiti- 
onjthat this goodly frame the Earth, feemes to me a fter- 
rill Promontory; this moft excellent Canopy the Ayre, 
look you, this braue ore-hanging, this Maiefticall Roofe, 
fretted with golden fire : why, it appeares no other thing 
to mee, then a foule and peftilent congregation of va- 
pours. What a piece of worke is a man! how Noble in 
Reafon ? how infinite in faculty? in forme and mouing 
how expreffe and admirable ? in Action, how like an An- 
gel? in apprehenfion, how like a God? the beauty of the 
world, the Parragon of Animals; and yet to me, what is 
this Quinteffence of Duft ? Man delights not me ; no, 
nor Woman neither; though by your fmiling you feeme 
to fay fo. 

Rofin. My Lord , there was no fuch ftuffe in my 
thoughts. 

Ham. Why did you laugh, when I faid, Man delights 
not me ? 

Rofin. To thinke, my Lord, if you delight not in Man, 
what Lenton entertainment the Players fhall receiue 
from you : wee coated them on the way, and hither are 
they comming to offer you Seruice. 

Ham. He that playes the King fhall be welcome; his 
Maiefty fhall haue Tribute of mee : the aduenturous 
Knight fhal vfe his Foyle and Target : the Louer fhall 
not figh gratis, the humorous man fhall end his part in 
peace : the Clowne fhall make thofe laugh whole lungs 
are tickled a'th' fere : and the Lady fhall fay her minde 
freely; or the blanke Verfe fhall halt for't : what Players 
are they ? 

Rofin. Euen thofe you were wont to take delight in 
the Tragedians of the City. 

Ham. How chances it they trauaile ? their refi- 
dence both in reputation and profit was better both 
wayes. 

Rofin. I thinke their Inhibition comes by the meanes 
of the late Innouation f 

Ham. Doe they hold the fame eftimation they did 
when I was in the City ? Are they fo follow'd ? 

Rofin. No indeed, they are not. 

Ham. How comes it f doe they grow rufty ? 

Rofin. Nay, their indeauour keepes in the wonted 
pace; But there is Sir an ayrie of Children, little 
Yafes, that crye out on the top of queftion ; and 
are moft tyrannically clap't for't : thefe are now the 

75i 



The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



263 



faihion, and fo be-ratled rhe common Stages (fo they 
call them) that many wearing Rapiers, are affraide of 
Goofe-qui!s,and dare fcarfe come thither. 

Ham. What are they Children? Who maintains 'em? 
How are they efcoted ? Will they purfue the Quality no 
longer then they can fing? Will they not fay at'terwards 
if they ftould grow themfelues to common Players (as 
it is like moft if their meanes are noi better) their Wri- 
ters do them wrong, to make them exclaim againft their 
owne Succeffion. 

Rofin. Faith there ha's bene much to do on both fides: 
and the Nation holds it no finne, to tarre them to Con- 
trouerfie. There was for a while, no mony bid for argu- 
ment, vnlefle the Poet and the Player went to Cuffes in 
the Queftion. 

Ham. Is't poflible ? 

Guild. Oh there ha's beene much throwing about of 
Braines. 

Ham, Do the Boyes carry it away ? 

Rofin.l that they do my Lord, Hercules & his load too. 

Ham. It is not ftrange : for mine Vnckle is King of 
Denmarke, and thofe that would make mowes at him 
while my Father liued ; giue twenty, forty, an hundred 
Ducates a peece, for his pifture in Little. There is fome- 
thing in this more then Naturall, if Philofophie could 
finde it out. 

Flouri/b for the Players. 

Guil. There are the Players. 

Ham. Gentlemen, you are welcom to Elfonower: your 
hands, come : The appurtenance of Welcome, is Faihion 
and Ceremony. Let me comply with you in the Garbe, 
left my extent to the Players( which I tell you muft fhew 
fairely outward)fhould more appeare like entertainment 
then yours. You are welcome : but my Vnckle Father, 
and Aunt Mother are deceiu'd. 

Guil. In what my deere Lord ? 

Ham. I am but mad North, North-Weft : when the 
Winde is Southerly, I know a Hawke from a Handfaw. 
Enter Poloniui. 

Pol. Well be with you Gentlemen. 

Ham. Hearke you Guild'.nfterne, and you too : at each 
eare a hearer : that great Baby you fee there, is not yet 
out of his fwathing clouts. 

i?o/5W.Happily he's the lecond time come to them: for 
they fay, an old man is twice a childe. 

Ham. I will Prophefie. Hee comes to tell me of the 
Players. Mark it, you fay right Sir : for a Monday mor- 
ning 'twas fo indeed. 

Pol. My Lord, I haue Newes to tell you. 

Ham. My Lord, I haue Newes to tell you. 
When RoJJius an Aftor in Rome 

Pol. The Adtors are come hither my Lord. 

Ham. Buzze, buzze. 

Pol. Vpon mine Honor. 

Ham. Then can each Aftor on his AfTe 

Polon. The beft Aftors in the world, either for Trage- 
die, Comedie, Hiftorie, Paftorall : Paftoricall-Comicall- 
Hiftoricall-Paftorall : Tragicall-Hiftoricall : Tragicall- 
Comicall-Hiftoricall-Paftorall : Scene indiuible, or Po- 
em vnlimited. Seneca cannot be too heauy, nor Plautus 
too light, for the law of Writ,and the Liberty. Thefe are 
the onely men. 

Ham. O Jephta Iudge of Ifrael, what a Treafure had'ft 
thou ? 

Pol. What a Treafure had he, my Lord ? 

Ham. Why one faire Daughter,and no more, 



The which he loued pafiing well. 

Pol. Still on my Daughter. 

Ham. Am I not i'th'right old Iepbtal 

Polon. If you call me Jephta my Lord, I haue a daugh- 
ter that I loue palling well. 

Ham. Nay that followes not. 

Polon. What followes then, my Lord ? 

Ha.Why, As by lot, God wot : and then you know, It 
came to pafle, as moft like it was : The firft rowe of the 
Pons Cbanfon will fhew you more. For looke where my 
Abridgements come , 

Enter four e or fiue Players. 
Y'are welcome Mafters, welcome all. I am glad to fee 
thee well : Welcome good Friends. O my olde Friend ? 
Thy face is valiant fince I faw thee laft : Com'ft thou to 
beard me in Denmarke ? What, my yong Lady and Mi- 
ftris?Byrlady your Ladilhip is neerer Heauen then when 
I faw you laft, by the altitude of a Choppine. Pray God 
your voice like a peece of vncurrant Gold be not crack'd 
within the ring. Mafters, you are all welcome:wee'l e'ne 
to't like French Faulconers, flie at any thing we fee: wee'l 
haue a Speech ftraight. Come giue vs a taft of your qua- 
lity : come, a paffionate fpeech. 

l. Play. What fpeech, my Lord ? 

Ham. I heard thee fpeak me a fpeech once, but it was 
neuer Afted : or if it was, not aboue once, for the Play I 
remember pleas'd not the Million, 'twas Cauiarie to the 
General! : but it was (as I receiu'd it, and others, whofe 
judgement in fuch matters, cried in the top of mine) an 
excellent Play ; well digefted in the Scosnes, fet downe 
with as much modeftie,as cunning. I remember one faid, 
there was no Sallets in the lines, to make the matter fa- 
uoury; nor no matter in the phrafe, that might indite the 
Author of affectation, but cal'd it an honeft method. One 
cheefe Speech in it, I cheefely lou'd, 'twas apneas Tale 
to Dido, and thereabout of it efpecially, where he fpeaks 
of Priams (laughter. If it liue in your memory, begin at 
this Line, let me fee, let me fee : The rugged Pyrrhus like 
Xti Hyrcanian Beaft. It is not fo : it begins with Pyrrhus 
The rugged Pyrrhus, he whofe Sable Armes 
Blacke as his purpofe, did the night refemble 
When he lay couched in the Ominous Horfe, 
Hath now this dread and blacke Complexion fmear'd 
With Heraldry more difmall: Head to foote 
Now is he to take Geulles, horridly Trick'd 
With blood of Fathers, Mothers, Daughters, Sonnes, 
Bak'd and imparled with the parching ftreets, 
That lend a tyrannous, and damned light 
To their vilde Murthers, roafted in wrath and fire, 
And thus o're-fized with coagulate gore, 
With eyes like Carbuncles, the hellifh Pyrrhus 
Oid Grandfire Priam feekes. 

Pol. Fore God, my Lord, well fpoken, with good ac- 
cent, and good difcretion. 

J. Player. Anon he findes him, 
Striking too fhort at Greekes. His anticke Sword, 
Rebellious to his Arme, lyes where it falles 
Repugnant to command : vnequall match, 
Pyrrhus at Priam driues, in Rage ftrikes wide : 
But with the whiffe and winde of his fell Sword, 
Th'vnnerued Father fals. Then fenfeleffe Illium, 
Seeming to feele his blow, with flaming top 
Stoopes to his Bace, and with a hideous crafh 
Takes prifoner Pyrrhus eare. For loe,his Sword 
Which was declining on the Milkie head 
Of Reuerend TWam,feem'd i'th'Ayre to ftieke : 

So 



264 



'The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



So as a painted Tyrant Pyrrhui ftood, 

And like a Newtrall to his will and matter, did nothing. 

But as we often fee againft fome ftorme, 

A filence in the Heauens, the Racke ftand ftill, 

The bold windes fpeechleffe, and the Orbe below 

As hufh as death : Anon the dreadfull Thunder 

Doth rend the Region. So after Tyrrhm paufe, 

A rowfed Vengeance fets him new a-worke,l 

And neuer did the Cyclops hammers fall 

On Mars his Armours, forg'd for proofe Eterne, 

With lefTe remorfethen Pyrrhui bleeding fword 

Now falles on Priam. 

Out, out, thou Strumpet-Fortune, all you Gods, 

In generall Synod take away her power : 

Breake all the Spokes and Fallies from her wheele, 

And boule the round Naue downe the hill of Heauen, 

As low as to the Fiends. 

Pol. This is too long. 

Ham. It mall to'th Barbars, with your beard. Pry- 
thee fay on : He's for a Iigge, or a tale of Baudry , or hee 
fleepes. Say on ; come to Hecuba. 

I. Play. But who, O who, had feen the inobled Queen. 

Ham. The inobled Queene ? 

Pol. That's good : Inobled Queene is good. 

l. flay. Run bare-foot vp and downe, 
Threatning the flame 

With Biffon Rheume : A clout about that head, 
Where late the Diadem ftood, and for a Robe 
About her lanke and all ore-teamed Loines, 
A blanket in th'Alarum of feare caught vp. 
Who this had feene, with tongue in Venome fteep'd, 
'Gainft Fortunes State, would Treafon haue pronounc'd? 
But if the Gods themfelues did fee her then, 
When /he faw Pyrrhus make malicious fport 
In mincing with his Sword her Husbands limbes, 
The inftant Burft of Clamour that me made 
(Vnleffe things mortall moue them not at all) 
Would haue made milche the Burning eyes of Heauen, 
And paffion in the Gods. 

Pol. Looke where he ha's not turn'd his colour, and 
ha's teares in's eyes. Pray you no more. 

Ham. 'Tis well, He haue thee fpeake out the reft, 
foone. Good my Lord, will you fee the Players wel be- 
ftow'd. Do ye heare, let them be well vs'd : for they are 
the Abftrafts and breere Chronicles of the time. After 
your death, you were better haue a bad Epitaph, then 
their ill report while you liued. 

Pol. My Lord, I will vfe them according to their de- 
fart. 

Ham. Gods bodykins man, better. Vfe euerie man 
after his defart, and who ftiould fcape whipping : vfe 
them after your own Honor and Dignity. The leffe they 
deferue, the more merit is in your bountie. Take them 
in. 

Pol. Come firs. Exit Tolon. 

Ham. Follow him Friends:wee'l heare a play to mor- 
row. Doft thou heare me old Friend, can you play the 
murther of Qon%ago ? 

Play. I my Lord. 

Ham. Wee'l ha't to morrow night. You could for a 
need ftudy a fpeech of fome dofen or fixteene lines, which 
I would fet downe,and infert in't? Could ye not? 



Play. I 



Lord. 



Ham. Very well. Follow that Lord, and looke you 
mock him not. My good Friends, He leaue you til night 
you are welcome to Eljonower ? 



Rojin. Good my Lord. Exeunt, 

cManet Hamlet. 

Ham. I fo, God buy'ye : Now I am alone. 
Oh what a Rogue and Pefant flaue am I ? 
Is it not monflrous that this Player heere, 
But in a Fixion,in a dreame of Paffion, 
Could force his foule fo to his whole conceit, 
That from her working, all his vifage warm'd ; 
Teares in his eyes, diftra&ion in's Afpeft, 
A broken voyce,and his whole Function fuiting 
With Formes, to his Conceit ? And all for nothing? 
For Hecuba ? 

What's Hecuba to him, or he to Hecuba, 
That he mould weepe for her ? What would he doe, 
Had he the Motiue and the Cue for paffion 
That I haue? He would drowne the Stage with teares, 
And cleaue the generall eare with horrid fpeech : 
Make mad the guilty, and apale the free, 
Confound the ignorant, and amaze indeed, 
The very faculty of Eyes and Eares. Yet I, 
A dull and muddy-metled Rafcall,peake 
Like Iohn a-dreames, vnpregnant of my caufe, 
And can fay nothing : No, not for a King, 
Vpon whofe property, and moft deere life, 
A damn'd defeate was made. Am I a Coward? 
Who calles me Villaine? breakes my pate a-croffe ? 
Pluckes off my Beard, and blowes it in my face? 
Tweakes me by'th'Nofe/ 1 giues me the Lye i'th'Throate, 
As deepe as to the Lungs? Who does me this? 
Ha? Why I ihould take it : for it cannot be, 
But I am Pigeon-Liuer'd,and lacke Gall 
To make Opprefiion bitter, or ere this, 
I ihould haue fatted all the Region Kites 
With this Slaues OfFall, bloudy : a Bawdy villaine, 
Remorfeleffe, Treacherous, Letcherous, kindles villaine ! 
Oh Vengeance! 

Who? What an Affe am I ? I fure, this is moft braue, 
That I, the Sonne of the Deere murthered, 
Prompted to my Reuenge by Heauen, and Hell, 
Muft(like a Whore) vnpacke my heart with words, 
And fall a Curfing like a very Drab, 
A Scullion? Fye vpon't : Foh. About my Braine. 
I haue heard, that guilty Creatures fitting at a Play, 
Haue by the very cunning of the Scoene, 
Bene ftrooke fo to the foule, that prefently 
They haue proclaim'd their Malefactions. 
For Murther, though it haue no tongue, will fpeake 
With moft myraculous Organ. He haue thefe Players, 
Play fomething like the murder of my Father, 
Before mine Vnkle. He obferue his lookes, 
He tent him to the quicke : If he but blench 
I know my courfe. The Spirit that I haue feene 
May be the Diuell, and the Diuel hath power 
T'affume apleafing fhape, yea and perhaps 
Out of my Weakneffe, and my Melancholly, 
As he is very potent with fuch Spirits, 
Abufes me to damne me. He haue grounds 
More Relatiue then this : The Play's the thing, 
Wherein He catch the Confcience of the King. Exit 

Enter King, Queene, Polonim, Ophelia, "Po- 
fmcrance , Guildenjlern , and Lords. 

King. And can you by no drift of circumftance 
Get from him why he puts on this Confufion : 
Grating fo harftily all his dayes of quiet 



The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



265 



With turbulent and dangerous Lunacy. 

Rofw. He does confeffe he feeles himfelfe diftrafted, 
But from what caufe he will by no meanes fpeake. 

Guil. Nor do we finde him forward to be founded, 
But with a crafty MadnefTe keepes aloofe : 
When we would bring him on to fome Confeffion 
Of his true ftate. 

Qu. Did he receiue you well? 

Rofin. Moft like a Gentleman. 

Guild. But with much forcing of his difpofition. 

Rofin. Niggard of queftion, but of our demands 
Moft free in his reply. 

£}u. Did you affay him to any paftime ? 

Rofin. Madam, it fo fell out, that certaine Players 
We ore-wrought on the way : of thefe we told him, 
And there did feeme in him a kindeof ioy 
To heare of it : They are about the Court, 
And (as I thinke) they haue already order 
This night to play before him. 

Pol. 'Tis moft true : 
And he befeech'd me to intreate your Maiefties 
To heare, and fee the matter. 

King.Wkh all my heart, and it doth much content me 
To heare him fo inclin'd. Good Gentlemen, 
Giue him a further edge, and driue his purpofe on 
To thefe delights. 

Rofin. We fhall my Lord. Exeunt. 

King. Sweet Gertrude leaue vs too, 
For we haue clofely fent for Hamlet hither, 
That he, as 'twere by accident, may there 
Affront Ophelia. Her Father.and my felfe(lawful efpials) 
Will fo beftow our felues, that feeing vnfeene 
We may of their encounter frankely iudge, 
And gather by him, as he is behaued, 
1ft be th'affiicflon of his loue,or no. 
That thus he fuffers for.! 

Qu. I mall obey you, 
And for your part Ophelia, I do wifh 
That your good Beauties be the happy caufe 
Of Hamlets wildeneffe : fo fhall I hope your Vertues 
Will bring him to his wonted way againe, 
To both your Honors. 

Ophe. Madam, I wifh it may. 

Pol. Ophelia, walke you heere. Gracious fo pleafe ye 
We will beftow our felues : Reade on this booke, 
That fhew of fuch an exercife may colour 
Your lonelineffe. We are oft too blame in this, 
'Tis too much prou'd, that with Deuotions vifage, 
And pious Action, we do furge o're 
The diuell himfelfe. 

King. Oh 'tis true : 
How imart a lam that fpeech doth giue my Confcience ? 
The Harlots Cheeke beautied with plaift'ring Art 
Is not more vgly to the thing that helpes it, 
Then is my deede, to my moft painted word. 
Oh heauie burthen ! 

Pol. I heare him comming, let's withdraw my Lord. 
Exeunt. 
Enter Hamlet. 

Ham. To be, or not to be, that is the Queftion: 
Whether 'tis Nobler in the minde to fuffer 
The Slings and Arrowes of outragious Fortune, 
Or to take Armes againft a Sea of troubles, 
And by oppofing end them : to dye, to fleepe 
No more ; and by a fleepe, to fay we end 
The Heart-ake, and the thoufand Naturall fhockes 



That Flefh is heyre too ? 'Tis a confummation 

Deuoutly to be wifh'd. To dye to fleepe, 

To fleepe, perchance to Dreame ; I, there's the rub, 

For in that fleepe of death, what dreames may come, 

When we haue fhufflel'd off this mortall coile, 

Muft giue vs pawfe. There's the refpect 

That makes Calamity of fo long life : 

For who would beare the Whips and Scornes of time, 

The Oppreffors wrong, the poore mans Contumely, 

The pangs of difpriz'd Loue, the Lawes delay, 

The infolence of Office, and the Spumes 

That patient merit of the vnworthy takes, 

When he himfelfe might his Sluietu make 

With a bare Bodkin ? Who would thefe Fardles beare 

To grunt and fweat vnder a weary life, 

But that the dread of fomething after death, 

The vndifcouered Countrey, from whofe Borne 

No Traueller returnes, Puzels the will, 

And makes vs rather beare thofe illes we haue, 

Then flye to others that we know not of. 

Thus Confcience does make Cowards of vs all, 

And thus the Natiue hew of Refolution 

Is ficklied o're, with the pale caft of Thought, 

And enterprizes of great pith and moment, 

With this regard their Currants turne away, 

And loofe the name of Aclion. Soft you now, 

The faire Ophelia? Nimph, in thy Orizons 

Be all my finnes remembred. 

Ophe. Good my Lord, 
How does your Honor for this many a day? 

Ham. I humbly thanke you : well, well, well. 

Ophe. My Lord, I haue Remembrances of yours, 
That I haue longed long to re-deliuer. 
I pray you now, receiue them. 

Ham. No, no, I neuer gaue you ought. 

Ophe. My honor'd Lord, I know right well you did, 
And with them words of fo fweet breath compos'd, 
As made the things more rich, then perfume left: 
Take thefe againe, for to the Noble minde 
Rich gifts wax poore, when giuers proue vnkinde. 
There my Lord. 

Ham. Ha, ha : Are you honeftj? 

Ophe. My Lord. 

Ham. Are you faire ? 

Ophe. What meanes your Lordfhip ? 

Ham. That if you be honeft and faire, your Honefty 
fhould admit no difcourfe to your Beautie. 

Ophe. Could Beautie my Lord, haue better Comerce 
then your Honeftie ? 

Ham. I trulie : for the power of Beautie, will fooner 
transforme Honeftie from what it is, to a Bawd, then the 
force of Honeftie can tranflate Beautie into his likeneffe. 
This was fometime a Paradox, but now the time giues it 
proofe. I did loue you once. 

Ophe. Indeed my Lord, you made me beleeue fo. 

Ham. You fhould not haue beleeued me. For vertue 
cannot fo innocculate our old ftocke, but we fhall rellifh 
of it. I loued you not. 

Ophe. I was the more deceiued. 

Ham. Get thee to a Nunnerie. Why would'ft thou 
be a breeder of Sinners ? I am my felfe indifferent honeft, 
but yet I could accufe me of fuch things, that it were bet- 
ter my Mother had not borne me. I am very prowd, re- 
uengefull, Ambitious, with more offences at my becke, 
then I haue thoughts to put them in imagination, to giue 
them fhape, or time to acle them in. What fhould fuch 

Fel- 



266 



The Tr age die of Hamlet. 



Fellowes as I do, crawling betweene Heauen and Earth. 
We are arrant Knaues all, beleeue none of vs. Goe thy 
wayes to a Nunnery. Where's your Father ? 

Of he. At home, my Lord. 

Ham. Let the doores be fhut vpon him, that he may 
play the Foole no way, but in's owne houfe. Farewell. 

Ophe. O helpe him, you fweet Heauens. 

Ham. If thou doeft Marry, He giue thee this Plague 
for thy Dowrie.Be thou as chad as Ice, as pure as Snow, 
thou fhalt not efcape Calumny. Get thee to a Nunnery. 
Go, Farewell. Or if thou wilt needs Marry, marry a fool : 
for Wife men know well enough, what monfters you 
make of them. To a Nunnery go, and quickly too. Far- 
well. 

Ophe O heauenly Powers. reftore him. 

Ham. 1 haue heard of your pratlings too wel enough. 
God has giuen you one pace, and you make your felie an- 
Othenyou gidge,you amble, and you lifpe, and nickname 
Gods creatures, and make your WantonnefTe, your Ig- 
norance.Go too, He no more on't, it hath made me mad. 
I fay, we will haue no more Marriages. Tliofe that are 
married already, all but one fhall liue, the reft mail keep 
as they are. To a Nunnery, go. Exit Hamlet. 

Ophe. O what a Noble minde is heere o're-throwne ? 
The Courtiers, Soldiers, Schollers : Eye, tongue, fword, 
Th'expeftanfie and Rofe of the faire State, 
The glafTe of Fafhion, and the mould of Forme, 
Th'obferu'd of all Obferuers, quite, quite downe. 
Haue I of Ladies moft deieft and wretched, 
That fuck'd the Honie of his Muficke Vowes : 
Now fee that Noble,and moft Soueraigne Reafon, 
Like fweet Bels iangled out of tune, and harm, 
That vnmatch'd Forme and Feature of blowne youth, 
Blafted with extafie. Oh woe is me, 
T'haue feene what I haue feene : fee what I fee. 

Enter King, and Poloniui. 

King. Loue ? His affections do not that way tend, 
Nor what he fpake, though it lack'd Forme a little, 
Was not like MadnefTe. There's fomething in his foule ? 
O're which his Melancholly fits on brood, 
And I do doubt the hatch, and the difclofe 
Will be fome danger, which to preuent 
I haue in quicke determination 
Thus fet it downe. He mail with fpeed to England 
For the demand of our neglefted Tribute : 
Haply the Seas and Countries different 
With variable Obiefts, (hall expell 
This fomething fetled matter in his heart : 
Whereon his Braines ftill beating, puts him thus 
From fafhion of himfelfe. What thinke you on't? 

Tol. It mall do well. But yet do I beleeue 
The Origin and Commencement of this jreefe 
Sprung from negle&ed loue. How now Ophelia ? 
You neede not tell vs, what Lord Hamlet fjide, 
We heard it all. My Lord, do as you pleafe, 
But if you hold it fit after the Play, 
Let his Queene Mother all alone intreat him 
To fhew his Greefes : let her be round with him, 
And lie be plac'd fo, pleafe you in the eare 
Of all their Conference. If fhe finde him not, 
To England fend him : Or confine him where 
Your wifedome beft fhall thinke. 

King. It fhall be fo : 
MadnefTe in great Ones, rauft not vnwatch'd go. 
Exeunt, 



Enter Hamlet, and two or three of the Players. 

■Ham. Speake the Speech I pray you, as I pronounc'd 
it tc you trippingly on the Tongue : But if you mouth it, 
as many of your Players do, I had as liue the Town-Cryer 
had fpoke my Lines : Nor do not faw the Ayre too much 
your hand thus, but vfe all gently ; for in the verie Tor- 
rent, Tempeft, and (as I may fay) the Whirle-winde of 
Paffion, you muff, acquire and beget a Temperance that 
may giue it SmoothnefTe. O it offends mee to the Soule, 
to fee a robuftious Pery-wig-pated Fellow, teare a Paffi- 
on to tatters, to verie ragges, to fplit the eares of the 
Groundlings : who (for the moft part) are capeable of 
nothing. but inexplicable dumbe fhewes,& noife:I could 
haue fuch a Fellow whipt for o're-doing Termagant : it 
out-Herod's Herod. Pray you auoid it. 

Player. I warrant your Honor. 

Ham. Be not too tame neyther : but let your owne 
Difcretion be your Tutor. Sute the Aftion to the Word, 
the Word to the Action, with this fpeciall obferuance : 
That you ore-ftop not the modeftie of Nature 5 for any 
thing fo ouer-done, is fr3 the purpofe of Playing, whofe 
end both at the firft and now, was and is, to hold as 'twer 
the Mirrour vp to Nature; to fhew Vertue her owne 
Feature, Scorne her owne Image, and the verie Age and 
Bodie of the Time, his forme and preffure. Now, this 
ouer-done, or come tardie off, though it make the vnskil- 
full laugh, cannot but make the Iudicious greeue; The 
cenfure of the which One, muft in your allowance o're- 
way a whole Theater of Others. Oh, there bee Players 
that I haue feene Play, and heard others praife, and that 
highly (not to fpeake it prophanely) that neyther hauing 
the accent of Chriftians, nor the gate of Chriftian, Pagan, 
or Norman, haue fo ftrutted and bellowed, that I haue 
thought fome of Natures Iouerney-men had made men, 
and not made them well, they imitated Humanity fo ab- 
hominably. 

flay. I hope we haue reform'd that indifferently with' 
vs, Sir. 

Ham. O reforme it altogether. And let thofe that 
play your Clownes, fpeake no more then is fet downe for 
them. For there be of them, that will themfelues laugh, 
to fet on fome quantitie of barren Spe&ators to laugh 
too, though in the meane time, fome neceffary Queftion 
of the Play be then to be confidered : that's Villanous, & 
fhewes a moft pittifull Ambition in the Foole that vfes 
it. Go make you readie. Exit Players. 

Enter Poloniui, %jfinerance,and Guildenfterne. 

How now my Lord, 

Will the King heare this peece of Worker 

Pol. And the Queene too, and that prefently. 

Ham. Bid the Players make haft. Exit Poloniui. 

Will you two helpe to haften them ? 

'Both. We will my Lord. Exeunt. 

Enter Horatio. 

Ham. What hoa, Horatio ? 

Hora. Heere fweet Lord, at your Seruice. 

Ham. Horatio, thou art eene as iuft a man 
As ere my Conuerfation coap'd withall. 

Hora. O my deere Lord. 

Ham. Nay, do not thinke I flatter : 
For what aduancement may I hope from thee, 
That no Reuennew haft, but thy good fpirits 



756 



The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



267 



To feed & cloath thee. Why (hold the poor be flatter' d ? 

No, let the Candied tongue, like abl'urd pompe, 

And crooke the pregnant Hindges of the knee, 

Where thrift may follow faining? Doft thou heare, 

Since my deere Soule was Miftris of my choyfe, 

And could of men diftinguifh, her election 

Hath feal'd thee for her felfe. For thou haft bene 

As one in fufFering all, that fuffers nothing. 

A man that Fortunes buffets, and Rewards 

Hath 'tane with equall Thankes. And bieft are thofe, 

Whofe Blood and Iudgement are fo well co-mingled, 

That they are not a Pipe for Fortunes finger, 

To found what ftop fhe pleafe. Giue me that man, 

That is not Paflions Slaue, and I will weare him 

In my hearts Core: I, in my Heart of heart, 

As I do thee. Something too much of this. 

There is a Play to night before the King, 

One Scoene of it comes neere the Circumftance 

Which i haue told thee, of my Fathers death. 

I prythee, when thou fee'ft that Acle a-foot, 

Euen with the verie Comment of my Soule 

Obferue mine Vnkle : If his occulted guilt, 

Do not it felfe vnkennell in one fpeech, 

It is a damned Ghoft that we haue feene : 

And my Imaginations are as foule 

As Vulcans Stythe. Giue him needfull note, 

For I mine eyes will riuet to his Face : 

And atter we will both our iudgements ioyne, 

To cenlure of his feeming. 

Hora. Well my Lord. 
If he fteale ought the whil'ft this Play is Playing, 
And fcape detecting, I will pay the Theft. 

Enter King, Queene, Polonius, Ophelia, Rofncrance, 

Quildenfierne , and other Lords attendant , with 

his Guard carrying Torches. Dan'fh 

March. Sound a Flourijh. 

Ham. They are comming to the Play : I muft be idle. 
Get you a place. 

King. How fares our Colin Hamlet ? 

Ham. Excellent Ifaith, of the Camelions dim : I eate 
the Ayre promife-cramm'd, you cannot feed Capons fo. 

King. I haue nothing with this anfwer Hamlet, thefe 
words are not mine. 

Ham. No, nor mine. Now my Lord, you plaid once 
i'th'Vniuerfity , you fay ? 

Polon. That I did my Lord, and was accounted a good 
Aftor. 

Ham. And what did you enaft ? 

Pol. I did enacT: Iuliui C*far, I was kill'd i'th'Capitol : 
Brutus kill'd me. 

Ham. It was a bruite part of him, to kill fo Capitall a 
Calfe there. Be the Players ready? 

Rojin. I my Lord, they ftay vpon your patience. 

£}u. Come hither my good Hamlet, fit by me. 

Ha. No good Mother, here's Mettle more attra&iue. 

Pol. Oh ho, do you marke that ? 

Ham. Ladie, fhall I lye in your Lap ? 

Ophe. No my Lord. 

Ham. I meane,my Head vpon your Lap? 

Ophe. I my Lord. 

Ham. Do you thinke I meant Country matters ? 

Ophe. I thinke nothing, my Lord. 

Ham. That's a faire thought to ly between Maids legs 

Ophe. What is my Lord ? 



Ham. Nothing. 

Ophe. You are merrie, my Lord ? 

Ham. Who I? 

Ophe. I my Lord. 

Ham. Oh God, your onely ligge-maker: what mould 
a man do, but be merrie. For looke you how cheereful- 
ly my Mother lookes, and my Father dyed wifhln's two 
Houres. 

Ophe. Nay, 'tis twice two moneths,my Lord. 

Ham. So long? Nay then let the Diuei weare blacke, 
for He haue a fuite of Sables. Oh Heauens! dye two mo- 
neths ago, and not forgotten yet ? Then there's hope, a 
great mans Memorie, may out-liue his life halfe a yeare : 
But byrlady he muft builde Churches then : or elie fhal! 
he fuffer not thinking on, with the Hoby-horfTe, whole 
Epitaph is, For o, For o, the Hoby-horfe is forgot. 

Hoboyes play. The dumbe fiew enters. 
Enter a King and Queene, very louingly ; the Queene embra- 
cing him. She k»eeles ,and makes pew of Proteftation vnto 
him. He takes her -up , and declines his head -upon her nec\. 
Layes him downe -vpon a Banke of Flowers. She feeing him 
a-fleepe, leaues him. Anon comes in a Fellow, takes off bis 
Crowne, kJJ/es it ,andpowres poyfon in the Kings eares, and 
Exits. The Queene returnes, findes the King dead, and 
makes paffionate ASion. The Poyfoner, with fome two or 
three eMutes comes in againe , feeming to lament with her. 
The dead body is carried away : The Poyfoner Wooes the 



Queene with Gifts, fhe feemes loath and ■ 
but in the end, accepts his hue . 



illinsr awhile 
Exeu 



Ophe. What meanes this, my Lord ? 

Ham. Marry this is Miching <&falicho, that meanes 
Mifcheefe. 

Ophe. Belike this ihew imports the Argument of the 
Play ? 

Ham. We fhall know by thefe Fellowes : the Players 
cannot keepe counfell, they'l tell all. 

Ophe. Will they tell vs what this fhew meant? 

Ham. I, or any fhew that you'l fhew him. Bee not 
you afham'd to fhew, hee'l not fhame to tell you what it 
meanes. 

Ophe. You are naught, you are naught, He marke the 
Play. 

Enter Prologue. 
For vs, and for our Tragedie, 
Heere ftooping to your Clemencie : 
We begge your hearing Patient lie. 

Ham. Is this a Prologue, or the Poefie of a Ring ? 

Ophe. 'Tis briefe my Lord. 

Ham. As Womans loue. 

Enter King and his Queene. 

King.YuM thirtie times hath Phoebus Cart gon round, 
Neptunes fait Wafh, and Tellui Orbed ground : 
And thirtie dozen Moones with borrowed fheene, 
About the World haue times twelue thirties beene, 
Since loue our hearts, and Hymen did our hands 
Vnite comutuall,in raoft facred Bands. 

'Bap. So many iournies may the Sunne and Moone 
Make vs againe count o're , ere loue be done. 
But woe is me, you are fo ficke of late, 
So farre from cheere,and from your forme ftate, 
That I diftruft you : yet though I diftruft, 
Difcomfort you (my Lord) it nothing muft : 
For womens Feare and Loue, holds quantitie, 



757 



268 



The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



In neither ought, or in extremity : 

Now what my loue is, proofe hath made you know, 

And as my Loue is fiz'd, my Feare is fo. 

King. Faith I muft leaue thee Loue, and fhortly too : 
My operant Powers my Functions leaue to do : 
And thou malt Hue in this faire world behinde, 
Honour'd, belou'd, and haply, one as kinde. 
For Husband malt thou 

Bap. Oh confound the reft : 
Such Loue, muft needs be Treafon in my breft : 
In fecond Husband, let me be accurft, 
None wed the fecond, but who kill'd the firft. 1 

Ham. Wormwood, Wormwood. 

'Baft . The inftances that fecond Marriage moue, 
Are bafe refpeclrs of Thrift, but none of Loue. 
A fecond time, I kill my Husband dead, 
When fecond Husband kiffes me in Bed. 

King. I do beleeue you. Think what now you fpeak : 
But what we do determine, oft we breake : 
Purpofe is but the flaue to Memorie, 
Of violent Birth, but poore validitie: 
Which now like Fruite vnripe ftickes on the Tree, 
But fall vnfhaken, when they mellow bee. 
Moft neceflary 'tis, that we forget 
To pay our felues, what to our felues is debt : 
What to our felues in paffion we propofe, 
The paffion ending, doth the purpofe lofe. 
The violence of other Greefe or Ioy, 
Their owne ennaftors with themfelues deftroy : 
Where Ioy moft Reuels, Greefe doth moft lament ; 
Greefe ioyes, Ioy greeues on /lender accident. 
This world is not for aye, nor 'tis not ftrange 
That euen our Loues mould with our Fortunes change. 
For 'tis a queftion left vs yet to proue, 
Whether Loue lead Fortune, or elfe Fortune Loue. 
The great man downe, you marke his fauourites flies, 
The poore aduanc'd, makes Friends of Enemies : 
And hitherto doth Loue on Fortune tend, 
For who not needs, /hall neuer lacke a Frend : 
And who in want a hollow Friend doth try, 
Direftly feafons him his Enemie. 
But orderly to end, where I begun, 
Our Willes and Fates do fo contrary run, 
That our Deuices ftill are ouerthrowne, 
Our thoughts are ours, their ends none of our owne. 
So thinke thou wilt no fecond Husband wed. 
But die thy thoughts, when thy firft Lord is dead. 

'Bap. Nor Earth to giue me food, nor Heauen light, 
Sport and repofe locke from me day and night : 
Each oppofite that blankes the face of ioy, 
Meet what I would haue well, and it deftroy ; 
Both heere, and hence, purfue me lafting ftrife, 
If once a Widdow, euer I be Wife. 

Ham. If ihe ftiould breake it now. 

King. 'Tis deepely fworne : 
Sweet, leaue me heere a while, 
My fpirits grow dull, and faine I would beguile 
The tedious day with ileepe. 

Qu. Sleepe rocke thy Braine, Sleepes 

And neuer come mifchance betweene vs twaine. Exit 

Ham. Madam, how like you this Play? 

Qu. The Lady protefts to much me thinkes. 

Ham. Oh but fhee'l keepe her word. 

King. Haue you heard the Argument, is there no Of- 
fence in't ? 

Ham. No, no, they do but ieft, poyfon in ieft, no Of- 



fence i'th'world. 

King. What do you call the Play ? 

Ham. The Moufe-trap : Marry how? Tropically : 
This Play is the Image of a murder done in Vienna: Qon- 
zago is the Dukes name, his wife 'Baptifta : you ihall fee 
anon : 'tis a knauiih peece of worke : But what o'that ? 
Your Maieftie, and wee that haue free foules, it touches 
vs not : let the gall d iade winch: our withers are vnrung. 

Enter Lucianui . 
This is one Lucianui nephew to the King. 

Ophe. You are a good Chorus, my Lord. 

Ham. I could interpret betweene you and your loue : 
if I could fee the Puppets dallying. 

Ophe. You are keene my Lord, you are keene. 

Ham. It would coft you a groaning, to take off my 
edge. 

Ophe. Still better and worfe. 

Ham. So you miftake Husbands. 
Begin Murderer. Pox, leaue thy damnable Faces, and 
begin. Come, the croaking Rauen doth bellow for Re- 
uenge. 

Lucian. Thoughts blacke, hands apt, 
Drugges fit, and Time agreeing : 
Confederate leafon, elfe, no Creature feeing : 
Thou mixture ranke, of Midnight Weeds collefted, 
With Hecats Ban, thrice blafted, thrice infefted, 
Thy naturall Magicke,and dire propertie, 
On wholfome life, vfurpe immediately. 

Ptmres the poyfon in his eares . 

Ham. He poyfons him i'th'Garden for's eftate : His 
name's Gonzago : the Story is extant and writ in choyce 
Italian. You ihall fee anon how the Murtherer gets the 
loue of Gonzago's wife. 

Ophe. The King rifes. 

Ham. What, frighted with falfe fire. 

Qu. How fares my Lord ? 

Pol. Giue o're the Play. 

King. Giue me fome Light. Away. 

All. Lights, Lights, Lights. Exeunt 

Manet Hamlet & Horatio. 

Ham. Why let the ftrucken Deere go weepe, 
The Hart vngalled play : 

For fome muft watch, while fome muft fleepe; 
So runnes the world away. 

Would not this Sir, and a Forreft of Feathers, if the reft of 
my Fortunes turne Turke with me; with two Prouinciall 
Rofes on my rac'd Shooes, get me a Fellowfhip in a crie 
of Players fir. 

Hor. Halfe a fliare. 

Ham. A whole one I, 
For thou doft know : Oh Damon deere, 
This Realme difmantled was of loue himfelfe, 
And now reignes heere. 
A verie verie Paiocke. 

Hora. You might haue Rim'd. 

Ham. Oh good Horatio, He take the Ghofts word for 
a thoufand pound. Did'ft perceiue ? 

Hora. Verie well my Lord. 

Ham. Vpon the talke of the poyfoning? 

Hora. I did verie well note him. 

Enter Rojincrance and Guildenjlerne. 

Ham. Oh,ha? Come fome Mufick.Come y Recorders: 
For if the King like not the Comedie, 
Why then belike he likes it not perdie. 
Come fome Muficke. 

Guild. Good my Lord, vouchfafe me a word with you. 
Ham. 

758~ 



The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



269 



Ham. Sir, a whole Hiftory. 

Quild. The King, fir. 

Ham. I fir, what of him ? 

Guild. Is in his retyrement, maruellous diftemper'd. 

Ham. With drinke Sir ? 

Quild. No my Lord, rather with choller. 

Ham. Your wifedome ihould fhew it felfe more ri- 
cher, to fignifie this to his Doftor: for for me to put him 
to his Purgation, would perhaps plundge him into farre 
more Choller. 

Guild. Good my Lord put your difcourfe into fome 
frame, and ftart not fo wildely from my affayre. 

Ham. I am tame Sir, pronounce. 

Guild. The Queene your Mother, in moft great affli- 
ction of fpirit, hath fent me to you. 

Ham. You are welcome. 

Guild. Nay, good my Lord, this courtefie is not of 
the right breed. If it mall pleafe you to make me a whol- 
fome anfwer, I will doe your Mothers commandment : 
if not, your pardon, and my returne fhall bee the end of 
my Bufinefle. 

Ham. Sir, I cannot. 

Gnild. What, my Lord ? 

Ham. Make you a wholfome anfwere : my wits dif- 
eas'd. But fir, fuch anfwers as I can make,you flial com- 
mand : or rather you fay, my Mother : therfore no more 
but to the matter. My Mother you fay. 

Rojin. Then thus ftie fayes : your behauior hath ftroke 
her into amazement, and admiration. 

Ham. Oh wonderfull Sonne, that can fo aftonifh a 
Mother. But is there no fequell at the heeles of this Mo- 
thers admiration ? 

Rojin. She defires to fpeake with you in her Cloflet, 
ere you go to bed. 

Ham. We fhall obey, were me ten times our Mother. 
Haue you any further Trade with vs? 

Rojin. My Lord, you once did loue me. 

Ham. So I do ftill, by thefe pickers and ftealers. 

Rojin. Good my Lord, what is your caufe of diftem- 
per ? You do freely barre the doore of your owne Liber- 
tie, if you deny your greefes to your Friend. 

Ham. Sir I lacke Aduancement. 

Rojin. How can that be, when you haue the voyce of 
the King himfelfe, for your Succeffion in Denmarke ? 

Ham. I, but while the graffe growes, the Prouerbe is 
fomething mufty. 

Enter one with a Recorder. 
O the Recorder. Let me fee, to withdraw with'you,why 
do you go about to recouer the winde of mee, as if you 
would driue me into a toyle ? 

Guild, O my Lord, if my Dutie be too bold, my loue 
is too vnmannerly. 

Ham. I do not well vnderftand that. Will you play 
vpon this Pipe? 

Guild. My Lord, I cannot. 

Ham. I pray you. 

Guild. Beleeue me, I cannot. 

Ham. I do befeech you. 

Quild. I know no touch of it, my Lord. 

Ham. 'Tis as eafie as lying : gouerne thefe Ventiges 
with your finger and thumbe, giue it breath with your 
mouth, and it will difcourfe moft excellent Muficke. 
Looke you, thefe are the ftoppes. 

Guild. But thefe cannot I command to any vtterance 
of hermony, I haue not the skill. 

Ham. Why looke you now, how vnworthy a thing 



759 



you make of me : you would play vpon mee ; you would 
feeme to know my ftops : you would pluck out the heart 
of my Myfterie ; you would found mee from my loweft 
Note, to the top of my CompalTe: and there is much Mu- 
ficke, excellent Voice, in this little Organe, yet cannot 
you make it. Why do you thinke, that I am eafier to bee 
plaid on, then a Pipe? Call me what Inftrument you will, 
though you can fret me, you cannot play vpon me. God 
blefle you Sir. 

Enter Polomus. 

Polon. My Lordjthe Queene would fpeak with you, 
and prefentJy. 

Ham. Do you fee that Clowd? that's almoft in ftupe 
like a Camell. 

Polon, By'th'MifTe, and it's like a Camell indeed. 

Ham. Me thinkes it is like a Weazell. 

Polon. It is back'd like a Weazell. 

Ham. Or like a Whale ? 

Polon. Verie like a Whale. 

Ham. Then will I come to my Mother, by and by : 
They foole me to the top of my bent. 
I will come by and by. 

Polon. I will fay fo. Exit. 

Ham. By and by, is eafily faid. Leaue me Friends: 
'Tis now the verie witching time of night, 
When Churchyards yawne,and Hell it felfe breaths out 
Contagion to this world. Now could I drink hot bluoJ, 
And do fuch bitter bufinefTe as the day 
Would quake to looke on. Soft now, to my Mother : 
Oh Heart, loofe not thy Nature ; let not euer 
The Soule of Nero, enter this firme bofome : 
Let me be cruell, not vnnaturall, 
I will fpeake Daggers to her, but vfe none : 
My Tongue and Soule in this be Hypocrites. 
How in my words fomeuer Ihe be fttent, 
To giue them Seales, neuer my Soule confent. 

Enter King, Rojincrance , and Guildenjlerne. 

King. I like him not, nor ftands it fafe with vs, 
To let his madneffe range. Therefore prepare you, 
I your Commifiion will forthwith difpatch, 
And he to England fhall along with you : 
The termes of our eftate, may not endure 
Hazard fo dangerous as doth hourely grow 
Out of his Lunacies. 

Guild. We will our felues prouide : 
Moft holie and Religious feare it is 
To keepe thofe many many bodies fafe 
That liue and feede vpon your Maieftie. 

Rojin. Thefingle 
And peculiar life is bound 

With all the ftrength and Armour of the minde, 
To keepe it felfe from noyance : but much more, 
That Spirit, vpon whofe fpirit depends and refts 
The Hues of many, the ceafe of Maieftie 
Dies not alone; but like a Gulfe doth draw 
What's neere it, with it. It is a maflie wheele 
Fixt on the Somnet of the higbeft Mount, 
To whofe huge Spoakes, ten thoufand lefier things 
Are mortiz'd and adioyn'd : which when it falles, 
Each fmall annexment, pettie confequence 
Attends the boyftrous Ruine. Neuer alone 
Did the King fighe, but with a generall grone. 

King. Arme you, I pray you to this fpeedie Voyage ; 
For we will Fetters put vpon this feare, 

p p Which 



270 



The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



Which now goes too free-footed. 

Both. We will hafie vs. Exeunt Gent. 

Enter Polonw. 

Pol. My Lord, he's going to his Mothers Cloffet : 
Behinde the Arras He conuey my felfe 
To heare the Proceffe. He warrant ihee'l tax him home, 
And as you faid, and wifely was it faid, 
'Tis meete that fome more audience then a Mother, 
Since Nature makes them partiall, ihould o're-heare 
The fpeech of vantage. Fare you well my Liege, 
lie call vpon you ere you go to bed, 
And tell you what I know. 

King. Thankes deere my Lord. 
Oh my offence is ranke, it fmels to heauen, 
It hath the primall eldeft curfe vpon't, 
A Brothers murther. Pray can I not, 
Though inclination be as iharpe as will: 
My ftronger guilt, defeats my ftrong intent, 
And like a man to double bufineffe bound, 
I ftand in paufe where I (hall firft begin, 
And both neglect ; what if this curfed hand 
Were thicker then it felfe with Brothers blood, 
Is there not Raine enough in the fweet Keauens 
To wafti it white as Snow? Whereto ferues mercy, 
But to confront the vifage of Offence ? 
And what's in Prayer, but this two-fold force, 
To be fore-flailed ere we come to fall, 
Or pardon'd being downe? Then He looke vp, 
My fault is paft. But oh, what forme of Prayer 
Can ferue my turne ? Forgiue me my foule Murther : 
That cannot be, fince I am ftill poffeft 
Of thofe effects for which I did the Murther. 
My Crowne, mine owne Ambition, and my Queene : 
May one be pardon'd, and retaine th'offence ? 
In the corrupted currants of this world, 
Offences gilded hand may ihoue by Iuftice, 
And oft 'tis feene, the wicked prize it felfe 
Buyes out the Law; but 'tis not fo aboue, 
There is no fhuffling, there the Action lyes 
In his true Nature, and we our felues compell'd 
Euen to the teeth and forehead of our faults, 
To giue in euidence. What then f What refts ? 
Try what Repentance can. What can it not? 
Yet what can it, when one cannot repent? 
Oh wretched ftate ! Oh bofome, blacke as death ! 
Oh limed foule, that ftrugling to be free, 
Art more ingag'd : Helpe Angels, make affay : 
Bowftubborne knees, and heart with firings of Steele, 
Be foft as finewes of the new-borne Babe, 
All may be well. 

Enter Hamlet. 

Ham. Now might I do it pat, now he is praying, 
And now He doo't, and fo he goes to Heauen, 
And fo am I reueng'd : that would be fcann'd, 
A Villaine killes my Father, and for that 
I his foule Sonne, do this fame Villaine fend 
To heauen. Oh this is hyre and Sallery, not Reuenge. 
He tooke my Father groffely, full of bread, 
With all his Crimes broad blowne,as frefh as May, 
And how his Audit ftands,who knowes.faue Heauen : 
But in our circumftance and courfe of thought 
'Tis heauie with him : and am I then reueng'd, 
To take him in the purging of his Soule, 
When he is fit and feafon'd for his paffage ? No. 
Vp Sword, and know thou a more horrid hent 



When he is drunke afleepe : or in his Rage, 
Or in th'inceftuuus pleafure of his bed, 
At gaming, fwearing, or about fome acie 
That ha's no rellifh of Saluation in't, 
Then trip him, that his heeles may kicke at Heauen, 
And that his Soule may be as damn'd aud blacke 
As Hell, whereto it goes. My Mother ftayes, 
This Phyficke but prolongs thy fickly dayes. Exit. 

King. My words flye vp, my thoughts remain below, 
Words without thoughts, neuer to Heauen go. Exit. 

Enter Queene and Poloniiu. 

Pol. He will come ftraight : 
Looke you lay home to him, 

Tell him his prankes haue been too broad to beare with, 
And that your Grace hath fcree'nd,and ftoode betweene 
Much heate,and him. He filence me e'ene heere : \ 
Pray you be round with him. 

Ham.wiibin. Mother, mother, mother. 

Qu. He warrant you,fcare me not. 
Withdraw, I heare him comming. 
Enter Hamlet. 

Ham. Now Mother, what's the matter? 

Qu. Hamlet, thou haft thy Father much offended. 

Ham. Muther, you haue my Father much offended. 

Qu. Come, come, you anfwer with an idle tongue. 

Ham. Go,go,you queftion with an idle tongue. 

Qu. Why how now Hamlet? 

Ham. Whats the matter now? 

Qu. Haue you forgot me? 

Ham. No by the Rood, not fo : 
You are the Queene, your Husbands Brothers wife, 
But would yoa were not fo. You are my Mother. 

Qu. Nay, then He fet thofe to you that can fpeake. 

Ham. Come,come,and fit you downe, you fhall not 
boudge : 

You go not till I fet you vp a glaffe, 
Where you may fee the inmoft part of you ? 

Qu. What wilt thou do? thou wilt not murther me ? 
Helpe, helpe, hoa. 

Pol. What hoa, helpe, helpe, helpe. 

Ham. How now, a Rat? aead for a Ducate,dead. 

Pol. Oh I am flaine. Killes Polon iiu. 

Qu. Oh me, what haft thou done ? 

Ham. Nay I know not, is ic the King ? 

Qu. Oh what a ra(h,and bloody deed is this ? 

Ham. A bloody deed,almoft as bad good Mother, 
As kill a King, and marrie with his Brother. 

Qu. As kill a King ? 

Ham. I Lady, 'twas my word. 
Thou wretched, raih, intruding foole farewell, 
I tooke thee for thy Betters, take thy Fortune, 
Thou find'ft to be too bufie,is fome danger. 
Leaue wringing of your hands, peace, lit you downe, 
And let me wring your heart, for io I mall 
If it be made of penetrable ftuffe; 
If damned Cuftome haue not braz'd it fo, 
That it is proofe and bulwarke againft Senfe. 

jga.What haue I done, that thou dar'ft wag thy tong, 
In noife fo rude againft me ? 

Ham. Such an Aft 
That blurres the grace and bluih of Modeftie, 
Cals Vertue Hypocrite, takes offthe Rofe 
From the faire forehead of an innocent loue, 
And makes a blifter there. Makes marriage vowes 
As falfe as Dicers Oathes. Oh fuch a deed, 

As 

^6o~~ 



The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



27: 



As from the body of Contra&ion pluckes 
The very foule, and iweete Religion makes 
A rapfidie of words. Heauens face doth glow, 
Yea this folidity and compound maffe, 
With triftfull vifage as againft the doome, 
Is thought-ficke at the aft. 

Qu. Aye me ; what act, that roares fo lowd, & thun- 
ders in the Index. 

Ham. Looke heere vpon this Picture, and on this, 
The counterfet prefentment of two Brothers : 
See what a grace was feated on his Brow, 
Hyperions curies, the front of Ioue bimfelfe, 
An eye like Mars, to threaten or command 
A Station, like the Herald Mercurie 
New lighted on a heauen-kifiing hill : 
A Combination, and a forme indeed, 
Where euery God did feeme to fet his Seale, 
To giue the world affurance of a man. 
This was your Husband. Looke you now what followes. 
Heere is your Husband, like a Mildew'd eare 
Blafting his wholfom breath. Haue you eyes ? 
Could you on this faire Mountaine leaue to feed, 
And batten on this Moore / Ha ? Haue you eyes? 
You cannot call it Loue : For at your age, 
The hey-day in the blood is tame, it's humble, 
And waites vpon the Iudgement : and what Judgement 
Would ftep from this, to this ? What diuell was't, 
That thus hath coufend you at hoodman-blinde ? 
O Shame I where is thy Blum ? Rebellious Hell, 
If thou canft murine in a Matrons bones, 
To flaming youth, let Vertue be as waxe, 
And melt in her owne fire. Proclaime no fhame, 
When the compuifiue Ardure giues the charge, 
Since Froft it felfe, as acliuely doth burne, 
As Reafon panders Will. 

S^u. O Hamlet, fpeake no more. 
Thou turn'ft mine eyes into my very foule, 
And there I fee fuch blacke and grained fpots, 
As will not leaue their Tindt. 

Ham. Nay, but to Hue 
In the ranke fweat of an enfeamed bed, 
Stew'd in Corruption; honying and making loue 
Ouer the nafty Stye. 

S^u. Oh fpeake to me, no more, 
Thefe words like Daggers enter in mine eares. 
No more fweet Hamlet. 

Ham. A Murderer, and a Villaine : 
A Slaue, that is not twentieth patt the tythe 
Of your precedent Lord. A vice of Kings, 
A Cutpurfe of the Empire and the Rule. 
That from a fhelfe,tbe precious Diadem ftole, 
And put it in his Pocket. 
£}u. No more. 

Enter Ghoji. 

Ham. A King of mreds and patches. 
Saue me ; and houer o're me with your wings 
You heauenly Guards. What would you gracious figure? 
Qu. Alas he's mad. 

Ham. Do you not come your tardy Sonne to chide, 
That laps't in Time and Paffion, lets go by 
Th 'important acYing of your dread command ? Oh fay. 

Qhofi. Do not forget : this Vifitation 
Is but to whet thy almoft blunted purpofe. 
But looke, Amazement on thy Mother fits ; 
O ftep betweene her, and her fighting Soule, 
Conceit in weakeft bodies, ftrongeft workes. 



Speake to her Hamlet. 

Ham. How is it with you Lady ? 

S)u. Alas, how is't with you ? 
That you bend your eye on vacancie, 
And with their corporall ayre do hold difcourfe. 
Forth at your eyes, your fpirits wildely peepe, 
And as the fieeping Soldiours in th'Alarme, 
Your bedded haire, like life in excrements, 
Start vp, and ftand an end. Oh gentle Sonne, 
Vpon the heate and flame of thy diftemper 
Sprinkle coole patience. Whereon do you looke ? 

Ham. On him, on him : look you how pale he glares, 
His forme and caufe conioyn'd, preaching to ftones, 
Would make them capeable. Do not looke vpon me, 
Leaft with this pitteous action you conuertj 
My fterne effects : then what I haue to do, 
Will want true colour ; teares perchance for blood. 

Qu. To who do you fpeake this? 

Ham. Do you fee nothing there? 

Qu. Nothing at all, yet all that is I fee. 

Ham. Nor did you nothing heare ? 

Qu. No, nothing but our felues. 

Ham. Why look you there: looke how it fteals away: 
My Father in his habite, as he liued, 
Looke where he goes euen now out at the Portall. Exit. 

Qu. This is the very coynage of your Braine, 
This bodilefle Creation extafie is very cunning in. 

Ham. Extafie? 
My Pulfe as yours doth temperately keepe time, 
And makes as healthfull Muficke. It is not madneffe 
That 1 haue vttered ; bring me to the Tell 
And I the matter will re-word : which madneffe 
Would gamboll from. Mother, for loue of Grace, 
Lay not a flattering Vnttion to your foule, 
That not your trefpaffe, but my madneffe fpeakes: 
It will but skin and filme the Vlcerous place, 
Whil'ft ranke Corruption mining all within, 
Infects vnfeene. Confeffe your felfe to Heauen, 
Repent what's part, auoyd what is to come, 
And do not fpred the Compoft or the Weedes, 
To make them ranke. Forgiue me this my Vertue, 
For in the fatneffe of this purfie times, 
Vertue it felfe, of Vice muft pardon begge, 
Yea courb,and woe, for leaue to do him good. 

%. Oh Hamlet, 
Thou haft cleft my heart in twaine. 

Ham. O throw away the worfer part of it, 
And liue the purer with the other halfe. 
Good night, but go not to mine Vnkles bed, 
Affume a Vertue, if you haue it not, refraine to night, 
And that lhall lend a kinde of eafineffe 
To the next abftinence. Once more goodnight, 
And when you are defirous to be bleft, I 
He blefling begge of you. For this fame Lord, 
I do repent : but heauen hath pleas'd it fo, 
To punifh me with this, and this with me, 
That I muft be their Scourge and Minifter. 
I will beftow him, and will anfwer well 
The death I gaue him : fo againe, good night. 
I muft be cruell, onely to be kinde ; 
Thus bad begins, and worfe remaines behinde. 

Qu. What lhall I do ? 

Ham. Not this by no meanes that I bid you do : 
Let the blunt King tempt you againe to bed, 
Pinch Wanton on your cheeke, call you his Moufe, 
And let him for a paire of reechie kiffes, 

p p 2 Or 



272 



The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



Or padling in your necke with his damn'd Fingers, 

Make you to rauell all this matter out, 

That I effentially am not in madnefle, 

But made in craft. 'Twere good you let him know, 

For who that's but a Queene, faire, fober, wife, 

Would from a Paddocke, from a Bat, a Gibbe, 

Such deere concernings hide, Who would do fo, 

No in defpight of Senfe and Secrecie, 

Vnpegge the Basket on the houfes top : 

Let the Birds flye, and like the famous Ape 

To try Conclufions in the Basket, creepe 

And breake your owne necke downe. 

£>u. Be thou affur'd, if words be made of breath, 
And breath of life : I haue no life to breath 
What thou haft faide to me. 

Ham. I muft to England, you know that ? 

Qu. Alacke I had forgot : 'Tis fo concluded on. 
Ham. This man fhall fet me packing : 
He lugge the Guts into the Neighbor roome, 
Mother goodnight. Indeede this Counfellor 
Is now moft ftill, moft fecret, and moft graue, 
Who was in life, a foolifh prating Knaue. 
Come fir, to draw toward an end with you. 
Good night Mother. 

Exit Hamlet tugging in Poloniui. 
Enter King. 

King. There's matters in thefe fighes. 
Thefe profound heaues 

You muft tranflate ; Tis fit we vnderftand them. 
Where is your Sonne ? 

2>u. Ah my good Lord, what haue I feene to night ? 

King. What Gertrude} How do's Hamlet? 

£>u. Mad as the Seas, and winde, when both contend 
Which is the Mightier, in his lawleffe fit 
Behinde the Arras, hearing fomething ftirre, 
He whips his Rapier out, and cries a Rat, a Rat, 
And in his brainifh apprehenfion killes 
The vnfeene good old man. 

King. Oh heauy deed : 
It had bin fo with vs had we beene there : 
His Liberty is full of threats to all, 
To you your felfe, to vs, to euery one. 
Alas, how (hall this bloody deede be anfwered ? 
It will be laide to vs, whofe prouidence 
Should haue kept fhort, reftrain'd, and out of haunt, 
This mad yong man. But fo much was our loue, 
We would not vnderftand what was moft fit, 
But like the Owner of a foule difeafe, 
To keepe it from divulging, let's it feede 
Euen on the pith of life. Where is he gone ? 

Qu. To draw apart the body he hath kild, 
O're whom his very madneffe like fome Oare 
Among a Minerall of Mettels bafe 
Shewes it felfe pure. He weepes for what is done. 

King. Oh Gertrude, come away : 
The Sun no fooner mall the Mountaines touch, 
But we will fhip him hence, and this vilde deed, 
We muft with all our Maiefty and Skill 
Both countenance, and excufe. Enter Rof.& Guild. 

Ho Guildenjlern : 

Friends both go ioyne you with fome further ayde : 
Hamlet in madneffe hath Poloniui flaine, 
And from his Mother Cloffets hath he drag'd him. 
Go feeke him out, fpeake faire, and bring the body 
Into the Chappell. I pray you haft in this. Exit Qent. 

Come Gertrude, wee'l call vp our wifeft friends, 



To let them know both what we meane to do, 
And what's vntimely done. Oh come away, 
My foule is full of difcord and difmay. Exeunt. 

Enter Hamlet. 

Ham. Safely ftowed. 

Gentlemen within. Hamlet, Lord Hamlet. 

Ham. What noife? Who cals on Hamlet ? 
Oh heere they come. Enter Rof.and Guildenjierne. 

Ro. What haue you done my Lord with the dead body? 

Ham. Compounded it with duft, whereto 'tis Kinne. 

Rofin. Tell vs where 'tis, that we may take it thence, 
And beare it to the Chappell. 

Ham. Do not beleeue it. 

Rofin. Beleeue what ? 

Ham. That I can keepe your counfell, and not mine 
owne. Befides, to be demanded of a Spundge, what re- 
plication fhould be made by the Sonne of a King. 

Rofin. Take you me for a Spundge, my Lord ? 

Ham. I fir, that fokes vp the Kings Countenance, his 
Rewards, his Authorities (but fuch Officers do the King 
beft feruice in the end . He keepes them like an Ape in 
the corner of his iaw, firft mouth'd to be laft fwallowed, 
when he needes what you haue glean'd', it is but fquee- 
zing you, and Spundge you fhall be dry againe. 

Rofin. I vnderftand you not my Lord. 

Ham. I am glad of it : a knauifh fpeech fleepes in a 
foolifh eare. 

Rofin. My Lord, you muft tell vs where the body is, 
and go with vs to the King. 

Ham. The body is with the King, but the King is not 
with the body. The King, is a thing 

Guild. A thing my Lord ? 

Ham. Of nothing : bring me to him, hide Fox, and all 
after. Exeunt 

Enter King. 

King. I haue fent to feeke him, and to find the bodie : 
How dangerous is it that this man goes loofe : 
Yet muft not we put the ftrong Law on him : 
Hee's loued of the diffracted multitude, 
Who like not in their iudgement, but their eyes : 
And where 'tis fo, th'Offenders fcourge is weigh'd 
But neerer the offence : to beare all fmootb,and euen, 
This fodaine fending him away, muft feeme 
Deliberate paufe, difeafes defperate growne, 
By defperate appliance are releeued, 
Or not at all. Enter Rofincrane. 

How now? What hath befalne ? 

Rofin. Where the dead body is beftow'd my Lord, 
We cannot get from him. 

King. But where is he ? 

Rofin. Without my Lord, guarded to know your 
pleafure. 

King. Bring him before vs. 

Rofin. Hoa, Guildenjierne? Bring in my Lord. 

Enter Hamlet and Guildenjierne. 
King. Now Hamlet, where's Polonium ? 
Ham. At Supper. 
King. At Supper? Where ? 

.KwB.Not where he eats, but where he is eaten, a cer- 
taine conuocation of wormes are e'ne at him. Your worm 
is your onely Emperor for diet. We fat all creatures elfe 
to fat vs,and we fat our felfe for Magots. Your fat King, 
and your leane Begger is but variable feruice to difhes, 
but to one Table that's the end. 

King. What doft thou meane by this? 

Ham. 



The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



n ~ll 



Ham. Nothing but to (hew you how a King may go 
a Progrefie through the guts of a Begger. 

King. Where is Polonius . 

Ham. In heauen, fend thither to fee. If your Meffen- 
ger finde him not there, feeke him i'th other place your 
felfe : but indeed, if you finde him not this moneth, you 
(hall nofe him as you go vp the ftaires into the Lobby. 

King. Go feeke him there. 

Ham. He will ftay till ye come. 

K. Hamlet, this deed of thine, for thine efpecial fafety 
Which we do tender, as we deerely greeue 
For that which thou haft done, muft fend thee hence 
Wich fierie Quickneffe. Therefore prepare thy felfe, 
The Barke is readie, and the winde at helpe, 
Th'Affociates tend, and euery thing at bent 
For England. 

Ham. For England ? • 

King. I Hamlet. 

Ham. Good. 

King. So is it, if thou knew'ft our purpofes. 

Ham. I fee a Cherube that fee's him : but come, for 
England. Farewell deere Mother. 

King. Thy louing Father Hamlet. 

Hamlet. My Mother : Father and Mother is man and 
wife : man & wife is one fleih, and fo my mother.Come, 
for England. Exit 

King. Follow him at foote, 
Tempt him with fpeed aboord : 
Delay it not, He haue him hence to night. 
Away, for euery thing is Seal'd and done 
That elfe leanes on th 'Affaire, pray you make haft. 
And England, if my loue thou holdft at ought, 
As my great power thereof may giue thee fenfe, 
Since yet thy Cicatrice lookes raw and red 
After the Danifti Sword, and thy free awe 
Payes homage to vs ; thou maift not coldly fet 
Our Soueraigne ProcefTe, which imports at full 
By Letters coniuring to that effeft 
The prefent death of Hamlet. Do it England, 
For like the He&icke in my blood he rages, 
And thou muft cure me: Till I know 'tis done, 
How ere my happes, my ioyes were ne're begun. Exit 

Enter Fortinbras with an Armie. 

For. Go Captaine, from me greet the Danifli King, 
Tell him that by his licenfe, Fortinbras 
Claimes the conueyance of a promis'd March 
Ouer his Kingdome. You know the Rendeuous : 
If that his Maiefty would ought with vs, 
We (hall expreiTe our dutie in his eye, 
And let him know fo. 

Cap. I will doo't, my Lord. 

For. Go fafely on. Exit. 

Enter Queene and Horatio. 

$u. I will not fpeake with her. 

Hor. She is importunate, indeed diftratt, her moode 
will needs be pittied. 

Slu. What would (he haue? 

Hor. She fpeakes much of her Father; faies (he heares 
There's trickes i'th'world, and hems, and beats her heart, 
Spumes enuioufly at Strawes, fpeakes things in doubt, 
That carry but halfe fenfe : Her fpeech is nothing, 
Yet the vnfhaped vfe of it doth moue 
The hearers to Collection ; they ayme at it, 
And botch the words vp fit to their owne thoughts,! 
Which as her winkes,and nods, and geftures yeeld them, 



763 



Indeed would make one thinke there would be thought, 
Though nothing fure, yet much vnhappily. 
Qu. 'Twere good (he were fpoken with, 
For (he may drew dangerous conieftures 
In ill breeding minds. Let her come in. 
To my ficke foule(as (innes true Nature is) 
Each toy feemes Prologue, to fome great amide, 
So full of Artleffe iealoufie is guilt, 
It fpill's it felfe, in fearing to be fpilt. 
Enter Ophelia diftralied. 
Ophe, Where is the beauteous Maiefty of Denmark. 
£>u. How now Ophelia? 

Ophe. How Jhonld I your true loue know from another one! 
By his Cochle hat andftafe,and his Sandal poone. 
SJu. Alas fweet Lady: what imports this Song ? 
Ophe. Say you? Nay pray you marke. 
He is dead and gone Lady, he is dead and gone, 
At his head a graffe-greene Turfe, at his heeles ajione. 
Enter King. 
Qu Nay but Ophelia. 
Ophe. Pray you marke. 

White his Sbrow'd as the cTrfountaine Snow. 
Qu. Alas,looke heere my Lord. 
Ophe. Larded with fweet flowers : 

Which bewept to the graue did not go, 
With true- loue Jhowres. 
King. How do ye, pretty Lady ? 

Ophe. Well, God dil'd you. They fay the Owle was 
a Bakers daughter. Lord, wee know what we are, but 
know not what we may be. God be at your Table. 
King. Conceit vpon her Father. 

Ophe. Pray you let's haue no words of this: but when 
they aske you what it meanes,fay you this : 
To morrow is S. Valentines day, all in the morning betime, 
And I a <JV£aid at your Window , to be your Valentine. 
Then vp he rofe, & don'd his clothes, & dupt the chamber dore, 
Let in the Maid, that out a cMaid, neuer departed more. 
King. Pretty Ophelia. 

Ophe.lndeed la ? without an oath He make an end ont. 
TSy gis ,and by S. Qharity, 
Alacke,and fie for Jhame : 
Tong men wil doo't , if they come too't, 
By Coc\e they are too blame. 
Quoth jhe before you tumbled me, ■ 
You promis'd me to Wed : 
So would I ha done by yonder Sunne , 
And thou hadjl not come to my bed. 
King. How long hath (he bin this? 
Ophe. I hope all will be well. We muft bee patient, 
but I cannot choofe but weepe, to thinke they (hould 
lay him i'th'cold ground : My brother (hall knowe of it, 
and fo I thanke you for your good counfell. Come, my 
Coach : Goodnight Ladies : Goodnight fweet Ladies : 
Goodnight, goodnight. Exit, 

King. Follow her clofe, 
Giue her good watch I pray you : 
Oh this is the poyfon of deepe greefe, it fprings 
All from her Fathers death. Oh Gertrude, Gertrude, 
When forrowes comes, they come not fingle fpies, 
But in Battaliaes. Firft,her Father flaine, 
Next your Sonne gone, and he moft violent Author 
Of his owne iuft remoue : the people muddied, 
Thicke and vnwholfome in their thoughts.and whifpers 
For good Polonius death ; and we haue done but greenly 
In hugger mugger to interre him. Poore Ophelia 
Diuided from her felfe, and her faire Iudgement, 

p p 5 Without 



274 



The Tr age die of Hamlet. 



Without the which we are Pictures, or meere Beafts. 

Laft, and as much containing as all thefe, 

Her Brother is in fecret come from France, 

Keepes on his wonder, keepes himfelfe in clouds, 

And wants not Buzzers to infect his eare 

With peftilent Speeches of his Fathers death, 

Where in neceffitie of matter Beggard, 

Will nothing fticke our perfons to Arraigne 

In eare and eare. O my deere Gertrude, this, 

Like to a murdering Peece in many places, 

Gmes me iuperfluous death. A Noife within. 

Enter a Mejfenger. 

$lu. Alacke, what noyfe is this/ 

King. Where are my Switzers? 
Let them guard the doore. What is the matter ? 

Mtf. Saue your felfe, my Lord. 
The Ocean (ouer-peering of his Lift) 
Eates not the Flats with more impittious hafte 
Then young Laertes, in a Riotous head, 
Ore-beares your Officers, the rabble call him Lord, 
And as the world were now but to begin, 
Antiquity forgot, Cuftome not knowne, 
The Ratifiers and props of euery word, 
They cry choofe we ? Laertes (lull be King, 
Caps, hands, and tongues, applaud it to the clouds, 
Laertes (hall be King, Laertes King. 

2>u. How cheerefully on the falfe Traile they cry, 
Oh this is Counter you falfe Danilh Dogges. 
Noife within . Enter Laertes . 

King. The doores are broke. 

Laer. Where is the King, firs ? Stand you all without. 

All. No, let's come in. 

Laer. I pray you giue me leaue. 

*AL We will, we will. 

Laer. I thanke you : Keepe the doore. 
Oh thou vilde King, giue me my Father. 

Qu. Calmely good Laertes. 

Laer. That drop of blood, that calmes 
Proclaimes me Ballard : 

Cries Cuckold to my Father, brands the Harlot 
Euen heere betweene the chafte vnfmirched brow 
Of my true Mother. 

King. What is the caufe Laertes, 
That thy Rebellion lookes fo Gyant-like? 
Let him go Gertrude : Do not feare our perfon : 
There's fuch Diuinity doth hedge a King, 
That Treafon can but peepe to what it would, 
Afts little of his will. Tell me Laertes, 
Why thou art thus Incenft? Let him go Gertrude. 
Speake man. 

Laer. Where's my Father ? 

King. Dead. 

$u. But not by him. 

King. Let him demand his fill. 

Laer. How came he dead ? lie not be Iuggel'd with. 
To hell Allegeance : Vowes, to the blackeft diuell. 
Confcience and Grace, to the profoundeft Pit. 
I dare Damnation : to this point I (land, 
That both the worlds I giue to negligence, 
Let come what comes : onely He be reueng'd 
Moft throughly for my Father. 

King. Who (hall ftay you ? 

Laer. My Will, not all the world, 
I And for my meanes, He husband them fo well, 
They (hall go farre with little. 



King. Good Laertes : 
If you defire to know the certaintie 
Of your deere Fathers death, if writ in your reuenge, 
That Soop-ftake you will draw both Friend and Foe, 
Winner and Looler. 

Laer. None but his Enemies. 
King. Will you know them then. 
La. To his good Friends, thus wide He ope my Armes : 
And like the kinde Life-rend'ring Politician, 
Repaft them with my blood. 

King. Why now you fpeake 
Like a good Childe, and a true Gentleman. 
That I am guiltleffe of your Fathers death,! 
And am moft fenfible in greefe for it, 
It (hall as leuell to your Iudgement pierce 
As day do's to your eye. 

A noife within. Let her come in. 
Enter Ophelia. 
Laer. How now? what noite is that ? 
Oh heate drie vp my Braines, teares feuen times fait, 
Burne out the Sence and Vertue of mine eye. 
By Heauen,thy madneffe (hall be payed by waight, 
Till our Scale turnes the beame. Oh Rofe of May, 
Deere Maid, kinde Sifter, fweet Ophelia: 
Oh Heauens, is't poffible, a yong Maids wits, 
Should be as mortall as an old mans life? 
Nature is fine in Loue,and where 'tis fine, 
It fends fome precious inftance of it felfe 
After the thing it loues. 

Ophe. They bore him bare facd on the Beer, 
Hey non nony , nony , hey nony : 
And on his graue raines many a teare, 
Fare you well my Doue. 
Laer. Had'ft thou thy wits, and did'ft perfwade Re- 
uenge, it could not moue thus. 

Ophe. You muft fing downe a-downe, and you call 
him a-downe-a. Oh, how the wheele becomes it ? It is 
the falfe Steward that ftole his matters daughter. 
Laer. This njthingsmore then matter. 
Ophe. There's Rofemary, that's for Remembraunce. 
Pray loue remember : and there is Paconcies , that's for 
Thoughts. 

Laer. A document in madneife, thoughts & remem- 
brance fitted. 

Ophe. There's Fennell for you, and Columbines: ther's 
Rew for you, and heere's fome for me. Wee may call it 
Herbe-Grace a Sundaies : Oh you muft weare your Rew 
with a difference. There's a Dayfie, I would giue you 
fome Violets, but they wither'd all when myl Father dy- 
ed : They fay, he made a good end ; 

For bonny fweet Robin is all my ioy. 
Laer. Thought, and Afflliftion, Paffion, Hell it felfe : 
She turnes to Fauour, and to prettinelTe. 

Ophe. And will he not come againe, 
tAnd will he not come againe : 
No,no,he is dead,go to thy Death-bed, 
He neuer wil come againe. 
His 'Beard as white as Snow, 
All Flaxen was his Pole: 
He is gone, he is gone , and we cafi away mone, 
Gramercy on his Soule. 
And of all Chriftian Soules, I pray God. 
God buy ye. Exeunt Ophelia 

Laer. Do you fee this, you Gods ? 
King. Laertes, I muft common with your greefe, 
Or you deny me right: go but apart, 

| Make 

764 



The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



275 



M a ke choice of whom your wifeft Friends you will, 

And they fliall heare and iudge'twixt you and me; 

If by direct or by Colaterall hand 

They finde vs touch'd, we will our Kingdome giue, 

Our Crowne, our Life, and all that we call Ours 

To you in fatisfa&ion. But if not, 

Be you content to lend your patience to vs, 

And we fliall ioyntly labour with your foule 

To giue it due content. 

Laer. Let this be fo : 
His meanes of death, his obfcure buriall ; 
No Trophee, Sword, nor Hatchment o're his bones, 
No Noble rite, nor formall oftentarion, 
Cry to be heard, as 'twere from Heauen to Earth, 
That I muft call in queftion. 

King. So you fliall : 
And where th 'offence is, let the great Axe fall. 
I pray you go with me. Exeunt 

Enter Horatio , with an Attendant. 

Hora. What are they that would fpeake with me ? 

Ser. Saylors fir, they fay they haue Letters for you. 

Hor. Let them come in, 
I do not know from what part of the world 
I fliould be greeted, if not from Lord Hamlet. 
Enter Saylor. 

Say. God bleiTe you Sir. 

Hor. Let him bleffe thee too. 

Say. Hee fliall Sir, and't pleafe him. There's a Letter 
for you Sir : It comes from th'Ambaftadours that was 
bound for England, if your name be Horatio, as I am let 
to know it is. 

Reads the Letter. 

HOratio, When thou pah haue ouerlook]d this, giue theje 
Fellowes Jome meanes to the King : They haue Letters 

for him. Ere we were two dayes old at Sea, a Pyrate of very 
Warlicke appointment gaue vs Chace. Finding our Jelues too 

Jlow of Saile, we put on a compelled Valour. In the Qr apple , I 
hoarded them : On the infant they got cleare of our Shippe,Jo 
I alone became their Prifoner. They haue dealt with mee, life 
Theeues of <tMercy , but they knew what they did. I am to doe 
a good turne for them,,. Let the King haue the Letters I haue 

jent, and repaire thou to me with as much hajl as thou wouldefi 

fiye death. I haue words to Jpea\e in your eare, will make thee 
dnmbe, yet are they much too light for the bore of the Matter. 
Theft good Fellowes will bring thee where I am. Rofincrance 
and Guildenfterne, hold their courjt for England. Of them 
I haue much to tell thee , Farewell. 

He that thou knowefi thine, 
Hamlet. 
Come, I will giue you way for thefe your Letters, 
And do't the fpeedier, that you may direct me 
To him from whom you brought them. Exit. 

Enter King and Laertes. 
King.Now muft your confcience my acquittance feal, 
And you muft put me in your heart for Friend, 
Sith you haue heard, and with a knowing eare, 
That he which hath your Noble Father flaine, 
Purfued my life. 

, Eaer. It well appeares. But tell me, 
Why you proceeded not againft thefe feates, 
So crimefull, and fo Capitall in Nature, 
As by your Safety, Wifedome,all things elfe, 



7*5 



You mainly were ftirr'd vp? 

King. O for two fpeciall Reafons, 
Which may to you (perhaps) feeme much vnfinnowed. 
And yet to me they are ftrong. The Queen his Mother. 
Liues almoft by his lookes : and for my felfe, 
My Vertue or my Plague, be it either which, 
She's fo coniunctiue to my life and foule; 
That as the Starre moues not but in his Sphere, 
I could not but by her. The other Motiue, 
Why to a publike count I might not go,| 
Is the great loue the generall gender beare him, 
Who dipping all his Faults in their affection, 
Would like the Spring that turneth Wood to Stone, 
Conuert his Gyues to Graces. So that my Arrowes 
Too fiightly timbred for fo loud a Winde, 
Would haue reuerted to my Bow againe, 
And not where I had arm'd them. 

Laer. And fo haue I a Noble Father loft, 
A Sifter driuen into defperate tearmes, 
Who was(if praifes may go backe againe) 
Stood Challenger on mount of all the Age 
For her perfections. But my reuenge will come. 

King. Breake not your fleepes for that, 
You muft not thinke 

That we are made of ftuffe, fo flat, and dull, 
That we can let our Beard be fliooke with danger, 
And thinke it paftime. You fliortly fliall heare more, 
I lou'd your Father, and we loue our Selfe, 

And that I hope will teach you to imagine 

Enter a <jVEeffenger. 
How now? What Newes? 

Mef. Letters my Lord from Hamlet. This to your 
Maiefty : this to the Queene. 

King. From Hamlet ? Who brought them ? 

<tMej. Saylors my Lord they fay, I faw them not : 
They were giuen me by Claudia, he receiu'd them. 

King. Laertes you fliall heare them : 
Leaue vs. Exit Meffenger 

High and Mighty, you pall know I am Jet na\ed on your 
Kingdome. To morrow pall I begge leaue to fee your Kingly 
Eyes. When I pall (fril asking your Pardon thereunto) re- 
count th 'Occafions of my jodaine,and more f range returne. 

Hamlet. 
What fliould this meane? Are all the reft come backe ? 
Or is it fome abufe? Or no fuch thing? 

Laer. Know you the hand ? 

Kin. 'ThiHamlets Character , naked and in a Poft- 
fcript here he fayes alone : Can you aduife me ? 

Laer. I'm loft' in it my Lord; but let him come, 
It warmes the very ficknefle in my heart, - 
That I fliall liue and tell him to his teeth; 
Thus diddeft thou. 

Kin, If it be fo Laertes, as how fliould it be fo : 
How otherwife will you be rul'd by me ? 

Laer. If fo you'l not o'rerule me to a peace. 

Kin. To thine owne peace : if he be now return'd, 
As checking at his Voyage, and that he meanes 
No more to vndertake it; I will worke him 
To an exployt now. ripe in my Deuice, 
Vnder the which he fliall not choofe but fall; 
And for his death no winde of blame (hall breath, 
But euen his Mother fliall vncharge the practice, 
And call it accident: Some two Monthes hence 
Here was a Gentleman of Normandy, 
I'ue feene my felfe, and feru'd againft theiFrench, 
And they ran well on Horfebacke; but this Gallant 

Had 



276 



The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



Had witchcraft in't; he grew into his Seat, 
And to fuch wondrous doing brought his Horfe, 
As had he beene encorps't and demy-Natur'd 
With the braue Beaft, fo farre he paft my thought, 
That I in forgery of fhapes and trickes, 
Come ftiort of what he did. 

Laer. A Norman was't? 

Kin. A Norman. 

Laer. Vpon my life Lamound. 

Kin, The very fame. 

Laer. I know him well, he is the Brooch indeed, 
And Iemme of all our Nation. 

Kin. Hee mad confeffion of you, 
And gaue you fuch a Mafterly report, 
For Art and exercife in your defence ; 
And for your Rapier moft efpecially, 
That he cryed out, t'would be a fight indeed, 
If one could match you Sir. This report of his 
Did Hamlet fo envenom with his Enuy, 
That he could nothing doe but wifh and begge, 
Your fodaine commingore to play with him; 
Now out of this. 

Laer. Why out of this, my Lord ? 

Kin. Laertes was your Father deare to you? 
Or are you like the painting of a forrow, 
A face without a heart? 

Laer, Why aske you this ? 

Kin. Not that I thinke you did not loue your Father, 
But that I know Loue is begun by Time : 
And that I fee in paffages of proofe, 
Time qualifies the fparke and fire of it : 
Hamlet comes backe : tvhat would you vndertake, 
To mow your felfe your Fathers fonne indeed, 
More then in words ? 

Laer. To cut his throat i'th' Church. 

Kin. No place indeed fhould murder Sancturize; 
Reuenge mould haue no bounds : but good Laertes 
Will you doe this, keepe clofe within your Chamber, 
Hamlet return'd, fhall know you are come home : 
Wee'l put on thofe fhall praife your excellence, 
And fet a double varnifh on the fame 
The Frenchman gaue you, bring you in fine together, 
And wager on your heads,he being remiffe, 
Moft generous, and free from all contriuing, 
Will not perufe the Foiles? So that with eafe, 
Or with a little muffling, you may choofe 
A Sword vnbaited, and in a paffe of practice, 
Requit him for your Father. 

Laer. I will doo't, 
And for that purpofe He annoint my Sword : 
I bought an VncYion of a Mountebanke 
So mortall, I but dipt a knife in it, 
Where it drawes blood, no Cataplafme fo rare, 
Collected from all Simples that haue Vertue 
Vnder the Moone, can faue the thing from death, 
That is but fcratcht withall : He touch my point, 
With this contagion, that if I gall him flightly, 
I t may be death. 

Km Let's further thinke of this, 
Weigh what conuenience both of time and meanea 
May fit vs to our fhape, if this fhould faile; 
And that our drift looke through our bad performance, 
'Twere better not affaid; therefore this ProiecT: 
Should haue a backe or fecond,that might hold, 
If this fhould blaft in proofe : Soft, let me fee 
Wee'l make a folemne wager on your commings, 



I ha't : when in your motion you are hot and dry, 
As make your bowts more violent to the end , 
And that he cals for drinke; He haue prepar'd him 
A Challice for the nonce; whereon but fipping, 
If he by chance efcape your venom'd ftuck, 
Our purpofe may hold there ; how fweet Queene. 

Enter Queene. 

Queen. One woe doth tread vpon anothers heele, 
So faff they'l follow: your Sifter's drown'd Laertes. 

Laer. Drown'd ! O where ? 

Queen. There is a Willow growes aflant a Brooke, 
That ihewes his hore leaues in the glaffie ftreame : 
There with fantafticke Garlands did ihe come, 
Of Crow-flowers, Nettles, Dayfies, and long Purples, 
That liberall Shepheards giue a groffer name; 
But our cold Maids doe Dead Mens Fingers call them : 
There on the pendant boughes, her Coronet weeds 
Clambring to hang; an enuious fliuer broke, 
When downe the weedy Trophies, and her felfe, 
Fell in the weeping Brooke, her cloathes fpred wide, 
And Mermaid-like, a while they bore her vp, 
Which time ihe chaunted fnatches of old tunes, 
As one incapable of her owne diftreffe, 
Or like a creature Natiue, and indued 
Vnto that Element : but long it could not be, 
Till that her garments, heauy with her drinke, 
Pul'd the poore wretch from her melodious buy, 
To muddy death. 

Laer. Alas then, is fhe drown'd? 

Queen. Drown'd, drown'd. 

Laer. Too much of water haft thou poore Ophelia, 
And therefore I forbid my teares : but yet 
It is our tricke, Nature her cuftome holds, 
Let fhame fay what it will; when thefe are gone 
The woman will be out: Adue my Lord, 
I haue a fpeech of fire, that faine would blaze, 
But that this folly doubts it. Exit . 

Km. Let's follow, Gertrude: 
How much I had to doe to calme his rage ? 
Now feare I this will giue it ftart againe ; 
Therefore let's follow. Exeunt. 

Enter two Clcmncs. 

Clown. Is (he to bee buried in Chriftian buriall, that 
wilfully feekes her owne faluation ? 

Other. I tell thee fhe is, and therefore make her Graue 
ftraight, the Crowner hath fate on her, and finds it Chri- 
ftian buriall. 

Clo. How can that be, vnleffe fhe drowned her felfe in 
her owne defence? 

Other. Why 'tis found fo. 

Clo. It muft 6e Se offendendo, it cannot bee elfe : for 
heere lies the point; If 1 drowne my felfe wittingly, it ar- 
gues an AcT: : and an Act hath three branches. It is an 
Act to doe and to performe; argall fhe drown'd her feife 
wittingly. 

Other. Nay but heare you Goodman Deluer. 

Clown. Giue me leaue ; heere lies the water; good : 
heere ftands the man; good : If the man goe to this wa- 
ter and drowne himfele ; it is will he nill he, he goes; 
marke you that? But if the water come to him & drowne 
him; hee drownes not himfelfe. Argall, hee that is not 
guilty of his owne death, (hortens not his owne life. 

Other. But is this law ? 

Clo. I marry is't, Crowners Queft Law. 

Other. 

~66~~ 



'The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



'77 



Other. Will you ha the truth on't : if this had not 
beene a Gentlewoman, fhee fliould haue beene buried 
out of Chriftian Buriall. 

Clo. Why there thou fay'ft. And the more pitty that 
great folke mould haue countenance in this world to 
drowne or hang themfelues, more then their euen Chrifti- 
an. Come, my Spade; there is no ancient Gentlemen, 
but Gardiners, Ditchers and Graue-makers; they hold vp 
Adams Profeffion. 
Other. Was he a Gentleman ? 

Clo. He was the firft that euer bore Armes. 
Other. Why he had none. 

Clo. What, ar't a Heathen ? how doft thou vnder- 
ftand the Scripture ? the Scripture fayes Adam dig'd ; 
could hee digge without Armes ? lie put another que- 
ftion to thee; if thou anfwereft me not to the purpofe, con- 
fetti: thy felfe 

Other. Go too. 

Clo. What is he that builds ftronger then either the 
Mafon, the Shipwright, or the Carpenter ? 

Other. The Gallowes maker; for that Frame outliues a 
thoufand Tenants. 

Clo. I like thy wit well in good faith, the Gallowes 
does well; but how does it well ? it does well to thofe 
that doe ill : now, thou doft ill to fay the Gallowes is 
built ftronger then the Church : Argall, the Gallowes 
may doe well to thee. Too't againe, Come. 

Other. Who builds ftronger then a Mafon, a Ship- 
wright, or a Carpenter ? 

Clo. I, tell me that, and vnyoake. 

Other. Marry, now I can tell. 

Qlo. Too't. 

Other. Maffe, I cannot tell. 

Enter Hamlet and Horatio a farre off. 
Clo. Cudgell thy braines no more about it ; for your 
dull Affe will not mend his pace with beating ; and when 
you are ask't this queftion next, fay a Graue-maker : the 
Houfes that he makes, lafts till Doomefday : go, get thee 
to Taughan, fetch me a ftoupe of Liquor. 
Sings. 
In youth when I did loue , did hue , 
me thought it wa6 -very ftveete : 
To contrail the time for a my behoue, 
me thought there ■was nothing meete. 
Ham. Ha's this fellow no feeling of his bufinefTe, that 
he fings at Graue-making ? 

Hor. Cuftome hath made it in him a property of ea- 
fineffe. 

Ham. 'Tis ee'n fo; the hand of little Imployment hath 
the daintier fenfe. 

Clotune Jings. 
'But Age with his Jlealing Jieps 
hath caught me in bis clutch : 
tAnd hath pipped me infill the Land, 
m if I had neuer beene fuch. 
Ham. That Scull had a tongue in it, and could fing 
once : how the knaue iowles it to th' grownd, as if it 
were Caines law-bone, that did the firft murther : It 
might be the Pate of a Polititian which this Affe o're Of- 
fices: one that could circumuent God, might it not? 
Hor. It might, my Lord. 

Ham. Or of a Courtier, which could fay, Good Mor- 
row fweet Lord : how doft thou, good Lord ? this 
might be my Lord fuch a one, that prais'd my Lord fuch 
a ones Horfe, when he meant to begge it; might it not? 



767 



Hor. I, my Lord. 

Ham. Why ee'n fo : and now my Lady Wormes, 
Chapleffe, and knockt about the Mazard with a Sextons 
Spade; heere's fine Reuolution, if wee had the tricke to 
fee't. Did thefe bones coft no more the breeding, but 
to play at Loggets with 'em ? mine ake to thinke 
on't. 

Clorvne Jings . 
A Pickhaxe and a Spade, a Spade. 

for and a prowding-Sheete ; 
a Pit of Clay for to be made, 
for fuch a Gueft is meete. 

Ham. There's another : why might not that bee the 
Scull of of a Lawyer? where be his Quiddits now ? his 
Quillets? his Cafes? his Tenures, and his Tricks ? why 
doe's he fuller this rude knaue now to knocke him about 
the Sconce with a dirty Shouell, and will not tell him of 
his Action of Battery ? hum. This fellow might be in's 
time a great buyer of Land, with his Statutes, his Recog- 
nizances, his Fines, his double Vouchers, his Recoueries: 
Is this the fine of his Fines, and the recouery of his Reco- 
ueries, to haue his fine Pate full of fine Dirt ? will his 
Vouchers vouch him no more of his Purchafes, and dou- 
ble ones too , then the length and breadth of a paire of 
Indentures ? the very Conueyances of his Lands will 
hardly lye in this Boxe ; and muft the Inheritor himfelfe 
haue no more ? ha ? 

Hor. Not a iot more, my Lord. 

Ham. Is not Parchment made of Sheep-skinnes? 

Hor. I my Lord, and of Calue-skinnes too. 

Ham. They are Sheepe and Calues that feek out affu- 
rance in that. I will fpeake to this fellow: whofe Graue's 
this Sir ? 

Clo. Mine Sir: 
a Tit of Clay for to be made, 
for fuch a Gueft is meete. 

Ham. I thinke it be thine indeed:for thou lieft in't. 

Clo. You lye out on't Sir, and therefore it is not yours: 
for my part, 1 doe not lye in't ; and yet it is mine. 

Ham. Thou doft lye in't, to be in't and fay 'tis thine : 
'tis for the dead, not for the quicke, therefore thou 
lyeft. 

Clo. 'Tis a quicke lye Sir, 'twill away againe from me 
to you. 

Ham. What man doft thou digge it for.? 

Clo. For no man Sir. 

Ham. What woman then ? 

Clo. For none neither. 

Ham. Who is to be buried in't? 

Clo. One that was a woman Sir ; but reft her Soule, 
fliee's dead. 

Ham. How abfolute the knaue is ? wee muft fpeake 
by the Carde, or equiuocation will vndoe vs : by the 
Lord Horatio, thefe three yeares I haue taken note of it, 
the Age is growne fo picked, that the toe of the Pefant 
comes fo neere the heeles of our Courtier, hee galls his 
Kibe. How long haft thou been a Graue-maker ? 

Clo. Of all the dayes i'th'yeare, I came too't that day 
that our laft King Hamlet o'recame Fortinbras. 

Ham. How long is that fince ? 

Clo. Cannot you tell that ? euery foole can tell that : 
It was the very day, that young Hamlet was borne, hee 
that was mad , and fent into England. 

Ham. I marry, why was he fent into England ? 

Clo. Why, becaufe he was mad; hee mail recouer his 
wits there; or if he do not, it's no great matter there. 

Ham. 



278 



The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



Ham. Why? 

Clo. 'Twill not be feene in him, there the men are as 
mad as he. 

Ham. How came he mad ? 

Clo. Very ftrangely they fay. 

Ham. How ftrangely ? 

Clo. Faith e'ene with loofing his wits. 

Ham. Vpon what ground ? 

Qlo. Why heere in Denmarke : I haue bin fixeteene 
heere, man and Boy thirty yeares. 

Ham. How long will a man lie 'ith' earth ere he rot? 

Clo. Ifaith, if he be not rotten before he die(as we haue 
many pocky Coarfes now adaies, that will fcarce hold 
the laying in) he will laft you fome eight yeare, or nine 
yeare. A Tanner will laft you nine year e. 

Ham. Why he, more then another ?' 

Clo. Why fir, his hide is fo tan'd with his Trade, that 
he will keepe out water a great while. And your water, 
is a fore Decayer of your horfon dead body.Heres a Scull 
now: this Scul, has laine in the earth three & twenty years . 

Ham. Whofe was it? 

Clo. A whorefon mad Fellowes it was; 
Whofe doe you thinke it was? 

Ham. Nay, I know not. 

Clo. A peftlence on him for a mad Rogue, a pou'rd a 
Flaggon of Reniih on my head once. This fame Scull 
Sir, this fame Scull fir, was Yoricks Scull, the Kings Iefter. 

Ham. This? 

Clo: E'ene that. 

Ham. Let me fee. Alas poore Yoric\,\ knew him Ho- 
ratio, z fellow of infinite left; of moft excellent fancy, he 
hath borne me on his backe a thoufand times : And how 
abhorred my Imagination is, my gorge rifes at it. Heere 
hung thofe lipps, that I haue kift I know not how oft. 
Where be your Iibes now ? Your Gambals ? Your 
Songs t Your flaihes of Merriment that were wont to 
fet the Table on a Rore? No one now to mock your own 
leering ? Quite chopfalne ? Now get you to my Ladies 
Chamber, and tell her,let her paint an inch thicke, to this 
fauour the muft come. Make her laugh at that : pry- 
thee Horatio tell me one thing. 

Hor. What's that my Lord ? 

Ham. Doft thou thinke Alexander lookt o'this fa- 
fliion i'th' earth i 

Hor. E'ene fo. 

Ham. And fmelt fo ? Puh. 

Hor. E'ene fo, my Lord. 

Ham. To what bafe vfes we may returne Horatio. 
Why may not Imagination trace the Noble duft of A- 
lexander, till he find it flopping a bunghole. 

Hor. 'Twere to confider : to curioufly to confider fo. 

Ham. No faith, not a iot. But to follow him thether 
with modeftie enough, & likeliehood to lead it; as thus. 
Alexander died : Alexander was buried : Alexander re- 
turneth into duft; the duft is earth; of earth we make 
Lome, and why of that Lome (whereto he was conuer- 
ted) might they not ftopp a Beere-barrell ? 
Imperiall Cajar, dead and tum'd to clay, 
Might ftop a hole to keepe the winde away. 
Oh, that that earth, which kept the world in awe, 
Should patch a Wall,t'expell the winters flaw. 
But foft, but foft, afide; heere comes the King. 

Enter King, Queene, Laertes, and a Coffin, 
with Lords attendant . 
The Queene, the Courtiers. Who is that they follow, 



And with fuch maimed rites ? This doth betoken 
The Coarfe they follow, did with difperate hand, 
Fore do it owne life; 'twas fome Eftate. 
Couch we a while, and mark. 

Laer. What Cerimony elfe ? 1 

Ham. That is Laertes, a very Noble youth : Marke. 

Laer. What Cerimony elfe ? 

Priejl. Her Obfequies haue bin as farre inlarg'd. 
As we haue warrantis,her death was doubtfull, 
And but that great Command, o're-fwaies the order, 
She fhould in ground vnfanctified haue lodg'd, 
Till the laft Trumpet. For charitable praier, 
Shardes, Flints, and Peebles, ftiould be thro wne on her : 
Yet heere flie is allowed her Virgin Rites, 
Her Maiden ftrewments,and the bringing home 
Of Bell and Buriall. 

Laer. Muft there no more be done ? 

Priejl. No more be done: 
We ftiould prophane the feruice of the dead, 
To fing fage %equiem, and fuch reft to her 
As to peace-parted Soules. 

Laer. Lay her i'th' earth, 
And from her faire and vnpolluted flefh, 
May Violets fpring. I tell thee(churliih Prieft) 
A Miniftring Angell ftiall my Sifter be, 
When thou lieft howling ? 

Ham. What, the faire Ophelia ? 

Siueene. Sweets, to the fweet farewell. 
1 hop'd thou Ihould'ft haue bin my Hamlets wife : 
I thought thy Bride-bed to haue deckt(fweet Maid) 
And not t'haue ftrew'd thy Graue. 

Laer. Oh terrible woer, 
Fall ten times trebbie, on thatcurfed head 
Whofe wicked deed, thy moft Ingenious fence 
Depriu'd thee of. Hold off the earth a while, 
Till I haue caught her once more in mine armes : 

Leafs in the graue. 
Now pile your duft, vpon the quicke,and dead, 
Till of this flat a Mountaine you haue made, 
To o're top old Pelion, or the skyifh head 
Of blew Olympiu. 

Ham. What is he, whofe griefes 
Beares fuch an Emphafis ? whofe phrafe of Sorrow 
Coniure the wandring Starres, and makes them ftand 
Like wonder-wounded hearers? This is I, 
Hamlet the Dane. 

Laer. The deuill take thy foule. 

Ham. Thou prai'ft not welli 
I prythee take thy fingers from my throat; 
Sir though I am not Spleenatiue,and ralh, 
Yet haue I fomething in me dangerous, 
Which let thy wifeneffe feare. Away thy hand. 

King. Pluck them afunder. 

Qu. Hamlet, Hamlet. 

Gen. Good my Lord be quiet. 

Ham. Why I will fight with him vppon this Theme, 
Vntill my eielids will no longer wag. 

Qu. Oh my Sonne, what Theame i 

Ham. I lou'd Ophelia; fortie thoufand Brothers 
Could notfwith all there quantitie of Loue) 
Make vp my fumme. What wilt thou do for her 

King. Oh he is mad Laertes, 

Qu. For loue of God forbeare him. 

Ham. Come (how me what thou'lt doe. 
Woo't weepe f Woo't fight? Woo't teare thy felfe ? 
Woo't drinke vp BJile,eate a Crocodile? 

He 

768 






The Tragedie of Hamlet. 



259 



He doo't. Doft thou come heere to whine ; 
To outface me with leaping in her Graue f 
Be buried quicke with her, and fo will I. 
And if thou prate of Mountaines ; let them throw 
Millions of Alters on vs j till our ground 
Sindging his pate againft the burning Zone, 
Make OJJa like a wart. Nay,and thoul't mouth, 
He rant as well as thou. 

Kin. This is meere Madneffe : 
And thus awhile the fit will worke on him : 
Anon as patient as the female Doue, 
When that her golden Cuplet are difclos'd ; 
His filence will fit drooping. 

Ham. Heare you Sir : 
What is the reafon that you vfe me thus ? 
I loud' you euerjbut it is no matter : 
Let Hercules himfelfe doe what he may, 
The Cat will Mew, and Dogge will haue his day. Exit. 

Kin. I pray you good Horatio wait vpon him, 
Strengthen you patience in our laft nights fpeech, 
Wee'l put the matter to the prefent pufli : 
Good Gertrude fet fome watch ouer your Sonne, 
This Graue mail haue a liuing Monument : 
An houre of quiet fliortly mall we fee; 
Till then, in patience our proceeding be. Exeunt. 

Enter Hamlet and Horatio. 

Ham. So much for this Sir; now let me fee the other, 
You doe remember all the Circumftance. 

Hor. Remember it my Lord? 

Ham. Sir,in my heart there was a kinde of fighting, 
That would not let me fleepe; me thought I lay 
Worfe then the murines in the Bilboes, rafhly, 
(And praife be ralhnefie for it) let vs know, 
Our indifcretion fometimes ferues vs well, 
When our deare plots do paule,and that mould teach vs, 
There's a Diuinity that fliapes our ends, 
Rough-hew them how we will. 

Hor. That is moft certaine. 

Ham. Vp from my Cabin 
My fea-gowne fcarft about me in the darke, 
Grop'd I to finde out them ; had my defire, 
Finger'd their Packet, and in fine, withdrew 
To mine owne roome againe, making fo bold, 
(My feares forgetting manners) to vnfeale 
Their grand Commiffion, where I found Horatio, 
Oh royall knauery : An exact command, 
Larded with many feuerall forts of reafon; 
Importing Denmarks health, and Englands too, 
With hoo, fuch Bugges and Goblins in my life; 
That on the fuperuize no leafure bated, 
No not to ftay the grinding of the Axe, 
My head fhoud be ftruck off. 

Hor. Ift poffible? 

Ham. Here's the Commiffion, read it at more leyfure : 
But wilt thou heare me how I did proceed ? 

Hor. I befeech you. 

Ham. Being thus benetted round with Villaines, 
Ere 1 could make a Prologue to my braines, 
They had begun the Play. I fate me downe, 
Deuis'd a new Commiffion, wrote it faire, 
1 once did hold it as our Statifts doe, 
A bafenefle to write faire; and laboured much 
How to forget that learning : but Sir now, 
It did me Yeomans feruice : wilt thou know 
The effects of what I wrote? 



Hor. I, good my Lord. 

Ham. An earneft Coniuration from the King, 
As England was his faith full Tributary, 
As loue betweene them, as the Palme mould flourifh, 
As Peace fhould ftill her wheaten Garland weare, 
And ftand a Comma 'tweene their amities, 
And many fuch like Affis of great charge, 
That on the view and know of thefe Contents, 
Without debatement further, more or lefle, 
He mould the bearers put to fodaine death, 
Not mriuing time allowed. 

Hor. How was this feal'd ? 

Ham. Why,euen in that was Heauen ordinate; 
I had my fathers Signet in my Purfe, 
Which was the Modell of that Danifh Seale : 
Folded the Writ vp in forme of the other, 
Subfcrib'd it, gau't th' impreffion, plac't it fafely, 
The changeling neuer knowne : Now, the next day 
Was our Sea Fight, and what to this was fement, 
Thou know'ft already. 

Hor. So Guildenfterne and Rqfincrance, go too't. 
Ham.Why man, they did make loue to this imployment 
They are not neere my Confcience; their debate 
Doth by their owne infinuation grow : 
'Tis dangerous, when the bafer nature comes 
Betweene the pafle,and fell incenfed points 
Of mighty oppofites. 

Hor. Why, what a King is this ? 

Ham. Does it not, thinkft thee, ftand me now vpon 
He that hath kil'd my King, and whor'd my Mother, 
Popt in betweene th'eleftion and my hopes, 
Throwne out his Angle for my proper life, 
And with fuch coozenage; is't not perfect confcience, 
To quit him with this arme ? And is't not to be damn'd 
To let this Canker of our nature come 
In further euill. 

Hor. It muft be lhortly knowne to him from England 
What is the iflue of the bufineffe there. 

Ham. It will be ftiort, 
The interim's mine, and a mans life's no more 
Then to fay one : but I am very forry good Horatio, 
That to Laertes I forgot my felfe ; 
For by the image of my Caufe, I fee 
The Portraiture of his ; He count his fauours : 
But fure the brauery of his griefe did put me 
Into a Towring paffion. 

Hor. Peace, who comes heere? 

Enter young Ofrickf. (marke. 

Ofr. Your Lordfhip is right welcome back to Den- 
Ham. I humbly thank you Sir,doft know this waterflie? 
Hor. No my good Lord. 

Ham. Thy ftate is the more gracious; for 'tis a vice to 
know him : he hath much Land, and fertile ; let a Beaft 
be Lord of Beafts, and his Crib mall ftand at the Kings 
MefTe; 'tis a Chowgh; but as I faw fpacious in the pof- 
feffion of dirt. 

Ofr. Sweet Lord, if your friend/hip were at leyfure, 
I fhould impart a thing to you from his Maiefty. 

Ham. I will receiue it with all diligence of fpirit;put 
your Bonet to his right vfe, 'tis for the head. 

Ofr. I thanke your Lordfhip, 'tis very hot. 

Ham, No, beleeue mee 'tis very cold, the winde is 
Northerly. 

Ofr. It is indifferent cold my Lord indeed. 

Ham. Mee thinkes it is very foultry, and hot for my 
Complexion. 

Ofricke. 



280 



The Tr age die of Hamlet. 



Ofr. Exceedingly, my Lord, it is very foultry,as 'twere 
I cannot tell how : but my Lord, his Maiefty bad me fig- 
nifie to you, that he ha's laid a great wager on your head: 
Sir, this is the matter. 

Ham. I befeech you remember. 

Ofr. Nay, in good faith, for mine eale in good faith : 
Sir, you are not ignorant of what excellence Laertes is at 
his weapon. 

Ham. What's his weapon ? 

Ofr. Rapier and dagger. 

Ham. That's two of his weapons; but well. 
Ofr. The fir King ha's wag'd with him fix Barbary Hor- 
fes, againft the which he impon'd as I take it, fixe French 
Rapiers and Poniards, with their affignes, as Girdle, 
Hangers or fo : three of the Carriages infaith are very 
deare to fancy, very refponfiue to the hilts, mod delicate 
carriages, and of very liberall conceit. 

Ham. What call you the Carriages ? 

Ofr. The Carriages Sir, are the hangers. 

Ham. The phrafe would bee more Germaine to the 
matter : If we could carry Cannon by our fides; I would 
it might be Hangers till then; but on fixe Barbary Hor- 
fes againft fixe French Swords : their Affignes,and three 
liberall conceited Carriages , that's the French but a- 
gainft the Danifh ; why is this impon'd as you call it? 

Ofr. The King Sir, hath laid that in a dozen paries be- 
tweene you and him, hee mall not exceed you three hits ; 
He hath one twelue for mine, and that would come to 
imediate tryall, if your Lordihip would vouchsafe the 
Anfwere. 

Ham. How if I anfwere no ? 

Ofr. I meane my Lord, the oppofition of your perfon 
in tryall. 

Ham. Sir, I will walke heere in the Hall; if it pleafe 
his Maieftie, 'tis the breathing time of day with me; let 
the Foyles bee brought, the Gentleman willing, and the 
King hold his purpofe ; I will win for him if I can : if 
not, He ga*ine nothing but my flume, and the odde hits. 

OJr. Shall I redeliuer you ee'n fo? 

Ham. To this effect Sir, after what flourifh your na- 
ture will. 

Ofr. I commend my duty to your Lordihip. 

Ham. Yours, yours; hee does well to commend it 
himfelfe, there are no tongues elfe for's tongue. 

Hor. This Lapwing runs away with the (hell on his 
head. 

Ham. He did Complie with his Dugge before hee I 
fuck't it : thus had he and mine more of the fame Beauy 
that I know the droflie age dotes on; only got the tune of 
the time , and outward habite of encounter, a kinde of 
yefty collection, which carries them through & through 
the molt fond and winnowed opinions;and doe but blow 
them to their tryalls : the Bubbles are out. 

Hor. You will lofe this wager, my Lord. 

Ham. I doe not thinke fo, fince he went into France, 
I haue beene in continuall practice ; I fhall winne at the 
oddes : but thou wouldeft not thinke how all heere a- 
bout my heart : but it is no matter. 

Hor. Nay, good my Lord. 

Ham. It is but foolery ; but it is fuch a kinde of 
gain-giuing as would perhaps trouble a woman. 

Hor. If your minde diflike any thing, obey. I will fore- 
ftall their repaire hither, and fay you are not fit. 

Ham. Not a whit, we defie Augury; there's a fpeciall 
Prouidence in the fall of a fparrow. If it be now, 'tis not 
to come : if it bee not to come, it will bee now : if it 



be not now; yet it will come; the readinefie is all, fince no 
man ha's ought of what he leaues. What is't to leaue be- 
times ? 

Enter King, <$ueene, Laertes and Lords, with other Atten- 
dants with Foyles, and Gauntlets, a Table and 
Flagons of Wine on it. 

Kin. Come Hamlet,come,an& take this hand from me. 

.ffizwj.Giue me your pardon Sir,I'ue done you wrong, 
But pardon't as you are a Gentleman. 
This prefence knowes, 

And you muft needs haue heard how I am punifht 
With fore diffraction ? What I haue done 
That might your nature honour, and exception 
Roughly awake, I heere proclaime was madnefie : 
Was't Hamlet wrong'd Laertes ? Neuer Hamlet. 
If Hamlet from himfelfe be tane away : 
And when he's not himfelfe, do's wrong Laertes, 
Then Hamlet does it not, Hamlet denies it : 
Who does it then? His MadneiTe ? If't be fo, 
Hamlet is of the Faction that is wrong'd, 
His madnefTe is poore Hamlets Enemy. 
Sir, in this Audience, 
Let my difclaiming from a purpos'd euill, 
Free me fo farre in your moft generous thoughts, 
That I haue fhot mine Arrow o're the houfe, 
And hurt my Mother. 

Laer. I am fatisfied in Nature, 
Whofe motiue in this cafe ftiould ftirre me moft 
To my Reuenge. But in my termes of Honor 
I ftand aloofe, and will no reconcilement, 
Till by fome elder Matters of knowne Honor, 
I haue a voyce, and prefident of peace 
To keepe my name vngorg'd. But till that time, 
I do receiue your offer'd loue like loue, 
And wil not wrong it. 

Ham. I do embrace it freely, 
And will this Brothers wager frankely play. 
Giue vs the Foyles: Come on. 

Laer. Come one for me. 

Ham. He be your foile Laertes,\n mine ignorance, 
Your Skill (hall like a Starre i'th'darkeft night, 
Sticke fiery off indeede. 

Laer. You mocke me Sir. 

Ham. No by this hand. 

King. Giue them the Foyles yong Ofricke, 
Coufen Hamlet, you know the wager. 

Ham. Verie well my Lord, 
Your Grace hath laide the oddes a'th' weaker fide. 

King. 1 do not feare it, 
I haue feene you both : 
But fince he is better'd,we haue therefore oddes. 

Laer. This is too heauy, 
Let me fee another. 

Ham. This likes me well, 
Thefe Foyles haue all a length. Prepare to play. 

Ofricke. I my good Lord. 

King. Set me the Stopes of wine vpon that Table : 
If Hamlet giue the firft, or fecond hit, 
Or quit in anfwer of the third exchange, 
Let all the Battlements their Ordinance fire, 
The King ibal drinke to Hamlets better breath, 
And in the Cup an vnion fhal he throw 
Richer then that, which foure fucceffiue Kings 
In Denmarkes Crowne haue worne. 

Giue 



The T rage die of Hamlet. 



281 



Giue me the Cups, 

And let the Kettle to the Trumpets fpeake, 

The Trumpet to the Cannoneer without, 

The Cannons to the Heauens, the Heauen to Earth, 

Now the King drinkes to Hamlet. Come, begin, 

And you the Iudges beare a wary eye. 

Ham. Come on fir. 

Laer. Come on fir. They flay. 

Ham. One. 

Laer. No. 

Ham. Iudgement. 

Ofr. A hit, a very palpable hit. 

Laer. Well : againe. 

King. Stay, giue me drinke. 
Hamlet, this Pearle is thine, 
Here's to thy health. Giue him the cup, 

Trumpets found, and Jhot goes off. 

Ham. lie play this bout firft, let by a-while. 
Come : Another hit ; what fay you ? 

Laer. A touch, a touch, I do confeffe. 

King. Our Sonne ihall win. 

gu. He's fat, and fcant of breath. 
Heere's a Napkin, rub thy browes, 
The Queene Carowfes to thy fortune, Hamlet. 

Ham. Good Madam. 

King. Gertrude, do not drinke. 

Qu. I will my Lord ; 
I pray you pardon me. 

King. It is the poyfon'd Cup, it is too late. 

Ham. 1 dare not drinke yet Madam, 
By and by. 

$lu. Come, let me wipe thy face. 

Laer. My Lord, He hit him now. 

King. I do not thinke't. 

Laer. And yet 'tis almoft 'gainft my confeience. 

Ham. Come for the third. 
Laertes, you but dally, 
I pray you paffe with your beft violence, 
I am aftear'd you make a wanton of me. 

Laer. Say you fo ? Come on. Play. 

Ofr. Nothing neither way. 

Laer. Haue at you now. 

In f cuff ling they change Rapiers. 

King. Part them, they are incens'd. 

Ham. Nay come, againe. 

Ofr. Looke to the Queene there hoa. 

Hor. They bleed on both fides. How is't my Lord ? 

Ofr. How is't Laertes ? 

Laer. Why as a Woodcocke 
To mine Sprindge, Ofricke, 
I am iuftly kill'd with mine owne Treacherie. 

Ham. How does the Queene? 

King. She founds to fee them bleede. 

£}u. No, no, the drinke, the drinke. 
Oh my deere Hamlet, the drinke, the drinke, 
I am poyfon'd. 

Ham. Oh Villany I How? Let the doore be lock'd. 
Treacherie, feeke it out. 

Laer. It is heere Hamlet . 
Hamlet, thou art flaine, 

No Medicine in the world can do thee good. 
In thee, there is not halfe an houre of life ; 
The Treacherous Inftrument is in thy hand, 
Vnbated and envenom'd : the foule praclifei 
Hath turn'd it felfe on me. Loe, heere I lye, 
Neuer to rife againe : Thy Mothers poyfon'd : 



I can no more, the King, the King's too blame. 

Ham. The point envenom'd too, 
Then venome to thy worke. 

Hurts the King . 

All. Treafon, Treafon. 

King. O yet defend me Friends, I am but hurt. 

Ham. Heere thou inceftuous, murdrous, 
Damned Dane, 

Drinke off this Potion : Is thy Vnion heere ? 
Follow my Mother. King Dyes . 

Laer. He is iuftly feru'd. 
It is a poyfon temp'red by himfelfe : 
Exchange forgiuenefTe with me, Noble Hamlet ; 
Mine and my Fathers death come not vpon thee, 
Nor thine on me. Dyes. 

Ham. Heauen make thee free of it, I follow thee. 
I am dead Horatio, wretched Queene adiew, 
You that looke pale, and tremble at this chance, 
That are but Mutes or audience to this a£le : 
Had I but time fas this fell Sergeant death 
Is ftrick'd in his Arreft) oh I could tell you. 
But let it be : Horatio, I am dead, 
Thou liu'ft, report me and my caufes right 
To the vnfatisfied. 

Hor. Neuer beleeue it. 
I am more an Antike Roman then a Dane: 
Heere's yet fome Liquor left. 

Ham. As th'art a man, giue me the Cup. 
Let go, by Heauen He haue't. 
Oh good Horatio, what a wounded name, 
(Things (landing thus vnknowne) ftiall Hue behind me. 
If thou did'ft euer hold me in thy heart, 
Abfent thee from felicitie awhile, 
And in this harm world draw thy breath in paine, 
To tell my Storie. 

March afarre off, and pout within. 
What warlike noyfe is this ? 

Enter Ofric\e. 

Ofr. Yong Fortinbrai, with conqueft come fro Poland 
To th'Ambafiadors of England giues rhis warlike volly. 

Ham. O I dye Horatio : 
The potent poylbn quite ore-crowes my fpirit, 
I cannot liue to heare the Newes from England, 1 
But I do prophefie th'eledtion lights 
On Fortinhrai, he ha's my dying voyce, 
So tell him with the occurrents more and lefTe, 
Which haue folicited. The reft is filence. 0, 0,0,0. Dyes 

Hora. Now cracke a Noble heart : 
Goodnight fweet Prince, 
And flights of Angels fing thee to thy reft, 
Why do's the Drumme come hither ? 

Enter Fortinbras and Englijb Ambaffador ,mth 'Drumme, 
Colours , and Attendants . 
Fortin. Where is this fight ? 
Hor. What is it ye would fee ; 
If ought of woe, or wonder, ceafe your fearch. 

For. His quarry cries on hauocke. Oh proud death, 
What feaft is toward in thine eternall Cell. 
That thou lo many Princes, at a fhoote, 
So bloodily haft ftrooke. 

Amb. The fight is difmall, 
And our affaires from England come too late, 
The eares are fenfeleffe that mould giue vs hearing, 
To tell him his comma nd'ment is fulfill'd, 

q q That 



280 'The Tragedie of Hamlet. 


That T^ofincrance and Guildenfterne are dead : 


Which are ro claime, my vantage doth 


Where mould we haue our thankes ? 


Inuite me, 


Hor. Not from his mouth, 


Hor. Of that I fhall haue alwayes caufe to fpeake, 


Had it th'abilitie of life to thanke you : 


And from his mouth 


He neuer gaue command'ment for their death. 


Whofe voyce will draw on more : 


But fince fo iumpe vpon this bloodie queftion, 


But let this fame be prefently perform'd, 


You from the Polake warres, and you from England 


Euen whiles mens mindes are wilde, 


Are heere arriued. Giue order that thefe bodies 


Left more mifchance 


High on a ftage be placed to the view, 


On plots, and errors happen. 


And let me fpeake to th'yet vnknowing world, 


For. Let foure Captaines 


How thefe things came about. So fhall you heare 


Beare Hamlet like a Soldier to the Stage, 


Of carnal], bloudie, and vnnaturall a£ls, 


For he was likely, had he beene put on 


Of accidentall iudgements, cafuall flaughters 


To haue prou'd molt royally : 


Of death's put on by cunning, and forc'd caufe, 


And for his paffage, 


And in this vpfhot, purpofes rniftooke, 


The Souldiours Muficke, and the rites of Warre 


Falne on the Inuentors heads. All this can I 


Speake lowdly for him. 


Truly deliuer. 


Take vp the body ; Such a fight as this 


For. Let vs haft to heare it, 


Becomes the Field, but heere ihewes much amis. 


And call the Nobleft to the Audience. 


Go, bid the Souldiers Ihoote. 


For me, with forrow, I embrace my Fortune, 


Exeunt <tMarch\ng : after the 'which, a Peale of 


I haue fome Rites of memory in this Kingdome, 


Ordenance arefbot off. 



FINIS. 





THE TRAGEDIE OF 

KING LEAR. 



aABus Primus. Sccena 'Prima. 




Enter Kent, Gloucejier, and Sdmond. 
Kent. 
Thought the K3ng|had more affected the 
Duke of Albany, then Cornwall. 

Glou. It did alwayes feeme fo to vs : But 
now in the diuifion of the Kingdome, it ap- 
peares not which of the Dukes hee valewes 
moft, for qualities are fo weigh'd, that curiofity in nei- 
ther, can make choife of eithers moity. 

Kent. Is not this your Son, my Lord ? 

Glou. His breeding Sir, hath bin at my charge. I haue 
fo often blufh'd to acknowledge him, that now I am 
braz'd too't. 

Kent. I cannot conceiue you. 

Glou. Sir, this yong Fellowes mother could ; where- 
vpon fhe grew round womb'd, and had indeede (Sir) a 
Sonne for her Cradle, ere fhe had ia| husband for her bed. 
Do you fmell a fault ? 

Kent . I cannot wifh the fault vndone, the iffue of it, 
being fo proper. 

Glou. But I haue a Sonne, Sir, by order of Law, fome 
yeere elder then this ; who, yet is no deerer in my ac- 
count, though this Knaue came fomthing fawcily to the 
world before he was fent for : yet was his Mother fayre, 
there was good fport at his making, and the horfon muft 
be acknowledged. Doe you know this Noble Gentle- 
man, Edmond? 

Ednt. No, my Lord. 

Glou. My Lord of Kent : 
Remember him heereafter, as my Honourable Friend. 

Edm. My feruices to your Lordfhip. 

Kent. I muft loue you, and fue to know you better. 

8dm. Sir, I fhall ftudy deferuing. 

Glou. He hath bin out nine yeares, and away he fhall 
againe. The King is comming. 

Sennet. Enter King Lear, Cornwall, Albany, Goner til, Re- 
gan , Cordelia, ' and attendants . 

Lear. Attend the Lords of France & Burgundy, Glofter. 

Glou. I fhall, my Lord. Exit. 

Lear. Meane time we fhal expreiTe our darker purpofe. 
Giue me the Map there. Know, that we haue diuided 
In three our Kingdome : and 'tis our faft intent, 
To fhake all Cares and Bufinefle from our Age, 
Conferring them on yonger ftrengths, while we 
Vnburthen'd crawle toward death. Our fon of Cornwal, 
And you our no lefie louing Sonne of Albany, 



We haue this houre a conftant will to publifh 
Our daughters feuerall Dowers, that future ftrife 
May be preuented now. The Princes , France & Burgundy, 
Great Riuals in our yongeft daughters loue, 
Long in our Court, haue made their amorous foiourne, 
And heere are to be anfwer'd. Tell me my daughters 
(Since now we will diueft vs both of Rule, 
Intereft of Territory, Cares of State) 
Which of you fhall we fay doth loue vs moft, 
That we, our largeft bountie may extend 
Where Nature doth with merit challenge. Gonerill, 
Our eldeft borne, fpeake firft. 

Gon. Sir, I loue you more then word can weild y matter, 
Deerer then eye-fight, fpace, and libertie, 
Beyond what can be valewed, rich or rare, 
No leffe then life, with grace, health, beauty, honor : 
As much as Childe ere lou'd, or Father found . 
A loue that makes breath poore, and fpeech vnable, 
Beyond all manner of fo much I loue you. 

Cor. What fhall Cordelia fpeake ? Loue, and be filent. 

Lear. Of all thefe bounds euen from this Line, to this, 
With fhadowie Forrefts, and with Champains rich'd 
With plenteous Riuers, and wide-skirted Meades 
We make thee Lady. To thine and Albanies iffues 
Be this perpetuall. What fayes our fecond Daughter ? 
Our deereft Regan, wife of Cornwall ? 

%eg. I am made of that felfe-mettle as my Sifter, 
And prize me at her worth. In my true heart, 
I finde fhe names my very deede of loue : 
Onely fhe comes too fhort, that I profefTe 
My felfe an enemy to all other ioyes, 
Which the moft precious fquare of fenfe profefies, 
And finde I am alone felicitate 
In your deere Highneffe loue. 

Qor. Then poore Cordelia, 
And yet not fo, fince I am fure my loue's 
More ponderous then my tongue. 

Lear. To thee, and thine hereditarie euer, 
Remaine this ample third of our faire Kingdome, 
No lefie in fpace, validitie, and pleafure 
Then that conferr'd on Gonerill. Now our loy, 
Although our laft and leaft ; to whofe yong loue, 
The Vines of France, and Milke of Burgundie, 
Striue to be intereft. What can you fay, to draw 
A third, more opilent then your Sifters? fpeake. 

Cor. Nothing my Lord. 

Lear. Nothing ? 

q q 2. Cor . 



The Tragedie of IQng Lear. 



Cor. Nothing. 

Lear. Nothing will come of nothing, fpeake againe. 

Cor. Vnhappie that I am, I cannot heaue 
My heart into my mouth: I loue your Maiefty 
According to my bond, no more nor leffe. 

Lear. How, how Qordelia} Mend your fpeech a little, 
Leaft you may marre your Fortunes. 

Cor. Good my Lord, 
You haue begot me, bred me, lou'd me. 
I returne thofe duties backe as are right fit, 
Obey you, Loue you, and moll Honour you. 
Why haue my Sifters Husbands, if they fay 
They loue you all ? Happily when I mail wed, 
That Lord, whofe hand muft take my plight, ihall carry 
Halfe my loue with him, halfe my Care, and Dutie, 
Sure I ihall neuer marry like my Sifters. 

Lear. But goes thy heart with this ? 

Cor. I my good Lord. 

Lear. So young, and fo vntender ? 

Cor. So young my Lord, and true. 

Lear. Let it be fo, thy truth then be thy dowre : 
For by the facred radience of the Sunne, 
The miferies of Heccat and the night; 
By all the operation of the Orbes, 
From whom we do exift, and ceafe to be, 
Heere I difclaime all my Paternall care, 
Propinquity and property of blood, 
And as a ftranger to my heart and me, 
Hold thee from this for euer. The barbarous Scythian, 
Or he that makes his generation meffes 
To gorge his appetite, ihall to my bofome 
Be as well neighbour'd, pittied, and releeu'd, 
As thou my fometime Daughter. 

Kent. Good my Liege. 

Lear. Peace Kent, 
Come not betweene the Dragon and his wrath, 
I lou'd her moft,and thought to fet my reft 
On her kind nurfery. Hence and avoid my fight : 
So be my graue my peace, as here I giue 
Her Fathers heart from her ; call France, who ftirres ? 
Call burgundy, Corm»all,znd Albanie, 
With my two Daughters Dowres, digeft the third, 
Let pride, which ihe cals plainneife, marry her : 
I doe inueft you ioyntly with my power, 
Preheminence, and all the large effefts 
That troope with Maiefty. Our felfe by Monthly courfe, 
With referuation of an hundred Knights, 
By you to be fuftain'd, ihall our abode 
Make with you by due turne, onely we ihall retaine 
The name, and all th'addition to a King :the Sway, 
Reuennew, Execution of the reft, 
Beloued Sonnes be yours, which to confirme, 
This Coronet part betweene you. 

Kent. Royall Lear, 
Whom I haue euer honor'd as my King, 
Lou'd as my Father, as my Mafter follow'd, 
As my great Patron thought on in my praiers. 

Le. The bow is bent & drawne, make from the ihaft. 

Kent. Let it fall rather, though the forke inuade 
The region of my heart, be Kent vnmannerly, 
When Lear is mad, what wouldeft thou do old man ? 
Think'ft thou that dutie ihall haue dread to fpeake, 
When power to flattery bowes ? 
To plainneife honour's bound, 
When Maiefty falls to folly, referue thy ftate, 
And in thy beft confideration checke 



This hideous railineife, anfwere my life, my iudgement : 
Thy yongeft Daughter do's not loue thee leaft, 
Nor are thofe empty hearted, whofe law founds 
Reuerbe no hollowneffe. 

Lear. Kent, on thy life no more. 

Kent. My life I neuer held but as pawne 
To wage againft thine enemies, nere feare to loofe it, 
Thy fafety being motiue. 

Lear. Out of my fight. 

Kent. See better Lear, and let me ftill remaine 
The true blanke of thine eie. 

Kear. Now by Apollo, 

Lent. Now by Apollo, King 
Thou fwear.ft thy Gods in vaine. 

Lear. O VaiTall ! Mifcreant. 

Alb. Cor. Deare Sir forbeare. 

Kent. Kill thy Phyfition, and thy fee beftow 
Vpon the foule difeafe,reuoke thy guift, 
Or whil'ft I can vent clamour from my throate, 
He tell thee thou doft euill. 

Lea. Heare me recreant, on thine allegeance heare me; 
That thou haft fought to make vs breake our vowes, 
Which we durft neuer yet; and with ftrain'd pride, 
To come betwixt our fentences, and our power, 
Which, nor our nature, nor our place can bearej 
Our potencie made good, take thy reward. 
Fiue dayes we do allot thee for prouifion, 
To ihield thee from difafters of the world, 
And on the fixt to turne thy hated backe 
Vpon our kingdome; if on the tenth day following, 
Thy baniiht trunke be found in our Dominions, 
The moment is thy death, away. By Iupiter, 
This ihall not be reuok'd, 

Kent. Fare thee well King, fith thus thou wilt appeare, 
Freedome Hues hence, and baniihment is here; 
The Gods to their deere ihelter take thee Maid, 
That iuftly think'ft, and haft moft rightly faid : 
And your large fpeeches, may your deeds approue, 
That good effedls may fpring from words of loue : 
Thus Kent, O Princes, bids you all adew, 
Hee'l fliape his old courfe, in a Country new. Exit. 

Flourijb. Enter Qlofier with France, and Bur- 
gundy , Attendants. 

Cor. Heere's France and Burgundy, my Noble Lord. 

Lear. My Lord of Bugundie, 
We firft addreife toward you, who with this King 
Hath riuald for our Daughter ; what in the leaft 
Will you require in prefent Dower with her, 
Or ceafe your queft of Loue ? 

'Bur. Moft Royall Maiefty, 
I craue no more then hath your HighneiTe offer'd, 
Nor will you tender leife ? 

Lear. Right Noble ^Burgundy, 
When ihe was deare to vs, we did hold her fo, 
But now her price is fallen : Sir, there ihe (lands, 
If ought within that little feeming fubftance, 
Or all of it with our difpleafure piec'd, 
And nothing more may fitly like your Grace, 
Shee's there, and ihe is yours. 

'Bur. I know no anfwer. 

Lear. Will you with thofe infirmities ihe owes, 
Vnfriended,new adopted to our hate, 
Dow'rd with our curfe,and ftranger'd with our oath, 
Take her or,leaue her. 

'Bur. Par- 



T'he Tragedie of J^jng hear. 



285 



Bur. Pardon me Royall Sir, 
Election makes not vp in fuch conditions. 

Le. Then leaue her fir, for by the powre that made me, 
I tell you all her wealth. For you great King, 
I would not from your loue make fuch a ftray, 
To match you where I hate, therefore befeech you 
T'auert your liking a more worthier way, 
Then on a wretch whom Nature is afham'd 
Almoft t'acknowledge hers. 

Fra. This is moft ftrange, 
That fhe whom euen but now, was your obiect, 
The argument of your praife, balme of your age, 
The beft, the deereft,fhould in this trice of time 
Commit a thing fo monftrous, to difmantle 
So many folds of fauounfure her offence 
Muft be of fuch vnnaturall degree, 
That monfters it : Or your fore-voucht affection 
Fall into taint, which to beleeueofher 
Muft be a faith that reafon without miracle 
Should neuer plant in me. 

Cor. I yet befeech your Maiefty. 
If for I want that glib and oylie Art, 
To fpeake and purpofe not, fince what I will intend, 
He do't before I fpeake, that you make knowne 
It is no vicious blot, murther,or fouleneffe, 
No vnchafte action or dishonoured ftep 
That hath depriu'd me of your Grace and fauour, 
But euen for want of that, for which I am richer, 
A ftill foliciting eye, and fuch a tongue, 
That I am glad I haue not, though not to haue it, 
Hath loft me in your liking. 

Lear. Better thou had'ft ' 
Not beene borne, then not t haue pleas'd me better. 

Fra. Is it but this f A tardineffe in nature, 
Which often leaues the hiftory vnfpoke 
That it intends to do : my Lord of Burgundy, 
What fay you to the Lady? Loue's not loue 
When it is mingled with regards, that ftands 
Aloofe from th'intire point, will you haue her? 
She is herfelfe a Dowrie. 

'Bur. RoyallKing, 
Giue but that portion which your felfe propos'd, 
And here I take Qordclia by the hand, 
Dutcheffe of <Burgundie. 

Lear. Nothing, I haue fworne, I am firme. 

'Bur. I am forry then you haue fo loft a Father, 
That you muft loofe a husband. 

Cor. Peace be with 'Burgundie, 
Since that refpect and Fortunes are his loue, 
I fhall not be his wife. 

Fra. Faireft Cordelia, that art moft rich being poore, 
Moft choife forfaken,and moft lou'd defpis'd, 
Thee and thy vertues here I feize vpon, 
Be it lawfull I take vp what's caft away. 
Gods, Gods! 'Tis ftrange, that from their cold'ft neglect 
My Loue Should kindle to enflam'd refpect. 
Thy dowreleffe Daughter King, throwne to my chance, 
Is Queene of vs, of ours,and our faire France : 
Not all the Dukes of watrifh Burgundy, 
Can buy this vnpriz'd precious Maid of me. 
Bid them farewell Cordelia, though vnkinde, 
Thou loofeft here a better where to finde. 

Lear. Thou haft her France, let her be thine, for we 
Haue no fuch Daughter, nor (hall euer fee 
That face of hers againe,therfore be gone, 
Without our Grace, our Loue, our Benizon : 



Come Noble 'Burgundie. Flourijb. Exeunt. 

._ Fra. Bid farwell to your Sifters. 

Cor. The Iewels of our Father, with wafh'd eie s 
Cordelia leaues you, I know you what you are, 
And like a Sifter am moft loth to call 
Your faults as they are named. Loue well our Father: 
To your profeffed bofomes I commit him, 
But yet alas, flood I within his Grace, 
I would prefer him to a better place, 
So farewell to you both. 

Regn. Prefcribe not vs our dutie. 

Gon. Let your ftudy 
Be to content your Lord, who hath receiu'd you 
At Fortunes almes,you haue obedience fcanted, 
And well are worth the want that you haue wanted. 

Cor. Time fhall vnfold what plighted cunning hides, 
Who couers faults, at laft with fhame derides: 
Well may you profper. 

Fra. Come my faire Cordelia. Exit France and Cor. 

Gon. Sifter, it is not little I haue to fay, 
Of what moft neerely appertaines to vs both, 
I thinke our Father will hence to night. (with vs. 

Reg. That's moft certaine,and with you: next moneth 

Gon. You fee how full of changes his age is, the ob- 
feruation we haue made of it hath beene littlejhe alwaies 
lou'd our Sifter moft, and with what poore iudgement he 
hath now caft her off,appeares too groiTely. 

Reg. 'Tis the infirmity of his age, yet he hath euer but 
flenderly knowne himfelfe. 

Gon. The beft and foundeft of his time hath bin but 
rafh,then muft we looke from his age, to receiue not a- 
lone the imperfections of long ingrafted condition, but 
therewithall the vnruly way-wardneffe, that infirme and 
cholericke yeares bring with them. 

Reg. Such vnconftant ftarts are we like to haue from 
him, as this of Kents banifhment. 

Qon. There is further complement of leaue-taking be- 
tweene France and him, pray you let vs fit together, if our 
Father carry authority with fuch difpofition as he beares> 
this laft furrender of his will but offend vs. 

Reg.We fhall further thinke of it. 

Gon. We muft do fomething,and i'th'heate. Exeunt. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Baftard. 
'Baft . Thou Nature art my GoddefTe,to thy Law 
My feruices are bound, wherefore fhould I 
Stand in the plague of cuftome,and permit 
The curiofity of Nations, to depriue me? 
For that I am fome twelue, or fourteene Moonfhines 
Lag of a Brother ? Why Baftard r Wherefore bafe ? 
When my Dimenfions are as well compact, 
My minde as generous, and my fhape as true 
As honeft Madams iffue ? Why brand they vs 
With Bafe? With bafenes Barftadie ? Bafe, Bafe? 
Who in the luftie Health of Nature, take 
More compofition, and fierce qualitie, 
Then doth within a dull ftale tyred bed 
Goe to th'creating a whole tribe of Fops 
Got'tweene a fleepe,and wake? Well then, 
Legitimate Sdgar,l muft haue your land, 
Our Fathers loue, is to the Baftard Sdmond, 
As to th'legitimate : fine word : Legitimate. 

qq 3 Well 



286 



The H rage die offing Lear. 



Well, my Legitimate, if this Letter fpeed, 
And my inuention thriue, Edmond the bafe 
Shall to'th'Legitimate : I grow, I profper : 
Now Gods,ftand vp for Baftards. 

Enter Gloucejier. 

Glo.Kent banifli'd thus? and France in choller parted ? 
And the King gone to night ? Prefcrib'd his powre, 
Confin'd to exhibition ? All this done 
Vpon the gad ? Edmond, how now? What newes ? 

Baji. So pleafe your Lord/hip, none. 

Glou. Why fo earneftly feeke you to put vp y Letter ? 

'Baft. I know no newes, my Lord. 

Glou. What Paper were you reading? 

'Baft. Nothing my Lord. 

Glou. No ? what needed then that terrible difpatch of 
it into your Pocket ? The quality of nothing, hath not 
fuch neede to hide it felfe. Let's fee : come, if it bee no- 
thing, I {hall not neede Spectacles. 

Baft. I befeech you Sir, pardon mee ; it is a Letter 
from my Brother, that I haue not all ore-read ; and for fo 
much as I haue perus'd, I finde it not fit for your ore-loo- 
king. 

Glou. Giue me the Letter, Sir. 

'Baft. I mall offend, either to detaine, or giue it : 
The Contents, as in part I vnderftand them, 
Are too blame. 

Glou. Let's fee, let's fee. 

Baft. I hope for my Brothers iuftification, hee wrote 
this but as an effay, or tafte of my Vertue. 

Qlou.reads. This policie, and reuerence of Age, maizes the 
world bitter to the heft of our times : keepes our Fortunes from 
vs, till our oldneffe cannot rellifh them. I begin to finde an idle 
and fond bondage , in the oppreftion of aged tyranny, who fwayes 
not as it hath power, but as it is jufferd. Come to me, that of 
this I may fyeake more. If our Father would fleepe till I wal(d 
him, you fhould enioy halfe his Reuennew for euer, and Hue the 
beloued of your Brother. Edgar. 

Hum ? Confpiracy ? Sleepe till I wake him, you fhould 
enioy halfe his Reuennew : my Sonne Edgar, had hee a 
hand to write this? A heart and braine to breede it in? 
When came you to this? Who brought it? 

Baft. It was not brought mee, my Lord ; there's the 
cunning of it. I found it throwne in at the Cafement of 
my Cloffet. 

Glou. You know the character to be your Brothers ? 

"Baft. If the matter were good my Lord, I durft fwear 
it were his : but in refpedt of that, I would faine thinke it 
were not. 

Glou. It is his. 

'Baft. It is his hand, my Lord : but I hope his heart is 
not in the Contents. 

Glo. Has he neuer before founded you in this bufines? 

'Baft. Neuer my Lord. But I haue heard him oft main- 
taine it to be fit, that Sonnes at perfect age, and Fathers 
declin'd, the Father mould bee as Ward to the Son, and 
the Sonne manage his Reuennew. 

Glou. O Villain, villain : his very opinion in the Let- 
ter. Abhorred Villaine, vnnaturall, detefted, brutifh 
Villaine; worfe then brutifti : Go firrah, feeke him : He 
apprehend him. Abhominable Villaine, where is he? 

Baft. I do not well know my L. If it ihall pleafe you to 
fufpend your indignation againft my Brother,til you can 
deriue from him better teftimony of his intent, you ihold 
run a certaine courfe : where, if you violently proceed a- 
gainft him, miftaking his purpofe, it would make a great 
gap in your owne Honor, and make in peeces,the heart of 



his obedience. I dare pawne downe my life for him, that 
he hath writ this to feele my affection to your Honor, & 
to no other pietence of danger. 
Glou. Thinke you fo ? 

Baft. If your Honor iudge it meete, I will place you 
where you ihall heare vs conferre of this,and by an Auri- 
cular afiurance haue your fatisfadtion, and that without 
any further delay, then this very Euening. 

Glou. He cannot bee fuch a Monfter. Edmond feeke 
him out : winde me into him, I pray you : frame the Bu- 
fineffe after your owne wifedome. I would vnftate my 
felfe, to be in a due refolution. 

Baft. I will feeke him Sir, prefently : conuey the bu- 
finefle as 1 fliall fir^d meanes,and acquaint you withall. 

Glou. Thefe late Eclipfes in the Sun and Moone por- 
tend no good to vs : though the wifedome of Nature can 
reafon it thus, and thus, yet Nature finds it felfe fcourg'd 
by the fequent effects. Loue cooles, friendship falls off, 
Brothers diuide. In Cities, mutinies ; in Countries, dif- 
cord j in Pallaces, Treafon ; and the Bond crack'd, 'twixt 
Sonne and Father. This villaine of mine comes vnder the 
prediction; there's Son againft Father, the King fals from 
by as of Nature, there's Father againft Childe. We haue 
feene the beft of our time. Machinations, hollowneffe, 
treacherie, and all ruinous diforders follow vs difquietly 
to our Graues. Find out this Villain Edmond,\t ihall lofe 
thee nothing, do it carefully : and the Noble & true-har- 
ted Kent banifli'd ; his offence, honefty. 'Tis ftrange. Exit 

'Baft. This is the excellent foppery of the world, that 
when we are ficke in fortune, often the furfets of our own 
behauiour, we make guilty of our difafters, the Sun, the 
Moone, and Starres,as if we were villaines on neceffitie, 
Fooles by heauenly compulfion, Knaues, Theeues, and 
Treachers by Sphericall predominance. Drunkards, Ly- 
ars, and Adulterers by an inforc'd obedience of Planatary 
influence; and all that we are euill in, by a diuine thru- 
fting on. An admirable euafion of Whore-mafter-man, 
to lay his Goatifli difpofition on the charge of a Starre, 
My father compounded with my mother vnder the Dra-' 
gons taile, and my Natiuity was vnder Vrfa Maior, fo 
that it followes, I am rough and Leacherous. I fliould 
haue bin that I am, had the maidenleft Starre in the Fir- 
mament twinkled on my baftardizing. 

Enter Edgar. 
Pat : he comes like the Cataftrophe of the old Comedie : 
my Cue is villanous Melancholly, with a fighe like Tom 

o'Bedlam. O thefe Eclipfes do portend thefe diui- 

fions. Fa, Sol, La, Me. 

Edg. How now Brother Edmond, what ferious con- 
templation are you in? 

Bali. I am thinking Brother of a prediction I read this 
other day, what fhould follow thefe Eclipfes. 

Edg. Do you bufie your felfe with that? 

Baft. I promife you, the effects he writes of,fucceede 
vnhappily. 
When faw you my Father laft ? 

Sdg. The night gone by. 

Baft. Spake you with him ? 

Sdg. I, two houres together. 

'Baft. Parted you in good termes ? Found you no dif- 
pleafure in him, by word, nor countenance ? 

Edg. None at all, 

Baft. Bethink your felfe wherein you may haue offen- 
ded him : and at my entreaty forbeare his prefence, vntill 
fome little time hath qualified the heat of his difpleafure, 
which at this inftant fo rageth in him, that with the mif- 

chiefe 

776 



The ¥ rage die of Kjng Lear. 



287 



chiefe of your perfon, it would fcarfely alay. 

Edg. Some Villaine hath done me wrong. 

Edm. That's my feare , I pray you haue a continent 
forbearance till the fpeed of his rage goes (lower : and as 
I fay. retire with me to my lodging, from whence 1 will 
fitly bring you to heare my Lord fpeake : pray ye goe, 
there's my key : if you do ftirre abroad, goe arm'd. 

Edg. Arm'd, Brother.? 

Edm. Brother, I aduife you to the beft, I am no honeft 
man, if ther be an; good meaning toward you:I haue told 
you what I haue feene,and heard : But faintly. Nothing 
like the image, and horror of it, pray you away. 

Edg. Shall I heare from you anon ? Exit. 

Edm. 1 do ferue you in this bufineffe: 
A Credulous Father, and a Brother Noble, 
Whofe nature is fo farre from doing harmes, 
That he fufpects none ; on whofe foolifh honeftie 
My praftifes ride eafie :I fee the bufineffe. 
Let me, if not by birth, haue lands by wit, 
All with me's meete, that I can faftiion fit. Exit. 



Seen a Tertia. 



Enter Gonerill, and Steward. 

Gon. Did my Father ftrike my Gentleman for chi- 
ding of his Foole ? 

Sre. 1 Madam. 

Gon. By day and night, he wrongs me, euery howre 
He flames into one groffe crime, or other, 
That fets vs all at ods : He not endure it ; 
His Knights grow riotous, and himfelfe vpbraides vs 
On euery trifle. When he returnes fromhunting, 
I will not fpeake with him, fay I am ficke, 
If you come flacke of former feruices, 
You (hall do well, the fault of it He anfwer. 

Ste. He's comming Madam , I heare him. 

Gon. Put on what weary negligence you pleafe, 
You and your Fellowes: I'de haue it come to queftion; 
If he diftafte it, let him to my Sifter, 
Whofe mind and mine I know in that are one, 
Remember what I haue faid. 

Ste. Well Madam. 

Gon. And let his Knights haue colder lookes among 
you : what growes of it no matter, aduife yarn fellowes 
fo, He write ftraight to my Sifter to hold my courfejpre- 
pare for dinner. Exeunt. 



Seen a Quart a. 



Enter Kent. 

Kent. If but as will I other accents borrow, 
That can my fpeech defufe,my good intent 
May carry through it felfe to that full iffue 
For which I raiz'd my likeneffe. Now banifht Kent, 
If thou canft ferue where thou doft ftand condemn'd, 
So may it come, thy Mafter whom thou lou'ft, 
Shall find thee full of labours. 



Homes within. Enter Lear and Attendants . 

Lear. Let me not (lay a iot for dinner, go get it rea- 
dy:hownow, what art thou ? 

Kent. A man Sir. 

Lear. What doft thou profeffe ? What would'ft thou j 
with vs.? 

Kent. I do profeffe to be no leffe then I feemejto ferue j 
him truely that will put me in truft, to loue him that is 
honeft, to conuerfe with him that is wife and faies little, to | 
feare judgement, to fight when I cannot choofe, and to 
eate no fiih. 

Lear. What art thou ? 

Kent. A very honeft hearted Fellow, and as poore as 
the King. 

Lear. If thou be'ft as poore for a fubiedt, as hee's for a | 
King, thou art poore enough. What wouldft thou? 

Kent. Seruice. 

Lear. Who wouldft thou ferue? 

Kent. You. 

Lear. Do'ft thou know me fellow ? 

Kent. No Sir, but you haue that in your countenance, 
which I would faine call Mafter. 

Lear. What's that ? 

Kent, Authority. 

Lear. What feruices canft thou do ? 

Kent. I can keepe honeft counfaile, ride, run, marre a 
curious tale in telling it, and deliuer a ptaine meffage 
bluntly : that which ordinary men are fit tor, I am qual- 
lified in, and the beft of me, is Dilligence. 

Lear. How old art thou ? 

Kent. Not fo young Sir to loue a woman for Tinging, 
nor fo old to dote on her for any thing. I haue yeares on 
my backe forty eight. 

Lear. Follow me, thou (halt ferueme,if I like thee no 

worfe after dinner, I will not part from thee yet. Dinner 

ho, dinner, where's my knaue? my Foole ?|Go you and call 

my Foole hither. You you Sirrah, where's my Daughter? 

Enter Steward. 

Ste. So pleafe you Exit. 

Lear. What faies the Fellow there ? Call the Clot- 
pole backe : wher's my Foole? Ho, I thinke the world's 
afleepe,how now ? Where's that Mungrell? 

Knigh. He faies my Lord, your Daughters is not well. 

Lear. Why came not the flaue backe to me when I 
call'd him ? 

Knigh. Sir, he anfwered me in theroundeft manner, he 
would not. 

Lear, He would not ? 

Knight. My Lord, I know not what the matter is, 
but to my iudgement your Highneffe is "not enteitain'd 
with that Ceremonious affection as you were wont, 
theres a great abatement of kindneffe appeares as well in 
the generall dependants, as in the Duke himfelfe alfo,and 
your Daughter. 

Lear. Ha i Saift thou fo ? 

Knigh. I befeech you pardon me my Lord, if I bee 
miftaken, for my duty cannot be filent, when I thinke 
your Highneffe wrong'd. 

Lear. Thou but remembreft me of mine owne Con- 
ception, I haue perceiued a moft faint neglect of iate, 
which I haue rather blamed as mine owne iealous curio- 
fitie, then as a very pretence and purpofe of vnkindneffe: 
I will looke further intoo'ti : but where's my Foole ? i 
haue not feene him this two daies. 

Knight. Since my young Ladies going into France 

Sir. 



The Tragedie of Kjng Lear. 



Sl r,the Foole hath much pined away. 

Lear. No more of that, I haue noted it well, goe you 
and tell my Daughter, I would fpeake with her. Goe you 
call hither my Foole; Oh you Sir, you, come you hither 
Sir, who am I Sir ? 

Enter Steward. 

Ste. My Ladies Father. 

Lear. My Ladies Father ? my Lords knaue, you whor- 
fon dog, you flaue, you curre. 

Ste. I am none of thefe my Lord, 
I befeech your pardon. 

Lear. Do you bandy lookes with me, you Rafcall ? 

Ste. He not be ftrucken my Lord. 

Kent. Nor tript neither, you bafe Foot-ball plaier. 

Lear, I thanke thee fellow. 
Thou feru'ft me, and lie loue thee. 

Kent. Come fir, arife, away, lie teach you differences: 
away, away, if you will meafure your lubbers length a- 
gaine, tarry, but away,goe too, haue you wifedome,fo. 

Lear. Now my friendly knaue I thanke thee, there's 
earneft of thy feruice. 

Enter Foole. 

Foole. Let me hire him too,here'smy Coxcombe. 

Lear. How now my pretty knaue, how doft thou? 

Foole. Sirrah, you were beft take my Coxcombe. 

Lear. Why my Boy ? 

Foole. Why? for taking ones part that's out of fauour, 
nay, & thou canft not fmile as the wind fits,thou'lt catch 
colde fhortly, there take my Coxcombe; why this fellow 
ha's banifh'd two on's Daughters, and did the third a 
bleffing againft his will, if thou follow him, thou muft 
needs weare my Coxcombe. How now Nunckle? would 
I had two Coxcombes and two Daughters. 

Lear. Why my Boy? 

Fool. If I gaue them all my liuing, Fid keepe my Cox- 
combes my felfe, there's mine, beg another of thy 
Daughters. 

Lear. Take heed Sirrah, the whip. 

Foole. Truth's a dog muft to kennell, hee muft bee 
whipt out, when the Lady Brach may ftand by'th'fire 
and ftinke. 

Lear. A peftilent gall to me. 

Foole. Sirha, He teach thee a fpeech. 

Lear. Do. 

Foole. Marke it Nuncle ; 
Haue more then thou ihoweft, 
Speake leffe then thou knoweft, 
Lend leffe then thou oweft, 
Ride more then thou goeft, 
Learne more then thou troweft, 
Set leffe then thou throweft ; 
Leaue thy drinke and thy whore, 
And keepe in a dore. 
And thou fhalt haue more, 
Then two tens to a fcore. 

Kent. This is nothing Foole. 

Foole. Then 'tis like the breath of an vnfeed Lawyer, 
you gaue me nothing for't, can you make no vie of no- 
thing Nuncle ? 

Lear. Why no Boy, 
Nothing can be made out of nothing. 

Foole. Prythee tell him, fo much the rent of his land 
comes to, he will not beleeue a Foole. 
Lear. A bitter Foole. 

Foole. Do'ft thou know the difference my Boy, be- 
tweene a bitter Foole, and a fweet one. 



Lear. No Lad, teach me. 

Foole. Nunckle, giue me an egge, and lie giue thee 
two Crownes. 

Lear. What two Crownes mall they be i 

Foole. Why after I haue cut the egge i'th'middle and 
eate vp the meate,the two Crownes of the egge : when 
thou cloueft thy Crownes i'th'middle, and gau'ft away 
both parts, thou boar'ft thine Affe on thy backe o're the 
durt,thou had'ft little wit in thy bald crowne, when thou 
gau'ft thy golden one away ; if I fpeake like my felfe in 
this, let him be whipt that firft findes it fo. 
Fooles had nere leffe grace in a yeere, 
For wifemen are growne foppifh, 
And know not how their wits to weare, 
Their manners are fo apifti. 

Le. When were you wont to be fo full of Songs firrah ? 

Foole. I haue vfed it Nunckle, ere lince thou mad'ft 
thy Daughters thy Mothers, for when thou gau'ft them 
the rod, and put'ft downe thine owne breeches,then they 
For fodaine ioy did weepe, 
And I for forrow fung, 
That fuch a King (hould play bo-peepe, 
And goe the Foole among. 

Pry'thy Nunckle keepe a Schoolemafter that can teach 
thy Foole to lie, I would faine learne to lie. 

Lear. And you lie firrah, wee'l haue you whipt. 
Foole. I maruell what kin thou and thy daughters are, 
they'l haue me whipt for fpeaking true : thou'lt haue me 
whipt for lying, and fometimes 1 am whipt for holding 
my peace. I had rather be any kind o'thing then a foole, 
and yet I would not be thee Nunckle, thou haft pared thy 
wit o'both fides, and left nothing i'th'middle; heere 
comes one o'the parings. 

Enter Gonerlll. 
Lear. How now Daughter? what makes that Frontlet 
on ? You are too much of late i'th'frowne. 

Foole. Thou waft a pretty fellow when thou hadft no 
need to care for her frowning, now thou art an O with- 
out a figure, I am better then thou art now, I am a Foole, 
thou art nothing. Yes forfooth I will hold my tongue, fo 
your face bids me, though you fay nothing. 
Mum, mum, he that keepes nor cruft,not crum, 
Weary of all,ihall want fome. That's a (heal'd Pefcod. 

Gon. Not only Sir this, your all-lycenc'd Foole, 
But other of your infolent retinue 
Do hourely Carpe and Quarrell, breaking forth 
In ranke,and( not to be endur'd ) riots Sir. 
I had thought by making this well knowne vnto you, 
To haue found a fafe redreffe, but now grow fearefull 
By what your felfe too late haue fpoke and done, 
That you protect this courfe, and put it on 
By your allowance, which if you (hould, the fault 
Would not fcape cenfure,nor the redreffes fleepe, 
Which in the tender of a wholefome weak, 
Might in their working do you that offence, 
Which elfe were lhame,that then neceffitie 
Will call dijfcreet proceeding. 

Foole. For you know Nunckle, the Hedge-Sparrow 
fed the Cuckoo fo long, that it's had it head bit off by it 
young, fo out went the Candle, and we were left dark- 
ling. 

Lear. Are you our Daughter ? (dome 

Gon. I would you would make vfe of your good wiie- 
( Whereof I know you are fraught), and put away 
Thefe difpofitions, which of late tranfport you 
From what you rightly are. 

Foole. May 

77»~ 



The Tragedie offing Lear. 



Foole. ■ May not an Affe know, when the Cart drawes 
the Horfe ? 
Whoop lugge I loue thee. 

Lear. Do's any heere know me ? 
This is not Lear : 

Do's Lear walke thus ? Speake thus ? Where are his eies? 
Either his Notion weakens, his Difcernings 
Are Lethargied. Ha ! Waking ? 'Tis not fo ? 
Who is it that can tell me who I am ? 

Foole. Lean ihadow. 

Lear. Your name, faire Gentlewoman ? 

Gon. This admiration Sir, is much o'th'fauour 
Of other your new prankes. I do befeech you 
To vnderftand my purpofes aright : 
As you are Old, and Reuerend, ihould be Wife. 
Heere do you keepe a hundred Knights and Squires, 
Men fo diforder'd, fo debofh'd, and bold, 
That this our Court infected with their manners, 
Shewes like a riotous Inne ; Epicurifme and Luft 
Makes it more like a Tauerne, or a Brothell, 
Then a grac'd Pallace. The ftiame it felfe doth fpeake 
For inftant remedy. Be then defir'd 
By her, that elfe will take the thing fhe begges, 
A little to difquantity your Traine, 
And the remainders that mail ftill depend, 
To be fuch men as may befort your Age, 
Which know themfelues, and you. 

Lear. DarknefTe, and Diuels. 
Saddle my horfes : call my Traine together. 
Degenerate Baftard, He not trouble thee ; 
Yet haue I left a daughter. 

Gon. You ftrike my people, and your diforder'd rable, 
make Seruants of their Betters. 

Enter Albany. 

Lear. Woe, that too late repents : 
Is it your will, fpeake Sir ? Prepare my Horfes. 
Ingratitude I thou Marble-hearted Fiend, 
More hideous when thou fhew'ft thee in a Child, 
Then the Sea-monfter. 

Alb. Pray Sir be patient. 

Lear. Detefted Kite, thou lyeft. 
My Traine are men of choice, and rareft parts, 
That all particulars of dutie know, 
And in the moft exact regard, fupport 
The worfhips of their name. O moft fmall fault, 
How vgly did'ft thou in Cordelia mew ? 
Which like an Engine, wrencht my frame of Nature 
From the fixt place : drew from my heart all loue, 
And added to the gall. O Lear, Lear, Lear \ 
Beate at this gate that let thy Folly in, 
And thy deere Iudgement cut. Go, go, my people. 

Alb. My Lord, I am guiltleffe, as I am ignorant 
Of what hath moued you. 

Lear. It may be fo, my Lord. 
Heare Nature, heare deere Goddeffe, heare : 
Sufpend thy purpofe, if thou did'ft intend 
To make this Creature fruitfull : 
Into her Wombe conuey ftirrility, 
Drie vp in her the Organs of increafe, 
And from her derogate body, neuer fpring 
A Babe to honor her. If ihe muft teeme, 
Create her childe of Spleene, that it may Hue 
And be a thwart difnatur'd torment to her. 
Let it ftampe wrinkles in her brow of youth, 
With cadent Teares fret Channels in her cheekes, 



Turne all her Mothers paines, and benefits 

To laughter, and contempt : That fhe may feele, 

How iharper then a Serpents tooth it is, 

To haue a thankleffe Childe. Away, away. Exit. 

Alb. Now Gods that we adore, 
Whereof comes this ? 

Gon. Neuer afflict your felfe to know more of it : 
But let his difpofition haue that fcope 
As dotage giues it. 

Snter Lear. 

Lear. What fiftie of my Followers at a clap ? 
Within a fortnight ? 

Alb. What's the matter, Sir ? 

Lear. He tell thee : 
Life and death, 1 am afham'd 
That thou haft power to make my manhood thus, 
That thefe hot teares, which breake from me perforce 
Should make thee worth them. 
Blaftes and Fogges vpon thee : 
Th'vntented woundings of a Fathers curfe 
Pierce euerie fenfe about thee. Old fond eyes, 
Beweepe this caufe againe, He plucke ye out, 
And caft you with the waters that you loofe 
To temper Clay. Ha? Let it be fo. 
I haue another daughter, 
Who I am fure is kinde and comfortable : 
When fhe fhall heare this of thee, with her nailes 
Shee'l flea thy Woluiih vifage. Thou fhalt finde, 
That He refume the fliape which thou doft thinke 
I haue caft off for euer. Exit 

Gon. Do you marke that ? 

Alb. I cannot be fo partiall Gonerill, 
To the great loue I beare you. 

Gon. Pray you content. What Ofrvald, hoa ? 
You Sir, more Knaue then Foole, after your Mafter. 

Foole. Nunkle Lear, Nunkle Lear, 
Tarry, take the Foole with thee : 
A Fox, when one has caught her, 
And fuch a Daughter, 
Should fure to the Slaughter, 
If my Cap would buy a Halter, 
So the Foole followes after. Exit 

Gon. This man hath had good Counfell, 
A hundred Knights ? 
'Tis politike, and fafe to let him keepe 
At point a hundred Knights : yes, that on euerie dreame, 
Each buz, each fancie, each complaint, diflike, 
He may enguard his dotage with their powres, 
And hold our liues in mercy. Ofrvald, I fay. 

Alb. Well, you may feare too farre. 

Gon. Safer then truft too farre ; 
Let me ftill take away the harmes I feare, 
Not feare ftill to be taken. I know his heart, 
What he hath vtter'd I haue writ my Sifter : 
If me fuftaine him, and his hundred Knights 
When I haue fliew'd th'vnfitneffe. 

Enter Steward. 
How now Off aid? 
What haue you writ that Letter to my Sifter / 

Stew. I Madam. 

Gon. Take you fome company, and away to horfe, 
Informe her full of my particular feare, 
And thereto adde fuch reafons of your owne, 
As may compact it more. Get you gone, 



290 



The Tragedie of l^Jng Lear. 



And haften your returne; no, no, my Lord, 
This milky gentleneffe, and courfe of yours 
Though I condemne not, yet vnder pardon 
Your are much more at task for want of wifedome, 
Then prai'sd for harmefull mildneffe. 

Alb. How farre your eies may pierce I cannot tell; 
Striuing to better, oft we marre what's well. 

Gon. Nay then 

Alb. Well, well, the'uent. Exeunt 



Sc'ena Quint a. 



■ Enter Lear, Kent, Gentleman, and Foole. 

Lear. Go you before to Glojler with thefe Letters; 
acquaint my Daughter no further with any thing you 
know, then comes from her demand out of the Letter, 
if your Dilligence be not fpeedy, 1 (hall be there afore 
you. 

Kent. I will not fleepe my Lord, till I haue deliuered 
your Letter. Exit. 

Foole. If a mans braines were in's heeles, wert not in 
danger of kybes? 

Lear. I Boy. 

Foole. Then I prythee be merry, thy wit fhall not go 
(lip-mod. 

Lear. Ha, ha, ha. 

Fool. Shalt fee thy other Daughter will vfe thee kind- 
ly, for though ihe's as like this, as a Crabbe's like an 
Apple, yet I c=in tell what I can tell. 

Lear. What can'ft tell Boy ? 

Foole. She will tafte as like this as, a Crabbe do's to a 
Crab : thou canft tell why ones nofe (lands i'th'middle 
on's face ? 

Lear. No. 

Foole. Why to keepe ones eyes of either fide's nofe, 
that what a man cannot fmell out, he may fpy into. 

Lear. 1 did her wrong. 

Foole. Can'ft tell how an Oyfter makes his (hell? 

Lear. No. 

Foole. Nor I neither; but I can tell why a Snaile ha's 
a houfe. 

Lear. Why ? 

Foole. Why to put's head in, not to giue it away to his 
daughters, and leaue his homes without a cafe. 

Lear . I will forget my Nature, fo kind a Father ? Be 
my Hordes ready ? 

Foole. Thy Afles are gone about 'em; the reafon why 
the feuen Starres are no mo then feuen, is a pretty reafon. 

Lear. Becaufe they are not eight. 

Foole. Yes indeed, thou would'ft make a. good Foole. 

Lear. To tak't againe perforce; Monfter Ingratitude ! 

Foole. If thou wert my Foole Nunckle, Il'd haue thee 
beaten for being old before thy time. 

Lear. How's that ? 

Foole. Thou (houldft not haue bin old, till thou hadft 
j bin wife. 

Lear. O let me not be mad, not mad fweet Heauen : 
I keepe me in temper, I would not be mad. How now are 
j the Horfes ready i 

Gent. Ready my Lord. 

Lear. Come Boy. 



Fool. She that's a Maid now, & laughs at my departur e , 
Shall not be a Maid long, vnleffe things be cut (hotter. 



ASius Secundics. Scena^Prima. 



Enter Bajlard,and Curanjeuerally. 

c Baft. Saue thee Curan. 

Cur. And your Sir, I haue bin 
With your Father, and giuen him notice 
That the Duke of Cornwall, and %egan his Duchefle 
Will be here with him this night. 

Baft. How comes that ? 

Cur. Nay I know not, you haue heard of the newes a- 
broad, I meane the whifper'd ones, for they are yet but 
eare-kiffing arguments. 

Baft. Not I : pray you what are they ? 
Qur. Haue you heard of no likely Warres toward, 
'Twixt the Dukes of Cornwall, and Albany ? 

'Baft. Not a word. 

Cur. You may do then in time, 
Fare you well Sir. Exit. 

•BaB. The Duke be here to night ? The better beft, 
This weaues it ielfe perforce into my bufinefle, 
My Father hath fet guard to take my Brother, 
And I haue one thing of a queazie queftion 
Which I muft act, BriefeneiTe, and Fortune worke. 

Enter Edgar. 
Brother, a word, difcend; Brother I fay, 
My Father watches: O Sir, fly this place, 
Intelligence is giuen where you are hid ; 
You haue now the good aduantage of the night, 
Haue you not fpoken 'gainft the Duke of CornewaWi. 
Hee's comming hither, now i'th' night, i'th' hafte, 
And Regan with him, haue you nothing faid 
Vpon his partie 'gainft the Duke of Albany ? 
j Aduife your felfe. 

Edg. I am lure on't, not a word. 

Baft. I heare my Father comming, pardon me: 
In cunning, I muft draw my Sword vpon you ; 
; Draw, feeme to defend your felfe, 
Now quit you well. 

Yeeld, come before my Father, light hoa, here, 
Fly Brother, Torches, Torches, fo farewell. 

Exit Edgar. 
Some blood drawne on me, would beget opinion 
Of my more fierce endeauour. I haue feene drunkards 
Do more then this in fport; Father, Father, 
j Stop, flop, no helpe? 

Enter Glofter ,and Seruants nitb Torches. 

Qlo. Now Edmund, where's the villaine ? 
'Baft. Here flood he in the dark, his (harpe Sword out, 
j Mumbling of wicked charmes, coniuring the Moone 
To ftand aufpicious Miftris. 
Qlo. But where is he? 
Baft. Looke Sir, I bleed. 
Glo. Where is the villaine, Edmund? 
Baft. Fled this way Sir, when by no meanes he could. 
Glo. Purfue him,ho:go after. By no meanes, what? 
Baft. Perfwade me to the murther of your Lordftiip, 

But 



The Tragedie of KJng Lear. 



291 



But chat 1 told him the reuenging Gods, 
'Gainft Paricides did all the thunder bend, 
Spoke with how manifold, and ftrong aBond 
The Child was bound to'th' Father; Sir in fine, 
Seeing how lothly oppofite I flood 
To his vnnaturall purpofe.in fell motion 
With his prepared Sword, he charges home 
My vnprouided body, latch'd mine arme; 
And when he faw my beft alarum'd fpirits 
Bold in the quarrels right, rouz'd to th encounter, 
Or whether galled by the noyfe I made, 
Full fodainely he fled. 

Glofi. Let him fly farre : 
Not in this Land flu 11 he remaine vncaught 
And found; difpatch,the Noble Duke my Mafter, 
My worthy Arch and Patron comes to night, 
By his authoritie I will proclaime it, 
That he which finds him fhall deferue our thankes, 
Bringing the murderous Coward to the flake : 
He that conceales him death. 

'Baft. When I diffwaded him from his intent, 
And found him pight to doe it, with curft fpeech 
1 threaten'd to difcouer him; he replied, 
Thou vnpofleffing Baftard, doft thou thinke, 
If I would ftand againft thee, would the repofall 
Of any truft,vertue,or worth in thee 
Make thy words faith 'd i No, what mould I denie, 
(As this I would, though thou didft produce 
My very Character) I'ld turne it all 
To thy fuggeftion, plot, and damned practife: 
And thou muft make a dullard of the world, 
If they not thought the profits of my death 
Were very pregnant and potentiall fpirits 
To make thee feeke it. Tucket within. 

Glo. O ftrange and faftned Villaine, 
Would he deny his Letter,faid he? 

Harke, the Dukes Trumpers, I know not wher he comes; 
All Ports lie barre, the villaine fhall not fcape, 
The Duke muft grant me that : befides, his picture 
I will fend farre and neere,that all the kingdome 
May haue due note of him, and of my land, 
(Loyall and naturall Boy) lie worke the meanes 
To make thee capable, 

Enter Cornewall, Regan, and Attendants. 

Corn. How now my Noble friend, fince I came hither 
(Which I can call but now,) I haue heard ftrahgeneffe. 

Reg. If it be true, a 11 vengeance comes too fhort 
Which can purfue th'offender; how doft my Lord i 

Glo. O Madam, my old heart is crack'd,it's crack'd. 

Seg. What, did my Fathers Godfonne feeke your life? 
He whom my Father nam'd,your Edgar} 

Glo. O Lady, Lady, lhame would haue it hid. 

Reg.Was he not companion with the riotous Knights 
That tended vpon my Father ? 

Glo. I know not Madam, 'tis too bad, too bad. 

'Baft. Yes Madam, he was of that confbrt. 

Reg. No maruaile then, though he were ill affected, 
'Tis they haue put him on the old mans death, 
To haue th'expence and waft of his Reuenues : 
I haue this preient euening from my Sifter 
Beene well inform'd of them, and with fuch cautions, 
That if they come to foiourne at my houfe, 
He not be there. 

Cor. NorI,affure thee Regan; 



Edmund,l heare that you haue lhewne yout Father 
A Child-like Office. 

'BaB. It was my duty Sir. 

Glo, He did bewray his practife, and receiu'd 
This hurt you fee,ftriuing to apprehend him. 

Cor. Is he purfued? 

Glo. I my good Lord. 

Cor. If he be taken, he fhall neuer more 
Be fear'd of doing barme,make your owne purpofe, 
How in my ftrength you pleafe: for you Edmund, 
Whofe vertue and obedience doth this inftant 
So much commend it felfe,you fhall be ours, 
Nature's of fuch deepe truit, we fhall much need : 
You we firft feize on. 

'Baft. I fhall ferue you Sir truely,how euer elfe. 

Glo. For him I thanke your Grace. 

Cor. You know not why we came to vifit you ? 

Reg. Thus out of feafon, thredding darke ey'd night, 
Occafions Noble Glofter of lbme prize, 
W~berein we muft haue vfe of your aduife. 
Our Father he hath writ,fo hath our Sifter, 
Of differences, which I beft though it fit 
To anfwere from our home : the feuerall Meffengers 
From hence attend difpatch,our good old Friend, 
Lay comforts to your bofome,and beftow 
Your needfull counfaile to our bufineffes, 
Which craues the inftant vfe. 

Glo. I ferue you Madam, 
Your Graces are right welcome. Exeunt. Flourijh. 



Scena Secwida. 



Enter Kent ,aad Steward feuerally. 

Slew. Good dawning to thee Friend, art of this houfe? 

Kent. I- 

Stew. Where may we fet our horfes? 

Kent. I'th'myre. 

Stew. Prythee,if thou lou'ft me, tellme. 

Kent. I loue thee not. 

Ste. Why then I care not for thee. 

Kent. If I had thee in Lipsbury Pinfold, I would make 
thee care for me. 

Ste. Why do'ft thou vfe me thus ? I know thee not. 

Kent. Fellow I know thee. 

Ste. What do'ft thou know me for ? 

Kent. AKnaue, a Rafcall, an eater of broken meates, a 
bafe, proud, mallow, beggerly, three-fuited-hundred 
pound, filthy woofted -flocking knaue, a Lilly-liuered, 
action-taking, whorefon glaffe-gazing fuper-leruiceable 
finicall Rogue, one Trunke-inheriting flaue, one that 
would'ft be a Baud in way of good feruice, and art no- 
thing but the compofition of a Knaue, Begger, Coward, 
Pandar, and the Sonne and Heire of a Mungrill Bitch, 
one whom I will beate into clamours whining, if thou 
deny'ft the leaft Tillable of thy addition. 

Stew. Why, what a monftrous Fellow art thou, thus 
to raile on one, that is neither knowne of thee, nor 
knowes thee ? 

Kent. What a brazen-fac'd Varlet art thou, to deny 
thou knoweft me ? Is it two dayes fince I tript vp thy 
heeles, and beate thee before the King? Draw you rogue, 

for 



292 



The 1 'rage 'die of King Lear. 



for though it be night, yet the Moone fhines, He make a 
fop oth' Moonfhine of you, you whorefon Cullyenly 
Barber-monger, draw. 

Stew. Away,I haue nothing to do with thee. 

Kent. Draw you Rafcall, you come with Letters a- 
gainft the King, and take Vanitie the puppets part, a- 
gainft the Royaltie of her Father : draw you Rogue, or 
He fo carbonado your fhanks, draw you Rafcall, come 
your waies. 

Ste. Helpe, ho,murther,helpe. 

Kent. Strike you flaue : ftand rogue, ftand you neat 
flaue, ftrike. 

Stew. Helpe hoa,murther, murther. 

Enter Bajiard, CornewaU, Regan, Glojler, Seruants. 

'Baft. How now, what's the matter ? Part. 

Kent. With you goodman Boy, if you pleafe, come, 
He flefli ye, come on yong Mafter. 

Glo, Weapons ? Armes ? what's the matter here ? 

Cor. Keepe peace vpon your Hues, he dies that ftrikes 
againe, what is the matter ? 

Reg. The Meffengers from our Sifter, and the King ? 

Cor. What is your difference, fpeake ? 

Stew. 1 am fcarce in breath my Lord. 

Kent. No Maruell, you haue fo beftir'd your valour, 
you cowardly Rafcall, nature difclaimes in thee:a Taylor 
made thee. 

Cor. Thou art a ftrange fellow, a Taylor make a man? 

Kent. A Taylor Sir, a Stone-cutter, or a Painter, could 
not haue made him fo ill, though they had bin but two 
yeares oth'trade. 

Cor. Speake yet, how grew your quarrell ? 

Ste. This ancient Ruffian Sir, whofe life I haue fpar'd 
at fute of his gray-beard. 

Kent. Thou whorefon Zed, thou vnneceffary letter: 
my Lord, if you will giue me leaue, I will tread this vn- 
boulted villaine into morter, and daube the wall ofa 
lakes with him. Spare my gray-beard, you wagtaile ? 

Cor. Peace firrah, 
You beaftly knaue,know you no reuerence? 

Kent. Yes Sir, but anger hath a priuiledge. 

Cor. Why art thou angrie ? 

Kent. That fuch a flaue as this fhould weare a Sword, 
Who weares no honefty : fuch fmiling rogues as thefe, 
Like Rats oft bite the holy cordsia twaine, 
Which are t'intrince, t'vnloofe : fmooth euery paffion 
That in the natures of their Lords rebell, 
Being oile to fire,fnow to the colder moodes, 
Reuenge,afErme,and turne their Halcion beakes 
With euery gall, and varry of their Matters, 
Knowing naught (like dogges) but following : 
A plague vpon your Epilepticke vifage, 
Smoile you my fpeeches, as I were a Foole ? 
Goofe,if I had you vpon Sarum Piaine, 
I'ld driue ye cackling home to Camelot. 

Corn. What art thou mad old Fellow? 

Gioji. How fell you out, fay that? 

Kent. No contraries hold more antipathy, 
Then I, and fuch a knaue. 

Com. Why do'ft thou call him Knaue ? 
What is his fault ? 

Kent. His countenance likes me not. 

Cor. No more perchance do's mine, nor his, nor hers. 

Kent. Sir, 'tis my occupation to be piaine, 
I haue feene better faces in my time, 



Then ftands on any fhoulder that I fee 
Before me, at this inftant. 

Qorn. This is fome Fellow, 
Who hauing beene prais'd for bluntneffe, doth aft'eft 
A faucy roughnes,and conftraines the garb 
Quite from his Nature. He cannot flatter he, 
An honeft mind and piaine, he muft fpeake truth, 
And they will take it fo, if not, hee's piaine. 
Thefe kind of Knaues I know, which in this plainneffe 
Harbour more craft,and more corrupter ends, 
Then twenty filly-ducking obferuants, 
That ftretch their duties nicely. 

Kent. Sir,in good faith, in fincere verity, 
Vnder th'allowance of your great afpeft, 
Whofe influence like the wreath of radient fire 
On flicking Phoehiii front. 

Corn. What mean'ft by this ? 

Kent. To go out of my dialed, which you difcom- 
mend fo much; I know Sir, I am no flatterer, he that be- 
guild you in a piaine accent, was a piaine Knaue, which 
for my part I will not be, though I fhould win your 
difpleafure to entreat me too't. 

Corn. What was th'offence you gaue him ? 

Ste. I neuer gaue him any : 
It pleas'd the King his Mafter very late 
To ftrike at me vpon his mifconftruftion, 
When he comparand flattering his difpleafure 
Tript me behind:being downe, infulted, rail'd, 
And put vpon him fuch a deale of Man, 
That worthied him, got praifes of the King, 
For him attempting, who was felfe-fubdued, 
And in the flefhment of this dead exploit, 
Drew on me here againe. 

Kent. None of thefe Rogues, and Cowards 
But Aiax is there Foole. 

Corn. Fetch forth the Stocks ? 
You ftubborne ancient Knaue, you reuerent Bragart, 
Wee'l teach you, 

Kent. Sir, I am too old to learne : 
Call not your Stocks for me, I ferue the King. 
On whofe imployment I was fent to you, 
You fhall doe fmall refpe&s, fhow too bold malice 
Againft the Grace, and Perfon of my Mafter, 
Stocking his MefTenger. 

Com. Fetch forth the Stocks; 
As I haue life and Honour, there fhall he fit till Noone. 

Reg. Till noone? till night my Lord, and all night too. 

Kent. Why Madam, if I were your Fathers dog, 
You fhould not vfe me fo. 

%eg. Sir, being his Knaue, I will. Stocks brought out. 

Cor. This is a Fellow of the felfe fame colour, 
Our Sifter fpeakes of. Come, bring away the Stocks. 

Glo. Let me befeech your Grace, not to do fo, 
The King his Mafter, needs muft take it ill 
That he fo flightly valued in his MefTenger, 
Should haue him thus reftrained. 

Cor. He anfwere that. 

Reg. My Sifter may recieue it much more worffe, 
To haue her Gentleman abus'd,affaulted. 

Corn. Come my Lord, away. Exit. 

Glo. I am forry for thee friend, 'tis the Duke pleafure, 
Whofe difpofition all the world well knowes 
Will not be rub'd nor ftopt, He entreat for thee. 

Kent.Pny do not Sir, I haue watch'd and trauail'd hard, 
Some time I fhall fleepe out, the reft Ile-whiftle : 
A good mans fortune may grow out at heeles: 

Giu e 



Hbe Tragedie of KJng Lear. 



2 9 ; 



Giue you good morrow. 

Qlo. The Duke's too blamein this, 
'Twill be ill taken. Exit. 

Kent.Good King, that muft approue the common faw, 
Thou out of Heauens benediction com'ft 
To the warme Sun. 

Approach thou Beacon to this vnder Globe, 
That by thy comfortable Beames I may 
Perufe this Letter. Nothing almoft fees miracles 
But miferie. I know 'tis from Cordelia, 
Who hath moft fortunately beene inform'd 
Of my obfcured courfe. And fhall finde time 
From this enormous State, feeking to giue 
Loffes their remedies .All weary and o're-watch'd, 
Take vantage heauie eyes, not to behold 
This ihamefnll lodging. Fortune goodnight, 
Smile once more, turne thy wheele. 

Enter Edgar. 

Edg. I heard my felfe proclaim'd, 
And by the happy hollow of a Tree, 
Efcap'd the hunt. No Port is free, no place 
That guard, and moftvnufall vigilance 
Do's not attend my taking. Whiles I may fcape 
I will preferue myfelfe : and am bethought 
To take the bafeft, and moft pooreft fhape 
That euer penury in contempt of man, 
Brought neere to beaft; my face He grime with filth, 
Blanket my loines,elfe all my haires in knots, 
And with prefented nakedneffe out-face 
The Windes, and perfecutions of the skie; 
The Country giues me proofe, and prefident 
Of Bedlam beggers, who with roaring voices, 
Strike in their num'd and mortified Armes, 
Pins, Wodden-prickes, Nayles, Sprigs of Rofemarie : 
And with this horrible obieft, from low Farmes, 
Poore pelting Villages, Sheeps-Coates, and Milles, 
Sometimes with Lunaticke bans, fometime with Praiers 
Inforce their charitie : poore Turlygod, poore Tom, 
That's fomething yet : Edgar I nothing am. Exit. 

Enter Lear, Foole, and Gentleman. 

Lra.'Tis ftrange that they mould fo depart from home, 
And not fend backe my Meflengers. 

Gent. As I learn'd, 
The night before, there was no purpofe in them 
Of this remoue. 

Kent. Haile to thee Noble Mafter. 

Lear. Ha ? Mak'ft thou this fhame ahy paftime ? 

Kent. No my Lord. 

Foole. Hah, ha, he weares Cruell Garters Horfes are 
tide by the heads, Dogges and Beares by'th'necke, 
Monkies by'th'loynes, and Men by'th' legs : when a man 
ouerluftie at legs, then he weares wodden nether-flocks. 

Lear. What's he, 
That hath fo much thy place miftooke 
To fet thee heere? 

Kent. It is both he and fte, 
Your Son, and Daughter. 

Lear. No. 

Kent. Yes. 

Lear. No I fay. 

Kent. I fay yea. 

Lear. By Iup'uer I fweare no. 



Kent . By Iuuo, I fweare I. 
Lear. They durft not do' t: 
They could not, would not do't : 'tis worfe then murther, 
To do vpon refpedf. fuch violent outrage: 
Refolue me with all modeft hafte, which way 
Thou might'ft deferue, or they impofe this vfage, 
Comming from vs. 

Kent. My Lord, when at their home 
I did commend your HighnefTe Letters to them, 
Ere I was rifen from the place, that ihewed 
My dutie kneeling, came there a reeking Pofte, 
Stew'd in his hafte, halfe breathleffe, painting forth 
From Gonerill his Miftris, falutations; 
Deliuer'd Letters fpight of intermiffion, 
Which prefently they read; on thofe contents 
They fummon'd vp their meiney, ftraight tooke Horfe, 
Commanded me to follow, and attend 
The leifure of their anfwer, gaue me cold lookes, 
And meeting heere the other Meffenger, 
Whofe welcome I perceiu'd had poifon'd mine, 
Being the very fellow which of late 
Difplaid fo fawcily againft your Highneffe, 
Hauing more man then wit about me, drew; 
He rais'd the houfe, with loud and coward cries, 
Your Sonne and Daughter found this trefpaffe worth 
The fhame which heere it fuffers. (way, 

Foole. Winters not gon yet, if the wil'd Geefe fly that 
Fathers that weare rags, do make their Children blind, 
But Fathers that beare bags, mall fee their children kind. 
Fortune that arrant whore, nere turns the key toth' poore. 
But for all this thou {halt haue as many Dolors for thy 
Daughters, as thou canft tell in a yeare. 

Lear. Oh how this Mother fwels vp toward my heart! 
Hifiorica fajfio, downe thou climing forrow, 
Thy Elements below where is this Daughter ? 

Kent. Wirh the Earle Sir, here within. 

Lear. Follow me not, ftay here. Exit. 

Gen. Made you no more offence, 
But what you fpeake of? 

Kent. None : 
How chance the the King comes with fo fmall a number? 

Foole. And thou hadft beene fet i'th'Stockes for that 
queftion, thoud'ft well deferu'd it. 

Kent. Why Foole ? 

Foole. Wee'l fet thee to fchoole to an Ant, to teach 
thee ther's no labouring i'th' winter. All that follow their 
nofes, are led by their eyes, but blinde men, and there's 
not a nofe among twenty, but can fmell him that's {link- 
ing; let go thy hold, when a great wheele runs downe a 
hill, leaft it breake thy necke with following. But the 
great one that goes vpward, let him draw thee after : 
when a wifeman giues thee better counfell giue me mine 
againe, I would hause none but knaues follow it, fince a 
Foole giues it. 

That Sir, which ferues and feekes for gaine, 
And folio wes but for forme; 
Will packe, when it begins to raine, 
And leaue thee in the ftorme, 
But I will tarry, the Foole will ftay, 
And let the wifeman flie : 
The knaue turnes Foole that runnes away, 
The Foole noiknaue perdie. 

Enter Lear, and Qlojler: 
Kent. Where learn'd you this Foole ? 
Foole. Not i'th' Stocks Foole. 



294 



The Tragedie of KJng Lear. 



Lear. Deny to fpeake with me ? 
They are ficke, they are weary, 
They haue trauail'd all the night ? meere fetches, 
The images of reuolt and flying off. 
Fetch me a better anfwer. 

Glo. My deere Lord, 
You know the fiery quality of the Duke, 
How vnremoueable and fixt he is 
In his owne courfe. 

Lear. Vengeance, Plague, Death, Confufion : 
I Fiery ? What quality ? Why Glojiir, Qlofter, 
I I'ld fpeake with the Duke of Cornewall, and his wife. 

Glo. Well my good Lord, I haue inform'd them fo. 

Lear, Inform'd them ? Do'ft thou vnderftand me man. 

Glo. I my good Lord. 

Lear. The King would fpeake with Qornwall, 
The deere Father 

Would with his Daughter fpeake, commands, tends, fer- 
Are they inform M of this ? My breath and blood: (uice, 

Fiery? The fiery Duke, tell the hot Duke that 

No, but not yet, may be he is not well, 

Infirmity doth ftill neglect all office, 

Whereto our health is bound, we are not our felues, 

When Nature being oppreft, commands the mind 

To fuffer with the body ; He forbeare, 

And am fallen out with my more headier will, 

To take the indifpos'd and fickly fit, 

For the found man. Death on my ftate : wherefore 

Should he fit heere i This act perfwades me, 

That this remotion of the Duke and her 

Is practife only. Giue me my Seruant forth; 

Goe tell the Duke, and's wife, Il'd fpeake with them ; 

Now,prefently : bid them come forth and heare me, 

Or at their Chamber doore He beate the Drum, 

Till it crie fleepe to death. 

Glo. I would haue all well betwixt you. Exit. 

Lear. Oh me my heart ! My rifing heart ! But downe. 

Foole. Cry to it Nunckle, as the Cockney did to the 
Eeles, when fhe put 'em i'th' Parte aliue, fhe knapt 'em 
o'th' coxcombs with a fticke, and cryed downe wantons, 
downe; 'twas her Brother, that in pure kindneffe to his 
Horfe buttered his Hay. 

Enter Cornwall, Regan, Glofter,Seruants. 

Lear. Good morrow to you both. 

Corn. Haile to your Grace. Kent here jet at liberty. 

Reg. I am glad to fee your Highnefle. 

Lear. Regan, I .thinke your are . I know what reafon 
Iihaue to thinke fo, if thou fhould'ff. not be glad, 
I would diuorce me from thy Mother Tombe, 
Sepulchring an AdultreiTe. O are you free ? 
Some other time for that. Beloued Regan, 
Thy Sifters naught : oh Regan, fhe hath tied 
Sharpe-tooth'd vnkindnefie, like a vulture heere, 
I can fcarce fpeake to thee , thou'lt not beleeue 
With how deprau'd a quality. Oh Regan. 

Reg. I pray you Sir, take patience, I haue hope 
You leffe know how to value her defert, 
Then fhe to fcant her dutie. 

Lear, Say ? How is that ? 

Reg. I cannot thinke my Sifter in the leaft 
Would faile her Obligation. If Sir perchance 
She haue reftrained the Riots of your Followres, 
'Tis on fuch ground, and to fuch wholefome end, 
As cleeres her from all blame, 

Lear, My curfes on her. 



Reg. O Sir, you are old, 
Nature in you ftands on the very Verge 
Of his confine : you fhould be rul'd, and led 
By fome difcretion, that difcernes your ftate 
Better then you your felfe : therefore I pray you, 
That to our Sifter, you do make returne, 
Say you haue wrong'd her. 

Lear. Aske her forgiueneffe ? 
Do you but marke how this becomes the houfe ? 
Deere daughter, I confeffe that I am old ; 
Age is vnneceffary : on my knees I begge, 
That you'l vouchfafe me Rayment, Bed, and Food. 

Reg. Good Sir, no more : thefe are vnfightly trickes 
Returne you to my Sifter. 

Lear. Neuer Regan : 
She hath abated me of halfe my Traine; 
Look'd blacke vpon me, ftrooke me with her Tongue 
Moft Serpent-like, vpon the very Heart. 
All the ftor'd Vengeances off Heauen, fall 
On her ingratefull top : ftrike her yong bones 
You taking Ayres, with LamenefTe. 

Corn. Fye fir, fie. 

Le. You nimble Lightnings, dart your blinding flames 
Into her fcornfull eyes : Infect her Beauty, 
You Fen-fuck'd Fogges, drawne by the powrfull Sunne, 
To fall, and blifter. 

Reg, O the bleft Gods ! 
So will you wifh on me, when the rafh moode is on. 

Lear. No Regan, thou fhalt neuer haue my curfe : 
Thy tender-hefted Nature fhall not giue 
Thee o're to harfhneflfe : Her eyes are fierce, but thine 
Do comfort, and not burne. "Tis not in thee 
To grudge my pleafures, to cut off my Traine, 
To bandy hafty words, to fcant my fizes, 
And in conclufion, to oppofe the bolt 
Againft my comming in. Thou better know'ff. 
The Offices of Nature, bond of Childhood, 
Effects of Curtefie, dues of Gratitude : 
Thy halfe o'th'Kingdome haft thou not forgot, 
Wherein I thee endow'd. 

Reg. Good Sir, to'th'purpofe. Tucket within. 

Lear. Who put my man i'th'Stockes ? 
Enter Stenard.i 

Corn. What Trumpet's that ?, 

Reg. I know't, my Sifters : this approues her Letter, | 
That fhe would foone be heere. Is your Lady come ? 

Lear. This is a Slaue, whofe eafie borrowed pride 
Dwels in the fickly grace of her he followes. 
Out Varlet, frormmy fight. 

Corn. What meanes your Grace ? 
Enter Gonerill. 
Lear. Who ftockt my Seruant? Regan, I haue good hope j 
Thou did'ft not know on't. 
Who comes here ? O Heauens ! 
If you do loue old men ; if your fweet fway 
Allow Obedience ; if you your felues are old, 
Make it your caufe : Send downe, and take my part. 
Art not a'fham'd to looke vpon this Beard ? 
O Regan, will you take her by the hand ? 

Gon. Why not by'th'hand Sir? How haue I offended ? j 
All's not offence that indifcretion findes, 
And dotage termes fo. 

Lear. O fides, you are too tough ! 
Will you yet hold ? 
How came my man i'th'Stockes ? 

Corn. I fet him there, Sir : but his owne Diforders 

Deferu'd ^ 

784 ~ 



T'he 'Tr age die of KJng Lear. 



2 95 



Deferu'd much lefle aduancement. 

hear. You? Did you? 

Reg. I pray you Father being weake, feeme fo. 
If till the expiration of your Moneth 
You will returne and foiourne with my Sifter, 
Difmifiing halfe your traine,come then to me, 
I am now from home,and out of that prouifion 
Which frail be needfullfor your entertainement. 
Lear. Returne to her? and fifty men difmifs'd ? 
No, rather I abiure all roofes,and chufe 
To wage againft the enmity oth'ayre, 
To be a Comrade with the Wolfe, and Owle, 
Neceffities fliarpe pinch. Returne with her? 
Why the hot-bloodied Franee, that dowerlefie tooke 
Our yongeft borne, I could as well be brought 
To knee his Throne,and Squire-like penfion beg, 
To keepe bafe life a foote; returne with her ? 
Perfwade me rather to be flaue and fumpter 
To this detefted groome. 

Gon. At your choice Sir. 

Lear. I prythee Daughter do not make me mad, 
I will not trouble thee my Child:farewell: 
Wee'l no more meete, no more fee one another. 
But yet thou art my flefli, my blood, my Daughter, 
Or rather a difeafe that's in my fleih, 
Which I muft needs call mine. Thou art a Byle, 
A plague fore, or imbofied Carbuncle 
In my corrupted blood. But He not chide thee, 
Let mame come when it will, I do not call it, 
I do not bid the Thunder-bearer fhoote, 
Nor tell tales of thee to high-iudging hue. 
Mend when thou can'ft,be better at thy leifure, 
I can be patient, I can ftay with Regan, 
I and my hundred Knights. 

Reg. Not altogether fo, 
I look'd not for you yet, nor am prouided 
For your fit welcome, giue eare Sir to my Sifter, 
Forthofe that mingle reafon with your paffion, 
Muft be content to thinke you old, and fo, 
But ftie knowes what ftie doe's. 

Lear. Is this well fpoken ? 

Reg. I dare auouch it Sir, what fifty Followers ? 
Is it not well ? What mould you need of more ? 
Yea, or fo many ? Sith that both charge and danger, 
Speake'gainft fo great a number? How in one houfe 
Should many people, vnder two commands 
Hold amity ? 'Tis hard,almoft impoffible. 

Gon. Why might not you my Lord, receiue "attendance 
From thofe that ihe cals Seruants,or from mine ? 

Reg. Why not my Lord ? 
If then they chanc'd to flacke ye, 
We could comptroll them; if you will come to me, 
(For now I (pie a danger) I entreate you 
To bring but fiue and twentie,to no more 
Will I giue place or notice. 

Lear. I gaue you all. 

Reg. And in good time you giue it. 

Lear. Made you my Guardians,my Depositaries, 
But kept a referuation to be followed 
With fuch a number ? What, muft I come to you 
With fiue and twenty? Regan, &\d you fo ? 

Reg. And fpeak't againe my Lord, no more with me. 

Lea. Thofe wicked Creatures yet do look wel fauor'd 
When others are more wicked, not being the worft 
Stands in fome ranke of praife,lle go with thee, 
Thy fifty yet doth double fiue and twenty, 



735 



And thou art twice her Loue. 

Gon. Heare me my Lord; 
What need you fiue and twenty ? Ten ? Or fiue ? 
To follow in a houfe, where twice fo many 
Haue a command to tend you ? 

Reg. What need one f 

Lear. O reafon not the need .• our bafeft Beggers 
Are in the pooreft thing fuperfluous, 
Allow not Nature, more then Nature needs : 
Mans life is cheape as Beaftes. Thou art a Lady; 
If onely to go warme were gorgeous, 
Why Nature needs not what thou gorgeous wear'ft, 
Which fcarcely keepes thee warme, but for true'need: 
You Heauens,giue me that patience, patience I need, 
You fee me heere (you Gods)a poore old man, 
As full of griefe as age, wretched in both, 
If it be you that ftirres thefe Daughters hearts 
Againft their Father, foole me not fo much, 
To beare it tamely: touch me with Noble anger, 
And let not womens weapons, water drops, 
Staine my mans cheekes.No you vnnaturall Hags, 
I will haue fuch reuenges on you both, 

That all the world mail 1 will do fuch things, 

What they are yet, I know not,but they fhalbe 
The terrors of the earth? you thinke He weepe, 
No,Ile not weepe, I haue full caufe of weeping, 

Storme and Tempeji. 
But this heart ihal break into a hundred thoufand flawes 
Or ere He weepe; O Foole, I Dial] go mad. 1 Exeunt. 

Corn. Let vs withdraw, 'twill be a Storme. 

Reg. This houfe is little, the old man an'ds people, 
Cannot be well beftow'd. 

Gon. 'Tis his owne blame hath put himfelfe from reft, 
And muft needs tafte his folly. 

Reg. For his particular He receiue him gladly, 
But not one follower. 

Gon. So am I purpos'd. 
Where is my Lord of Glofler ? 

Enter Qlofter. 

Corn. Followed the old man forth, he is return'd. 

Glo. The King is in high rage. 

Corn. Whether is he going ? 

Glo. He cals to Horfe,but will I know not whether. 

Corn. 'Tis beft to giue him way, he leads himfelfe. 

Gon. My Lord, entreate him by no meanes to ftay. 

Glo. Alacke the night comes on, and the high windes 
Do forely ruffle, for many Miles about 
There's fcarce a Bum. 

Reg. O Sir, to wilfull men, 
The iniuries that they themfelues procure, 
Muft be their Schoole-Mafters : mut vp your doores, 
He is attended with a defperate traine, 
And what they may incenfe him too, being apt, 
To haue his eare abus'd, wifedome bids feare. 

Cor. Shut vp your doores my Lord, 'tis a wil'd night, 
My Regan counfels well[: come out oth'ftorme. Exeunt. 



ABus Tertius. Scena Trima. 



Storme Rill. Enter Kent , and a Gentle} 



,/euerally. 



Kent. Who's there befides foule weather? 

Gen. One minded like the weather, moft vncjuietly. 

r r 2 Kent. 



The ¥ rage die of King Lear. 



Kent. I know you : Where's the King ? 

Qent. Contending with the fretfull Elements ; 
Bids the winde blow the Earth into the Sea, 
Or fwell the curled Waters 'boue the Maine, 
That things might change, or ceafe. 

Kent. But who is with him ? 

Gent. None but the Foole, Jwho labours to out-left 
His heart-ftrooke iniuries. 

Kent. Sir, 1 do know you, 
And dare vpon the warrant of my note 
Commend a deere thing to you. There is diuifion 
(Although as yet the face otitis couer'd 
With mutuall cunning ) 'twixt Albany, and Cornwall : 
Who haue, as who haue not, that their great Starres 
Thron'd and fet high ; Seruants, who feeme nolefle, 
Which are to France the Spies and Speculations 
Intelligent of our State. What hath bin feene, 
Either in fnuffes, and packings of the Dukes, 
Or the hard Reine which both of them hath borne 
Againft the old kinde King ; or fomething deeper, 
Whereof (perchance) thefe are but furnifliings. 

Gent. I will talke further with you. 

Kent. No, do not : 
For confirmation that I am much more 
Then my out-wall ; open this Purfe,and take 
What it containes. If you fhall fee Qordelia, 
(As feare not but you mall) fhew her this Ring, 
And Ihe will tell you who that Fellow is 
That yet you do not know, Fye on this Storme, 
I will go feeke the King. 

Gent. Giue me your hand, 
Haue you no more to fay ? 

Kent. Few words, but to effect more then all yet ; 
That when we haue found the King, in which your pain 
That way, lie this : He that firft lights on him, 
Holla the other. Exeunt. 



Scena Secunda. 



Storme ftill. Enter Lear .and Foole. 

Lear. Blow windes,& crack your cheeks; Rage, blow 
You Catarafts, and Hyrricano's fpout, 
Till you haue drench'd our Steeples, drown the Cockes. 
You Sulph'rous and Thought-executing Fires, 
Vaunt-curriors of Oake-cleauing Thunder-bolts, 
Sindge my white head. And thou all-making Thunder, 
Strike flat the thicke Rotundity o'th'world, 
Cracke Natures moulds, all germaines fpill at once 
That makes ingratefull Man. 

Foole. O Nunkle, Court holy-water in a dry houfe, is 
better then this Rain-water out o'doore. Good Nunkle, 
in, aske thy Daughters blefling, heere's a night pitties 
neither Wifemen, nor Fooles. 

Lear. Rumble thy belly full .• fpit Fire, fpowt Raine : 
NorRaine, Winde, Thunder, Fire are my Daughters; 
1 taxe not you, you Elements with vnkindneffe. 
I neuer gaue you Kingdome, call'd you Children; 
You owe me no fubfcription. Then let fall 
Your horrible pleafure. Heere I ftand your Slaue, 
A poore, infirme, weake, and difpis'd old man : 
But yet I call you Seruile Minifters, 
That will with two pernicious Daughters ioyne 
Your high-engender'd Battailes, 'gainft a head 



So old, and white as this. 0,ho I 'tis foule. 

Foole. He that has a houfe to put's head in, has a good 
Head-peece : 

The Codpiece that will houfe, before the head has any ; 
The Head, and he mail Lowfe : io Beggers marry many. 
The man y makes his Toe, what he his Hart mold make, 
Shall of a Corne cry woe, and turne his fleepe to wake. 

For there was neuer yet faire woman, but fliee made 
mouthes in a glafTe. 

Enter Kent. 
Lear. No, I will be the patterne of all patience, 
I will fay nothing. 

Kent. Who's there ? 

Foole. Marry here's Grace, and a Codpiece, that's a 
Wifeman, and a Foole. 

Kent. Alas Sir are you here? Things that loue night, 
Loue not fuch nights as thefe : The wrathfull Skies 
Gallow the very wanderers of the darke 
And make them keepe their Caues : Since I was man, 
Such meets of Fire, fuch burfts of horrid Thunder, 
Such groanes of roaring Winde, and Raine, I neuer 
Remember to haue heard. Mans Nature cannot carry 
Th'affliftion, nor the feare. 

Lear. Let the great Goddes 
That keepe this dreadfull pudder o're our heads, 
Finde out their enemies now. Tremble thou Wretch, 
That haft within thee vndivulged Crimes 
Vnwhipt of Iuftice. Hide thee, thou Bloudy hand; 
Thou Periur'd, and thou Simular of Vertue 
That art Inceftuous. Caytiffe, to peeces ftiake 
That vnder couert, and conuenient feeming 
Ha's practis'd on mans life. Clofe pent-vp guilts, 
Riue your concealing Continents, and cry 
Thefe dreadfull Summoners grace. I am a man, 
More finn'd againft, then finning. 

Kent. Alacke, bare-headed ? 
Gracious my Lord, hard by heere is a Houell, 
Some friend (hip will it lend you 'gainft the Tempeft : 
Repofe you there, while I to this hard houfe, 
( More harder then the ftones whereof 'tis rais'd, 
Which euen but now, demanding after you, 
Deny'd me to come in) returne, and force 
Their fcanted curtefie. 

Lear. My wits begin to turne. 
Come on my boy. How doft my boy ? Art cold ? 
I am cold my felfe. Where is this ftraw, my Fellow ? 
The Art of our Neceflities is ftrange, 
And can make vilde things precious.Come,your Houel ; 
Poore Foole, and Knaue, I haue one part in my heart 
That's forry yet for thee. 

Foole. He that has and a little-tyne wit, 

With heigh-ho, the Winde and the Raine, 
Muft make content with his Fortunes fit, 
Though the Raine it raineth euery day. 
Le. True Boy : Come bring vs to this Houell. Exit. 
Foole. This is a braue night to coole a Curtizan : 
lie fpeake a Prophefie ere I go : 
When Priefts are more in word, then matter; 
When Brewers marre their Malt with water; 
When Nobles are their Taylors Tutors, 
No Heretiques burn'd, but wenches Sutors ; 
When euery Cafe in Law, is right; 
No Squire in debt, nor no poore Knight; 
When Slanders do not liue in Tongues; 
Nor Cut-purfes come not to throngs ; 
When Vfurerstell their Gold i'th'Field, 

And 



The Tragedie of KJng Lear. 



297 



And, Baudes, and whores, do Churches build, 
Then lhal the Realme of Albion, come to great confufion : 
Then comes the time, who liues to fee't, 
That going fhalbe vs'd with feet. (time. 

This prophecie Merlin lhall make, for I liue before his 

Exit. 



Sccena Tertia. 



Enter Glofter , and Edmund. 

Glo. Alacke, alacke Edmund, I like not this vnnaturall 
dealing; when I defired their leaue that I might pity him, 
they tooke from me the vfe of mine owne houfe, charg'd 
me on paine of perpetuall difpleafure, neither to fpeake 
of him, entreat for him, or any way fuftaine him. 

"•Baft. Moft fauage and vnnaturall. 

Glo. Go too; fay you nothing. There is diuifion be- 
tweene the Dukes, and a worffe matter then that: I haue 
receiued a Letter this night, 'tis dangerous to be fpoken, 
I haue lock'd the Letter in my Cloffet, thefe iniuries the 
King now beares, will be reuenged home; ther is part of 
a Power already footed, we muft incline to the King, I 
will looke him, and priuily relieue him ; goe you and 
maintaine talke with the Duke, that my charity be not of 
him perceiued; If he aske for me, I am ill, and gone to 
bed, if I die for it, (as no leffe is threatned me) the King 
my old Mafter muft be relieued. There is ftrange things 
toward Edmund,przy you be carefull. Exit, 

'Baft. This Curtefie forbid thee, fliall the Duke 
Inftantly know, and of that Letter too; 
This feemes a faire deferuing, and muft draw me 
That which my Father loofes:no leffe then all, 
The yonger riles, when the old doth fall. Exit. 



Scena Quarta. 



Lear, Ke, 



id Foole. 



Kent.x Here is the place my Lord, good my Lord enter, 
The tirrany of the open night's too rough 
For Nature to endure. Storme ftill 

Lear. Let me alone. 

Kent. Good my Lord enter heere. 

Lear. Wilt breake my heart i 

Kent. I had rather breake mine owne, 
Good my Lord enter. 

Lear. Thou think'ft 'tis much that this contentious 
Inuades vs to the skinfo : 'tis to thee, (ftorme 

But where the greater malady is fixt, 
The leffer is fcarce felt. Thou'dft fhun a Beare, 
But if they flight lay toward the roaring Sea, 
Thou'dft meete the Beare i'th' mouth, when the mind's 
The bodies delicate : the tempeft in my mind, free, 

Doth from my fences take all feeling elfe, 
Saue what beates there, Filliall ingratitude, 
Is it not as this mouth Ihould teare this hand 
For lifting food too't ■? But I will puniili home; 
No, 1 will weepe no more; in fuch a night, 



787 



To (hut me out? Poure on, I will endure: 

In fuch a night as this ? O Regan, Gonerill, 

Your old kind Father, whole franke heart gaue all, 

O that way madneffe lies, let me fhun that : 

No more of that. 

Kent. Good my Lord enter here. 

Lear. Prythee go in thy felfe, feeke thine owne eafe, 
This tempeft will not giue me leaue to ponder 
On things would hurt me more, but He goe in, 
In Boy, go firft. You houfeleffe pouertie, Exit. 

Nay get thee in; He pray, and then He fleepe. 
Poore naked wretches, where fo ere you are 
That bide the pelting of this pittileffe ftorme, 
How fhall your Houfe-leffe heads, and vnfed fides, 
Your lop'd,and window'd raggedneffe defend you 
From feafons fuch as thefe ? O i haue tane 
Too little care of this : Take Phyficke, Pompe, 
Expofe thy felfe to feele what wretches feele, 
That thou maift fhake the fuperflux to them, 
And (hew the Heauens more iuft. 

Enter Edgar , and Foole. 

Edg. Fathom, and halfe, Fathom and halfe; poore Tom. 

Foole. Come not in heere Nuncle, here's a fpirit, helpe 
me, helpe me. 

Kent. Giue me thy hand, who's there i 

Foole. A fpirite, a fpirite, he fayes his name's poore 
Tom. 

Kent. What art thou that doft grumble there i'th' 
ftraw ? Come forth. 

Edg. Away, the foule Fiend followes me, through the 
lharpe Hauthorne blow the windes. Humh, goe to thy 
bed and warme thee. 

Lear. Did'ft thou giue all to thy Daughters? And art 
thou come to this? 

Edgar. Who giues any thing to poore Tom ? Whom 
the foule fiend hath led though Fire, and through Flame, 
through Sword, and Whirle-Poole, o're Bog, and Quag- 
mire, that hath laid Kniues vnder his Pillow, and Halters 
in his Pue, fet Rats-bane by his Porredge, made him 
Proud of heart, to ride on a Bay trotting Horfe, ouer foure 
incht Bridges, to courfe his owne fhadow for a Traitor. 
Bliffe thy fiue Wits, Toms a cold. O do, de, do, de, do de, 
bliffe thee from Whirle- Windes, Starre-blafting, and ta- 
king, do poore Tom fome charitie, whom the foule Fiend 
vexes. There could I haue him now, and there, and there 
ag ai ne,and there. Storme ftill. 

Lear. Ha's his Daughters brought him to this paffe ? 
Could'ft thou faue nothing? Would'ft thou giue 'em all? 

Foole. Nay, he referu'd a Blanket, elfe we had bin all 
fliam'd. 

Lea. Now all the plagues that in the pendulous ayre 
Hang fated o're mens faults, light on thy Daughters. 

Kent. He hath no Daughters Sir. 

Lear. Death Traitor, nothing could haue fubdu'd 
To fuch a lowneffe, but his vnkind Daughters. (Nature 
Is it the fafhion, that difcarded Fathers, 
Should haue thus little mercy on their fle/h: 
Iudicious puniihment, 'twas this flefh begot 
Thofe Pelicane Daughters. 

Edg. Pillicock fat on Pillicock hill, alow:alow, loo, loo. 

Foole. This cold night will turne vs all to Fooles, and 
Madmen. 

Edgar. Take heed o'th'foule Fiend, obey thy Pa- 
rents, keepe thy words Iuftice, fweare not, commit not, 
r r 3 with 



The Tr age die offing Lear. 



with mans fworne Spoufe ; fet not thy Sweet-heart on 
proud array. Tom's a cold. 

Lear. What haft thou bin ? 

Sdg. A Seruingman ? Proud in heart, and minde; that 
curl'd my haire, wore Gloues in my cap ; feru'd the Luft 
of my Miftris heart, and did the a<fte of darkeneffe with 
her. Swore as many Oathes, as I fpake words, & broke 
them in the fweet face of Heauen. One, that flept in the 
contriuing of Luft, and wakM to doe it. Wine lou'd I 
deerely, Dice deerely ; and in Woman, out-Paramour'd 
the Turke. Falfe of heart, light of eare, bloody of hand ; 
Hog in floth, Foxe in ftealth, Wolfe in greedineffe, Dog 
in madnes, Lyon in prey. Let not the creaking of fhooes, 
Nor the ruftling of Silkes, betray thy poore heart to wo- 
man. Keepe thy foote out of Brothels, thy hand out of 
Plackets, thy pen from Lenders Bookes, and defye the 
foule Fiend. Still through the Hauthorne blowes the 
cold winde : Sayes fuum, mun, nonny, Dolphin my Boy, 
Boy Sejey : let him trot by. Stormejlill. 

Lear. Thou wert better in a Graue, then to anfwere 
with thy vncouer'd body, this extremitie of the Skies. Is 
man no more then this ? Confider him well. Thou ow'ft 
the Worme no Silke ; the Beaft, no Hide ; the Sheepe, no 
Wooll ; the Cat, no perfume. Ha ? Here's three on's are 
fophifticated. Thou art the thing it felfe ; vnaccommo- 
dated man, is no more but fuch a poore, bare, forked A- 
nimall as thou art. Off, off you Lendings : Come, vn- 
button heere. 

Enter Gloucefter, with a Torch. 
Foole. Prythee Nunckle be contented, 'tis a naughtie 
night to fwimme in. Now a little fire in a wilde Field, 
were like an old Letchers heart, a fmall fpark, all the reft 
on's body, cold : Looke, heere comes a walking fire. 

Edg. This is the foule Flibbertigibbet ; hee begins at 
Curfew, and walkes at firft Cocke : Hee giues the Web 
and the Pin, fquints the eye, and makes the Hare-lippe ; 
Mildewes the white Wheate, and hurts the poore Crea- 
ture of earth. 

Swithold footed thrice the old, 
He met the Night-Mare, and her nine-fold ; 
Bid her a-light, and her troth-plight, 
And aroynt thee Witch, aroynt thee. 
Kent. How fares your Grace ? 
Lear. What's he ? 

Kent. Who's there ? What is't you feeke ? 
Glou. What are you there ? Your Names ? 
Sdg. Poore Tom, that eates the fwimming Frog, the 
Toad, the Tod-pole, the wall-Neut, and the water : that 
in the furie of his heart, when the foule Fiend rages, eats 
Cow-dung for Sallets ; fwallowes the old Rat, and the 
ditch-Dogge ; drinkes the green Mantle of the ftanding 
Poole : who is whipt from Tything to Tything , and 
ftockt, punifti'd, and imprifon'd : who hath three Suites 
to his backe, fixe ihirts to his body : 

Horfe to ride, and weapon to weare : 
But Mice, and Rats, and fuch fmall Deare, 
Haue bin Toms food, for feuen long yeare : 
Beware my Follower. Peace Smulkin, peace thou Fiend. 
Glou. What, hath your Grace no better company ? 
Edg. The Prince of Darkenefle is a Gentleman. Modo 
he's call'd, and sMabu. 

Glou. Our flefli and blood, my Lord, is growne fo 
vilde, that it doth hate what gets it. 
Edg. Poore Tom's a cold. 
Glou. Go in with me ; my duty cannot fuller 



T'obey in all your daughters hard commands : 
Though their Iniunction be to barre my doores, 
And let this Tyrannous night take hold vpon you, 
Yet haue I ventured to come feeke you out, 
And bring you where both fire, and food is ready. 
Lear. Firft let me talke with this Philofopher, 
What is the caufe of Thunder ? 

Kent. Good my Lord take his offer, 
Go into th'houfe. 

Lear. He talke a word with this fame lerned Theban: 
What is your ftudy ? 

Edg. How to preuent the Fiend, and to kill Vermine. 
Lear. Let me aske you one word in priuate. 
Kent. Importune him once more to go my Lord, 
His wits begin t'vnfettle. 

Qlou. Canft thou blame him ? Storm JIM 

His Daughters feeke his death: Ah,that good Kent, 
He faid it would be thus : poore banifh'd man : 
Thou fayeft the King growes mad, He tell thee Friend 
I am almoft mad my felfe. I had a Sonne, 
Now out-law'd from my blood : he fought my life 
But lately : very late : 1 lou'd him (Friend) 
No Father his Sonne deerer : true to tell thee, 
The greefe hath craz'd my wits. What a night's this ? 
I do befeech your grace. 

Lear. O cry you mercy, Sir : 
Noble Philofopher, your company. 

Edg. Tom's a cold. 

Glou. In fellow there, into th'Houel; keep thee warm. 

Lear. Come, let's in all. 

Kent. This way, my Lord. 

Lear. With him ; 
I will keepe ftill with my Philofopher. 

Kent. Good my Lord, footh him : 
Let him take the Fellow. 

Glou. Take him you on. 

Kent. Sirra, come on : go along with vs. 

Lear. Come, good Athenian. 

Glou. No words, no words, hufh. 

Edg. Childe Rowland to the darke Tower came, 
His word was ftill, fie, foh, and fumme, 
I fmell the blood of a Brittifh man. Exeunt 



Scena Quinta. 



Enter Cornwall, and Edmund. 

Corn. I will haue my reuenge, ere I depart his houfe. 

'Baft. How my Lord, I may be cenfured, that Nature 
thus giues way to Loyaltie, fomething feares mee to 
thinke of. 

Cornw. I now perceiue, it was not altogether your 
Brothers euill difpofition made him feeke his death : but 
a prouoking merit fet a-worke by a reprouable badneffe 
in himfelfe. 

TSaft. How malicious is my fortune, that I muft re- 
pent to be iuft ? This is the Letter which hee fpoake of; 
which approues him an intelligent partie to the aduanta- 
ges of France. O Heauens ! that this Treafon were not ; 
or not I the detector. 

Corn. Go with me to the Dutcheffe. 

Baft. If the matter of this Paper be certain, you haue 
mighty bufinefTe in hand. 

Corn. 

788 



The Tragedie offing Lear. 



299 



Corn. True or falfe, it hath made thee Earle of Glou- 
cester : feeke out where thy Father is, that hee may bee 
ready for our apprehenfion. 

Baft. If I finde him comforting the King, it will ftuffe 
his fufpition more fully. I will perfeuer in my courfe of 
Loyalty, though the conflict be fore betweene that, and 
my blood. 

Corn. I will lay truft vpon thee : and thou /halt finde 
a deere Father in my loue. Exeunt. 



Scena Sexta. 



Enter Kent, and Gloucefter. 

Glou. Heere is better then the open ayre,take it thank- 
fully : I will peece out the comfort with what addition I 
can : I will not be long from you. Exit 

Kent. All the powre of his wits, haue giuen way to his 
impatience .- the Gods reward your kindnefie. 

Enter Lear, Edgar , and Fook. 

Edg. Fraterretto cals me, and tells me Nero is an Ang- 
ler in the Lake of Darknefle : pray Innocent, and beware 
the foule Fiend. 

Fook. Prythee Nunkle tell me, whether a madman be 
a Gentleman, or a Yeoman. 

Lear. A King, a King. 

Foole. No, he's a Yeoman, that ha's a Gentleman to 
his Sonne : for hee's a mad Yeoman that fees his Sonne a 
Gentleman before him. 

Lear. To haue a thoufand with red burning fpits 
Come hizzing in vpon 'em. 
Edg. Blefle thy fiue wits. 
Kent. O pitty : Sir, where is the patience now 
That you fo oft haue boafted to retaine ? 

Edg. My teares begin to take his part fo much, 
They marre my counterfetting. 

Lear. The little dogges, and all ; 
Trey, Blanch, and Sweet-heart : fee, they barke at me. 

Edg. Tom, will throw his head at them : Auaunt you 
Curres, be thy mouth or blacke or white : 
Tooth that poyfons if it bite : 
Maftiffe, Grey-hound, Mongrill, Grim, 
Hound or Spaniell, Brache,or Hym : 
Or Bobtaile tight, or Troudle taile, 
Tom will make him weepe and waile, 
For with throwing thus my head ; 
Dogs leapt the hatch, and all are fled. 
Do,de,de,de : fefe : Come, march to Wakes and Fayres, 
And Market Townes : poore Tom thy home is dry, 

Lear. Then let them Anatomize %egan : See what 
breeds about her heart. Is there any caul'e in Nature that 
make thefe hard-hearts. You fir, I entertaine for one of 
my hundred ; only, I do not like the fafhion of your gar- 
ments. You will fay they are Peifian ; but let them bee 
chang'd. 

Enter Glcfter. 

Kent. Now good my Lord, lye heere, and reft awhile. 

Lear. Make no noife, make no noife, draw the, Cur- 
taines : fo,fo,wee'l go to Supper i'th'morning. 

Foole. And He go to bed at noone. 

Glou. Come hither Friend : 
Where is the King my Mafter ? 

Kent. Here Sir, but trouble him not,his wits are gon. 



Glou. Good friend, I prythee take him in thy armes ; 
I haue ore-heard a plot of death vpon him : 
There is a Litter ready, lay him in't, 

And driue toward Douer friend, where thou {halt meete 
Both welcome, and protection. Take vp thy Mafter, 
If thou lhould'ft dally halfe an houre, his life 
With thine, and all that offer to defend him, 
Stand in allured lofle. Take vp, take vp, 
And follow me, that will to fome prouifion 
Giue thee quicke conduit. Come, come, away. Exeunt 



Scena Septima. 



Enter Cornwall, Regan, Gonerill, Baftard, 
and Seruants. 

Corn. Pofte fpeedily to my Lord your husband, /hew 
hin this Letter, the Army of France is landed : feeke out 
the Traitor Gloufter. 

Beg. Hang him inftantly. 

Gon. Plucke out his eyes. 

Corn. Leaue him to my difpleafure. Edmond, keepe 
you our Sifter company : the reuenges wee are bound to 
take vppon your Traitorous Father, are not fit for your 
beholding. Aduice the Duke where you are going, to a 
moft feftiuate preparation : we are bound to the like. Our 
Poftes /hall be fwift,and intelligent betwixt vs. Fare- 
well deere Sifter, farewell my Lord of Gloufter. 

Enter Steward. 
How now ? Where's the King ? 

Stew. My Lord of Gloufter hath conuey'd him hence 
Some fiue or fix and thirty of his Knights 
Hot Queftrifts after him, met him at gate, 
Who, with fome other of the Lords, dependants, 
Are gone with him toward Douer; where they boaft 
To haue well armed Friends. 

Corn. Get horfes for your Miftris. 

Gon. Farewell fweet Lord,and Sifter. Exit 

Corn. Edmund farewell : go feek the Traitor Glofter, 
Pinnion him like a Theefe, bring him before vs : 
Though well we may not pafie vpon his life 
Without the forme of Iuftice : yet our power 
Shall do a curt'fie to our wrath, which men 
May blame, but not comptroll. 

Enter Gloucefter, and Seruants. 
Who's there? the Traitor? 

Reg. Ingratefull Fox, 'tis he. 

Corn. Binde faft his corky armes. 

Glou. What meanes your Graces ? 
Good my Friends confider you are my Ghefts : 
Do me no foule play, Friends. 

Qorn. Binde him I fay. 

Reg. Hard, hard : O filthy Traitor. 

Glou. Vnmercifull Lady, as you are,I'me none. 

Corn. To this Chaire binde him, 
Villaine, thou malt finde. 

Glou. By the kinde Gods, 'tis moft ignobly done 
To plucke me by the Beard. 

R,eg. So white, and fuch a Traitor ? 

Glou. Naughty Ladie, 
Thefe haires which thou doft rauilh from my chin 
Will quicken and accufe thee. I am your Hoft, 
With Robbers hands, my hofpitable fauours 

You 



7? 9 



3°° 



The Tragedie offing Lear. 



You (hould not ruffle thus. What will you do ? 

Corn. Come Sir. 
What Letters had you late from France ? 

Reg. Be fimple anfwer'd, for we know the truth. 

Corn. And what confederacie haue you with the Trai- 
tors, late footed in the Kingdome ? 

Reg. To whofe hands 
You haue fent the Lunaticke King : Speake. 

Glou. I haue a Letter gueffingly fet downe 
Which came from one that's of a newtrall heart, 
And not from one oppos'd. 

Corn. Cunning. 

Reg. And falfe. 

Corn. Where haft thou fent the King ? 

Glou. ToDouer. 

Reg. Wherefore to Douer ? 
Was't thou not charg'd at perill. 

Corn. Wherefore to Douer ? Let him anfwer that. 

Glou. I am tyed to'th'Stake, 
And I rauft (land the Courfe. 

Reg. Wherefore to Douer ? 

Qlou. Becaufe I would not fee thy cruell Nailes 
Plucke out his poore old eyes : nor thy fierce Sifter, 
In his Annointed flefli, fticke boarifh phangs. 
The Sea, with fuch a ftorme as his bare head, 
In Hell-blacke-night indur'd, would haue buoy'd vp 
And quench'd the Stelled fires : 
Yet poore old heart, he holpe the Heauens to raine. 
If Wolues had at thy Gate howl'd that fterne time, 
Thou (hould'ft haue faid, good Porter turne the Key : 
All Cruels elfe fubfcribe : but I mall fee 
The winged Vengeance ouertake fuch Children. 

Corn. See't malt thou neuer.Fellowes hold y Chaire, 
Vpon thefe eyes of thine, He fet my foote. 

Qlou. He that will thinke to Hue, till he be old, 
Giue me fome helpe. O cruell! O you Gods. 

Reg. One fide will mocke another : Th'other too. 

Corn. If you fee vengeance. 

Seru. Hold your hand, my Lord : 
I haue feru'd youeuer fince I was a Childe : 
But better feruice haue I neuer done you, 
Then now to bid you hold. 

Reg. How now, you dogge ? 

Ser. If you did weare a beard vpon your chin, 
I'ld (hake it on this quarrell. What do you meane ? 

Corn. My Villaine? 

Seru.Nay then come on, and take the chance of anger. 

Reg. Giue me thy Sword. A pezant ftand vp thus? 
Killes him. 

Ser. Oh I am flaine : my Lord, you haue one eye left 
To fee fome mifchefe on him. Oh. 

Corn. Left it fee more,preuent it j Out vilde gelly : 
Where is thy lufter now ? 

Glou. All darke and comfortleffe ? 
Where's my Sonne Edmund ? 
Edmund, enkindle all the fparkesof Nature 
To quit this horrid afte. 

Reg. Out treacherous Villaine, 
Thou call'ft on him, that hates thee. It was he 
That made the ouerture of thy Treafons to vs : 
Who is too good to piety thee. 

Qlou. O my Follies \ then Edgar was abus'd, 
Kinde Gods, forgiue me that,and profper him. 

Reg. Go thruft him out at gates, and let him fmell 
His way to Douer. Exit with Gloujler. 

How is't my Lord? How looke you ? 



Corn. I haue receiu'd a hurt : Follow me Lady ; 
Turne out that eyeleffe Villaine : throw this Slaue 
Vpon the Dunghill : l^egan, I bleed apace, 
Vntimely comes this hurt. Giue me your arme. Exeunt, 



Aclus Quartus. Scena^Pr'vna. 



Enter Edgar. 

Edg. Yet better thus, and knowne to be contemn'd, 
Then ftill contemn'd and flatter'd, to be worft : 
The loweft, and moft deiefted thing of Fortune, 
Stands ftill in efperance, liues not in feare : 
The lamentable change is from the beft, 
The worft returnes to laughter. Welcome then, 
Thou vnfubftantiall ayre that I embrace : 
The Wretch that thou haft blowne vnto the worft, 
Owes nothing to thy blafts. 

Enter GlouSler ,and an Oldman. 
But who comes heere ? My Father poorely led ? 
World, World, O world ! 

But that thy Arrange mutations make vs hate thee, 
Life would not yeelde to age. 

Oldm. O my good Lord, I haue bene your Tenant, 
And your Fathers Tenant, thefe fourefcore yeares. 

Glou. Away, get thee away : good Friend be gone, 
Thy comforts can do me no good at all, 
Thee, they may hurt. 

Oldm. You cannot fee your way. 

Glou. I haue no way, and therefore want no eyes : 
I (tumbled when I faw. Full oft 'tis feene, 
Our meanes fecure vs, and our meere defedis 
Proue our Commodities. Oh deere Sonne Edgar, 
The food of thy abufed Fathers wrath : 
Might I but liue to fee thee in my touch, 
I'ld fay I had eyes againe. 

Oldm. How now ? who's there ? 

Edg. O Gods ! Who is't can fay I am at the worft ? 
I am worfe then ere I was. 

Old. 'Tis poore mad Tom. 

Edg. And worfe I may be yet : the worft is not, 
So long as we can fay this is the worft. 

Oldm. Fellow, where goeft f 

Glou. Is it a Beggar-man ? 

Oldm. Madman, and beggar too. 

Glou. He has fome reafon, elfe he could not beg. 
rth'laft nights ftorme, I fuch a fellow fawj 
Which made me thinke a Man, a Worme. My Sonne 
Came then into my minde, and yet my minde 
Was then fcarfe Friends with him. 
I haue heard more fince : 
As Flies to wanton Boyes, are we to th'Gods, 
They kill vs for their fport. 

Edg. How mould this be ? 
Bad is the Trade that muft play Foole to forrow, 
Ang'ring it felfe,and others. Bleffe thee Matter. 

Ghu. Is that the naked Fellow ? 

Oldm. I, my Lord. 

Glou. Get thee away : If for my fake 
Thou wilt ore-take vs hence a mile or twaine 
I'th'way toward Douer, do it for ancient loue, 
And bring fome couering for this n^ked Soule, 
Which He intreate to leade me. 

Old. Alacke fir, he is mad. 



The Tragedie of J^jng Lear. 



301 



Glou. 'Tis the times plague, 
When Madmen leade the blinde : 
Do as I bid thee, or rather do thy pleafure : 
Aboue the reft, be gone. 

Oldm. He bring him the beft Parrell that I haue 
Come on't, what will. Exit 

Glou. Sirrah, naked fellow. 

Edg. Poore Tom's a cold. I cannot daub it further. 

Glou. Come hither fellow. 

Sdg. And yet I muft : 
BlelTe thy fweete eyes, they bleede. 

Glou. Know'ft thou the way to Douer ? 

Edg. Both ftyle, and gate ; Horfeway, and foot-path : 
poore Tom hath bin fcarr'd out of his good wits. Bleffe 
thee good mans fonne, from the foule Fiend. 

Glou. Here take this purfe, y whom the heau'ns plagues 
Haue humbled to all ftrokes : that I am wretched 
Makes thee the happier : Heauens deale fo ftill : 
Let the fuperfluous, and Luft-dieted man, 
That flaues your ordinance, that will not fee 
Becaufe he do's not feele, feele your powre quickly : 
So diftribution fhould vndoo exceffe, 
And each man haue enough. Doft thou know Douer? 

Edg. I M after. 

Glou. There is a Cliffe, whofe high and bending head 
Lookes fearfully in the confined Deepe : 
Bring me but to the very brimme of it, 
And lie repayre the mifery thou do'ft beare 
With fomething rich about me : from that place, 
1 /hall no leading neede. 

Edg. Giue me thy arme ; 
Poore Tom /hall leade thee. Exeunt. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Qor.erUl, 'Bafiard, and Steward. 

Gon. Welcome my Lord.i meruell our mild husband 
Not met vs on the way. Now, where's your Mafter ? 

Stew. Madam within, but neuer man fo chang'd : 
1 told him of the Army that was Landed : 
He fmil'd at it. I told him you were comming, 
His anfwer was, the worfe. Of Glofters Treachery, 
And of the loyall Seruice of his Sonne 
When I inform 'd him, then he call'd me Sot, 
And told me I had turn'd the wrong fide out : 
What moft he ftiould diflike, feemes pleafant to him ; 
What like, offenfiue. 

Gon. Then /hall you go no further. 
It is the Cowi/h terror of his fpirit 
That dares not vndertake : Hee'l not feele wrongs 
Which tye him to an anfwer : our wi/hes on the way 
May proue effects. Eacke Edmond to my Brother, 
Haften his Mufters, and conduct his powres. 
i muft change names at home, and giue the Diftaffe 
Into my Husbands hands. This truftie Seruant 
Shall paffe betweene vs : ere long you are like to heare 
(If you dare venture in your owne behalfe) 
A Miftreffes command. Weare this ; fpare fpeech, 
Decline your head. This kiffe, if it durft fpeake 
Would ftretch thy Spirits vp into the ayre : 
Conceiue, and fare thee well. 

Bajl. Yours, in the rankes of death. Exi 

Gon. My muft Jeere Glofter. 



Oh, the difference of man, and man, 
To thee a Womans feruices are due, 
My Foole vfurpes my body. 

Stem. Madam, here tome's my Lord. 
Enter Albany. 

Gon. I haue beene worth the whittle. 

Alb. Oh Gonerill, 
You are not worth the duft which the rude winde 
Blowes in your face. 

Gon. Milke-Liuer'd man, 
That bear'ft a cheeke for blowes, a head for wrongs, 
Who haft not in thy browes an eye-difcerning 
Thine Honor, from thy fuffering. 

Alb. See thy felfe diuell : 
Proper deformitie feemes not in the Fiend 
So horrid as in woman. 

Gon. Oh vaine Foole. 

Enter a <tMeJfenger. 

Mef. Oh my good Lord, the Duke of Cornwah dead, 
Slaine by his Seruant, going to put out 
The other eye of Gloufter. 

Alb. Gloufters eyes. 

Mef. A Seruant that he bred, thrill'd with remorfe, 
Oppos'd againft the aft : bending his Sword 
To his great Mafter, who, threat-enrag'd 
Flew on him, and among'ft them fell'd him dead, 
But not without that harmefull ftroke, which fince 
Hath pluckt him after. 

Alb. This (hewes you are aboue 
You luftices, that thefe our neather crimes 
So fpeedily can venge. But (O poore Gloufter) 
Loft he his other eye ? 

Mef. Both, both, my Lord. 
This Leter Madam, craues a fpeedy anfwer : 
'Tis from your Sifter. 

Gon. One way 1 like this well, 
But being widdow, and my Gloufter with her,J 
May all the building in my fancie plucke 
Vpon my hatefull life. Another way 
The Newes is not fo tart. He read, and anfwer. 

Alb. Where was his Sonne, 
When they did take his eyes? 

Mef. Come with my Lady hither. 

Alb. He is not heere. 

Mef. No my good Lord, I met him backe againe. 

Alb. Knowes he the wickednefle ? 

Mef. I my good Lord : 'twas he inform'd againft him 
And quit the houfe on purpofe, that their puni/hment 
Might haue the freer courfe. 

Alb. Gloufter, I liue 
To thanke thee for the loue thou Zhew'dft the King, 
And to reuenge thine eyes. Come hither Friend, 
Tell me what more thou know'ft. Exeunt. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter with Drum and Colours, Cordelia, Gentlemen, 

and Souldiours. 
Cor. Alacke, 'tis he : why he was met euen now 
As mad as the vext Sea, finging alowd, 
Crown'd with ranke Fenitar, and furrow weeds, 
With Hardokes, Hemlocke, Nettles, Cuckoo flowres, 

Darnell 



302 



The Tragedie of^Jng Lear. 



Darnell, and all the idle weedes that grow 
In our fuftaining Corne. A Centery lend forth j 
Search euery Acre in the high-growne field, 
And bring him to our eye. What can mans wifedome 
In the reftoring his bereaued Senfe ; he that helpes him, 
Take all my outward worth. 

Gent. There is meanes Madam : 
Our fofter Nurfe of Nature, is repofe, 
The which he lackes : that to prouoke in him 
Are many Simples operatiue, whofe power 
Will clofe the eye of Anguifh. 

Cord. All bleft Secrets, 
All you vnpublifh'd Vertues of the earth 
Spring with.my teares ; be aydant, and remediate 
In the Goodmans defires : feeke, feeke for him, 
Leaft his vngouern'd rage, difTolue the life 
That wants the meanes to leade it. 

Enter zMeJfenger. 

Mej. Newes Madam, 
The Brittifh Powres are marching hitherward. 

Cor. 'Tis knowne before. Our preparation ftands 
In expectation of them. O deere Father, 
It is thy bufineffe that I go about: Therfore great France 
My mourning, and importun'd teares hath pittied : 
No blowne Ambition doth our Armes incite, 
But loue, deere loue, and our ag'd Fathers Rite : 
Soone may I heare, and fee him. Exeunt. 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter Regan, and Steward. 

Reg. But are my Brothers Powres fet forth ? 

Stew. I Madam. 

Keg. Himfelfe in perfon there? 

Stew. Madam with much ado : 
Your Sifter is the better Souldier. 

Reg. Lord Edmund fpake not with your Lord at home? 

Stew. No Madam. 

Reg. What might import my Sifters Letter to him ? 

Stew. I know not, Lady. 

Reg. Faith he is poafted hence on ferious matter : 
It was great ignorance, Gloufters eyes being out 
To let him liue. Where he arriues, he moues 
All hearts againft vs : Edmund, I thinke is gone 
In pitty of his mifery, to difpatch 
His nigh ted life : Moreouer to defcry 
The ftrength o'th'Enemy. 

Stew. I muft needs after him, Madam, with my Letter. 

'Kjg. Our troopes fet forth to morrow, fray with vs : 
The wayes are dangerous. 

Stew. I may not Madam : 
My Lady charg'd my dutie in this bufines. 

Reg. Why fhould ftie write to Edmund} 
Might not you tranfport her purpofes by word? Belike, 
Some things, I know not what. He loue thee much 
Let me vnfeale the Letter. 

Stew. Madam, I had rather 

Reg. I know your Lady do's not loue her Husband, 
I am fure of that : and at her late being heere, 
She gaue ftrange Eliads, and molt fpeaking lookes 
To Noble Edmund. I know you are of her bofome. 

Stew. I, Madam ? 



Reg. I fpeake in vnderftanding : Y'are '. I know't, 
Therefore I do aduife you take this note : 
My Lord is dead : Edmond, and I haue talk'd, 
And more conuenient is he for my hand 
Then for your Ladies : You may gather more : 
If you do finde him, pray you giue him this; 
And when your Miftris heares thus much from you, 
I pray defire her call her wifedome to her. 
So fare you well : 

If you do chance to heare of that blinde Traitor, 
Preferment fals on him, that cuts him off. 

Stew. Would I could meet Madam, I fhould fhew 
What party I do follow. 

Reg. Fare thee well. Exeunt 



Scena Quinta. 



Enter Gloucejier, and Edgar. 

Glou. When fhall I come to th'top of that fame hill ? 

Edg. You do climbe vp it now. Look how we labor. 

Glou. Me thinkes the ground is eeuen. 

Edg. Horrible fteepe. 
Hearke, do you heare the Sea f 

Qlou. No truly. 

Edg. Why then your other Senfes grow imperfedt 
By your eyes anguifh. 

Glou. So may it be indeed. 
Me thinkes thy voyce is alter'd, and thou fpeak'ft 
In better phrafe, and matter then thou did'ft. 

Edg. Y'are much deceiu'd : In nothing am I chang'd 
But in my Garments. 

Glou. Me thinkes y'are better fpoken. 

Edg. Come on Sir, 
Heere's the place : ftand ftill : how fearefull 
And dizie 'tis, to caft ones eyes fo low, 
The Crowes and Choughes, that wing the midway ayre 
Shew fcarfe fo groffe as Beetles. Halfe way downe 
Hangs one that gathers Sampire : dreadfull Trade : 
Me thinkes he feemes no bigger then his head. 
The Fifhermen, that walk'd vpon the beach 
Appeare like Mice : and yond tall Anchoring Barke, 
Diminifh'd to her Cocke : her Cocke, a Buoy 
Almoft too fmall for fight. The murmuring Surge, 
That on th'vnnumbred idle Pebble chafes 
Cannot be heard fo high. He looke no more, 
Leaft my braine turne, and the deficient fight 
Topple downe headlong. 

Glou Set me where you ftand. 



r. Ci, 



: your 



hand : 



You are now within a foote of th' extreme Verge : 
For all beneath the Moone would I not leape vpright. 

Glou. Let go my hand : 
Heere Friend's another purfe : in it, a Iewell 
Well worth a poore mans taking. Fayries, and Gods 
Profper it with thee. Go thou further off. 
Bid me farewell, and let me heare thee going. 

Edg. Now fare ye well, good Sir. 

Glou. With all my heart. 

Edg. Why I do trifle thus with his difpaire, 
Is done to cure it. 

Glou. O you mighty Gods ! 
This world I do renounce, and in your fights 

Shake 



The Tragedie of Kjng Lear. 



3°3 



Shake patiently my great affliction off: 

If I could beare it longer, and not fall 

To quarrell with your great oppofeleffe willes, 

My fnuffe, and loathed part of Nature fhould 

Burne it felfe out. If Edgar Hue, O blefle him : 

Now Fellow, fare thee well. 

Edg. Gone Sir, farewell : 
And yet I know not how conceit may rob 
The Treafury of life, when life it felfe 
Yeelds to the Theft. Had he bin where he thought, 
By this had thought bin paft. Aliue, or dead? 
Hoa, you Sir : Friend, heare you Sir, fpeake : 
Thus might he paffe indeed : yet he reuiues. 
What are you Sir ? 

Glou. Away, and let me dye. 

Edg. Had'ft thou beene ought 
But Gozemore, Feathers, Ayre, 
(So many fathome downe precipitating) 
Thou'dft fhiuer'd like an Egge : but thou do'ft breath : 
Haft heauy fubftance, bleed'ft not, fpeak'ft, art found, 
Ten Mails at each, make not the altitude 
Which thou haft perpendicularly fell, 
Thy life's a Myracle. Speake yet againe. 

Qlou. But haue I falne, or no ? 

Edg. From the dread Somnet of this Chalkie Bourne 
Looke vp a height, the flirill-gorg'd Larke fo farre 
Cannot be feene, or heard : Do but looke vp. 

Glou. Alacke, I haue no eyes : 
Is wretchedneffe depriu'd that benefit 
To end it felfe by death ? 'Twas yet fome com fort, | 
When mifery could beguile the Tyranrs rage, 
And fruftrate his proud will. 

Edg. Giue me your arme. 
Vp, fo : How is't ? Feele you your Legges? You ftand. 

Glou. Too well, too well. 

Edg. This is aboue all ftrangeneffe, 
Vpon the crowne o'th'Cliffe. What thing was that 
Which parted from you ? 

Glou. A poore vnfortunate Beggar. 

Edg. As I flood heere below, me thought his eyes 
Were two full Moones : he had a thoufand Nofes, 
Homes wealk'd, and waued like the enraged Sea: 
It was fome Fiend: Therefore thou happy Father, 
Thinke that the cleereft Gods, who make them Honors 
Of mens Impoffibilities, haue preferued thee. 

Glou. I do remember now : henceforth He beare 
Affliction, till it do cry out it felfe 
Enough, enough, and dye. That thing you fpeake of, 
I tooke it for a man : often 'twould fay 
The Fiend, the Fiend, he led me to that place. 

Edgar. Beare free and patient thoughts. 
Enter Lear. 
But who comes heere ? 
The fafer fenfe will ne're accommodate 
His Mafter thus. 

Lear. No, they cannot touch me for crying. I am the 
King himfelfe. 

Edg. O thou fide-piercing fight ! 

Lear. Nature's aboue Art, in that refpedt.Ther's your 
PrefTe-money.Tbat fellow handles his bow, like a Crow- 
keeper : draw mee a ( Cloathiers yard. Looke, looke, a 
Moufe : peace, peace, this peece of toafted Cheefe will 
doo't. There's my Gauntlet, He proue it on a Gyant. 
Bring vp the browne Billes. O well flowne Bird : i'th' 
clout, i'th'clout : Hewgh. Giue the word. 

Edg. Sweet Mariorum. 



Lear. Paffe. 

Glou. I know that voice. 

Lear. Ha ! Gonerill with a white beard ? They flatter'd 
me like a Dogge, and told mee I had the white hayres in 
my Beard, ere the blacke ones were there. To fay I, and 
no, to euery thing that I faid : I, and no too, was no good 
Diuinity. When the raine came to wet me once, and the 
winde to make me chatter: when the Thunder would not 
peace at my bidding, there I found 'em, there I fmelt 'em 
out. Go too, they are not men o'their words ; they told 
me, I was euery thing : 'Tis a Lye, I am not Agu-proofe. 

Glou. The tricke of that voyce, I do well remember : 
Is't not the King ? 

Lear. I, euery inch a King. 
When I do ftare, fee how the SubiecT: quakes. 
I pardon that mans life. What was thy caufe ? 
Adultery ? thou fhalt not dye : dye for Adultery ? 
No, the Wren goes too't, and the fmall gilded Fly 
Do's letcher in my fight. Let Copulation thriue : 
For Gloufters baftard Son was kinder to his Father, 
Then my Daughters got 'tweene the lawfull fheets. 
Too't Luxury pell-mell, for I lacke Souldiers. 
Behold yond fimpring Dame, whofe face betweene her 
Forkes prefages Snow; that minces Vertue,& do's fhake 
the head to heare of pleafures name. The Fitchew, nor 
the foyled Horfe goes too't with a more riotous appe- 
tite : Downe from the wafte they are Centaures, though 
Women all aboue : but to the Girdle do the Gods inhe- 
rit, beneath is all the Fiends. There's hell, there's darke- 
nes, there is the fulphurous pit; burning, fcalding, ftench, 
confumption : Fye,fie, fie ; pah, pah : Giue me an Ounce 
of Ciuet ; good Apothecary fweeten my immagination : 
There's money for thee. 

Glou. O let me kiffe that hand. 

Lear. Let me wipe it firft, 
It fmelles of Mortality. 

Glou. O ruin'd peece of Nature, this great world| 
Shall fo weare out to naught. 
Do'ft thou know me i 

Lear. I remember thine eyes well enough : doft thou 
fquiny at me ? No, doe thy worft blinde Cupid, He not 
loue. Reade thou this challenge, marke but the penning 
of it. 

Glou. Were all thy Letters Sunnes, I could not fee. 

Edg. I would not take this from report, 
It is, and my heart breakes at it. 

Lear. Read. 

Glou. What with the Cafe of eyes? 

Lear. Oh ho, are you there with me ? No eies in your 
head, nor no mony in your purfe ? Your eyes are in a hea- 
uy cafe, your purfe in a light, yet you fee how this world 
goes. 

Glou. I fee it feelingly. 

Lfar.What, art mad ? A man may fee how this world 
goes, with no eyes. Looke with thine eares : See how 
yond Iuftice railes vpon yond fimple theefe. Hearke in 
thine eare : Change places, and handy-dandy, which is 
the Iuftice, which is the theefe : Thou haft feene a Far- 
mers dogge barke at a Beggar ? 

Qlou. I Sir. 

Lear. And the Creature run from the Cur: there thou 
might'ft behold the great image of Authoritie, a Dogg's 
obey'd in Office. Thou, Rafcall Beadle, hold thy bloody 
hand : why doft thou lalh that Whore ? Strip thy owne 
backe, thou hotly lufts to vfe her in that kind, for which 
thou whip'ft her. The Vfurer hangs the Cozener. Tho- 
rough 



3°4 



The Tragedie of Kjng Lear. 



rough tatter' d cloathes great Vices do appeare : Robes, 
and Furr'd gownes hide all. Place finnes with Gold, and 
the ftrong Lance of Iuftice, hurtleffe breakes : Arme it in 
ragges, a Pigmies ftraw do's pierce it. None do's offend, 
none, I fay none, lie able 'em; take that of me my Friend, 
who haue the power to feale th'accufers lips. Get thee 
glaffe-eyes, and like a fcuruy Politician, feeme to fee the 
things thou doft not. Now, now, now, now. Pull off my 
Bootes : harder, harder, fo. 

Edg. O matter, and impertinency mixt, 
Reafon in Madneffe. 

Lear. If thou wilt weepe my Fortunes, take my eyes. 
I know thee well enough, thy name is Gloufter: 
Thou muft be patient ; we came crying hither: 
Thou know'ft, the firft time that we fmelltheAyre 
We wawle.and cry. I will preach to thee : Marke. 

Glou. Alacke,alacke the day. 

Lear. When we are borne, we cry that we are come 
To this great ftage of Fooles. This a good blocke: 
It were a delicate ftratagem to moo 
A Troope of Horfe with Felt : He put't in proofe, 
And when I haue ftolne vpon thefe Son in Lawes, 
Then kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill. 

Enter a Gentleman. 

Gent. Oh heere he is : lay hand vpon him, Sir. 
Your moft deere Daughter 

Lear. No refcuer What, a Prifoner? I am euen 
The Naturall Foole of Fortune. Vfe me well, 
You mail haue ranfome. Let me haue Surgeons, 
1 am cut to'th'Braines. 

Gent. You (hall haue any thing. 

Lear. No Seconds ? All my felfe? 
Why, this would make a man, a man of Salt 
To vfe his eyes for Garden water-pots. I wil die brauely, 
Like a fmugge Bridegroome. What? I will be Iouiall : 
Come, come, I am a King, Matters, know you that? 

Qent. You are a Royall one, and we obey you. 

Lear. Then there's life in't. Come, and you get it, 
You mail get it by running : Sa, fa,.fa, fa. Exit. 

Gent. A fight moft pittifull in the meaneft wretch, 
Paft fpeaking of in a King. Thou haft a Daughter 
Who redeemes Nature from the generall curfe 
Which twaine haue brought her to. 

Edg. Haile gentle Sir. 

Gent. Sir, fpeed you : what's your will ? 

Edg. Do you heare ought (Sir) of a Battell toward. 

Gent. Moft fure, and vulgar : 
Euery one heares that, which can diftinguifh found. 

Edg. But by your fauour : 
How neere's the other Army ? 

Gent. Neere,and on fpeedy foot : the maine defcry 
Stands on the hourely thought. 

Edg. I thanke you Sir, that's all. 

Gent. Though that the Queen on fpecial caufe is here 
Her Army is mou'd on. Exit. 

Sdg. I thanke you Sir. 

G/ou.Yoa euer gentle Gods, take my breath from me, 
Let not my worfer Spirit tempt me againe 
To dye before you pleafe. 

Edg. Well pray you Father. 

Glou. Now good fir, what are you ? 

Sdg. A moft poore man, made tame to Fortunes blows 
Who, by the Art of knowne,and feeling forrowes, 
Am pregnant to good pitty. Giue me your band, 
He leade you to fome biding, 

Glou. Heartie thankes : 



The bountie, and the benizon of Heauen 
To boot, and boot. 

Enter Steward. 

Stew. A proclaim'd prize : moft happie 
That eyeleffe head of thine, was firft fram'd flefti 
To raife my fortunes. Thou old, vnhappy Traitor, 
Breefely thy felfe remember : the Sword is out 
That muft deftroy thee. 

Glou. Now let thy friendly hand 
Put ftrength enough too't. 

Stem. Wherefore, bold Pezant, 
Dar'ft thou fupport a publi/h'd Traitor? Hence, 
Leaft that th'infection of his fortune take 
Like hold on thee. Let go his arme. 

Edg. Chill not let go Zir, 
Without vurther 'cafion. 

Stew. Let go Slaue, or thou dy'ft. 

Edg. Good Gentleman goe your gate, and let poore 
volke paffe : and 'chud ha' bin zwaggerd out of my life, 
'twould not ha'bin zo long as 'tis, by a vortnight. Nay, 
come not neere th'old man : keepe out che vor'ye, or ice 
try whither your Coftard, or my Ballow be the harder; 
chill be plaine with you. 

Stew. Out Dunghill. 

Edg. Chill picke your teeth Zir : come, no matter vor 
your foynes. 

Stew. Slaue thou haft flaine me:Villain, take my purfe; 
If euer thou wilt thriue, bury my bodie, 
And giue the Letters which thou find'ft about me, 
To Edmund Earle of Gloufter : feekehim out 
Vpon the Englifh party. Oh vntimely death, death. 

Edg. I know thee well. A feruiceable Villaine, 
As duteous to the vices of thy Miftris, 
As badneffe would defire. 

glou. What, is he dead ? 

Edg. Sit you downe Father : reft you. 
Let's fee theie Pockets ; the Letters that he fpeakes of 
May be my Friends : hee's dead ; I am onely forry 
He had no other Deathfman. Let vs fee : 
Leaue gentle waxe, and manners : blame vs not 
To know our enemies mindes, we rip their hearts, 
Their Papers is more lawfull. 

%eads the Letter. 

LEt our reciprocalt -uowes be remembred. You haue manie 
opportunities to cut him off: if 'your will want not, time and 
place will be fruitfully offered. There is nothing done. If bee 
returne the Conqueror, then am I the Prifoner, and his bed, my 
Gaole,from the loathed warmth whereof, deliuer me, and fup- 
p/y the place for your Labour. 

Tour ( Wife, fo I would fay) affeclio- 
nate Seruant . Gonerill. 
Oh indinguifiVd fpace of Womans will, 
! A plot vpon her vertuous Husbands life, 
| And the exchange my Brother : heere, in rhe fands 
I Thee He rake vp, the pofte vnfanftified 
Of murtherous Letchers : and in the mature time, 
With this vngracious paper ftrike the fight 
Of the death-praclis'd Duke: for him 'tis well, 
That of thy death, and bufineffe, I can tell. 

Glou. The King is mad : 
How ftiffe is my vilde fenfe 
That I ftand vp, and haue ingenious feeling 
Of my huge Sorrowes ? Better I were diftracl, 
So fhould my thoughts be feuer'd from my greefes, 

Drum afarre off. 
And woes, by wrong imaginations loofe 



The Tragedie of J^jng Lear. 



3°5 



The knowledge of themfelues. 
Edg. Giue me your hand ; 
Farre off methinkes I heare the beaten Drumme. 
Come Father, He beftow you with a Friend. Exeun 



Sccena Septima. 



Enter Cordelia, Kent • ,and\Gentleman. 

Cor. O thou good Kent, 
How ihall I liue and worke 
To match thy goodneffe ? 
My life will be too fliort, 
And euery meafure faile me. 

Kent. To be acknowledg'd Madam is ore-pai'd, 
All my reports go with the modeft truth, 
Nor more, nor dipt, but fo. 

Cor. Be better fuited, 
Thefe weedes are memories of thofe worfer houres : 
1 prvthee put them off. 

Kent. Pardon deere Madam, 
Yet to be knowne Ihortens my made intent, 
My boone I make it, that you know me not, 
Till time, and I,thinke meet. 

Cor. Then be't fo my good Lord: 
How do's the King f 

Gent. Madam fleepes ftill. 

Cor. O you kind Gods I 
Cure this great breach in his abufed Nature, 
Th'vntun'd and iarring fenfes,0 winde vp, 
Of this childe-changed Father. 

Gent. So pleafe your Maiefty, 
That we may wake the King, he hath flept long ? 

Cor. Be gouern'd by your knowledge, and proceede 
I'th'fway of your owne will : is he array'd ? 

Enter Lear in a chair e carried by Seruant s 

Gent. I Madam : in the heauinefle of fleepe, 
We put frefh garments on him. 
Be by good Madam when we do awake him, 
I doubt of his Temperance. 

Cor. O my deere Father, reftauratian hang 
Thy medicine on my lippes,and let this kiffe 
Repaire thofe violent harmes, that my two Sifters 
Haue in thy Reuerence made. 

Kent. Kind and deere Princeffe. 

Cor. Had you not bin their Father, thefe white flakes 
Did challenge pitty of them. Was this a face 
To be oppos'd againft the iarring windes? 
Mine Enemies dogge, though he had bit me, 
Should haue flood that night againft my fire, 
Andwas't thou i'aine (poore Father) 
To houell thee with Swineand Rogues forlorne, 
In fhort,and mufty ftraw? Alacke, alacke, 
'Tis wonder that thy life and wits, at once 
Had not concluded all. He wakes,fpeake to him. 

Gen. Madam do you, 'tis fitteft. 

Cor. How does my Royall Lord ? 
How fares your Maiefty ? 

. Lear. You do me wrong to take me out o'th'graue, 
Thou art a Soule in bliffe.but I am bound 



Vpon a wheele of fire, that mine owne teares 
Do fcal'd,like molten Lead. 

Cor. Sir, do you know me? 

Lear. You are a fpirit I know, where did you dye? 

Cor. Still, ftill, farre wide. 

Gen. He's fcarfe awake, 
Let him alone a while. 

Lear.. Where haue I bin? 
Where am I ? Faire day light ? 
I am mightily abus'd; I ftiould eu'n dye with pitty 
To fee another thus. I know not what to fay : 
I will not fweare thefe are my hands: let's fee, 
I feele this pin pricke, would I were affur'd 
Of my condition. 

Cor. O looke vpon me Sir, 
And hold your hand in benediflion o're me, 
You muft not kneele. 

Lear. Pray do not mocke me: 
I am a very foolilh fond old man, 
Fourefcore and vpward, 
Not an houre more, nor leffe : 
And to dealeplainely, 
I feare I am not in my perfeft mind. 
Me thinkes I fhould know you, and know this man, 
Yet I am doubtfull : Fori am mainely ignorant 
What place this is:and all the skill I haue 
Remembers not thefe garments : nor I know not 
Where I did lodge laft night. Do not laugh at me, 
For( as I am a man ) I thinke this Lady 
To be my childe Qordelia. 

Cor. And ib I am : I am. 

Lear. Be your teares wet ? 
Yes faith : 1 pray weepe not, 
If you haue poyfon for me, I will drinke it : 
I know you do not loue me, for your Sifters 
Haue (as I do remember) done me wrong. 
You haue fome caufe, they haue not. 

Cor. No caufe, no caufe. 

Lear. Am I in France? 

Kent. In your owne kingdome Sir. 

Lear. Do not abufe me. 

Gent . Be comforted good Madam , the great rage 
You fee is kill'd in him:defire him to go in, 
Trouble him no more till further letling. 

Cor. Wilt pleafe your Highneffe walke ? 

Lear. You muft beare with me : 
Pray you now forget, and forgiue, 
I am old and foolilh. Exeunt 



ABus Quintus. Scena Prima. 



Enter -with Drumme and Colours ,Edmind, Regan. 
Gentlemen, and Souldiers. 

?3aft. Know of the Duke if his laft pu -pofe hold, 
Or whether fince he is aduis'd by ought 
To change the courfe, he's full of alteration, 
And felfereprouing, bring his conftant pleafure. 

Reg. Our Sifters man is certainely mifcarried. 

Baft. 'Tis to be doubted Madam. 

Reg. Now fweet Lord, 

f f You 



306 



The Tragedte of I\jng Lear. 



You know the goodneffe I intend vpon you : 
Tell me but truly, but then fpeake the truth, 
Do you not loue my Sifter ? 

'Baft. In honour' d Loue. 

R,eg. But haue you neuer found my Brothers way, 
To the fore- fended place? 

Baft. No by mine honour, Madam. 

Rjg. I neuer mall endure her, deere my Lord 
Be n ot familiar with her. 

'Baft. Feare not, me and the Duke her husband. 

Enter with Drum and Qolours, Albany, Gonerill, Soldiers. 

Alb. Our very louing Sifter, well be-met : 
Sir, this I heard, the King is come to his Daughter 
With others, whom the rigour of our State 
Forc'd to cry out. 

Regan. Why is this reafond ? 

Gone. Combine together 'gainft the Enemie : 
For thefe domefticke and particurlar broiles, 
Are not the queftion heere. 

Alb. Let's then determine with th'ancient of warre 
On our proceeding. 

%eg. Sifter you'le go with vs ? 

Gon. No. 

'Reg. 'Tis moft conuenient,pray go with vs. 

Gon. Oh ho, I know the Riddle, 1 will goe. 

Exeunt both the Armies. 

Enter Edgar. 

Edg.lfere your Grace had fpeech with man fo poore, 
Heare me one word. 

Alb. lie ouertake you, fpeake. 

Sdg. Before you fight the Battaile, ope this Letter: 
If you haue vi£tory,let the Trumpet found 
For him that brought it:wretched though Ifeeme, 
I can produce a Champion, that will proue 
What is auouched there. If you mifcarry, 
Your bufineffe of the world hath fo an end, 
And machination ceafes. Fortune loues you. 

sAlb. Stay till I haue read the Letter. 

Edg. I was forbid it : 
When time ftiall ferue,let but ;he Herald cry, 
And He appeare againe. Exit. 

Alb. Why farethee well, I will o're-looke thy paper. 

Enter Edmund. 

Baft. The Enemy's in view, draw vp your powers, 
Heere is the gueffe of their true ftrength and Forces, 
By dilligent difcouerie, but your haft 
Is now vrg'd on you. 

Alb. We will greet the time. Exit. 

'Baft. To both thefe Sifters haue I fworne my loue: 
Each iealous of the other, as the ftung 
Are of the Adder. Which of them mall I take ? 
Both ? One f Or neither .'Neither can be enioy'd 
It both remaine aliue : To take the Widdow, 
Exafperates, makes mad her Sifter Gonerill, 
And hardly lhall I carry out my fide, 
Her husband being aliue. Now then, wee'l vfe 
His countenance for the Battaile, which being done, 
Let her who would be rid of him,deuife 
His fpeedy taking off". As for the mercie 
Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia, 
The Battaile done, and they within our power, 



Shall neuer fee his pardon : for my ftate, 
Stands on me to defend, not to debate. 



Scena Secunda. 



Alarum within. Enter "with Drumme and Colours, hear , 
Qordelia,and Souldiers,ouer the Stage, and Exeunt. 

Enter Edgar , and Glofter . 

Edg. H eere Father, take the fhadow of this Tree 
For your good hoaft : pray that the right may thriue : 
If euer I returne to you againe, 
lie bring you comfort. 

Glo. Grace go with you Sir. Exit. 

Alarum and Retreat within. 
Enter Edgar. 

Egdar. Away old man,giue me thy hand, away : 
King Lear hath loft, he and his Daughter tane, 
Giue me thy hand .• Come on. 

Glo. No further Sir,a man may rot euen heere. 

Edg. What in ill thoughts againe i 
Men muft endure 

Their going hence, euen as their comming hither, 
Ripeneffe is all come on. 

Glo. And that's true too. Exeunt. 



Scena Terti 



Enter in conqueft with Drum and Colours , Edmund, Lear, 
and Cordelia, as prijoners , Souldiers, Captaine. 

Baft. Some Officers take them away: good guard, 
Vntill their greater pleafures firft be knowne 
That are to cenfure them. 

Cor. We are not the firft, 
Who with beft meaning haue incurr'd the worft : 
For thee oppreffed King I am caft downe, 
My felfe could elfe out-frowne falfe Fortunes frowne. 
Shall we not fee thefe Daughters, and thefe Sifters? 
Lear. No, no, no, no: come let's away to prifon, 
We two alone will fing like Birds i'th'Cage ; 
When thou doft aske me bleffing, lie kneele downe 
And aske of thee forgiueneffe : So wee'l Hue, 
And pray,and fing,and tell old tales, and laugh 
At gilded Butterflies : and heere (poore Rogues) 
Talke of Court newes,and wee'l talke with them too, 
Who loofes,and who wins; who's in, who's out; 
And take vpon's the myftery of things, 
As if we were Gods fpies : And wee'l weare out 
In a wall'd prifon, packs and feels of great ones, 
That ebbe and flow by th'Moone. 

Baft. Take them away. 

Lear. Vpon fuch facrifices my Cordelia, 
The Gods them.felues throw Incenfe. 
Haue I caught thee? 

He that parts vs,ftiall bring a Brand from Heauen, 
And fire vs hence, like Foxes:wipe thine eyes, 
The good yeares mall deuoure them,flefti and fell, 



The Tragedie ofl^ing Lear. 



3°7 



Ere they (hall make vs weepe ? 

Weele fee e'm ftaru'd firft : come. Exit. 

'Baft. Come hither Captaine,hearke. 
Take thou this note, go follow them to prifon, 
One ftep I haue aduanc'd thee, if thou do'ft 
As this inftru&s thee, thou doft make thy way 
To Noble Fortunes : know thou this, that men 
Are as the time is; to be tender minded 
Do's not become a Sword, thy great imployment 
Will not beare queftiomeither fay thou'lt do't, 
Or thriue by other meanes. 

Capt. lie do't my Lord. 

Bafi. About it,and write happy, when th'haft done, 
Marke I fay inftantly, and carry it fo 
As I haue let it downe. Exit Captaine. 

Flourijh. Enter Albany , Gonerill, Regan, Soldiers. 

Alb. Sir, you haue fhew'd to day your valiant ftraine 
And Fortune led you well : you haue the Captiues 
Who were the oppofites of this dayes ftrife: 
1 do require them of you fo to vfe them, 
As we mall find their merites,and our fafety 
May equally determine. 

Bafi. Sir, I thought it fit, 
To fend the old and miferable King to fome retention, 
Whofe age had Charmes in it, whofe Title more, 
To plucke the common bofome on his fide, 
And turne our impreft Launces in our eies 
Which do command them. With him I fent the Queen: 
My reafon all the fame, and they are ready 
To morrow, or at further fpace, t'appeare 
Where you mall hold your Seffion. 

Alb. Sir, by your patience, 
I hold you but a fubiecl: of this Warre, 
Not as a Brother. 

Reg. That's as we lift to grace him. 
Methinkes our pleafure might haue bin demanded 
Ere you had fpoke fo farre. He led our Powers, 
Bore the Commiflion of my place and perfon, 
The which immediacie may well ftand vp, 
And call it felfe your Brother. 

Qon. Not fo hot : 
In his owne grace he doth exalt himfelfe, 
More then in your addition. 

Reg. In my rights, 
By me inuefted, he compeeres the beft. 

Alb. That were the moft, if he mould husband you. 

Reg. Iefters do oft proue Prophets. 

Gon. Hola,hola, 
That eye that told you fo,look'd but a fquint. 

Rega. Lady I am not well, elfe I mould anfwere 
From a full flowing ftomack. Generall, 
Take thou my Souldiers,prifoners, patrimony, 
Difpofe of them, of me, the walls is thine: 
Witnefle the world, that I create thee heere 
My Lord,and Matter. 

Gon. Meane you to enioy him ? 

Alb. The let alone lies not in your good will. 

Bafi. Nor in thine Lord. 

Alb. Halfe-blooded fellow,yes. 

Reg. Let the Drum ftrike,and proue my title thine. 

Alb. Stay yet,heare reafon : Edmund, I arreft thee 
On capitall Treafon ; and in thy arreft, 
This guilded Serpent : for your claime faire Sifters, 
I bare it in the intereft of my wife, 



'Tis ftie is fub-contrafted to this Lord, 
And I her husband contradict your Banes. 
If you will marry, make your loues to me, 
My Lady is befpoke. 

Gon. An enterlude. 

Alb. Thou art armed Glofter, 
Let the Trmpet found : 
If none appeare to proue vpon thy perfon, 
Thy heynous,manifeft, and many Treafons, 
There is my pledge : He make it on thy heart 
Ere I tafte bread, thou art in nothing lefle 
Then I haue heere proclaim'd thee. 

Reg. Sicke,0 ficke. 

Gon. If not, He nere truft medicine. 

'Baft. There's my exchange, what in the world hes 
That names me Traitor, villain-like he lies, 
Call by the Trumpet: he that dares approach; 
On him, on you, who not, I will maintaine 
My truth and honor firmely. 

Enter a Herald. 

Alb. A Herald, ho. 
Truft to thy hngle vertue, for thy Souldiers 
All leuied in my name, haue in my name 
Tooke their difcharge. 

Regan. My fickneffe growes vpon me. 

Alb. She is not well, conuey her to my Tent. 
Come hither Herald,let the Trumper found, 
And read out this. A Tumpet founds. 

Herald reads. 

IF any man of qualitie or degree, -within the lifts of the Ar- 
my, mil maintaine -upon Edmund, fuppofed Earle of Glofter, 
that he is a manifold Traitor, let him appeare by the third 
found of the Trumpet : be is bold in his defence. I Trumpet- 
Her. Againe. 2 Trumpet. 

Her. Againe. 3 Trumpet. 

Trumpet anfaers within. 

Enter Edgar armed. 

Alb. Aske him his purpofes,why he appeares 
Vpon this Call o'th'Trumpet. 

Her. What are you ? 
Your name, your quality, and why you anfwer 
This prefent Summons? 

Sdg. Know my name is loft 
By Treafons tooth : bare-gnawne,and Canker-bit, 
Yet am I Noble as the Aduerfary 
I come to cope. 

*Alb. Which is that Aduerfary ? 

.E^g-.Wbat's he that fpeakes for Edmund Earle of GIG- 
'S^. Himfelfe, what faift thou to him f (fter ? 
Edg. Draw thy Sword, 
That if my fpeech offend a Noble heart, 
Thy arme may do thee Iuftice, heere is mine : 
Behold it is my priuiledge, 
The priuiledge of mine Honours, 
My oath, and my profefiion. I proteft, 
Maugre thy ftrength, place, youth, and eminence, 
Defpife thy victor-Sword, and fire new Fortune, 
Thy valor, and thy heart, thou art a Traitor : 
Falfe to thy Gods, thy Brother, and thy Father, 
Confpirant 'gainft this high illuftirous Prince, 
And from th'extremeft vpward of thy head, 
To the difcent and duft below thy foote, 

ffz A 



3» 



The Tragedie of Kjng Lear. 



A moft Toad-fpotted Traitor. Say thou no, 
This Sword, this arme, and my beft fpirits are bent 
To proue vpon thy heart, whereto I fpeake, 
Thou lyeft. 

'Baft. In wifedome I mould aske thy name, 
But fince thy out-fide lookes fo faire and Warlike, 
And that thy tongue(fome Fay) of breeding breathes, 
What fafe,and nicely I might well delay, 
By rule of Knight-hood, I difdaine and fpurne; 
Backe do I tofTe thefe Treafons to thy head, 
With the hell-hated Lye,ore-whelme thy heart, 
Which for they yet glance by, and fcarely bruife, 
This Sword of mine mall giue them inftant way, 
Where they ihall reft for euer. Trumpets fpeake. 

Alb. Saue him,faue him. Alarums. Fights. 

Gon. This is praftife Glofter, 
By th'law of Warre,thou waft not bound to anfwer 
An vnknowne oppofue.-thcu art not vanquifh'd, 
But cozend,and be guild. 

Alb. Shut your mouth Dame, 
Or with this paper mall I ftop it : hold Sir, 
Thou worfe then any name,reade thine owne euill : 
No tearing Lady, I perceiue you know it. 

Gon. Say if I do, the I awes are mine not thine, 
Who can araigne me for't? Exit. 

Alb. Moft: monftrous j O, know'ft thou this paper? 

'Baft. Aske me not what I know. 

Alb. Go after her, ftie's defperate,gouerne her. 

'Baft. What you haue charg'd me with, 
That haue I done, 

And more, much more, the time will bring it out. 
'Tis paft,and fo am I : But what art thou 
That haft this Fortune on me? If thou'rt Noble, 
I do forgiue thee. 

Edg. Let's exchange charity: 
I am no leffe in blood then thou art Edmond, 
If more, the more th'haft wrong' d me. 
My name is Edgar and thy Fathers Sonne, 
The Gods are iuft,and of our pleafant vices 
Make inftruments to plague vs : 
The darke and vitious place where thee he got, 
Coft him his eyes. 

"Baft. Th'haft fpoken right, 'tis true, 
The Wheele is come full circle, I am heere. 

Alb. Me thought thy very gate did prophefie 
A Royall Nobleneffe : I muft embrace thee, 
Let forrow fplit my heart, if euer I 
Did hate thee, or thy Father. 

Edg. Worthy Prince I know't. 

Alb. Where haue you hid your felfe ? 
How haue you knowne the mlferies of your Father? 

Edg. By nurfing them my Lord. Lift a breefe tale, 
And when 'tis told, O that my heart would burft. 
The bloody proclamation to efcape 
That follow'd me fo neere,(0 our liues fweetneffe, 
That we the paine of death would hourely dye, 
Rather then die at once) taught me to fhift 
Into a mad-mans rags,t'affume a femblance 
That very Dogges difdain'd : and in this habit 
Met I my Father with his bleeding Rings , 
Their precious Stones new loft .'became his guide, 
Led him,begg'd for him,fau'd him from difpaire. 
Neuer(0 fault )reueal'd my felfe vnto him, 
Vntill fome halfe houre pad when I was arm'd, 
Not fure, though hoping of this good fucceffe, 
I ask'd his blefiing,and from firft to laft 



Told him our pilgrimage. But his flaw'd heart 
(Alacke too weake the conflict to fupport) 
Twixt two extremes of paffion, ioy and greefe, 
Burft fmilingly. 

'Bail. This fpeech of yours hath mou'd me, 
And inall perchance do good, but fpeake you on, 
You looke as you had fomething more to fay. 

Alb. If there be more, more wofull,hold it in, 
For I am almoft ready to diffolue, 
Hearing of this. 

Enter a Gentleman, 

Gen. Helpe,helpe : O helpe. 

Edg. What kinde of helpe ? 

Alb. Speake man. 

Edg. What meanes this bloody Knife ? 

Gen. 'Tis hot, it fmoakes, it came euen from the heart 
of O fhe's dead. 

tAlb. Who dead ? Speake man. 

Gen. Your Lady Sir,your Lady; and her Sifter 
By her is poyfon'd : ihe confeffes it. 

Baft. I was contracted to them both, all three 
Now marry in an inftant. 

Edg. Here comes Kent. 

Enter Kent. 

Alb. Produce the bodies, be they aliue or dead ; 

Gonerill and Regans bodiesbrongbt out. 
This Judgement of the Heauens that makes vs tremble. 
Touches vs not with pitty: O ,is this he ? 
The time will not allow the complement 
Which very manners vrges. 

Kent. I am come 
To bid my King and Mafter aye good night. 
Is he not here ? 

Alb. Great thing of vs forgot, 
Speake Edmund, where's the King /and where'Sj Cordelia? 
Seeft thou this obiect Kent ? 

Kent. Alacke, why thus f 

Baft. Yet Edmund was belou'd : 
The one the other poifon'd for my fake, 
And after flew herfelfe.i 

Alb. Euen fo:couer their faces. 

Baft. Ipant for life : fome good I meane to do 
Defpight of mine owne Nature. Quickly fend, 
(Be briefe in it) to'th'Caftle,for my Writ 
Is on the life of Le ar, and on Cordelia: 
Nay, fend in time. 

Alb. Run,run,0 run. 

Edg. To who my Lord ? Who ha's the Office ? 
Send thy token of repreeue. 

'BaB. Well thought on, take my Sword, 
Giue it the Captaine. 

Edg. Haft thee for thy life. 

Baft. He hath Commiffion from thy Wife and me, 
To hang Cordelia in the prifon, and 
To lay the blame vpon her owne difpaire, 
That ihe for-did her felfe. 

Alb. The Gods defend her,beare him hence awhile. 

Entor hear -with Cordelia in hu armes. 
Lear.Hovi\e, howle,howle: O your are men of ftones, 
Had I your tongues and eyes, Il'd vfe them fo, 
That Heauens vault ftiould crack : fhe's gone for euer. 
I know when one is dead, and when one liues, 
She's dead as earth : Lend me a Looking-glafle, 

79* ~~ 



The Tragedie of Kjng Lear. 309 


If that her breath will mift or ftaine the ftone, 


That we prefent vs to him. 


Why then (he liues. 




Kent. Is this the promis'd end ? 


Enter a Mejfenger. 


Edg. Or image of that horror. 
Alb. Fall and ceafe. 


Edg. Very bootleffe. 


vZMeJf. Edmund is dead my Lord. 


Lear. This feather ftirs, /he liues: if it be fo, 


Alb. That's but a trifle heere : 


It is a chance which do's redeeme all forrowes 


You Lords and Noble Friends, know our intent, 


That euer I haue felt. 


What comfort to this great decay may come, 


Kent. O my ^ood Matter. 


Shall be appli'd. For vs we will refigne, 


Lear. Prythee away. 


During the life of this old Maiefty 


Edg. 'Tis Noble Kent your Friend. 


To him our abfolute power, you to your rights, 


Lear. A plague vpon you Murderers, Traitors all, 


With boote,and fuch addition as your Honours 


I might haue fau'd her, now me's gone for euer : 


Haue more then merited. All Friends mall 


Cordelia, Cordelia, ftay a little. Ha : 


Tafte the wages of their vertue, and all Foes 


What is't thou faift ? Her voice was euer foft, 


The cup of their deferuings : O ke,{ee. 


Gentle, and low, an excellent thing in woman. 


Lear. And my poore Foole is hang'd: no,no, no life? 


I kill'd the Slaue that was a hanging thee. 


Why would a Dog, a Horfe, a Rat haue life, 


Gent. 'Tis true (my Lords )he did. 


And thou no breath at all ? Thou'lt come no more, 


Lear. Did I not fellow ? 


Neuer, neuer, neuer, neuer, neuer. 


I haue feene the day, with my good biting Faulchion 


Pray you vndo this Button. Thanke you Sir, 


I would haue made him skip : I am old now, 


Do you fee this/ Looke on her? Looke her lips, 


And thefe fame croffes fpoile me. Who are you ? 


Looke there, looke there. He dies. 


Mine eyes are not o'th'beft, He tell you ftraight. 


Edg. He faints, my Lord, my Lord. 


Kent. If Fortune brag of two,flie lou'd and hated, 


Kent. Breake heart, I prythee breake. 


One of them we behold. 


Sdg. Looke vp my Lord. 


Lear. This is a dull fight, are you not Kent ? 


Kent. Vex not his ghoft, O let him paffe, he hates him, 


' Kent. The fame : your Seruant Kent, 


That would vpon the wracke of this tough world 


Where is your Seruant Cairn ? 


Stretch him out longer. 


Lear. He's a good fellow, I can tell you that, 


Edg. He is gon indeed. 


He'le ftrike and quickly too, he's dead and rotten. 


Kent. The wonder is, he hath endur'd fo long, 


Kent. No my good Lord, I am the very man. 


He but vfurpt his life. 


Lear. He fee that ftraight. 


Alb. Beare them from hence, our prefent bufineffe 


Kent. That from your firft of difference and decay, 


Is generall woe : Friends of my foule, you twaine, 


Haue follow'd your fad fteps. 


Rule in this Realme,and the gor'd ftate fuftaine. 


Lear. Your are welcome hither. 


Kent . I haue a iourney Sir, ftiortly to go, 


Kent. Nor no man elfe : 


My Mafter calls me, I muft not fay no. 


All's cheerleffe, darke, and deadly, 


Edg. The waight of this fad time we muft obey, 


Your eldeft Daughters haue fore-done themfelues, 


Speake what we feele, not what we ought to fay : 


And defperately are dead 


The oldeft hath borne moft, we that are yong, 


Lear. I fo I thinke. 


Shall neuer fee fo much, nor liue fo long. 


Alb. He knowes not what he faies,and vaine is it 


Exeunt with a dead March . 
ff 3 


FIN IS. 




■ 

1 



3io 



The T rage die of Othello 




THETRAGEDIEOF 

Othello, the Moore of Venice. 



zABus Primus. Sccena 'Prima. 



Enter Rodorigo , and Iago . 

Rodorigo. 
Euer tell me, I take it much vnkindly 
That thou [Iago) who haft had my purfe, 
As if y fixings were thine, fliould'ft know of this. 
la. But you'l not heareme. If euer I did dream 
Of fuch a matter, abhorre me. 

Rodo. Thou told'ft me, 
Thou did'ft hold him in thy hate. 

Iago. Defpife me 
If I do not. Three Great-ones of the Cittie, 
(In perfonall fuite to make me his Lieutenant) 
Off-capt to him : and by the faith of man 
I know my price, I am worth no worfle a place. 
But he (as louing his owne pride, and purpofes) 
Euades them, with a bumbaft Circumftance, 
Horribly ftufft with Epithites of warre, 
Non-fuites my Mediators. For certes, faies he, 
I haue already chofe my Officer. And what was he ? 
For-footh,a great Arithmatician, 
One Michael! Cajfw, a Florentine, 
(A Fellow almoft damn'd in a faire Wife) 
That neuer fet a Squadron in the Field, 
Nor the deuifion of a Battaile knowes 
More then a Spinfter. Vnleffe the Bookifti Theoricke : 
Wherein the Tongued Confuls can propofe 
As Mafterly as he. Meere pratle (without pradtife) 
Is all his Souldierihip. But he (Sir) had th'elecTJon; 
And I ( of whom his eies had feene the proofe 
At Rhodes, at Ciprus,and on others grounds 
Chriften'd,and Heathen)muft be be-leed, and calm'd 
By Debitor, and Creditor. This Counter-cafter, 
He (in good time) muft his Lieutenant be, 
And I (blefle the marke) his Moore/hips Auntient. 

Rod. By heauen,I rather would haue bin his hangman. 

Iago. Why, there's no remedie. 
'Tis the curffe of Seruice; 
Preferment goes by Letter, and affection, 
And not by old gradation, where each fecond 
Stood Heire to'th firft. Now Sir, be iudge your felfe, 
Whether I in any iuft terme am Affin'd 
To loue the Moore? 

Rod. I would not follow him then. 

Iago. O Sir content you. 
I follow him, to ferue my turne vpon him. 
We cannot all be Mafters, nor all Mafters 



Cannot be truely follow'd. You mall marke 

Many a dutious and knee-crooking knaue; 

That (doting on his owne obfequious bondage) 

Weares out his time, much like his Mafters Affe, 

For naught but Prouender, & when he's old Cafheer'd. 

Whip me fuch honeft knaues. Others there are 

Who trym'd in Formes, and vifages of Dutie, 

Keepe yet their hearts attending on themfelues, 

And throwing but mowes of Seruice on their Lords 

Doe well thriue by them. 

And when they haue lin'd their Coatea 

Doe themfelues Homage. 

Thefe Fellowes haue fome foule, 

And fuch a one do I profeffe my felfe. For (Sir) 

It is as fure as you are Rodorigo, 

Were I the Moore, I would not be Iago : 

In following him, I follow but my felfe. 

Heauen is my Iudge, not I for loue and dutie, 

But feeming fo, for my peculiar end : 

For when my outward Action doth demonftrate 

The natiue aft, and figure of my heart 

In Complement externe, 'tis not long after 

But I will weare my heart vpon my fleeue 

For Dawes to pecke at ; I am not what I am. 

Rod. What a fall Fortune do's the Thicks-lips owe 
If he can carry't thus ? 

Iago. Call vp her Father : 
Rowfe him, make after him, poyfon his delight, 
Proclaime him in the Streets. Incenfe her kinfmen, 
And though he in a fertile Clymate dwell, 
Plague him with Flies : though that his Ioy be Ioy, 
Yet throw fuch chances of vexation on't, 
As it may loofe fome colour. 

Rodo. Heere is her Fathers houfe, He call aloud. 

Iago. Doe, with like timerous accent, and dire yell, 
As when (by Night and Negligence ) the Fire 
Is fpied in populus Citties. 

Rodo. What hoa : "Brabantio, Siginor Brabantio, hoa. 

Iago. Awake: what hoa, 'Brabantio : Theeues, Theeues. 
Looke to your houfe, your daughter, and your Bags, 
Theeues, Theeues. 

Bra. Aboue. What is the reafon of this terrible 
Summons ? What is the matter there ? 

Rodo. Signior is all your Familie within ? 

Iago. Are your Doores lock'd ? 

Bra. Why ? Wherefore ask you this ? 

Iago. Sir, y'are rob'd, for fhame put on your Gowne, 

Your 



the SVLoore of Venice. 



:u 



Your heart is burft, you haue loft halfe your foule 
Euen now, now, very now, an old blacke Ram 
Is tupping your white Ewe. Arife, arife, 
Awake the fnorting Cittizens with the Bell, 
Or elfe the deuill will make a Grand-fire of you. 
Arife I fay. 

'Bra. What, haue you loft your wits? 

Rod. Moft reuerend Signior, do you know my voice? 

Bra. Not I : what are you ? 

Rod. My name is Rodorigo. 

'Bra. The worffer welcome : 
I haue charg'd thee not to haunt about my doores: 
In honeft plaineneffe thou haft heard me fay, 
My Daughter is not for thee. And now in madneffe 
(Being full of Supper, and diftempring draughtes) 
Vpon malitious knauerie, doft thou come 
To ftart my quiet. 

Rod. Sir,Sir, Sir. 

'Bra. But thou muft needs be fure, 
My fpirits and my place haue in their power 
To make this bitter to thee. 

'Rodo, Patience good Sir. 

'Bra. What tell'ft thou me of Robbing ? 
This is Venice : my houfe is not a Grange. 

Rodo. Moft graue "Brabantio, 
In fimple and pure foule, I come to you. 

la. Sir :you are one of thofe that will not ferue God, 
if the deuill bid you. Becaufe we come to do you feruice, 
and you thinke we are Ruffians, you'le haue your Daugh- 
ter couer'd with a Barbary horfe, you'le haue your Ne- 
phewes neigh to you, you'le haue Courfers for Cozens : 
and Gennets for Germaines. 

'Bra. What prophane wretch art thou ? 

la. I am one Sir, that comes to tell you, your Daugh- 
ter and the Moore,are making the Beaft with two backs. 

Bra. Thou art a Villaine. 

lago. You are a Senator. 

Bra. This thou lhalt anfwere . I know thee Rodorigo. 

Rjd. Sir, I will anfwere any thing. But I befeech you 
Ift be your pleafure, and moft wife confent, 
( As partly I find it is ) that your faire Daughter, 
At this odde Euen and dull watch o'th'night 
Tranfported with no worfe nor better guard, 
But with a knaue of common hire, a Gundelier, 
To the groffe clafpes of a Lafciuious Moore : 
If this be knowne to you, and your Allowance, 
We then haue done you bold, and faucie wrongs. . 
But if you know not this, my Manners tell me, 
We haue your wrong rebuke. Do not beleeue 
That from the fence of all Ciuilitie, 
I thus would play and trifle with your Reuerence. 
Your Daughter (if you haue not giuen her leaue) 
I fay againe,hath made a groffe reuolt, 
Tying her Dutie,Beautie, Wit,and Fortunes 
In an extrauagant,and wheeling Stranger, 
Of here, and euery where : ftraight fatisfie your felfe. 
If fire be in her Chamber, or your houfe, 
Let loofe on me the Iuftice of the State 
For thus deluding you. 

Bra. Strike on the Tinder, hoa : 
Giue me a Taper : call vp all my people, 
This Accident is not vnlike mydreame, 
Beleefe of it oppreffes me alreadie. 
Light, I fay, light. Exit. 

lag. Farewell: for I muft leaue you. 
It feemes not meete, nor wholefome to my place 



To be produfted, (as if I ftay, I fhall,) 

Againft the Moore. For I do know the State, 

('How euer this may gall him with fome checke) 

Cannot with fafetie caft-him. For he's embark'd 

With fuch loud reafon to the Cyprus Warres, 

(Which euen now ftands in Adt)that for their foules 

Another of his Fadome,they haue none, 

To lead their BufinefTe. In which regard, 

Though I do hate him as I do hell apines, 

Yet, for neceffitie of prefent life, 

I muft fhow out a Flag, and figne ofLoue, 

(Which is indeed but figne)that you fhal furely find him 

Lead to the Sagitary the raifed Search: 

And there will I be with him. So farewell. Sxit. 

Enter c Brabantio,with Seruants and Torches. 

'Bra. It is too true an euill. Gone fhe is, 
And what's to come of my defpifed time, 
Is naught but bitterneffe. Now Rodorigo, 
Where didft thou fee her ? (Oh vnhappie Girle) 
With the Moore faift thou? (Who would be a Father?) 
How didft thou know 'twas fhe? (Oh fhe deceaues me 
Part thought:) what faid fhe to you ? Get moe Tapers : 
Raife all my Kindred. Are they married thinke you ? 

Rodo. Truely I thinke they are. 

'Bra. Oh Heauen : how got fhe out ? 
Oh treafon of the blood. 

Fathers, from hence truft not your Daughters minds 
By what you fee them aft. Is there not Charmes, 
By which the propertie of Youth, and Maidhood 
May be abus'd ? Haue you not read Rodorigo, 
Of fome fuch thing? 

Rod. Yes Sir : I haue indeed. 

'Bra. Call vp my Brother : oh would you had had her. 
Some one way, fome another. Doe you know 
Where we may apprehend her, and the Moore ? 

Rod. I thinke I can difcouer him, if you pleafe 
To get good Guard, and go along with me. 

Bra. Pray you lead on. At euery houfe lie call, 
(I may command at moft)get Weapons (hoa) 
And raife fome fpeciall Officers of might : 
On good Rodorigo, I will deferue your paines. Exeunt. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Othello, lago, Attendants , with Torches. 

la. Though in the trade of Warre I haue flaine men, 
Yet do I hold it very ftuffe o'th'confcience 
To do no contriu'd Murder : I lacke Iniquitie 
S ometime to do me feruice. Nine, or ten times 
I had thought t'haue yerk'd him here vnder the Ribbes. 

Othello. 'Tis better as it is. 

Iago. Nay but he prated, 
And fpoke fuch fcuruy, and prouoking termes 
Againft your Honor, that with the little godlineffe I haue 
I did full hard forbeare him. But I pray you Sir, 
Are you faft married ? Be affur'd of this, 
That the Magnifico is much belou'd, 
And hath in his effecT: a voice potentiall 
As double as the Dukes : He willdiuorce you. 
Or put vpon you, what reftraint or greeuance, 

The 



3 I2 



The Tragedie of Othello 



The Law (with all his might, to enforce it oft) 
Will giue him Cable. 

Oihel. Let him do his fpight; 
My Seruices, which I haue done the Signorie 
Shall out-tongue his Complaints. 'Tis yet to know, 
Which when 1 know,that boafting is an Honour, 
I mall promulgate. I fetch my life and being. 
From Men of Royall Seige. And my dementes 
May fpeake ( vnbonnetted)to as proud a Fortune 
As this that 1 haue reach'd. i For know Iago, 
But that I loue the gentle Defdemona, 
I would not my vnhoufed free condition 
Put into Circumfcription,and Confine, 
For the Seas worth. But looke, what Lights come yond? 

Enter CaJJio, with Torches. 
Iago. Thofe are the raifed Father, and his Friends : 
You were beft go in. 

Othel. Not I : I muff, be found. 
My Parts, my Title, and my perfect Soule 
I Shall manifeft me rightly. Is it they ? 
Iago. By Ianui,l thinke no. 
Othel. The Seruants of the Dukes? 
i And my Lieutenant ? 

! The goodneffe of the Night vpon you (Friends) 
What is the Newes ? 

Caffio. The Duke do's greet you (Generall ) 
And he requires your hafte,Poft-hafte appearance, 
Enen on the infhnt. 

Othello. What is the matter, thinke you? 
Caffio. Something from Cyprus, as I may diuine : 
It is a bufinefle of fome heate. The Gallies 
Haue fent a dozen fequent MefTengers 
This very night, at one anothers heeles : 
And many of the Confu!s,rais'd and met, 
Are at the Dukes already. You haue bin hotly calFd for, 
| When being not at your Lodging to be found, 
| The Senate hath fent about three feuerall Ouefts, 
To fearch you out. 

Othel. 'Tis well I am found by you : 
| I will but fpend a word here in the houfe, 
And goe with you. 

Caffio. Aunciant, what makes he heere? 
Iago. Faith, he to night hath boarded a Land Carraft, 
If it proue lawfull prize, he's made for euer. 
Caffio. I do not vnderftand. 
Iago. He's married. 
CaJJio. To who? 

Iago. Marry to Come Captaine, will you go? 

Othel. Haue with you. 

CaJJio. Here come sanother Troope to feeke for you. 

Enter Tirabantio ,Rodorigo,nith Officers,and 'Torches. 

Iago. It is Brabantio-.GenerM be aduis'd, 
He comes to bad intent. 

Othello. Holla, ftand there. 

Bodo. Signior, it is the Moore. 

•"Bra. Downe with him, Theefe. 

Iago. You, Rodorigo, come Sir, I am for you. 

Oihe. Keepe vp your bright Swords, for theidew will 
ruft them. Good Signior, you mallimore command with 
yeares, then with your Weapons. 

'Bra. Oh thou foule Theefe, 
Where haft thou ftow'd my Daughter? 
Damn'd as thou art, thou haft enchaunted her 



For He referre me to all things of fenfe, 
(If me in Chaines of Magick we re not bound) 
Whether a Maid, fo tender, Faire, and Happie, 
So oppofite to Marriage, that fhe ftiun'd 
The wealthy curled Deareling of our Nation, 
Would euer haue (t'encurre a generall mocke) 
Run from her Guardageto the footie bofome, 
Offuch a thing as thou: to feare, not to delight? 
Iudge me the world, if'tis not groffe in fenfe, 
That thou haft praftis'd on her with foule Charmes, 
Abus'd her delicate Youth, with Drugs or Minerals, 
That weakens Motion. He haue't difputed on, 
'Tis probable, and palpable to thinking; 
I therefore apprehend and do attach thee, 
For an abufer of the World, a pradlifer 
Of Arts inhibited, and out of warrant; 
Lay hold vpon him, if he do refift 
Subdue him, at his perill. 

Othe. Hold your hands 
Both you of my inclining, and the reft. 
Were it my Cue to fight, I mould haue knowne it 
Without a Prompter. Whether will you that I goe 
To anfwere this your charge ? 

'Bra. To Prifon, till lit time 
Of La w,and courfe of direft Seffion 
Call thee to anfwer. 

Othe. What if do obey ? 
How may the Duke be therewith fatisfi'd, 
Whofe MefTengers are heere about my fide, 
Vpon fome prefent bufineffe of the State, 
To bring me to him. 

Officer. 'Tis true moft worthy Signior, 
The Dukes in Counfell,and your Noble felfe, 
I am fure is fent for. 

Bra. How ? The Duke in Counfell ? 
In this time of the night? Bring him away; 
Mine's not an idle Caufe. The Duk^ himfelfe, 
Or any of my Brothers of the State, 
Cannot but feele this wrong, as 'twere their owne : 
For if fuch Actions may haue paffage free, 
Bond-flaues,and Pagans mall our Statefmen be. Exeunt 



Sctena Tertia. 



Enter Duke , Senators , and Officers. 

T)u\e. There's no compofition in this Newes, 
That giues them Credite. 

1. Sen. Indeed, they are difproportioned; 
My Letters fay, a Hundred and feuen Gallies. 

Duke. And mine a Hundred fortie. 

2. Sena. And mine two Hundred : 

But though they iumpe not on a iuft accompt, 
( As in thefe Cafes where the ayme reports, 
'Tis oft with difference)yet do they all confirme 
A Turkilh Fleete,and bearing vp to Cyprus. 

Duke. Nay,it is poffible enough to iudgement .• 
I do not fo fecure me in the Error, 
But the maine Article I do approue 
In fearefull fenfe. 

Saylor within. What hoa, what hoa, what hoa. 
Enter Saylor. 



the 3&oore of Venice. 



3 T 3 



Officer. A Meffenger from the Gallies. 

Duke. Now ? What's the bufineffe ? 

Sailor. The Turkifti Preparation makes for Rhodes, 
So was I bid report here to the State, 
By Signior Angela. 

Duke. How fay you by this change? 
I. Sen. This cannot be 
By no affay of reafon. 'Tis a Pageant 
To keepe vs in falfe gaze, when we confider 
Th'importancie of Cyprus to the Turke; 
And let our felues againe but vnderftand, 
That as it more concernes theTurke then Rhodes, 
So may he with more facile queftion beare it, 
For that it ftands not in fuch Warrelike brace, 
But altogether lackes th 'abilities 

That Rhodes is drefs'd in. If we make thought of this, 
We muft not thinke theTurke is fo vnskillfull, 
To leaue that lateft, which concernes him firft, 
Neglecting an attempt of eafe, and gaine 
To wake, and wage a danger profitleffe. 

Dul^e. Nay, in all confidence he's not for Rhodes. 
Officer. Here is more Newes. 

Enter a Meffienger. 

Meffien. The Ottamites, Reueren'd, and Gracious, 
Steering with due courfe toward the He of Rhodes, 
Haue there inioynted them with an after Fleete, 

J. Sen. I,fo I thought : how many, as you gueffe ? 

Mejf. Of thirtie Saile : and now they do re-ftem 
Their backward courfe, bearing with frank appearance 
Their purpofes toward Cyprus. Signior Montana, 
Your truftie and moft Valiant Seruitour, 
With his free dutie, recommends you thus, 
And prayes you to beleeue him. 

Duke. 'Tis certaine then for Cyprus : 
Marcus Luccicos,\s not he in Towne ? 

I. Sen. He's now in Florence. 

Duke. Write from vs, 
To him,Poft,Poft-hafte,difpatch. 

I. Sen. Here comes c Brabantio,and the Valiant Moore. 

Enter Brabant io, Othello , Caffio , Iago , Rodortgo , 
and Officers. 

Duke. Valiant Othello, we muft ftraight employ you, 
Againft the generall Enemy Ottoman. 
I did not fee you : welcome gentle Signior, 
We lack't your Counfaile, and your helpe to night. 

Bra. So did I yours : Good your Grace pardon me. 
Neither my place, hor ought I heard of bufineffe 
Hath rais'd me from my bed ; nor doth the generall care 
Take hold on me. For my perticular griefe 
Is of fo flood-gate, and ore-bearing Nature, 
That it engluts,snd fwallowes other forrowes, 
And it is ftill it felfe. 

Duke. Why .? What's the matter ? 

Bra. My Daughter : oh my Daughter I 

Sen. Dead? 

Bra. I, to me. 
She is abus'd,ftolne from me,and corrupted 
By Spels, and Medicines, bought cf Mountebanks; 
For Nature, fo prepoftroufly to erre, 
(Being not deficient, blind, or lame of fenfe,) 
Sans witch-craft could not. 

Duke. Who ere he be, that in this foule proceeding 
Hath thus beguil'd your Daughter of her felfe, 



And you of her; the bloodie Booke of Law, 
You (hall your felfe read, in the bitter letter, 
After your owne fenfe : yea, though our proper Son 
Stood in your Action. 

Bra. Humbly I thanke your Grace, 
Here is the man; this Moore, whom now it feemes 
Your fpeciall Mandate, for the State affaires 
Hath hither brought. 

tAll. We are verieforry for't. 

Duke. What in yonr owne part,can you fay to this ? 
'Bra. Nothing, but this is fo. 

Othe. Moft Potent,Graue, and Reueren'd Signiors, 
My very Noble, and approu'd good Mafters; 
That I haue tane away this old mans Daughter, 
It is moft true : true I haue married her; 
The verie head, and front of my offending, 
Hath this extent; no more. Rude am I, in my fpeech, 
And little blefs'd with the foft phrafe of Peace; 
For fince thefe Armes ofmine,had feuen yearespith, 
Till now, fome nine Moones wafted, they haue vs'd 
Their deereft action, in the Tented Field : 
And little of this great world can I fpeake, 
More then pertaines to Feats of Broiles, and Battaile, 
And therefore little (hall I grace my caufe, 
In fpeaking for my felfe. Yet, (by your gratious patience) 
I will a round vn-varnifh'd u Tale deliuer, 
Of my whole courfe of Loue.| 
What Drugges,what Charmes, 
What Coniuration, and what mighty Magicke, 

(For fuch proceeding I am charg'd withall) 
I won his Daughter. 

Bra. A Maiden, neuer bold : 

Of Spirit fo ftill, and quiet, that her Motion 

Blufh'd at her felfe, and (he, in fpight of Nature, 

Of Yeares, of Country, Credite,euery thing 

To fall in Loue,with what (he fear'd to looke on; 

It is a iudgement main'd,and moft imperfect. 

That will confeffe Perfection fo could erre 

Againft all rules of Nature, and muft be driuen 

To find out practifes of cunning hell 

Why this (hould be. I therefore vouch againe, 

That with fome Mixtures, powrefull o're the blood, 

Or with fome Dram,(coniur'd to this effect) 

He wtought vp on her. 

To vouch this, is no proofe, 

Without more wider, and more ouer Teft 

Then thefe thin habits, and poore likely-hoods 

Of moderne feeming, do prefer againft him. 
Sen. But Othello, fpeake, 

Did you, by indirect,and forced courfe 

Subdue, and poyfon this yong Maides affections? 

Or came it by requeft.and fuchfaire queftion 

As foule, to foule affordeth ? 
Otbel. I do befeech you, 

Send for the Lady to the Sagitary. 

And let her fpeake of me before her Father; 

If you do finde me foule, in herreport, 

The Truft,the Office, I do hold of you, 

Not onely take away, but let your Sentence 

Euen fall vpon my life. 

Duke- Fetch Defdemoua hither. 
Othe. Aunciant, conduct them : 

You beft know the place. 

And tell (he come,as truely as to heauen, 

I do confeffe the vices of my blood, 

So iuftly to your Graue eares,Ile prefent 

How 



3M- 



'The Tl rage die of Othello 



How I did thriue in this faire Ladies loue, 
And /he in mine. 

Duke. Say it Othello. 

Otbe. Her Father lou'd me, oft inuited me : 
Still queftion'd me the Storie of my life, 
From yeare to yeare : the Battaile, Sieges, Fortune, 
That I haue paft. 

I ran it through, euen from my boyifh daies, 
Toth'very moment that he bad me tell it. 
Wherein I fpoke of moft difaftrous chances: 
Of mouing Accidents by Flood and Field, 
Of haire-breadth fcapes i'th'imminent deadly breach; 
Of being taken by the Infolent Foe, 
And fold to ihuery. Of my redemption thence, 
And portance in my Trauellours biftorie. 
Wherein of Antars vaft,and Defarts idle, 
Rough Quarries, Rocks, Hills, whofe head touch heauen, 
It was my hint to fpeake. Such was my ProcefTe, 
And of the Canibals that each others eate, 
The Antropophague, and men whofe heads 
Grew beneath their fhoulders. Thefe things to heare, 
Would <Defdemona ferioufly incline : 
But ftill the houfe Affaires would draw her hence : 
Which euer as fhe could with hafte difpatch, 
SheTd come againe, and with a greedie eare 
Deuoure vp my difcourfe. Which I obferuing, 
Tooke once a pliant houre,and found good meanes 
To draw from her a prayer of earneft heart, 
That I would all my Pilgrimage dilate,| 
Whereof by parcels fhe had fomething heard, 
But not inftinftiuely : I did confent, 
And often did beguile her of her teares, 
When I did fpeake of fome diftreffefull ftroke 
That my youth fuffer'd : My Storie being done, 
She gaue me for my paines a world of kifTes: 
She fwore in faith 'twas ftrange : 'twas paffing ftrange, 
'Twas pittifull : 'twas wondrous pittifull. 
She wi/h'd fhe had not heard it, yet fhe wifh'd 
That Heauen had made her fuch a man. She thank'd me, 
And bad me, if I had a Friend that lou'd her, 
I fhould but teach him how to tell my Story, 
And that would wooe her. Vpon this hint I fpake, 
She lou'd me for the dangers I had paft, 
And I lou'd her, that fhe did pitty them. 
This onely is the witch-craft I haue vs'd. 
Here comes the Ladie : Let her witneffe it. 

Enter Defdemona, lago, Attendants. 

Duke. I thinke this tale would win my Daughter too, 
Good i Brabantio,take vp this mangled matter at the beft: 
Men do their broken Weapons rather vfe, 
Then their bare hands. 

lira. I pray you heare her fpeake ? 
If fhe confeffe that fhe was halfe the wooer, 
DeftrucYion on my head, if my bad blame 
Light on the man. Come hither gentle Miftris, 
Do you perceiue in all this Noble Companie, 
Where moft vou owe obedience? 

Def. My Noble Father, 
I do perceiue heere a diuided dutie. 
To you I am bound for life, and education : 
My life and education both do learne me, 
How to refpeft you. You are the Lord of duty, 
I am hitherto your Daughter. But heere's my Husband; 
And fo much dutie, as my Mother fhew'd 



To you, preferring you before her Father : 
So much I challenge, that Imay profeffe 
Due to the Moore my Lord. 

Bra. God be with you : I haue done. 
Pleafe it your Grace, on to the State Affaires; 
I had rather to adopt a Child, then get it. 
Come hither Moore; 

I here do giue thee that with all my heart, 
Which but thou haft already, with all my heart 
I would keepe from thee. For your fake (Iewell) 
I am glad at foule,I haue no other Child, 
For thy efcape would teach me Tirranie 
To hang clogges on them. I haue done my Lord. 

Duke. Let me fpeake like your felfe : 
And lay a Sentence, 

Which as a grife,or ftep may helpe thefe Louers. 
When remedies are paft, the griefes are ended 
By feeing the worft, which late on hopes depended. 
To mourne a Mifcheefe that is paft and gon, 
Is the next way to draw new mifchiefe on. 
What cannot be prefern'd, when Fortune takes : 
Patience , her Iniury a mock'ry makes. 
The rob'd that fmiles, fteales fomething from the Thiefe, 
He robs himfelfe,that fpends a booteleffe griefe. 

Bra. So let the Turke of Cyprus vs beguile, 
We loofe it not fo long as we can fmile : 
He beares the Sentence well, that nothing beares, 
But the free comfort which from thence he heares. 
But he beares both the Sentence,and the forrow, 
That to pay griefe, muft of poore Patience borrow. 
Thefe Sentences, to Sugar, or to Gall, 
Being ftrong on both fides,are Equiuocall. 
But words are words, I neuer yet did heare :| 
That the bruized heart was pierc'd through the eares. 
I h umbly befeech you proceed to th'Affaires of State. 

Duke. The Turke with a moft mighty Preparation 
makes for Cyprus: Othello, the Fortitude of the place is 
beft knowne to you. And though we haue there a Subfti- 
tute of moft allowed fufficiencie; yet opinion, a more 
foueraigne Miftris of Effedts, throwes a more fafer 
voice on you : you muft therefore be content to /lubber 
the gloffe of your new Fortunes, with this more ftub- 
borne, and boyftrous expedition. 

Othe. The Tirant Cuftome,moft Graue Senators, 
Hath made the flinty and Steele Coach of Warre 
My thrice-driuen bed of Downe. I do agnize 
A Naturall and prompt Alacartie, 
I finde in hardneffe : and do vndertake 
This prefent Warres againft the Ottamites. 
j Moft humbly therefore bending to your State, 
! I craue fit difpofition for my Wife, 
' Due reference of Place, and Exhibition, 
With fuch Accomodation and befort 
As leuels with her breeding. 

Du\e. Why at her Fathers ? 

Bra. I will not haue it fo. 

Othe. Nor I. 

Def. Nor would I there recide, 
To put my Father in impatient thoughts 
By being in his eye. Moft Grcaious Duke, 
To my vnfolding, lend your profperous eare, 
And let me finde a Charter in your voice 
T'affift my fimplene/Te. 

"Duke. What would you Dejdemona ? 

Def. That I loue the Moore, to liue with him, 
Mv downe-right violence, and forme of Fortunes, 

May 

804 



theSVLoore of Venice. 



315 



May trumpet to the world. My heart's fubdu'd 

Euen to the very quality of my Lord; 

I faw Othello s vifage in his mind, 

And to his Honours and his valiant parts, 

Did I my foule and Fortunes confecrate. 

So that (deere Lords)if I be left behind 

A Moth of Peace, and he go to the Warre, 

The Rites for why I loue him, are bereft me : 

And I a heauie interim mall fupport 

By his deere abfence. Let me go with him. 

Othe. Let her haue your voice. 
Vouch with me Heauen, I therefore beg it not 
To pleafe the pallace of my Appetite: 
Nor to comply with heat the yong affects 
In my defunct, and proper fatisfadtion . 
But to be free, and bounteous to her minde : 
And Heauen defend your good foules, that you thinke 
I will your ferious and great bufineffe fcant 
When me is with me. No, when light wing'd Toyes 
Of feather'd Cupid, feele with wanton dulneffe 
My fpeculatiue,and offic'd Inftrument : 
That my Difports corrupt, and taint my bufineffe : 
Let Houfe-wiues make a Skillet of my Helme, 
And all indigne, and bafe aduerfities, 
Make head againft my Eftimation. 

Duke. Be it as you fhall priuately determine , 
Either for her ftay, or going : th'Affaire cries haft: 
And fpeed mull anfwer it. 

Sen. You muft away to night. 

Otbe. With all my heart. 

Duke. At nine i'th'morning, here wee'l meete againe. 
Othello, leaue fome Officer behind 
And he lhall our Commiffion bring to you : 
And fuch things elfe of qualitie and refpedt 
As doth import you. 

Othe. So pleafe your Grace, my Ancient, 
A man he is of honefty and truft : 
To his conueyance I affigne my wife, 
With what elfe needfull, your good Grace fhall think 
To be fent after me. 

Duke. Let it be fo : 
Good night to euery one. And Noble Signior, 
If Vertue no delighted Beautie lacke, 
Your Son-in-law is farre more Faire then Blacke. 

Sen. Adieu braue Moore, vfe Dejdemona well. 

Bra. Looke to her (Moore) if thou haft eies to fee: 
She ha's deceiu'd her Father,and may thee. " Sxit. 

Othe. My life vpon her faith. Honeft Iago, 
My Dejdemona muft I leaue to thee : 
I prythee let thy wife attend on her, 
And bring them after in the beft aduantage. 
Come Dejdemona,! haue but an houre 
Of Loue, of wordly matter, and direction 
To fpend with thee. We muft obey the the time. Exit. 

Rod. Iago. 

Iago. What faift thou Noble heart? 

Rod. What will I do, think'ft thou ? 

Iago. Why go to bed and fleepe. 

Sod. I will incontinently drowne my felfe. 

Iago. If thou do'ft,I fhall neuer loue thee after. Why 
thou filly Gentleman ? 

Rod. It is fillyneffe to liue, when to liue is torment : 
and then haue we a prefcription to dye, when death is 
our Phyfition. 

Iago. Oh villanous : I haue look'd vpon the world 
for foure times feuen yeares,and fince I could diftinguim 



betwixt a Benefit, and an Iniurie : I neuer found man that 
knew how to loue himfelfe. Ere I would fay, I would 
drowne my felfe for the loue of a Gynney Hen, I would 
change my Humanity with a Baboone. 

Rod. What mould I do ? I confeffe it is my fhame 
to be fo fond, but it is not in my vertue to amend it. 

Iago. Vertue ? A figge, 'tis in our felues that we are 
thus, or thus. Our Bodies are our Gardens, to the which, 
our Wills are Gardiners. So that if we will plant Net- 
tels, or fowe Lettice : Set Hifope, and weede vp Time: 
Supplie it with one gender of Hearbes,or diffract it with 
many : either to haue it fterrill with idleneffe, or manu- 
red with Induftry, why the power, and Corrigeable au- 
thoritie of this lies in our Wills. If the braine of our liues 
had not one Scale of Reafon, to poize another of Senfu- 
alitie, the blood, and bafeneffe of our Natures would 
conduct vs to moft prepoftrous Conclufions. But we 
haue Reafon to coole our raging Motions, our carnall 
Stings, or vnbitted Lufts : whereof I take this, that you 
call Loue, to be a Sect, or Seyen. 
Rod. It cannot be, 

Iago. It is meerly a Luft of the blood, and a permiffion 
of the will. Come, be a man : drowne thy felfe ? Drown 
Cats, and blind Puppies. I haue profeft me thy Friend, 
and I confeffe me knit to thy deferuing, with Cables of 
perdurable toughneffe. I could neuer better fteed thee 
then now. Put Money in thy purfe : follow thou the 
Warres, defeate thy fauour, with an vfurp'd Beard. I fay 
put Money in thy purfe. It cannot be long that Dejdemona 
fhould continue her loue to the Moore. Put Money in 
thy purfe: nor he his to her. It was a violent Commence- 
ment in her, and thou malt fee an anfwerable Seque- 
ftration, put but Money in thy purfe. Thefe Moores 
are changeable in their wils : fill thy purfe with Money. 
The Food that to him now is as lufhious as Locufts, 
flialbe to him fhortly, as bitter as Coloquintida. She 
muft change for youth : when fhe is fated with his body 
fhe will find the errors of her choice. Therefore, put Mo- 
ney in thy purfe. If thou wilt needs damne thy felfe, do 
it a more delicate way then drowning. Make all the Mo- 
ney thou canft : If Sanctimonie, and a fraile vow, be- 
twixt an erring Barbarian, and fuper-fubtle Venetian be 
not too hard for my wits, and all the Tribe of hell, thou 
/halt enioy her : therefore make Money : a pox of drow- 
ning thy felfe, it is cleane out of the way. Seeke thou ra- 
ther to be hang'd in Compaffing thy ioy, then to be 
drown'd,and go without her. 

Rodo. Wilt thou be faft to my hopes, if I depend on 
the iffue ? 

Iago. Thou art fure of me: Go make Money : I haue 
told thee often, and I re-tell thee againe, and againe, I 
hate the Moore. My caufe is hearted; thine hath no leffe 
reafon. Let vs be coniundtiue in our reuenge, againft 
him. If thou canft Cuckold him, thou doft thy felfe a 
pleafure, me a fport. There are many Euents in the 
Wombe of Time, which wilbe deliuered. Trauerfe, go, 
prouide thy Money. We will haue more of this to mor- 
row. Adieu. 

'Rod. Where fhall we meete i'th'morning ? 

Iago. At my Lodging. 

R,od. He be with thee betimes. 

Iago. Go too, farewell. Do you heare Rodorigo? 

Rod. He fell all my Land. Exit. 

Iago. Thus do I euer make my Foole,my purfe : 
For I mine owne gain'd knowledge mould prophane 
I fl would time expend with fuch Snpe, 

But 



316 



The Tragedie of Othello 



ut for my Sport, and Profit : I hate the Moore, 
And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my meets 
She ha's done my Office. I know not if t be true, 
But I, for meere fufpition in that kinde, 
Will do, as if for Surety. He holds me well, 
The better mall my purpofe worke on him : 
Casio's a proper man : Let me fee now, 
To get his Place, and to plume vp my will 
In double Knauery. How? How? Let's fee. 
After fome time, to abufe Othello's eares, 
That he is too familiar with his wife : 
He hath a perfon, and a fmooth difpofe 
To be fufpefted : fram'd to make women falfe. 
The Moore is of a free, and open Nature, 
That thinkes men honeft, that but feeme to be fo, 
And will as tenderly be lead by'th'Nofe 
As Affes are : 

I haue't : it is engendred : Hell, and Night, 
Muft bring this monftrous Birth, to the worlds light. 



A5lus Secundus. Scena 'Prima. 



Enter Montano , and two gentlemen. 

Man. What from the Cape, can you difcerne at Sea? 

I.Gent. Nothing at all, it is a high wrought Flood: 
I cannot 'twixt the Heauen, and the Maine, 
Defcry a Saile. 

Mon. Me thinks, the wind hath fpoke aloud at Land, 
A fuller blaft ne're lhooke our Battlements: 
If it hath ruffiand fo vpon the Sea, 

What ribbes of Oake, when Mountaines melt on them, 
Can hold the Morties. What mall we heare of this? 

a A Segregation of the Turkifh Fleet : 
For do but ftand vpon the Foaming Shore, 
The chidden Billow feemes to pelt the Clowds, 
The winde-fhak'd-Surge, with high & monftrous Maine 
Seemes to caft water on the burning Beare, 
And quench the Guards of th'euer-fixed Pole: 
I neuer did like molleftation view 
On the enchafed Flood. 

Men. If that the Turkim Fleete 
Be not enmelter'd, and embay'd, they are drown'd, 
It is impoffible to beare it out. 

Enter a Gentleman. 

3 Newes Laddes : our warres are done : 
The defperate Tempeft hath fo bang'd the Turkes, 
That their defignement halts. A Noble fhip of Venice, 
Hath feene a greeuous wracke and fufferance 
On moft part of their Fleet. 

Mon. How? Is this true •? 

3 The Ship is heere put in; A Verenneffa, Michael Caffio 
Lieutenant to the warlike Moore, Othello, 
Is come on Shore : the Moore himfelfe at Sea, 
And is in full Commiffion heere for Cyprus. 

Mon, I am glad on't : 
'Tis a worthy Gouernour. 

3 But this fame CajJio, though he fpeake of comfort, 
Touching the Turkifh loffe, yet he lookes fadly, 
And praye the Moore be fafe ; for they were parted 
With fowle and violent Tempeft. 

Mon. Pray Heauens he be : 



For I haue feru'd him, and the man commands 
Like a full Soldier. Let's to the Sea-fide (hoa) 
As well to fee the Veffell that's come in, 
As to throw-out our eyes for braue Othello, 
Euen till we make the Maine, and th'Eriall blew, 
An indiftinct regard. 

Gent. Come, let's do fo ; 
For euery Minute is expe&ancie 
Of more Arriuancie. 

Enter Cajfw. 

Caffi. Thankes you, the valiant of the warlike Ifle, 
That fo approoue the Moore : Oh let the Heauens 
Giue him defence againft the Elements, 
For I haue loft him on a dangerous Sea. 

Mon. Is he well fhip'd ? 

Caffio. His Barke is ftoutly Timber'd.and his Pylot 
Of verie expert, and approu'd Allowance; 
Therefore my hope's (not furfetted to death) 
Stand in bold Cure. 

Within. A Saile, a Saile, a Saile. 

Caffio. What noife ? 

Gent. The Towne is empty; on the brow o'th'Sea 
Stand rankes of People, and they cry, a Saile. 

Caffio. My hopes do ffiape him for the Gouernor. 

Gent. They do difcharge their Shot of Courtefie, 
Our Friends, at leaft. 

Caffio- I pray you Sir, go forth, 
And giue vs truth who 'tis that is arriu'd. 

§ent. I mall. Exit. 

Mon. But good Lieutenant, is your Generall wiu'd? 

Caffio. Moft fortunately : he hath atchieu'd a Maid 
That paragons defcription, and wilde Fame : 
One that excels the quirkes of Blazoning pens, 
And in th'effentiall Vefture of Creation, 
Do's tyre the Ingeniuer. 

Enter Gentleman. 
How now? Who ha's put in? 

gent. 'Tis one Iago, Auncient to the Generall. 

Caffio. Ha's had moft fauourable, and happie fpeed : 
Tempefts themfelues, high Seas, and howling windes, 
The gutter'd-Rockes,and Congregated Sands, 
Traitors enfteep'd, to enclogge the guiltleffe Keele, 
As hauing fence of Beautie, do omit 
Their mortall Natures, letting go fafely by 
The Diuine Defdemona. 

Mon. What is me ? 

Caffio. She that I fpake of: 
Our great Captains Captaine, 
Left in the conduft of the bold Iago, 
Whole footing heere anticipates our thoughts, 
A Senights fpeed. Great loue, Othello guard, 
And fwell his Saile with thine owne powrefull breath, 
That he may bleffe this Bay with his tall Ship, 
Make loues quicke pants in Dejdemonaes Armes, 
Giue renew'd fire to our extindted Spirits. 

Enter Defdemona, Iago, Rodorigo,andejEmilia. 
Oh behold, 

The Riches of the Ship is come on more : 
You men of Cyprus, let her haue your knees. 
Haile to thee Ladie : and the grace of Heauen, 
Before, behinde thee, and on euery hand 
Enwheele thee round. 

Def. I thanke you, Valiant Caffio, 
What tydings can you tell of my Lord ? 



the £Moore of Venice. 



3*7 



Caf. He is not yet arriu'd, nor know I ought 
But that he's well, and will be fhortly heere. 

Def. Oh, but I feare : 
How loft you company? 

Caffio. The great Contention of Sea, and Skies 
Parted our fellow/hip. But hearke, a Saile. 

Within. A Saile, a Saile. 

Qent. They giue this greeting to the Cittadell : 
This likewife is a Friend. 

CaJJio . See for the Newes : 
Good Ancient, you are welcome. Welcome Miftris : 
Let it not gaule your patience (good Iago) 
That 1 extend my Manners. 'Tis my breeding, 
That giues me this bold mew of Curtefie. 

Iago. Sir, would fhe giue you fomuch of her lippes, 
As of her tongue fhe oft beftowes on me, 
You would haue enough. 

Def. Alas : fhe ha's no fpeech. 

Iago. Infaith too much : 
I finde it ftill, when I haue leaue to fleepe. 
Marry before your Ladyfhip, I grant, 
She puts het tongue a little in her heart, 
And chides with thinking. 

e^Emil. You haue little caufe to fay fo. 

Iago. Come on, come on : you are Pictures out of 
doore : Bells in your Parlours : Wilde-Cats in your Kit- 
chens : Saints in your Iniuries : Diuels being offended : 
Players in your Hufwiferie, and Hufwiues in your 
Beds. 

Def. Oh, fie vpon thee, Slanderer. 

Iago. Nay, it is true : or elfe I am a Turke, 
You rife to play, and go to bed to worke. 

v£mil. You mail not write my praife. 

Iago. No,let me not. 

pejde. What would'ft write of me, if thou fhould'ft 
praife me ? 

Iago. Oh, gentle Lady, do not put me too,t, 
For I am nothing, if not Criticall. 

Def. Come on, aflay. 
There's one gone to the Harbour? 

Iago. I Madam. 

Def. I am not merry : but I do beguile 
The thing I am, by feeming otherwife. 
Come,how would'ft thou praife me ? 

Iago. I am about it, but indeed my inuention comes 
from my pate, as Birdlyme do's from Freeze, it pluckes 
out Braines and all. But my Mufe labours, and thus /he 
is deliuer'd. 

If fie be faire,and wife -.faireneffe, and wit, 
The ones for -vje, the other -vfeth it. 

Def. Well prais'd : 
How if Jhe be Blacke and Witty ? 

Iago. If fie be blacke, and thereto haue a -ait, 
She'lefind a white, that pall her blackneffe fit . 

Def. Worfe, and worfe. 
. cs£mil. How if Faire, and Foolifh ? 

Iago. She neuer yet was foolifh that was faire, 
For euen her folly helpt her to an heire. 

Defde. Thefe are old fond Paradoxes, to make Fooles 
laugh i'th'Alehoufe. What miferable praife haft thou 
for her that's Foule, and Foolifh. 

Iago. There's none fo foule and foolifh thereunto, 
But do's foule pranks, which faire, and wife-ones do. 

Defde. Oh heauy ignorance : thou praifeft the worft 
beft. But what praife could'ft thou beftow on a defer- 
uing woman indeed ? One, that in the authorithy of her 



merit, did iuftly put on the vouch of very malice 
felfe. 

Iago. She that was euer faire, and neuer proud, 
Had Tongue at will, and yet was neuer loud : 
Neuer lachj Gold, and yet went neuer gay , 
Fled from her wifh , and yet faid now I may. 
She that being angred, her reuenge being nie, 
'Bad her wrong ft ay, and her difpleafure flie : 
She that in wijedome neuer was fofraile, 
To change the Cods-head for the Salmons taile : 
She that could thinke,and neu'r difclofe her mind, 
See Suitors following , and not loo\e behind: 
She was a wight, (if 'euer fuch wightes were) 

Def. To do what ? 

Iago. To fuckfe Fooles, and chronicle fmall Beere. 

Defde. Oh moft lame and impotent conclusion. Do 
not learne of him tts£millia, though he be thy husband. 
How fay you (CaJJio) is he not a moft prophane, and li- 
berall Counfailor ? 

CaJJio. He fpeakes home ( Madam ) you may relliih 
him more in the Souldier, then in the Scholler. 

Iago. He takes her by the palme : I, well faid, whif- 
per. With as little a web as this, will I enfnare as great 
a Fly as CaJJio. I fmile vpon her, do : I will giue thee 
in thine owne Courtfhip. You fay true, 'tis fo indeed. 
If fuch tricks as thefe ftrip you out of your Lieutenan- 
trie, it had beene better you had not kifs'd your three fin- 
gers fo oft, which now againe you are moft apt to play 
the Sir, in. Very good : well kifs'd, and excellent Curt- 
fie : 'tis fo indeed. Yet againe, your fingers to your 
lippes ? Would they were Clufter-pipes for your 
fake. 
The Moore I know his Trumpet. 

Caffio, 'Tis truely fo. 

Def. Let's meete him, and recieue him. 

Caffio. Loe, where he comes. 

Enter Othello, and Attendants. 

Oth. O, my faire Wavriour. 

"Def. My deere Othello. 

Othe. It giues me wonder great, as my content 
To fee you heere before me. 
Oh my Soules Ioy : 

If after euery Tempeft, come fuch Calmes, 
May the windes blow, till they haue waken'd death : 
And let the labouring Barke climbe hills of Seas 
Olympus high : and duck againe as low, 
As hell's from Heauen. If it were now to dye, 
'Twere now to be moft happy. For I feare, 
My Soule hath her content fo abfolute, 
That not another comfort like to this, 
Succeedes in vnknowne Fate. 

Def. The Heauens forbid 
But that our Loues 
And Comforts fhould encreafe 
Euen as our dayes do grow. 

Othe. Amen to rhat ( fweet Powers) 
I cannot fpeake enough of this content, 
It ftoppes me heere : it is too much of ioy. 
And this, and this the greateft difcords be 
That ere our hearts fhall make. 

Iago. Oh you are well tun'd now : But He fet downe 
the peggs that make this Muficke, as honeft as I am. 

t t Othe. 



3'8 



The Tragedie of Othello 



Othe, Come : let vs to the Caftle. 
Newes ( Friends ) our "Warres are done : 
The Turkes are drown'd. 
How do's my old Acquaintance of this Ifle ? 
(Hony)you mail be well defir'd in Cyprus, 
I haue found great loue among'ft them. Oh my Sweet, 
I prattle out of fafhion,and I doate 
In mine owne comforts. I prythee, good Iago, 
Go to the Bay, and difimbarke m y Coffers: 
Bring thou the Mafter to the Cittadell , 
He is a good one, and his worthyneffe 
Do's challenge much refpecl. Come Defdemona, 
Once more well met at Cyprus. 

Exit Othello and Defdemona. 
Iago. Do thou meet me prefently at the Harbour. 
Come thither, if thou be'ft Valiant, (as they fay bafe men 
being in Loue, haue then a Nobilitie in their Natures, 
more then is natiue to them) lift-me; the Lieutenant to 
night watches on the Court of Guard. Firft, I muft tell 
thee this : Defdemona, is dire&ly in loue with him. 
Rod. With him ? Why, 'tis not poflible. 
Iago. Lay thy finger thus : and let thy foule be in- 
ftru&ed. Marke me with what violence fhe firft lou'd 
the Moore, but for bragging, and telling her fantafticall 
lies. To loue him ftill for prating, let not thy difcreet 
heart thinke it. Her eye muft be fed. And what delight 
fhall fhe haue to looke on the diuell ? When the Blood 
is made dull with the A& of Sport, there mould be a 
game to enflame it, and to giue Satiety a frefh appetite. 
Louelineffe in fauour, fimpathy in yeares, Manners, 
and Beauties : all which the Moore is defeftiue in. Now 
for want of thefe requir'd Conueniences, her delicate 
tenderneffe wil finde it felfe abus'd, begin to heaue the, 
gorge, difrellifh and abhorre the Moore, very Nature wil 
inftrudl her in it, and compel! her to fome fecond choice. 
Now Sir, this granted (as it is a moft pregnant and vn- 
forc'd pofition) who ftands fo eminent in the degree of 
this Forune, as Caffio do's : a knaue very voluble : no 
further confcionable, then in putting on the meere forme 
of Ciuill, and Humaine feeming, for the better compaffe 
of his fait, and moft hidden loofe Affe&ion ? Why none, 
why none : A flipper, and fubtle knaue, a finder of occa- 
fion : that he's an eye can ftampe, and counterfeit Ad- 
uantages, though true Aduantage neuer prefent it felfe. 
A diuelifh knaue: befides, the knaue is handfome, young : 
and hath all thofe requifites in him, that folly and greene 
mindes looke after. A peftilent compleat knaue, and the 
woman hath found him already. 

Rodo. I cannot beleeue that in her, fhe's full of moft 
blefs'd condition. 

Iago. Blefs'd figges-end . The Wine fhe drinkes is 
made of grapes. Iflfhee had beene blefs'd, fhee would 
neuer haue lou'd the Moore : Blefs'd pudding. Didft thou 
not fee her paddle with the palme of his hand ? Didft not 
marke that ? 

Rod. Yes, that I did : but that was but curtefie. 
Iago. Leacherie by this hand : an Index, and obfcure 
prologue to the Hiftory of Luft and foule Thoughts. 
They met fo neere with their lippes, that their breathes 
embrac'd together. Villanous thoughts Rodorigo, when 
thefe mutabilities fo marfhall the way, hard at hand 
comes the Mafter, and maine exercife, th'incorporate 
conclufion : Pifti. But Sir, be you rul'd by me. I haue 
brought you from Venice. Watch you to night : for 
the Command, lie lay't vpon you. Caffio knowes you 
| not : He not be farre from you. Do you finde fome oc- 



cafion to anger Caffio, either by fpeaking too loud, or 
tainting his difcipline, or from what other courfe 
you pleafe, which the time fhall more fauorably mi- 
nifter. 

Rod. Well. 

Iago. Sir, he's rafh, and very fodaine in Choller : and 
happely may ftrike at you, prouoke him that he may : for 
euen out of that will I caufe thefe of Cyprus to Mutiny. 
Whole qualification fhall come into no true tafte a- 
gaine, but by the difplanting of Caffo. So fhall you 
haue a fhorter iourney to your defires, by the meanes I 
fhall then haue to preferre them. And the impediment 
moft profitably remoued, without the which there were 
no expectation of our profperitie. 

Rodo. I will do this, if you can bring it to any oppor- 
tunity. 

Iago . I warrant thee. Meete me by and by at the 
Cittadell. I muft fetch his Neceffaries a Shore. Fare- 
well. 

Rodo. Adieu. Exit. 

Iago. That Caffio loues her, I do well beleeu't : 
That fhe loues him, 'tis apt, and of great Credite. 
The Moore (howbeit that I endure him not) 
Is of a conftant, louing, Noble Nature, 
And I dare thinke, he'le proue to Defdemona 
A moft deere husband. Now I do loue her too, 
Not out of abfolute Luft, (though peraduenture 
I ftand accomptant for as great a fin ) 
But partely led to dyet my Reuenge, 
For that I do fufpedt the luftie Moore 
Hath leap'd into my Seate. The thought whereof, 
Doth (like a poyfonous Minerall) gnaw my Inwardes : 
And nothing can, or fhall content my Soule 
Till I am eeuen'd with him, wife, for wift. 
Or fayling fo,yet that I put the Moore, 
At leaft into a Ielouzie fo ftrong 
That iudgement cannot cure. Which thing to do, 
If this poore Trafh of Venice, whom I trace 
For his quicke hunting, ftand the putting on, 
He haue our Michael Caffio on the hip, 
Abufe him to the Moore, in the right garbe 
(For I feare Caffio with my Night-Cape too) 
Make the Moore thanke me, loue me, and reward me, 
For making him egregioufly an Affe, _ 
And praftifing vpon his peace, and quiet, 
Euen to madneffe. 'Tis heere : but yet confus'd, 
Knaueries plaine face, is neuer feene, till vs'd. Exit. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Othello's, Herald with a Proclamation. 

Herald. It is Othello's pleafure, our Noble and Vali- 
ant Generall. That vpon certaine tydings now arriu'd, 
importing the meere perdition of the Turkifh Fleete : 
euery man put himfelfe into Triumph. Some to daunce, 
fome to make Bonfires, each man, to what Sport and 
Reuels his addition leads him. For befides thefe bene- 
ficiall Newes, it is the Celebration of his Nuptiall. So 
much was his pleafure fhould be proclaimed. All offi- 
ces are open, & there is full libertie of Feafting from this 

pre- 



the £Moore of Venice. 



3*9 



prefenr houre of fiue, till the Bell haue told eleuen. 
Blefle the lile of Cyprus,and our Noble Generall Othel- 
lo. Exit. 

Enter Othello , Defdemona , Caffio , and Attendants. 

Othe. Good Michael, looke you to the guard to night. 
Let's teach our felues that Honourable flop, 
Not to out-fport difcretion. 

Caf. lago, hath direction what to do. 
But notwithftanding with my perfonall eye 
Will I looke to't. 

Othe. Iago,\s moft honeft : 
elMichael, goodnight. Tomorrow with your earlieft, 
Let me hauefpeech with you. Come my deere Loue, 
The purchafe made, the fruites are to enfue, 
That profit's yet to come 'tweene me, and you. 
Goodnight. Exit. 

Enter lago. 

Caf. Welcome lago : we muft to the Watch. 

lago. Not this houre Lieutenant : 'tis not yet ten 
o'th'clocke. Our Generall caft vs thus earely for the 
loue of his Defdemona : Who, let vs not therefore blame; 
he hath not yet made wanton the night with her : and 
flie is fport for loue. 

Caf. She's a moft exquifite Lady. 

lago. And He warrant her, full of Game. 

Caf. Indeed flies a moft frefh and delicate creature. 

lago. What an eye fhe ha's? 
Methinkes it founds a parley to prouocation. 

Caf. An inuiting eye : 
And yet me thinkes right modeft, 

lago. And when me fpeakes, 
Is it not an Alarum to Loue ? 

Caf. She is indeed perfection. 

lago. Well : happinefle to their Sheetes. Come Lieu- 
tenant, I haue a ftope of Wine, and heere without are a 
brace of Cyprus Gallants, that would faine haue a mea- 
fure to the health of blacke Othello. 

Caf Not to night, good lago, I haue very poore, 
and vnhappie Braines for drinking. I could well wifli 
Curtefie would inuent fome other Cuftome of enter- 
tainment. 

lago. Oh, they are our Friends : but one Cup, He 
drinke for you. 

Caffio. I haue drunke but one Cup to night, and that 
was craftily qualified too ; and behold what inouation 
it makes heere. I am infortunate in the infirmity, and 
dare not taske my weakenefle with any more. 

lago. What man ? 'Tis a night of Reuels, the Gal- 
lants defire it. 

Caf Where are they ? 

lago. Heere, at the doore ; I pray you call them in. 

Caf. He do't,but it dillikes me. Exit. 

lago. If I can fallen but one Cup vpon him 
With that which he hath drunke to night alreadie, 
He'l be as full of Quarrell,and offence 
As my yong Miftris dogge. 
Now my ficke Foole Rodorigo, 

Whom Loue hath turn'd almoft the wrong fide out, 
To Defdemona hath to night Carrows'd. 
Potations, pottle-deepe; and he's to watch. 
Three elfe of Cyprus, Noble fwelling Spirites, 
(That hold their Honours in a wary diftance, 
The very Elements of this Warrelike Ifle) i 
Haue I to night flufter'd with flowing Cups, 
And they Watch too. 



809 



Now 'mongft this Flocke of drunkards 

Am I put to our Caffio in fome AdYion 

That may offend the Ifle. But here they come. 

Enter Cafj'io , Montana , and Gentlemen. 
If Confequence do but approue my dreame, 
My Boate failes freely, both with winde and Streame. 

Caf. 'Fore heauen,they haue giuen me a rowfe already. 

Mon. Good-faith a litle one : not paft a pint, as I am a 
Souldier. 

lago. Some Wine hoa. 

And let me the Cannakjn clin\e,clinlfe : 

And let me the Cannakjn clin\e. 

A Souldiers a man : Oh,mans life's but affan, 

Why then let a Souldier drinke. 
Some Wine Boyes. 

Caf. 'Fore Heauen : an excellent Song. 

lago. I learn'd it in England : where indeedthey are 
moft potent in Potting. Your Dane, your Germaine, 
and your fwag-belly'd Hollander, ( drinke hoa ) are 
nothing to your Engliih. 

Caffio. Is your Engliflimen fo exquifite in his drin- 
king I 

lago. Why, he drinkes you with facillitie, your Dane 
dead drunke. He fweates not to ouerthrow your Al- 
maine. He giues your Hollander a vomit, ere the next 
Pottle can be fill'd. 

Caf. To the health of our Generall. 

Mon. I am for it Lieutenant : and He do you Iuftice. 

lago. Oh fweet England. 

King Stephen was and- a worthy Peere, 

His Breeches coft him but a Crowne, 

He held them Six pence all to deere , 

With that he cal'd the Tailor Lowne : 

He was a wight of high Renowne, 

cAnd thou art hut of low degree : 

' Tis Pride that pulls the Country dovpne, 

And take thy awl'd Cloake about t hee. 
Some Wine hoa. 

Caffio. Why this is a more exquifite Song then the o- 
ther. 

lago. Will you heare't againe? 

Caf. No : for I hold him to be vnworthy of his Place, 
that do's thofe things. Well : heau'ns aboue all : and 
there be foules muft be faued, and there be foules muft 
not be faued. 

lago. It's true, good Lieutenant. 

Caf. For mine owne part, no offence to the Generall, 
nor any man of qualitie : I hope to be faued. . 

lago. And fo do I too Lieutenant. 

Caffio. I : (but by your leaue ) not before me. The 
Lieutenant is to be faued before the Ancient. Let's haue 
no more of this : let's to our Affaires. Forgiue vs our 
finnes : Gentlemen let's looke to our bufinefle. Do not 
thinke Gentlemen, I am drunke: this is my Ancient, this 
is my right hand, and this is my left. I am not drunke 
now : I can ftand well enough, and I fpeake well enough. 

Gent. Excellent well. 

Caf. Why very well then : you muft not thinke then, 
that 1 am drunke. Exit. 

Monta. To th 'Platform e ( Mailers) come, let's fet the 
Watch. 

lago. You fee this Fellow, that is gone before, 
He 's a Souldier, fit to ftand by Cuefar , 
And giue direction. And do but fee his vice, 
'Tis to his vertue,a iuft Equinox, 

t t 3 The 



320 



The Tragedie of Othello 



The one as long as th'other. "Tis pittie of him : 
I feare the truft Othello puts him in, 
On fome odde time of his infirmitie 
Will make this Ifland. 

Mont. But is he often thus ? 

Iago. 'Tis euermore his prologue to his fleepe, 
He'le watch the Horologe a double Set, 
If Drinke rocke not his Cradle. 

Mont. It were well 
The General! were put in mind of it : 
Perhaps he fees it not, or his good nature 
Prizes the vertue that appeares in Cajjio, 
And lookes not on his euills : is not this true i 
Enter Rodorigo. 

Iago. How now Rodorigo ? 
I pray you after the Lieutenant, go. 

Mon. And 'tis great pitty,that the Noble Moore 
Should hazard luch a Place, as his owne Second 
With one of an ingraft Infirmitie, 
It were an honeft Action, to fay fo 
To the Moore. 

Iago. Not I, for this faire Ifland, 
I do loue Cajjio well : and would do much 
To cure him of this euill, But hearke, what noife ? 
Enter Cajfio purfuing Rodorigo . 

Caf. You Rogue : you Rafcall. 

Mon. What's the matter Lieutenant ? 

Caf. A Knaue teach me my dutie ? He beate the 
Knaue into a Twiggen-Bottle. 

Rod. Beate me ? 

CaJ. Doft thou prate, Rogue? 

Mon. Nay, good Lieutenant : 
I pray you Sir,hold your hand. 

Cajfio .Let me go(Sir) 
Or lie knocke you o're the Mazard. 

e^fo«. Come,come : you're drunke. 

Cajjio. Drunke? 

Iago. Away I fay : go out and cry a Mutinie. 
Nay good Lieutenant. Alas Gentlemen : 
Helpe hoa. Lieutenant. Sir Montano: 
Helpe Mafters. Heere's a goodly Watch indeed. 
Who's that which rings the Bell: Diablo, hoa : 
The Towne will rife. Fie,fie Lieutenant, 
You'le be afham'd for euer. 

Enter Othello, and Attendants. 

Othe. What is the matter heere? 

Mon. I bleed ftill, I am hurt to th'death. He dies. 

Othe. Hold for your liues. 

iag.Hold hoa : Lieutenant, Sir Montano, Gentlemen: 
Haue you forgot all place of fenfe and dutie? 
Hold. The Generall fpeaks to you : hold for fhame. 

Oth. Why how now hoa? From whence arifeth this? 
Are we turn'd Turkes ? and to our felues do that 
Which Heauen hath forbid the Ottamittes. 
For Chriftian fhame, put by this barbarous Brawle: 
He that ftirs next, to carue for his owne rage, 
Holds his foule light: He dies vpon his Motion. 
Silence that dreadfull Bell, it frights the Me, 
From her propriety. What is the matter, Mafters ? 
Honeft Iago, that lookes dead with greeuing, 
Speake : who began this? On thy loue I charge thee? 

Iago. I do not know: Friends all, but|now,euen now. 
In Quarter,and in termes like Bride, and Groome 
Deuefting them for Bed : and then, but now : 
(As if fome Planet had vnwitted men) 



Swords out, and tilting one at others breaftes, 
In oppofition bloody. I cannot fpeake 
Any begining to this peeuifh oddes. 
And would, in Action glorious, I had loft 
Thofe legges, that brought me to a part of it. 

Othe. How comes it(Micbae//)you are thus forgot! 

Caf. I pray you pardon me, I cannot fpeake. 

Othe. Worthy Montano, you were wont to be ciuill : 
The grauitie,and ftillneffe of your youth 
The world hath noted. And your name is great 
In mouthes of wifeft Cenfure. What's the matter 
That you vnlace your reputation thus, 
And fpend your rich opinion, for the name 
Of a night-brawler ? Giue me anfwer to it. 

Mon. Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger, 
Your Officer Iago, can informe you, 

While I fpare fpeech which fomething now offends me. 
Of all that Ido know,nor know I ought 
By me, that's faid,ordone amiffe this night, 
Vnleffe felfe-charitie be fometimes a vice, 
And to defend our felues, it be a fjnne 
When violence affailes vs. 

Othe. Now by Heauen, 
My blood begins my fafer Guides to rule, 
And paffion(hauing my beft iudgement collied) 
AfTaies to leade the way. If I once ftir, 
Or do but lift this Arme, the beft of you 
Shall finke in my rebuke. Giue me to know 
How this foule Rout began : Who fet it on, 
And he that is approu'd in this offence, 
Though he had twinn'd with me, both at a birth, 
Shall loofe me. What in a Towne of warre, 
Yet wilde.the peoples hearts brim-full of feare, 
To Manage priuate, and domefticke Quarrell? 
In night, and on the Court and Guard offafetie? 
'Tis monftrous : Iago, who began't? 

Mon. If partially Affin'd, or league in office, 
Thou doft deliuer more, or leffe then Truth, 
Thou art no Souldier. 

Iago. Touch me not fo neere, 
I had rather haue this tongue cut from my mouth, 
Then it mould do offence to Michael/ Cajjio. 
Yet I perfwade my felfe,to fpeake the truth 
Shall nothing wrong him. This it is Generall: 
Montano and my felfe being in fpeech, 
There comes a Fellow, crying out for helpe, 
And Cajjio following him with determin'd Sword 
To execute vpon him. Sir, this Gentleman, 
Steppes in to Cajfio, and entreats his paufe: 
My felfe, the crying Fellow did purfue, 
Leaft by hisc lamour (as it fo fell out) 
The Towne might fall in fright. He,(fwift of foote) 
Out-ran my purpofe : and I return'd then rather 
For that I heard the clinke.and fall of Swords, 
And Cajfio high in oath : Which till to night 
I nere might fay before. When I came backe 
(For this was briefe)I found them clofe together 
At blow, and thruft,euen as againe they were 
When you your felfe did part them. 
More of this matter cannot I report, 
But Men are Men : The beft fometimes forget, 
Though Cajfio did fome little wrong to him, 
As men in rage ftrike thofe that wifh them beft, 
Yet finely Cajjio, I beleeue receiu'd 
From him that fled,fomt ftrange Indignitie, 
Which patience could not paffe. 

Othe. 



the 3/Loore of Venice. 



3 2 



Oi he. I know Iago 
Thy honeftie,and loue doth mince this matter, 
Making it light to Cajfto : Caffio, 1 loue thee, 
But neuer more be Officer of mine. 



Enter Defde; 



Hied. 



Looke if my gentle Loue be not rais'd vp : 
He make thee an example. 

Def. What is the matter (Deere ?) 

Othe, All's well, Sweeting : 
Come away to bed. Sir for your hurts, 
My felfe will be your Surgeon. Lead him off: 
Iago, looke with care about the Towne, 
And filence thofe whom this vil'd brawle diffracted. 
Co me Defdemona, 'tis the Soldiers life, 
To.haue their Balmy /lumbers wak'd| with ftrife. Exit. 

Iago. What are you hurt Lieutenant ? 

Caf. I,paft all Surgery. 

Iago. Marry Heauen forbid. 

Caf. Reputation, Reputation, Reputation: Oh I haue 
loft my Reputation. I haue loft the immortall part of 
myfelfe, and what remaines is beftiall. My Reputation, 
Iago, my Reputation. 

Iago. As I am an honeft man 1 had thought you had 
receiued fome bodily wound; there is more fence in that 
then in Reputation. Reputation is an idle, and moft falfe 
impofition; oft got without merit, aud loft without de- 
feruing. You haue loft no Reputation at all,vnleffe you 
repute your felfe fuch a loofer. What man, there are 
more wayes to recouer the Generall againe. You are 
but now caft in his moode,(a punifhment more in poli- 
cie, then in malice ) euen fo as one would beate his of- 
fenceleffe dogge,ro affright an Imperious Lyon. Sue to 
him againe, and he's yours. 

Caf. I will rather fue to be defpis'd, then to deceiue 
fo good a Commander, with fo flight, fo drunken,and fo 
indifcreet an Officer. Drunke ? And fpeake Parrat? And 
fquabble ? Swagger ? Sweare ? And difcourfe Fuftian 
with |ones owne fhadow ? Oh thou invifible fpirit of 
Wine, if thou haft no name to be knowne by, let vs call 
thee Diuell. 

Iago. What was he that you follow'd with your 
Sword ? What had he done to you ? 

Caf. I know not. 

Iago. Is't poffible ? 

Caf. I remember a maffe of things, but nothing di- 
ftinclly : a Quarrell, but nothing wherefore. Oh, that 
men fhould put an Enemie in their mouthes, to fteale a- 
way their Braines ? that we fhould with ioy, pleafance, 
reuell and applaufe, transforme our felues into Beafts. 

Iago. Why ? But you are now well enough : how 
came you thus recouered ? 

Caf. It hath pleas'd the diuell drunkenneffe, to giue 
place to the diuell wrath, one vnperfec~tnefTe, fhewes me 
another to make me frankly defpife my felfe. 

Iago. Come, you are too feuere a Moraller. As the 
Time, the Place, & the Condition of this Country ftands 
I could hartily wife this had not befalne :butfince it is, as 
it is, mend it for your owne good. 

Caf. I will aske him for my Place againe, he fhall tell 
me, I am a drunkard : had I as many mouthes as Hydra, 
fuch an anfwer would ftop them all. To be now a fen- 
fible man, by and by a Foole,and prefently a Beaft. Oh 
ftrange! Euery inordinate cup is vnblefs'd, and the Ingre- 
dient is a diuell. 



Iago. Come, come : good wine, is a good familiar 
Creature, if it be well vs'd : exclaime no more againft it. 
And good Lieutenant, I thinke, you thinke I loue 
you. 

Caffio. I haue well approued it, Sir. I drunke? 

Iago. You, or any man liuing, may be drunke at a 
time man. 1 tell you what you mail do : Our General's 
Wife, is now the Generall. I may fay fo, in this refpeft, 
for that he hath deuoted, and giuen vp himfelfe to the 
Contemplation, marke : and deuotement of her parts 
and Graces. Confeffe your felfe freely to her : Impor- 
tune her helpe to put you in your place againe. She is 
of fo free, fo kinde , fo apt, fo bleffed a difpofition, 
fhe holds it a vice in her goodneffe , not to do more 
then fhe is requefted. This broken ioynt betweene 
you, and her husband, entreat her to fplinter. And my 
Fortunes againft any lay worth naming, this cracke of 
your Loue, fhall grow ftonger, then it was before. 

Caffio. You aduife me well. 

Iago. I proteft in the finceritie of Loue, and honeft 
kindneffe. 

Caffio. I thinke it freely : and betimes in the mor- 
ning, I will befeech the vertuous Defdemona to vndertake 
for me : I am defperate of my Fortunes if they check me. 

Iago. You are in the right ; good night Lieutenant, I 
muft to the Watch. 

Caffio. Good night,honeft Iago. 

Exit Caffio. 

Iago. And what's he then, 
That faies I play the Villaine? 
When this aduife is free I giue, and honeft, 
Proball to thinking, and indeed the courfe 
To win the Moore againe. 
For 'tis moft eafie 
Th'inclyning Defdemona to fubdue 
In any honeft Suite. She's fram'd as fruitefull 
As the free Elements. And then for her 
To win the Moore, were to renownce his Baptifme, 
All Seales,and Simbols of redeemed fin : 
His Soule is fo enfetter'd to her Loue, 
That fhe may make, vnmake, do what fhe lift, 
Euen as her Appetite fhall play the God, 
With his weake Function. How am I then a Villaine, 
To Counfell Caffio to this paralell courfe, 
Directly to his good ? Diuinitie of hell, 
When diuels will the blacked finnes put on, 
They do fuggeft at firft with heauenly fhewes, 
As I do now. For whiles this honeft Foole 
Plies Defdemona, to repaire his Fortune, 
And fhe for him,pleades ftrongly to the Moore, 
He powre this peftilence into his eare : 
That fhe repeales him, for her bodies Luft' 
And by how much fhe ftriues to do him good, 
She fhall vndo her Credite with the Moore. 
So will I turne her vertue into pitch, 
And out of her owne goodneffe make the Net, 
That fhall en-mafh them all. 
How now 



Enter 'Eodorigo. 

Rodorigo. I do follow heere in the Chace, not 

like a Hound that hunts, but one that filles vp the 

Crie. My Money is almoft fpent; I haue bin to night 

exceedingly weli Cudgell'd : And I thinke the iffue 

t t 3 will 



322 



The Tragedie of Othello 



will bee, I fliall haue fo much experience for my paines; 
And fo, with no money at all, and a little more Wit, re' 
turne againe to Venice. 

Iago. How poore are they that haue not Patience ? 
What wound did euer heale but by degrees? 
Thou know'ft we worke by Wit, and not by Witchcraft 
And Wit depends on dilatory time : 
Dos't not go well ? Caffio hath beaten thee, 
And thou by that fmall hurt hath cafheer'd Caffio: 
Though other things grow faire againft the Sun, 
Yet Fruites that bloffome firft, will firft be ripe : 
Content thy felfe, a- while. Introth 'tis Morning; 
Pleafure, and Aftion, make the houres feeme fhort. 
Retire thee, go where thou art Billited : 
Away, I fay, thou ftialt know more heereafter : 
Nay get thee gone. Exit Rodorigo. 

Two things are to be done : 
My Wife muft moue for Caffio to her Miftris : 
He fet her on my felfe, a while, to draw the Moor apart, 
And bring him iumpe, when hejmay Caffio finde 
Soliciting his wife : I, that's the way: 
Dull not Deuice, by coldneffe,and delay. Exit. 



aActus Tertius. Scena 'Prima. 



Enter Caffio, Muff i 



nd Clo-, 



Caffio. Mafters,play heere, I wil content your paines, 
Something that's briefe: and bid,goodmorrow Genera!. 

Clo. Why Mafters,haue your Inftruments bin in Na- 
ples, that they fpeake i'th'Nofe thus ? 

Muf. How Sir ? how ? 

Clo. Are thefe I pray you, winde Inftruments? 

Muf. I marry are they fir. 

Clo. Oh, thereby hangs a tale. 

Muf. Whereby hangs a tale, fir ? 

Clow. Marry fir, by many a winde Inftrument that I 
know. But Matters, heere's money for you :and the Ge- 
nerall fo likes your Mufick, that he defires you for loues 
fake to make no more noife with it. 

Muf. Well Sir, we will not. 

Clo. If you haue any Muficke that may not be heard, 
too't againe. But (as they fay) to heare Muficke, the Ge- 
nerall do's not greatly care. 

Muf. We haue none ifuch, fir. 

Chip. Then put vp your Pipes in your bagge, for He 
away. Go,vani(h into ayre,away. Exit Mu. 

Caffio Doft thou heare me, mine honefhFriend ? 

Clo. No, I heare not your honeft Friend : 
I heare you. 

Caffo. Prythee keepe vp thy Quillets, ther's a poore 
peece of Gold for thee : if the Gentlewoman that attends 
the Generall be ftirring, tell her, there's one Caffio en- 
treats her a little fauour of Speech. Wilt thou do this? 

Clo. She is ftirring fir : if flie will ftirre hither, I fliall 
feeme to notifie vnto her. Exit Clo. 

Enter Iago. 
In happy time, Iago. 

Iago. You haue not bin a-bed then ? 

Caffio. Why no : the day had broke before we parted. 
I haue made bold (Iago) to fend in to your wife : 
My fuite to her is, that flie will to vertuous Defdemona 



Procure me fome accefle. 

Iago. He lend her to you prefently : 

And lie deuife a meane to draw the Moore 

Out of the way, that your conuerfe and bufineffe 

May be more free. Exit 

Caffio. I humbly thanke you for't. I neuer knew 
A Florentine more kinde,and honeft.j 
Enter cs£milia. 

esEmil. Goodmorrow(good Lieutenant) I am forrie 
For your difpleafure : but all will fure be well. 
The Generall and his wife are talking of it, 
And flie fpeakes for you ftoutly. The Moore replies, 
That he you hurt is of great Fame in Cyprus, 
And great Affinitie : and that in wholfome Wifedome 
He might not but refufe you. But he protefts he loues ycu 
And needs no other Suitor, but his likings 
To bring you in againe. 

Caffio. Yet I befeech you, 
If you thinke fit, or that it may be done, 
Giue me aduantage of fome breefe Difcourfe 
With Tiefdemon alone. 

eAZmil. pray you come in : 
I will beftow you where you fliall haue time 
To fpeake your bofome freely. 

Caffio. I am much bound to you. 



Sccena Secunda. 



Enter Othello, Iago , and Gentlemen. 

Otke. Thefe Letters giue (Iago) to the Pylot, 
And by him do my duties to the Senate : 
That done, I will be walking on the Workes, 
Repaire there to mee. 

Iago. Well, my good Lord, He doo't. 

Orb. This Fortification (Gentlemen)fhall we fee't ? 

Gent. Well waite vpon your Lordfhip. Exeunt 



Sccena Tertia. 



Enter Defdemona, Caffio, and z&milia. 

T>ef Be thou affur'd (good Caffio) I will do 
All my abilities in thy behalfe. 

csEmil. Good Madam do : 
I warrant it greeues my Husband, 
As if the caufe were his. 

T)ef. Oh that's an honeft Fellow, Do not doubt Caffio 
But I will haue my Lord, and you againe 
As friendly as you were. 

Caffio. Bounteous Madam, 
What euer fliall become of oMichael Caffio, 
He's neuer any thing but your true Seruant. 

Def I know't : I thanke you: you do loue my Lord: 
You haue knowne him long, and be you well affur'd 
He fliall in ftrangeneffe ftand no farther off, 
Then in a politique diftance. 

Caffio. I, but Lady, 
That policie may either laft fo long, 
Or feede vpon fuch nice and waterilh diet, 
Or breede it felfe fo out of Circumftances, 
That I being abfent, and my place fupply'd, 
My Generall will forget my Loue, and Seruice. 

Def. Do not doubt that : before ^Emilia here, 



the £Moore of Venice' 



323 



1 giue thee warrant of thy place. Allure thee, 

If I do vow a friendfhip, lie performe it 

To the laft Article . My Lord fhall neuer reft, 

lie watch him tame, and talke him out of patience ; 

His Bed ftiall feeme a Schoole, his Boord a Shrift, 

He intermingle euery thing he do's 

With Caffio's fuite : Therefore be merry Caffw, 

For thy Solicitor fhall rather dye, 

Then giue thy caufe away . 

Enter Othello,and Iago. 

d&mil. Madam, heere comes my Lord. 

Caffio. Madam, He take my leaue. 

Def Why ftay,and heare me fpeake. 

Cajfio. Madam, not now : I am very ill at eafe, 
Vnfit for mine owne purpofes. 

'Def. Well, do your difcretion. Exit Cajfio. 

Iago. Hah? I like not that. 

Otbel. What doft thou fay ? 

Iago. Nothing my Lord ; or if 1 know not what. 

Otbel. Was not that Cajfio parted from my wife ? 

Iago. Cajfio my Lord ? No fure, I cannot thinke it 
That he would fteale away fo guilty-like, 
Seeing your comming. 

Oth. I do beleeue 'twas he. 

Def. How now my Lord ? 
I haue bin talking with a Suitor heere, 
A man that languifhes in your difpleafure. 

Oth, Who is't you meane ? 

Def. Why your Lieutenant Qaffio : Good my Lord, 
If I haue any grace, or power to moue you, 
His prefent reconciliation take. 
For if he be not one, that truly loues you, 
Thjt erres in Ignorance, and not in Cunning, 
I haue no judgement in an honeft face. 
I prythee call him backe. 

Oth. Went he hence now ? 

Def. I footh ; fo humbled, 
That he hath left part of his greefe with mee 
To fuffer with him. Good Loue, call him backe. 

Othel. Not now (fweet Defdemon) fome other time. 

Def. But fhall't be fhortly ? 

Oth. The fooner (Sweet) for you. 

Def. Shall't be to night, at Supper ? 

Oth. No, not to night. 

Def. To morrow Dinner then ? 

Oth. I mail not dine at home : 
I meete the Captaines at the Cittadell. 

Def. Why then to morrow night, on Tuefday morne, 
On Tuefday noone, or night ; on Wenfday Morne. 
I prythee name the time, but let it not 
Exceed three dayes. Infaith hee's penitent : 
And yet his TrefpafTe, in our common reafon 
(Saue that they fay the warres muft make example) 
Out of her beft, is not almoft a fault 
T'encurre a priuate checke. When fhall he come ? 
Tell me Othello. I wonder in my Soule 
What you would aske me, that I fhould deny, 
Or ftand fo mam'ring on ? What ? Michael Cajfio, 
That came a woing wirh you? and fo many a time 
(When I haue fpoke of you difpraifingly) 
Hath tane your part, to haue fo much to do 
To bring him in ? Truft me, I could do much. 

Oth. Prythee no more : Let him come when he will : 
I will deny thee nothing. 

Def. Why, this is not a Boone : 



813 



'Tis as I fhould entreate you weare your Gloues, 
Or feede on nourifhing difhes, or keepe you warme, 
Or fue to you, to do a peculiar profit 
To your owne perfon. Nay, when 1 haue a fuite 
Wherein I meane to touch your Loue indeed, 
It fhall be full of poize, and difficult waight, 
And fearefull to be granted. 

Oth. I will deny thee nothing. 
Whereon, I do befeech thee, grant me this, 
To leaue me but a little to my felfe. 

Def. Shall I deny you ? No : farewell my Lord. 

Oth. Farewell my T)eJdemona, He come to thee ftrait. 

"Def. zsEmilia come ; be as your Fancies teach you : 
What ere you be, I am obedient. Exit. 

Oth. Excellent wretch : Perdition catch my Soule 
But I do loue thee : and when I loue thee not, 
Chaos is come againe. 

Iago. My Noble Lord. 

Oth. What doft thou fay, Iago ? 

Iago. Did Michael Cajfio 
When he woo'd my Lady, know of your loue ? 

Oth. He did, from firft to laft : 
Why doft thou aske ? 

Iago. But for a fatisfaftion of my Thought, 
No further harme. 

Oth. Why of thy thought, Iago? 

Iago. I did not thinke he had bin acquainted with hir. 

Oth. O yes, and went betweene vs very oft. 

Iago. Indeed ? 

Oth. Indeed? I indeed. Difcern'ft thou ought in that? 
Is he not honeft? 

Iago. Honeft, my Lord ? 

Oth. Honeft? I, Honeft. 

Iago. My Lord, for ought I know. 

Oth. What do'ft thou thinke ? 

Iago. Thinke, my Lord ? 

Oth. Thinke, my Lord ? Alas, thou ecchos't me ; 
As if there were fome Monfter in thy thought 
Too hideous to be fhewne. Thou doft mean fomthing : 
I heard thee fay euen now, thou lik'ft not that, 
When Cajsio left my wife. What didd'ft not like ? 
And when I told thee, he was of my Counfaile, 
Of my whole courfe of wooing ; thou crie.d'ft, Indeede ? 
And didd'ft contract, and purfe thy brow together, 
As if thou then hadd'ft fhut vp in thy Braine 
Some horrible Conceite. If thou do'ft loue me, 
Shew me thy thought. 

Iago. My Lord, you know I loue you. 

Oth. I thinke thou do'ft : 
And for I know thou'rt full of Loue, and Honeftie, 
And weigh'ft thy words before thou giu'ft them breath, 
Therefore thefe flops of thine, fright me the more : 
For fuch things in a falfe difloyall Knaue 
Are trickes of Cuftome : but in a man that's iuft, 
They're clofe dilations, working from the heart, 
That Paffion cannot rule. 

Iago. For Michael Cafsio, 
I dare be fworne, I thinke that he is honeft. 

Oth. i thinke fo too. 

Iago. Men fhould be what they feeme, 
Or thofe that be not, would they might feeme none. 

Oth. Certaine, men fhould be what they feeme. 

Iago. Why then I thinke Cafsio's an honeft man. 

Oth. Nay, yet there's more in this ? 
I prythee fpeake to me, as to thy thinkings, 
As thou doft ruminate, and giue thy worft of thoughts 

The 



3 2 4 



The Tragedie of Othello 



The worft of words. 

Iago. Good my Lord pardon me, 
Though I am bound to euery A die of dutie, 
I am not bound to that : All Slaues are free: 
Vtter my Thoughts? Why fay, they are vild,and fake? 
As where's that Palace, whereinto foule things 
Sometimes intrude not ? Who ha's that breaft fo pure, 
Wherein vncleanly Apprehenfions 
Keepe Leetes, and Law-dayes, and in Seffions fit 
With meditations lawfull ? 

Oth. Thou do'ft confpire againft thy Friend {Iago) 
If thou but think'ft him wrong'd, and mak'ft his eare 
A ftranger to thy Thoughts. 

Iago. I do befeech you, 
Though I perchance am vicious in my guefTe 
(As I confefle it is my Natures plague 
To fpy into Abufes, and of my iealoufie 
Shapes faults that are not) that your wifedome 
From one, that fo imperfectly conceits, 
Would take no notice, nor build your felfe a trouble 
Out of his fcattering, and vnfure obferuance : 
It were not for your quiet, nor your good, 
Nor for my Manhood, Honefty, and Wifedome, 
To let you know my thoughts. 

Oth. What doft thou meane ? 

Iago. Good name in Man, & woman (deere my Lord) 
Is the immediate Iewell of their Soules ; 
Who fteales my purfe, fteales train : 
'Tis fomething, nothing; 

'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has bin flaue to thoufands : 
But he that filches from me my good Name, 
Robs me of that, which not enriches him, 
And makes me poore indeed. 

Oth. He know thy Thoughts. 

Iago. You cannot, if my heart were in your hand, 
Nor fliall not, whil'ft 'tis in my cuftodie. 

Oth. Ha? 

Iago. Oh, beware my Lord, of iealoufie, 
It is the greene-ey'd Monfter, which doth mocke 
The meate it feeds on. That Cuckold Hues in blifie, 
Who certaine of his Fate, loues not his wronger : 
But oh, what damned minutes tels he ore, 
Who dotes, yet doubts : Sufpe&s, yet foundly loues ? 

Oth. O miferie. 

Iago. Poore, and Content, is rich, and rich enough, 
But Riches finelefie, is as poore as Winter, 
To him that euer feares he fliall be poore ; 
Good Heauen, the Soules of all my Tribe defend 
From Iealoufie. 

Oth. Why? why is this ? 
Think'ft thou, I'ld make a Life of Iealoufie ; 
To follow ftill the changes of the Moone 
With frefti fufpitions ? No : to be once in doubt, 
Is to be refolu'd : Exchange me for a Goat, 
When I fliall turne the bufinefTe of my Soule 
To fuch exufflicate, and blow'd Surmifes, 
Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make me Iealious, 
To fay my wife is faire, feeds well, loues company, 
Is free of Speech, Sings, Playes,and Dances : 
Where Vertue is, thefe are more vertuous. 
Nor from mine owne weake merites, will I draw 
The fmalleft feare, or doubt of her reuolt, 
For (he had eyes, and chofe me. No Iago, 
He fee before I doubt ; when I doubt, proue ; 
And on the proofe, there is no more but this, 
Away at once with Loue,or Iealoufie. 



la. I am glad of this : For now I fliall haue reafon 
To fliew the Loue and Duty that I beare you 
With franker fpirit. Therefore (as I am bound) 
Receiue it from me. I fpeake not yet of proofe : 
Looke to your wife, obferue her well with Cafsio, 
Weare your eyes, thus : not Iealious, nor Secure : 
I would not haue your free, and Noble Nature, 
Out of felfe-Bounty, be abus'd : Looke too't : 
I know our Country difpofition well : 
In Venice, they do let Heauen fee the prankes 
They dare not fliew their Husbands. 
Their beft Confcience, 
Is not to leaue't vndone, but kept vnknowne. 

Oth. Doft thou fay fo ? 

Iago. She did deceiue her Father, marrying you, 
And when flie feem'd to fliake,and feare your lookes, 
She lou'd them moft. 

Oth. And fo flie did. 

Iago. Why go too then : 
Shee that fo young could giue out fuch a Seeming 
To feele her Fathers eyes vp, clofe as Oake, 
He thought 'twas Witchcraft. 
But I am much too blame : 
I humbly do befeech you of your pardon 
For too much louing you. 

Oth. I am bound to thee for euer. 

Iago. I fee this hath a little dafli'd your Spirits: 

Oth. Not a iot, not a iot. 

Iago. Truft me, I feare it has : 
I hope you will confider what k fpoke 
Comes from your Loue. 
But I do fee y'are moou'd : 
I am to pray you, not to ftraine my fpeech 
To groffer iflues , nor to larger reach, 
Then to Sufpition. 

Oth. I will not. 

Iago. Should you do fo(my Lord) 
My fpeech fliould fall into fuch vilde fucceffe, 
Which my Thoughts aym'd not. 
CaJJto's my worthy Friend : 
My Lord, I fee y'are mou'd. 

Oth. No, not much mou'd : 
I do not thinke but Defdemotta's honeft. 

Iago. Long liue flie fo ; 
And long liue you to thinke fo. 

Oth. And yet how Nature erring from it felfe. 

Iago. I, there's the point : 
As (to be bold with you) 
Not to affect many propofed Matches 
Of her owne Clime, Complexion, and Degree, 
Whereto we fee in all things, Nature tends : 
Foh, one may fmel in fuch, a will moft ranke, 
Foule difproportions, Thoughts vnnaturall. 
But (pardon me) I do not in pofition 
Diftinftly fpeake of her, though I may feare 
Her will, recoyling to her better iudgement, 
May fal to match you with her Country formes, 
And happily repent. 

Oth. Farewell, farewell : 
If more thou doft perceiue, let me know more: 
Set on thy wife to obferue. 
Leaue me Iago. 

Iago. My Lord, I take my leaue. 

Othel. Why did I marry? 
This honeft Creature (doubtleffe) 
Sees, and knowes more, much more then he vnfolds. 



Iago 



the £Moore of Venice. 



3 2 5 



lago. My Lord, I would I might intreat your Honor 
To fcan this thing no farther : Leaue it to time, 
Although 'tis fit that Cajfto haue his Place ; 
For fure he filles it vp with great Ability; 
Yet if you pleafe, to him off a-while : 
You fhall by that perceiue him, and his meanes : 
Note if your Lady ftraine his Entertainment 
With any ftrong, or vehement importunitie, 
Much will be feene in that : In the meane time, 
Let me be thought too bufie in my feares, 
( As worthy caufe I haue to feare I am J 
And hold her free, I do befeech your Honor. 

Oth. Feare not my gouernment. 

Iago. I once more take my leaue. Exit. 

Oth. This Fellow's of exceeding honefty, 
And knowes all Quantities with a learn'd Spirit 
Of humane dealings. If I do proue her Haggard, 
Though that her Ieffes were my deere heart-ftrings, 
I'ld whiftle her off, and let herdowne the winde 
To prey at Fortune. Haply, for I am blacke, 
And haue not thofe foft parts of Conuerfation 
That Chamberers haue : Or for I am declin'd 
Into the vale of yeares(yet that's not much) 
Shee's gone . I am abus'd, and my releefe 
Muft be to loath her. Oh Curfe of Marriage ! 
That we can call thefe delicate Creatures ours, 
And not their Appetites ? I had rather be a Toad, 
And liue vpon the vapour of a Dungeon, 
Then keepe a corner in the thing I loue 
For others vfes. Yet 'tis the plague to Great-ones, 
Prerogatiu'd are they leffe then the Bafe, 
'Tis deftiny vnlhunnable, like death : 
Euen then, this forked plague is Fated to vs, 
When we do quicken. Looke where me comes : 

Enter Dejdemona and eJEmilia. 

If me be falfe, Heauen mock'd it felfe : 
He not beleeue't. 

DeJ. How now, my deere Othello ? 
Your dinner, and the generous Iflanders 
By you inuited, do attend your prefence. 

Oth. I am too blame. 

^DeJ. Why do you fpeake fo faintly ? 
Are you not well? 

Oth. I haue a paine vpon my Forehead, heere. 

DeJ. Why that's with watching, 'twill away againe. 
Let me but binde it hard, within this houre 
It will be well. 

Oth. Your Napkin is too little : 
Let it alone : Come, He go in with you. Exit, 

1)eJ. I am very forry that you are not well. 

z&mil. I am glad I haue found this Napkin : 
This was her firft remembrance from the Moore, 
My wayward Husband hath a hundred times 
Woo'd me to fteale it. But fhe fo loues the Token, 
(For he coniur'd her, fhe ihould euer keepe it) 
That fhe referues it euermore about her, 
To kiffe,and talke too. He haue the worke tane out, 
And giu't Iago : what he will do with it 
Heauen knowes, not I : 
I nothing, but to pleafe his Fantafie. 

Enter Iago. 
Iago. How now ? What do you heere alone ? 
es£mi/. Do not you chide : I haue a thing for you. 



Iago. You haue a thing for me ? 
It is a common thing 

cs£mil. Hah ? 

Iago. To haue a foolifh wife. 

vEmil. Oh, is that all ? What will you giue me now 
For that fame Handkerchiefe. 

Iago. What Handkerchiefe ? 

ej£mil. What Handkerchiefe ? 
Why that the Moore firft gaue to Dejdemona, 
That which fo often you did bid me fteale. 

Iago. Haft ftolne it from her ? 

es£mil. No : but fhe let it drop by negligence, 
And to th'aduantage, I being heere, took't vp : 
Looke, heere 'tis. 

Iago. A good wench, giue it me. 

ey£mil. What will you do with't, that you haue bene 
fo earneft to haue me filch it ? 

Iago. Why, what is that to you ? 

i^Emil. If it be not for fome purpofe of import, 
Giu't me againe. Poore Lady,fhee'l run mad 
When fhe fhall lacke it. 

Iago. Be not acknowne on't : 
I haue vfe for it. Go,]eaue me. Exit <u£mil. 

I will in CaJJio's Lodging loofe this Napkin, 
And let him finde it. Trifles light as ayre, 
Are to the iealious, confirmations ftrong, 
As proofes of holy Writ. This may do fomething. 
The Moore already changes with my poyfon : 
Dangerous conceites, are in their Natures poyfons, 
Which at the firft are fcarfe found to diftafle : 
But with a little acte vpon the blood, 
Burne like the Mines of Sulphure. I did fay fo. 

Enter Othello. 
Looke where he comes : Not Poppy, nor Mandragora, 
Nor all the drowfie Syrrups of the world 
Shall euer medicine thee to that fweete fleepe 
Which thou owd'ft yefterday. 

Oth. Ha, ha, falfe to mee ? 

Iago. Why how now Generall ?No more of that. 

Oth. Auant, be gone : Thou haft fet me on the Racke: 
I fweare 'tis better to be much abus'd, 
Then but to know't a little. 

Iago. How now, my Lord? 

Oth. What fenfe had I, in her ftolne houres of Luft ? 
I faw't not, thought it not : it harm'd not me : 
I flept the next night well, fed well, was free, and merrie. 
I found not Caj/io's kiffes on her Lippes : 
He that is robb'd,not wanting what is ftolne, 
Let him not know't,and he's not robb'd at all. 

Iago. I am forry to heare this ? 

Oth. I had beene happy, if the generall Campe,^ 
Pyoners and all, had tafted her fweet Body, 
So I had nothing knowne. Oh now, for euer 
Farewell the Tranquill minde ; farewell Content ; 
Farewell the plumed Troopes, and the bigge Warres, 
That makes Ambition, Vertue ! Oh farewell; 
Farewell the neighing Steed, and the fhrill Trumpe, 
The Spirit-ftirring Drum, th'Eare-piercing Fife, 
The Royall Banner, and all Qualitie, 
Pride, Pompe,and Circumftance of glorious Warre : 
And O you mortall Engines, whofe rude throates 
Th'immortall loues dread Clamours, counterfet, 
Farewell : Othello's Occupation's gone. 

Iago. Is't poffible,my Lord ? 

Oth. Villaine, be fure thou proue my Loue a Whore; 
Be fure of it : Giue me the Occular proofe, 

Or 



326 



'The Tragedie of Othello 



Or by the worth of mine eternall Soule, 
Thou had'ft bin belter hauebin borne a Dog 
Then anfwer my wak'd wrath. 

Iago. ls't come to this? 

Oth. Make me to fee't: or (at the leaft) fo proue it, 
That the probation beare no Hindge, nor Loope, 
To hang a doubt on : Or woe vpon thy life. 

Iago. My Noble Lord. 

Oth. If thou doft flander her, and torture me, 
Neuer pray more : Abandon all remorfe 
On Horrors head, Horrors accumulate : 
Do deeds to make Heauen weepe, all Earth amaz'd; 
For nothing canft thou to damnation adde, 
Greater then that. 

Iago. O Grace ! O Heauen forgiue me ! 
Are you a Man? Haue you a Soule? or Senfe ? 
God buy you : take mine Office. Oh Wretched Foole, 
That lou'ft to make thine Honefty ,a Vice ! 
Oh monftrous world! Take note, take note (O World) 
To be direft and honeft, is notiafe. 
I thanke you for this profit, and from hence 
He loue no Friend, fith Loue breeds fuch offence. 

Oth. Nay ftay : thou mould'ft be honeft. 

Iago. I mould be wife ; for Honeftie's a Foole, 
And loofes that it workes for. 

Oth. By the World, 
I thinke my Wife be honeft, and thinke fhe is not : 
I thinke that thou art iuft, and thinke thou art not : 
He haue fome proofe. My name that was as frefli 
As T)ians Vifage, is now begrim'd and blacke 
As mine owne face. If there be Cords,or Kniues, 
Poyfon,or Fire, or fuffocating ftreames, 
He not indure it. Would I were fatisfied. 

Iago. I fee you are eaten vp with Paffion : 
I do repent me, that I put it to you. 
You would be fatisfied ? 

Oth. Would? Nay, and I will. 

Iago. And may : but how? How fatisfied, my Lord? 
Would you the fuper-vifion groffely gape on ? 
Behold her top'd ? 

Oth. Death, and damnation. Oh! 
Iago. It were a tedious difficulty, I thinke, 
To bring them to that ProfpecT: : Damne them then, 
If euer mortall eyes do fee them boulfter 
More then their owne. What then? How then ? 
What mall I fay? Where's Satisfaftion ? 
It is impoffible you mould fee this, 
Were they as prime as Goates, as hot as Monkeyes, 
As fait as Wolues in pride, and Fooles as groffe 
As Ignorance, made drunke. But yet , I fay, 
If imputation, and ftrong circumftances, 
Which leade directly to the doore of Truth, 
Will giue you fatisfa&ion, you might haue't. 

Oth. Giue me a liuing reafon (he's difloyall. 

Iago. I do not like the Office. 
But fith I am entred in this caufe fo farre 
(Prick'd too't by foolifh Honefty, and Loue) 
I will go on. I lay with CaJJio lately, 
And being troubled with a raging tooth, 
I could not fleepe. There are a kinde of men, 
So loofe of Soule, that in their fleepes will mutter 
Their Affayres : one of this kinde is Caffto : 
In fleepe I heard him fay, fweet Dejdemona, 
Let vs be wary, let vs hide our Loues, 
And then (Sir) would he gripe, and wring my hand : 
Cry , oh fweet Creature : then kifle me hard, 



As if he pluckt vp kiffes by the rootes, 

That grew vpon my lippes, laid his Leg ore my Thigh, 

And figh,and kifle, and then cry curfed Fate, 

That gaue thee to the Moore. 

Oth. O monftrous ! monftrous ! 

Iago. Nay, this was but his Dreame. 

Oth. But this denoted a fore-gone conclufion, 
'Tis a fhrew'd doubt, though it be but a Dreame. 

Iago. And this may helpe to thicken other proofes, 
That do demonftrate thinly. 

Oth. He teare her all to peeces. 

Iago. Nay yet be wife ; yet we fee nothing done, 
She may be honeft yet : Tell me but this, 
Haue you not fometimes feene a Handkerchiefe 
Spotted with Strawberries, in your wiues hand? 

Oth. I gaue her fuch a one : 'twas my firft gift. 

Iago. I know not that : but fuch a Handkerchiefe 
(I am fure it was your wiues) did I to day 
See Cajfio wipe his Beard with. 

Oth. If it be that. 

Iago. If it be that, or any, it was hers. 
It fpeakes againft her with the other proofes. 

Othel. O that the Slaue had forty thoufand liues : 
One is too poore, too weake for my reuenge. 
Now do I fee 'tis true. Looke heere Iago, 
All my fond loue thus do I blow to Heauen. 'Tis gone. 
Arife blacke vengeance, from the hollow hell, 
Yeeld vp (O Loue) thy Crowne, and hearted Throne 
To tyrannous Hate. Swell bofome with thy fraught, 
For 'tis of Afpickes tongues. 

Iago. Yet be content. 

Oth. Oh blood, blood, blood. 

Iago. Patience I fay : your minde may change. 

Oth, Neuer Iago. Like to the Ponticke Sea, 
Whofe Icie Current, and compulfiue courfe, 
Neu'r keepes retyring ebbe, but keepes due on 
To the Proponticke, and the Helleipont : 
Euen fo my bloody thoughts, with violent pace 
Shall neu'r looke backe, neu'r ebbe to humble Loue, 
Till that a capeable, and wide Reuenge 
Swallow them vp. Now by yond Marble Heauen, 
In the due reuerence of a Sacred vow, 
I heere engage my words. 

Iago. Do not rife yet : 
Witnefle you euer-burning Lights aboue, 
You Elements, that clip vs round about, 
Witneffe that heere Iago doth giue vp 
The execution of his wit, hands, heart, 
To wrong'd Othello's Seruice. Let him command,! 
And to obey mall be in me nemorfe, 
What bloody bufinefle euer. 

Oth. I greet thy loue, 
Not with vaine thanks, but with acceptance bounteous, 
And will vpon the inftant put thee too't. 
Within thefe three dayes let me heare thee fay, 
That CaJ/io's not aliue. 

Iago. My Friend is dead : 
'Tis done at your Requeft. 
But let her Hue. 

Oth. Damne her lewde Minx : 
O damne her, damne her. 
Come go with me a-part, I will withdraw 
To furnifli me with fome fwift meanes of death 
For the faire Diuell. 
Now art thou my Lieutenant. 

Iago. I am your owne for euer. Exeunt. 

Scena 



the £Moore of Venice. 



3 2 7 



Sctena Quarta. 



Enter Defdemona, (^Emilia , and Clown, 
Def. Do you know Sirrah, where Lieutenant Cajfto 
lyes? 

Clow. I dare not fay he lies any where. 

Def. Why man? 
^ Clo. He's a Soldier, and for me to fay a Souldier lyes, 
'tis ftabbing. 

Def. Go too : where lodges he? 

Clo. To tell you where he lodges, is to tel you where 
I lye. 

'Def. Can any thing be made of this? 
Clo. I know not where he lodges, and for mee to de- 
uife a lodging, and fay he lies heere, or he lies there, were 
to lye in mine owne throat. 

Def. Can you enquire him out ? and be edified by re- 
port ? 

Clo. I will Catechize the world for him, that is, make 
Queftions, and by them anfwer. 

Def. Seeke him, bidde him come hither : tell him, I 
haue moou'd my Lord on his behalfe, and hope all will 
be well. 

Clo. To do this, is within the compaffe of mans Wit, 
and therefore I will attempt the doing it. Exit Qlo. 

Def. Where mould I loofe the Handkerchiefe, v£- 
milia ? 

csEmil, I know not Madam. 

Def. Beleeue me, I had rather haue loft my purfe 
Full of Cruzadoes. And but my Noble Moore 
Is true of minde, and made of no fuch bafenefie, 
As iealious Creatures are, it were enough 
To put him to ill-thinking. 

csEmil. Is he not iealious? 

'Def. Who, he? I thinke the Sun where he was borne, 
Drew all fuch humors from him. 

e^Emil. Looke where he comes. 
Enter Othello. 

Def. I will not leaue him now, till Cajjio be 
Call'd to him. How is't with you, my Lord ? 

Oth. Well my good Lady. Oh hardnes to diffemble ! 
How do you, Defdemona ? • 

T>ef. Well, my good Lord. 

Oth. Giue me your hand. 
This hand is moift.my Lady. 

Def. It hath felt no age, nor knowne no forrow. 

Oth. This argues fruitfulneffe, and liberall heart : 
Hot, hot, and moyft This hand of yours requires 
A fequefter from Liberty : Fafting, and Prayer, 
Much Caftigation, Exercife deuout, 
For heere's a yong, and fweating Diuell heere 
That commonly rebels : Tis a good hand, 
A franke one. 

Def. You may (indeed) fay fo : 
For 'twas that hand that gaue away my heart. 

Oth. A liberall hand . The hearts of old, gaue hands : 
But our new Heraldry is hands, not hearts. 

'Def. I cannot fpeake of this : 
Come, now your promife. 

Oth. What promife, Chucke ? 

Def. I haue lent to bid Caffto come fpeake with you. 

Oth. I haue a fait and forry Rhewme offends me : 
Lend me thy Handkerchiefe. 



817 



Def. Heere my Lord. 
Oth. That which I gaue you. 
Def. I haue it not about me. 
Oth. Not? 

"Def. No indeed, my Lord. 
Oth. That's a fault : That Handkerchiefe 
Did an Egyptian to my Mother giue : 
She was a Charmer, and could almoft read 
The thoughts of people. She told her, while me kept it, 
'T would make her Amiable, and fubdue my Father 
Intirely to her loue : But if Ihe loft it, 
Or made a Guift of it, my Fathers eye 
Should hold her loathed, and his Spirits mould hunt 
After new Fancies. She dying, gaue it me, 
And bid me (when my Fate would haue me Wiu'd) 
To giue it her. I did lo ; and take heede on't, 
Make it a Darling, like your precious eye : 
To loofe't, or giue't away, were fuch perdition, 
As nothing elfe could match. 
Def, Is't poffible ? 

Oth. 'Tis true : There's Magicke in the web of it : 
A Sybil! that had numbred in the world 
The Sun to courfe, two hundred compafies, 
In her Prophetticke furie fow'd the Worke : 
The Wormes were hallowed, that did breede the Silke, 
And it was dyde in Mummey, which the Skilfull 
Conferu'd of Maidens hearts. 
Def. Indeed ? Is't true ? 

Oth. Moft veritable, therefore looke too't well. 
'Def. Then would to Heauen, that I had neuer feene't? 
Oth. Ha? wherefore ? 

Def. Why do you fpeake fo ftartingly ,and rafti ? 
Oth. Is't loft? Is't gon? Speak, is't out o'th'way ? 
Def. Bleffe vs. 
Oth. Say you ? 

Def. It is not loft : but what and if" it were ? 
Oth. How? 
Def. I fay it is not lqft. 
Oth. Fetcht, let me fee't. 
Def. Why fo I can : but I will not now : 
This is a tricke to put me from my fuite, 
Pray you let Cajjio be receiu'd againe. 

Oth. Fetch me the Handkerchiefe, 
My minde mif-giues. 

Def. Come, come : you'l neuer meete a more fufBci- 
ent man. 

Oth. The Handkerchiefe. 
Def. A man that all his time 
Hath founded his good Fortunes on your loue ; 
Shar'd dangers with you. 
Oth. The Handkerchiefe. 
T>ef. Infooth, you are too blame. 
Oth. Away. Exit Othello. 

ey£mil. Is not this man iealious ? 
'Def. I neu'r faw this before. 
Sure, there's fome wonder in this Handkerchikfe, 
I am moft vnhappy in the loffe of it. 

<K£mil. 'Tis not a yeare or two fhewes vs a man : 
They are all but Stomackes, and we all but Food, 
They eate vs hungerly, and when they are full 
They belch vs. 

Enter Iago, and Caffto . 

Looke you, Cajjio and my Husband. 

Iago. There is no other way : 'tis (he muft doo't : 
And loe the happinelfe : go, and importune her. 

Def. 



3 2i 



The Tragedie of Othello 



Def. How now (good CaJJio) what's the newes with 
you ? 

CaJJio. Madam, my former fuite. I do befeech you, 
That by your vertuous meanes, I may againe 
Exift, and be a member of his loue, 
Whom I, with all the Office of my heart 
Intirely honour, I would not be delayd. 
If my offence, be of fuch mortall kinde, 
That nor my Seruice paft, nor prefent Sorrowes, 
Nor purpos'd merit in futurity, 
Can ranfome me into his loue againe, 
But to know fo, muft be my benefit : 
So mall I cloath me in a forc'd content, 
And (hut my felfe vp in fome other courfe 
To Fortunes Almes. 

T)eJ. Alas (thrice-gentle CaJJio) 
My Aduocation is not now in Tune ; 
My Lord, is not my Lord ; nor fhould I know him, 
Were he in Fauour, as in Humour alter'd. 
So helpe me euery fpirit fandhfied, 
As I haue fpoken for you all my beft, 
And flood within the blanke of his difpleafure 
For my free fpeech. You muft awhile be patient : 
What I can do, I will : and more I will 
Then for my felfe, I dare. Let that fuffice you. 

Iago. Is my Lord angry ? 

ay£mil. He went hence but now : 
And certainly in ftrange vnquietnefle. 

Iago. Can he be angry ? I haue feene the Cannon 
When it hath blowne his Rankes into the Ayre, 
And like the Diuell from his very Arme 
Puff't his owne Brother : And is he angry ? 
Something of moment then : I will go meet him, 
There's matter in't indeed, if he be angry. Exit 

DeJ. I prythee do fo. Something fure of State, 
Either from Venice, or fome vnhatch'd pra&ife 
Made demonftrable heere in Cyprus, to him, 
Hath pudled his cleare Spirit : and in fuch cafes, 
Mens Natures wrangle with inferiour things, 
Though great ones are their obie<£t. 'Tis euen fo. 
For let our finger ake, and it endues 
Our other healthfull members, euen to a fenfe 
Or paine. Nay, we muft thinke men are not Gods, 
Nor of them looke for fuch obferuancie 
As fits the Bridall. Beftirew me much, osEmUia, 
I was (vnhandfome Warrior, as I am) 
Arraigning his vnkindneffe with my foule : 
But now I finde, I had fuborn'd the Witnefie, 
And he's Indited falfely. 

tyEmil. Pray heauen it bee 
State matters, as you thinke, and no Conception, 
Nor no Iealious Toy, concerning you. 

T)eJ. Alas the day, I neuer gaue him caufe. 

e/£W. But Iealious foules will not be anfwer'd fo ; 
They are hot euer iealious for the caufe, 
But iealious, for they're iealious. It is a Monfter 
Begot vpon it felfe, borne on it felfe. 

DeJ. Heauen keepe the Monfter from Otheltiz mind. 

zsEmil. Lady, Amen. 

DeJ. I will go feeke him. CaJJio, walke heere about : 
If I doe finde him fit, lie moue your fuite, 
And feeke to effedt it to my vttermoft. Exit 

CaJ. I humbly thanke your Ladyftiip. 

Enter Bianca. 
Bian. 'Saue you (Friend QaJJio. ) 



CaJJio. What make you from home ? 
How is't with you, my moft faire 'Bianca ? 
Indeed (fweet Loue) I was comming to your houfe. 
' Bian. And 1 was going to your Lodging, CaJJio. 
What? keepe a weeke away ? Seuen dayes, and Nights ? 
Eight fcore eight houres ? And Louers abfent howres 
More tedious then the Diall, eight fcore times ? 
Oh weary reck'ning. 

CaJJio. Pardon me, 'Bianca : 
I haue this while with leaden thoughts beene preft, 
But I fhall in a more continuate time 
Strike off" this fcore of abfence. Sweet 'Bianca 
Take me this worke out. 

Bianca. Oh CaJJio, whence came this? 
This is fome Token from a newer Friend, 
To the felt-Abfence : now 1 feele a Caule : 
Is't come to this ? Well, well. 

CaJJio. Go too, woman : 
Throw your vilde geffes in the Diuels teeth, 
From whence you haue them. You are iealious now, 
That this is from fome Miftris, fome remembrance ; 
No, in good troth 'Bianca. 

'Bian. Why, who's is it ? 

CaJJio. I know not neither : 
1 found it in my Chamber, 
I like the worke well; Ere it be demanded 
(As like enough it will) I would haue it coppied : 
Take it, and doo't,and leaue me for this time. 

Bian. Leaue you ? Wherefore ? 

CaJJio. I do attend heere on the Generall, 
And thinke it no addition nor my wifti 
To haue him fee me woman'd. 

'Bian. Why, I ptay you ? 

CaJJio. Not that I loue you not. 

Bian. But that you do not loue me. 
I pray you bring me on the way a little, 
And fay, if I fhall fee you foone at night? 

CaJJio. 'Tis but a little way that I can bring you, 
For 1 attend heere : But He fee you foone. 

'Bian. 'Tis very good : I muft be circumftanc'd. 
Exeunt omnes. 



ABus Quartus. Scena 'Frima. 



Enter Oihello, and Iago. 

Iago. Will you thinke fo? 

Oth. Thinke fo, Iago} 

Iago. What, to kifie in priuate ? 

Otb. An vnauthoriz'd kifie ? 

Iago. Or to be naked with her Friend in bed, 
An houre, or more, not meaning any harme ? 

Oth. Naked in bed [Iago) and not meane harme ? 
It is hypocrifie againft the Diuell : 
They that meane vertuoufly,and yet do fo, 
The Diuell their vertue tempts, and they tempt Heauen. 

Iago. If they do nothing, 'tis a Veniall flip : 
But if I giue my wife a Handkerchiefe. 

Oth. What then ? 

Iago. Why then 'tis hers(my Lord)and being hers, 
She may (I thinke) beftow't on any man. 

Oth. She is Protedtrefte of her honor too : 
May Ihe giue that ? 

Iago. 



the SMoore of Venice. 



3 2 9 



Iago. Her honor is an Effence that's not feene, 
They haue it very oft, that haue it not. 
But for the Handkerchiefe. 

Othe. By heauen, I would moft gladly haue forgot it: 
Thou faidft (oh, it comes ore my memorie, 
As doth the Rauen o're the infectious houfe : 
Boading to all) he had my Handkerchiefe. 

Iago. I : what of that ? 

Othe. That's not fo good now. 

Iag.What if I had faid, I had feene him do you wrong? 
Or heard him fay fas Knaues be fuch abroad, 
Who hauing by their owne importunate fuit, 
Or voluntary dotage of fome Miftris, 
Conuinced or fupply'd them, cannot chufe 
But they muft blab.) 

Otb. Hath he faid any thing ? 

Iago. He hath (my Lord) but be you well aflur'd, 
No more then he'le vn-fweare. 

Otb. What hath he faid ? 

Iago. Why, that he did : I know not what he did. 

Othe. What? What? 

Iago. Lye. 

Oth. With her ? 

Iago. With her?On her : what you will. 

Othe. Lye with her. 9 lye on her ? We fay lye on her, 
when they be-lye-her. Lye with her : that's fullfome : 
Handkerchiefe : Confeffions : Handkerchiefe. To con- 
fefle, and be hang'd for his labour. Firft, to be hang'd, 
and then to confefle : I tremble at it. Nature would not 
inueft her felfe in fuch fliadowing paffion, without fome 
Iuftru&ion. It is not words tha/ fhakes me thus, (pirn) 
Nofes, Eares, and Lippes : is't poflible. Confefle? Hand- 
kerchiefe? O diuell. Falls in a Trounce. 

Iago. Worke on, 
My Medicine workes. Thus credulous Fooles are caught, 
And many worthy, and chart Dames euen thus, 
(All guiltlefle)meete reproach : what hoa ? My Lord ? 
My Lord, I fay : Othello. 

Enter CaJJio. 

How now CvJJio ? 

Caf. What's the matter ? 

Iago. My Lord is falne into an Epilepfie, 
This is his fecond Fit : he had one yefterday. 

Caf. Rub him about the Temples. 

Iago. The Lethargie muft haue his quyet courfe: 
If not, he foames at mouth : and by and by 
Breakes out to fauage madneffe. Looke, he ftirres ; 
Do you withdraw your felfe a little while, 
He will recouer ftraight : when he is gone, 
I would on great occafion, fpeake with you. 
How is it Generall? Haue you not hurt your head? 

Othe. Doft thou mocke me ? 

Iago. I mocke you not, by Heauen: 
Would you would beare your Fortune like a Man. 

Othe. A Horned man's a Monfter, and a Beaft. 

Iago. Ther's many a Beaft then in a populous Citty, 
And many a ciuill Monfter. 

Otbe. Did he confefle it ? 

Iago. Good Sir, be a man : 
Thinke euery bearded fellow that's but yoak'd 
May draw with you. There's Millions now aliue, 
That nightly lye in thofe vnproper beds, 
Which they dare fweare peculiar. Your cafe is better. 
Oh, 'tis the fpight of hell, the Fiends Arch-mock, 
To lip a wanton in a fecure Cowch: 



819 



And to fuppofe her chaft. No, let me know, 

And knowing what I am, I know what (he fhallbe. 

Oth. Oh, thou art wife: 'tis certaine. 

Iago. Stand you a while apart, 
Confine your felfe but in a patient Lift, 
Whil'ft you were heere, o're-whelmed with your griefe 
(A paffion moft refulting fuch a man) 
CaJJio came hither. I fhifted him away, 
And layd good fcufes vpon your Extafie, 
Bad him anon returne : and heere fpeake with me, 
The which he promis'd. Do but encaue your felfe, 
And marke the Fleeres, the Gybes, and notable Scornes 
That dwell in euery Region of his face. 
For I will make him tell the Tale anew; 
Where, how, how oft, how long ago, and when 
He hath, and is againe to cope your wife. 
I fay, but marke his gefture : marry Patience, 
Or I ihall fay y'are all in all in Spleene, 
And nothing of a man. 

Othe. Do'ft thou heare, Iago, 
I will be found moft cunning in my Patience : 
But(do'ft thou heare)moft bloody. 

Iago. That's not amifle, 
But yet keepe time in all : will you withdraw ? 
Now will I queftion CaJJio of'Bianca, 
A Hufwife, that by felling her defires 
Buyes her felfe Bread, and Cloath. It is a Creature 
That dotes on CaJJio, (as 'tis the Strumpets plague 
To be-guile many, and be be-guil'd by one) 
He, when he heares of her,cannot reftraine 
From the excefle of Laughter. Heere he comes. 

Enter CaJJio. 

As he ihall fmile, Othello mail go mad : 
And his vnbookifh Ieloufie muft conferue 
Poore CaJJio's fmiles , geftures, and light behauiours 
Quite in the wrong. How do you Lieutenant? 

Caf. The worfer, that you giue me the addition, 
Whole want euen killes me. 

Iago. Ply Defdemona well, and you are fure on't : 
Now, if this Suit lay in Tlianca's dowre, 
How quickely mould you fpeed? 

Caf. Alas poore Caitiffe. 

Oth. Looke how he laughes already. 

Iago. I neuer knew woman loue man fo. 

C"f. Alas poore Rogue, I thinke indeed fhe loues me. 

Oth. Now he denies it faintly : and laughes it out. 

Iago. Do you heare CaJJio ? 

Otb. Now he importunes him 
To tell it o're : go too, well faid , well faid. 

Iago. She giues it out, that you mail marry her. 
Do you intend it ? 

Caf. Ha, ha, ha. 

Otb. Do ye triumph, Romalne ?do you triumph ? 

Caf. I marry. What ? A cuftomer jprythee beare 
Some Charitie to my wit, do not thinke it 
So vnwholefome. Ha, ha, ha. 

Oth. So,fo,fo,fo: they laugh, that winnes. 

Iago. Why the cry goes, that you marry her. 

Caf. Prythee fay true. 

Iago. I am a very Villaine elfe. 

Oth. Haue you fcoar'd me ? Well. 

Caf. This is the Monkeys owne giuing out : 
She is perfwaded I will marry her 

Out of her owne loue & flattery, not out of my promife. 
v v Othe. 



33° 



The Tragedie of Othello 



Oth. Iago becomes me : now he begins the ftory. 

CaJJio. She was heere euen now : /he haunts me in e- 
uery place. I was the other day talking on the Sea- 
banke with certaine Venetians, and thither comes the 
Bauble, and falls me thus about my neck. 

Oth. Crying oh deere CaJJio, as it were: his iefture im- 
ports it. 

CaJJio. So hangs, and lolls, and weepes vpon me: 
So /hakes, and pulls me. Ha, ha, ha. 

Otb. Now he tells how fee pluckt him to my Cham- 
ber : oh, ] fee that nofe of yours,but not that dogge, I 
/hall throw it to. 

CaJJio. Well, I muft leaue her companie. 

Iago. Before me : looke where /he comes. 

Enter 'Bianca. 

Caf. 'Tis fuch another Fitchew:marry a perfum'd one? 
What do you meane by this haunting of me ? 

Bian. Let the diuell, and his dam haunt you : what 
did you meane by that fame Handkerchiefe, you gaue 
me euen now ? I was a fine Foole to take it : I muft take 
out the worke? A likely piece of worke, that you /hould 
finde it in your Chamber,and know not who left it there. 
This is fome Minxes token, & I muft take out the worke? 
There, giue it your Hobbey-horfe, wherefoeuer you had 
it, He take out no worke on't. 

CaJJio. How now. my fweete ^Bianco ? 
How now ? How now ? 

Othe. By Heauen, that /hould be my Handkerchiefe. 

Bian. Ifyou'le come to fupper to night you may, if 
you will not, come when you are next prepar'd for. Exit 

Iago. After her : after her. 

CaJ. I muft, ftiee'l rayle in the ftreets elfe. 

Iago. Will you fup there? 

CaJJio. Yes, 1 intend fo. 

Iago. Well, I may chance to fee you : for I would ve- 
ry faine fpeake with you. 

CaJ Prythee come : will you ? 

Iago. Go too : fay no more. 

Otb. How /hall I murther h\m,Iago. 

Iago. Did you perceiue how he laugh'd at his vice? 

Oth. Oh, Iago. 

Iago. And did you fee the Handkerchiefe? 

Oth. Was that mine? 

Iago. Yours by this hand : and to fee how he prizes 
the foolifti woman your wife : /he gaue it him, | and he 
hath giu'n it his whore. 

Oth. I would haue him nine yeeres a killing : 
A fine woman, a fdire woman, a fweete woman ? 

Iago. Nay, you muft forget that. 

Othello. I, let her rot and perifti, and be damn'd to 
night, for /he /hall not Hue. No, my heart is turn'd to 
ftone : I ftrike it,and it hurts my hand. Oh, the world 
hath not a fweeter Creature : /he might lye by an Em- 
perours fide, and command him Taskes. 

Iago. Nay, that's not your way. 

Othe. Hang her, I do but fay what /he is : fo delicate 
with her Needle : an admirable Mufitian. Oh /he will 
fing the SauagenefTe out of a Beare : of fo high and plen- 
teous wit, and inuention ? 

Iago. She's the worfe for all this. 

Othe. Oh, a thoufand,a thoufand times: 
And then of fo gentle a condition ? 

Iago, I too gentle. 

Othe. Nay that's certaine : 
But yet the pitty of it, Iago : oh Iago, the pitty of it 



Iago. If you are fo fond ouer her iniquitie : giue her 
pattent to offend, for if it touch not you, it comes neere 
no body. 

Oth. I will chop her into Mefl'es : Cuckold me f 

Iago. Oh, 'tis foule in her. 

Oth. With mine Officer? 

Iago. That's fouler. 

Othe. Get me fome poyfon, Iago, this night. lie not 
expoftulate with her: leaft her body and beautie vnpro- 
uide my mind againe : this night Iago. 

Iago. Do it not with poyfon, ftrangle her in her bed, 
Euen the bed /he hath contaminated. 

Oth. Good, good : 
The Iuftice of it pleafes : very good. 

Iago. And for CaJJio,\et me be his vndertaker : 
You /hall heare more by midnight. 

Enter Lodouico,Defdemona,and Attendants. 

Othe. Excellent good : What Trumpet is that fame ? 

Iago. I warrant lbmething from Venice, 
'Tis Lo douico, this, comes from the Duke. 
See, your wife's with him. 

Lodo . Saue you worthy Generall. 

Othe. With all my heart Sir. 

Lod.The Duke, and the Senators of Venice greet you. 

Othe. I kiffe the Inftrument of their pleafures. 

T)ef. And what's the newes, good cozen Lodouko ? 

Iago. I am very glad to fee you Signior: 
Welcome to Cyprus. 

hod. I thanke you : how do's Lieutenant CaJJio ? 

Iago. LiuesSir, 

Dej. Cozen, there's falne betweene him,& my Lord, 
An vnkind breach : but you /hall make all well. 

Othe. Are you fure of that ? 

T>eJ. My Lord ? 

Othe. This faile you not to do, as you will 

Lod. He did not call : he's bufie in the paper, 
Is there deuifion 'twixt my Lord, and CaJJio? 

Dej. A rnoft vnhappy one : I would do much 
T'att.me|them, for the loue I beare to CaJJio. 

Oth. Fire, and brimeftone. 

Dej. My Lord. 

Oth. Are you wife ? 

Dej What is he angrie ? 

Lod. May be thLetter mou'd him. 
For as I thinke, they do command him home, 
Deputing Cajsio in his Gouernment. 

Dej. Truft me, 1 am glad on't. 

Othe. Indeed? 

T>eJ. My Lord ? 

Othe. I am glad to fee you mad. 

Dej. Why, fweete Othello? 

Othe. Diuell. 

T>eJ. I haue not deferu'd this. 

Lod. My Lord, this would not be beleeu'd in Venice, 
Though I /hould fweare I faw't. 'Tis very much, 
Make her amends : /he weepes. 

Othe. Oh diuell, diuell: 
If that the Earth could teeme with womans teares, 
Each drop /he falls, would proue a Crocodile : 
Out of my fight. 

"Dej. I willi not ftay to offend you. 

Lod. Truely obedient Lady : 
I do befeech your Lord/hip call her backe. 

Oth- 

' 8io 



the <£Moore of Venice. 



331 



Othe. Miftris. 

"Def. My Lord. 

Othe. What would you with her, Sir? 

Lod. Who I,my Lord? 

Othe. I, you did wi/h,that I would make her turne: 
Sir, me can turne, and turne : and yet go on 
And turne againe. And fhe can weepe,Sir,weepe. 
And lhe's obedient : as you fay obedient. 
Very obedient: proceed you in your teares. 
Concerning this Sir, (oh well-painted paffion) 
I am commanded home : get you away : 
He fend for you anon. Sir I obey the Mandate, 
And will returne to Venice. Hence,auaunt : 
Caffio mall haue my Place. And Sir, to night 
I do entreat, that we may fup together. 
You are welcome Sir to Cyprus. 
Goates,and Monkeys. Exit. 

Lod. Is this the Noble Moore, whom our full Senate 
Call all in all fufficient? Is this the Nature 
Whom Paffion could not make ? Whofe folid vertue 
The /hot of Accident, nor dart of Chance 
Could neither graze, nor pierce ? 

lago. He is much chang'd. 

Lod. Are his wits fafe ? Is he not light of Braine ? 

Iago. He's that he is : I may not breath my cenfure. 
What he might be: if what he might, he is not, 
I would to heauen he were. 

Lod. What? Strike his wife? 

Iago. 'Faith that was not fo well : yet would I knew 
That ftroke would proue the worft. 

Lod. Is it his vfe ? 
Or did the Letters,worke vpon his blood, 
And new create his fault? 

Iago. Alas,alas: 
It is not honeftie in me to fpeake 

What I haue feene, and knowne. You fhall obferue him, 
And his owne courfes will deonte him fo, 
That I may faue my fpeech : do but go after 
And marke how he continues. 

Lod. I am forry that I am deceiu'd in him. Exeunt. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Othello, and i^Emilia. 

Othe. You haue feene nothing then f 

c/Emil. Nor euer heard ; nor euer did fufpeft. 

Othe. Yes, you haue feene Cajfio, and ihe together. 

cs£mi. But then I faw no harme : and then I heard, 
Each fyllable that breath made vp betweene them. 

Othe. What ? Did they neuer whifper ? 

cs£mil. Neuer my Lord. 

Othe. Nor fend you out o'th'way? 

osEmil. Neuer. 

Othe. To fetch her Fan, her Gloues, her Mask, nor no- 

v£mil. Neuer my Lord. (thing? 

Othe. That's ftrange. 

z&mil. I durft(my Lord)to wager, {he is honeft: 
Lay downe mv Soule at (take : If you thinke other, 
Remoue your thought. It doth abufe your bofome: 
If any wretch haue put this in your head , 
Let Heauen requit it with the Serpents curfe, 



For if me be not honeft,chafte,and true, 

There's no man happy. The pureft of their Wiues 

Is foule as Slander. 

Othe. Bid her come hither : go. Exit csEmilia. 

She faies enough : yet lhe's a fimple Baud 
That cannot fay as much. This is a fubtile Whore : 
A Cloffet Lockeand Key of Villanous Secrets, 
And yet lhe'Ie kneele,and pray : I haue feene her do't. 



Defdei 



, and Emilia. 



Def. My Lord,what is your will f 

Othe. Pray you Chucke come hither. 

Def. What is your pleafure ? 

Oth. Let me fee your eyes : looke in my face. 

Def. What horrible Fancie's this? 

Othe. Some of your Fun&ion Miftris: 
Leaue Procreants alone,and ftiut the doore: 
Cough, or cry hem; if any bodycome : 
Your Myftery,your Myftery : May difpatch.^r/V cs£mi. 

T)ef. Vpon my knee, what doth your fpeech import? 
I vnderftand a Fury in your words. 
Othe. Why ? What art thou ? 

Def. Your wife my Lord : your true and loyall wife. 

Othello. Come fweare it ; damne thy felfe, leaft 
being like one of Heauen, the diuells themfelues mould 
feare to ceaze thee. Therefore be double damn'd: fweare 
thou art honeft. 

Def. Heauen doth truely know it. 

Otbe.Hezuen truely knowes,that thou art falfe as hell. 

T)ef. To whom my Lord ? 
With whom ? How am I falfe ? 

Othe. Ah Z)e/</e»z0»,away,away,away . 

Def. Alas the heauy day : why do you weepe ? 
Am 1 the motiue of thefe teares my Lord ? 
If happely you my Father do fufpeiS, 
An Inftrument of this your calling backe, 
Lay not your blame on me : if you haue loft him, 
I haue loft him too. 

Othe. Had it pleas'd Heauen, 
To try me with AfflicYion,had they rain'd 
All kind of Sores,and Shames on my bare-head: 
Steep'd me in pouertie to the very lippes, 
Giuen to Captiuitie, me, and my vtmoft hopes, 
I mould haue found in fome place of my Soule 
A drop of patience. But alas,to make me 
The fixed Figure for the time of Scorne, 
To point his flow, and mouing finger at. 
Yet could I beare that too, well, very well : 
But there where I haue garnerd vp my heart, 
Where either I muft Hue, or beare no life, 
The Fountaine from the which my currant runnes, 
Or elfe dries vp : to be difcarded thence, 
Or keepe it as a Cefterne,for foule Toades 
To knot and gender in. Turne thy complexion there : 
Patience, thou young and Rofe-lip'd Cherubin, 
I heere looke grim as hell. 

Def. I hope my Noble Lord efteemes me honeft. 
Othe. Oh I, as Sommer Flyes are in the Shambles, 
That quicken euen with blowing. Oh thou weed : 
Who art fo louely faire,and fmell'ft fo fweete, 
That the Senfe akes at thee, 
Would thou had'ft neuer bin borne. 

Def. Alas,what ignorant fin haue I committed ? 

Othe.Was this faire Paper? This moil goodly Booke 
Made to write Whore vpon ? What commited, 

v v 2 Com- 



33 2 



The Tragedie of Othello 



Committed? Oh, thou publicke Commoner, 
I (hould make very Forges of my cheekes, 
That would to Cynders burne vp Modeftie, 
Did I but fpeake thy deedes. What commited ? 
Heauen ftoppes the Nofe at it, and the Moone winks : 
The baudy winde that kiffes all it meeres, 
Is huft'd within the hollow Myne of Earth 
And will not hear't. What commited i 

DeJ. By Heauen you do me wrong. 

Otbe. Are not you a Strumpet? 

•"DeJ. No, as I am a Chriftian. 
If to preferue this veffell for my Lord, 
From any other foule vnlawfull touch 
Be not to be a Strumpet, 1 am none. 

Otbe. What, not a Whore ? 

DeJ. No,as I (hall be fau'd. 

Othe. Is't poffible ? 

DeJ. Oh Heauen forgiue vs. 

Otbe. I cry you mercy then . 
I tooke you for that cunning Whore of Venice, 
That married with Othello. You Miftris, 

Enter (y£milia. 
That haue the office oppofite to Saint Peter, 
And keepes the gate of hell. You, you : I you. 
We haue done our courfe: there's money for your paines: 
I pray you turne the key, and keepe our counfaile. Exit. 

as£mil. Alas, what do's this Gentleman conceiue ? 
How do you Madam ? how do you my good Lady? 

DeJ. Faith, halfe a fleepe. 

<^£mi. Good Madam, 
What's the matter with my Lord ? 

DeJ. With who ? 

cs£mil. Why, with my Lord, Madam? 

DeJ. Who is thy Lord ? 

<iAt.mil. He that is yours, fweet Lady. 

DeJ. I haue none : do not talke to we,n^milia, 
I cannot weepe : nor anfweres haue I none, 
Bnt what (hould go by water. Prythee to night, 
Lay on my bed.my wedding (heetes, remember, 
And call thy husband hither. 

<zAi.mil. Heere's a change indeed. Exit. 

DeJ. 'Tis meete I fhould be vs'd fo : very meete. 
How haue I bin behau'd. that he might fticke 
The fmall'ft opinion on my leaft mifvfe? 

Enter lago, and zAZmilia. 

lago. What is your pleafure Madam? 
How is't with you ? 

DeJ. I cannot tell : thofe that do teach yong Babes 
Do it with gentle meanes, and eafie taskes. 
He might haue chid me fo : for in good faith 
I am a Child to chiding. 

lago. What is the matter Lady ? 

<tA.mil. A\as(Iago)my Lord hath fo bewhor'd her, 
Throwne fuch diipight,and heauy termes vpon her 
That true hearts cannot beare it. 

DeJ. Am I that name, lago} 

lago. What name, (faire Lady ?) 

DeJ. Such as (he faid my Lord did fay I Was. 

tAmil. He call'd her whore :a Begger in his drinke : 
Could not haue laid fuch termes vpon his Callet. 

lago. Why did he fo ? 

DeJ. I do not know : I am fure I am none fuch. 

lago. Do not weepe, do not weepe : alas the day. 

<tAi.mil. Hath (he forfooke fo many Noble Matches ? 
Her Father? And her Country? And her Friends? 



To be call'd Whore ? Would it not make one weepe ? 

DeJ. It is my wretched Fortune. 

lago. Beflirew him for'r : 
How comes this Tricke vpon him ? 

DeJ. Nay, Heauen doth know. 

<tAmi. I will be hang'd,if lome eternall Villaine, 
Some bufie and infinuating Rogue, 
Some cogging, cozening Slaue, to get fome Office, 
Haue not deuis'd this Slander : I will be hang'd elfe. 

lago. Fie, there is no fuch man : it is im poffible. 

DeJ. If any fuch there be, Heauen pardon him. 

zALmil. A halter pardon him : 
And hell gnaw his bones. 
Why (hould he call her Whore ? 
Who keepes hercompanie? 
What Place ? What Time i 
What Forme? What liklyhood ? 
The Moore's abus'd by fome mod villanous Knaue, 
Some bafe notorious Knaue, fome fcuruy Fellow. 
Oh Heauens, that fuch companions thou'd'ft vnfold, 
And put in euery honeft hand a whip 
To la(h the Ralcalls naked through the w rid, 
Euen from the Eaft to th'Weft. 

lago. Speake within doore. 

<tAi.mil. Oh fie vpon them: fome fuch Squire he was 
That turn'd your wit, the feamy-fide without, 
And made you to fufpect me with the Moore. 

lago. You are a Foole : go too. 

'DeJ. Alas lago, 
What (hall I do to win my Lord againe? 
Good Friend, go to him : for by this light of Heauen, 
I know not how I loft him. Heere I kneele : 
If ere my will did trefpaffe 'gainft his Loue, 
Either in difcourfe of thought, or acluall deed, 
Or that mine Eyes, mine Eares,or any Sence 
Delighted them : or any other Forme. 
Or that I do not yet, and euer did, 
And euer will,( though he do (hake me off 
To beggerly diuorcement) Loue him deerely, 
Comfort forfweare me. Vnkindneffe may do much, 
And his vnkindneffe may defeat my life, 
But neuer taynt my Loue. I cannot fay Whore, 
It do's abhorre me now I fpeake the word, 
To do the A<ft,that might the addition earne, 
Not the worlds Maffe of vanitie could make me. 

lago. I pray you be content : 'tis but his humour: 
The bufineffe of the State do's him offence. 
DeJ. If 'twere no other. 
lago. It is but fo, I warrant, 
Hearke how thefe Inftruments fummon to fupper : 
The Meffengers of Venice ftaies the meate, 
Go in, and weepe not : all things (hall be well. 

Exeunt Dejdemona and <tAt,milia. 

Enter Rodorigo. 
How now 'Rodorigo? 

Rod. I do not finde 
That thou deal'ft iuftly with me. 

lago. What in the contrarie? 

Rodori. Euery day thou dafts me with fome deuife 
lago, and rather, as it feemes to me now, keep'ft from 
me all conueniencie, then fupplieft me with the leaft ad- 
uantage of hope : I will indeed no longer endure it. Nor 
am I yet perfwaded to put- vp in peace, what already I 
haue foolifhly fuffred. 

Iago K Will you heare me Rodorigo ? 

Rodori. I 

~ 8iz 



the <SVLoore of Venice. 



333 



Rodori. I haue heard too much ; and your words and 
Performances are no kin together. 

lags. You charge me molt vniuftly. 

"Sodo. With naught but truth : I haue wafted my 
felfe out of my meanes. The Iewels you haue had from 
me to deliuer Defdemona, would halre haue corrupted a 
Votarift. V uU naue to lJ m e Ihe hath receiu'd them, 
and return'd me expectations and comforts of ibdaine 
refpedt, and acquaintance, but I finde none. 

Iago. Well, go too : very well. 
' Rod. Very well , go too : 1 cannot go too, ( man ) nor 
tis not very well. Nay I think it is fcuruy : and begin to 
finde my felfe fopt in it. 

Iago. Very well. 

Rodor. I tell you, 'tis not very well : I will make my 
felfe knowne to Defdemona. Jf ihe will returne me my 
Iewels, I will giue ouer my Suit, and repent my vnlaw- 
full folicitation. If not, allure your felfe, I will feeke 
fatisfa&ion of you. 

Iago. You haue faid now . 

Rodo. I ; and faid nothing but what I proteft intend- 
ment of doing. 

Iago. Why, now I fee there's mettle in thee : and 
euen from this inftant do build on thee a better o- 
pinion then euer before : giue me thy hand Rodorigo. 
Thou had taken againft me a molt iuft excepti- 
on : but yet I proteft I haue dealt moft direftly in thy 
Affaire. 

Sod. It hath not appeer'd. 

Iago. I grant indeed it hath not appeer'd : and 
your fufpition is not without wit and iudgement. 
But Rodorigo, if thou haft that in thee indeed, which 
I haue greater reafon to beleeue now then euer ( I 
meane purpofe, Courage, and Valour ) this night 
fhew it. If thou rhe next night following enioy not 
Defdemona, take me from this world with Treache- 
rie, and deuife Engines for my life. 

"Rod. Well: what is it ? Is it within, reafon and com- 
pare ? 

Iago. Sir, there is efpeciall Commiffion come from 
Venice to depute Cajjio in Othello's place. 

Rod. Is that true ? Why then Othello and Dejdemona 
returne againe to Venice. 

Iago. Oh no : he goes into Mauritania and taketh 
away with him the faire T>efdemona, vnlefle his a- 
bode be lingred heere by fome accident. Where- 
in none can be fo determinate, as the remourng of 
Caffio. 

Rod. How do you meane remouing him ? 

Iago. Why, by making him vncapable of Othello's 
place : knocking out his braines. 

Rod. And that you would haue me to do. 

Iago. I : if you dare do your felfe a profit, and a 
right. He fups to night with a Harlotry : and thither 
will I go to him. He knowes not yet of his Honourable 
Fortune, if you will watch his going thence ( which 
I will falhion to fall out betweene twelue and one) 
you may take him at your pleafure. I will be neere 
to fecond your Attempt, and he lhall fall betweene 
vs. Come, ftand not amaz'd at it, but go along with 
me : I will Ihew you fuch a neceflitie in his death, that 
you lhall thinke your felfe bound to put it on him. It 
is now high fupper time : and the night growes to waft. 
About it. 

'Sod. I will heare further reafon for this. 

Iago. And you Ihalbe fatisfi'd. Exeunt. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Othello, Lodouico, Defdemona, esEmilia, 
and eAtendants. 
Lod. I do befeech you Sir, trouble your felfe no further. 
Oth. Oh pardon me : 'twill do me good to walke. 
Lodoui. Madam, good night : I humbly thanke your 
Ladylhip. 

Def. Your Honour is moft welcome. 
Oth. Will you walke Sir ? Oh Defdemona. 
T>e{. My Lord. 

Othello. Get you to bed on th'inftant, I will be re- 
turn'd forthwith : difmifle your Attendant there : look't 
be done. Exit . 

Def. I will my Lord. 
es£m. How goes it now? He lookes gentler then he did. 
Def He faies he will returne incontinent, 
And hath commanded me to go to bed, 
And bid me to difmifTe you. 
vEmi. DifmilTe me f 

Def. It was his bidding : therefore good zALmilia, 
Giue me my nightly wearing, and adieu. 
We muft not now difpleafe him. 

zjEmil. 1, would you had neuer feene him. 
Def. So would not I : my loue doth fo approue him, 
That euen his ftubbornefle, his checks, his frownes, 
(Prythee vn-pin me) haue grace and fauour. 
es£mi.\ hauejaid thofe Sheetes you bad me on the bed. 
'Def. All's one: good Father, how foolifh are our minds? 
If I do die before, prythee Ihrow'd me 
In one of thefe fame Sheetes. 

cs£mil. Come, come : you talke. 
Def. My Mother had a Maid call'd 'Barbaric, 
She was in loue : and he Ihe lou'd prou'd mad, 
And did forfake her. She had a Song of Willough, 
An old thing 'twas : but it exprefs'd her Fortune, 
And Ihe dy'd finging it. That Song to night, 
Will not go from my mind : I haue much to do, 
But to go hang my head all at one fide 
And fing it like poore "Brabarie: prythee difpatch. 
es£mi. Shall I go fetch your Night-gowne ? 
Def. No, vn-pin me here, 
This Lodouico is a proper man. 
n^Emil. A very handfome man. 
Def. He fpeakes well. 

Cs£mil. I know a Lady in Venice would haue w 
barefoot to Paleftine for a touch of his nether lip. 
Def. The poore Soule fat finging , by a Sicamour tree. 
Sing all a green e Willough : 
Her hand on her bofome her head on her Jinee , 

Sing miiough,miiough,miiough. 

Streames ran by her, and murmur d her moant 



Jlk'd 



Sing Willough, &c. 

Her fait teares fell from her , and foftned the ftones, 

Sing Willough, &c. ( Lay by thefe; 

Willough, Willough. (Prythee high thee : he'le come anon) 

Sing all a greene Willough muft be my Garland. 

Let no body blame him,hU fcome I approue. 

(Nay that's not next. Harke, who is't that knocks ? 

i/Emil. It's the wind. 

T>e f. I calfd my Loue falfe Loue : but what faid he then ? 
Sing Willough,&c. 
If I court mo women, you le couch with mo men. 

v v 3 So 



334 



The Tragedie of Othello 



^o get thee gone, good night : mine eyes do itch : 
Doth that boade weeping? 

zSEmil , "Tis neyther heere, nor there* 

Def. I haue heard it faid fo. O thefe Men, thefe men ! 
Do'ft thou in confcience thinke(tell me ^Emilia) 
That there be women do abufe their husbands 
In fuch grofie kinde ? 

v£mil. There be fome fuch, no queftion. 

Def. Would'ft thou do fuch a deed for all the world ? 

zs£mil. Why, would not you ? 

T)ef. No, by this Heauenly light. 

c^Emil. Nor I neither, by this Heauenly light: 
I might doo't as well i'th'darke. 

<DeJ. Would'ft thou do fuch a deed for al the world ? 

c^Emil. The world's a huge thing: 
It is a great price, for a fmall vice. 

Def. Introth, I thinke thou would'ft not. 

e/£m;7. Introth I thinke I mould, and vndoo't when 
I had done. Marry, I would not doe fuch a thing for a 
ioynt Ring, nor for meafures of Lawne,nor for Gownes, 
Petticoats, nor Caps, nor any petty exhibition. But for 
all the whole world : why, who would not make her hus- 
banda Cuckold, to make him a Monarch? I mould ven- 
ture Purgatory for't. 

"Def. Beihrew me, if I would do fuch a wrong 
For the whole world. 

<^£mil. Why, the wrong is but a wrong i'th'world ; 
and hauing the world for your labour, 'tis a wrong in 
your owne world, and you might quickly make it right. 

Def. I do not thinke there is any fuch woman. 

v£mil. Yes, a dozen : and as many to'th'vantage, as 
would ftore the world they plaid for. 
But I do thinke it is their Husbands faults 
If Wiues do fall : (Say, that they ilacke their duties, 
And powre our Treafures into forraigne laps; 
Or elfe breakeout in peeuifh Iealoulies, 
Throwing reftraint vpon vs : Or fay they ftrike vs, 
Or fcant our former hauing in defpight) 
Why we haue galles : and though we haue fome Grace, 
Yet haue we fome Reuenge. Let Husbands know, 
Their wiues hauefenfe like them : They fee, and fmell, 
And haue their Palats both for fweet.and fowre, 
As Husbands haue. What is it that they do, 
When they change vs for others? Is it Sport? 
I thinke it is : and doth Affection breed it ? 
I thinke it doth. Is't Frailty that thuserres? 
It is fo too. And haue not we AfFeclions? 
Defires for Sport? and Frailty,as men haue/ 
Then let them vfe vs well : elfe let them kno.w, 
The illes we do, their illes inftrucl: vs fo. 

T)ef. Good night, good night : 
Heauen me fuch vfes fend, 
Not to picke bad, from bad; but by bad, mend. Exeunt 



A5lus Quintus. Scena ^rima. 



Enter Iago,and Rodorigo. 
Iago. Heere, ftand behinde this Barke, 
Straight will he come : 

Weare thy good Rapier bare, and put it home : 
Quicke,quicke, feare nothing; He be at thy Elbow, 
It makes vs, or it marres vs, thinke on that, 
And fixe moft firme thy Refolution. 



Rod. Be neere at hand, I may mifcarry in't.. : 
Iago. Heere, at thy hand: Be bold, & take thy ftand. 
Rod. I haue no great deuotion to the deed, 
And yet he hath giuen me fatisfying Reafons : 
'Tis but a man gone. Forth my Sword : he dies. 

Iago.l haue rub'd this yong Quat almoft to the fenfe, 
And he growes angry. Now, whether he kill Caffio, 
Or Caffio him, or each do kill the other, 
Euery way makes my gaine. Liue Rodorigo, 
He calles me to a reftitution large 
Of Gold, and Iewels, that I bob'd from him, 
As Guifts to Defdemona. 
It muft not be : If Caffio do remaine, 
He hath a dayly beauty in his life, 
That makes me vgly : and befides, the Moore 
May vnfold me to him : there ftand I in much perill : 
No, he muft dye. But fo, I heard him comming. 
Enter Caffio. 

'Rod. I know his gate, 'tis he : Villaine thou dyeft. 

Caf. That thruft had beene mine enemy indeed, 
But that my Coate is better then thou know'ft : 
I will make proofe of thine. 

Rod. Oh, I am flaine. 

Caffio. I am maym'd for euer : 
Helpe hoa : Murther, murther. 
Enter Othello. 

Otb. The voyce of Caffio, Iago keepes his word. 

Rod. O Villaine that i am. 

Oth. It is euen fo. 

Caf. Oh helpe hoa : Light, a Surgeon. 

Oth. 'Tis he : O braue Iago, honeft,and iuft, 
That haft fuch Noble fenfe of thy Friends wrong, 
Thou teacheft me. Minion, your deere lyes dead, 
And your vnbleft Fate highes : Strumpet I come : 
For of my heart, thofe Charmes thine Eyes, are blotted . 
Thy Bed luft-ftain'd, fhall with Lufts blood bee fpotted. 
Sxit Othello. 
Enter Lodouico and Gratiano. 

Caf. What hoa? no Watch? No paflage ? 
Murther, Murther. 

Gra. 'Tis fome mifchance,the voyce is very direfull. 

Caf. Oh helpe. 

Lodo. Hearke. 

Rod. Oh wretched Villaine. 

Lod. Two or three groane. 'Tis heauy night ; 
Thefe may be counterfeits : Let's think't vnlafe 
To come into the cry, without more helpe. 

Rod. Nobody come : then fhall 1 bleed to death. 
Enter Iago. 

Lod. Hearke. 

Gra. Here's one comes in his fhirt, with Light, and 
Weapons. 

Iago. Who's there f 
Who's noyfe is this that cries on murther? 

Lodo. We do not know. 

Iago. Do not you heare a cry? 

Caf. Heere, heere : for heauen fake helpe me. 

Iago. What's the matter ? 

Gra. This is Othello % Ancient, as I take it. 

Lodo. The fame indeede, a very valiant Fellow. 

Iago. What are you heere, that cry fo greeuoufly? 

Caf. Iago} Oh I am fpoyl'd, vndone by Villaines: 
Giue me fome helpe. 

Iago. O mee, Lieutenant ! 
What Villaines haue done this ? 

Caf. I thinke that one of them is heereabout, 

And 
814 



the <£Moore of Venice. 



335 



And cannot make away. 

logo. Oh treacherous Villaines : 
What are you there ? Come in, and giue fome helpe. 

Rod. O helpe me there. 

CaJJlo. That's one of them. 

lago. Oh murd'rous Slaue ! O Villaine J 

Rod. O damn'd Iago I O inhumane Dogge ! 

Iago. Kill men i'th'darke ? 
Where be thefe bloody Theeues? 
How filent is thisTowne ? Hoa,mutther, murther. 
What may you be? Are you of good, or euill ? 

Lod. As you mall proue vs,praife vs. 

Iago. Signior Lodouko ? 

Lod. He Sir. 

Iago. I cry you mercy : here's Cajjio hurt by Villaines. 

Gra. Caffio? 

Iago. How is't Brother ? 

Caf. My Legge is cut in two. 

Iago. Marry heauen forbid : 
Light Gentlemen, lie binde it with my fttirt. 
Enter 'Bianca. 

'Bian. What is the matter hoa? Who is't that cry'd ? 

Iago. Who is't that cry'd ? 

Bian. Oh my deere Caffio, 
My fweet Caffio: Oh Caffio,Caffo,Caffio. 

Iago. O notable Strumpet. Caffio, may you fufpedt 
Who they fliould be, that haue thus mangled you ? 

Caf. No. 

Gra. I am forry to finde you thus ; 
I haue beene to feeke you. 



Lend me a Garter. So : 



-Oh for a Chaire 



To beare him eafily hence. 

'Bian. Alas he faints. Oh Caffio, Caff o, Caffio. 

Iago. Gentlemen all, I do fufpect this Trafli 
To be a party in this Iniurie. 
Patience awhile, good Caffio. Come, come ; 
Lend me a Light : know we this face, or no ? 
Alas my Friend, and my deere Countryman 
Rodorigo? No : Yes fure : Yes, 'tis Rodorigo. 

Gra. What, of Venice ? 

Iago. Euen he Sir : Did you know him ? 

Gra. Know him? I. 

Iago. Signior Gratiano ? I cry your gentle pardon : 
Thefe bloody accidents muft excufe my Manners, 
That fo negletted you. 

Gra. I am glad to fee you. 

Iago. How do you Caffio ? Oh, a Chaire,a Chaire.- 

Gra. Rodorigo} 

Iago. He, he, 'tis he : 
Oh that's well faid, the Chaire. 
Some good man beare him carefully from hence, 
I He fetch the Generally Surgeon. For you Miftris, 
; Saue you your labour. He that lies llaine heere ( Caffio ) 
Was my deere friend. What malice was between you i 

Caf. None in the world : nor do I know the man ? 

Iago. What? looke you pale? Oh beare him o'th'Ayre, 
Stay you good Gentlemen. Looke you pale, Miftris ? 
Do you perceiue the gaftneffe of her eye} 
Nay, if you ftare, we mall heare more anon. 
Behold her well : I pray you looke vpon her : 
Do you fee Gentlemen? Nay, guiltinelTe will fpeake 
Though tongues were out of vfe. 

<v£m;7. Alas, what is the matter ? 
What is the matter, Husband ? 

Iago. Caffio hath heere bin fet on in the darke 
By Rodorigo, and Fellowes that are fcap'd : 



He's almoft flaine, and Rodorigo quite dead. 

cs£mil. Alas good Gentleman : alas good C a f s '°- 

Iago. This is the fruits of whoring. Prythe nAZmilia, 
Go know of Caffio where he fupt to night. 
What, do you make at that ? 

Bian. He fupt at my houfe, but I therefore make not. 

Iago. O did he fo ? I charge you go with me. 

tt&mil. Oh fie vpon thee Strumpet. 

'Bian. I am no Strumpet, but of life as honeft, 
As you that thus abufe me. 

&£mil. As 1? Fie vpon thee. 






Kinde Gentlemen 



Let's go fee poore Caffio dreft. 

Come Miftris, you muft tel's another Tale. 

zs£milia, run you to the Cittadell, 

And tell my Lord and Lady,what hath happ'd : 

Will you go on afore ? This is the night 

That either makes me, or foredoes me quight. Exeunt 



Sccena Secunda. 



Enter Othello, and Defdemona in her bed. 

Oth. It is the Caufe, it is the Caufe (my Soule) 
Let me not name it to you, you chafte Starres, 
It is the Caufe. Yet He not fiied her blood, 
Nor fcarre that whiter skin of hers, then Snow, 
And fmooth as Monumentall Alablafter: 
Yet flie muft dye, elfe fliee'l betray more men : 
Put out the Light, and then put out the Light : 
If I quench thee, thou flaming Minifter, 
I can againe thy former light reftore, 
Should I repent me. But once put out thy Light, 
Thou cunning'ft Patterne of excelling Nature, 
I know not where is that Promethaan heate 
That can thy Light re-Lume. 
When I haue pluck'd thy Rofe, 
I cannot giue it vitall growth againe, 
It needs muft wither. He fmell thee on the Tree. 
Oh Balmy breath, that doft almoft perfwade 
Iuftice to breake her Sword. One more, one more : 
Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee, 
And looe thee after. One more, and that's the laft. 
So fweet, was ne're fo fatall. I muft weepe, 
But they are cruell Teares : This forrow's heauenly, 
It ftrikes, where it doth loue. She wakes. 

Def. Who's there ? Othello? 

Othel. I Defdemona. 

'Def. Will you come to bed, my Lord? 

Oth. Haue you pray'd to night, "Defdemon ? 

Def. I my Lord. 

Oth. If" you bethinke your felfe of any Crime 
Vnreconcil'd as yet to Heauen,and Grace, 
Solicite for it ftraight. 

Def. Alacke, my Lord, 
What may you meane by that ? 

Oth. Well, do it,and be breefe, I will walke by : 
I would not kill thy vnprepared Spirit, 
No, Heauens fore-fend) I would not kill thy Soule. 

Def. Talke you of killing ? 

Oth. I, I do. 

Def. Then Heauen haue mercy on mee. 



33 6 



The Tragedie of Othello 



Oth. Amen, with all my heart. 

Def. If you fay, I hope you will not kill me. 

Oth. Humh. 

<r Dej. And yet I feare you : for you're fatall then 
When your eyes rowle fo. 
Why I mould feare, I know not, 
Since guiltineffe I know not : But yet I feele I feare. 

Orb. Thinke on thy finnes. 

Def. They are Loues I beare to you. 

Oth. I, and for that thou dy'ft. 

Def. That death's vnnaturall, that kils for louing. 
Alas, why gnaw you fo your nether-lip ? 
Some bloody paffion fhakes your very Frame : 
Thefe are portents: but yet 1 hope, I hope, 
They do not point on me. 

Oth. Peace, and be ftill. 

Def. I will fo : What's the matter ? 

Oth. That Handkerchiefe 
Which I fo lou'd,and gaue thee, thou gau'ft to CaJJio. 

T>ef. No by my Life, and Soule : fend for the man, 
And aske him. 

Oth. Sweet Soule, take heed, take heed of Periury, 
Thou art on thy death-bed. 

Def. I, but not yet to dye. 

Oth. Prefently. 
Therefore confeffe thee freely of thy finne: 
For to deny each Article with Oath, 
Cannot remoue, nor choake the ftrong Conception 
That I do grone withall. Thou art to dye. 

Def. O Heauen haue mercy on me. 

Oth. I fay, Amen. 

Def. And haue you mercy too. I neuer did 
Offend you in my life : neuer lou'd CaJJio, 
But with fuch generall warrantie of Heauen, 
As I might loue. I neuer gaue him Token. 

Oth. By Heauen I faw my Handkerchiefe in's hand. 

periur'd woman, thou do'ft ftone my heart, 
And makes me call, what I intend to do, 

A Murther, which I thought a Sacrifice. 

1 faw the Handkerchiefe. 

Def. He found it then : 
I neuer gaue it him : Send, for him hither : 
Let him confeffe a truth. 

Oth. He hath confeft. 

Def. What, my Lord ? 

Oth. That he hath vs'd thee. 

Def. How? vnlawfully? 

Oth. I. 

Def. He will not fay fo. 

Oth. No : his mouth is ftopp'd : 
Honeft Iago hath 'tane order for't. 

"Def. Oh, my feare interprets. What is he dead ? 

Oth. Had all his haires bin liues, my great Reuenge 
Had ftomacke for them all. 

Def. Alas, he is betray'd, and I vndone. 

Otb.Out Strumpet : weep'ft thou for him to my face? 

Def O banifh me, my Lord, but kill me not. 

Oth. Downe Strumpet. 

Def. Kill me to morrow, let me liue to night. 

Oth. Nay, if you ftriue. 

Def. But halfe an houre. 

Oth. Being done, there is no pawfe. 

T)ef. But while I fay one prayer. 

Oth. It is too late. Smothers her, 

<L&.milia at the doore. 

a^Emil. My Lord, my Lord ? What hoa ?| 



My Lord, my Lord. 

Oth .What noife is this ?■ Not dead? not yet quite dead ? 
I that am cruell, am yet mercifull, 
I would not haue thee linger in thy paine ? 
So, fo. 

uSEmil.mithin. What hoa? my Lord, my Lord ? 

Oth. Who's there? 

Cs£miL Oh good my Lord, I would fpeake la word 
with you. 

Oth. Yes : 'Tis Emilia : by and by. Shee's dead. 
'Tis like fhe comes to fpeake of QaJJio's death : 
The noife was high. Hah, no more moouing ? 
Still as the Graue. Shall fhe come in? Wer't good ? 
I thinke ihe flirres againe No, what's beft to do ? 
If fhe come in, fhee'l fure fpeake to my wife : 
My wife, my wife : what wife ? I haue no wife. 
Oh infupportable ! Oh heauy houre! 
Me thinkes, it fhould be now a huge Eclipfel 
Of Sunne, and Moone ; and that th'affrighted Globe 
Did yawne at Alteration. 

eJEmil. I do befeech you 
That I may fpeake with you. Oh good my Lord. 

Oth. I had forgot thee : oh come in (^Emilia. 
Soft, by and by, let me the Curtaines draw. 
Where art thou? What's the matter with thee now ? 
Enter zJEmilia. 

vEmil. Oh my good Lord, yonders foule Murthers 
done. 

Oth. What? now? 

z&rnU. But now, my Lord. 

Oth. It is the very error of the Moone, 
She comes more neerer Earth then fhe was wont, 
And makes men mad. 

n&mil. C^JJio, my Lord, hath kill'd 
A young Venetian, call'd Rodorigo. 

Oth. Rodorigo kill'd? and CaJfio kill'd? 

a^Emil. No, CaJfio is not kill'd. 

Oth. Not CaJfio kill'd? Then Murther's out of tune, 
And fweet Reuenge growes harfh. 

Def. O falfely, falfely murder'd. 

csEmil. Alas ! what cry is that ? 

Oth. That? What? 

&/&H/7. Out, and alas, that was my Ladies voice. 
Helpe,helpe hoa, helpe. Oh Ladie fpeake againe, 
Sweet Defdemona, oh fweet Miftris, fpeake. 

Def. A guiltleffe death, I dye. 

d&mil. Oh who hath done this deed ? 

Def. No body : I my felfe, farewell : 
Commend me to my kinde Lord : oh farewell. 

Oth. Why. how fhould fhe be murdred ? 

<y£mil. Alas : who knowes ? 

Oth. You heare her fay her felfe, it was not I. 

es£mil. She faid fo : I muft needs report the truth. 

Oth. She's like a Liar gone to burning hell, 
'Twas I that kill'd her. 

vEmil. Oh the more Angell fhe, and you the black- 
er Diuell.i 

Oth. She turn'd to folly : and fhe was a whore. 

c^£mil. Thou do'ft bely her, and thou art a diuell. 

Oth. She was falfe as water. 

zsEmil. Thou art rafh as fire, to fay 
That fhe was falfe. Oh fhe was heauenly true. 

Oth. CaJfio did top her : Ask thy husband elfe. 
O, I were damn'd beneath all depth in hell: 
But that I did proceed vpon iuft grounds _ 
To this extremity. Thy Husband knew it all. 

esEmil 



the £Moore of Venice. 



337 



tsEmil. My Husband ? 

Oth. Thy Husband. 

vEmil. That flie was falfe to Wedlocke ? 

Oth. I, with CaJJio : had flie bin true, 
If Heauen would make me fuch another world, 
Of one entyre and perfeft Chryfolite, 
I'ld not haue fold her for it. 

z&mil. My Husband? 

Oth. I, 'twas he that told me on her fir ft, 
An honeft man he is, and hates the (lime 
That ftickes on filthy deeds. 

cs£mil. My Husband ? 

Oth. What needs this itterance, Woman ? 
I fay, thy Husband. 

v£mil. Oh Miftris, 
Villany hath made mockes with loue : 
My Husband fay flie was falfe ? 

Oth. He, Woman ; 
I fay thy Husband : Do'ft vnderftand the word ? 
My Friend, thy Husband ; honeft, honeft Iago. 

zs£mil. If he fay fo, may his pernicious Soule 
Rot halfe a graine a day : he lyes to'th'heart, 
She was too fond of her moft filthy Bargaine. 

Oth. Hah? 

c/Emil. Do thy wotft : 
This deede of thine is no more worthy Heauen, 
Then thou was't worthy her. 

Oth. Peace, you were beft. 

csEmil. Thou haft not halfe that powre to do me harm, 
As I haue to be hurt. Oh Gull, oh dolt, 
As ignorant as durt : thou haft done a deed 
(I care not for thy Sword) lie make thee known, 
Though I loft twenty hues Helpe, helpe, hoa, helpe : 
The Moore hath kill'd my Miftris. Murther, murther. 



Enter Montana, Grati 



, and Iago. 



Mon. What is the matter ? How now Generall ? 

<±/Emil. Oh, are you come, Iago : you haue done well, 
That men muft lay their Murthers on your necke. 

Gra. What is the matter ? 

es£mil. Difproue this Villaine, if thou bee'ft a man : 
He fayes, thou told'ft him that his wife was falfe : 
I know thou did'ft not : thou'rt not fuch a Villain. 
Speake, for my heart is full. 

Iago. I told him what I thought, 
And told no more 
Then what he found himfelfe was apt, and true. 

cs£mil. But did you euer tell him, 
She was falfe ? 

Iago. I did. 

cs£mil. You told a Lye an odious damned Lye : 
Vpon my Soule, a Lye ; a wicked Lye. 
Shee falfe with CaJJio ? 
Did you fay with CaJJio ? 

Iago. With CaJJio, Miftris ? 
Go too, charme your tongue. 

Emit. I will not charme my Tongue ; 
1 am bound to fpeake, 
My Miftris heere lyes murthered in her bed. 

All. Oh Heauens, forefend. 

Emil. And your reports haue fet the Murder on. 

Othello. Nay ftare not Matters , 
It is true indeede. 

Gra. 'Tis a ftrange Truth. 

tiMont. O monftrous Acte. 



Emil. Villany, villany, villany : 
I thinke vpon't, I thinke : I fmel't : O Villany : 
I thought fo then : He kill my felfe for greefe. 

villany ! villany ! 

Iago. What, are you mad ? 

1 charge you get you home. 

Emil. Good Gentlemen, let me haue leaue to fpeake : 
'Tis proper I obey him ; but not now : 
Perchance Iago, I will ne're go home. 

Oth. Oh, oh, oh. 

Emit. Nay, lay thee downe,and roare : 
For thou haft kill'd the fweeteft innocent, 
That ere did lift vp eye. 

Oth. Oh flie was fowle .' 
I fcarfe did know you Vnkle, there lies your Neece, 
Whofe breath (indeed) thefe hands haue newly ftopp'd : 
I know this afte ftiewes horrible and grim. 

Gra. Poore T)ejdemon : 
I am glad thy Father's dead, 
Thy Match was mortall to him : and pure greefe 
Shore his old thred in twaine. Did he liue now, 
This fight would make him do a defperate turne : 
Yea, curfe his better Angell from his fide, 
And fall to Reprobance. 

Oth. 'Tis pittifuli : but yet Iago knowes 
That flie with CaJJio, hath the Aft of fliame, 
A thoufand times committed. CaJJio confeft it, 
And flie did gratifie his amorous workes 
With that Recognizance and pledge of Loue 
Which I firft gaue her : I faw it in his hand : 
It was a Handkerchiefe,an Antique Token 
My Father gaue my Mother. 

Emil. Oh Heauen ! oh heauenly Powres ! 

Iago. Come, hold your peace. 

Emil. 'Twill out, 'twill out. I peace ? 
No, I will fpeake as liberall as the North ; 
Let Heauen, and Men, and Diuels, let them all, 
All, all, crie fliame againft me, yet He fpeake. 

Iago. Be wife, and get you home. 

Emil. I will not. 

Gra. Fye, your Sword vpon a Woman. 

Emil. Oh thou dull Moore, 
That Handkerchiefe thou fpeak'ft of 
I found by Fortune, and did giue my Husband : 
For often, with a folemne earneftnefle, 
( More then indeed belong'd to fuch a Trifle ) 
He begg'd of me, to fteale't. 

Iago. Villanous Whore. 

Emil. She giue it CaJJio} No, alas I found it, 
And I did giu't my Husband. 

Iago. Filth, thou lyeft. 

Emil. By Heauen I do not, I do not Gentlemen : 
Oh murd'rous Coxcombe, what fhould fuch a Foole 
Do with fo good a wife ? 

Oth. Are there no ftones in Heauen, 
But what ferues for the Thunder ? 
Precious Villaine. 

Gra. The woman falles: 
Sure he hath kill'd his Wife. 

Emil. I, I : oh lay me by my Miftris fide. 

Gra. Hee's gone, but his wife's kill'd. 

Mon. 'Tis a notorious Villain: take you this weapon 
Which I haue recouer'd from the Moore : 
Come guard the doore without, let him not pane, 
But kill him rather. He after that fame villaine, 
For 'tis a damned Slaue. Exit . 

Oth. 



338 



The Tragedie of Othello 



Oth. I am not valiant neither : 
But euery Punie whipfter gets my Sword. 
But why fhould Honor out-liue Honefty ? 
Let it go all. 

c^Emil. What did thy Song boad Lady ? 
Hearke, canft thou heare me f I will play the Swan, 
And dye in Muficke : Willough, Willougb, Willough. 
Moore, fhe was chafte : She lou'd thee, cruell Moore, 
So come my Soule to blifTe, as I fpeake true : 
So fpeaking as I thinke, alas, I dye. 

Oth. I haue another weapon in this Chamber, 
It was a Sword of Spaine, the Ice brookes temper : 
Oh heere it is : Vnkle I muft come forth. 

Gra. If thou attempt it, it will coft thee deere ; 
Thou haft no weapon, and perforce muft fuffer. 

Otb. Looke in vpon me then, and fpeake with me, 
Or naked as I am I will affault thee. 

Gra. What is the matter? 

Othel. Behold, I haue a weapon : 
A better neuer did it felfe fuftaine 
Vpon a Soldiers Thigh. I haue feene the day, 
That with this little Arme, and this good Sword, 
I haue made my way through more impediments 
Then twenty times your flop. But (oh vaine boaft) 
Who can controll his Fate ? 'Tis not fo now. 
Be not affraid, though you do fee me weapon'd : 
Heere is my iournies end, heere is my butt 
And verie Sea-marke of my vtmoft Saile. 
Do you go backe difmaid? 'Tis a loft feare: 
Man but a Rufli againft Othello 's breft, 
And he retires. Where mould Othello go ? 
Now : how doft thou looke now? Oh ill-Starr'd wench, 
Pale as thy Smocke : when we ftiall meete at compt, 
This looke of thine will hurle my Soule from Heauen, 
And Fiends will fnatch at it. Cold, cold, my Girle ? 
Euen like thy Chaftity. O curfed, curfed Slaue I 
Whip me ye Diuels, 

From the poffeflion of this Heauenly fight : 
Blow me about in windes, roaft me in Sulphure, 
Wafti me in fteepe-downe gulfes of Liquid fire. 
Oh Defdemon ! dead Defdemon : dead. Oh, oh J 

Enter Lodoulco, Caffio, Montana, and Iago, 
with Officers. 

Lod. Where is this rafti, and moft vnfortunate man ? 

Oth. That's he that was Othello : heere I am. 

Lod. Where is that Viper ? 
Bring the Villaine forth. 

Otb. I look down towards his feet ; but that's a Fable, 
If that thou bee'ft a Diuell, I cannot kill thee. 

Lod. Wrench his Sword from him. 

Iago. I bleed Sir, but not kill'd. 

Othel. I am not forry neither, Il'd haue thee liue : 
For in my fenfe, 'tis happineffe to die. 

Lod. Oh thou Othello, that was once fo good, 
Falne in the praftife of a curfed Slaue, 
What mail be faide to thee. 

Otb. Why any thing: 
An honourable Murderer, if you will : 
For nought I did in hate, but all in Honour. 

Lod. This wretch hath part confeft his Villany : 
| Did you and he confent in Caffio's death. 

Otb. I. 

Caf. Deere Generall, I neuer gaue you caufe. 

Otb. I do beleeue it, and I aske your pardon : 
Will you, I pray, demand that demy-Diuell, 



Why he hath thus enfnar'd my Soule and Body . 

Jag. Demand me nothing: what you know, you know: 
From this time forth, I neuer will fpeake word. 

Lod. What? not to pray ? 

Gra. Torments will ope your lips. 

Otb. Well, thou doft beft. 

Lod. Sir, 
You ftiall vnderftand what hath befalne, 
(Which, as I thinke, you know not) heere is a Letter 
Found in the pocket of the fiaine Rodorigo, 
And heere another, the one of them imports 
The death of Cafflo, to be vndertooke 
By Rodorigo. 

Oth. O Villaine ! 

Caffio. Moft Heatheniih, and moft groffe. 

Lod. Now, heere's another difcontented paper 
Found in his pocket too : and this it feemes 
Rodorigo meant t'haue fent this damned villaine : 
But that (belike) Iago in the interim 
Came in, and fatisfi'd him. 

Oth. Oh thou pernitious Caitiffe ; 
How came you (Caffio) by that Handkerchiefe 
That was my wiues ? 

Caffio. I found it in my Chamber : 
And be himfelfe confeft it but euen now, 
That there he dropt it for a fpeciall purpofe, 
Which wrought to his defire. 

Othel. O Foole, foole, foole ! 

Caffio. There is befides, in Rodorigo s Letter, 
How he vpbraides Iago, that he made him 
Braue me vpon the Watch : whereon it came 
That I was caft : and euen but now he fpake 
(After long feeming dead) Iago hurt him, 
Iago fet him on. 

Lod. You muft forfake this roome, and go with vs : 
Your Power, and your Command is taken off", 
And Caffio rules in Cyprus. For this Slaue, 
If there be any cunning Crueltie, 
That can torment him much, and hold him long, 
It mail be his. You fhall clofe Prifoner reft, 
Till that the Nature of your fault be knowne 
To the Venetian State. Come, bring away. 

Oth, Soft you ; a word or two before you goe : 
I haue done the State fome feruice, and they know't: 
No more of that. I pray you in your Letters, 
When you fhall thefe vnluckie deeds relate, 
Speake of me, as I am. Nothing extenuate, 
Nor fet downe ought in malice. 
Then muft you fpeake, 
Of one that lou'd not wifely, but too well : 
Of one, not eafily Iealious, but being wrought, 
Perplexed in the extreame : Of one, whofe hand 
(Like the bafe Iudean) threw a Pearle away 
Richer then all his Tribe : Of one, whofe fubdu'd Eyes, 
Albeit vn-vfed to the melting moode, 
Drops teares as faft as the Arabian Trees 
Their Medicinable gumme. Set you downe this: 
And fay befides, that in Aleppo once, 
Where a malignant, and a Turbond-Turke 
Beate a Venetian, and traduc'd the State, 
I tooke by th'throat the circumcifed Dogge, 
And fmoate him, thus. 

Lod. Oh bloody period. 

Gra. All that is fpoke, is marr'd. 

Oth. I kift thee, ere I kill'd thee : No way but this, 
Killing my felfe, to dye vpon a kiffe. "Dyes 



the iMoore of Venice. 



339 



Co/lThis did I feare, but thought he had no weapon : 
For he was great of heart. 

Lod. Oh Sparton Dogge : 
More fell then Anguifli, Hunger, or the Sea : 
Looke on the Tragicke Loading of this bed : 
This is thy worke : 
The Obieft poyfons Sight, 



Let it be hid. Gratiano, keepe the houfe, 

And feize vpon the Fortunes of the Moore, 

For they fucceede on you. To you, Lord Gouernor, 

Remaines th eCenfure of this helliih villaine : 

The Time, the Place, the Torture, oh inforce it : 

My felfe will ftraight aboord,and to the State, 

This heauie Aft, with heauie heart relate. Exeunt. 



FINIS. 



The Names of the Adtors. 

(:%*0 

Thello, the Moore. 

Brabantio, Father to Defdemona. 

Caffio, an Honourable Lieutenant. 

Villaine. 
Rodorigo, a gulPd Gentleman. 
Duke of Venice. 



Senators. 

Montano, Gouernour of Cyprus. 

Gentlemen of Cyprus. 

Lodouico,rfW Gratiano, two Noble Venetians. 

Saylors. 

Clocvne. 

Defdemona, Wife to Othello. 
^Emilia, Wife to Iago. 
Bianca, a Curtezan. 




34° 




THETRAGEDIEOF 

Anthonie, and Cleopatra. 



aABus Primus. Sccena ^rima. 



Enter 'Demetrius and Pbllo. 

Pbilo. 

Ay, but this dotage of our Generals 
Ore-flowes the meafure : thofe his goodly eyes 
That o're the Files and Mufters of the Warre, 
Haue glow'd like plated Mars: 
Now bend, now turne 
The Office and Deuotion of their view 
Vpon a Tawny Front. His Captaines heart, 
Which in the fcuffles of great Fights hath burft 
The Buckles on his breft, reneages all temper, 
And is become the Bellowes and the Fan 
To coole a Gypfies Luft. 

Flourijb. Enter Anthony, Cleopatra her Ladies , the 
Traine,rrith Eunuchs fanning her. 
Looke where they come : 
Take but good note, and you mall fee in him 
(The triple Pillar of the world) transform'd 
Into a Strumpets Foole. Behold and fee. 

Cleo. If it be Loue indeed, tell me how much. 

^»f.There's beggery in the loue that can be reckon'd 

Cleo. He fet a bourne how farre to be belou'd. 

Ant. Then muft thou needes finde out new Heauen, 
new Earth. 

Enter a Mejfenger. 

Mej. Newes(my good Lord)from Rome. 

Ant. Grates me, the fumme. 

Cleo. Nay heare them Anthony. 
Fuluia perchance is angry : Or who knowes, 
If the fcarfe-bearded Ca>far haue not fent 
His powrefull Mandate to you. Do this, or this; 
Take in that Kingdome, and Infranchife that : 
Perform't, or elfe we damne thee. 

Ant . How, my Loue ? 

Cleo. Perchance? Nay, and mod like : 
You muft not ftay heere longer, your difmiffion 
Is come from Cafar, therefore heare it Anthony. 
Where's Fuluias Proceffe? (Cafars I would fay) both ? 
Call in the Meffengers : As I am Egypts Queene, 
Thou blu/heft Anthony, and that blood of thine 
Is Ctfjars homager : elfe fo thy cheeke payes ihame, 
When fhrill-tongu'd Fuluia fcolds. The Meffengers. 

Ant. Let Rome in Tyber melt, and the wide Arch 
Of the raing'd Empire fall : Heere is my fpace, 
Kingdomes are clay : Our dungie earth alike 



Feeds Beaft as Man ; the Nobleneffe of life 
Is to do thus : when fuch a mutuall paire, 
And fuch a twainecan doo't, in which I binde 
One paine of puniihment, the world to weete 
We ftand vp Peereleffe. 

Cleo. Excellent falfhood : 
Why did he marry Fuluia, and not loue her? 
He feeme the Foole I am not. Anthony will be himfelfe. 

Ant. But ftirr'd by Qleopatra. 
Now for the loue of Loue, and her foft houres, 
Let's not confound the time with Conference harm; 
There's not a minute of our hues mould ftretch 
Without fome pleafure now. What fport to night? 

Cleo. Heare the Ambaffadors. 

Ant. Fye wrangling Queene : 
Whom euery thing becomes, to chide, to laugh, 
To weepe : who euery paffion fully ftriues 
To make it felfe (in Thee)faire, and admir'd. 
No Meffenger but thine, and all alone, to night 
Wee'l wander through the ftreets,and note 
The qualities of people. Come my Queene, 
Laft night you did defire it. Speake not to vs. 

Exeunt with the Traine. 

Dem. Is Cajar with Anthonius priz'd fo flight ? 

Philo. Sir fometimes when he is not Anthony, 
He comes too fhort of that great Property 
Which £1111 mould go with ^Anthony. 

Dem. I am full forry, that hee approues the common 
Lyar.who thus fpeakes of him at Rome ; but I will hope 
of better deeds to morrow. Reft you happy. Exeunt 

Enter Enobarbui, Lamfrius,a Southjayer, Rannius, Lucilli- 

ui, Charmian, Iras, Mar dian the Eunuch, 

and Alexas. 

Char. L. Alexas, fweet Alexas, moft any thing Alexas, 
almoft moft abfolute Alexas, where's the Soothfayer 
that you prais'd fo to'th'Queene ? Oh that I knewe this 
Husband, which you fay, muft change his Homes with 
Garlands. 

Alex. Soothfayer. 
Sooth. Your will ? 

Char. Is this the Man? Is't you fir that know things? 
Sooth. In Natures infinite booke of Secrecie, a little I 
can read. 

Alex. Shew him your hand. 

Enob. Bring in the Banket quickly : Wine enough, 

Cleofa 
§Io~~ 



aAnthony and Qleopatra. 



34 



Cleopatra* health to drinke. 

Char. Good fir, giue me good Fortune. 

Sooth. I make not, but forefee. 

Char. Pray then, forefee me one. ! 

Sooth. You fhall be yet farre fairer then you are. 

Char. He meanes in flefh. 

Iras. No, you fhall paint when you are old. 

Char. Wrinkles forbid. 

*Alex. Vex not his prefcience, be attentiue. 

Char. Hum. 

Sooth. You fhall be more belouing, then beloued. 

Char. I had rather heate my Liuer with drinking. 

Alex. Nay, heare him. 

Char. Good now fome excellent Fortune :, Let mee 
be married to three Kings in a forenoone, and Widdow 
them all : Let me haue a Childe at fifty, to whom Herode 
of Iewry may do Homage. Finde me to marrie me with 
O&auius Qa?Jar, and companion me with my Miftris. 

Sooth. You fhall out-liue the Lady whom you ferue. 

Char. Oh excellent, I loue long life better then Figs. 

Sooth. You haue feene and proued a fairer former for- 
tune, then that which is to approach. 

Char. Then belike my Children fhall haue no names: 
Prythee how many Boyes and Wenches muft I haue. 

Sooth. If euery of your wilhes had a wombe, & fore- 
tell euery wiih, a Million. 

Char. Out Foole, I forgiue thee for a Witch. 

Alex. You thinke none but your meets are priuie to 
your wilhes. 

Char. Nay come, tell Ira6 hers. 

Alex. Wee'l know all our Fortunes. 

Enob. Mine, and moft of our Fortunes to night, (hall 
be drunke to bed. 

Iras. There's a Palme prefages Chaftity, if nothing els. 

Char. E'ne as the o're-flowing Nylus prefageth Fa- 
mine. 

Iras. Go you wilde Bedfellow, you cannot Soothfay. 

Char. Nay, if an oyly Palme bee not a fruitfull Prog- 
noftication, I cannot fcratch mine eare. Prythee tel her 
but a worky day Fortune. 

Sooth. Your Fortunes are alike. 

Iras. But how, but how, giue me particulars. 

Sooth. I haue faid. 

Iras. Am I not an inch of Fortune better then Ihe? 

Char. Well, if you were but an inch of fortune better 
then I : where would you choofe it. 

Iras. Not in my Husbands nofe. 

Char. Our worfer thoughts Heauens mend. 

Alexas. Come, his Fortune, his Fortune. Oh let him 
mary a woman that cannot go, fweet I/is, I befeech thee, 
and let her dye too,iand giue him a worfe, and let worfe 
follow worfe, till the worffc of all follow him laughing to 
his graue, fifty-fold a Cuckold. Good Ifis heare me this 
Prayer, though thou denie me a matter of more waight : 
good I/is I befeech thee. 

Iras. Amen,deere GoddefTe, heare that prayer of the 
people. For, as it is a heart-breaking to fee a handfome 
man loofe-Wiu'd, fo it is a deadly forrow, to beholde a 
foule Knaue vncuckolded : Therefore deere I/ts keep de- 
corum, and Fortune him accordingly. 

Char. Amen. 

Alex. Lo now, if it lay in their hands to make mee a 
Cuckold, they would make themfelues Whores, but 
they'ld doo't. 

Enter Cleopatra. 

Enob. Hum, heere comes Anthony. 



Char. Not he, the Queene. 

Cleo. Saue you, my Lord. 

Enob. No Lady. 

Cleo. Was he not heere ? 

Char. No Madam. 

Cleo. He was difpos'd to mirth, but on the fodaine 
A Romane thought hath ftrooke him. 
Enobarbus ? 

Snob. Madam. 

Cleo. Seeke him,and bring him hither: wher's 

Alex. Heere at your feruice. 
My Lord approaches. 

Enter Anthony, with a eMeJ/enger. 

Cleo. We will not looke vpon him : 
Go with vs. Exeunt. 

MeJJen. Fuluia thy Wife, 
Firft came into the Field. 

Ant. Againft my Brother Lucius ? 

MeJJen. I ; but foone that Warre had end, 
And the times ftate 

Made friends of them, ioynting their force 'gainft Ca?Jar, 
Whofe better iffue in the warre from Italy, 
Vpon the firft encounter draue them. 

Ant. Well, what worft. 

MeJJ. The Nature of bad newes infects the Teller. 

Ant. When it concernes the Foole or Coward : On. 
Things that are paft, are done, with me. 'Tis thus, 
Who tels me true, though in his Tale lye death, 
I heare him as he flatter'd. 

MeJ. Labienm (this is ftiffe-newes) 
Hath with his Parthian Force 
Extended Afia : from Euphrates his conquering 
Banner fhooke, from Syria to Lydia, 
And to Ionia, whil'rt 

Ant. Anthony thou would'ft fay. 

MeJ. Oh my Lord. 

Ant. Speake to me home, 
Mince not the generall tongue, name 
Cleopatra as Ihe is call'd in Rome : 
Raile thou in Fuluia s phrafe, and taunt my faults 
With fuch full Licenle, as both Truth and Malice 
Haue power to vtter. Oh then we bring forth weeds, 
When our quicke windes lye ftill, and our files told vs 
Is as our earing : fare thee well awhile. 

MeJ. At your Noble pleafure. Exit MeJJtnger. 

Enter another Mejfenger. 

Ant. From Scicion how the newes ? Speake there. 

l . MeJ. The man from Scicion, 
Is there fuch an one ? 

2. MeJ. He ftayes vpon your will. 

zAnt, Let him appeare : 
Thefe ftrong Egyptian Fetters I muft breake, 
Or loofe my felfe in dotage. 

Enter another dMeJJenger mth a Letter. 

What are you ? 

3 .eMef. Fuluia thy wife is dead. 

Ant. Where dyed Ihe. 

MeJ. In Scicion, her length of ficknefie, 
With what elfe more ferious, 
Importeth thee to know, this beares. 

Antho. Forbeare me 
There's a great Spirit gone, thus did I defire it : 
What our contempts doth often hurle from vs, 



342 



The Tragedie of 



We wim it ours againe. The prefent pleafure, 

By reuolution lowring, does become 

The oppofite of it felr'e : fhe's good being gon, 

The hand could plucke her backe, that ihou'd her on. 

I muft from this enchanting Queene breake off, 

Ten thoufand harmes, more then the illes I know 

My idleneli'e doth hatch. 

Enter Enobarbm. 
How now Enobarbui. 

Eno. What's your pleafure, Sir ? 

Antb. I muft with hafte from hence. 

Eno. Why then we kill all our Women. We fee how 
mortall an vnkindnefle is to them, if they fuffer our de' 
parture death's the word. 

Ant. I muft be gone. 

Eno. Vnder a compelling an occafion, let women die. 
It were pitty to caft them away for nothing, though be- 
tweene them and a great caufe, they fhould be efteemed 
nothing. Cleopatra catching but the leaft noyfe of this, 
dies inftantly : I haue feene her dye twenty times vppon 
farre poorer moment : I do think there is mettle in death, 
which commits fome louing afte vpon her, ihe hath iuch 
a celerity in dying. 

Ant. She is cunning paft mans thought. 

Eno. Alacke Sir no, her paffions are made of nothing 
but the fineft part of pure Loue. We cannot cal her winds 
and waters, fighes and teares : They are greater ftormes 
and Tempefts then Almanackes can report. This cannot 
be cunning in her; if it be, fhe makes a fhowre of Raine 
as well as loue. 

Ant. Would I had neuer feene her. 

Eno. Oh fir, you had then left vnfeene a wonderfull 
peece of worke, which not to haue beene bleft witball, 
would haue difcredited your Trauaile. 

Ant, Fuluia is dead. 

Eno. Sir. 

Ant. Fuluia is dead. 

Eno. Fuluia} 
9 Ant. Dead. 

Eno. Why fir, giue the Gods a thankefull Sacrifice : 
when it pleafeth their Deities to take the wife of a man 
from him, it fliewes to man the Tailors of the earth: com- 
forting therein, that when olde Robes areiworne out, 
there are members to make new. if there were no more 
Women but Fuluia. then had you indeede a cut, and the 
cafe to be lamented: This greefe is ctown'd with Confo- 
lation, your old Smocke brings foorth a new Petticoate, 
and indeed the teares liue in an Onion, that mould water 
this furrow. 

Ant. The bufineffe file hath broached in the State, 
Cannot endure my abfence. 

Eno. And the bufineile you haue broach'd heere can- 
not be without you, efpecially that of Cleopatra's, which 
wholly depends on your abode. 

Ant. No more light Anfweres : 
Let our Officers 

Haue notice what we purpofe. I ihall breake 
The caufe of our Expedience to the Queene, 
And get her loue to part. For not alone 
The death of Fuluia, with more vrgent touches 
Do ftrongly fpeake to vs : but the Letters too 
Of many our contriuing Friends in Rome, 
Petition vs at home. Sextiu Pompeiiu 
Haue giuen the dare to Crej'ar, and commands 
The Empire of the Sea. Our flippery people, 
Whofe Loue is neuer link'd to the deferuer, 



Till his deferts are paft, begin to throw 
Pompey the great, and all his Dignities 
Vpon his Sonne, who high in Name and Power, 
Higher then both in Blood and Life,ftands vp 
For the maine Souldier. Whofe quality going on, 
The fides o'th'world may danger. Much is breeding, 
Which like the Courfers heire, hath yet but life, 
And not a Serpents poyfon. Say our pleafure, 
To fuch whofe places vnder vs, require 
Our quicke remoue from hence. 
Enob. I lhall doo't. 

Enter Cleopatra, Charmian, Alexa6,and Iras. 

Cleo. Where is he ? 

Char. I did not fee him fince. 

Qleo. See where he is, 
Whofe with him, what he does: 
I did not fend you. If you finde him fad, 
Say I am dauncing : if in Myrth, report 
That I am fodaine iicke. Quicke, and retume. 

Char. Madam, me thinkes if you did loue him deerly, 
You do not hold the method, to enforce 
The like from him. 

Cleo. What fhould I do, I do not ? 

G>.In each thing giue him way,croiTe him in nothing. 

Cleo. Thou teacheft like a foole:the way to lofe him. 

Char. Tempt him not fo too farre. 1 wilh forbeare, 
In time we hate that which we often feare. 

Enter Anthony. 
But heere comes Anthony. 

Cleo. I am ficke,and fullen. 

An. I am forry to giue breathing to my purpofe. 

Cleo. Helpe me away deere Charmian, I lhall fall, 
It cannot be thus long, the fides of Nature 
Will not fuftaine it. 

Ant. Now my deereft Queene. 

Cleo. Pray you ftand farther from mee. 

Ant. What's the matter? 

Cleo.l know by that fame eye ther's fome good news. 
What fayes the married woman you may goe ? 
Would fhe had neuer giuen you leaue to come. 
Let her not fay 'tis I that keepe you heere, 
I haue no power vpon you : Hers you are. 

Ant. The Gods beft know. 

Cleo. Oh neuer was there Queene 
So mightily betrayed : yet at the fitft 
I faw the Treafons planted. 

Ant. Cleopatra. 

Cleo. Why fhould I thinke you can be mine, & true, 
(Though you in fwearing Ihake the Throaned Gods) 
Who haue beene falfe to Fuluia ? 
Riotous madneffe, 

To be entangled with thofe mouth-made vowes, 
Which breake themfeluesin fwearing. 

Ant. Molt fweet Queene. 

Cleo. Nay pray you feeke no colour for your going, 
But bid farewell, and goe : 
When you fued ftaying, 

Then was the time for words : No going then, 
Eternity was in our Lippes, and Eyes, 
Bliffe in our browes bent : none our parts fo poore, 
But was a race of Heauen. They are fo ftill, 
Or thou the greateft Souldier of the world, 
Art turn'd the greateft Lyar. 

Ant. How now Lady? 

Cleo. 

8jT~ 



Anthony and Qleopatra. 



343 



Cleo. I would I had thy inches, thou mould'ft know 
There were a heart in Egypt. 

Ant. Heare me Queene : 
The ftrong neceflity of Time, commands 
Our Seruicles a-while : but my full heart 
Remaines in vfe with you. Our Italy, 
Shines o're with ciuill Swords 5 Sextos Pompeiui 
Makes his approaches to the Port of Rome, 
Equality of two Domefticke powers, 

Breed fcrupulous faction : The hated growne to ftrength 
Are newly growne to Loue : The condemn'd Pompey, 
Rich in his Fathers Honor, creepes apace 
Into the hearts of fuch,as haue not thriued 
Vpon the prefent ftate,whofe Numbers threaten, 
And quietneffe growne ficke of reft, would purge 
By any defperate change : My more particular, 
And that which moft with you mould fafe my going, 
Is Fuluias death. 

Cleo. Though age from folly could not giue me freedom 
It does from childilhnefle. Can Fuluia dye? 

Ant. She's dead my Queene. 
Looke heere, and at thy Soueraigne leyfure read 
The Garboyles me awak'd : at the laft,beft, 
See when, and where ihee died. 

Cleo. O moft falfe Loue \ 
Where be the Sacred Violle's thou fhould'ft fill 
With forrowfull water ?Now I fee, I fee, 
In Fuluias death, how mine receiu'd mall be. 

cAnt. Quarrell no more, but bee prepar'd to know 
The purpofes I beare : which are, or ceafe, 
As you mail giue th'aduice. By the fire 
That quickens Nylus flime, I go from hence 
Thy Souldier, Seruant, making Peace or Warre, 
As thou affects. 

Cleo. Cut my Lace, Charmian come, 
But letit be, I am quickly ill, and well, 
So Anthony loues. 

Ant. My precious Queene forbeare, 
And giue true euidence to his Loue, which ftands 
An honourable Triall. 

Cleo. So Fuluia told me. 
I prythee turne afide,and weepe for her, 
Then bid adiew to me, and fay the teares 
Belong to Egypt. Good now, play one Scene 
Of excellent diffembling,and let it looke 
Like perfect Honor. 

Ant. You'l heat my blood no more? 

Cleo. You can do better yet : but this is meetly. 

Ant. Now by Sword. 

Cleo. And Target. Still he mends. 
But this is not the beft. Looke prythee Charmian, 
How this Herculean Roman do's become 
The carriage of his chafe. 

Ant. lie leaue you Lady. 

Cleo. Courteous Lord, one word : 
Sir, you and I muft part, but that's not it : 
Sir, you and I haue lou'd, but there's not it : 
That you know well, fomething it is I would : 
Oh, my Obliuion is a very Anthony, 
And I am all forgotten. 

Ant. But that your Royalty 
Holds Idlenefie your fubiedi, I mould take you 
For Idleneffe it felfe. 

Cleo. 'Tis fweating Labour, 
To beare fuch Idleneffe fo neere the heart 
As Cleopatra this. But Sir, forgiue me, 



»n 



Since my becommings kill me, when they do not 

Eye well to you. Your Honor calles you hence, 

Therefore be deafe to my vnpittied Folly, 

And all the Gods go with you. Vpon your Sword 

Sit Lawrell victory, and-fmooth fuccefle 

Be ftrew'd before your feete.i 

Ant. Let vs go. 
Come : Our feparation fo abides and flies, 
That thou reciding heere, goes yet with mee ; 
And I hence fleeting, heere remaine with thee. 
Away. Exeunt. 

Enter OBauius reading a Letter, Lepidus, 
and their Traine. 

Ctej. You may fee Lepidui, and henceforth know, 
It is not Cajars Naturall vice, to hate 
One great Competitor. From Alexandria 
This is the newes : He fifties, drinkes, and waftes 
The Lampes of night in reuell : Is not more manlike 
Then Cleopatra : nor the Queene of Ptolomy 
More Womanly then he. Hardly gaue audience 
Or vouchfafe to thinke he had Partners. You 
Shall finde there a man, who is th'abftradts of all faults, 
That all men follow. 

Lep. I muft not thinke 
There are, euils enow to darken all his goodneffe: 
His faults in him, feeme as the Spots of Heauen, 
More fierie by nights Blackneffe ; Hereditarie, 
Rather then purchafte : what he cannot change, 
Then what he choofes. 

Caf. You are too indulgent. Let's graunt it is not 
Amiffe to tumble on the bed of Ptolomy, 
To giue a Kingdome for a Mirth, to fit 
And keepe the turne of Tipling with a Slaue, 
To reele the ftreets at noone, and ftand the Buffet 
With knaues that fmels of fweate : Say this becoms him 
(As his compofure muft be rare indeed, 
Whom thefe things cannot blemifti) yet muft ^Anthony 
No way excufe his foyles, when we do beare 
So great waight in his lightnefie. If he fill'd 
His vacancie with his Voluptuoufnefle, 
Full furfets, and the drineffe of his bones, 
Call on him for't. But to confound fuch time, 
That drummes him from his fport, and fpeakes as lowd 
As his owne State, and ours, 'tis to be chid : 
As we rate Boyes, who being mature in knowledge, 
Pawne their experience to their prefent pleafure, 
And fo rebell to iudgement. 

Enter a Mejfenger. 

Lep. Heere's more newes. 

Mef. Thy biddings haue beene done, & euerie houre 
Moft Noble Cczfar, {halt thou haue report 
How 'tis abroad. Tompey is ftrong at Sea, 
And it appeares,he is belou'd of thofe 
That only haue feard Cajar : to the Ports 
The difcontents repaire, and mens reports 
Giue him much wrong'd. 

Caf. I fhould haue knowne no lefle, 
It hath bin taught vs from the primall ftate 
That he which is was wifht, vntill he were: 
And the ebb'd man, 
Ne're lou'd, till ne're worth loue, 
Comes fear'd, by being lack'd. This common bodie, 
Like to a Vagabond Flagge vpon the Streame, 
Goes too, and backe, lacking the varrying tyde 

' x 2 To 



344 



The Tr age die of 



To rot it felfe with motion. 

Mej. Cajar I bring thee word, 
Menacrates and Menas famous Pyrates 
Makes the Sea ferue them, which they eare and wound 
With keeles of euery kinde. Many hot inrodes 
They make in Italy, the Borders Maritime 
Lacke blood to thinke on't, and flufh youth reuolt, 
No Veffell can peepe forth : but 'tis as foone 
Taken as feene : for Pompeyes name ftrikes more 
Then could his Warre refifted. 

Cajar. Anthony, 
Leaue thy lafciuious Vaffailes. When thou once 
Was beaten from oMedena, where thou (lew'ft 
Hirfius, and Paufa Confuls, at thy heele 
Did Famine follow, whom thou fought' ft againft, 
(Though daintily brought vp) with patience more 
Then Sauages could fuffer. Thou did'ft drinke 
The ftale of Horfes, and the gilded Puddle 
Which Beafts would cough at. Thy pallat the did daine 
The rougheft Berry, on the rudeft Hedge. 
Yea, like the Stagge,when Snow the Pafture meets, 
The barkes of Trees thou brows'd. On the Alpes, 
It is reported thou did'ft eate ftrange flem, 
Which fome did dye to looke on : And all this 
( It wounds thine Honor that I fpeake it now) 
Was borne fo like a Soldiour, that thy cheeke 
So much as lank'd not. 

Lep. 'Tis pitty of him. 

Caj. Let his fhames quickely 
Driue him to Rome, 'tis time we twaine 
Did mew our felues i'th 'Field, and to that end 
Affemble me immediate counfell, Tompey 
Thriues in our Idleneffe. 

Lep. To morrow Cajar, 
I mall be furniiht to informe you rightly 
Both what by Sea and Land I can be able 
To front this prefent time. 

Caj.TW which encounter, it is my bufines too. Farwell. 

£c/>.Farwell my Lord, what you (hal know mean time 
Of ftirres abroad, I mall befeech you Sir 
To let me be partaker. 

Cajar. Doubt not fir, I knew it for my Bond. Exeunt 
Enter Qleopatra, Charmian, Iras,& Mardian. 

Cleo. Charmian. 

Char. Madam. 

Cleo. Ha, ha, giue me to drinke Mandragoru. 

Char. Why Madam? 

Cleo. That I might fleepe out this great gap of time : 
My Anthony is away. 

Char. You thinke of him too much. 

Cleo. O 'tis Treafon. 

Char. Madam, I truft not fo. 

Cleo. Thou, Eunuch <£VLardian! 

Mar. What's your Highneffe pleafure ? 

Cleo. Not now to heare thee fing. I take no pleafure 
In ought an Eunuch ha's : Tis well for thee, 
That being vnfeminar'd, thy freer thoughts 
May not flye forth of Egypt. Haft thou Affections ? 

Mar. Yes gracious Madam. 

Cleo. Indeed? 

Mar. Not in deed Madam, for I can do nothing 
But what in deede is honeft to be done : 
Yet haue I fierce Affections, and thinke 
What Venus did with Mars. 

Cleo. Oh Charmion : 
Where think'ft thou he is now? Stands he, or fits he? 



Or does he walke? Or is he on his Horfe ? 

Oh happy horfe to beare the weight of Anthony ! 

Do brauely Horfe, for wot'ft thou whom thou moou'ft, 

The demy Atlas of this Earth, the Arme 

And Burganet of men. Hee's fpeaking now, 

Or murmuring, where's my Serpent of old Nyle, 

(For fo he cals me:) Now I feede my felfe 

With moft delicious poyfon. Thinke on me 

That am with Phcebus amorous pinches blacke, 

And wrinkled deepe in time. Broad-fronted Cajar, 

When thou was't heere aboue the ground, I was 

A morfell for a Monarke : and great Pompey 

Would ftand and make his eyes grow in my brow, 

There would he anchor his Afpecl, and dye 

With looking on his life. 

Enter Alexas from Cafar. 

Alex. Soueraigne of Egypt, haile. 

Cleo. How much vnlike art thou Marine Anthony? 
Yet comming from him, that great Med'cine hath 
With his Tina gilded thee. 
How goes it with my braue M.ar\e Anthonie? 

Alex. Laft thing he did (deere Qu ene) 
He kift the laft of many doubled kifles 
This Orient Pearle. His fpeech ftickes in my heart. 

Qleo. Mine eare muft plucke it thence. 

Alex. Good Friend, quoth he : 
Say the firme Roman to great Egypt fends 
This treafure of an Oyfter : at whofe foote 
To mend the petty prefent, I will peece 
Her opulent Throne, with Kingdomes. All the Eaft, 
(Say thou) fhall call her Miftris. So he nodded, 
And foberly did mount an Arme-gaunt Steede, 
Who neigh'd fo hye, that what I would haue fpoke, 
Was beaftly dumbe by him. 

Cleo. What was he fad, or merry ? 

Alex. Like to the time o'th'yeare, between y extremes 
Of hot and cold, he was nor fad nor merrie. 

Cleo. Oh well diuided difpofition: Note him, 
Note him good Charmian,' Us the man ; but note him. 
He was not fad, for he would mine on thofe 
That make their lookes by his. He was not merrie, 
Which feem'd to tell them, his remembrance lay 
In Egypt with his ioy, but betweene both. 
Oh heauenly mingle ! Bee'ft thou fad, or merrie, 
The violence of either thee becomes, 
So do's it no mans elfe. Met'ft thou my Pofts ? 

Alex. I Madam, twenty feuerall Meffengers. 
Why do you fend fo thicke? 

Cleo. Who's borne that day, when I forget to fend 
to Anthonie, (hall dye a Begger. Inke and paper Char- 
mian. Welcome my good Alexas. Did I Charmian, e- 
uer loue Qajar fo ? 

Char. Oh that braue Cajar ! 

Cleo. Be choak'd with fuch another Emphafis, 
Say the braue Anthony. 

Char. The valiant Cajar. 

Cleo. By If;, I will giue thee bloody teeth, 
If thou with Cajar Parago nagaine : 
My man of men. 

Char. By your moft gracious pardon, 
I fing but after you. 

Cleo. My Sallad dayes, 
When I was greene in iudgement, cold in blood, 
To fay, as I faide then. But come, away, 
Get me Inke and Paper, 

Hee 
— - ^ 



^Anthony and Qleopatra. 



345 



he fliall haue euery day a feuerall greeting, or lie vnpeo- 

ple Egypt. Exeunt 

Enter Pomfey, Menecrates , and Menus, in 

warlike manner. 

Pom. If the great Gods be iuft,they fliall aflift 
The deeds of iufleft men. 

Mene. Know worthy Pomfey, that what they do de- 
lay, they not deny. 

Pom. Whiles we are Tutors to their Throne, decayes 
the thing we fue for. 

oTtfene. We ignorant of our felues, 
Begge often our owne harmes,which the wife Powres 
Deny vs for our good : fo finde we profit 
By looting of our Prayers. 

Tom. I fliall do well : 
The people loue me, and the Sea is mine ; 
My powers are Crefient, and my Auguring hope 
Sayes it will come to'th'full. Marly Anthony 
In Egypt fits at dinner, and will make 
No warres without doores. Cajar gets money where 
He loofes hearts : Lepidus flatters both, 
Of both is flatter'd : but he neither loues, 
Nor either cares for him, 

Mene. Cajar and Lepidus are in the field, 
A mighty ftrength they carry. 

Pom. Where haue you this? 'Tis falfe. 

Mene. From Siluiut, Sir. 

Pom.He dreames : I know they are in Rome together 
Looking for Anthony : but all the charmes of Loue, 
Salt Cleopatra foften thy wand lip, 
Let Witchcraft ioyne with Beauty, Luft with both, 
Tye vp the Libertine in a field of Feafts, 
Keepe his Braine fuming. Epicurean Cookes, 
Sharpen with cloylefle fawce his Appetite, 
That (leepe and feeding may prorogue his Honour, 

Euen till a Lethied dulnefie 

Enter Varriui. 
How now Varriui ? 

Var. This is moft certaine, that I fliall deliuer : 
<£VEarke Anthony is euery houre in Rome 
Expected. Since he went from Egypt, 'tis 
A fpace for farther Trauaile. 

Pom. I could haue giuen lefle matter 
A better eare. Menas, I did not thinke 
This amorous Surfetter would haue donn'd his Helme 
For fuch a petty Warre : His Souldierfliip 
Is twice the other twaine : But let vs reare 
The higher our Opinion, that our ftirring 
Can from the lap of Egypts Widdow, plucke 
The neere Luft-wearied Anthony. 

Mene. I cannot hope, 
Cafar and Anthony fliall well greet together; 
His Wife that's dead , did trefpafles to Cajar, 
His Brother wan'd vpon him, although 1 thinke 
Not mou'd by Anthony. 

Pom. I know not Menas, 
How lefler Enmities may giue way to greater, 
Were't not that we ftand vp againft them all : 
'Twer pregnant they ftiould fquare between themfelues, 
For they haue entertained caufe enough 
To draw their fwords : but how the feare of vs 
May Ciment their diuifions, and binde vp 
The petty difference, we yet not know : 
Bee't as our Gods will haue't ; it onely ftand s 
Our Hues vpon, to vfe our ftrongeft hands 
Come Menas. Exeunt. 



Enter Enobarbus and Lepidui. 

Lep. Good Enobarbus, 'tis a worthy deed, 
And fliall become you well, to intreat your Captaine 
To foft and gentle fpeech. 

Enob. I fliall intreat him 
To anfwer.like himfelfe : if Caffar moue him, 
Let Anthony looke ouer Ca?fars head, 
And Ipeake as lowd as Mars. By Iupiter, 
Were I the wearer of Anthonws Beard, 
I would not fliaue't to day. 

Lep. 'Tis not a time for priuate ftomacking. 

Eno. Euery time ferues for the matter that is then 
borne in't. 

Lep. But fmall to greater matters muft giue way. 

Eno. Not if the fmall come firft. 

Lep. Your fpeech is paffion : but pray you ftirre 
No Embers vp. Heere comes the Noble Anthony. 
Enter Anthony and Ventidiui. 

Eno. And yonder Cajar. 

Enter Cafar, Mecenai , and Agrippa. 

Ant. If we compofe well heere, to Parthia : 
Hearke Ventidiui. 

Cafar. I do not know Mecenai, aske Agrippa. 

Lep. Noble Friends : 
That which combin'd vs was moft great,and let not 
A leaner action rend vs. What's amiffe, 
May it be gently heard. When we debate 
Our triuiall difference loud, we do commit 
Murther in healing wounds. Then Noble Partners, 
The rather for I earneftly befeech, 
Touch you the fowreft points with fweeteft tearmes, 
Nor curftneffe grow to'th'matter. 

*Ant. 'Tis fpoken well : 
Were we before our Armies, and to fight, 
I ihould do thus . 

Caf. Welcome to Rome. 

Ant . Thanke you. 

Caf. Sit. 

Ant , Sit fir. 

Caf. Nay then. 

Ant. I learne, you take things ill, which are not fo: 
Or being,concerne you not. 

Caf. I muft be laught at,if or for nothing,or a little, I 
Should fay my felfe offended, and with you' 
Chiefely i'th'world. More laught at,that I fliould 
Once name you derogately : when to found your name 
It not concern'd me. 

Ant. My being in Egypt Cafar, what was't to you? 

Caf No more then my reciding heere at Rome 
Might be to you in Egypt : yet if you there 
Did pra&ife on my State, your being in Egypt 
Might be my queftion. 

tAnt. How intend you, practis'd ? 

Cof. You may be pleas'd to catch at mine intent, 
By what did heere befall me. Your Wife and Brother 
Made warres vpon me, and their conteftation 
Was Theame for you, you were the word of warre. 

Ant.You do miftake your bufines, my Brother neuer 
Did vrge me in his Act : I did inquire it, 
And haue my Learning from fome true reports 
That drew their fwords with you, did he not rather 
Difcredit my authority with yours, 
And make the warres alike againft my ftomacke, 
Hauing alike your caufe. Of this, my Letters 
Before did fatisfie you. If you'l patch a quarrell, 
As matter whole you haue to make it with, 

x 3 It 



346 



The Tragedie of 



It muft not be with this. 

Caj. You praife your felfe, by laying defe&s of Judge- 
ment to me : but you patcht vp your excufes. 

Anth. Not fo,not fo : 
I know you could not lacke, I am certaine on't, 
Very neceffity of this thought, that I 
Your Partner in the caufe 'gainft which he fought, 
Could not with gracefull eyes attend thofe Warres 
Which fronted mine owne peace. As for my wife, 
I would you had her fpirit,in fuch another, 
The third oth'world is yours , which with a Snaffle, 
You may pace eafie,but not fuch a wife. 

Enobar. Would we had all fuch wiues, that the men 
might go to Warres with the women. 

Anth. So much vncurbable,her Garboiles {Cajar) 
Made out of her impatience : which not wanted 
ShrodenefTe of policie to : I greeuing grant, 
Did you too much difquiet,for that you|muft, 
But fay I could not helpe it. 

Cajar. I wrote to you, when rioting in Alexandria you 
Did pocket vp my Letters : and with taunts 
Did gibe my Mifiue out of audience. 

Ant. Sir, he fell vpon me, ere admitted, then : 
Three Kings I had newly feafted,and did want 
Of what I was i'tb'morning:but next day 
I told him of my felfe, which was as much 
As to haue askt him pardon. Let this Fellow 
Be nothing of our ftrife : if we contend 
Out of our queftion wipe him. 

Cafar. You haue broken the Article of your oath, 
which you lhall neuer haue tongue to charge me with. 

Lep. Soft Cajar. 

Ant. No Lepidtu,\et him fpeake, 
The Honour is Sacred which he talks on now, 
Suppofing that I lackt it : but on Cajar, 
The Article of my oath. 

Cajar. To lend me Armes, and aide when I requir'd 
them, the which you both denied. 

Anth. Neglefted rather: 
And then when poyfoned houres had bound me vp 
From mine owne knowledge, as neerely as I may, 
He play the penitent to you. But mine honefty, 
Shall not make poore my greatneffe,nor my power 
Worke without it. Truth is, that Fuluia, 
To haue me out of Egypt, made Warres heere, 
For which my felfe, the ignorant motiue,do 
So farre aske pardon, as befits mine Honour 
To ftoope in fuch a cafe. 

Lep. "Pis Noble fpoken. 

Mece. If it might pleafe you, to enforce no further 
The griefes betweene ye: to forget them quite, 
Were to remember : that the prefent neede, 
Speakes to attone you. 

Lep. Worthily fpoken Mecenas. 

Enobar. Or if you borrow one anothers Loue for the 
inftant, you may when you heare no more words of 
Pompcy returne it againe : you (hall haue time to wrangle 
in, when you haue nothing elfe to do. 

Anth. Thou art a Souldier,onely fpeake no more. 

Enob. That trueth mould be filent, I had almoft for- 
got. 

Anth. You wrong this prefence, therefore fpeake no 
more. 

Enob. Go too then : your Confederate ftone. 

Cajar. I do not much diflike the matter, but 
The manner of his fpeech : for't cannot be, 



We mall remaine in friendship, our conditions 

So diffring in their a&s. Yet if I knew, 

What Hoope ihould hold vs ftaunch from edge to edge 

Ath'world : I would perfue it. 

Agri. Giue me leaue Cajar. 

Cajar. Speake Agrippa. 

Agri. Thou haft a Sifter by the Mothers fide.admir'd 
Offauia r Great <JVLar\ Anthony is now a widdower. 

Cajar. Say not,fay Agrippa; if Cleopater heard you, your 
proofe were well deferued of rafhnefle. 

Anth. I am not marryed Cajar : let me heere Agrippa 
further fpeake. 

Agri. To hold you in perpetuall ami tie, 
To make you Brothers, and to knit your hearts 
With an vn-flipping knot, take Anthony, 
O&auia to his wife : whofe beauty claimes 
No worfe a husband then the beft of men : whole 
Vertue,and whofe generall graces, fpeake 
That which none elie can vtter. By this marriage, 
All little Ieloufies which now feeme great, 
And all great feares, which now import their dangers, 
Would then be nothing. Truth's would be tales, 
Where now halfe tales be truth's : her loue to both, 
Would each to other, and all loues to both 
Draw after her. Pardon what I haue fpoke, 
For 'tis a ftudied not a prefent thought, 
By duty ruminated. 

Anth. Will Cajar fpeake? 

Cajar. Not till he heares how Anthony is toucht, 
With what is fpoke already. 

Anth. What power is in Agrippa, 
If I would fay Agrippa, be it fo, 
To make this good ? 

Cajar. The power of Cajar, 
And his power, vnto QEiauia. 

Anth, May I neuer 
(To this good purpofe,that fo fairely fhewes) 
Dreame of impediment : let me haue thy hand 
Further this z& of Grace ; and from this houre, 
The heart of Brothers gouerne in our Loues, 
And fway our great Defignes. 

Cajar. There's my hand: 
A Sifter I bequeath you, whom no Brother 
Did euer loue fo deerely. Let her liue 
To ioyne our kingdomes,and our hearts, and neuer 
Flie ofFour Loues againe. 

Lepi. Happily , Amen . 

Ant. I did not think to draw my Sword 'gainft Pompcy, 
For he hath laid ftrange courtefies,and great 
Of late vpon me. I muft thanke him onely, 
Leaft my remembrance, fufrer ill report : 
At heele of that,defie him. 

Lepi. Time cals vpon's, 
Of vs muft Pompey prefently be fought, 
Or elfe he feekes out vs. 

Anth. Where lies he ? 

Cajar, About the Mount-Mefena. 

Anth. What is his ftrength by land ? 

Cajar, Great, and encreafing : 
But by Sea he is an abfolute Mafter. 

Anth. So is the Fame, 
Would we had fpoke together. Haft we for it, 
Yet ere we put our felues in Armes,difpatch we 
The bufinefle we haue talkt of. 

Cajar. With moft gladneffe, 
And do inuite you to my Sifters view, 

Whe- 

836" 



<iAx\thony and Qleopatra. 



347 



Whether ftraight He lead you. 

Antb. Let vs Lepidus not lacke your companie. 

Lep. Noble Anthony, not fickeneffe fliould detaine 
me. 

Flourijh. Exit omnes. 
Manet Enobarbm , Agrippa, Mecena6. 

Mec. Welcome from ^igypt Sir. 

Sno. Halfe the heart of Cajar, worthy Mecenas. My 
honourable Friend Agrippa. 

tAgri. Good Snobarbia. 

Mece. We haue caufe to be glad, that matters are fo 
| well difgefted : you ftaid well by't in Egypt. 

Enob. I Sir, we did fleepe day out of countenaunce : 
and made the night light with drinking. 
i Mece. Eight Wilde-Boares rofted whole at a break- 
faft : and but twelue perfons there. Is this true ? 

£no.This was but as a Flye by an Eagle; we had much 
more monftrous matter of Feaft, which worthily defer- 
ued noting. 

Mecen as. She's a moft triumphant Lady, if report be 
fquare to her. 

Ennb. When ihe firft met Mar\e Anthony, flie purft 
vp his heart vpon the Riuer of Sidnis. 

Agri. There ihe appear'd indeed : or my reporter de- 
uis'd well for her. 

Eno. I will tell you, 
The Barge Ihe fat in, like a burniiht Throne 
Burnt on the water : the Poope was beaten Gold, 
Purple the Sailes :and fo perfumed that 
The Windes were Loue-ficke. 
With them the Owers were Siluer, 
Which to the tune of Flutes kept ftroke,and made 
The water which they beate,to follow fafter; 
As amorous of their ftrokes. For her owne perfon, 
It beggerd all difcription,ihe did lye 
In her Pauillion, cloth of Gold, of Tiffue, 
O're-pi&uring that Venns, where we fee 
The fancie out-worke Nature. On each fide her, 
Stood pretty Dimpled Boyes.like fmiling Cupids, 
With diuers coulour'd Fannes whofe winde did feeme, 
To gloue the delicate cheekes which they did coole, 
And what they vndid did. 

Agrip- Oh rare for Anthony. 

Eno. Her Gentlewoman, like the Nereides, 
So many Mer-maides tended her i'th'eyes, 
And made their bends adornings. At the Helme. 
A feeming Mer-maide fteeres : The Silken Tackle, 
Swell with the touches of thofe Flower-foft hands, 
That yarely frame the office.From the Barge 
A ftrange inuifible perfume hits the fenfe 
Of the adiacent Wharfes. The Citty caft 
Her people out vpon her : and Anthony 
Enthron'd i'th'Market-place,did fit alone, 
Whifling to'th'ayre : which but for vacancie, 
Had gone to gaze on Cleopater too, 
And made a gap in Nature. 

cAgri. Rare Egiptian. 

Sno. Vpon her landing, Anthony fent to her, 
Inuited her to Supper : ihe replyed, 
It fliould be better, he became her gueft: 
Which flie entreated, our Courteous Anthony, 
Whom nere the word of no woman hard fpeake, 
Being barber'd ten times o're, goes to the Feaft ; 
And for his ordinary, paies his heart, 
For what his eyes eate onely. 

Agri. Royall Wench : 



.She made great Cafar lay his Sword to bed, 
He ploughed her, and ihe cropt. 

Eno. I faw her once 
Hop forty Paces through the publicke ftreete, 
And hauing loft her breath, ihe fpoke,and panted, 
That flie did make defeft, perfection, 
And breathleffe powre breath forth. 

Mece. Now Anthony, mutt: leaue her vtterJy. 

Eno. Neuer he will not : 
Age cannot wither her, nor cuftome ftale 
Her infinite variety : other women cloy 
The appetites they feede, but flie makes hungry, 
Where moft flie fatisfies. For vildeft things 
Become themfelues in her, that the holy Priefts 
Blefle her, when ihe is Riggifti. 

Mece If Beauty, Wifedome, Modefty,can fett le 
The heart of Anthony :Otlauia is 
A bleiTed Lottery to him. 

Agrip. Let vs go. Good Enobarbui, make your felfe 
my gueft, whilft you abide heere. 

Sno. Humbly Sir I thanke you. Exeunt 



Enter Anthony, Cajar , Otlauia be\ 



them. 



Anth. The world, and my great office, will 
Sometimes deuide me from your bofome. 

Oila. All which time, before the Gods my knee ihall 
bowe my ptayers to them for you. 

Anth. Goodnight Sir. My ORauia 
Read not my blemiihes in the worlds report : 
I haue not kept my fquare, but that to come 
Shall all be done byth'Rule : good night deere Lady : 
Good night Sir. 

Cafar. Goodnight. Exit. 

Enter Soothfaier. 

Anth. Now firrah : you do wiih your felfe in Egypt ? 

Sooth. Would I had neuer come from thence, nor you 
thither. 

Ant. If you can, your reafon? 

Sooth.l fee it in my motion :haue it not in my tongue, 
But yet hie you to Egypt againe. 

Antho. Say to me, whofe Fortunes ihall rife higher 
Cafars or mine ? 

Soot. CaJars.Therefore(oh Anthony)ftay not by his fide 
Thy Daemon that thy fpirit which keepes thee, is 
Noble, Couragious, high vnmatchable, 
Where Carfars is not. But neere him, thy Angell 
Becomes a feare : as being o're-powr'd, therefore 
Make fpace enough betweene you. 

Anth. Speake this no more. 

Socth. To none but thee no more but: when to thee, 
If thou doft play with him at any game, 
Thou art fure to loofe : And of that Naturall lucke, 
He beats thee 'gainft the oddes. Thy Lufter thickens, 
When he fhines by : I fay againe, thy fpirit 
Is all affraid to gouerne thee neere him : 
But he alway 'tis Noble. 
Anth. Get thee gone : 
Say to Ventigiia I would fpeake with him. Exit. 

He ihall to Parthia,be it Art or hap, 
He hath fpoken true. The very Dice obey him, 
And in our fports my better cunning faints, 
Vnder his chance, if we draw lots he fpeeds, 
His Cocks do winne the Battaile, ftill of mine, 
When it is all to naught : and his Quailes euer 
Beate mine(in hoopt) at odd's. I will to Egypte: 

And 



348 



The Tragedie of 



And though I make this marriage for my peace, 
I'th'Eaft my pleafure lies. Oh come Ventigiut. 

Enter Ventigius. 
You muft to Parthia, your Commiffions ready : 
Follow me, and reciue't. Exeunt 



Enter Lepidus, Met 



■ippa. 



Lepidus. Trouble your felues no further : pray you 
haften your Generals after. 

Agr. Sit, Marine Anthony, w\U e'ne but kifte Oclauia, 
and weele follow. 

Lepi. Till I fhall fee you in your Souldiers dreffe, 
Which will become you both : Farewell. 

vMece. We fhall : as I conceiue the iourney, be at 
Mount before you Lepidus. 

Lepi. Your way is lhorter, my purpofes do draw me 
much about, you'le win two dayes vpon me. 

'Both. Sir good fucceiTe. 

Lepi, Farewell. Exeunt. 

Enter Cleopater, Charmian, Iras, and Alexas. 

Cleo. Giue me fome Muficke:Muficke, moody foode 
of vs that trade in Loue. 

Omnes. The Muficke, hoa. 

Enter Mardian the Eunuch. 

Cleo. Let it alone, let's to Billards : come Charmian. 

Char. My arme is fore, beft play with Mardian. 

Cleopa. As well a woman with an Eunuch plaide, as 
with a woman. Come you'le play with me Sir? 

Mardi. As well as I can Madam . 

Cleo. And when good will is mewed, 
Though't come to (hort 

The Aftor may pleade pardon. He none now, 
Giue me mine Angle, weele to'th'Riuer there 
My Muficke playing farre off. 1 will betray 
Tawny fine fi(hes,my bended hooke fhall pierce 
Their (limy iawes : and as I draw them vp, 
lie thinkethem euery one an Anthony, 
And fay, ah ha;y'are caught. 

Char. 'Twas merry when you wager'd on your Ang- 
ling, when your diuer did hang a fait fifh on his hooke 
which he with feruencie drew vp. 

Cleo. That time? Oh times : 
I laught him out of patience : and that night 
I laught him into patience, and nextmorne, 
Ere the ninth houre,I drunke him to his bed : 
Then put my Tires and Mantles on him,whilft 
I wore his Sword Phillippan. Oh from Italie, 

Enter a MeJJenger. 
Ramme thou thy fruitefull tidings in mine eares, 
That long time haue bin barren. 

<tMef. Madam, Madam. 

Cleo. Anthonyo's dead, 
If thou fay fo Villaine, thou kil'ft thy Miftris : 
But well and free, if thou fo yeild him. 
There is Gold, and heere 

My bleweft vaines to kiffe : a hand that Kings 
Haue lipt,and trembled kiffing. 

Mef. Firft Madam, he is well. 

Cleo. Why there's moreGold. 
But firrah marke,we vfe 
To fay, the dead are well : bring it to that, 
The Gold I giue thee, will I melt and powr 
Downe thy ill vttering throate. 

Mef. Good Madam heare me. 



Cleo. Well, go too I will : 
But there's no goodneffe in thy face if Anthony 
Be iree and healthfulljfo tart a fauour 
To trumpet fuch good tidings. I f not well, 
Thou fhouldft come like a Furie crown'd with Snakes, 
Not like a formall man. 

Mef. Wilt pleafe you heare me? 

Cleo. I haue a mind to ftrike thee ere thou fpeak'ft: 
Yet if thou fay Anthony liues, 'tis well, 
Or friends with Cafar,or not Captiue to him, 
He fet thee in a fhower of Gold, and haile 
Rich Pearles vpon thee. 

oMcf. Madam, he's well. 

Cleo. Well faid. 

Mef. And Friends with Cafar. 

Cleo. Th'art an honeft man. 

Mef. Ctzfar, and he,are greater Friends then euer, 

Cleo. Make thee a Fortune from me. 

Mef. But yet Madam. 

Cleo. I do not like but yet, it does alay 
The good precedence, fie vpon but yet, 
Bur yet is as a laylor to bring foorth 
Some monftrous Malefactor. Prythee Friend, 
Powre out the packe of matter to mine eare , 
The good and bad together : he's friends with Cafar, 
In ftate of heal th thou faift,and thou faift, free. 

Mef. Free Madam, no : I made no fuch report, 
He's bound vnto Oclauia. 

Cleo. For what good turne ? 

Mef. For the beft turne i'th'bed. 

Cleo. I am pale Charmian. 

Mef. Madam, he's married to Oclauia. 

Cleo. The moft infectious Peftilence vpon thee. 
Strides him downe. 

<^Mef. Good Madam patience. 

Cleo. What fay you ? Strifes him. 

Hence horrible Villaine, or He fpurne thine eyes 
Like balls before me : He vnhaire thy head, 

She hales him -vp and downe. 
Thou fhalt be whipt with Wyer, and ftew'd in brine, 
Smarting in lingring pickle. 

Mef. Gratious Madam, 
I that do bring the newes, made not the match. 

Cleo. Say 'tis not fo, a Prouince I will giue thee, 
And make thy Fortunes proud : the blow thou had'ft 
Shall make thy peace, for mouing me to rage, 
And I will boot thee with what guift befide 
Thy modeftie can begge. 

<zMef. He's married Madam. 

Cleo. Rogue, thou haft liu'd too long. Draw a knife. 

Mef. Nay then He runne: 
What meane you Madam, I haue made no fault . Exit. 
Char.Good Madam keepe your felfe within your felfe, 
The man is innocent. 

Cleo. Some Innocents fcape not the thunderbolt : 
Melt Egypt into Nyle : and kindly creatures 
Turne all to Serpents. Call the flaue againe, 
Though I am mad, I will not byte him :Call? 

Char. He is afeard to come. 
Cleo. I will not hurt him, 
Thefe hands do lacke Nobility, that they ftrike 
A meaner then my felfe : fince I my felfe 
Haue giuen my felfe the caufe. Come hither Sir. 

Enter the MeJJenger againe. 
Though it be honeft, it is neuer good 
To bring bad newes : giue to a gratious Meffage 

A„ 

8p 



(±A nthony and Qleopatra. 



349 



An hoft of tongues, but let ill tyd'mgs tell 
Themfelues, when they be felt. 

Mef. I haue done my duty. 

Cleo. Is he married ? 
I cannot hate thee worfer then I do, 
If thou againe fay yes. 

CMef. He's married Madam. 

Cleo. The Gods confound thee, 
Doft thou hold there ftill ? 

Mef. Should I lye Madame ? 

Cleo. Oh, I would thou didft: 
So halfe my Egypt were fubmerg'd and made 
A Cefterne for fcal'd Snakes. Go get thee hence, 
Had'ft thou Narciffui in thy face to me, 
Thou would'ft appeere moft vgly:He is married ? 

Mef. I craue your HighnefTe pardon. 

Cleo. He is married ? 

Mef. Take no offence, that I would not offend you, 
To punnifh me for what you make me do 
Seemes much vnequall,he's married to Oclauia. 

Cleo. Oh that his fault mould make a knaue of thee, 
That art not what th'art fure of. Get thee hence, 
The Marchandize which thou haft brought from Rome 
Are all too deere for me: 

Lye they vpon thy hand, and be vndone by em. 
Char. Good your Highneffe patience. 

Qleo. In prayfing Anthony,! haue difprais'd Cafar. 
Char. Many times Madam. 

Cleo, I am paid for't now : lead me from hence, 
I faint, oh Iras,Cbarmian : 'tis no matter. 
Go to the Fellow, good Alexas bid him 
Report the feature of Oclauia : her yeares, 
Her inclination, let him not leaue out 
The colour of her haire. Bring me word quickly, 
Let him for euer go, let him not Qharmian, 
Though he be painted one way like a Gorgon, 
The other wayes a Mars. Bid you Alexas 
Bring me word, how tall (he is : pitty me Charmian, 
But do not fpeake to me. Lead me to my Chamber. 

Exeunt. 
Flouri/h. Enter Pompey , at one doore with Drum and Trum- 
pet :at another Cafar, Lepidus, Anthony , Snobarbus , Me- 

cena6,Agrippa,Menas with Souldiers Marching. 

Pom. Your Hoftages I haue, fo haue you mine : 
And we mail talke before we fight. 

Cafar. Moft meete that firft we come to words, 
And therefore haue we 
Our written purpofes before vs lent, 
Which if thou haft confidered,let vs know, 
If'twill tye vp thy difcontented Sword, 
And carry backe to Cicelie much tall youth, 
That elfe muft periih heere. 

Pom. To you all three, 
The Senators alone of this great world, 
Chiefe Factors for the Gods. I do not know, 
Wherefore my Father fhould reuengers want, 
Hauing a Sonne and Friends, fince Iuliiu Cafar, 
Who at Phillippi the good <Brutut ghofted, 
There faw you labouring for him. What was't 
That mou'd pale Cof/ius to confpire ? And what 
Made all-honor'd, honeft, Romaine "Brutus, 
With the arm'd reft, Courtiers of beautious freedome, 
To drench the Capitoll,but that they would 
Haue one man but a man, and that his it 
Hath made me rigge my Nauie. At whofe burthen, 
The anger'd Ocean fomes,with which I meant 



8,9 



To fcourge th' ingratitude , that defpightfull Rome 
Caft on my Noble Father. 

Cafar. Take your time. 

Ant. Thou can'ft not feare vs Pompey with thy failes. 
Weele fpeake with thee at Sea. At land thou know'ft 
How much we do o're-count thee. 

Pom. At Land indeed 
Thou doft orecount me of my Fatherrs houfe : 
But fince the Cuckoo buildes not for himfelfe, 
Remaine in't as thou maift. 

Lepi. Be pleas'd to tell vs, 
(For this is from the prefent how you take) 
The offers we haue fent you. 

Cafar. There's the point. 

Ant. Which do not be entreated too, 
But waigh what it is worth imbrac'd 

Cafar. And what may follow to try a larger Fortune. 

Pom. You haue made me offer 
Of Cicelie, Sardinia : and I muft 
Rid all the Sea of Pirats. Then, to fend 
Meafures of Wheate to Rome : this greed vpon, 
To part with vnhackt edges, and beare backe 
Our Targes vndinted. 

Omnes. That's our offer. 

Pom. Know then I came before you heere, 
A man prepar'd 

To take this offer. But Marly Anthony, 
Put me to fome impatience : though I loofe 
The praife of it by telling. You muft know 
When Cafar and your Brother were at blowes, 
Your Mother came to Cicelie, and did finde 
Her welcome Friendly. 

Ant. I haue heard it Pompey, 
And am well ftudied for a liberall thanks, 
Which I do owe you. 

Pom. Let me haue your hand : 
I did not thinke Sir, to haue met you heere, 

Ant. The beds i'th'Eaft are foft,and thanks to you, 
That cal'd me timelier then my purpofe hither : 
For I haue gained by't. 

Cafar. Since I faw you laft, ther's a change vpon you. 

Pom. Well, I know not, 
What counts harm Fotune caft's vpon my face, 
But in my bofome lhall fhe neuer come, 
To make my heart her vaffaile. 

Lep. Well met heere. 

Pom. I hope fo Lepidus, thus we are agreed : 
I craue our compofion may be written 
And feal'd betweene vs, 

Cafar. That's the next to do. 

Pom. Weele feaft each other, ere we part, and lett's 
Draw lots who lhall begin. 

Ant. That will I Pompey. 

Pompey. No Anthony take the lot : but firft or laft, 
your fine Egyptian cookerie lhall haue the fame, I haue 
heard that Iuliui Cafar , grew fat with feafting there. 

Anth. You haue heard much. 
Pom. I haue faire meaning Sir. 

Ant. And faire words to them. 
Pom. Then fo much haue I heard, 
And 1 haue heard Appolodorus carried 

Eno. No more that : he did fo. 

Pom . What I pray you.? 

Eno. A certaine Queene to Cafar in a Matris. 

Pom. I know thee now, how far'ft thou Souldier? 

Eno. Well, and well am like to do,for I perceiue 

Four,, 



35° 



The Tragedie of 



Foure Feafts are toward. 

Tom. Let me fhake thy hand, 
I neuer hated thee : I haue feene thee fight, 
When I haue enuied thy behauiour. 

Enob. Sir, I neuer lou'd you much, but I ha'prais'd ye, 
When you haue well deferu'd ten times as much, 
As I haue faid you did. 

Pom. Inioy thy plainneffe, 
It nothing ill becomes thee : 
Aboord my Gaily, I inuite you all. 
Will you leade Lords ? 

All. Shew's the way, fir. 

Pom. Come. Exeunt. Manet Enob .& Menas 

Men, Thy Father Pompey would ne're haue made this 
Treaty. You, and I haue knowne fir. 

Enob. At Sea, I thinke. 

cMen. We haue Sir. 

Snob. You haue done well by water. 

Men. And you by Land. 

Enob. I will praife any man that will praife me, thogh 
it cannot be denied what I haue done by Land. 

<tAfen. Nor what I haue done by water. 

Enob. Yes fome-thing you can deny for your owne 
fafety : you haue bin a great Theefe by Sea. 

Men. And you by Land. 

Enob. There I deny my Land feruice : but giue mee 
your hand Menas, if our eyes had authority, heere they 
might take two Theeues killing. 

Men. All mens faces are true, whatfomere their hands 
are. 

Enob. But there is neuer a fayre Woman, ha's a true 
Face. 

Men. No flander, they fteale hearts. 

Enob. We came hither to fight with you. 

Men. For my part, I am forry it is turn'd to a Drink- 
ing. Pomfey doth this day laugh away his Fortune. 

Enob. If he do, fure he cannot weep't backe againe. 

<tMen. Y'haue faid Sir, we look'd not for Marine An- 
thony heere, pray you, is he married to Cleopatra ? 

Enob. Cajars Sifter is call'd OBauia. 

Men. True Sir, Ihe was the wife of Caius Marcellus. 

Enob. But Ihe is now the wife of Marcus Anthonius. 

Men. Pray'ye fir. 

Enob. 'Tis true. 

Men. Then is Cajar and he, for euer knit together. 

Enob. If I were bound to Diuine of this vnity, I wold 
not Prophefie fo. 

Men. I thinke the policy of that purpofe,made more 
in the Marriage, then the loue of the parties. 

Enob. I thinke fo too. But you lhall finde the band 
that feemes to tye their friend/hip together, will bee the 
very ftrangler of their Amity : OBauia is of a holy, cold, 
and ftill conuerfation. 

Men. Who would not haue his wife fo ? 

Eno. Not he that himfelfe is not fo : which is Mar\e 
Anthony : he will to his Egyptian dilh againe : then lhall 
the fighes of Otlauia blow the fire vp in Cajar, and (as I 
faid before) that which is the ftrength of their Amity, 
fhall proue the immediate Author of their variance. An- 
thony will vfe his affection where it is. Hee married but 
his occafion heere. 

Men. And thus it may be. Come Sir, will you aboord? 
I haue a health for you. 

Enob. I lhall take it fir : we haue vs'd our Throats in 
Egypt. 

Men. Come, let's away. Exeunt. 



Muficke flayes. 
Enter two or three Seruants with a Banket. 

1 Heere they'l be man : fome o'tb'their Plants are ill 
rooted already, the leaft winde i'th'world wil blow them 
downe. 

2 Lepidus is high Conlord. 

1 They haue made him drinke Almes drinke. 

2 As they pinch one another by the difpofition, hee 
cries out, no more; reconciles them to his entreatie, and 
himfelfe to'th'drinke. 

1 But it raifes the greatet warre betweene him & his 
difcretion. 

2 Why this it is to haue a name in great mens Fel- 
lowlhip : I had as liue haue a Reede that will doe me no 
feruice, as a Partizan I could not heaue. 

I To be call'd into a huge Sphere, and not to be feene 
to moue in't, are the holes where eyes fhould bee, which 
pittifully difafter the cheekes. 

A Sennet founded. 

Enter Cajar , Anthony, Pompey, Lepidus , Agrippa ,Mecenas , 

Enobarbus, Menes,witb other Captaines. 

Ant. Thus do they Sir : they take the flow o'th'Nyle 
By certaine fcales i'th'Pyramid : they know 
By'th'height, the lownefle, or the meane : If dearth 
Or Foizon follow. The higher Nilus fwels, 
The more it promifes : as it ebbes, the Seedfman 
Vpon the flime and Ooze fcatters his graine, 
And lhortly comes to Harueft. 

Lep. Y'haue ftrange Serpents there ? 

Anth. I Lepidus. 

Lep.Your Serpent of Egypt, is bred now of your mud 
by the operation of your Sun : fo is your Crocodile. 

Ant. They are fo. 

Pom. Sit, and fome Wine : A health to Lepidus . 

Lep. I am not fo well as I Ihould be : 
But lie ne're out. 

Enob . Not till you haue flept : I feare me you'l bee in 
till then. 

Lep. Nay certainly, I haue heard the Ptolomies Pyra- 
mifis are very goodly things : without contradiction I 
haue heard that. 

Menas. Pompey, a. word. 

Pomp. Say in mine eare,what is't. 

Men. Forfake thy feate I do befeech thee Captaine, 
And heare me fpeake a word. 

Pom. Forbeare me till anon. Wbijp~ers iri's Eare. 

This Wine for Lepidus. 

Lep. What manner o'thing is your Crocodile ? 

Ant . It is fhap'd fir like it felfe, and it is as broad as it 
hath bredth ; It is iuft fo high as it is, and mooues with it 
owne organs. It liues by that which nourilheth it, and 
the Elements once out of it, it Tranfmigrates. 

Lep. What colour is it of? 

Ant. Of it owne colour too. 

Lep' 'Tis a ftrange Serpent. 

Ant. 'Tis fo, and the teares of it are wet. 
Caf. Will this defcription fatisfie him ? 
Ant. With the Health that Pompey giues him, elfe he 
is a very Epicure. 

Pomp. Go hang fir, hang : tell me of that ? Away : 
Do as I bid you. Where's this Cup I call'd for ? 

Men. If for the fake of Merit thou wilt heare mee, 

R^e 

840 



aAnthony and Qleopatra. 



35 



Rife from thy ftoole. 

Pom. I thinke th'art mad ; the matter ? 

cM'en. I haue euer held my cap off to thy Fortunes. 

Tom. Thou haft feru'd me with much faith : what's 
elfe to fay ? Be iolly Lords. 

Antb. Thefe Quicke-fands Lepidus, 
Keepe off, them for you finke. 

Men. Wilt thou be Lord of all the world ? 

Tom. What faift thou ? 

Men. Wilt thou be Lord of the whole world ? 
That's twice. 

Pom. How fhould that be i 

<&fen. But entertaine it, and though thou thinke me 
poore, I am the man will giue thee all the world. 

Pom. Haft thou drunke well. 

cMen. No Pompey, I haue kept me from the cup, 
Thou art if thou dar'ft be, the earthly Ioue : 
What ere the Ocean pales, or skie inclippes, 
Is thine, if thou wilt ha'r. 

Pom. Shew me which way ? 

Men. Thefe three World-ftiarers, thefe Competitors 
Are in thy veffell. Let me cut the Cable, 
And when we are put off, fall to their throates : 
All there is thine. 

Pom. Ah, this thou fhouldft haue done, 
And not haue fpoke on't. In me 'tis villanie, 
In thee,'t had bin good feruice : thou muft know, 
'Tis not my profit that does lead mine Honour : 
Mine Honour it, Repent that ere thy tongue, 
Hath fo betraide thine afte. Being done vnknowne, 
I ihould haue found it afterwards well done, 
But muft condemne it now : defift,and drinke. 

Men. For this, He neuer follow 
Thy paul'd Fortunes more, 

Who feekes and will not take, when once 'tis offer'd, 
Shall neuer finde it more. 

Pom. This health to Lepidus. 

Ant. Beare him afhore, 
He pledge it for him Tompey. 

Eno. Heere's to thee Menas. 

Men. Enobarbus,vie\come. 

Pom. Fill till the cup be hid. 

Eno. There's a ftrong Fellow Menas. 

Men. Why? 

Eno. A beares the third part of the world man : feeft 
not? 

Men. The third part, then he is drunk : would it were 
all, that it might go on wheeles. 

Eno. Drinke thou : encreafe the Reeles. 

Men Come. 

Tom. This is not yet an Alexandrian Feaft. 

Ant. It ripen's towards it : ftrike the Veflells hoa. 
Heere's to Ccejar. 

Ctzfar. I could well forbear't, it's monftrous labour 
when I wafh my braine,and it grow fouler. 

Ant. Be a Child o'th'time. 

Cajar. Poffeffe it, He make anfwer ; but I had rather 
faft from all,foure dayes,then drinke fo much in one. 

Enob. Ha my braue Emperour, fhall we daunce now 
the Egyptian Backenals,and celebrate our drinke ? 
Pom. Let's ha't good Souldier. 

Ant. Come, let's all take hands, 
Till that the conquering Wine hath fteep't our fenfe, 
In foft and delicate Lethe. 

Eno. All take hands: 
Make battery to our eares with the loud Muficke, 



8 4 ! 



The while, He place you, then the Boy mail fing. 
The holding euery man mall beate as loud, 
As his ftrong fides can volly. 

Muficke Playes. Snobarbus places them band in hand. 
The Song. 
Come thou Monarch of the Vine, 
Plumpie 'Bacchus, with pintle eyne : 
In thy Fattes our Cares be drowned, 
With tby (/rapes our haires be Crown' d. 
Cup -us till the -world go round, 
Cup -vs till the world go round. 

Cajar. What would you more? 
Tompey goodnight. Good Brother 
Let me requeft you of our grauer bufineffe 
Frownes at this leuitie. Gentle Lords let's part, 
You fee we haue burnt our cheek es. Strong Snobarbe 
Is weaker then the Wine, and mine owne tongue 
Spleet's what it fpeakes: the wilde difguife hath almoft 
Antickt vs all. What needs more words ? goodnight. 
Good Anthony your hand. 

Pom. He try you on the fhore. 

Antb. And fhall Sir, giues your hand. 

Pom. Oh Anthony, you haue my Father houfe. 
But what, we are Friends? 
Come downe into the Boate. 

Eno. Take heed you fall not Menas : He not on lhore, 
No to my Cabin : thefe Drummes, 
Thefe Trumpets, Flutes : what 
Let Neptune heare, we bid aloud farewell 
To thefe great Fellowes.Sound and be hang'd, found out. 
Sound a Flourijh with Drummes. 

Enor. Hoo faies a there's my Cap. 

Men. Hoa, Noble Captaine,come. Exeunt. 

Enter Ventidius as it were in trinmph, the dead body of P aco- 
rns borne before him. 

Ven. Now darting Parthya art thou ftroke,and now 
Pleas'd Fortune does of Marcus Craffus death 
Make me reuenger. Beare the Kings Sonnes body, 
Before our Army thy Pacorus Orades, 
Paies this for Marcus Craffus. 

Romaine. Noble "Ventidius, 
Whil'ft yet with Parthian blood thy Sword is warme, 
The Fugitiue Parthians follow. Spurre through Media, 
Mefapotamia,and the fhelters, whether 
The routed flie. So thy grand Captaine Anthony 
Shall fet thee on triumphant Chariots, and 
Put Garlands on thy head. 

Ven. Oh Sillius,Sillius, 
I haue done enough. Alower place note well 
May make too great an aft. For learne this Sillius, 
Better to leaue vndone, then by our deed 
Acquire too high a Fame, when him we femes away. 
Cajar and cAntbony,haue euer wonne 
More in their officer, then perfon. So/Jius 
One of my place in Syria, his Lieutenant, 
For quicke accumulation of renowne, 
Which heatchiu'd by'th'minute,loft his fauour. 
Who does i'th'Warres more then his Captaine can, 
Becomes his Captaines Captaine : andA mbition 
(The Souldiers vertue )rather makes choife of loffe 
Then gaine, which darkens him. 
I could do more to do Anthonius good, 
But 'twould offend him. And in his offence, 

Should 



352 



The Tragedie of 



Should my performance perifli. 

Rom. Thou haft Ventid\u6 that, without the which a 
Souldier and his Sword graunts fcarce diftin&ion : thou 
wilt write to Anthony. 

Ven. lie humbly fignifie what in his name, 
That magicall word of Warre we haue effe&ed, 
How with his Banners, and his well paid ranks, 
The nere-yet beaten Horfe of Parthia, 
We haue iaded out o'th'Field. 

Rom. Where is he now ? 

VenMz purpofeth to Athens, whither with what haft 
The waight we muft conuay with's, will permit : 
We ftiall appeare before him. On there, paffe along. 

Exeunt. 

Enter Agrippa at one doore, Enobarbui at another. 

Agri. What are the Brothers parted ? 

Eno. They haue difpatcht with Pompey ,he is gone, 
The other three are Sealing. OBauia weepes 
To part from Rome : Cafar is fad, and Lepidui 
Since Pompey s feaft, as Menas faies, is troubled 
With the Greene-Sickneffe. 

Agri. 'Tis a Noble Lepidui. 

Eno. A very fine one : oh, how he loues Cafar. 

Agri. Nay but how deerely he adores Mar\ Anthony. 

Eno. Cafar} why he's the Iupiter of men. 

Ant. What's Anthony, the God of Iupiter ? 

Eno. Spake you of Cafar ? How, the non-pareill ? 

Agri. Oh Anthony, oh thou Arabian Bird ! 

Eno. Would you praife Cafar, fay Cafango no further. 

^gr.Indeed he plied them both with excellent praifes. 

Eno. But he loues Co-far beft,yet he loues Anthony: 
Hoo, Hearts, Tongues, Figure, 
Scribes, Bards, Poet s, cannot 
Thinke fpeake, caft, write, fing, number : hoo, 
His loue to Anthony. But as for Cafar, 
Kneele downe,kneele downe,and wonder, 

Agri. Both he loues. 

Eno. They are his Shards,and he their Beetle,fo: 
This is to horfe : Adieu, Noble Agrippa. 

Agri. Good Fortune worthy Souldier, and farewell. 

Enter Cafar, Anthony, Lepidui , and OBauia. 

Antho. No further Sir. 

Cafar. You take from me a great part of my felfe: 
Vfe me well in't. Sifter, proue fuch a wife 
As my thoughts make thee, and as my fartheft Band 
Shall paffe on thy approofe : moft Noble Anthony, 
Let not the peece of Vertue which is fet 
Betwixt vs,as the Cyment of our loue 
To keepe it builded,be the Ramme to batter 
The Fortreffe of it-.for better might we 
Haue lou'd without this meane,if onboth parts 
This be not cherifht. 

Ant. Make me not offended, in your diftruft. 

Cafar. I haue faid. 

Ant. You ftiall not finde, 
Though you be therein curious, the left caufe 
For what you feeme to feare,fo the Gods keepe you, 
And make the hearts of Romaines ferue your ends: 
We will heere part. 

Cafar. Farewell my deereft Sifter, fare thee well, 
The Elements be kind to thee, and make 
Thy fpirits all of comfort : fare thee well. 

OBa. My Noble Brother. 

Anth. The Aprill's in her eyes, it is Loues fpring, 
And thefe the fhowers to bring it on : be cheerfull. 



OBa. Sir,looke well to my Husbands houfe : and 

Cafar. What OBauia ? 

Ocla. lie tell you in your eare. 

Ant. Her tongue will not obey her heart, nor can 
Her heart informe her tougue. 
The Swannes downe feather 
That ftands vpon the Swell at the full of Tide : 
And neither way inclines. 

Eno. Will Cafar weepe ? 

Agr. He ha's a cloud in's face. 

Eno. He were the worfe for that were he a Horfe, fo is 
he being a|man. 

Agri. Why Enobarbui : 
When Anthony found Iuliut Cafar dead, 
He cried almoft to roaring : And he wept, 
When at Phillippi he found ^Brutui ftaine. 

Eno. That yearindeed,he was trobled with a rheume, 
What willingly he did confound, he wail'd, 
Beleeu't till I weepe too. 

Cafar. No fweet OBauia, 
You ftiall heare from me ftill : the time mail not 
Out-go my thinking on you. 

cAnt. Come Sir, come, 
He wraftle with you in my ftrength of loue, 
Looke heere I haue you, thus I let you go, 
And giue you to the Gods. 

Cafar. Adieu.be happy. 

Lep, Let all the number of the Starres giue light 
To thy faire way. 

Cafar. Farewell, farewell. Kijfes OBauia. 

Ant. Farewell. Trumpets found. Exeunt. 

Enter Cleopatra, Charmian, Iras, and Alexas. 

Qleo. Where is the Fellow ? 

Alex. Halfe afeard to come. 

Cleo. Go too, go too : Come hither Sir. 
Enter the Mejfenger ai before. 

Alex. Good Maieftie : Herod of Jury dare not looke 
vpon you, but when you are well pleas'd. 

Cleo. That Herods head, He haue : but how ? When 
tAnthony is gone, through whom I might commaund it: 
Come thou neere. 

Mef. Moft gratious Maieftie. 

Qleo. Did'ft thou behold OBauia ? 

Mef. I dread Queene. 

Cleo. Where? 

Mef. Madam in Rome, I lookt her in the face : and 
faw her led betweene her Brother, and cMar\e ^Anthony. 

Cleo. Is ftie as tall as me ? 

Mef. She is not Madam. 

Cleo. Didft heare her fpeake ? 
Is ftie ftirill tongu'd or low ? 

Mef. Madam, I heard her fpeake, ftie is low voic'd. 

Cleo. That's not fo good : he cannot like her long. 

Char. Like her ? Oh Ifis : 'tis impoffible. 

Cleo.l thinke fo Charmian: dull of tongue, & dwarfifh 
What Maieftie is in her gate, remember 
If ere thou look'ft on Maieftie. , 

Mef. She creepes:her motion, & her ftation are as one: 
She fnewes a body, rather then a life, 
A Statue, then a Breather. 

Cleo. Is this certaine ? 

Mef. Or I haue no obferuance. 

Cha. Three in Egypt cannot make better note. 

Cleo. He's very knowing, I do perceiu't, 
There's nothing in her yet. 

The 



t/lnthony a nd Qleopatra. 



353 



-The Fellow ha's good iudgement. 

Char. Excellent. 

Cleo. Gueffe at her yeares, I prythee. 

Mejf. Madam, fhe was a widdow. 

Cleo. Widdow ? Charmian, hearke. 

Mef And I do thinke fhe's thirtie. 

Cle. Bear'ft thou her face in mind? is't long or round? 

Mejf. Round, euen to faultineffe. 

Cleo. For the moft part too, they are foolifh that are 
fo. Her haire what colour ? 

Mejf. Browne Madam: and her forehead 
As low as fhe would wiih it. 

Cleo. There's Gold for thee, 
Thou muft not take my former fharpeneffe ill, 
I will employ thee backe againe : I finde thee 
Moft fit for bufineffe. Go, make thee ready, 
Our Letters are prepar'd. 

Char. A proper man. 

Cleo. Indeed he is fo : I repent me much 
That fo I harried him. Why me think's by him, 
This Creature's no fuch thing. 

Char. Nothing Madam. 

Cleo. The man hath feene fome Maiefty, and mould 
know. 

Char. Hath he feene Maieftie ? IJis elfe defend : and 
feruing you fo long. 

Qleopa. I haue one thing more to aske him yet good 
Charmian : but 'tis no matter, thou /halt bring him to me 
where I will write; all may be well enough. 

Char. I warrant you Madam. Exeunt. 

Enter Anthony and Oilauia. 

Ant. Nay, nay Oilauia, not onely that, 
That were excufable, that and thoufands more 
Of femblable import, but he hath wag'd 
New Warres 'gainft Pompey. Made his will, and read it, 
To publicke eare, fpoke fcantly of me, 
When perforce he could not 
But pay me tearmes of Honour : cold and lickly 
He vented then moft narrow meafurejlent me, 
When the beft hint was giuen him : he not look't, 
Or did it from his teeth. 

Oclaui. Oh my good Lord, 
Beleeue not all.or if you muft beleeue, 
Stomacke not all. A more vnhappie Lady, 
If this deuifion chance, ne're flood betweene 
Praying for both parts : 
The good Gods wil mocke me prefently, 
When I fhall pray:Oh bleffe my Lord, and Husband, 
Vndo that prayer, by crying out as loud, 
Oh bleffe my Brother. Husband winne, winne Brother, 
Prayes, and diftroyes the prayer, no midway 
'Twixt thefe extreames at all. 

*Ant, Gentle Oilauia, 
Let your beft loue draw to that point which feeks 
Beft to preferue it : if I loofe mine Honour, 
I loofe my felfe: better I were not yours 
Then your fo branchleffe. But as you requefted, 
Your felfe mall go between's,the meane time Lady, 
lie raife the preparation of a Warre 
Shall ftaine your Brother, make your fooneft haft, 
So your defires are yours. 

OB. Thanks to my Lord, 
The loue of power make me moft weake,moft weake, 
You reconciler: Warres 'twixt you twaine would be, 
As if the world mould cleaue,and that llaine men 
Should foader vp the Rift. 



"843 



Anth. When it appeeres to you where this begins, 
Turne your difpleafure that way, for our faults 
Can neuer be fo equall,that your loue 
Can equally moue with them. Prouide your going, 
Choofe your owne company, and command what coft 
Your heart he's mind too. Exeunt. 

Enter Enobarhui ,and Eros. 

Eno. How now Friend Eros ? 

Eros. Ther's ftrange Newes come Sir. 

Eno. What man ? 

Ero. Cafar & Lepidus haue made warres vpon fompey. 

Eno. This is old,what is the fucceffe ? 

Eros. Cafar hauing made vfe of him in the warres 
'gainft Pompey: prefently denied him riuality, would not 
let him partake in the glory of the action, and not refting 
here, accufes him of Letters he had formerly wrote to 
Pompey. "Vpon his owne appeale feizes him,fo the poore 
third is vp, till death enlarge his Confine. 

Sno. Then would thou hadft a paire of chapsn o more, 
and throw betweene them all the food thou haft, they'le 
grinde the other. Where's Anthony? 

Eros. He's walking in the garden thus, and fpurnes 
The rum that lies before him. Cries Foole Lepidus, 
And threats the throate of that his Officer, 
That murdred Pompey. 

Eno. Our great Nauies rig'd. 

Eros. For Italy and Cafar, more Domitius, 
My Lord defires you prefently : my Newes 
I might haue told heareafter. 

Sno. 'Twillbe naught, but let it be: bring me to Anthony. 

Eros. Come Sir, Exeunt. 

Enter Agrippa,Mecenas ,and Cafar. 

Caf Contemning Rome he ha's done all this, & more 
In Alexandria : heere's the manner oft : 
I'th'Market-place on a Tribunall filuer'd, 
Cleopatra and himfelfe in Chaires of Gold 
Were publikely enrhron'd : at the feet, fat 
Cafarion whom they call my Fathers Sonne, 
And all the vnlawfull iffue,that their Luft 
Since then hath made betweene them. Vnto her, 
He gaue the ftablifhment of Egypt, made her 
Of lower Syria, Cyprus,Lydia,abfolute Queene. 

Mece. This in the publike eye? 

Cafar. I'th'common fhew place, where they exercife, 
His Sonnes hither proclaimed the King of Kings, 
Great Media, Parthia, and Armenia 
He gaue to Alexander. To Ptolomy he affign'd, 
Syria, Silicia, and Phosnetia : fhe 
In th'abiliments of the Goddeffe IJis 
That day appeer'd,and oft before gaue audience, 
As 'tis reported fo. 

Mece. Let Rome be thus inform'd. 

Agri. Who queazie with his infolence already, 
Will their good thoughts call from him. 

Cafar. The people knowes it, 
And haue now receiu'd his accufations. 

Agri. Who does he accufe ? 

Cafar. Cafar, and that hauing in Cicilie 
Sextos Pompeim fpoil'd, we had not rated him 
His part o'th'Ifie. Then does he fay, he lent me 
Some fhipping vnreftor'd. Laftly, he frets 
That Lepidus of the Triumpherate, fhould be depos'd, 
And being that, we detaine all hisReuenue. 

Agri. Sir,this ftiould be anfwer'd. 

Cafar. "Tis done already, and the Meffenger gone : 
I haue told him Lepidus was growne too cruell, 

y y That 



354 



The Tragedie of 



That he his high Authority abus'd, 

And did deferue his change : for what I haue conquer'd, 

I grant him part : but then in his Armenia, 

And other of his conquer' d Kingdoms, I demand the like 

<^Mec. Hee'l neuer yeeld to that. 

Ca>f. Nor muft not then be yeelded to in this. 

Enter OSiauia with her Traine. 
Ocla. Haile Cafar, and my L. haile moft deere Qajar. 

Ccejar. That euer I fhould call thee Caft-away. 

Ofla. You haue not call'd me fo,nor haue you caufe. 

Ca?J. Why haue you ftoln vpon vs thus? you come not 
Like Ccefars Sifter, The wife of Anthony 
Should haue an Army for an Vlher, and 
The neighes of Horfe to tell of her approach, 
Long ere fhe did appeare. The trees by'th'way 
Should haue borne men, and expectation fainted, 
Longing for what it had not. Nay, the duft 
Should haue afcended to the Roofe of Heauen, 
Rais'd by your populous Troopes : But you are come 
A Market-maid to Rome, and haue preuented 
The orientation of our loue ; which left vnfhewne, 
Is often left vnlou'd : we mould haue met you 
By Sea, and Land, fupplying euery Stage 
With an augmented greeting. 

Olia. Good my Lord, 
To come thus was I not conftrain'd,but did it 
On my free-will. My Lord cMarfy Anthony, 
Hearing that you prepar'd for Warre, acquainted 
My greeued eare withall : whereon I begg'd 
His pardon for returne. 

Caj. Which foone he granted, 
Being an abftraft 'tweene his Luft,and him. 

OSia. Do not fay fo, my Lord. 

CaJ. I haue eyes vpon him, 
And his affaires come to me on the wind:wher is he now? 

Oaa. My Lord, in Athens. 

Ctefar. No my moft wronged Sifter , Cleopatra 
Hath nodded him to her. He hath giuen his Empire 
Vp to a Whore, who now are leuying 
The Kings o'th'earth for Warre. He hath affembled, 
Bochui the King of Lybia, Archilaus 
Of Cappadocia, Philadelphos King 
Of Paphlagonia : the Thracian King Adullas, 
King Mauchus of Arabia, King of Pont, 
Herod of Iewry, Mithridates King 
Of Comageat, Polemen and Amintas, 
The Kings of Mede,and Licoania, 
With a more larger Lift of Scepters. 

Ocla. Aye me moft wretched, 
That haue m y heart parted betwixt two Friends, 
That does afflift each other. (breaking forth 

C^/.Welcom hither : your Letters did with-holde our 
Till we perceiu'd both how you were wrong led, 
And we in negligent danger : cheere your heart, 
Be you not troubled with the time, which driues 
Ore your content, thefe ftrong neceffities, 
But let determin'd things to deftinie 
Hold vnbewayl'd their way. Welcome to Rome, 
Nothing more deere to me : You are abus'd 
Beyond the marke of thought : and the high Gods 
To do you Iuftice, makes his Minifters 
Of vs, and thofe that loue you. Beft of comfort, 
And euer welcom to vs. -Agrip. Welcome Lady. 

cMec. Welcome deere Madam, 
Each heart in Rome does loue and pitty you, 
Onely th'adulterous Anthony, moft large 



In his abhominations, turnes you off, 
And giues his potent Regiment to a Trull 
That noyfes it againft vs. 

Oaa. Is it fo fir ? 

Ctef. Moft certaine : Sifter welcome : pray you 
Be euer knowne to patience. My deer 'ft Sifter. Exeunt 
Enter Cleopatra, and Enobarbui. 

Cleo. I will be euen with thee, doubt it not. 

Eno. But why, why, why ? 

Cleo. Thou haft forefpoke my being in thefe warres, 
And fay'ft it it not fit. 

Eno. Well : is it, is it. 

Cleo. If not, denounc'd againft vs, why mould not 
we be there in perfon. 

Enob. Well, I could reply : if wee fhould ferue with 
Horfe and Mares together, the Horfe were meerly loft : 
the Mares would beare a Soldiour and his Horfe. 

Cleo. What is't you fay ? 

Enob. Your prefence needs muft puzle Anthony, 
Take from his heart , take from his Braine, from's time, 
What fhould not then be fpar'd. He is already 
Traduc'd for Leuity, and 'tis faid in Rome, 
That Photinui an Eunuch, and your Maides 
Mannage this warre. 

Cleo. Sinke Rome, and their tongues rot 
That fpeake againft vs. A Charge we beare i'th'Warre, 
And as the prefident of my Kingdome will 
Appeare there for a man. Speake not againft it, 
I will not ftay behinde. 

Enter Anthony and Camidias. 

Eno. Nay I haue done, here comes the Emperor. 

Ant. Is it not ftrange Camidiui, 
That from Tarrentum, and Brandufium, 
He could fo quickly cut the Ionian Sea, 
And take in Troine. You haue heard on't (Sweet?) 

Cleo. Celerity is neuer more admir'd, 
Then by the negligent. 

Ant. A good rebuke, 
Which might haue well becom'd the beft of men 
To taunt at flackneffe. Camidiui, wee 
Will fight with him by Sea. 

Cleo. By Sea, what elfe ? 

Cam. Why will my Lord, do fo ? 

Ant. For that he dares vs too't. 

Enob. So hath my Lord, dar'd him to fingle fight. 

Cam. I, and to wage this Battell at Pharfalia, 
Where Cafar fought with Pompey. But thefe offers 
Which ferue not for his vantage, he fhakes off, 
And fo fhould you. 

Enob. Your Shippes are not well mann'd, 
Your Marriners are Militers, Reapers, people 
Ingroft by fwift Impreffe. In Ca?fars Fleete, 
Are thofe, that often haue 'gainft Tompey fought, 
Their fhippes are yare, yours heauy : no difgrace 
Shall fall you for refufing him at Sea, 
Being prepar'd for Land. 

Ant. By Sea, by Sea. 

Eno. Moft worthy Sir, you therein throw away 
The abfolute Soldier/hip you haue by Land, 
Diftraft your Armie, which doth moft confift 
Of Warre-markt-footmen, leaue vnexecuted 
Your owne renowned knowledge, quite forgoe 
The way which promifes affurance, and 
Giue vp your felfe meerly to chance and hazard, 
From firme Securitie. 

Ant. He fight at Sea. 



aAnthony and Qleopatra. 



355 



Cleo. I haue fixty Sailes, Ceefar none better. 

Ant. Our ouer-plus of /hipping will we burne, 
And with the reft full mann'd, from th'head of Adtion 
Beate th 'approaching Cafar. But if we faile, 
We then can doo't at Land. Enter a Mejfenger. 

Thy Bufinefie ? 

Mef. The Newes is true, my Lord, he is defcried, 
Ctejar ha's taken Toryne. 

Ant, Can he be there in perfon? 'Tis impoffible 
Strange, that his power fhould be. Camidius, 
Our nineteene Legions thou /halt hold by Land, 
And our twelue thoufand Horfe. Wee'l to our Ship, 
Away my Thetis. 

Enter a Soldiour, 
How now worthy Souldier? 

Soul. Oh Noble Emperor, do not fight by Sea, 
Truft not to rotten plankes : Do you mifdoubt 
This Sword, and thefe my Wounds ; let th'Egyptians 
And the Phoenicians go a ducking : wee 
Haue vs'd to conquer ftanding on the earth, 
And fighting foot to foot. 

Ant. Well, well, away. exit Ant \ Cleo.& Enob. 

Soul. By Hercules I thinke I am i'th'right. 

Cam. Souldier thou art: but his whole aclion growes 
Not in the power on't : fo our Leaders leade, 
And we are Womens men. 

Soul. You keepe by Land the Legions and the Horfe 
whole, do you not r 

Ven. Marcus O&auius, Marcus Iufteus, 
Publkola, and Celius, are for Sea : 
But we keepe whole by Land. This fpeede of Qtzfars 
Carries beyond beleefe. 

Soul. While he was yet in Rome. 
His power went out in fuch diftra&ions, 
As beguilde all Spies. 

Cam. Who's his Lieutenant, heare you ? 

Soul. They fay, one Towrus. 

Cam. Well, I know the man. 

Enter a Mejfenger. 

<&Tef. The Emperor cals Camidius. 

Cam. With Newes the times wit i Labour, 
And throwes forth each minute, fome. exeunt 

Enter Ca?far with bis Army, marching. 

Caf. Towus? 

Tow. My Lord. 

CaJ. Strike not by Land, 
Keepe whole, prouoke not Battaile 
Till we haue done at Sea. Do not exceede 
The Prefcript of this Scroule : Our fortune lyes 
Vpon this iumpe. exit. 

Enter Anthony, and Enobarbus. 

Ant. Set we our Squadrons on yond fide o'th'Hill, 
In eye of Cafars battaile, from which place 
We may the number of the Ships behold, 
And fo proceed accordingly. exit. 



Camidius oMarcheth with his Land Am 



the 



ft age, and Totorus the Lieutenant of Cafar the other way . 
After their going in, is heard the noife of a Sea fight. 
Enter Enobarbus and Scarus . 



Eno. Naught, naught, al naught, I can behold no longer: 
Thantoniad, the Egyptian Admirall, 
With all their fixty flye, and turne the Rudder : 



To fee't, mine eyes are blafted. 

Enter Scarrus. 

Scar. Gods,i& GoddefTes, all the whol fynod of them ! 

Eno. What's thy paflion. 

Scar. The greater Cantle of the world, is loft 
With very ignorance, we haue kift away 
Kingdomes,and Prouinces. 

Eno. How appeares the Fight ? 

Scar. On our fide, like the Token'd Peftilence, 
Where death is fure. Von ribaudred Nagge of Egypt, 
(Whom Leprofie o're-take) i'th'midft o'th'fight, 
When vantage like a payre of Twinnes appear'd 
Both as the fame, or rather ouis the elder ; 
(The Breeze vpon her) like a Cow in Inne, 
Hoifts Sailes, and flyes. 

Eno. That I beheld : 
Mine eyes did ficken at the fight, and could not 
Indure a further view. 

Scar. She once being looft, 
The Noble mine of her Magicke, Anthony, 
Claps on his Sea-wing, and ( like a doting Mallard ) 
Leauing the Fight in heighth, flyes after her : 
I neuer faw an Aclion of fuch /name ; 
Experience, Man-hood, Honor, ne're before," 
Did violate fo it felfe. 

Enob. Alacke, alacke. 

Enter Camidius. 

Cam. Our Fortune on the Sea is out of breath, 
And finkes moft lamentably. Had our Generall 
Bin what he knew himfelfe, it had gone well : 
Oh his ha's giuen example for our flight, 
Moft groflely by his owne. 

Enob. I, are you thereabouts ? Why then goodnight 
indeede. 

Cam. Toward Peloponnefus are they fled. 

Scar. 'Tis eafie toot, 
And there I will attend what further comes. 

Camid. To Cafar will I render 
My Legions and my Horfe, fixe Kings alreadie 
Shew me the way of yeelding. 

Eno. He yet follow 
The wounded chance of Anthony, though my reafon 
Sits in the winde againft me. 

Enter Anthony with Attendants. 

Ant. Hearke, the Land bids me tread no more vpon't, 
It is afham'd to beare me. Friends, come hither, 
I am fo lated in the world, that I 
Haue loft my way for euer. I haue a /hippe, 
Laden with Gold, take that, diuide it : flye, 
And make your peace with Cafar. 

Omnes. Fly ? Not wee. 

Ant. I haue fled my felfe, and haue inftru&ed cowards 
To runne, and /hew their flioulders. Friends be gone, 
I haue my felfe refolu'd vpon a courfe, 
Which has no neede of you. Be gone, 
My Treafure's in the Harbour. Take it : Oh, 
I follow'd that I blu/h to looke vpon, 
My very haires do mutiny : for the white 
Reproue the browne for ralhnefle, and they them 
For feare, and doting. Friends be gone, you /hall 
Haue Letters from me to fome Friends, that will 
Sweepe your way for you. Pray you looke not fad, 
Nor make replyes of loathne/Te, take the hint 
Which my difpaire proclaimes. Let them be left 
Which leaues it felfe, to the Sea-fide ftraight way; 
I will poflefle you of that /hip and Treafure. 

y a Leaue 



35 6 



The Tragedie of 



Leaue me, I pray a little : pray you now, 
Nay do fo : for indeede I haue loft command, 
Therefore I pray you, He fee you by and by. Sits domne 
Enter Cleopatra led by Cbarmian and Eros. 

Eros. Nay gentle Madam, to him, comfort him. 

Iras. Do moft deere Queene. 

Char. Do, why, what elfe .? 

Geo. Let me fit downe : Oh Iuno. 

Ant. No, no, no, no, no. 

Eros. See you heere, Sir ? 

Ant. Oh fie, fie, fie. 

Char. Madam. 

Iras. Madam, oh good Emprefie. 

Eros. Sir, fir. 

Ant. Yes my Lord, yes; he at Philippi kept 
His fword e'ne like a dancer, while I ftrooke 
The leane and wrinkled CaJJius, and 'twas I 
That the mad Brutus ended : he alone 
Dealt on Lieutenantry, and no prattife had 
In the braue fquares of Warre : yet now : no matter. 

Qleo. Ah ftand by. 

Eros. The Queene my Lord, the Queene. 

Iras. Go to him, Madam, fpeake to him, 
Hee's vnqualited with very fliame. 

Geo. Well then, fuftaine me : Oh. 

Eros. Moft Noble Sir arife, the Queene approaches, 
Her head's declin'd, and death will ceafe her, but 
Your comfort makes the refcue. 

Ant. I haue offended Reputation, 
A moft vnnoble fweruing. 

Bros. Sir, the Queene. 

cAnt. Oh whether haft thou lead me Egypt, fee 
How I conuey my fliame, out of thine eyes, 
By looking backe what 1 haue left behinde 
Stroy'd in diflionor. 

Geo. Oh my Lord, my Lord , 
Forgiue my fearfull fayles, I little thought 
You would haue followed. 

Ant. Egypt, thou knew'ft too well, 
My heart was to thy Rudder tyed by'th'ftrings, 
And thou fliould'ft ftowe me after. O're my fpirit 
The full fupremacie thou knew'ft, and that 
Thy becke, might from the bidding of the Gods 
Command mee. 

Geo. Oh my pardon. 

tAnt. Now I muft 
To the young man fend humble Treaties, dodge 
And palter in the fliifts of lownes, who 
With halfe the bulke o'th'world plaid as I pleas'd, 
Making, and marring Fortunes. You did know 
How much you were my Conqueror, and that 
My Sword, made weake by my affeftion, would 
Obey it on all caufe. 

Geo. Pardon, pardon. 

Ant. Fall not a teare I fay, one of them rates 
All that is wonne and loft : Giue me a kifie, 
Euen this repayes me. 

We fent our Schoolemafter, is a come backe ? 
Loue I am full of Lead : fome Wine 
Within there, and our Viands : Fortune knowes, 
We fcome her moft, when moft fhe offers blowes. Exeunt 

Enter Ctefar, Agrippa,and Dollabello,witb others. 

Caf. Let him appeare that's come from Anthony. 
Know you him. 



Dolla. Cuejar, 'tis his Schoolemafter, 
An argument that he is pluckt, when hither 
He fends fo poore a Pinnion of his Wing, 
Which had fuperfluous Kings for Meffengers, 
Not many Moones gone by. 

Enter Ambajfador from Anthony. 

Gzjar. Approach, and fpeake. 

Amb. Such as I am, I come from Anthony : 
I was of late as petty to his ends, 
As is the Morne-dew on the Mertle leafe 
To his grand Sea. 

Ctef. Bee't fo, declare thine office. 

Amb. Lord of his Fortunes he falutes thee, and 
Requires to liue in Egypt, which not granted 
He LefTons his Requefts, and to thee fues 
To let him breath betweene the Heauens and Earth 
A priuate man in Athens : this for him. 
Next, Cleopatra does confeffe thy Greatneffe, 
Submits her to thy might, and of thee craues 
The Circle of the Ptolomies for her heyres, 
New hazarded to thy Grace. 

CeeJ. For Anthony, 
I haue no eares to his requeft. The Queene, 
Of Audience, nor Defire fhall faile, fo ftiee 
From Egypt driue her all-difgraced Friend, 
Or take his life there. This if ftiee performe, 
She fhall not fue vnheard. So to them both. 

Amb. Fortune purfue thee. 

QaJ. Bring him through the Bands : 
To try thy Eloquence, now 'lis time, difpatch, 
From Anthony winne Cleopatra, promife 
And in our Name, what fhe requires, adde more 
From thine inuention, offers. Women are not 
In their beft Fortunes ftrong ; but want will periure 
The ne're touch'd Veftall. Try thy cunning Thidias,' 
Make thine owne Edift for thy paines, which we 
Will anfwer as a Law. 

Thid. Cajar, I go. 

Cajar. Obferue how ^Anthony becomes his flaw, 
And what thou think'ft his very aftion fpeakes 
In euery power that mooues. 

Thid. Cafar,lOa)l. exeunt. 

Enter Cleopatra, Enobarbus, Cbarmian, & Iras. 

Geo. What fhall we do, Enobarbus ? 

Eno. Thinke, and dye. 

Geo. Is Anthony, or we in fault for this? 

Eno. Anthony onely, that would make his will 
Lord of his Reafon. What though you fled, 
From that great face of Warre, whofe feuerall ranges 
Frighted each other ? Why ftiould he follow ? 
The itch of his Affe&ion fliould not then 
Haue nickt his Captain-fliip , at fuch a point, 
When halfe to halfe the world oppos'd, he being 
The meered queftion ? 'Twas a fliame no lefle 
Then was his lofTe, to courfe your flying Flagges, 
And leaue his Nauy gazing. 

Geo. Prythee peace. 

Enter the Ambajfador, with Anthony. 

Ant. Is that his anfwer? Amb. I my Lord. 

Ant. The Queene fhall then haue courtefie, 
So flie will yeeld vs vp. 

Am. He fayes fo. 

Antho. Let her know't. To the Boy Cafar fend this 
grizled head, and he will fill thy wiflies to the brimme, 
With Principalities. 

Geo. That head my Lord ? 

Ant. 

I46 



aAnthony and Qkopatra. 



357 



Ant. To him againe, tell him he weares the Rofe 
Of youth vpon him: from which, the world fliould note 
Something particular : His Coine , Ships, Legions, 
May be a Cowards, whofe Minifters would preuaile 
Vnder the feruice of a Childe,as foone 
As i'th'Command of Cafar. I dare him therefore 
To lay his gay Companions a-part, 
And anfwer me declin'd, Sword againft Sword, 
Our felues alone : He write it : Follow me. 

Eno. Yes like enough : hye battel'd Cajar will 
Vnftate his happinefie, and be Stag'd to'th'fliew 
Againft a Sworder. I fee mens Iudgements are 
A parcell of their Fortunes, and things outward 
Do draw the inward quality after them 
To fuffer all alike, that he fliould dreame, 
Knowing all meafures, the full Ccejar will 
Anfwer his emptineffe ; Cafar thou haft fubdu'de 
His iudgement too. 

Enter a Seruant. 

Ser. A Meffenger from Cafar. 

Cleo. What no more Ceremony ? See my Women, 
Againft the blowne Rofe may they flop their nofe, 
That kneel'd vnto the Buds. Admit him fir. 

Eno. Mine honefty, and I, beginne to fquare, 
The Loyalty well held to Fooles, does make 
Our Faith meere folly : yet he that can endure 
To follow with Allegeance a falne Lord, 
Does conquer him that did his Matter conquer, 
And earnes a place i'th'Story. 

Enter Tbldias. 

Cleo. Cajars will. 

Tbid. Heare it apart. 

Cleo. None but Friends : fay boldly. 

Tbid. So haply are they Friends to Anthony. 

Snob. He needs as many (Sir) as Cuejar ha's, 
Or needs not vs. If Cajar pleafe,our Matter 
Will leape to be his Friend : For vs you know, 
Whofe he is, we are, and that is Cajars. 

'i'A/W.So.Thus then thou moft renown'd, Cafar intreats, 
Not to confider in what cafe thou ftand'ft 
Further then he is Cafars. 

Cleo. Go on, right Royall. 

Tbid. He knowes that you embrace not Anthony 
As you did loue, but as you feared him. 

Cleo. Oh. 

Tbid. The fcarre's vpon your Honor , therefore he 
Does pitty, as conftrained blemiflies, 
Not as deferued. 

Cleo. He is a God, 
And knowes what is moft right. Mine Honour 
Was not yeelded, but conquer'd meerely. 

Eno. To be fure of that, I will aske Anthony. \ 
Sir, fir, thou art fo leakie 
That we muft leaue thee to thy finking, for 
Thy deereft quit thee. Exit Snob. 

Tbid. Shall I fay to Cafar, 
What you require of him : for he partly begges 
To be defir'd to giue. It much would pleafe him, 
That of his Fortunes you fliould make a ftafFe 
To leane vpon. But it would warme his fpirits 
To heare from me you had left Anthony, 
And put your felfe vnder his flirowd, the vniuerfal Land- 

Cleo. What's your name ? (lord. 

Tbid. My name is Tbldias. 

Cleo. Moft kinde Meffenger, 
Say to great Cafar this in difputation, 



I kiffe his conqu'ring hand : Tell him, I am prompt 
To lay my Crowne at's feete, and there to kneele. 
Tell him, from his all-obeying breath, I heare 
The doome of Egypt. 

Tbid. 'Tis your Nobleft courfe : 
Wifedome and Fortune combatting together, 
If that the former dare but what it can, 
No chance may fliake it. Giue me grace to lay 
My dutie on your hand. 

Cleo. Your Cafars Father oft, 
(When he hath mus'd of taking kingdomes in) 
Beftow'd his lips on that vn worthy place," 
As it rain'd kiffes. 

Enter Anthony and Enobarbui. 

Ant. Fauours? By loue that thunders. What art thou 

Tbid. One that but performes (Fellow? 

The bidding of the fulleft man, and worthieft 
To haue command obey'd. 

Eno. You will be whipt. 

Ant. Approch there : ah you Kite.Now Gods & diuels 
Authority melts from me of late. When I cried hoa, 
Like Boyes vnto a muffe, Kings would ftart forth, 
And cry, your will. Haue you no eares ? 
I am Anthony yet. Take hence this lack, and whip him. 
Enter a Seruant. 

Eno. 'Tis better playing with a Lions whelpe, 
Then with an old one dying. 

Ant. Moone and Starres, 
Whip him : wer't twenty of the greateft Tributaries 
That do acknowledge Cafar, fliould I finde them 
So fawcy with the hand of flie heere, what's her name 
Since flie was Cleopatra'? Whip him Fellowes, 
Till like a Boy you fee him crindge his face, 
And whine aloud for mercy. Take him hence. 

Tbid. eMarke Anthony. 

eAnt. Tugge him away : being whipt 
Bring him againe, the Iacke of Cafars fliall 
Beare vs an arrant to him. Exeunt with Tbidius. 

You were halfe blafted ere I knew you : Ha ? 
Haue I my pillow left vnpreft in Rome, 
Forborne the getting of a lawfull Race, 
And by a Iem of women, to be abus'd 
By one that lookes on Feeders* 1 

Cleo. Good my Lord. 

Ant. You haue beene a boggeler euer, 
But when we in our vicioufneffe grow hard 
(Oh mifery on't ) the wife Gods feele our eyes 
In our owne filth, drop our cleare iudgements, make vs 
Adore our errors, laugh at's while we ftrut 
To our confufion. 

Cleo. Oh , is't come to this ? 

Ant. I found you as a Morfell, cold vpon 
Dead Cafars Trencher : Nay, you were a Fragment 
Of Gneius Pompeyes, befides what hotter houres 
Vnregiftred in vulgar Fame, you haue 
Luxurioufly pickt out. For I am fure, 
Though you can gueffe what Temperance fliould be, 
You know not what it is. 

Cleo. Wherefore is this ? 

Ant. To let a Fellow that will take rewards, 
And fay, God quit you, be familiar with 
My play-fellow, your hand ; this Kingly Seale, 
And pligbter of high hearts. O that I were 
Vpon the hill of Bafan, to out-roare 
The horned Heard, for I haue fauage caufe, 
And to proclaime it ciuilly, were like 

y 3 A 



35» 



The ¥ rage die of 



A halter'd necke, which do's the Hangman thanke, 
For being yare about him. Is he whipt ? 
Enter a Seruant with Thidiai. 

Ser. Soundly, my Lord. 

Ant. Cried he? and begg'd a Pardon ? 

Ser. He did aske fauour. 

Ant. If that thy Father liue, let him repent 
Thou was't not made his daughter, and be thou forrie 
To follow Cafar in his Triumph, fince 
Thou haft bin whipt. For following him, henceforth 
The white hand of a Lady Feauer thee, 
Shake thou to looke on't. Get thee backe to Cafar, 
Tell him thy entertainment : looke thou fay 
He makes me angry with him. For he feemes 
Proud and difdainfull, harping on what I am, 
Not what he knew I was. He makes me angry, 
And at this time moft eafie 'tis to doo't : 
When my good Starres, that were my former guides 
Haue empty left their Orbes, and mot their Fires 
Into th'Abifme of hell. If he miflike, 
My fpeech, and what is done, tell him he has 
Hiparchus, my enfranched Bondman, whom 
He may at pleafure whip, or hang, or torture, 
As he mall like to quit me. Vrge it thou : 
Hence with thy ftripes, be gone. Exit Thid. 

Cleo. Haue you done yet ? 

Ant. Alacke our Terrene Moone is now Eclipft, 
And it portends alone the fall of Anthony. 

Cleo. I muft ftay his time ? 

Ant. To flatter Cafar, would you mingle eyes 
With one that tyes his points.l 

Cleo. Not know me yet ? 

Ant. Cold-hearted toward me ? 

Cleo. Ah (Deere) if I be fo, 
From my cold heart let Heauen ingender haile, 
And poyfon it in the fourfe,and the firft ftone 
Drop in my necke : as it determines fo 
Diflblue my life, the next Caefarian fmile, 
Till by degrees the memory of my wombe, 
Together with my braue Egyptians all, 
By the difcandering of this pelleted ftorme, 
Lye graueleffe, till the Flies and Gnats ofNyle 
Haue buried them for prey. 

Ant. I am fatisfied : 
Cafar fets downe in Alexandria, where 
I will oppofe his Fate. Our force by Land, 
Hath Nobly held, our feuer'd Nauie too 
Haue knit againe, and Fleete, threatning moft Sea-like. 
Where haft thou bin my heart? Doft thou heare Lady ? 
If from the Field I mail returne once more 
To kifle thefe Lips, I will appeare in Blood, 
I, and my Sword, will earne our Chronicle, 
There's hope in't yet. 

Cleo. That's my braue Lord. 

Ant. I will be trebble-finewed, hearted, breath'd, 
And fight malicioufly : for when mine houres 
Were nice and lucky, men did ranfome Hues 
Of me for iefts : But now, He fet my teeth, 
And fend to darkenefle all that flop me. Come, 
Let's haue one other gawdy night : Call to me 
All my fad Captaines, fill our Bowles once more : 
Let's mocke the midnight Bell. 

Cleo. It is my Birth-day, 
I had thought t'haue held it poore. But fince my Lord 
Is Anthony againe, I will be Cleopatra. 

Ant. We will yet do well. 



Cleo. Call all his Noble Captaines to my Lord. 

Ant. Do fo, wee'l fpeake to them, 
And to night He force 
The Wine peepe through their fcarres. 
Come on (my Queene) 

There's fap in't yet. The next time I do fight 
He make death loue me : for I will contend 
Euen with his peftilent Sytbe. Exeunt. 

Eno. Now hee'l out-ftare the Lightning, to be furious 
Is to be frighted out of feare, and in that moode 
The Doue will pecke the Eftridge ; and 1 fee ftill 
A diminution in our Captaines braine, 
Reftores his heart ; when valour prayes in reafon, 
It eates the Sword it fights with : I will feeke 
Some way to leaue him. Exeunt. 



Cafai 



Agrippa, & Mecenas with 
Cafar reading a Letter. 



Army, 



Caf. He calles me Boy, and chides as he had power 
To beate me out of Egypt. My Meflenger 
He hath whipt with Rods, dares me to perfonal Combat. 
Cafar to Anthony ; let the old Ruffian know, 
I haue many other wayes to dye : meane time J 
Laugh at his Challenge. 

Mece. Cafar muft thinke, 
When one fo great begins to rage,hee's hunted 
Euen to falling. Giue him no breath, but now 
Make boote of his diftraftion : Neuer anger 
Made good guard for it felfe. 

Caf. Let our beft heads know, 
That to morrow, the laft of many Battailes 
We meane to fight. Within our Files there are, 
Of thofe that feru'd Marke Anthony but late, 
Enough to fetch him in. See it done, 
And Feaft the Army, we haue ftore to doo't, 
And they haue earn'd the wafte.Poore Anthony. Exeunt 

Enter Anthony, Cleopatra, Enobarbui, Charmian, 
Iras, Alexa6,mth others. 

Ant. He will not fight with me, "Domitian ? 

Eno. No? 

Ant. Why mould he not ? 

Eno .He thinks, being twenty times of better fortune, 
He is twenty men to one. 

Ant. To morrow Soldier, 
By Sea and Land He fight : or I will liue, 
Or bathe my dying Honor in the blood 
Shall make it Hue againe. Woo't thou fight well. 

Eno. He ftrike, and cry, Take all. 
Ant, Well faid, come on : 
Call forth my Houmold Seruants,lets to night 

Enter 3 or 4 Seruitors. 
Be bounteous at our Meale. Giue me thy hand, 
Thou haft bin rightly honeft, fo haft thou, 
Thou, and thou, and thou : you haue feru'd me well, 
And Kings haue beene your fellowes. 

Cleo. What meanes this ? 

£«o.'Tis one of thofe odde tricks which forow moots 
Out of the minde. 

Ant. And thou art honeft too : 
I wifti I could be made fo many men, 
And all of you clapt vp together, in 
An Anthony : that I might do you feruice, 
So good as you haue done. 

Omnes. 



sAnthony and Qleopatra. 



359 



Omnes. The Gods forbid. 

Ant. Well, my good Fellowes, wait on me to night : 
Scant not my Cups, and make as much of mei 
As when mine Empire was your Fellow too, 
And fuffer'd my command. 

Cleo. What does he meane? 

Eno. To make his Followers weepe. 

Ant. Tend me to night ; 
May be, it is the period of your duty, 
Haply you mail not fee me more, or if, 
A mangled Ihadow. Perchance to morrow, 
You'l ferue another Mafter. I looke on you, 
As one that takes his leaue. Mine honeft Friends, 
I turne you not away, but like a Mafter 
Married to your good feruice, ftay till death : 
Tend me to night two houres, I aske no more, 
And the Gods yeeld you for't. 

Eno. What meane you (Sir) 
To giue them this difcomfort ? Looke they weepe, 
And I an A(fe, am Onyon-ey'd; for ihame, 
Transforme vs not to women. 

Ant. Ho, ho, ho: 
Now the Witch take me, if I meant it thus. 
Grace grow where thofe drops fall( my hearty Friends) 
You take me in too dolorous a fenfe, 
For I fpake to you for your comfort, did defire you 
To burne this night with Torches : Know (my hearts) 
I hope well of to morrow, and will leade you, 
Where rather He expect victorious life, 
Then death, and Honor. Let's to Supper, come, 
And drowne confederation. Exeunt. 

Enter a Company of Soldiouri. 

J.Sol. Brother, goodnight : to morrow is the day. 
2. Sol. It will determine one way : Fare you well. 
Heard you of nothing ftrange about the ftreets. 

1 Nothing : what newes ? 

2 Belike 'tis but a Rumour,good night to you. 
i Well fir, good night. 

They meete other Soldiers. 
2 Souldiers.haue carefull Watch. 

1 And you ; Goodnight, goodnight. 

They place themfelues in euery corner of the Stage. 

2 Heere we : and if to morrow 

Our Nauie thriue, I haue an abfolute hope 
Our Landmen will ftand vp. 

1 'Tis a braue Army, and full of purpofe. 

Mujic^e of the Hoboyes is -under the Stage. 

2 Peace, what noile ? 

1 Lift lift. 

2 Hearke. 

I Muficke i'th'Ayre. 

3 Vnder the earth. 

4 It fignes well, do's it not? 
3 No. 

1 Peace I fay : What mould this meane ? 

2 'Tis the God Hercules, whom Anthony loued, 
Now leaues him. 

1 Walke, let's fee if other Watchmen 
Do heare what we do ? 

2 How now Maifters ? Spealr together. 
Omnes. How now? how now? do you heare this? 

I I, is't not ftrange ? 

3 Do you heare Mafters ? Do you heare ? 

i Follow the noyfe fo farre as we haue quarter. 



8 49 



Let's fee how it will giue off. 

Omnes. Content : 'Tis ftrange. Exeunt. 

Enter Anthony and Cleopatra, with others. 

Ant, Eros, mine Armour Eros. 

Cleo. Sleepe a little. 

Ant. No my Chucke. Eros, come mine Armor Eros. 

Enter Eros. 
Come good Fellow, put thine Iron on, 
If Fortune be not ours to day, it is 
Becaufe we braue her. Come. 

Cleo. Nay, He helpe too, Anthony. 
What's this for? Ah let be, let be, thou art 
The Armourer of my heart : Falfe.falfe : This, this, 
Sooth-law He helpe : Thus it muft bee. 

Ant. Well, well, we (hall thriue now. 
Seeft thou my good Fellow. Go, put on thy defences. 

Eros. Briefely Sir. 

Cleo. Is not this buckled well ? 

Ant. Rarely, rarely : 
He that vn buckles this, till we do pleafe 
To daft for our Repofe, (hall heare a ftorme. 
Thou fumbleft Eros, and my Queenes a Squire 
More tight at this, then thou : Difpatch. O Loue, 
That thou couldft fee my Warres to day, and knew'ft 
The Royall Occupation, thou fhould'ft fee 
A Workeman in't. 

Enter an Armed Soldier, 
Good morrow to thee, welcome, 

Thou look'ft like him that knowes a warlike Charge : 
To bufinefie that we loue, we rife betime, 
And go too't with delight. 

Soul. A thoufand Sir, early though't be, haue on their 
Riueted trim, and at the Port expecl: you. Shotot . 

Trumpets Flourijh. 
Enter Captaines , and Souldiers. 

Alex. The Morne is faire : Good morrow Generall. 

All. Good morrow Generall. 

Ant . 'Tis well blowne Lads. 
This Morning, like the fpirit of a youth 
That meanes to be of note, begins betimes. 
So, fo : Come giue me that, this way, well-fed. 
Fare thee well Dame, what ere becomes of me, 
This is a Soldiers kiffe : rebukeable, 
And worthy Ihamefull checke it were, to ftand 
On more Mechanicke Complement, He leaue thee. 
Now like a man of Steele, you that will fight, 
Follow me clofe, He bring you too't : Adieu. Exeunt. 

Char. Pleafe you retyre to your Chamber? 

Cleo. Lead me : 
He goes forth gallantly : That he and Cafar might 
Determine this great Warre in fingle fight ; 
Then Anthony; but now. Well on. Exeunt 



Trumpets found. 



Enter Anthony, and Eros , 



Eros. The Gods make this a happy day to Anthony. 

Ant. Would thou,& thofe thy fears had once preuaild 
To make me fight at Land. 

Eros. Had"ft thou done fo, 
The Kings that haue reuolted, and the Soldier 
That has this morning left thee, would haue ftill 
Followed thy heeles. 

Ant. Whofe gone this morning ? 

Eros. Who? one euer neere thee, call for Enobarbus, 

Hee 



3 6 ° 



The Tragedie of 



He (hall not heare thee, or from Cafars Campe, 
Say I am none of thine. 

Ant, What fayeft thou ? 

Sold. Sir he is with Cafar. 

Eros. Sir, his Chefts and Treafure he has not with him. 

Ant. Is he gone / 

Sol. More certaine. 

Ant. Go Bros, fend his Treafure after, do it, 
Detaine no iot I charge thee : write to him, 
(I will fubferibe) gentle adieu's, and greetings; 
Say, that I wifh he neuer finde more caufe 
To change a Mafter. Oh my Fortunes haue 
Corrupted honeft men. Difpatch Enobarbui. Exit 



Flo, 



'ijh. Enter Agrippa, Qa\ 'far, -with Enobarbui, 
and Dollabella. 



Caf. Go forth Agrippa, and begin the fight: 
Our will is Anthony be tooke aliue : 
Make it fo knowne. 

Agrip. Co-jar, I mall. 

Cafor. The time of vniuerfall peace is neere : 
Proue this a profp'rous day, the three nook'd world 
Shall beare the Oliue freely. 

Enter a Meffenger. 

MeJ. ^Anthony is come into the Field. 

CaJ. Go charge Agrippa, 
Plant thofe that haue reuolted in the Vant, 
That Anthony may feeme to fpend his Fury 
Vpon himfelfe. Exeunt. 

Enob. Alcxas did reuolt,and went to Iewry on 
Affaires of Anthony, there did diffwade 
Great Herod to incline himfelfe to Ca?far, 
And leaue his Mafter Anthony. For this paines, 
Cajar hath hang'd him : Camindiui and the reft 
That fell away, haue entertainment, but 
No honourable truft: I haue done ill, 
Of which I do accufe my felfe fo forely, 
That I will ioy no mote. 

Enter a Soldier of Cafars. 
Sol. Enobarbui, Anthony 
Hath after thee fent all thy Treafure, with 
His Bounty ouer-plus. The Meffenger 
Came on my guard, and at thy Tent is now 
Vnloading of his Mules. 

Eno. I giue it you. 

Sol. Mocke not Enobarbui, 
I tell you true : Beft you (aft the bringer 
Out of the hoaft, I muft attend mine Office, 
Or would haue done't my felfe. Your Emperor 
Continues (till a Ioue. Exit 

Enob. I am alone the Villaine of the earth, 
And feele I am fo moft. Oh Anthony, 
Thou Mine of Bounty, how would'ft thou haue payed 
My better feruice, when my turpitude 
Thou doft fo Crowne with Gold. This blowes my hart, 
If fwift thought breake it not: a fwifter meane 
Shall out„ftrike thought, but thought will doo't. I feele 
1 fight ag.iinft thee : No I will go feeke 
Some Ditch, wherein to dye : the foul'ft beft fits 
My latter part of life. Exit. 

tAtarum , Drummes and Trumpets. 
Enter Agrippa. 
Agrip Retire, we haue engag'd our felues too farre : 
Ctefar himfelfe ha's worke, and uur oppreffion 
Exceeds what weexpefted. Exit. 



Alarums. 
Enter Anthony, and Scarrui wounded. 

Scar. O my braue Emperor, this is fought indeed, 
Had we done fo at firft, we had drouen them home 
With clow tsabout their heads. Far off. 

Ant. Thou bleed'ft apace. 

Scar. I had a wound heere that was like a T, 
But now 'tis made an H. 

tAnt. They do retyre. 

Scar. Wee'l beat 'em into Bench-holes, I haue yet 
Roome for fix fcotches more. . 

Enter Eros. 

Eros. They are beaten Sir, and our aduantage femes 
For a faire victory. 

Scar. Let vs fcore their backes, 
And (hatch 'em vp, as we take Hares behinde, 
'Tis fport to maul a Runner. 

Ant. I will reward thee 
Once for thy fprightly comfort,and ten-fold 
For thy good valour. Come thee on. 

Scar, lie halt after. Exeunt 

Alarum. Enter Anthony againe in a (tMarcb. 
Scarrui, with others. 

Ant. We haue beate him to his Campe : Runne one 
Before, & let the Queen know of our guefts: to morrow 
Before the Sun (hall fee's, wee'l fpill the blood 
That ha's to day efcap'd. I thanke you all, 
For doughty handed are you, and haue fought 
Not as you feru'd the Caufe, but as't had beene 
Each mans like mine : you haue (hewne all Heclors. 
Enter the Citty, clip your Wiues, your Friends, 
Tell them your feats, whil'ft they with ioyfull teares 
Waih the congealement from your wounds, and kiffe 
The Honour'd-gafhes whole. 

Enter Cleopatra. 
Giue me thy hand, 

To this great Faiery, He commend thy afts, 
Make hrr thankes blefle thee. Oh thou day o'th'world, 
Chaine mine arm'd necke, leape thou,Attyre and all 
Through proofe of Harneffe to my heart,and there 
Ride on the pants triumphing. 

Cleo. Lord of Lords, 
Oh infinite Vertue, comm'ft thou fmiling fromj 
The worlds great fnare vncaught. 

Ant. Mine Nightingale, 
We haue beate them to their Beds. 
What Gyrle, though gray 

Do fomthing mingle with our yonger brown, yet ha we 
A Braine that nourilhes our Nerues,and can 
Get gole for gole of youth. Behold this man, 
Commend vnto his Lippes thy fauouring hand, 
Kiffe it my Warriour : He hath fought to day, 
As if a God in hate of Mankinde,had 
Deftroyed in fuch a (hape. 

Cleo. He giue thee Friend 
An Armour all of Gold : it was a Kings. 

Ant. He has deferu'd it, were it Carbunkled 
Like holy Phcebus Carre. Giue me thy hand, 
Through Alexandria make a iolly March, 
Beare our hackt Targets, like the men that owe them. 
Had our great Pallace the capacity 
To Campe this hoaft, we all would fup together, 
And drinke Carowles to the next dayes Fate 

Which 



^Anthony and Cleopatra. 



36: 



Which promifes Royall perill, Trumpetters 

With brazen dinne blaft you the Citties eare, 

Make mingle with our ratling Tabourines, 

That heauen and earth may ftrike their founds together, 

Applauding our approach. Exeunt. 

Euter a Center ie ,and his Company , Enobarbus fol/omes . 

Cent. If we be not releeu'd within this houre, 
We muft returne to'th'Court of Guard : the night 
Is fliiny, and they fay, we mail embattaile 
By'thTecond houre i'th'Morne. 

l.Watcb. This laft day was a fhrew'd one too's. 

Enob. Oh beare me witneffe night. 

2 What man is this ? 

1 Stand clofe,and lift him. 

Enob. Be witnefle to me ( O thou blefled Moone ) 
When men reuolted fhall vpon Record 
Beare hatefull memory : poore Enobarbus did 
Before thy face repent. 

Cent . Enobarbus ? 

2 Peace : Hearke further. 

Enob. Oh Soueraigne Miftris of true Melancholly, 
The poyfonous dampe of night difpunge vpon me, 
That Life, a very Rebel! to my will, 
May hang no longer on me. Throw my heart 
Againft the flint and hardnefle of my fault, 
Which being dried with greefe, will breake to powder, 
And finifh all foule thoughts. Oh Anthony, 
Nobler then my reuolt is Infamous, 
Forgiue me in thine owne particular, 
But let the world ranke me in Regifter 
A Mafter leauer, and a fugitiue: 
Oh Anthony ! Oh Anthony I . . 

1 Let's fpeake to him. 

Cent. Let's heare him, for the things he fpeakes 
May concerne Cajar. 

2 Let's do fo, but he ileepes. 

Cent. Swoonds rather, for fo bad a Prayer as his 
Was neuer yet for fleepe. 

1 Go we to him. 

2 Awake fir, awake, fpeake to vs. 

1 Heare you fir ? 

Qent. The hand of death hath raught him. 

Drummes afarre off. 
Hearke the Drummes demurely wake the fleepers : 
Let vs beare him to'th'Court of Guard : he is of note ; 
Our houre is fully out. 

2 Come on then, he may recouer yet. exeunt 

Enter Anthony and Scarrus ,mith their Army. 

Ant. Their preparation is to day by Sea, 
We pleafe them not by Land. 

Scar. For both, my Lord. 

Ant. I would they'ld fight i'th'Fire, or i'th'Ayre, 
Wee'ld fight there too. But this it is, our Foote 
Vpon the hilles adioyning to the Citty 
Shall ftay with vs. Order for Sea isgiuen, 
They haue put forth the Hauen : 
Where their appointment we may beft difcouer, 
And looke on their endeuour. exeunt 

Enter C<zfvr,and his Army. 
Caf. But being charg'd, we will be ftill by Land, 
Which as I tak't we fhall, for his beft force 
Is forth to Man his Gallies. To the Vales, 



851 



And hold our beft aduantage. exeunt. 

Alarum afarre off, as at a Sea-fight. 
Enter Anthony, and Scarrus. 

Ant. Yet they are not ioyn'd : 
Where yon'd Pine does ftand, I mail difcouer all. 
lie bring thee word ftraight, how'ris like to go. exit. 

Scar. Swallowes haue built 
In Cleopatra*, Sailes their nefts. The Auguries 
Say, they know not, they cannot tell, looke grimly, 
And dare not fpeake their knowledge. Anthony, 
Is valiant, and deiefted, and by ftarts 
His fretted Fortunes giue him hope and feare 
Of what he has, and has not. 

Enter tAnthony. 

JLnt, All is loft : 
This fowle Egyptian hath betrayed me : 
My Fleete hath yeelded to the Foe, and yonder 
They caft their Caps vp, and Carowfe together 
Like Friends long loft. Triple-tum'd Whore, 'tis thou 
Haft fold me to this Nouice, and my heart 
Makes onely Warres on thee. Bid them all flye : 
For when I am reueng'd vpon my Charme, 
Iihaue done all. Bid them all flye, be gone. 
Oh Sunne, thy vprife fhall I fee no more, 
Fortune, and Anthony part heere, euen heere "" 
Do we make hands? All come to this? The hearts 
That pannelled me at heeles, to whom I gaue 
Their wiflies, do dif-Candie, melt their fweets 
On blofioming Ctefar :And this Pine is barkt, 
That ouer-top'd them all. Betray'd I am. 
Oh this falfe Soule of Egypt ! this graue Charme, 
Whofe eye beck'd forth my Wars,&cal'd them home : 
Whofe Bofome was my Crownet,my chiefe end, 
Like a right Gypfie, hath atfaft and loofe 
Beguil'd me, to the very heart of lode. 
What Eros,Sros> 

Enter Cleopatra. 
Ah, thou Spell ! Auaunt. 

Cleo. Why is my Lord enrag'd againft his Loue ? 

Ant. Vanifh, or I fhall giue thee thy deferuing, 
And blemilh Cafars Triumph. Let him take thee, 
And hoift thee vp to the ihouting Plebeians, 
Follow his Chariot, like the greateft fpot . 
Of all thy Sex. Moft Monfter-like be fliewne 
For poor'ft Diminitiues, for Dolts, and let 
Patient O&auia, plough thy vifage vp 
With her prepared nailes. exit Cleopatra. 

'Tis well th'art gone, 
If it be well to liue. But better 'twere - 
Thou fell'ft into my furie, for one death 
Might haue preuented many. Eros,hoa ? 
The fiiirt of Neffus is vpon me, teach me 
Alcides, thou mine Anceftor,thy rage. 
Let me lodge Licas on the homes o'th'Moone, 
And with thofe hands that grafpt the heauieft Club, 
Subdue my worthieft felfe : The Witch mail die, 
To the young Roman Boy me hath fold me, and I fall 
Vnder this plot : She dyes for't. Eros hoa ? exit. 

Enter Cleopatra, Charmian, Iras, Mardian. 

Cleo. Helpe me my women : Oh hee's more mad 
Then Telamon for his Shield, the Boare of ThefTaly 
Was neuer fo imboft. 

Char. To'th'Monument, there locke your felfe, 
And fend him word you are dead : 



362 



The Tragedie of 



The Soule and Body riue not more in parting, 
Then greatnefle going off. 

Cleo. To'tb'Monument : 
Mardian, go tell him I haue (laine my felfe : 
Say, that the laft I fpoke was Anthony, 
And word it(prythee)pitteou(ly. Hence Mardian, 
And bring me how he takes my death to'th'Monument. 

Exeunt. 
Enter Anthony, and Bros. 

Ant. Eros, thou yet behold'ft me ? 

Eros. I Noble Lord. 

tAr.t. Sometime we fee a clowd that's Dragonifti, 
A vapour fometime, like a Beare, or Lyon, 
A toward Cittadell, a pendant Rocke, 
A forked Mountaine, or blew Promontorie 
With Trees vpon't, that nodde vnto the world, 
And mocke our eyes with Ayre. 
Thou haft fcene thefe Signes, 
They are blacke Vefpers Pageants. 

Eros. I my Lord. 

Ant. That which is now a Horfe, euen with a thoght 
the Racke diflimes, and makes it indiftincl 
As water is in water. 

Eros. It does my Lord. 

Ant. My good Knaue £>0j,now thy Captaine is 
Euen fuch a body : Heere I am Anthony, 
Yet cannot hold this vifible fhape(my Knaue) 
I made thefe warres for Egypt, and the Queene, 
Whofe heart I thought I had, for (he had mine : 
Which whil'ft it was mine, had annext vntoo't 
A Million moe, (now loft:) ftiee Eros'has 
Packt Cards with Cajars, and falfe plaid my Glory 
Vnto an Enemies triumph. 
Nay, weepe not gentle Eros, there is left vs 
Our felues to end our felues. 

Enter Mardian, 
Oh thy vilde Lady,(he has rob'd me of my Sword. 

Mar. No Anthony, 
My Mjftris lou'd thee, and her Fortunes mingled 
With thine intiiely. 

^M.Hence fawcy Eunuch peace, /he hath betraid me, 
And (hall dye the death. - 

Mar. Death of one perfon, can be paide but once, 
And that me ha's difcharg'd. What thou would'ftdo 
Is done vnto thy hand : the laft (he fpake 
Was Anthony, moft Noble Anthony : 
Then in the midd'ft a tearing grone did breake 
The name of Anthony : it was diuided 
Betweene her heart, and lips : (he rendred life 
Thy name fo buried in her. 

Ant. Dead then? 

Mar. Dead. 

Ant. Vna'rme Bros, the long dayes taske is done, 
And we muft (leepe : That thou depart'ft hence fafe 
Does pav thy labour richly: Go. exit Mardian. 

Off, plucke off, 

The feuen-fold mield of Aiax cannot keepe 
The battery from my heart. Oh cleaue my fides. 
Heart, once be ftronger then thy Continent, 
Cracke thy fraile Cafe. Apace Bros, apace; 
No more a Soldier : bruifed peeces go, 
You haue bin Nobly borne. From me awhile, exit Bros 
I will o're-take thee Cleopatra, and 
Weepe for my pardon. So it muft be, for now 
All length is Torture : fince the Torch is out, 
Lye downe and ftray no farther. Now all labour 



Marres what it does : yea, very force entangles 
It felfe with ftrength : Seale then, and all is done. 
Eros? I cime my Queene. Eros} Stay for me, 
Where Soules do couch on Flowers, wee'l hand in hand, 
And with our fprightly Port make the Ghoftes gaze : 
T) ido, and her <^£nea6 (hall want Troopes, 
And all the haunt be ours. Come Eros, Eros. 
Enter Eros. 

Bros. What would my Lord ? 

Ant. Since Cleopatra dyed, 
I haue liu'd in fuch diihonour, that the Gods 
Deteft my bafenefle. I, that with my Sword, 
Quarter' d the World, and o're greene Neptunesibacke 
With Ships, made Cities; condemne my felfe, to lacke 
The Courage of a Woman, leffe Noble minde 
Then (he which by her death, our Cajar telles 
I am Conqueror of my felfe. Thou art fworne Bros, 
That when the exigent (hould come, which now 
Is come indeed : When I (hould fee behinde me 
Th'ineuitable profecution of difgrace and horror, 
That on my command, thou then would'ft kill me. 
Doo't, the time is come : Thou ftrik'ft not me, 
'Tis Cajar thou defeat'ft. Put colour in thy Cheeke. 

Eros. The Gods with-hold me, 
Shall I do that which all the Parthian Darts, 
(Though Enemy) loft ayme,and could not. 

Ant. Eros, 
Would'ft thou be window'd in great Rome, and fee 
Thy Mafter thus with pleacht Armes, bending downe 
His corrigible necke, his face fubdu'de 
To penetratiue (hame ; whil'ft the wheel'd feate 
Of Fortunate Cajar drawne before him, branded 
His Bafenefle that enfued. 

Eros. I would not fee't. 

Ant. Come then : for with a wound I muft be cur'd. 
Draw that thy honeft Sword, which thou haft worne 
Moft vfefull for thy Country. 

Eros. Oh fir, pardon me. 

Ant. When I did make thee free 5 fwor'ft y not then 
To do this when I bad thee 2 Do it at once, 
Or thy precedent Seruices are all 
But accidents vnpurpos'd. Draw, and come. 

Eros. Turne from me then that Noble countenance, 
Wherein the worfhip of the whole world lyes. 

Ant. Loe thee. 

Eros. My fword is drawne. 

Ant. Then let it do at once 
The thing why thou haft drawne it. 

Eros. My deere Mafter, 
My Captaine, and my Emperor. Let me fay 
Before i ftrike this bloody ftroke, Farwell. 

cAnt. 'Tis (aid man, and farewell. 

Bros. Farewell great Chiefe. Shall I ftrike now? 

Ant. Now Eros. Killes himfelfe. 

Eros. Why there then : 
Thus I dc efcape the forrow of Anthonies death. 

*Ant. Thrice-Nobler then my felfe, 
Thou teacheft me : Oh valiant Eros, what 
I (hould, and thou could'ft not, my Queene and Eros 
Haue by their braue inftruition got vpon me 
A Noblenefle in Record. But I will bee 
A Bride-groome in my death, and run intoo't 
As to a Louers bed. Come then, and Eros, 
Thy Mafter dies thy Scholler ; to do thus 
I learnt of thee. How, not dead? Not dead ? 
The Guard, how? Oh difpatch me. 

Enter 

- ti~ 



zAnthony and Qleopatra. 



3 6 3 



Enter a Guard, 
l. Guard. What's the noife ? 
Ant. I haue done my worke ill Friends : 
Oh make an end of what I haue begun, 
a The Starre is falne. 
i And time is at his Period. 
All. Alas,and woe. 
■ Ant. Let him that loues me,ftrike me dead, 
i Not I. 

2 Nor I. 

3 Nor any one. exeunt 
Dercetas. Thy death and fortunes bid thy folowers fly 

This fword but fliewne to Ccejar with this tydings, 
Shall enter me with him. 

Enter Diomedes, 

Dio. Where's Anthony ? 

Deere. There Diomed there. 

T>iom. Liues he : wilt thou not anfwer man ? 

Ant. Art thou there Diomedt 
Draw thy fword, and giue mee, 
Suffifing ftrokes for death. 

Diam. Moft abfolute Lord : 
My Miftris Cleopatra fent me to thee. 

Ant. When did fliee fend thee ? 

T>iom. Now my Lord. 

Anth- Where is flie ? (feare 

jD/'om.Lockt in her Monument:flie had a Prophefying 
Of what hath come to paffe : for when flie faw 
(Which neuer fliall be found) you did fufpeft 
She had difpos'd with Cafar, and that your rage 
Would not be purg'd, flie fent you word fhe was dead : 
But fearing fince how it might worke, hath fent 
Me to proclaime the truth, and I am come 
I dread, too late. 
Ant. Too late good Diomed: call my Guard I prythee. 
Dio. What hoa : the Emperors Guard, 
The Guard, what hoa >. Come, your Lord calles. 
Enter 4. or 5. of the Guard of tAnthony. 

Ant. Beare me good Friends where Cleopatra bides, 
'Tis the laft feruice that I fliall command you. 

I Woe, woe are we fir, you may not liue to weare 
All your true Followers out. 

All. Moft heauy day. 

Ant. Nay good my Fellowes, do not pleafe iharp fate 
To grace it with your forrowes. Bid that welcome 
Which comes to punifli vs,and we punifli it 
Seeming to beare it lightly. Take me vp, 
I haue led you oft, carry me now good Friends, 
And haue my thankes for all. Exit bearing Anthony 

Enter Cleopatra, and her Maides aloft, nith 
Charmian & Iras. 

Cleo. Oh Charmian, I will neuer go from hence. 

Char. Be comforted deere Madam. 

Cleo. No, I will not : 
All ftrange and terrible euents are welcome, 
But comforts we difpife ; our fize of ibrrow 
Proportion'd to our caufe, muft be as great 
As that which makes it. 

Enter Diomed. 
How now? is he dead ? 

"Diom. His death's vpon him, but not dead. 
Looke out o'th other fide your Monument, 
His Guard haue brought him thither. 

Enter Am bony, and the Guard. 



853 



Cleo. Oh Sunne, 
Burne the great Sphere thou mou'ft in, darkling ftand 
The varrying fliore o'th'world.O Antony, Antony, Antony 
Helpe Charmian, helpe Iras helpe : helpe Friends 
Below, let's draw him hither. 

Ant. Peace, 
Not Qafars Valour hath o'rethrowne Anthony, 
But Anthonies hath Triumpht on it felfe. 

Cleo. So it fliould be, 
That none but Anthony fliould conquer Anthony, 
But woe 'tis fo. 

Ant, I am dying Egypt, dying; onely< 
I heere importune death a-while, vntill 
Of many thoufand kiffes, the poore laft 
I lay vpon thy lippes. 

Cleo. I dare not Deere, 
Deere my Lord pardon : I dare not, 
Leaft I be taken : not th'Imperious fliew 
Of the full-Fortun'd Cafar, euer fhall 
Be brooch'd with me, if Knife, Drugges, Serpents haue 
Edge, fting, or operation. I am fafe : 
Your Wife Ofiauia, with her modeft eyes, 
And ftill Conclufion, fliall acquire no Honour 
Demuring vpon me : but come, come Anthony, 
Helpe me my women, we muft draw thee vp : 
Affift good Friends. 

Ant. Oh quicke,or I am gone. 

Cleo. Heere's fport indeede : 
How heauy weighes my Lord ? 
Our ftrength is all gone into heauinefie, 
That makes the waight. Had I great Iuno\ power, 
The ftrong wing'd Mercury fliould fetch thee vp, 
And fet thee by loues fide. Yet come a little, 
Wifliers were euer Fooles. Oh come, come, come, 

They heaue Anthony aloft to Cleopatra. 
And welcome, welcome. Dye when thou haft liu'd, 
Quicken with killing : had my lippes that powe/, 
Thus would I weare them out. 

All. A heauy fight. 

Ant. I am dying Egypt, dying. 
Giue me fome Wine, and let me fpeake a little. 

Cleo. No, let me fpeake, and let me rayle fo hye, 
That the falfe Hufwife Fortune, breake her Wheele, 
Prouok'd by my offence. 

Ant. One word ffweet Queene) 
Of Cafar feeke your Honour, with your fafety. Oh. 

Cleo. They do not go together. 

Ant. Gentle heare me, 
None about Cafar truft, but Proculeius. 

Cleo. My Refolution, and my hands, He truft, 
None about Cafar. 

Ant. Th e miferable change now at my end, \ 
Lament nor forrow at : but pleafe your thoughts 
In feeding them with thofe my former Fortunes 
Wherein I liued. The greateft Prince o'th'world, 
The Nobleft : and do now not bafely dye, 
Not Cowardly put off my Helmet to 
My Countreyman. A Roman, by a Roman 
Valiantly vanquifli'd. Now my Spirit is going, 
I can no more. 

Cleo. Nobleft of men, woo't dye ? 
Haft thou no care of me, fliall I abide 
In this dull world, which in thy abfence is 
No better then a Stye ? Oh fee my women : 
The Crowne o'th'earth doth melt. My Lord ? 
Oh wither'd is the Garland of the Warre, 

The 



3 6 4 



The Tragedie of 



The Souldiers pole is falne : young Boyes and Gyrles 
Are leuell now with men : The oddes is gone, 
And there is nothing left remarkeable 
Beneath the vifiting Moone. 

Char. Oh quietneffe, Lady. 

Iras. She's dead too, our Soueraigne. 

Char. Lady. 

Iras. Madam. 

Char. Oh Madam, Madam, Madam. 

Iras. Royall Egypt : Empreffe. 

Char. Peace, peace, Iras. 

Cleo. No more but in a Woman, and commanded 
By fuch poore paffion, as the Maid that Milkes, 
And doe's the meaneft chares. It were for me, 
To throw my Scepter at the iniurious Gods, 
To tell them that this World did equall theyrs, 
Till they had ftolne our Iewell. All's but naught : 
Patience is fottifti, and impatience does 
Become a Dogge that's mad : Then is it finne, 
To rufti into the lecret houfe of death, 
Ere death dare come to vs. How do you Women ? 
What, what good cheere ? Why how now Cbarmian ? 
My Noble Gyrles ? Ah Women, women ! Looke 
Our Lampe is fpent, it's out. Good firs, take heart, 
Wee'l bury him : And then, what's braue, what's Noble, 
Let's doo't after the high Roman faftiion, 
And make death proud to take vs. Come,away, 
This cafe of that huge Spirit now is cold. 
Ah Women, Women ! Come, we haue no Friend 
But Refolution,and the breefeft end. 

Exeunt, bearing of Antbonies body. 

Enter Cafar ,Agrippa ,Dollabella , Menas,mth 
bis Counjell of Warre. 

Cajar . Go to him Dollabella, bid him yeeld, 
Being fo fruftrate, tell him, 
He mockes the pawfes that he makes. 

Dol. Cafar, I mall. 

Enter 'Decretas with the fmord of Anthony . 

CaJ. Wherefore is that? And what art thou that dar'ft 
Appeare thus to vs? 

"Dec. I am call'd "Decretas, 
Marine Anthony I feru'd, who beft was worthie 
Beft to be feru'd : whil'ft he flood vp.and fpoke 
He was my Mafter, and I wore my life 
To fpend vpon his haters. If thou pleafe 
To take me to thee, as I was to him, 
He be to Cajar : if y pleafeft not, I yeild thee vp my life. 

Cajar. What is't thou fay'ft ? 

'Dec. I fay (Oh Cafar) Anthony is dead. 

Cajar. The breaking of fo great a thing, fhould make 
A greater cracke. The round World 
Should haue fhooke Lyons into ciuill ftreets, 
And Cittizens to their dennes. The death of tAnthony 
Is not a fingle doome, in the name lay 
A moity of the world. 

Dec. He is dead Cafar, 
Not by a publike minifter of Iuftice, 
Nor by a hyred Knife, but that felfe-hand 
Which writ his Honor in the Adts it did, 
Hath with the Courage which the heart did lend it, 
Splitted the heart. This is his Sword, 
I robb'd his wound of it : behold it ftain'd 
With his moft Noble blood. 

CaJ. Looke you fad Friends, 



The Gods rebuke me, but it is Tydings 
To warn the eyes of Kings. 

Dol. And ftrange it is, 
That Nature muft compel! vs to lament 
Our moft perfifted deeds. 

Mec. H\s taints and Honours, wag'd equal with him. 

Dola. A Rarer fpirit neuer 
Did fteere humanity : but you Gods will giue vs 
Some faults to make vs men. Cajark touch'd. 

Mec. When fuch a fpacious Mirror's let before him, 
He needes muft fee him felfe. 

Cafar. Oh JLnthony, 
I haue followed thee to this, but we do launch 
Difeafes in our Bodies. I muft perforce 
Haue lhewne to thee fuch a declining day, 
Or looke on thine : we could not ftall together, 
In the whole world. But yet let me lament 
With teares as Soueraigne as the blood of hearts, 
That thou my Brother, my Competitor, 
In top of all defigne ; my Mate in Empire, 
Friend and Companion in the front of Warre, 
The Arme of mine owne Body, and the Heart 
Where mine his thoughts did kindle; that our Starres 
Vnreconciliable, fliould diuide our equalnefle to this. 
Heare me good Friends, 
But I will tell you at fome meeter Seafon, 
The bufinefle of this man lookes out of him, 
Wee'l heare him what he fayes. 

Enter an i&gyptian. 
Whence are you ? 

<^£gyp- A poore Egyptian yet, the Queen my miftris 
Confin'd in all, (lie has her Monument 
Of thy intents, defires, inftruction, 
That me preparedly may frame her felfe 
To'th'way ftiee's forc'd too. 

Cafar. Bid her haue good heart, 
She foone mall know of vs, by fome of ours, 
How honourable, and how kindely Wee 
Determine for her. For Cafar cannot leaue to be vngentle 

erfSgypt. So the Gods preferue thee. Exit. 

CaJ. Come hither Procukius. Go and fay 
We purpofe her no fliame : giue her what comforts 
The quality of her paffion fliall require ; 
Leaft in her greatnefle, by fome mortall ftroke 
She do defeate vs. For her life in Rome, 
Would be eternall in our Triumph : Go, 
And with your fpeedieft bring vs what me fayes, 
And how you finde of her. 

Pro. Cajar I {hall. Exit Proculeiui. 

Caf. Gal/us, go you along : where's Dolabella, to fe- 
cond Proculeius ? 

All. Dolabella. 

CaJ. Let him alone : for I remember now 
How hee's imployd : he fliall in time be ready. 
Go with me to my Tent, where you ihall fee 
How hardly I was drawne into this Warre, 
How calme and gentle I proceeded ftill 
In all my Writings. Go with me, and fee 
What I can fliew in this. Exeunt. 

Enter Cleopatra, Cbarmian, Iras, and Mardian. * 

Cleo. My defolation does begin to make 
A better life : Tis paltry to be Cajar : 
Not being Fortune, hee's but Fortunes knaue, 
A minifter of her will : and it is great 



oAntbony and Qleopatra. 



3 6 5 



To do that thing that ends all other deeds, 
Which ftiackles accedents, and bolts vp change; 
Which fleepes, and neuer pallates more the dung, 
The beggers Nurfe, and Cafars. 

Enter frocule'nu. 

Pro. Cajar fends greeting to the Queene of Egypt, 
And bids thee ftudy on what faire demands 
Thou mean'ft to haue him grant thee. 

Cleo. What's thy name ? 

fro. My name is Proculeim. 

Cleo. Anthony 
Did tell me of you, bad me truft you, but 
I do not greatly care to be deceiu'd 
That haue no vfe for trufting. If your! Matter 
Would haue a Queece his begger, you rauft tell him, 
That Maiefty to keepe decorum, mufti 
No leffe begge then a Kingdome : If he pleafe 
To giue me conquer'd Egypt for my Sonne, 
He giues me fo much of mine owne, as I 
Will kneele to him with thankes. 

fro. Be of good cheere : 
Y'are falne into a Princely hand, feare nothing, 
Make your full reference freely to my Lord, 
Who is fo full of Grace, that it flowes ouer 
On all that neede. Let me report to him 
Your i'weet dependacie, and you ihall finde 
A Conqueror that will pray in ayde for kindnefle, 
Where he for grace is kneel'd too. 

Cleo. Pray you tell him, 
I am his Fortunes Vaflall, and I fend him 
The Greatneffe he has got. I hourely learne 
A Doftrine of Obedience, and would gladly 
Looke him i'th'Face. 

Pro. This He report (deere Lady) 
Haue comfort, for I know your plight is pittied 
Of him that caus'd it. 

Pro. You fee how eafily fhe may be furpriz'd : 
Guard her till Cajar come. 

Iras. Royall Queene. 

Char. Oh Cleopatra, thou art taken Queene. 

Cleo. Quicke, quicke, good hands. 

Tro. Hold worthy Lady, hold : 
Doe not your felfe fuch wrong, who are in this 
Releeu'd, but not betraid. 

Cleo. What of death too that rids our dogs of langui m 

Pro. Cleopatra, do not abufe my Mafters bounty, by 
Th'vndoing of your felfe : Let the World fee 
His Noblenefle well afted, which your death 
Will neuer let come forth. 

Cleo. Where art thou Death ? 
Come hither come ; Come, come, and take a Queene 
Worth many Babes and Beggers. 

Pro. Oh temperance Lady. 

Cleo. Sir, I will eate no meate, lie not drinke (ir, 
If idle talke will once be neceffary 
He not fleepe neither. This mortall houfe He ruine, 
Do Cajar what he can. Know fir, that I 
Will not waite pinnion'd at your Mafters Court, 
Nor once be chaftic'd with the fober eye 
Of dull OBauia. Shall they hoyft me vp, 
And ftiew me to the (howting Varlotarie 
Of cenfuring Rome ? Rather a ditch in Egypt. 
Be gentle graue vnto me, rather on Nylus mudde 
Lay me ftarke-nak'd, and let the water-Flies 
Blow me into abhorring ; rather make 
My Countries high pyramides my Gibbet, 



S55 



And hang me vp in Chaines. 

Pro. You do extend 
Thefe thoughts of horror further then you ihall 
Finde caufe in Cajar. 

Enter Dolabella. 

Dol. Proculeim, 
What thou haft done, thy Mafter Cajar knowes, 
And he hath fent for thee : for the Queene, 
He take her to my Guard. 

Pro. So Tlolabella, 
It Ihall content me beft : Be gentle to her, 
To Cajar I will fpeake, what you Ihall pleafe, 
If you'l imploy me to him. Sxit Proculeim 

Cleo. Say, I would dye. 

Dol. Moft Noble Emprefle, you haue heard of me. 

Cleo. I cannot tell. 

Dol. Aflu redly you know me. 

Cleo. No matter fir, what I haue heard or knowne : 
You laugh when Boyes or Women tell their Dreames, 
Is't not your tricke ? 

Dol. I vnderftand not, Madam. 

Cleo. I dreampt there was an Emperor cAnthony. 
Oh fuch another fleepe, that I might fee 
But fuch another man. 

Dol. If it might pleafe ye. 

Cleo. His face was as the Heau'ns, and therein ftucke 
A Sunne and Moone, which kept their courfe, & lighted 
The little o'th'earth. 

T>ol. Moft Soueraigne Creature. 

Cleo. His legges beftrid the Ocean, his rear'd arme 
Crefted the world : His voyce was propertied 
As all the tuned Spheres, and that to Friends : 
But when he meant to quaile, and {hake the Orbe, 
He was as ratling Thunder. For his Bounty, 
There was no winter in't. An Anthony it was, 
That grew the more by reaping : His delights 
Were Dolphin-like, they fhew'd his backe aboue 
The Element they liu'd in : In his Liuery 
Walk'd Crownes and Crownets: Realms & Iflands were 
As plates dropt from his pocket. 

Dol. Cleopatra. 

Qleo. Thinke you there was, or might be fuch a man 
As this I dreampt of? 

Dol. Gentle Madam, no. 

Cleo. You Lye vp to the hearing of the Gods : 
But if there be, nor euer were one fuch 
It's paft the fize of dreaming: Nature wants ftuffe 
To vie ftrange formes with fancie, yet t'imagine 
An ^Anthony were Natures peece, 'gainft Fancie, 
Condemning fhadowes quite. 

Dol. Heare me , good Madam : 
Your loffe is as your felfe, great ; and you beare it 
As anfwering to the waight, would I might neuer 
Ore-take purfu'de fucceffe : But I do feele 
By the rebound of yours, a greefe that fuites 
My very heart at roote. 

Cleo. I thanke you fir : 
Know you what Cajar meanes to do with me ? 

Dol. I am loath to tell you what, I; would you knew. 

Cleo. Nay pray you fir. 

•"Dol. Though he be Honourable. 

Cleo. Hee'l leade me then in Triumph. 

Dol. Madam he will , I know't. Flourijh. 

Enter Proculeius, Cajar, Gallui, Mecenas, 

and others of his Trains. 

Ml. Make way there Cajar. 

z z CajaT 



3 66 



The Tragedie of 



Caf. Which is the Queene of Egypt. 

Dol. It is the Emperor Madam. Cleo. fyeeles. 

Cafar. Arife,you mall not kneele : 
I pray you rife, rife Egypt. 

Cleo. Sir, the Gods will haue it thus, 
My Mafter and my Lord I muft obey, 

Cafar. Take to you no hard thoughts, 
The Record of what iniuries you did vs, 
Though written in our flelh, we mall remember 
As things but done by chance. 

Cleo. Sole Sir o'th'World, 
I cannot proieft mine owne caufe fo well 
To make it cleare, but do confefle I haue 
Bene laden with like frailties, which before 
Haue often fliam'd our Sex. 

Cafar. Cleopatra know, 
We will extenuate rather then inforce : 
If you apply your felfe to our intents, 
Which towards you are moft gentle, you fhall finde 
A benefit in this change : but if you feeke 
To lay on me a Cruelty, by taking 
Anthoniei courfe, you mall bereaue your felfe 
Of my good purpofes, and put your children 
To that deftru&ion which He guard them from, 
If thereon you relye. He take my leaue. 

Cleo. And may through all the world : tis yours, & we 
your Scutcheons, and your fignes of Conqueft fhall 
Hang in what place you pleafe. Here my good Lord. 

Cafar. You /hall aduife me in all for Cleopatra. 

Cleo. This is the breefe : of Money, Plate, & Iewels 
I am poffeft of, 'tis exactly valewed, 
Not petty things admitted. Where's Seleuctis ? 

Seleu. Heere Madam. 

Cleo. This is myTreafurer, let him fpeake (my Lord) 
Vpon his perill, that I haue referu'd 
To my felfe nothing. Speake the truth Seleucui. 

Seleu. Madam, I had rather feele my lippes, 
Then to my perill fpeake that which is not. 

Cleo. What haue I kept backe. 

&/. Enough to purchafe what you haue ma-de known 

Qafar. Nay blufli not Cleopatra, I approue 
Your Wifedome in the deede. 

Cleo. See Cafar ; Oh behold, 
How pompe is followed : Mine will now be yours, 
And mould we Ihift eftates, yours would be mine. 
The ingratitude of this Seleucus, does 
Euen make me wilde. Oh Slaue, of no more truft 
Then loue that's hyr'd ? What goeft thou backe, y malt 
Go backe I warrant thee : but He catch thine eyes 
Though they had wings. Slaue, Soule-lefTe, Villain, Dog. 
O rarely bafe ! 

Cafar. Good Queene, let vs intreat you. 

Cleo. O Cafar , what a wounding lhame is this, 
That thou vouchfafing heere to vifitme, 
Doing the Honour of thy LordlinefTe 
To one fo meeke, that mine owne Seruant mould 
Parcell the fummeof my difgraces, by 
Addition of his Enuy. Say (good Cafar) 
That I fome Lady trifles haue referu'd, 
Immoment toyes, things of fuch Dignitie 
As we greet moderne Friends withall, and fay 
Some Nobler token I haue kept apart 
For Liuia and Oclauia, to induce 
Their mediation, muft I be vnfolded 
With one that I haue bred : The Gods! it fmites me 
Beneath the fall I haue. Prythee go hence, 



Or I fhall mew the Cynders of my fpirits 
Through th'Afhes of my chance : Wer't thou a man, 
Thou would'ft haue mercy on me. 
Cafar. Forbeare Seleucui. 

Cleo. Be it known, that we the greateft are mif-thoght 
For things that others do : and when we fall, 
We anfwer others merits, in our name 
Are therefore to be pittied. 

Cafar. Cleopatra, 
Not what you haue referu'd, nor what acknowledg'd 
Put wei'th'Roll of Conqueft : ftill bee't yours, 
Beftow it at your pleafure, and beleeue 
Cafars no Merchant, to make prize with you 
Of things that Merchants fold. Therefore be cheer'd, 
Make not your thoughts your prifons : No deere Queen, 
For we intend fo to difpofe you, as 
Your felfe lhall giue vs counfell : Feede,and fleepe : 
Our care and pitty is fo much vpon you, 
That we remaine your Friend, and fo adieu. 
Cleo. My Mafter,and my Lord. 
Cafar. Not fo : Adieu. Flourifh. 

Exeunt Cafar , and his Traine. 
Cleo. He words me Gyrles, he words me, 
That I mould not be Noble to my felfe. 
But hearke thee Charmian. 

Iras. Finilh good Lady, the bright day is done, 
And we are for the darke. 
Cleo. Hye thee againe, 
I haue fpoke already, and it is prouided, 
Go put it to the hafte. 
Char. Madam, I will. 

Enter ^Dolahella. 
Dol. Where's the Queene ? 
Char. Behold fir. 
Cleo. Dolahella. 

"Dol. Madam, as thereto fworne, by your command 
(Which my loue makes Religion to obey) 
I tell you this : Cafar through Syria 
Intends his iourney, and within three dayes, 
You with your Children will he fend before, 
Make your beft vfe of this. I haue perform'd 
Your pleafure, and my promife. 

Cleo. Dolahella, I mall remaine your debter. 
T)ol. I your Seruant : 
Adieu good Queene, I muft attend on Cafar. Exit 

Cleo. Farewell, and thankes. 
Now Iras, what think'ft thou ? 
Thou, an Egyptian Puppet mail be fhewne 
In Rome afwell as I : MechanickeSlaues 
With greazie Aprons, Rules, and Hammers fhall 
Vplift vs to the view. In their thicke breathes, 
Ranke of grofle dyet, fhall we be enclowded, 
And forc'd to drinke their vapour. 
Iras. The Gods forbid. 

Cleo. Nay, 'tis moft certaine Iras : fawcie Liclors 
Will catch at vs like Strumpets, and fcald Rimers 
Ballads vs out a Tune. The quicke Comedians 
Extern porally will ftage vs, and prefent 
Our Alexandrian Reuels : Anthony 
Shall be brought drunken forth, and I lhall fee 
Some fqueaking Cleopatra Boy my greatnefTe 
I'th'pofture of a Whore. 
Iras. O the good Gods ! 
Cleo. Nay that's certaine. 

Iras. He neuer fee't ? for I am fure mine Nailes 
Are ftronger then mine eyes. 

Cleo 

: _ 856 



aAnthony and Qleopatra. 



3 6 7 



Cleo. Why that's the way to foole their preparation 
And to conquer their moft abfurd intents. 

Enter Cbarmian. 
NowCbarmian. 

Shew me my Women like a Queene : Go fetch 
My bed Attyres. I am againe tor Cidras, 
To meete Marine Anthony. Sirra Iras, go 
(Now Noble Cbarmian, wee'l difpatch indeede,) 
And when thou haft done this chare, He giue thee leaue 
To play till Doomefday : bring our Crowne, and all. 

A noife within. 
Wherefore's this noife ? 

Enter a Guardfman. 

Gardf. Heere is a rurall Fellow, 
That will not be deny'de your HighnefTe prefence, 
He brings you Figges. 

Cleo. Let him come in. Exit Guardfman. 

What poore an Instrument 
May do a Noble deede : he brings me liberty : 
My Refolution's plac'd, and 1 haue nothing 
Of woman in me : Now from head to foote 
I am Marble conftant : now the fleeting Moone 
No Planet is of mine. 

Enter Guardfman , and Clowe. 

Guardf. This is the man. 

Cleo. Auoid, and leaue him. Sxit Guardf 

Haft thou the pretty worme of Nylus there, 
That killes and paines not? 

Clove. Truly I haue him : but I would not be the par- 
tie that fhould defire you to touch him, for his byting is 
immortall : thofe that doe dye of it, doe feldome or ne- 
uer recouer. 

Cleo. Remember'ft thou any that haue dyed on't ? 

Clow. Very many, men and women too. I heard of 
one of them no longer then yefterday, a very honeft wo- 
man, but fomething giuen to lye, as a woman fliould not 
do, but in the way of honefty, how flie dyed of the by- 
ting of it, what paine flie felt: Truely, ihe makes a vene 
good report o'th'worme : but he that wil beleeue all that 
they fay, fliall neuer be faued by halfe that t'ney do : but 
this is moft falliable, the Worme's an odde Worme. 

Cleo. Get thee hence, farewell. 

Clow. I wifli you all ioy of the Worme. 

Cleo. Farewell. 

Clow. You muft thinke this (looke you,) that the 
Worme will do his kinde, 

Cleo. I, I, farewell. 

Clow. Looke you, the Worme is not to bee trufted, 
but in the keeping of wife people : for indeede, there is 
no goodnefTe in the Worme. 

Cleo. Take thou no care, it fliall be heeded. 

Clow. Very good : giue it nothing I pray you, for it 
is not worth the feeding. 

Qleo. Will it eate me ? 

Clow. You muft not think I am fo fimple, but I know 
the diuell himfelfe will not eate a woman : I know, that 
a woman is a difli for the Gods, if the diuell drefle her 
not. But truly, thefe fame whorfon diuels doe the Gods 
great harme in their women : for in euery tenne that they 
make, the diuels marre fiue. 

Cleo. Well, get thee gone, farewell. 

Clow. Yes forlboth : I wifli you ioy o'th'worm. Exit 

Cleo. Giue me my Robe, put on my Crowne, I haue 
Immortall longings in me. Now no more 
The iuyce of Egypts Grape fliall moyft this lip. 
Yare, yare, good Iras ; quicke : Me thinkes I heare 



857 



■ I 



Anthony call : I fee him rowfe himfelfe 

To praife my Noble AcT:. I heare him mock 

The lucke of Cafar, which the Gods giue men 

To excufe their after wrath. Husband, I come : 

Now to that name, my Courage proue my Title. 

I am Fire, and Ayre ; my other Elements 

I giue to bafer life. So, haue you done? 

Come then, and take the laft warmth of my Lippes. 

Farewell kinde Cbarmian, Iras, long farewell. 

Haue I the Afpickein my lippes ? Doft fall? 

If thou, and Nature can fo gently part, 

The ftroke of death is as a Louers pinch, 

Which hurts.and is defir'd. Doft thou lye ftill ? 

If thus thou vanifheft, thou tell' ft the world, 

It is not worth leaue-taking. 

Char. DifTolue thicke clowd,& Raine, that I may fay 
The Gods themfelues do weepe. 

Cleo. This proues me bafe : 
If fhe firft meete the Curled Anthony, 
Hee'l make demand of her, and fpend that kifle 
Which is my heauen to haue. Come thou mortal wretch, 
With thy fliarpe teeth this knot intrinficate, 
Of life at once vntye : Poore venomous Foole, 
Be angry, and difpatch. Oh could'ft thou fpeake, 
That I might heare thee call great Cafar Alfe, vnpolicied. 

Cbar. Oh Eafterne Starre. 

Cleo. Peace, peace : 
Doft thou not fee my Baby at my breaft, 
That fuckes the Nurfe afleepe. 

Char. O breake ! O breake.l 

Cleo. As fweet as Balme, as foft as Ayre, as gentle. 
O Anthony J Nay I will take thee too. 
What fhoul'd I flay Dyes. 

Cbar. In this wilde World ? So fare thee well : 
Now boaft thee Death, in thy poffeffion lyes 
A LafTe vnparalell'd. Downie Windowes cloze, 
And golden Phoebus, neuer be beheld 
Of eyes againe fo Royall : your Crownes away, 

He mend it, and then play 

Enter the Guard rufiling in, and 'Dolabella. 

I Guard. Where's the Queene? 

Cbar. Speake foftly, wake her not, 

I Cafar hath fent 

Cbar. Too flow a Meflenger. 
Oh come apace, difpatch, I partly feele thee. 

1 Approach hoa, 

All's not well : Cafar's beguild. 

2 There's Dolabella fent from Cafar : call him. 
I What worke is heere Cbarmian ? 

Is this well done ? 

Cbar. It is well done,and fitting for a PrincefTe 
Defcended of fo many Royall Kings. 
Ah Souldier. Cbarmian dyes. 

Enter "Dolabella. 

Dol. How goes it heere ? 

2. Guard. All dead. 

Dol. Cafar, thy thoughts 
Touch their effefts in this : Thy felfe art comming 
To fee perform'd the dreaded Aft which thou 
So fought'ft to hinder. 

Enter Cafar and all his Traine, marching. 

All. A way there, a way for Cafar. 

z z 2 'Dol 



3 68 



The Tr age die of ^Anthony and Qleopatra. 



Dol. Oh fir, you are too fure an Augurer: 
That you did feare, is done. 

Cafar. Braueft at the laft, 
She leuell'd at our purpofes, and being Royall 
Tooke her owne way : the manner of their deaths, 
I do not fee them bleede. 

Dol. Who was laft with them ? 

I .Guard. A fimple Countryman, that broght hir Figs: 
This was his Basket. 

Cafar. Poyfon'd then. 

J. Guar J. Oh Co: jar : 
This Charmian liu'd but now, /he flood and fpake : 
I found her trimming vp the Diadem ; 
On her dead Miftris tremblingly fhe flood, 
And on the fodaine dropt. 

Cafar. Oh Noble weakeneffe : 
If they had fwaliow'd poyfon, 'twould appeare 
By externall fwelling: but file lookes like fleepe, 
As ihe would catch another Anthony 
In her ftrong toyle of Grace. 



T>ol. Heere on her breft, 
There is a vent of Bloud, and fomething blowne, 
The like is on her Arme. 

I .Guard. This is an Afpickes traile, 
And thefe Figge-leaues haue (lime vpon them,fuch 
As th'Afpicke leaues vpon the Caues of Nyle. 

Cafar. Moft probable 
That fo Ihe dyed : for her Phyfitian tels mee 
She hath purfu'de Conclufions infinite 
Of eafie wayes to dye. Take vp her bed, 
And beare her Women from the Monument, 
She lhall be buried by her ^Anthony. 
No Graue vpon the earth ftiall clip in it 
A payre fo famous : high euents as thefe 
Strike thofe that make them : and their Story is 
No lefie in pitty,then his Glory which 
Brought them to be lamented. Our Army fhall 
In folemne mew, attend this Funerall, 
And then to Rome. Come Dolabella, fee 
High Order, in this great Solmemnity. Exeunt omnes 



FINIS. 




3 6 9 




THE TRAGED IE OF 

CYMBELINE. 



<iA5lus Primus. Sccena Prima. 




Enter two Gentlemen. 

I. Gent. 
Ou do not meet a man but Frownes. 
Our bloods no more obey the Heauens 
Then our Courtiers : 
Still feeme, as do's the Kings. 
2. Gent. But what's the matter? 

I. His daughter, and the heire of's kingdome (whom 
He purpos'd to his wiues fole Sonne, a Widdow 
That late he married ) hath referr'd her felfe 
Vnto a poore, but worthy Gentleman. She's wedded, 
Her Husband banifh'd ; me imprifon'd, all 
Is outward forrow, though I thinke the King 
Be touch'd at very heart. 
2 None but the King ? 

1 He that hath loft her too : fo is the Queene, 
That moft defir'd the Match. But not a Courtier, 
Although they weare their faces to the bent 

Of the Kings lookes, hath a heart that is not 
Glad at the thing they fcowle at. 

2 And why fo? 

1 He that hath mifs'd the PrincefTe, is a thing 
Too bad, for bad report : and he that hath her, 
(I meane, that married her, alacke good man, 
And therefore banifh'd) is a Creature, fuch, 

As to feeke through the Regions of the Earth 
For one, his like ; there would be fomething failing 
In him, that ftiould compare. I do not thinke, 
So faire an Outward, and fuch ftuffe Within 
Endowes a man, but hee. 

2 You fpeake him farre. 

1 I do extend him (Sir) within himfelfe, 
Crufh him together, rather then vnfold 

His meafure duly. 

2 What's his name, and Birth ? 

I I cannot delue him to the roote : His Father 
Was call'd Sicilliui, who did ioyne his Honor 
Againft the Romanes, with Cajjibu/an, 
But had his Titles by Tenantius, whom 
He feru'd with Glory, and admir'd Succefle : 
So gain'd the Sur-addition, Leonatiu. 
And had (befides this Gentleman in queftion) 
Two other Sonnes, who in the Warres o'th'time 
Dy'de with their Swords in hand. For which, their Father 
Then old, and fond of yffue, tooke fuch forrow 
That he quit Being ; and his gentle Lady 



8j 9 



Bigge of this Gentleman (our Theame^l deceaft 

As he was borne. The King he takes the Babe 

To his protection, cals him Pojib-umus Leonatu6, 

Breedes him, and makes him of his Bed-chamber, 

Puts to him all the Learnings that his time 

Could make him the receiuer of, which he tooke 

As we do ayre, faft as 'twas miniftred, 

And in's Spring, became a Harueft : Liu'd in Court 

(Which rare it is to do) moft prais'd, moft lou'd, 

A fample to the yongeft : to th'more Mature, 

A glafle that feated them : and to the grauer, 

A Childe that guided Dotards. To his Miftris, 

(For whom he now is banifti'd) her owne price 

Proclaimes how me efteem'd him; and his Vertue 

By her eledtio may be truly read, what kind of man he is. 

2 I honor him, euen out of your report. 
But pray you tell me, is me fole childe to'th'King ? 

I His onely childe : 
He had two Sonnes (if this be worth your hearing, 
Marke it) the eldeft of them, at three yeares old 
I'th'fwathing cloathes, the other from their Nurfery 
Were ftolne, and to this houre, no gheffe in knowledge 
Which way they went. 
2 How long is this ago ? 

1 Some twenty yeares. 

2 That a Kings Children mould be fo conuey'd, 
So flackely guarded, and the fearch fo flow 

That could not trace them. 

1 Howfoere, 'tis ftrange, 

Or that the negligence may well be laugh'd at : 
Yet is it true Sir. 

2 I do well beleeue you. 

I We muft forbeare. Heere comes the Gentleman, 
The Queene, and PrincefTe. Exeunt 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter the Queene, Pofibumm, and Imogen. 

Qn. No, be aiTur'd you mall not finde me(Daughter) 
After the flander of moft Step-Mothers, 
Euill-ey'd vnto you. You're my Prifoner, but 
Your Gaoler mall deliuer you the keyes 

z z 3 That 



37° 



The Tragedie ofCymbehne. 



That locke vp your reftraint. For you Pofihumu6, 

So foone as I can win th'offended King, 

I will be knowne your Aduocate : marry yet 

The fire of Rage is in him, and 'twere good 

You lean'd vnto his Sentence, with what patience 

Your wifedome may informe you. 

Pofi. 'Pleafe your Highnefle,, 
I will from hence to day. 

S^u. You know the perill : 
He fetch a turne about the Garden, pittying 
The pangs of barr'd Affeclions, though the King 
Hath charg'd you ftiould not fpeake together. Exit 

Imo. O diflembling Curtefie I How fine this Tyrant 
Can tickle where me wounds? My deereft Husband, 
I fomething feare my Fathers wrath, but nothing 
(Alwayes referu'd my holy duty) what 
His rage can do on me. You muft be gone, 
And I (hall heere abide the hourely mot 
Of angry eyes : not comforted to Hue, 
But that there is this Iewell in the world, 
That I may fee againe. 

Pofi. My Queene, my Miftris : 

Lady, weepe no more, leaft I giue caufe 
To be fufpe&ed of more tenderneffe 
Then doth become a man. I will remaine 
The loyall'ft husband, that did ere plight troth. 
My refidence in Rome, at one Fi/orio's, 
Who, to my Father was a Friend, to me 
Knowne but by Letter ; thither write (my Queene) 
And with mine eyes, He drinke the words you fend, 
Though Inke be made of Gall. 

Enter Queene. 

Siu. Be briefe, I pray you : 
If the King come, I ftiall incurre, I know not 
How much of his difpleafure : yet He moue him 
To walke this way : I neuer do him wrong, 
But he do's buy my Iniuries, to be Friends : 
Payes deere for my offences. 

Pofi. Should we be taking leaue 
As long a terme as yet we haue to Hue, 
The loathnefle to depart, would grow : Adieu. 

Imo. Nay, ftay a little : 
Were you but riding forth to ayre your felfe, 
Such parting were too petty. Looke heere (Loue) 
This Diamond was my Mothers; take it (Heart) 
But keepe it till you woo another Wife, 
When Imogen is dead. 

Pofi. How, how? Another? 
You gentle Gods, giue me but this I haue, 
And feare vp my embracements from a next, 
With bonds of death. Remaine, remaine thou heere, 
While fenfe can keepe it on : And fweeteft, faireft, 
As I (my poore felfe) did exchange for you 
To your fo infinite loffe ; fo in our trifles 

1 ftill winne of you. For my fake weare this, 
It is a Manacle of Loue, He place it 

Vpon this fayreft Prifoner. 

Imo. O the Gods \ 
When mall we fee againe ? 

Enter Cymbeline, and Lords. 

Pofi. Alacke, the King. 

Cym. Thou bafeft thing, auoyd hence, from my fight: 
If after this command thou fraught the Court 
With thy vnworthineffe, thou dyeft. Away, 
Thou'rt poyfon to my blood. 

Pofi. The Gods protect you, 



And blefle the good Remainders of the Court : 

I am gone. Exit. 

Imo. There cannot be a pinch in death 
More (harpe then this is. 

Cym. O difioyall thing, 
That fhould'ft repayre my youth, thou heap'ft 
A yeares age on mee. 

Imo. I befeech you Sir, 
Harme not your felfe with your vexation, 
I am fenfelefle of your Wrath ; a Touch more rare 
Subdues all pangs, all feares. 

Cym. Paft Grace ? Obedience? 

Imo. Paft hope, and in difpaire, that way paft Grace. 

Cym. That might'ft haue had 
The fole Sonne of my Queene. 

Imo. O bleffed, that 1 might not : I chofe an Eagle, 
And did auoyd a Puttocke. 

Cym. Thou took'ft a Begger, would'ft haue made my 
Throne, a Seate for bafeneffe. 

Imo. No, I rather added a luftre to it. 

Cym. O thou vilde one ! 

Imo. Sir, 
It is your fault that I haue lou'd Pofihumui : 
You bred him as my Play-fellow, and he is 
A man, worth any woman : Ouer-buyes mee 
Almoft the fumme he payes. 

Cym. What? art thou mad ? 

Imo. Almoft Sir : Heauen reftore m" : would I were 
A Neat-heards Daughter, and my Leonattu 
Our Neighbour-Shepheards Sonne. 
Enter H^ueene. 

Cym. Thou foolifh thing ; 
They were againe together : you haue done 
Not after our command. Away with her, 
And pen her vp. 

S^u. Befeech your patience : Peace 
Deere Lady daughter, peace. Sweet Soueraigne, 
Leaue vs to our felues, and make your fell" fome comfort 
Out of your beft aduice. 

Cym. Nay, let her languiflx 
A drop of blood a day, and being aged 
Dye of this Folly. Sxit. 

Enter Pifanio. 

Qu. Fye, you muft giue way : 
Heere is your Seruant. How now Sir? What newes ? 

Tifa. My Lord your Sonne, drew on my Mafter. 

Qu. Hah? 
No harme I truft is done ? 

fija. There might haue beene, 
But that my Mafter rather plaid, then fought, 
And had no helpe of Anger : they were parted 
By Gentlemen, at hand. 

S^u. I am very glad on't. 

Imo. Your Son's my Fathers friend, he takes his part 
To draw vpon an Exile. O braue Sir, 
I would they were in Affricke both together, 
My felfe by with a Needle, that I might pricke 
The goer backe. Why came you from your Mafter ? 

Pi/a. On his command : he would not fuffer mee 
To bring him to the Hauen : left thefe Notes 
Of what commands I ftiould be fubiecl: too, 
When't pleas'd you to employ me. 

c>a. This hath beene 
Your faithfull Seruant : I dare lay mine Honour 
He will remaine fo. 

Pifa. I humbly thanke your Highneffe. 



The Tragedy of Cymbeline. 



37 1 



Qu. Pray walke a-while. 

Into. About fome halfe houre hence, 
Pray you fpeake with me; 
You lhall (at leaft)go fee my Lord aboord. 
For this time leaue me. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Clotten , and two Lords. 

I. Sir, I would aduife you to fhift a Shirt ; the Vio- 
lence of AcYion hath made you reek as a Sacrifice: where 
ayre comes out, ayre comes in : There's none abroad fo 
wholefome as that you vent. 

Qlot. If my Shirt were bloody, then to fhift it. 
Haue I hurt him ? 

2 No faith : not fo much as his patience. 

1 Hurt him ? His bodie's a paffable Carkafle if he bee 
not hurt. It is a through-fare for Steele if it be not hurt. 

2 His Steele was in debt, it went o'th'Backe-fide the 
Towne. 

Clot. The Villaine would not ftand me. 

2 No, but he fled forward ftill, toward your face. 

1 Stand you ? you haue Land enough of your owne : 
But he added to your hauing, gaue you fome ground. 

2 As many Inches, as you haue Oceans( Puppies.) 
Clot. I would they had not come betweene vs. 

2 So would I, till you had meafur'd how long a Foole 
you were vpon the ground. 

Clot. And that fliee fliould loue this Fellow, and re- 
fufe mee. 

2 If it be a fin to make a true elecYion,iflie is damn'd. 

1 Sir,as I told you alwayes : her Beauty & her Braine 
go not together. Shee's a good figne, but I haue feene 
fmall reflection of her wit. 

2 She fliines not vpjn Fooles, leaft the reflection 
Should hurt her. 

Clot. Come, He to my Chamber : would there had 
beene fome hurt done. 

2 I wifli not fo, vnlefle it had bin thei fall of an Affe, 
which is no great hurt. 

Clot. You'l go with vs ? 

1 He attend your Lordihip. 

Clot. Nay come, let's go together. 

2 Well my Lord. Exeunt. 



Scena Quart a. 



Enter Imogen, and Pifanio. 
Imo.I would thou grew'ft vnto the Ihores o'th'Hauen, 
And queftioned'ft euery Saile : if he mould write, 
And I not haue it, 'twere a Paper loft 
As offer'd mercy is : What was the laft 
That he fpake to thee? 

Pifa. It was his Queene, his Queene. 

Into. Then wau'd his Handkerchiefe ? 

Pi/a. And kift it, Madam. 

Into. Senfelefle Linnen, happier therein then I : 
And that was all ? 

Pifa. No Madam : for fo long 



As he could make me with his eye, or eare, 
Diftinguifh him from others, he did keepe 
The Decke, with Gloue, or Hat, or Handkerchife, 
Still wauing, as the fits and ftirres of's mind 
Could belt exprefte how flow his Soule fayl'd on, 
How fwift his Ship. 

Imo. Thou fliould'ft haue made him. 
As little as a Crow, or lefle, ere left 
To after-eye him. 

Tifa. Madam, fo I did. 

Imo. I would haue broke mine eye-ftrings ; 
Crack'd them, but to looke vpon him, till the diminution 
Of fpace, had pointed him marpe as my Needle : 
Nay, followed him, till he had melted from 
The fmalnefie of a Gnat, to ayre : and then 
Haue turn'd mine eye, and wept. But good Pijanio, 
When fhall we heare from him. 

Pifa. Be aflur'd Madam, 
With his next vantage. 

Imo. I did not take my leaue of him, but had 
Moft pretty things to fay : Ere I could tell him 
How I would thinke on him at certaine houres, 
Such thoughts, and fuch : Or I could make him fweare, 
The Shees of Italy fliould not betray 
Mine Intereft, and his Honour : or haue Charg'd him 
At the fixt houre of Morne, at Noone, at Midnight, 
T'encounter me with Orifons, for then 
I am in Heauen for him : Or ere I could, 
Giue him that parting kifie, which I had fet 
Betwixt two charming words, comes in my Father, 
And like the Tyrannous breathing of the North, 
Shakes all our buddes from growing. 
Enter a Lady. 

La. The Queene (Madam) 
Defires your Highnefle Company. 

Imo. Thofe things I bid you do,lget them difpatch'd, 
I will attend the Queene. 

Tifa. Madam, I ihall. Exeunt. 



Scena Quint a. 



Enter Philario , Iacbimo : a Frenchman, a Tlutch- 

lach. Beleeue it Sir, I haue feene him in Britaine; hee 
was then of a CreiTent note, expefted to proue fo woor- 
thy, as fince he hath beene allowed the name of. But I 
could then haue look'd on him , without the help of Ad- 
miration, though the Catalogue of his endowments had 
bin tabled by his fide, and I to perufe him by Items. 

Phil. You fpeake of him when he was lefle furniih'd, 
then now hee is, with that which makes him both with- 
out, and within. 

French. I haue feene him in France : wee had very ma- 
ny there, could behold the Sunne, with as firme eyes as 
hee. 

lach. This matter of marrying his Kings Daughter, 
wherein he muft be weighed rather by her valew, then 
his owne, words him (I doubt not) a great deale from the 
matter. 

French. And then his banifliment. 

Iach. I, and the approbation of thofe that weepe this 
lamentable diuorce vnder her colours, are wonderfully 



37 2 



The Tragedy of Cymbeline. 



to extend him, be it but to fortifie her iudgement, which 
elfe an eafie battery might lay flat, for taking a Begger 
without leffe quality. But how comes it, he is to foiourne 
with you? How creepes acquaintance ? 

Phil. His Father and I were Souldiers together, to 
whom I haue bin often bound for no leffe then my life. 

Enter foBhumus. 
Heere comes the Britaine. Let him be fo entertained a- 
mong'ft you,as fuites with Gentlemen of your knowing, 
to a Stranger of his quality. I befeech you all be better 
knowne to this Gentleman, whom I commend to you, 
as a Noble Friend of mine. How Worthy he is, I will 
leaue to appeare hereafter, rather then ftory him in his 
owne hearing. 

French. Sir, we haue knowne togither in Orleance. 

Poft.S'mce when, I haue bin debtor to you for courte- 
fies, which I will be euer to pay, and yet pay ftill. 

French. Sir, you o're-rate my poore kindneffe, I was 
glad I did attone my Countryman and you: it had beene 
pitty you fhould haue beene put together, with fo mor- 
tall a purpofe, as then each bore, vpon importance of fo 
flight and triuiall a nature. 

ToB. By your pardon Sir, I was then a young Trauel- 
ler, rather fhun'd to go euen with what I heard, then in 
my euery action to be guided by others experiences: but 
vpon mymended iudgement (if I offend to fay it is men- 
ded) my Quarrell was not altogether flight. 

French. Faith yes, to be put to the arbiterment of 
Swords, and by fuch two, that would by all likelyhood 
haue confounded one the other, or haue falne both. 

lack. Can we with manners, aske what was the dif- 
ference t 

French, Safely, I thinke, 'twas a contention in pub- 
licke, which may (without contradiction) fuffer the re- 
port. It was much like an argument that fell out laft 
night, where each of vs fell in praife of our Country- 
Miftreffes. This Gentleman, at that time vouching ('and 
vpon warrant of bloody affirmation ) his to be more 
Faire, Vertuous, Wife, Chafte, Conftant, Qualified, and 
leffe attemptible then any, the rareft of our Ladies in 
Fraunce. 

lack. That Lady is not now liuing; or this Gentle- 
mans opinion by tbis,worne out. 

Poft. She holds her Vertue ftill, and I my mind. 

Iach. You muft not fo farre preferre her, 'fore ours of 
Italy. 

Poflh. Being fo farre prouok'd as I was in France: I 
would abate her nothing, though I profeffe my felfe her 
Adorer, not her Friend. 

Iach. As faire, and as good : a kind of hand in hand 
comparifon, had beene fomething too faire, and too 
good for any Lady in Britanie; if fhe went before others, i 
I haue feene as that Diamond of yours out-lufters many i 
I haue beheld, I could not beleeue fhe excelled many : 
but I haue not feene the molt pretious Diamond that is, 
nor you the Lady. 

Poft. I prais'd her, as I rated her : fo do I my Stone. 

Iach. What do you efteeme it at? 

Poft. More then the world enioyes. 

Iach. Either your vnparagon'd Miftirs is dead, or 
/he's out-priz'd by a trifle. 

Poft. You are miftaken : the one may be folde or gi' 
uen, or if there were wealth enough for the purchafes,or 
merite for the guift. The other is not a thing for fale, 
and onely the guift of the Gods. 

Iach. Which the Gods haue giuen you ? 



Poft. Which by their Graces I will keepe. 

Iach. You may weare her in title yours : but you 
know Arrange Fowle light vpon neighbouring Ponds. 
Your Ring may be ftolne too,fo your brace of vnprizea- 
ble-Eftimations, the one is but fraile, and the other Cafu- 
all;. A cunning Thiefe, or a (that way) accomplifh'd 
Courtier, would hazzard the winning both of firft and 
laft. 

Poft. Your Italy , containes none fo accomplifh'd a 
Courtier to conuince the Honour of my Miftris : if in the 
holding or loffe of that, you terme her fraile, I do no- 
thing doubt you haue ftore of Theeues, notwithstanding 
I feare not my Ring. 

Phil. Let vs leaue heere, Gentlemen ? 

Poft. Sir, with all my heart. This worthy Signior I 
thanke him, makes no ftranger of me, we are familiar at 
firft. 

Iach. With flue times fo much conuerfation,I fhould 
get ground of your faire Miftris; make her go backe,e- 
uen to the yeilding, had I admittance, and opportunitie 
to friend. 

Poft. No, no. 

Iach. I dare thereupon pawne the moytie of my E- 
ftate, to your Ring, which in my opinion o're-values it 
fomething : but I make my wager rather againft your 
Confidence, then her Reputation. And to barre your of- 
fence heerein to, I durft attempt it againft any Lady in 
the world. 

Poft. You are a great deale abus'd in too bold a per- 
fwafion,and I doubt not you fuftaine what y'are worthy 
of, by your Attempt. 

Iach. What's rhat ? 

Pofth. A Repulfe though your Attempt ( as you call 
it) deferue more;a punifhment too. 

Phi. Gentlemen enough of this, it came in too fo- 
dainely,let it dye as it was borne, and I pray you be bet- 
ter acquainted. 

Iach. Would I had put my Eftate,and my Neighbors 
on th'approbation of what I haue fpoke, 

Poft. What Lady would you chufe to affaile ? 

Iach. Yours, whom in conftancie you thinke ftands 
fo fafe. I will lay you ten thoufands Duckets to your 
Ring, that commend me to the Court where your La- 
dy is, with no more aduantage then the opportunitie of a 
fecond conference, and I will bring from thence, that 
Honor of hers, which you imagine fo referu'd. 

PoBhmas, I will wage againft your Gold, Gold to 
it: My Ring I holde deere as my finger, 'tis part of 
it. 

Iach. You are a Friend, and there in the wifer : if you 
buy Ladies flefh at a Million a Dram, you cannot pre- 
feure it from tainting; but I fee you haue fome Religion 
in you, that you feare. 

Pofthu. This is but a cuftome in your tongue : you 
beare a grauer purpofe I hope. 

Iach. I am the Matter of my fpeeches,and would vn- 
der-go what's fpoken,I fweare. 

Pofthu. Will you ? I fliall but lend my Diamond till 
your returne : let there be Couenants drawne between's. 
My Miftris exceedes in goodneffe,the hugeneffe of your 
vnworthy thinking. I dare you to this match : heere's my 
Ring. 

Phil. I will haue it no lay. 

Iach. By the Gods it is one : if I bring you no fuffi- 
cient teftimony that I haue enioy'd the deereft bodily 
part of your Miftris:my ten thoufand Duckets are yours, 

fo 



The Tragedy of Cymbeline. 



373 



fo is your Diamond too : if I come off, and leaue her in 
fuch honour as you haue truft in ; Shee your Iewell, this 
your Iewell, and my Gold are .yours : prouided, I haue 
your commendation, for my more free entertainment. 

Pojl. I embrace thefe Conditions, let vs haue Articles 
betwixt vs : onely thus farre you fhall anfwere, if you 
make your voyage vpon her, and giue me directly to vn- 
derftand, you haue preuayl'd, I am no further your Ene- 
my, fhee is not worth our debate. If fhee remaine vnfe- 
duc'd, you not making it appeare otherwife : for your ill 
opinion, and th'affault you haue made to her chaftity , you 
fhall anfwer me with your Sword. 

lach. Your hand, a Couenant : wee will haue thefe 
things fet downe by lawfull Counfell, and ftraight away 
for Britaine, leaft the Bargaine fhould catch colde, and 
fterue : I will fetch my Gold, and haue our two Wagers 
recorded. 

Pofi. Agreed. 

French. Will this hold, thinke you. 

Phil. Signior Iachimo will not from it. 
Pray let vs follow 'em. Exeunt 



Scena Sexta. 



Enter Queene, Ladies, and Corneliui. 

Qu. Whiles yet the dewe's on ground, 
Gather thofe Flowers, 
Make hafte. Who ha's the note of them ? 

Lady. I Madam. 

Siueen. Difpatch. Exit Ladies. 

Now Mafter Doctor, haue you brought thofe drugges ? 

Cor. Pleafeth your Highnes, I : here they are, Madam: 
But I befeech your Grace, without offence 
(My Confcience bids me aske) wherefore you haue 
Commanded of me thefe moft poyfonous Compounds, 
Which are the moouers of a languishing death : 
But though flow, deadly. 

Qu. I wonder, Doctor, 
Thou ask'ft me fuch a Queftion : Haue I not bene 
Thy Pupill long ? Haft thou not learn'd me how 
To make Perfumes? Diftill ? Preferue ? Yea fo, 
That our great King himfelfe doth woo me oft 
For my Confections ? Hauing thus farre proceeded, 
( Vnleffe thou think'ft me diuellifh) is't not meete 
That I did amplifie my iudgement in 
Other Conclufions ? I will try the forces 
Of thefe thy Compounds, on fuch Creatures as 
We count not worth the hanging (but none humane) ■ 
To try the vigour of them, and apply 
Allayments to their Aft, and by them gather 
Their feuerall vertues, and effects. 

Cor. Your Highneffe 
Shall from this practife, but make hard your heart: 
Befides, the feeing thefe effects will be 
Both noyfome, and infectious. 

Qu. O content thee. 

Enter Pijanio. 
Heere comes a flattering Rafcall, vpon him 
Will I firft worke : Hee's for his Mafter, 
And enemy to my Sonne. How now Pijanio ? 
Doctor, your feruice for this time is ended, 
Take your owne way. 



Cor. I do fufpect you, Madam, 
But you fhall do no harme. 

Qu. Hearke thee,a word. 

Cor. I do not like her. She doth thinke fhe ha's 
Strange ling'ring poyfons : I do know her fpirit, 
And will not truft one of her malice, with 
A drugge of fuch damn'd Nature. Thofe fhe ha's, 
Will ftupifie and dull the Senfe a-whiJe, 
Which firft (perchance) fhee'l proue on Cats and D 
Then afterward vp higher : but there is 
No danger in what fhew of death it makes, 
More then the locking vp the Spirits a time, 
To be more frefh, reuiuing. She is fool'd 
With a moft falfe effect : and I, the truer, 
So to be falfe with her. 

£}u. No further feruice, Doctor, 
Vntill I fend for thee. 

Cor. I humbly take my leaue. 

Qu. Weepes fhe ftill(faift thou?) 
Doft thou thinke in time 

She will not quench, and let inftructions enter 
Where Folly now poffeffes? Do thou worke : 
When thou fhalt bring me word fhe loues my Sonne, 
He tell thee on the inftant, thou art then 
As great as is thy Mafter : Greater, for 
His Fortunes all lye fpeechleffe, and his name 
Is at laft gaspe. Returne he cannot, nor 
Continue where he is : To fhift his being, 
Is to exchange one mifery with another, 
And euery day that comes, comes to decay 
A dayes worke in him. What fhalt thou expect 
To be depender on a thing that leanes ? 
Who cannot be new built, nor ha's no Friends 
So much, as but to prop him ? Thou tak'ft vp 
Thou know'ft not what : But take it for thy labour, 
It is a thing I made, which hath the King 
Fiue times redeem'd from death. I do not know 
What is more Cordiall. Nay, I prythee take it, 
It is an earneft of a farther good 
That I meane to thee. Tell thy Miftris how 
The cafe ftands with her : doo't, as from thy felfe; 
Thinke what a chance thou changeft on, but thinke 
Thou haft thy Miftris ftill, to boote,my Sonne, 
Who fhall take notice of thee, lie moue the King 
I To any fhape of thy Preferment, fuch 

As thou'lt defire : and then my felfe, I cheefely, 

That fet thee on to this defert, am bound 

To loade thy merit richly. Call my women. Exit 

Thinke on my words. A flye, and conftant knaue, 

Not to be fhaic'd : the Agent for his Mafter, 

And the Remembrancer of her, to hold 

The hand-faft to her Lord. I haue giuen him that, 

Which if he take, fhall quite vnpeople her 

Of Leidgers for her Sweete : and which, fhe after 

Except fhe bend her humor, fhall be affur'd 

To tafte of too. 



Pi/a. 



Pifa, 



id Ladies. 



So , fo : Well done, well done : 

The Violets, Cowflippes, and the Prime-Rofes 

Beare to my Cloffet : Fare thee well, Pijanio. 

Thinke on my words. Exit £}u. and Ladies. 

Pi/a. And fhall do : 
But when to my good Lord, I proue vntrue, 
He choake my felfe : there's all He do for you. Exit. 

Scena 



374 



The Tragedy of Cymbeline. 



Scena Septima. 



Enter Imogen alone. 
Imo. A Father cruell, and a Stepdame falfe, 
A Foolifh Suitor to a Wedded-Lady, 
That hath her Husband banifiYd : O, that Husband, 
My fupreame Crowne of griefe, and thofe repeated 
Vexations of it. Had I bin Theefe-ftolne, 
As my two Brothers, happy : but moft miferable 
Is the defires that's glorious. Bleffed be thofe 
How meane fo ere, that haue their honeft wills, 
Which feafons comfort. Who may this be ? Fye. 

Enter Pijanio, and Iachimo. 

Pifa. Madam, a Noble Gentleman of Rorao 
Comes from my Lord with Letters. 

Jack. Change you, Madam : 
The Worthy Leonatui is in fafety, 
And greetes your Highneffe deerely. 

Imo. Thanks good Sir, 
You're kindly welcome. 

lack. All of her, that is out of doore, moft rich : 
If me be furniGYd with a mind fo rare 
She is alone th'Arabian-Bird; and I 
Haue loft the wager. Boldneffe be my Friend : 
Arme me Audacitie from head to foote, 
Orlike the Parthian I fliall flying fight, 
Rather direflly fly. 

Imogen reads. 
He it one of the Noblejl note, to mhoje hjndneffes I am moft in- 
finitely tied. Refietl vpon him accordingly, as you value your 
truft. Leonatus. 

So farre I reade aloud . 
But euen the very middle of my heart 
Is warm'd by'th 'reft, and take it thankefully. 
You are as welcome( worthy Sir) as I 
Haue words to bid you, and mall finde it fo 
In all that I can do. 

Iach. Thankes fai reft Lady: 
What are men mad? Hath Nature giuen them eyes 
To fee this vaulted Arch, and the rich Crop 
Of Sea and Land, which can diftinguiih 'twixt 
The firie Orbes aboue, and the twinn'd Stones 
Vpon the number'd Beach, and can we not 
Partition make with Spe&ales fo pretious 
Twixt faire, and foule ? 

Imo. What makes your admiration ? 

Iach. It cannot be i'th'eye : for Apes, and Monkeys 
'Twixt two fuch She's, would chatter this way, and 
Contemne with mowes the other. Nor i'th'iudgment : 
For Idiots in this cafe of fauour, would 
Be wifely definit : Nor i'th'Appetite. 
Sluttery to fuch neate Excellence, oppos'd 
Should make defire vomit emptineffe, 
Not fo allur.d to feed. 

Imo. What is the matter trow ? 

Iach. The Cloyed will : 
That fatiate yet vnfatisfi'd defire, that Tub 
Both fill'd and running : Rauening firft the Lambe, 
Longs after for the Garbage. 

Imo. What, deere Sir, 
Thus rap's you ? Are you well ? 



Iach. Thanks Madam, well : Befeech you Sir, 
Defire my Man's abode, where I did leaue him: 
He's ftrange and peeuifli. 
Pifa. I was going Sir, 
To giue him welcome. Exit. 

Imo. Continues well my Lord? 
His health befeech you ? 

Iach. Well, Madam. 

Imo. Is he difpos'd to mirth ? I hope he is. 

Iach. Exceeding pleafant : none a ftranger there, 
So merry, and fo gamefome : he is call'd 
The Britaine Reueller. 

Imo. When he was heere 
He did incline to fadneffe, and oft times 
Not knowiug why. 

Iach. I neuer law him fad. 
There is a Frenchman his Companion, one 
An eminent Monfieur, that it feemes much loues 
A Gallian-Girle at home. He furnaces 
The thicke fighes from him; whiles the iolly Britaine, 
(Your Lord I meane) laughes from's free lungs :cries oh, 
Can my fides hold, to think that man who knowes 
By Hiftory, Report, or his owne proofe 
What woman is, yea what fhe cannot choofe 
But muft be .-will's free houres languifli : 
For allured bondage ? 

Imo. Will my Lord fay fo ? 

Iach. I Madam, with his eyes in flood; with laughter, 
It is a Recreation to be by 
And heare him mocke the Frenchman : 
But Heauen's know fome men are much too blame. 

Imo. Not he I hope. 

Iach. Not he : 
But yet Heauen's bounty towards him, might 
Be vs'd more thankfully. In himfelfe 'tis much; 
In you, which I account his beyond all Talents. 
Whirft I am bound to wonder, I am bound 
To pitty too. 

Imo. What do you pitty Sir ? 

Iach. Two Creatures heartyly. 

Imo. Am I one Sir ? 
You looke on me : what wrack difcerne you in me 
Deferues your pitty ? 

Iach. Lamentable : what 
To hide me from the radiant Sun, and folace 
I'th'Dungeon by a Snuffe. 

Imo. 1 pray you Sir, 
Deliuer with more openneffe your anfweres 
To my demands. Why do you pitty me ? 

Iach. That others do, 

(I was about to fay)enioy your but 

It is an office of the Gods to venge it, 
Not mine to fpeake on't. 

Imo. You do feeme to know 
Something of me, or what concernes me; pray you 
Since doubting things go ill, often hurts more 
Then to be fure they do. For Certainties 
Either are part remedies; or timely knowing, 
The remedy then borne. Difcouer to me 
What both you fpur and ftop. 

IacV Had I this cheeke 
To bathe my lips vpon : this hand, whofe touch, 
(Whofe euery touch) would force the Feelers foule 
To'th'oath of loyalty. This obieft, which 
Takes prifoner the wild motion of mine eye, 
Fiering it onely heere, fhould I (damn'd then) 

Slauer 






The Tragedy of Cy?nbeline. 



375 



S lauuer with lippes as common as the ftayres 
That mount the Capitoll : Ioyne gripes, with hands 
Made hard with hourely falfhood (falfhood as 
With labour:) then by peeping in an eye 
Bafe and illuftrious as the fmoakie light 
That's fed with (linking Tallow : it were fit 
That all the plagues of Hell fhould at one time 
Encounter fuch reuolt. 

Imo. My Lord, I feare 
Has forgot Brittaine. 

Inch. And himfelfe, not I 
Inclin'd to this intelligence, pronounce 
The Beggery of his change : but 'tis your Graces 
That from my muteft Confcience, ;o my tongue, 
Charmes this report out. 

Imo. Let me heare no more. 

Iach. O deereft Soule : your Caufe doth ftrike my hart 
With pitty, that doth make me ficke. A Lady 
So faire, and faften'd to an Emperie 
Would make the great'ft King double, to be partner'd 
With Tomboyes hyr'd, with that felfe exhibition 
Which your owne Coffers yeeld : with difeas'd ventures 
That play with all Infirmities for Gold, 
Which rottennefife can lend Nature. Such boyl'd ftuffe 
As well might poyfon Poyfon. Be reueng'd, 
Or ihe that bore you, was no Queene.and you 
Recoyle from your great Stocke. 

Imo. Reueng'd : 
How fhould I be reueng'd ? If this be true, 
(As I haue fuch a Heart, that both mine eares 
Muft not in hafte abufej if it be true, 
How fhould I be reueng'd ? 

Iach. Should he make me 
Liue like ^Diana's Prieft, betwixt cold fheets, 
Whiles he is vaulting variable Rampes 
In your defpight, vpon your purfe : reuenge it. 
I dedicate my felfe to your fweet pleafure, 
More Noble then that runnagate to your bed, 
And will continue fafc to your Affe&ion, 
Still clofe, as fure. 

Imo. What hoa, Pijanio ? 

Iacb. Let me my feruice tender on your lippes. 

Imo. Away, I do condemne mine eares, that haue 
So long attended thee. If thou wert Honourable 
Thou would'ft haue told this tale for Vertue, not 
For fuch an end thou feek'ft, as bafe,as ftrange : 
Thou wrong'ft a Gentleman, who is as farre 
From thy report, as thou from Honor: and 
Solicites heere a Lady, that difdaines 
Thee, and the Diuell alike. What hoa, Pifanlo ? 
The King my Father fhall be made acquainted 
Of thy Affault: if he fhall thinkeit fit, 
A fawcy Stranger in his Court, to Mart 
As in a Romifh Stew, and to expound 
His beaftly minde to vs ; he hath a Court 
He little cares for, and a Daughter, who 
He not refpe&s at all. What hoa, Pifanio ? 

Iach. O happy Leonatus I may fay, 
The credit that thy Lady hath of thee 
Deferues thy truft, and thy moft perfect goodneffe 
Her affur'd credit. BlefTed liue you long, 
A Lady to the worthier! Sir, that euer 
Country call'd his ; and you his Miftris, onely 
For the moft worthier! fit. Giue me your pardon, 
I haue fpoke this to know if your Affiance 
Were deeply rooted, and fhall make your Lord, 



865 



That which he is, new o're : And he is one 
The trueft manner'd : fuch a holy Witch, 
That he enchants Societies into him : 
Halfe all men hearts are his. 

Imo. You make amends. 

Iach. He fits 'mongft men, like a defended God; 
He hath a kinde of Honor fets him off, 
More then a mortall feeming. Be not angrie 
( Moft mighty Princeffe) that I haue aduentur'd 
To try your taking of a falfe report, which hath 
Honour'd with confirmation your great ludgement, 
In the election of a Sir, fo rare, 

Which you know, cannot erre. The loue I beare him, 
Made me to fan you thus, but the Gods made you 
(Vnlike all others) chaffelefle. Pray your pardon. 

Imo. All's well Sir : 
Take my powre i'th'Court for yours. 

Iach. My humble thankes : I had almoft forgot 
T'intreat your Grace, but in a fmall requeft, 
And yet of moment too, for it concernes : 
Your Lord, my felfe, and other Noble Friends 
Are partners in the bufinefle. 

Imo. Pray whatis't ? 

Iach. Some dozen Romanes of vs, and your Lord 
(The beft Feather of our wing) haue mingled fummes 
To buy a Prefent for the Emperor : 
Which I (the Factor for the reft) haue done 
In France : 'tis Plate of rare deuice, and Iewels 
Of rich, and exquifite forme, their valewes great, 
And I am fomething curious, being ftrange 
To haue them in fafe ftowage : May it pleafe you 
To take them in proteftion. 

Imo. Willingly : 
And pawne mine Honor for their fafety, fince 
My Lord hath intereft in them, I will keepe them 
In my Bed-chamber. 

Iach. They are in a Trunke 
Attended by my men : I will make bold 
To fend them to you , onely for this night : 
I muft aboord to morrow* 

Imo. O no, no. 

Iach. Yes I befeech : or I fhall fhort my word 
By length'ning my returne. From Gallia, 
I croft the Seas on purpofe,and on promife 
To fee your Grace. 

Imo. I thanke you for your paines : 
But not away to morrow. 

Iach. O I muft Madam. 
Therefore I fhall befeech you, if you pleafe 
To greet your Lord with writing, doo't to night, 
I haue out-ftood my time, which is materiall . 
To'th'tender of our Prefent. 

Imo. I will write : 
Send your Trunke to me, it fhall fafe be kept, 
And truely yeelded you : you're very welcome. Exeunt. 



Actus Secmzdus. Scena 'Prima. 



Enter Clotten,andthe two Lords. 
Clot. Was there euer man had fuch lucke ? when I kift 
the Iacke vpon an vp-caft, to be hit away ? I had a hun- 
dred pound on't : and then a whorfon Iacke-an-Apes, 

muft 



37 6 



The Tragedy of Cymbeline. 



muft take me vp for fwearing, as if I borrowed mine 
oathes of him, and might not fpend them at my pleafure. 

1. What got he by that ? you haue broke his pate 
with iyour Bowie. 

2. If his wit had bin like him that broke it : it would 
haue run all out. 

Clot. When a Gentleman is difpos'd to fweare: it is 
not for any ftanders by to curtail his oathes. Ha? 

2. No my Lord; nor crop the eares of them. 

Clot. Whorfon dog : I gaue him fatisfa&ion ? would 
he had bin one of my Ranke. 

2. To haue fmell'd like a Foole. 

Clot. I am not vext more at any thing in th'earth : a 
pox on't. I had rather not be fo Noble as I am : they dare 
not fight with me, becaufe of the Queene my Mo- 
ther : euery Iacke-Slaue hath his belly full of Fighting, 
and I muft go vp and downe like a Cock, that no body 
can match. 

2. You are Cocke and Capon too, and you crow 
Cock, with your combe on. 

Clot. Sayeft thou ? 

2. It is not fit you Lordfhip mould vndertake euery 
Companion, that you giue offence too. 

Clot. No, I know that : but it is |fit I ihould commit 
offence to my inferiors. 

2 I, it is fit for your Lordfhip onely. 

Clot. Why fo I fay. 

1. Did you heere of a Stranger that's come to Court 
night? 

Clot. A Stranger, and I not know on't ? 

2. He's a ftrange Fellow himfelfe,and knowes it not. 
i. There's an Italian come, and 'tis thought one of 

Leonatm Friends. 

Clot. Leonatus ? A banifht Rafcall; and he's another, 
whatfoeuer he be. Who told you of this Stranger ? 

1. One of your Lordfhips Pages. 

Clot. Is it fit I went to looke vpon him ? Is there no 
de ogation in't ? 

2. You cannot derogate my Lord. 
Clot. Not eafily I thinke. 

2. You are a Foole graunted , therefore your IfTues 
being foolifh do not derogate. 

Clot. Come, He go fee this Italian : what I haue loft 
to day at Bowles, He winne to night of him. Come :go. 

2. lie attend your Lordfhip. Exit. 

That fuch a craf'tie Diuell as is his Mother 
Should yeild the world this Affe : A woman, that 
Beares all downe with her Braine, and this her Sonne, 
Cannot take two from twenty for his heart, 
Aud leaue eighteene. Alas poore Princeffe, 
Thou diuine Imogen, what thou endur'ft, 
Betwixt a Father by thy Step-dame gouern'd, 
A Mother hourely coyning plots : A Wooer, 
More hatefull then the foule expulfion is 
Of thy deere Husband. Then that horrid A<ft 
Of the diuorce, heel'd make the Heauens hold firme 
The walls of thy deere Honour. Keepe vnfhak'd 
That Temple thy faire mind, that thou maift ftand 
T'enioy thy banifh'd Lord : and this great Land. Exeunt. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Imogen, in her c Bed,and a Lady. 
Imo. Who's there? My woman : Helene? 
La. Pleafe you Madam. 
Imo. What houre is it ? 



Lady. Almoft midnight, Madam. 

Imo. I haue read three houres then : 
Mine eyes are weake, 

Fold downe the leafe' where I haue left : to bed. 
Take not away the Taper, leaue it burning : 
And if thou canft awake by foure o'th'clock, 
I prythee call me : Sleepe hath ceiz'd me wholly. 
To your protection I commend me, Gods, 
From Fayries, and the Tempters of the night, 
Guard me befeech yee. Sleepes, 

Iachimofrom the Trunke. 

Iach. The Crickets fing,and mans ore-labor'd fenfe 
Repaires it felfe by reft : Our Tarquine thus 
Did foftly preffe the Ru(hes,ere he waken'd 
The Chaftitie he wounded . Cytherea, 
How brauely thou becom'ft thy Bed;frefh Lilly, 
And whiter then the Sheetes : that I might touch, 
But kiffe, one kiffe. Rubies vnparagon'd, 
How deerely they doo't : 'Tis her breathing that 
Perfumes the Chamber thus : the Flame o'th'Taper 
Bowes toward her,and would vnder-peepe her lids. 
To fee th'inclofed Lights, now Canopied 
Vnder thefe windowes, White and Azure lac'd 
With Blew of Heauens owne tincL But my defigne. 
To note the Chamber, I will write all downe, 
Such, and fuch pictures : There the window, fuch 
Th'adornement of her Bed; the Arras, Figures, 
Why fuch, and fuch : and the Contents o'th 'Story. 
Ah, but fome naturall notes about her Body, 
Aboue ten thoufand meaner Moueables 
Would teftifie, t'enrich mine Inuentorie. 
O fleepe, thou Ape of death, lye dull vpon her, 
And be her Senfe but as a Monument, 
Thus in a Chappell lying. Come oftjcomeoff ; 
As flippery as the Gordian-knot was hard. 
'Tis mine, and this will witneffe outwardly, 
As ftrongly as the Confcience do's within : 
To'th'madding of her Lord. On her left breft 
A mole Cinque-fpotted : Like the Crimfon drops 
I' th'bottome of a Cowflippe. Heere's a Voucher, 
Stronger then euer Law could make; this Secret 
Will force him thinke I haue pick'd the lock, and t'ane 
The treafure of her Honour. No more : to what end ? 
Why ihould I write this downe, that's riueted, 
Screw'd to my memorie. She hath bin reading late, 
The Tale of Terras, heere the leaffe's turn'd downe 
Where Philomele gaue vp. I haue enough, 
To'th'Truncke againe,and fhut the fpring of it. 
Swift, fwift, you Dragons of the night, that dawning 
May beare the Rauens eye : I lodge in feare, 
Though this a heauenly Angell : hell is heere. 

Clocke ftrikes 
One, two, three : time, time. Exit. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Clot ten , and Lords . 
I. Your Lordfhip is the moll patient man in lofTe, the 
moft coldeft that euer turn'd vp Ace. 

Clot. It would make any man cold to loofe. 
I. But not euery man patient after the noble temper 
of your Lordfhip; You are moft hot, and furious when 
you winne. 

C/of. 

— 866 



The Tragedie of Cymbeline. 



377 



Winning will put any man into courage: if I could get 
this foolifti Imogen, I fliould haue Gold enough : it's al- 
moft morning, is't not ? 

I Day, my Lord. 

Clot. I would this Muficke would come : I am adui- 
fed to giue her Muficke a mornings, they fay it will pene- 
trate. Enter Muftians. 
Come on, tune : If you can penetrate her with your fin- 
gering, fo : wee'l try with tongue too : if none will do, let 
her remaine : but He neuer giue o're. Firft, a very excel- 
lent good conceyted thing; after a wonderful fweet aire, 
with admirable rich words to it, and then let her confi- 
der. 

SONG. 
Hearse, hearse, the Larl^e at Heauens gatejings, 

and Phoebus gins arife, 
His Steeds to mater at thoje Springs 
on chalk' d Flo-wres that lyes: 
And winding cMary-buds begin to ope their Golden eyes 
With euery thing that pretty is , my Lady fweet arife : 
Arife, arife. 

So, get you gone: if this pen trate, I will confider your 
Muficke the better : if it do not, it is a voyce in her eares 
which Horfe-haires, and Calues-guts, nor the voyce of 
vnpaued Eunuch to boot, can neuer amed. 
Enter Cymbaline ,and Queene. 

2 Heere comes the King. 

Clot. I am glad I was vp fo late, for that's the reafon 
I was vp fo earely : he cannot choofe but take this Ser- 
uice I haue done, fatherly. Good morrow to your Ma- 
iefty, and to my gracious Mother. 

Cym. Attend you here the doore of our ftern daughter 
Will me not forth ? 

Clot. I haue aflayl'd her with Mufickes, but flie vouch- 
fafes no notice. 

Cym. The Exile of her Minion is too new, 
She hath not yet forgot him, fome more time 
Muft weare the print of his remembrance on't, 
And then file's yours. 

Sju. You are moil bound to'th'King, 
Who let's go by no vantages, that may 
Preferre you to his daughter : Frame your felfe 
To orderly folicity, and be friended 
With aptnefie of the feafon : make denials 
Encreafe your Seruices : fo feeme, as if 
You were infpir'd to do thofe duties which 
You tender to her : that you in all obey her, 
Saue when command to your difmiflion tends, 
And therein you are fenfelefle. 

Clot. Senfeleffe ? Not fo. 

Mef. So like you (Sir) Ambafladors from Rome; 
The one is Qaius Lucius. 

Cym. A worthy Fellow, 
Albeit he comes on angry purpofe now ; 
But that's no fault of his : we muft receyue him 
According to the Honor of his Sender, 
And towards himfelfe, his goodnefie fore-fpent on vs 
We muft extend our notice : Our deere Sonne, 
When you haue giuen good morning to your Miftris, 
Attend the Queene, and vs, we fliall haue neede 
T'employ you towards|this Romane. 
Come our Queene. Exeunt . 

Clot. If Jhe be vp, He fpeake with her: if not 
Let her lye ftill, and dreame : by your leaue hoa, 
I know her women are about her : what 



867 



If I do line one of their hands, 'tis Gold 
Which buyes admittance ( oft it doth ) yea, and makes 
Dianas Rangers falfe themfelues, yeeld vp 
Their Deere to'th'ftand o'th'Stealer : and 'tis Gold 
Which makes the True-man kill'd,and faues the Theefe: 
Nay,fometime hangs both Theefe, and True-man : what 
Can it not do, and vndoo? I will make 
One of her women Lawyer to me, for 
I yet not vnderftand the cafe my lelfe. 
By your leaue. Knocks. 

Enter a Lady. 

La. Who's there that knockes ? 

Clot. A Gentleman. 

La. No more. 

Clot . Yes, and a Gentlewomans Sonne. 

La. That's more 
Then fome whofe Taylors are as deere as yours, 
Can iuftly boaft of: what's your Lordfliips pleafure ? 

Clot, Your Ladies perfon, is (he ready? 

La. I, to keepe her Chamber. 

Clot, There is Gold for you, 
Sell me your good report. 

La. How, my good name ? or to report of you 
What I fliall thinke is good. The Princeffe. 

Enter Imogen. 

Clot. Good morrow faireft, Sifter your fweet hand. 

Imo, Good morrow Sir, you lay out too much paines 
For purchafing but trouble : the thankes I giue, 
Is telling you that I am poore of thankes, 
And fcarfe can fpare them. 

Clot. Still I fweare I loue you. 

Imo. If you but faid fo, 'twere as deepe with me : 
If you fweare ftill, your recompence is ftill 
That I regard it not. 

Clot. This is no anfwer. 

Imo. But that you fhall not fay, I yeeld being filent, 
I would not fpeake. I pray you fpare me, 'faith 
I fliall vnfold equall difcourtefie 
To your beft kinduefie : one of your great knowing 
Should learne (being taught) forbearance. 

Clot. To leaue you in your madnefle, 'twere my fin, 
I will not. 

Imo. Fooies are not mad Folkes. 

Clot. Do you call me Foole ? 

Imo. As I am mad I do : 
If you'l be patient, He no more be mad, 
That cures vs both. I am much forry (Sir) I 
You put me to forget a Ladies manners 
By being fo verball : and learne now, for all, 
That I which know my heart, do heere pronounce 
By th'very truth of it, I care not for you, 
And am fo neere the lacke of Charitie 
To accufe my felfe, I hate you : which I had rather 
You felt, then make't my boaft. 

Clot. You finne againft 
Obedience, which you owe your Father, for 
The Contract you pretend with that bale Wret<sh, 
One, bred of Almes, and fofter'd with cold diflies, 
With fcraps o'th'Court : It is no ContracT:, none ; 
And though it be allowed in meaner parties 
('Yet who then he more meane) to knit their foules 
(On whom there is no more dependancie 
But Brats and Beggery) in felfe-figur'd knot, 
Yet you are curb'd from that enlargement, by 

a a a The 



378 



The Tragedy of Cymbeline. 



The confequence o'th'Crowne, and muft not/oyle 
The precious note of it; with a bafe Slaue, 
AHilding for a Liuorie, a Squires Cloth, 
A. Pander; not fo eminent. 

Imo. Prophane Fellow : 
Wert thou the Sonne of Iupiter, and no more, 
But what thou art befides : thou wer't too bafe, 
To be his Groome : thou wer't dignified enough 
Euen to the point of Enuie. If 'twere made 
Comparatiue for your Vertues, to be ftil'd 
The vnder Hangman of his Kingdome; and hated 
For being prefer'd fo well. 

Clot. The South-Fog rot him. 

Imo. He neuer can meete more mifchance, then come 
To be but nam'd of thee. His mean'ft Garment 
That euer hath but dipt his body; is dearer 
In my refpedt, then all the Heires aboue thee, 
Were they all made fuch men : How now Pifanio ? 
Enter Pijanio, 

Clot. His Garments ? Now the diuell. 

Imo. To Dorothy my woman hie thee prefently. 

Clot. His Garment ? 

Imo. I am fprighted with a Foole, 
Frighted, and angred worfe : Go bid my woman 
Search for a Iewell, that too cafually 
Hath left mine Arme : it was thy Matters. Shrew me 
If I would loofe it for a Reuenew, 
Of any Kings in Europe. I do think, 
I faw't this morning : Confident I am. 
Laft night 'twas on mine Arme; I kifs'd it, 
I hope it be not gone, to tell my Lord 
That I kiffe aught but he. 

Pif. 'Twill not be loft. 

Imo. I hope fo : go and fearch. 

Clot. You haue abus'd me : 
His meaneft Garment ? 

Imo. 1,1 faid foSir, 
If you will make't an Action, call witneffe to't. 

Clot. I will enforme your Father. 

Imo. Your Mother too : 
She's my good Lady; and will concieue,I hope 
But the worft of me. So I leaue your Sir, 
To'th'worft of difcontent. Exit. 

Clot. He ibereueng'd : i 
His mean'ft Garment ? Well. Exit. 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter Pofthumus,and Philario. 

Poft. Feare it not Sir : I would I were fo fure 
To winne the King, as I am bold, her Honour 
Will remaine her's. 

Phil. What meanes do you make to him ? 

Pojl. Not any : but abide the change of Time, 
Quake in the prefent winters ftate, and wifti 
That warmer dayes would come : In thefe fear'd hope 
I barely gratifie your loue; they faylingt 
I muft die much your debtor. 

Phil. Your very goodneffe, and your company, 
Ore-payes all I can do. By this your King, 
Hath heard of Great Auguftus : Caiui Lucius, 
Will do's Commiffion throughly. And I think 



Hee'le grant the Tribute : fend th'Arrerages, 

Or looke vpon our Romaines, whofe remembrance 

Is yet frefti in their griefe. 

Poft. I do beleeue 
(Statift though I am none, nor like to be) 
That this will proue a Warre; and you fhall heare 
The Legion now in Gallia, fooner landed 
In our not-fearing-Britaine, then haue tydings 
Of any penny Tribute paid. Our Countrymen 
Are men more order'd, then when Iulius Ctzjar 
Smil'd at their lacke of skill, but found their courage 
Worthy his frowning at. Their difcipline, 
(Now wing-led with their courages) will make knowne 
To their Approuers, they are People, fuch 
That'mend vpon the world. Enter lachimo. 

Phi. See lachimo. 

Poft. The fwifteft Harts, haue ported you by land; 
And Windes of all the Corners kifs'd your Sailes, 
To make your veffell nimble. 

Phil. Welcome Sir. 

Poft. I hope the briefenefTe of your anfwere, made 
The fpeedineile of your returne. 

Iachi. Your Lady, 
Is one of the fayreft that I haue look'd vpon 

Poft. And therewithall the beft, or let her beauty 
Looke thorough a Cafement to allure falfe hearts, 
And be falfe with them. 

Iachi. Heere are Letters for you. 

Poft. Their tenure good I truft. 

lach. 'Tis very like. 

Poft. Was Caius Lucius in the Britaine Court, 
When you were there ? 

Iach. He was expected then, 
But not approach'd. 

Toft. All is well yet. 
Sparkles this Stone as it was wont, or is't not 
Too dull for your good wearing ? 

Iach. Ifl haue loft it, 
I Ihould haue loft the worth of it in Gold, 
He make a iourney twice as farre, t'enioy 
A fecond night of fuch fweet ftiortneffe, which 
Was mine in Britaine, for the Ring is wonne. 

Poft. The Stones too hard to come by. 

Iach. Not a whit, 
Your Lady being fo eafy. 

Toft. Make note Sir 
Your loffe, your Sport : I hope you know that we 
Muft not continue Friends. 

Iach. Good Sir, we muft 
If you keepe Couenant : had I not brought 
The knowledge of your Miftris home, I grant 
We were to queftion farther; but I now 
Profeffemy felfe the winner of her Honor, 
Together with your Ring; and not the wronger 
Of her, or you hauing proceeded but 
By both your willes. 

Poft. If you can mak't apparant 
That yon haue tafted her in Bed; my hand, 
And Ring is yours. If not, the foule opinion 
You had ofher pure Honour; gaines,or loofes, 
Your Sword, or mine, or Mafterleffe leaue both 
To who mall finde them. 

Iach. Sir, my Circumftances 
Being fo nere the Truth, as I will make them, 
Muft firft induce you to beleeue; whofe ftrength 
I will confirme wit h oath, which I doubt not 



The Tragedie of Cymbelme. 



389 



*°u'l giue me leaue to fpare, when you mall finde 
* °u neede it not. 
Poft. Proceed. 
Iacb. Firft, her Bed-chamber 
(Where I confeffe I flept not, but profefle 
Had that was well worth watching) it was hang'd 
With Tapiftry of Silke,and Siluer, the Story 
Proud Cleopatra, when me met her Roman, 
And Sidnut fwell'd aboue the Bankes, or for 
The prefle of Boates, or Pride. A peece of Worke 
So brauely done, fo rich, that it did ftriue 
In Workemanmip, and Value, which I wonder'd 
Could be fo rarely, and exaftly wrought 
Since the true life on't was 

Poft. This is true : 
And this you might haue heard of heere, by me, 
Or by fome other. 

Iacb. More particulars 
Muft iuftifie my knowledge. 

Poft. So they muft, 
Or doe your Honour iniury. 

Iacb. The Chimney 
Is South the Chamber, and the Chimney-peece 
Chafte Dian, bathing : neuer faw I figures 
So likely to report themfelues ; the Cutter 
Was as another Nature dumbe, out-went her, 
Motion, and Breath left out. 

Poft. This is a thing 
Which you might from Relation likewife reape, 
Being, as it is, much fpoke of. 

Iach. The Roofe o'th'Chamber, 
With golden Cherubins is fretted. Her Andirons 
(I had forgot them) were two winking Cupids 
Of Siluer, each on one foote (landing, nicely 
Depending on their Brands. 

Poft. This is her Honor : 
Let it be granted you haue feene all this (and praife 
Be giuen to your remembrance) the defcription 
Of what is in her Chamber, nothing faues 
The wager you haue laid. 

Iach. Then if you can 
Be pale, I begge but leaue to ayre this Iewell : See, 
And now 'tis vp againe : it muft be married 
To that your Diamond, He keepe them. 

Poft. Ioue 

Once more let me behold it : Is it that 
Which I left with her ? 

Iacb. Sir(I thanke her) that 
She ftript it from her Arme : I fee her yet : 
Her pretty Action, did out-fell her guift, 
And yet enrich'd it too : me gaue it me, 
And faid, me priz'd it once. 

Poft. May be, me pluck'd it off 
To fend it me. 

Iach. She writes fo to you ? doth mee ? 

Poft. O no, no, no, 'tis true. Heere, take this too, 
It is a Bafiliske vnto mine eye, 
Killes me to looke on't : Let there be no Honor, 
Where there is Beauty : Truth, where femblance : Loue, 
Where there's another man. The Vowes of Women, 
Of no more bondage be, to where they are made, 
Then they are to their Vertues, which is nothing : 
O, aboue meafure falfe. 

Phil. Haue patience Sir, 
And take your Ring againe, 'tis not yet wonne : 
It may be probable me loft it : or 



-869 



Who knowes if one her women, being corrupted 
Hath ftolne it from her. 

Poft. Very true, 
And fo I hope he came by't : backe my Ring, 
Render to me fome corporall figne about her 
More euident then this : for this was ftolne. 

Iach. By Iupiter, I had it from her Arme. 

Poft. Hearke you, he fweares : by Iupiter he fweares. 
'Tis true, nay keepe the Ring 5 'tis true : I am fure 
She would not loofe it : her Attendants are 
All fworne, and honourable : they induc'd to fteale it ? 
And by a Stranger ? No, he hath enioy'd her, 
The Cognifance of her incontinencie 
Is this : flie hath bought the name of Whore, thus deerly 
There, take thy hyre, and all the Fiends of Hell 
Diuide themfelues betweene you. 

Phil. Sir, be patient : 
This is not ftrong enough to be beleeu'd 
Of one perfwaded well of. 
Poft. Neuer talke on't : 
She hath bin colted by him. 

Iacb. If you feeke 
For further fatisfying, vnder her Breaft 
(Worthy her preffing) lyes a Mole, right proud 
Of that moft delicate Lodging. By my life 
I kift it, and it gaue me prefent hunger 
To feede againe, though'full. You do remember 
This ftaine vpon her ? 

Poft. I, and it doth confirme 
Another ftaine, as bigge as Hell can hold, 
Were there no more but it. 

Iacb. Will you heare more ? 

Poft. Spare your Arethmaticke, 
Neuer count the Turnes : Once, and a Million. 

Iacb. He be fworne. 

Poft. No fwearing : 
If you will fweare you haue not done't, you lye, 
And I will kill thee, if thou do'ft deny 
Thou'ft made me Cuckold. 

Iacb. He deny nothing. 

Poft. O that I had her heere, to teare her Limb-meale: 
I will go there and doo't, i'th'Court, before 
Her Father. He do fomething. Sxit. 

Phil. Quite befides 
The gouernment of Patience. You haue wonne : 
Let's follow him, and peruert the prefent wrath 
He hath againft himfelfe. 

Iach. With all my heart. Exeunt. 

Enter PofthumiU. 

Poft. Is there no way for Men to be, but Women 
Muft be halfe-workers ? We are all Baftards, 
And that moft venerable man, which I 
Did call my Father, was, I know not where 
When I was ftampt. Some Coyner with his Tooles 
Made me a counterfeit : yet my Mother feem'd 
The Dian of that time : fo doth my Wife 
The Non-pareill of this. Oh Vengeance, Vengeance ! 
Me of my lawfull pleafure me reftrain'd, 
And pray'd me oft forbearance : did it with 
A pudencie fo Rofie, the fweet view on't 
Might well haue warm'd olde Saturne ; 
That I thought her 

As Chafte, as vn-Sunn'd Snow. Oh, all the Diuels ! 
This yellow Iachimo in an houre, was't not ? 

a a a 2 Or 



3 8o 



The Tragedy of Cymbeline. 



Or lefle; at firft? Perchance he fpoke not, but 

Like a full Acorn'd Boare,a Iarmen on, 

Cry'de oh, and mounted ; found no oppofition 

But what he look'd for, mould oppofe, and fhe 

Should from encounter guard. Could I finde out 

The Womans part in me, for there's no motion 

That tends to vice in man, but I affirme 

It is the Womans part : be it Lying, note it, 

The womans : Flattering, hers ; Decerning, hers : 

Luft, and ranke thoughts, hers, hers : Reuenges hers : 

Ambitions, Couetings, change of Prides, Difdaine, 

Nice-longing, Slanders, Mutability ; 

All Faults that name, nay, that Hell knowes, 

Why hers, in part, or all : but rather all For euen to Vice 

They are not conftant, but are changing ftill ; 

One Vice, but of a minute old, for one 

Not halfe fo old as that. He write againft them, 

Deteft them, curfe them : yet 'tis greater Skill 

In a true Hate, to pray they haue their will : 

The very Diuels cannot plague them better. Exit. 



■ Actus Tertius. Scena ^Prima. 



Enter in State , Cymbeline , Queene, Clotten, and Lords at 
one doore , and at another , Caius , Lucius , 
and Attendants . 

Cym. Now fay, what would Auguftus Cajar with vs? 

Luc. When Julius Cajar (whofe remembrance yet 
Liues in mens eyes, and will to Eares and Tongues 
Be Theame, and hearing euer) was in this Britain, 
And Conquer'd it, Cajfibulan thine Vnkle 
(Famous in Cajars pravfes, no whit lefle 
Then in his Feats deferuing it) for him, 
And his Succeflion, granted Rome a Tribute, 
Yeerely three thoufand pounds; which(by thee)lately 
Is left vntender'd. 

S^u. And to kill the meruaile, 
Shall be fo euer. 

Clot. There be many Cajars, 
Ere fuch another Iulius : Britaine's a world 
By it felfe, and we will nothing pay 
For wearing our owne Nofes. 

£>u. That opportunity 
Which then they had to take from's, to refume 
We haue againe. Remember Sir, my Liege, 
The Kings your Anceftors, together with 
The naturall brauery of your Ifle, which ftands 
As Neptunes Parke, ribb'd, and pal'd in 
With Oakes vnskaleable, and roaring Waters, 
With Sands that will not beare your Enemies Boates, 
But fucke them vp to'th'Top-maft. A kinde of Conqueft 
Cajar made heere, but made not heere his bragge 
Of Came, and Saw, and Ouer-came : with ftiame 
(The firft that euer touch'd him) he was carried 
From off our Coaft, twice beaten : and his Shipping 
(Poore ignorant Baubles) on our terrible Seas 
Like Egge-ihels mou'd vpon their Surges, crack'd 
As eafily 'gainft our Rockes. For ioy whereof, 
The fam'd Cajfibulan, who was once at point 
(Oh giglet Fortune) to matter Cajars Sword, 
Made Luds-Towne with reioycing-Fires bright, 



And Britaines ftrut with Courage. 

Clot. Come, there's no more Tribute to be paid : our 
Kingdome is ftronger then it was at that time : and (as I 
faid ) there is no mo fuch Cajars, other of them may haue 
crook'd Nofes, but to owe fuch ftraite Armes, none. 

Cym. Son, let your Mother end. 

Clot. We haue yet many among vs, can gripe as hard 
as Cajfibulan, I doe not fay I am one : but I haue a hand. 
Why Tribute? Why fhould we pay Tribute ? If Cajar 
can hide the Sun from vs with a Blanket,or put the Moon 
in his pocket, we will pay him Tribute for light: elfe Sir, 
no more Tribute, pray you now. 

Cym. You muft know, 
Till the iniurious Romans, did extort 
This Tribute from vs, we were free. Cajars Ambition, 
Which fwell'd fo much, that it did almoft ftretch 
The fides o'th'World, againft all colour heere, 
Did put the yoake vpon's; which to /hake off 
Becomes a warlike people, whom we reckon 
Our felues to be, we do. Say then to Cajar, 
Our Anceftor was that Mulmutius, which 
Ordain'd our Lawes, whofe vfe the Sword of Cajar 
Hath too much mangled ; whofe repayre, and franchife, 
Shall (by the power we hold) be our good deed, 
Tho Rome be therfore angry . Mulmutius made our lawes 
Who was the firft of Britaine, which did put 
His browes within a golden Crowne,and call'd 
Himfelfe a King, 

Luc. I am forry Cymbeline, 
That I am to pronounce Auguftus Cajar 
{Cajar, that hath moe Kings his Seruants,then 
Thy felfe Domefticke Officers) thine Enemy : 
Receyue it from me then. Warre, and Confufion 
In Cajars name pronounce I 'gainft thee : Looke 
For fury, not to be refilled. Thus defide, 
I thanke thee for my felfe. 

Cym. Thou art welcome Caius, 
Thy Cajar Knighted me ; my youth I fpent 
Much vnder him ; of him, I gather'd Honour, 
Which he, to feeke of me againe, perforce, 
Behooues me keepe at vtterance. I am perfect, 
That the Pannonians and Dalmatians, for 
Their Liberties are now in Armes : a Prefident 
Which not to reade, would mew the Britaines cold : 
So Cajar fliall not finde them. 

Luc. Let proofe fpeake. 

Clot. His Maiefty biddes you welcome. Make pa- 
ftime with vs, a day, or two, or longer : if you feek vs af- 
terwards in other tearmes, you Ihall finde vs in our Salt- 
water-Girdle : if you beate vs out of it, it is yours: if you 
fall in the aduenture, our Crowes lhall fare the better for 
you : and there's an end. 

Luc. So fir. 

Cym. I know your Matters pleafure, and he mine: 
All the Remaine, is welcome. Exeunt. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Pijanio reading of a Letter. 
Pij. How? of Adultery ? Wherefore write you not 
What Monfters her accufe ? Leonatui : 
Oh Mafter, what a ftrange infection 



The Tragedie of Cymbehne. 



381 



Is falne into thy eare? What falfe Italian, 

(As poyfonous tongu'd.as handed )hath preuail'd 

On thy too ready hearing ? Difloyall ? No. 

She's punifh'd for her Truth; and vndergoes 

More GoddefTe-like,then Wife-like; fuch Aflaults 

As would take in fome Vertue. Oh my Mafter, 

Thy mind to her, is now as lowe, as were 

Thy Fortunes. How ? That I fhould murther her, 

Vpon the Loue,and Truth, and Vowesjwhich I 

Haue made to thy command ? I her ? Her blood ? 

If it be fo , to do good feruice, neuer 

Let me be counted feruiceable. How looke I, 

That I fhould feeme to lacke humanity, 

So much as this Fail: comes to i Doo't :'The Letter. 

That I haue fent her, by her owne command, 

Shall giue thee opportunitie. Oh damn'd paper, 

Blacke as the Inke that's on thee : fenfelefle bauble, 

Art thou a Fcedarie for this Aft; and look'ft 

So Virgin-like without ? Loe here fhe comes. 

Enter Imogen. 
I am ignorant in what I am commanded. 

Jmo. How now Pifanio? 

Pif. Madam, heere is a Letter from my Lord. 

Imo. Who, thy Lord ? That is my Lord Leonatus ? 
Oh,learn'd indeed were that Aftronomer 
That knew the Starres, as I his Charafters, 
Heel'd lay the Future open. You good Gods, 
Let what is heere contain'd, rellifh of Loue, 
Of my Lords health, of his content : yet not 
That we two are afunder, let that grieue him; 
Some griefes are medcinable,that is one of them, 
For it doth phyficke Loue, of his content, 
All but in that. Good Wax, thy leaue : bleft be 
You Bees that make thefe Lockes of counlaile. Louers, 
And men in dangerous Bondes pray not alike, 
Though Forfeytours you caft in prifon,yet 
You clafpe young Cupids Tables : good Newes Gods. 

T Vfiice, and your Fathers wrath (Jbould he ta^e me in his 
■*• Dominion) could not be Jo cruell to me, as you : {oh the dee- 
reil of Creatures)would euen renew me with your eyes. Tal^e 
notice that I am in Cambria at Milford-Hauen : what your 
owne Loue,will out of this aduife you, follow. So he wifhes you 
all happineffe,that remaines toy all to his Vow, and your encrea- 
Jing in Loue. Leonatus Pofthumus . 

Oh for a Horfe with wings :Hear'ft thou Pifanio? 

He is at Milford-Hauen : Read, and tell me 

How farre 'tis thither. If one of meane affaires 

May plod it in a weeke, why may not I 

Glide thither in a day ? Then true Pifanio, 

Who long'ft like me, to fee thy Lord; who long'ft 

(Oh let me bate)but not like me : yet long'ft 

But in a fainter kinde. Oh not like me : 

For mine's beyond, beyond : fay,and fpeake thicke 

(Loues Counfailor fhould fill the bores of hearing, 

To'th'fmothering of the Senfe)how farre it is 

To this fame bleffed Milford. And by'th'way 

Tell me how Wales was made {o happy, as j 

T'inherite fuch a Hauen. But firft of all, 

How weimay fteale from hence: and for the gap 

That we fhall make in Time, from our hence-going, 

And our returne, to excufe : but firft, how ger hence. 

Why fhould excufe be borne or ere begot ? 

Weele talke of that heereafter. Prythee fpeake, 

How many ftore of Miles may we well rid 



Twixt houre, and houre ? 

Pif. One fcore 'twixt Sun, and Sun, 
Madam's enough for you : and too much too. 

Imo. Why, one that rode to's Excution Man, 
Could neuer go fo flow. I haue heard of Riding wagers, 
Where Horfes haue bin nimbler then the Sands 
That run i'th'Clocks behalfe. But this is Foolrie, 
Go, bid my Woman faigne a Sickne(Te,fay 
She'le home to her Father ; and prouide me prefently 
A Riding Suit : No coftlier then would fit 
A Franklins Hufwife. 

Pifa. Madam, you're beft confider. 

Imo. I fee before me(Man) nor heere, not heere; 
Nor what enfues but haue a Fog in them 
That I cannot looke through. Away, I prythee, 
Do as I bid thee : There's no more to fay: 
Acceffible is none but Milford way. Exeunt. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter *Be/ar ius , Guiderius , and Aruirag as. 

Bel. A goodly day, not to keepe houfe with fuch, 
Whole Roofe's as lowe as ours : Sleepe Boyes,this gate 
Inftrufts you how t'adore the Heauens; and bowes you 
To a mornings holy office. The Gates of Monarches 
Are Arch'd fo high, that Giants may iet through 
And keepe their impious Turbonds on, without 
Good morrow to the Sun. Haile thou faire Heauen, 
We houfe i'th'Rocke,yet vfe thee not fo hardly 
As prouder liuers do. 

Guid. Haile Heauen. 

Aruir. Haile Heauen. 

Bela. Now for our Mountaine fport, vp to yond hill 
Your legges are yong : He tread thefe Flats. Confider, 
When you aboue perceiue me like a Crow, 
That it is Place, which leflen's.and fets off, 
And you may then reuolue what Tales, I haue told you, 
Of Courts, of Princes; of the Tricks in Warre. 
This Seruice, is notSeruice; fo being done, 
But being fo allowed. To apprehend thus, 
Drawes vs a profit from all things we fee : 
And often to our comfort, lhall we finde 
The fharded-Beetle,in a fafer hold 
Then is the full-wing'd Eagle. Oh this life, 
Is Nobler, then attending for a checke : 
Richer, then doing nothing for a Babe: 
Prouder, then rufthng in vnpayd-for Silke : 
Such gaine the Cap of him, that makes him fine, 
Yet keepes his Booke vncros'd : no life to ours. 

Gui.Out of your proofe you fpeak:we poore vnfledg'd 
Haue neuer wing'd from view o'th'neft; nor knowes not 
What Ayre's from home. Hap'ly this life is beft, 
(If quiet life be beft)fweeter to you 
That haue a (harper knowne. Well correfponding 
With your ftiffe Age; but vnto vs,it is 
A Cell of Ignorance : trauailing a bed, 
A Prifon,or a Debtor, that not dares 
To ftride a limit. 

Arui. What fhould we fpeake of 
When we are old as you ? When we fhall heare 
The Raine and winde beate darke December? How 
In this our pinching Caue, fhall we difcourfe 

aaa 3 The 



3 82 



The Tragedy of Cymbeline. 



™he freezing houres away ? We haue feene nothing : 
We are beaftly; fubtle as the Fox for prey, 
Like warlike as the Wolfe, for what we eate : 
Our Valour is to chace what flyes : Our Cage 
We make a Quire, as doth the prifon'd Bird, 
And ling our Bondage freely. 

Bel. How you fpeake. 
Did you but know the Citfies Vfuries, 
And felt them knowingly : the Art o'th'Court, 
As hard to leaue, as keepe : whofe top to climbe 
Is certaine falling : or fo flipp'ry, that 
The feare's as bad as falling. The toyle o'th'Warre, 
A paine that onely feemes to feeke out danger 
I'th'name of Fame, and Honor, which dyes i'th'fearch, 
And hath as oft a fland'rous Epitaph, 
As Record of faire Aft. Nay, many times' 
Doth ill deferue, by doing well : what's worfe 
Mnft curt'fie at the Cenfure. Oh Boyes, this Storie 
The World may reade in me : My bodie's mark'd 
With Roman Swords ; and my report, was once 
Firft, with the beft of Note. Cymbeline lou'd me, 
And when a Souldier was the Theame, my name 
Was not farre off: then was I as a Tree 
Whofe boughes did bend with fruit. But in one night, 
A Storme, or Robbery (call it what you will) 
Shooke downe my mellow hangings : nay my Leaues, 
And left me bare to weather. 

Gut. Vncertaine fauour. 

'Bel. My fault being nothing (as I haue told you oft) 
But that two Villaines, whofe falfe Oathes preuayl'd 
Before my perfeft Honor, fwore to Cymbeline, 
I was Confederate with the Romanes : fo 
Followed my Banifhment, and this twenty yeeres, 
This Rocke, and thefe Demefnes, haue bene my World, 
Where I haue liu'd at honeft freedome, payed 
More pious debts to Heauen, then in all 
The fore-end of my time. But, vp to'th'Mountaines, 
This is not Hunters Language ; he that ftrikes 
The Venifon firft, mail be the Lord o'th'Feaft, 
To him the other two mall miniiter, 
And we will feare no poyfon, which attends 
In place of greater State : 

He meete you in the Valleyes. Exeunt. 

How hard it is to hide the fparkes of Nature ? 
Thefe Boyes know little they are Sonnes to'th'King, 
Nor Cymbeline dreames that they are aliue. 
They thinke they are mine, 
And though train'd vp thus meanely 
I'th'Caue, whereon the Bowe their thoughts do hit, 
The Roofes of Palaces, and Nature prompts them 
In fimple and lowe things, to Prince it, much 
Beyond the tricke of others. This Paladour, 
The heyre of Cymbeline and Britaine, who 
The King his Father call'd Guiderim . Ioue, 
When on my three-foot ftoole I fit, and tell 
The warlike feats I haue done, his fpirits fiye out 
Into my Story : fay thus mine Enemy fell, 
And thus I fet my foote on's necke, euen then 
The Princely blood flowes in his Cheeke, he fweats, 
Straines his yong Nerues, and puts himfelfe in pofture 
That acts my words. The yonger Brother Cadwall, 
Once Aruiragm, in as like a figure 
Strikes life into my fpeech, and fhewes much more 
His owne conceyuing. Hearke, the Game is rows'd, 
Oh Cymbeline, Heauen and my Confcience knowes 
Thou didd'ft vniuftly banilh me : whereon 



At three, and two yeeres old, I ftole thefe Babes, 

Thinking to barre thee of Succeffion, as 

Thou refts me of my Lands. Euriphile, 

Thou was't their Nurfe, they took thee for their mother, 

And euery day do honor to her graue : 

My felfe Belarius, that am Mergan call'd 

They take for Naturall Father. The Game is vp. Exit. 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter Pijanio and Imogen. 

Imo. Thou told'ft me when we came fro horfe, y place 
Was neere at hand : Ne're long'd my Mother fo 
To fee me firft, as I haue now . Pijanio, Man : 
Where is Pofthumtu f What is in thy mind 
That makes thee flare thus ? Wherefore breaks that figh 
From th'inward of thee? One, but painted thus 
Would be interpreted a thing perplex'd 
Beyond felfe-explication. Put thy felfe 
Into a hauiour of lefie feare, ere wildnefle 
Vanquiih my ftayder Senfes. What's the matter? 
Why tender'ft thou that Paper to me, with 
A looke vntender? IPt be Summer Newes 
Smile too't before : if Winterly, thou need'ft 
But keepe that count'nance ftil. My Husbands hand ? 
That Drug-damn'd Italy, hath out-craftied him, 
And hee's at fome hard point. Speake man, thy Tongue 
May take off fome extreamitie, which to reade 
Would be euen mortall to me. 

Pif. Pleafe you reade, 
And you ihall finde me (wretched man) a thing 
The moft difdain'd of Fortune. 

Imogen reades. 

THy cMiftris {Pijanio) hath plaide the Strumpet in my 
"Bed : the Tejlimonies whereof, lyes bleeding in me. I Jpea\ 
not out of 'weahe Surmijes , but from proof e as ftrong as my 
greefe , and as certaine as I expetl my Reuenge. That part, thou 
( Pijanio ) muft aBe for me, if thy Faith be not tainted with the 
breach of hers ; let thine owne hands take away her life : IJhall 
giue thee opportunity at Milford Hauen. She hath my Letter 
for the purpoje ; where, if thou feare toftrify, and to make mee 
certaine it is done, thou art the Pander to her dfhonour, and 
equally to me difloyall. 

PiJ. What mall I need to draw my Sword, the Paper 
Hath cut her throat alreadie ? No, 'tis Slander, 
Whofe edge is Iharper then the Sword, whofe tongue 
Out-venomes all the Wormes of Nyle, whofe breath 
Rides on the porting windes, and doth belye 
All corners of the World. Kings, Queenes, and States, 
Maides, Matrons, nay the Secrets of the Graue 
This viperous flander enters. What cheere, Madam ? 

Imo. Falfe to his Bed ? What is it to be falfe ? 
To lye in watch there, and to thinke on him? 
To weepe 'twixt clock and clock? If deep charge Nature, 
To breake it with a fearfull dreame of him, 
And cry my felfe awake ? That's falfe to's bed ? Is it ? 

Pija. Alas good Lady. 

Imo. I falfe ? Thy Confcience witnefTe \Iachimo, 
Thou didd'ft accufe him of Incontinence, 
Thou then look'dft like a Villaine : now, me thinkes 

Thy 



The Tragedie of Cymbehne. 



383 



Thy fauours good enough. Some lay of Italy 

( Whofe mother was her painting) hath betraid him : 

Poore I am ftale, a Garment out of fafhion, 

And for I am richer then to hang by th'walles, 

I muft be ript : To peeces with me : Oh ! 

Mens Vowes are womens Traitors. All good feeming 

By thy reuolt(oh Husband) mall be thought 

Put on for Villainy ; not borne where't growes, 

But worne a Baite for Ladies. 

Pifa. Good Madam, heare me. 

Imo. True honeft men being heard, like falfe c/£W<k, 
Were in his time thought falfe : and Synons weeping 
Did fcandall many a holy teare : tooke pitty 
From moft true wretched neffe. So thou, Pofthumus 
Wilt lay the Leauen on all proper men j 
Goodly, and gallant, mail be falfe and periur'd 
From thy great faile : Come Fellow, be thou honeft, 
Do thou thy Mailers bidding. When thou feeft. him, 
A little witneffe my obedience. Looke 
I draw the Sword my felfe, take it, and hit 
The innocent Manfion of my Loue (my Heart:) 
Feare not, 'tis empty of all things, but Greefe : 
Thy Matter is not there, who was indeede 
The riches of it. Do his bidding, ftrike, 
Thou mayft be valiant in a better caufe ; 
But now thou feem'ft a Coward. 

Pif. Hence vile Inftrument, 
Thou malt not damne my hand. 

Imo. Why, I muft dye : 
And if I do not by thy hand, thou art 
No Seruant of thy Matters. Againft Selfe-flaughter, 
There is a prohibition fo Diuine, 

That crauens my weake hand : Come, heere's my heart : 
Something's a-foot : Soft, foft, wee'l no defence, 
Obedient as the Scabbard. What is heere, 
The Scriptures of the Loyall Leonatus, 
All turn'd to Herefie ? Away,away 
Corrupters of my Faith, you mall no more 
Be Stomachers to my heart : thus may poore Fooles 
Beleeue falfe Teachers : Though thole that are betraid 
Do feele the Treafon fharpely, yet the Traitor 
Stands in worfe cafe of woe. And thou Pojlhumus, 
That didd'ft fet vp my difobedience 'gainft the King 
My Father, and makes me put into contempt the fuites 
Of Princely Fellowes, malt heereafter finde 
It is no adte of common paffage, but 
A ftraine of Rareneffe: and I greeue my felfe, 
To thinke, when thou malt be difedg'd by her, 
That now thou tyreft on, how thy memory 
Will then be pang'd by me. Prythee difpatch, 
The Lambe entreats the Butcher. Wher's thy knife? 
Thou art too flow to do thy Mafters bidding 
When I defire it too. 

Pif. Oh gracious Lady : 
Since I receiu'd command to do this bufineffe, 
I haue not flept one winke. 

Imo. Doo't,and to bed then. 

Pif. He wake mine eye-balles firft. 

Imo. Wherefore then 
Didd'ft vndertake it? Why haft thou abus'd 
So many Miles, with a pretence ? This place ? 
Mine Action ? and thine owne/Our Horfes labour? 
The Time inuiting thee? The perturb'd Court 
For my being abfent ? whereunto I neuer 
Purpofe returne. Why haft thou gone fo farre 
To be vn-bent ? when thou haft'tane thy ftand, 



873 



Th'eledted Deere before thee ? 

Pif. But to win time 
To loofe fo bad employment, in the which 
I haue confider'd of a courfe: good Ladie 
Heare me with patience. 

Imo. Talke thy tongue weary, fpeake : 
I haue heard I am a Strumpet, and mine eare 
Therein falfe ftrooke, can take no greater wound, 
Nor tent, to bottome that. But fpeake. 

Pif. Then Madam, 
I thought you would not backe againe. 

Imo. Moft like, 
Bringing me heere to kill me. 

Pif. Notfo neither: 
But if I were as wife, as honeft, then 
My purpofe would proue well : it cannot be, 
But that my Mafter is abus'd. Some Villaine, 
I, and Angular in his Art, hath done you both 
This curfed iniurie. 

Imo. Some Roman Curtezan ? 

Pifa. No, on my life: 
He giue but notice you are dead, and fend him 
Some bloody figne of it. For 'tis commanded 
I fhould do fo : you mall be mift at Court, 
And that will well confirme it. 

Imo. Why good Fellow, 
What mall I do the while ? Where bide ? How Hue ? 
Or in my life, what comfort, when I am 
Dead to my Husband ? 

Pif. If you'l backe to'th'Court. 

Imo. No Court, no Father, nor no more adoe 
With that harm, noble, Ample nothing: 
That Clotten, whofe Loue-fuite hath bene to me 
As fearefull as a Siege. 

Pif. If not at Court, 
Then not in Britaine muft you bide. 

Imo. Where then? 
Hath Britaine all the Sunne that mines? Day? Night? 
Are they not but in Britaine? I'th' worlds Volume 
Our Britaine feemes as of it, but not in't : 
In a great Poole, a Swannes-neft, prythee thinke 
There's liuers out of Britaine. 

Pif. I am moft glad 
You thinke of other place : Th'Ambaffador, 
Lucius the Romane comes to Milford-Hauen 
To morrow. Now, if you could weare a minde 
Darke, as your Fortune is, and but difguife 
That which t'appeareit felfe, muft not yet be, 
But by felfe-danger, you fhould tread a courfe 
Pretty, and full of view: yea, happily, neere 
The refidence of Pofthumus ; fo nie ( at leaft) . 
That though his Aftions were not vifible, yet 
Report mould render him hourely to your eare, 
As truely as he mooues. 

Imo. Oh for fuch meanes, 
Though perill to my modeftie, not death on't 
I would aduenture. 

Pif. Well then, heere's the point : 
You muft forget to be a Woman : change 
Command, into obedience. Feare, and Niceneffe 
(The Handmaides of all Women, or more truely 
Woman it pretty felfe) into a waggim courage, 
Ready in gybes, quicke-anfwer'd, fawcie,and 
As quarrellous as the Weazell : Nay, you muft 
Forget that rareft Treafure of your Cheeke, 
Expofing it ( but oh the harder heart, 



The Tragedy of Cymbeline. 



Alacke no remedy ) to the greedy touch 
Of common-killing Titan: and forget 
Your labourfome and dainty Trimmes, wherein 
You made great luno angry. 

Imo. Nay be breefe ? 
I fee into thy end, and am almoft 
A man already. 

Pif. Firft, make your felfe but like one, 
Fore-thinking this. I haue already fit 
("Tis in my Cloake-bagge) Doublet, Hat, Hofe,all 
That anfwer to them : Would you in their feruing, 
( And with what imitation you can borrow 
From youth of fuch a feafon) 'fore Noble Lucius 
Prefent your felfe, defire his feruice : tell him 
Wherein you're happy ; which will make him know, 
If that his head haue eare in Muficke, doubtleffe 
With ioy he will imbrace you : for hee's Honourable, 
And doubling that, moft holy. Your meanes abroad : 
You haue me rich, and I will neuer faile 
Beginning, nor fupplyment. 

Imo. Thou art all the comfort 
The Gods will diet me with. Prythee away, 
There's more to be confider'd : but wee'l euen 
All thEt good time will giue vs. This attempt, 
I am Souldier too, and will abide it with 
A Princes Courage. Away, I prythee. 

Pif. Well Madam, we muft take a (hort farewell, 
Leaft being mift, I be fufpefted of 
Your carriage from the Court. My Noble Miftris, 
Heere is a boxe, I had it from the Queene, 
What's in't is precious : If you are ficke at Sea, 
Or Stomacke-qualm'd at Land, a Dramme of this 
Will driue away diftemper. To fome made, 
And fit you to your Manhood : may the Gods 
Direct you to the beft. 

Imo, Amen : I thanke thee. Exeunt. 



Scena Quinta. 



Enter Cymbeline, <$ueene, Clot en , Lucius , 
and Lords. 

Cym. Thus farre. and fo farewell. 

Luc. Thankes, Royall Sir : 
My Emperor hath wrote, I muft from hence, 
And am right forry, that I muft report ye 
My Mafters Enemy. 

Cym. OurSubieas(Sir) 
Will not endure his yoake; and for our felfe 
To (hew leffe Soueraignty then they, muft needs 
Appeare vn-Kinglike. 

Luc. So Sir : I defire of you 
A Conduct ouer Land, to Milford-Hauen. 
Madam, all ioy befall your Grace, and you. 

Cym. My Lords, you are appointed for that Office : 
The due of Honor, in no point omit : 
So farewell Noble Lucius. 

Luc. Your hand, my Lord. 

Clot. Receiue it friendly : but from this time forth 
I weare it as your Enemy. 

Luc. Sir, the Euent 
Is yet to name the winner. Fare you well. 

Cym. Leaue not the worthy Lucius, good my Lords 
Till he haue croft the Seuern. Happines. Exit Lucius,&c 



Qu. He goes hence frowning : but it honours vs 
That we haue giuen him caufe. 

Clot. 'Tis all the better, 
Your valiant Britaines haue their wifhes in it. 

Cym. Lucius hath wrote already to the Emperor 
How it goes heere. It fits vs therefore ripely 
Our Chariots, and our Horfemen be in readinefle : 
The Powres that he already hath in Gallia 
Will foone be drawne to head, from whence he moues 
His warre for Britaine. 

S^u. 'Tis not fleepy bufinefTe, 
But muft be look'd too fpeedily,and ftrongly. 

Cym. Our expectation that it would be thus 
Hath made vs forward. But my gentle Queene, 
Where is our Daughter ? She hath not appear'd 
Before the Roman, nor to vs hath tender'd 
The duty of the day. She looke vs like 
A thing more made of malice, then of duty, 
We haue noted it. Call her before vs, for 
We haue beene too flight in fufferance. 

Qu. Royall Sir, 
Since the exile of Pojlbumus ,mo& retyr'd 
Hath her life bin : the Cure whereof, my Lord, 
'Tis time muft do. Befeech your Maiefty, 
Forbeare (harpe fpeeches to her. Shee's a Lady 
So tender of rebukes, that words are ftroke;, 
And ftrokes death to her. 

Enter a Mejfenger. 

Cym. Where is (he Sir ? How 
Can her contempt be anlwer'd ? 

Mef. Pleafe you Sir, 
Her Chambers are all lock'd, and there's no anfwer 
That will be giuen to'th'lowd of noife, we make. 

Qu. My Lord, when laft I went to vifit her, 
She pray'd me to excufe her keeping clofe, 
Whereto conftrain'd by her infirmitie, 
She Ihould that dutie leaue vnpaide to you 
Which dayly fhe was bound to proffer : this 
She wifh'd me to make knowne : but our great Court 
Made me too blame in memory. 

Cym. Her doores lock'd ? 
Not feene of late? Grant Heauens, that which I 
Feare , proue falfe. Exit . 

Qu. Sonne, I fay, follow the King. 

Clot. That man of hers, Tifanio , her old Seruant 
I haue not feene thefe two dayes. Exit. 

<$u. Go, looke after : 
Pifanio, thou that ftand'ft fo for Toftbumus, 
He hath a Drugge of mine : I pray, his abfence 
Proceed by fwallowing that. For he beleeues 
It is a thing moft precious. But for her, 
Where is (he gone ? Haply difpaire hath feiz'd her : 
Or wing'd with feruourof her loue, (he's flowne 
To her defir'd Poftbumus : gone (he is, 
To death, or to diifionor, and my end 
Can make good vfe of either. Shee being downe, 
I haue the placing of the Brittifti Crowne. 

Enter Cloten. 
How now, my Sonne ? 

Clot. 'Tis certaine (he is fled : 
Go in and cheere the King, he rages, none 
Dare come about him. 

2>u. All the better : may 
This night fore-ftall him of the comming day. Exit Qu. 

Clo. I loue, and hate her : for (he's Faire and Royall, 
And that (he hath all courtly parts more exquifite 

Then 

~ m 



The 'Tragedie of Cymbehne. 



385 



Then Lady, Ladies, Woman, from euery one 
The beft me hath, and lhe of all compounded 
Out-felles them all. I loue her therefore, but 
Difdaining me, and throwing Fauours on 
The low Poflhumui, flanders fo her Judgement, 
That what's elfe rare, is choak'd : and in that point 
I will conclude to hate her, nay indeede, 

To be reueng'd vpon her. For, when Fooles (hall 

Enter Tifanio. 
Who is heere? What, are" you packing firrah ? 
Come hither : Ah you precious Pandar, Villaine, 
Where is thy Lady ? In a word, or elfe 
Thou art ftraightway with the Fiends. 

Pif. Oh, good my Lord. 

Clo. Where is thy Lady ? Or, by Iupiter, 
I will not aske againe. Clofe Villaine, 
lie haue this Secret from thy heart, or rip 
Thy heart to finde it. Is me with Pofthumus ? 
From whofe fo many waights of bafeneffe, cannot 
A dram of worth be drawne. 

Pif. Alas, my Lord, 
How can me be with him ? When was me mifs'd ? 
He is in Rome. 

Clot . Where is me Sir ? Come neerer : 
No farther halting : fatisfie me home, 
What is become of her ? 

Pif. Oh, my all-worthy Lord. 

Clo. All-worthy Villaine, 
Difcouer where thy Miftris is, at once, 
At the next word : no more of worthy Lord : 
Speake, or thy filence on the inftant, is 
Thy condemnation, and thy death. 

Pif. Then Sir : 
This Paper is the hiftorie of my knowledge 
Touching her flight. 

Clo. Let's fee't: I will purfue her 
Euen to Auguftus Throne. 

Pif. Or this, or perilh. 
She's farre enough, and what he learnes by this, 
May proue his trauell, not her danger. 

Clo. Humh. 

Tif. He write to my Lord me's dead : Oh Imogen, 
Safe mayft thou wander, fafe returne agen. 

Clot. Sirra, is this Letter true ? 

fif Sir, as I thinke. 

Clot. It is Pofibumui hand, I know't. Sirrah, if thou 
would'ft not be a Villain, but do me true feruice: vnder- 
go thofe Imployments wherin I fhould haue cau/e to vfe 
thee with a ferious induftry, that is, what villainy foere I 
bid thee do to performe it, directly and truely, I would 
thinke thee an honeft man : thou mould'ft neither want 
my meanes for thy releefe, nor my voyce for thy prefer- 
ment. 

Pif. Well, my good Lord. 

Clot. Wilt thou ferue mee ? For fince patiently and 
conftantty thou haft ftucke to the bare Fortune of that 
Begger Pofthumus, thou canft not in the courfe of grati- 
tude, but be a diligent follower of mine. Wilt thou ferue 
mee ? . 

Pif. Sir, I will. 

Clo. Giue mee thy hand, heere's my purfe. Haft any 
of thy late Mafters Garments in thy poffeffion ? 

Pifan. I haue (my Lord) at my Lodging, the fame 
Suite he wore, when he tooke leaue of my Ladie & Mi- 
ftreffe. 

Clo. The firft feruice thou doft mee, fetch that Suite 



*75 



hither, let it be thy firft feruice, go. 

Pif. I fliall my Lord. Exit. 

Clo. Meet thee at Milford-Hauen : ( I forgot to aske 
him one thing, He remember't anon: ) euen there, thou 
villaine Pofthumus will I kill thee. I would thefe Gar- 
ments were come. She faide vpon a time (the bitternelTe 
of it, I now belch from my heart) that ftiee held the very 
Garment of Poflhumui, in more refpedl, then my Noble 
and naturall perfon ; together with the adornement of 
my Qualities. With that Suite vpon my backe wil I ra- 
uifh her: firft kill him, and in her eyes; there mall me fee 
my valour, which wil then be a torment to hir contempt. 
He on the ground, my fpeech of infulment ended on his 
dead bodie, and when my Luft hath dined (which, as I 
fay, to vex her, I will execute in the Cloathes that lhe fo 
prais'd:)to the Court He knock her backe, foot her home 
againe. She hath defpis'd mee reioycingly, and He bee 
merry in my Reuenge. 

Enter Pifanio. 
Be thofe the Garments ? 

Pif. I, my Noble Lord. 

Qlo. How long is't fince fhe went to Milford-Hauen ? 

Pif. She can fcarfe be there yet. 

Clo. Bring this Apparrell to my Chamber, that is 
the fecond thing that I haue commanded thee. The third 
is, that thou wilt be a voluntarie Mute to my defigne. Be 
but dutious, and true preferment fhall tender it felfe to 
thee. My Reuenge is now at Milford, would I had wings 
to follow it. Come, and be true. Exit 

Pif. Thou bid'ft me to my lofTe : for true to thee, 
Were to proue falfe, which I will neuer bee 
To him that is moft true. To Milford go, 
And finde not her, whom thou purfueft. Flow, flow 
You Heauenly bleffings on her : This Fooles fpeede 
Be croft with flownefle ; Labour be his meede. Exit 



Scena Sexta. 



Enter Imogen alone. 
Imo. I fee a mans life is a tedious one, 
I haue tyr'd my felfe : and for two nights. together 
Haue made the ground my bed. I mould be ficke, 
But that my relolution helpes me : Milford, 
When from the Mountaine top, Pifanio fhew'd thee, 
Thou was't within a kenne. Oh loue, I thinke 
Foundations flye the wretched : fuch I meane, 
Where they fhould be releeu'd. Two Beggers told me, 
I could not mi fie my way. Will poore Folkes lye 
That haue Afflictions on them, knowing 'tis 
A puniflvment, or Triall/ Yes; no wonder, 
When Rich-ones fcarfe tell true. To lapfe in Fulneffe 
Is forer, then to lye for Neede : and Falmood 
Is worfe in Kings, then Beggers. My deere Lord, 
Thou art one o'th'falfe Ones : Now I thinke on thee, 
My hunger's gone ; but euen before, I was 
At point to finke, for Food. But what is this? 
Heere is a path too't ; 'tis fome fauage hold : • 
I were beft not call ; I dare not call : yet Famine 
Ere cleane it o're-throw Nature, makes it valiant. 
Plentie, and Peace breeds Cowards : Hardnefie euer 
Of HardinefTe is Mother. Hoa? who's heere ? 
If any thing that's ciuill, fpeake : if fauage, 

Take, 



3 86 



The Tragedy of Cymbeline . 



Take, or lend. Hoa ? No anfwer f Then He enter. 
Beft draw my Sword ; and if mine Enemy 
But feare the Sword like me, hee'l fcarfely looke on't. 
Such a Foe, good Heauens. Exit 



Seen a Septima. 



Enter "Belariui, Guideriui, and Aruiragui. 

'Bel. You folidore haue prou'd beft Woodman, and 
Are Mafter of the Feaft : Cadwall, and I 
Will play the Cooke, and Seruant, 'tis our match : 
The fweat of induftry would dry, and dye 
But for the end it workes too. Come, our ftomackes 
Will make what's homely, fauoury : Wearineffe 
Can fnore vpon the Flint, when reftie Sloth 
Findes the Downe-pillow hard. Now peace be heere, 
Poore houfe, that keep'ft thy felfe. 

Gui. I am throughly weary. 

Arui. I am weake with toyle, yet ftrong in appetite. 

Gui. There is cold meat i'th'Caue, we'l brouz on that 
Whirft what we haue kill'd, be Cook'd. 

Bel. Stay, come not in : 
But that it eates our viclualles, I fliould thinke 
Heere were a Faiery. 

Gui. What's the matter, Sir ? 

'Bel. By Iupiter an Angell : or if not 
An earthly Paragon. Behold Diuineneffe 
No elder then a Boy. 

Enter Imogen. 

Imo. Good mafters harme me not : 
Before I enter'd heere, I call'd, and thought 
To haue begg'd, or bought, what I haue took: good troth 
I haue ftolne nought, nor would not, though I had found 
Gold ftrew'd i'th'Floore. Heere's money for my Meate, 
I would haue left it on the Boord, fo foone 
As I had made my Meale ; and parted 
With Pray'rs for the Prouider. 

Gui. Money ? Youth. 

tAru. All Gold and Siluer rather turne to durt, 
As 'tis no better reckon'd, but of thofe 
Who worfhip durty Gods. 

Imo. I fee you're angry : 
Know, if you kill me for my fault, I fhould 
Haue dyed, had I not made it. 

Bel. Whether bound? 

Imo. To Milford-Hauen. 

'Bel. What's your name ? 

Imo. Fidele Sir : I haue a Kinfman, who 
Is bound for Italy ; he embark'd at Milford, 
To whom being going, almoft fpent with hunger, 
I am falne in this offence. 

'Bel. Prythee (faire youth) 
Thinke vs no Churles : nor meafure our good mindes 
By this rude place we liue in. Well encounter'd, 
'Tis almoft night, you ihall haue better cheere 
Ere you depart; and thankes to ftay, and eate it : 
Boyes, bid him welcome. 

Gui. Ware you a woman, youth, 
I fhould woo hard, but be your Groome in honefty : 
I bid for you, as I do buy. 

Arui. lie make't my Comfort 
He is a man, He loue him as my Brother : 
And fuch a welcome as I'ld giue to him 



( After long abfence) fuch is yours. Moft welcome : 
Be fprightly, for you fall 'mongft Friends. 

Imo. 'Mongft Friends ? 
If Brothers : would it had bin fo, that they 
Had bin my Fathers Sonnes, then had my prize 
Bin leffe, and fo more equall ballafting 
To thee Poftbumiu. 

'Bel. He wrings at fome diftreffe. 

Gui. Would I could free't. 

Arui. Or I, what ere it be, 
What paine it coft, what danger : Gods ! 

'Bel. Hearke Boyes. 

Imo. Great men 
That had a Court no bigger then this Caue, 
That did attend themfeiues, and had the vertue 
Which their owne Confcience feal'd them : laying by 
That nothing-guift of differing Multitudes 
Could not out-peere thefe twaine. Pardon me Gods, 
I'ld change my fexe to be Companion with them, 
Since Leonatus falfe. 

'Bel. It ihall be fo : 
Boyes wee'l go dreffe our Hunt. Faire youth come in ; 
Diicourfe is heauy, fafting : when we haue fupp'd 
Wee'l mannerly demand thee of thy Story, 
So farre as thou wilt fpeake it. 

Gui. Pray draw neere. 

Arui. The Night to'th'Owle, 
And Morne to th'Larke leffe welcome. 

Imo. Thankes Sir. 

Arui. I pray draw neere. Exeunt. 



Scena OBaua. 



Enter two Roman Senators, and Tribunes. 

l.Sen. This is the tenor of the Emperors Writ 3 
That fince the common men are now in Action 
'Gainft the Pannonians, and Dalmatians, 
And that the Legions now in Gallia, are 
Full weake to vndertake our Warres againft 
The falne-off Britaines, that we do incite 
The Gentry to this bufineffe. He creates 
Luciui Pro-Confull : and to you the Tribunes 
For this immediate Leuy, he commands 
His abfolute Commiffion. Long liue Ctzfar. 

Tri. Is Luciui Generall of the Forces ? 

2. Sen. I. 

Tri. Remaining now in Gallia ? 

i.&». With thofe Legions 
Which I haue fpoke of, whereunto your leuie 
Muft be fuppliant : the words of your Commiffion 
Will tye you to the numbers, and the time 
Of their difpatch. 

Tri. We will difcharge our duty. Exeunt. 



oAttus Quartus. Scena 'Prima. 



Enter Clotten alone. 
Clot I am neere to'th'place where they fhould meet, 
if Pijanio haue mapp'd it truely. How fit his Garments 
ferue me? Why fhould his Miftris who wa9 made by him 

that 

~ — 876 



The Tragedie -of Cymbeline. 



387 



that made the Taylor, not be fit too ? The rather (fauing 
reuerence of the Word ) for 'tis faide a Womans fitneffe 
comes by fits : therein I muft play the Workman, I dare 
fpeake it to my felfe, for it is not Vainglorie for a man, 
and his Glaffe, to confer in his owne Chamber; I meane, 
the Lines of my body are as well drawne as his ; no leffe 
young, more ftrong, not beneath him in Fortunes, be- 
yond him in the aduantage of the time, aboue him in 
Birth, alike conuerfant in generall feruices, and more re- 
markeable in fingle oppofitions ; yet this imperfeuerant 
Thing loues him in my defpight. What Mortalitie is ? 
Pojlbumtu, thy head (which now is growing vppon thy 
moulders) fhall within this houre be off, thy Miftris in* 
forced, thy Garments cut to peeces before thy face : and 
all this done, fpurne her home to her Father, who may 
(happily) be a little angry for my fo rough vfage: but my 
Mother hauing power of his teftineffe, mail turne all in- 
to my commendations. My Horfe is tyed vp fafe , out 
Sword, and to a fore purpofe : Fortune put them into my 
hand : This is the very defcription of their meeting place 
and the Fellow dares not deceiue me. Sxit. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter 'Belariui , Gutderiui , Aruiragm , and 
Imogen from the Caue. 

Bel. You are not well : Remaine heere in the Caue, 
Wee'l come to you after Hunting. 

Arm. Brother, ftay heere : 
Are we not Brothers ? 

Imo. So man and man mould be, 
But Clay and Clay, differs in dignitie, 
Whofe duft is both alike. I am very ficke, 

Gui. Go you to Hunting, He abide with him. 

Imo. So ficke I am not, yet I am not well : 
But not fo Citizen a wanton, as 

To feeme to dye, ere ficke : So pleafe you, leaue me, 
Sticke to your Iournall courfe : the breach of Cuftome, 
Is breach of all. I am ill, but your being by me 
Cannot amend me. Society, is no comfort 
To one not fociable : I am not very ficke, 
Since I can reafon of it : pray you truft me heere, 
He rob none but my felfe, and let me dye 
Stealing fo poorely. 

Gut. I loue thee : I haue fpoke it, 
How much the quantity, the waight as much, 
As I do loue my Father. 

"Bel. What? How? how? 

Arui. If it be finne to fay fo (Sir) I yoake mee 
In my good Brothers fault : I know not why 
I loue this youth, and I haue heard you fay, 
Loue's reafon's, without reafon. The Beere ac doore, 
And a demand who is't mail dye, I'ld fay" 
My Father, not this youth. 

''Bel. Oh noble ftraine \ 
O worthineffe of Nature, breed of Greatneffe \ 
"Cowards father Cowards ,& Bafe things Syre Bace ; 
"Nature hath Meale, and Bran ; Contempt, and Grace. 
I'me not their Father, yet who this mould bee, 
Doth myracle it felfe, lou'd before mee. 
'Tis the ninth houre o'th'Morne. 

Ami. Brother, farewell. 



877 



Imo. I wifti ye fport. 
zArui. You health. — 



-So pleafe you Sir. 



Imo. Thefe are kinde Creatures. 
Gods, what lyes I haue heard : 
Our Courtiers fay, all's fauage, but at Court ; 
Experience, oh thou difproou'ft Report. 
Th'emperious Seas breeds Monfters ; for the Dim, 
Poore Tributary Riuers, as fweet Fifli : 
I am ficke ftill, heart-ficke; Pijanio, 
He now tafte of thy Drugge. 

Gui. I could not ftirre him : 
He faid he was gentle, but vnfortunate; 
Dimoneftly afflicted, but yet honeft. 

Arui. Thus did he aufwer me : yet faid heereafter, 
I might know more. 

Bel. To'th'Field, to'th'Field : 
Wee'l leaue you for this time, go in, and reft. 

Arui. Wee'l not be long away. 

Bel. Pray be not ficke, 
For you muft be our Hufwife. 

Imo. Well, or ill, 
I am bound to you. Exit. 

<Bel. And rfhal't be euer. 
This youth, how ere diftreft,appeares he hath had 
Good Anceftors. 

Arui. How Angell-like he fings ? 

Gui. But his neate Cookerie ? 

Arui. He cut our Rootes in Charra&ers, 
And fawc'ft our Brothes, as Iuno had bin ficke, 
And he her Dieter. 

Arui. Nobly he yoakes 
A fmiling, with a figh ; as if the fighe 
Was that it was, for not being fuch a Smile : 
The Smile, mocking the Sigh, that it would flye 
From fo diuine a Temple, to commix 
With windes, that Saylors raile at. 

Gui. I do note, 
That greefe and patience rooted in them both, 
Mingle their fpurres together. 

Arui. Grow patient, 
And let the ftinking-Elder (Greefe) vntwine 
His periming roote, with the encreafing Vine. 

Bel. It is great morning. Come away : Who's there? 
Enter Cloten. 

Clo. I cannot finde thofe Runnagates,- that Villaine 
Hath mock'd me. I am faint. 

Bel. Thofe Runnagates ? 
Meanes he not vs? I partly know him, 'tis" 
Cloten, the Sonne o'th'Queene. I feare fome Ambufh : 
I faw him not thefe many yeares, and yet 
I know 'tis he : We are held as Out-Lawes : Hence. 

Gui. He is but one : you, and my Brother fearch 
What Companies are neere : pray you away, 
Let me alone with him. 

Clot. Soft, what are you 
That flye me thus ? Some villaine-Mountainers? 
I haue heard of fuch. What Slaue art thoui* 

Gui. A thing. 
More flauilh did I ne're, then anfwering 
A Slaue without a knocke. 

Clot. Thou art a Robber, 
A Law-breaker, a Villaine : yeeld thee Theefe. 

Gui. To who? to thee ? What art thou ? Haue not I 
An arme as bigge as thine ? A heart, as bigge : 
Thy words I grant are bigger : for I weare not 
My Dagger in my mouth. Say what thou art : 

Why 



The Tragedy of Cymbeline. 



Why I fhould yeeld to thee? 

Clot. Thou Villaine bafe, 
Know'ft me not by my Cloathes? 

Gui. No, nor thy Taylor, Rafcall : 
Who is thy Grandfather ? He made thofe cloathes, 
Which (as it feemes) make thee. 

Clo. Thou precious Varlet, 
My Taylor made them not. 

Gui. Hence then, and thanke 
The man that gaue them thee. Thou art fome Foole, 
I am loath to beate thee. 

Clot. Thou iniurious Theefe, 
Heare but my name, and tremble. 

Gui. What's thy name t 

Clo. Cloten, thou Villaine. 

Gui. Qloten, thou double Villaine be thy name, 
I cannot tremble at it, were it Toad, or Adder, Spider, 
'T would moue me fooner. 

Clot. To thy further feare, 
Nay, to thy meere Confufion, thou (halt know 
I am Sonne to'th'Queene. 

Gui. I am forry for't : not feeming 
So worthy as thy Birth. 

Clot. Art not afeard ? 

Qui. Thofe that I reuerence, thofe I feare : the Wife: 
At Fooles I laugh : not feare them. 

Clot. Dye the death ; 
When I haue flaine thee with my proper hand, 
He follow thofe that euen now fled hence : 
And on the Gates of Luds'Torone fet your heads: 
Yeeld Rufticke Mountaineer. Fight and Exeunt. 

Enter Belariui and Aruiragui. 

Bel. No Companie's abroad ? 

Arui. None in the world : you did miftake him fure. 

Bel. I cannot tell : Long is it frnce I faw him, 
But Time hath nothing blurr'd thofe lines of Fauour 
Which then he wore : the frcatches in his voice, 
And burft of fpeaking were as his : I am abfolute 
'Twas very Cloten. 

Arui. In this place we left them ; 
I wifh my Brother make good time with him, 
You fay he is fo fell. 

Bel. Being fcarfe made vp, 
I meane to man ; he had not apprehenfion 
Of roaring terrors : For defect of judgement 
Is oft the caufe of Feare. 

Enter Guiderius. 
But fee thy Brother. 

Gui. This Cloten was a Foole, an empty purfe, 
There was no money in't : Not Hercules 
Could haue knock'd out his Braines, for he had none : 
Yet I not doing this, the Foole had borne 
My head, as I do his. 

"Bel. What haft thou done ? 

Gui. I am perfect what : cut off one Clotens head, 
Sonne to the Queene (after his owne report) 
Who call'd me Traitor, Mountaineer, and fwore 
With his owne Angle hand heel'd take vs in, 
Difplace our heads, where (thanks the Gods) they grow 
And fet them on Luds-Towne. 

■Bel. We are all vndone. 

Gui. Why, worthy Father, what haue we to loofe, 
But that he fwore to take, our Liues ? the Law 
Protects not vs, then why ihould we be tender, 
To let an arrogant peece of flefh threat vs? 
Play Iudge, and Executioner, all himfelfe ? 



For we do feare the Law. What company 
Difcouer you abroad ? 

■Bel. No Angle foule 
Can we fet eye on : but in all fafe reafon 
He muft haue fome Attendants. Though his Honor 
Was nothing but mutation, I, and that 
From one bad thing to worfe : Not Frenzie, 
Not abfolute madneffe could fo farre haue rau'd 
To bring him heere alone : although perhaps 
It may be heard at Court, that fuch as wee 
Caue heere, hunt heere, are Out-lawes, and in time 
May make fome ftronger head, the which he hearing, 
( As it is like him ) might breake out, and fweare 
Heel'd fetch vs in, yet is't not probable 
To come alone, either he fo vndertaking, 
Or they fo fuffering : then on good ground we feare, 
If we do feare this Body hath a taile 
More perillous then the head. 

Arui. Let Ord'nance 
Come as the Gods fore-fay it : howfoere, 
My Brother hath done well. 

'Bel. 1 had no minde 
To hunt this day : The Boy Fideles fickeneffe 
Did make my way long forth. 

Gui. With his owne Sword, 
Which he did waue againft my throat, I haue tane 
His head from him : lie throw't into the Creeke 
Behinde our Rocke, and let it to the Sea, 
And tell the Filhes, hee's the Queenes Sonne, Cloten, 
That's all I reake. Exit. 

"Bel. I feare 'twill be reueng'd : 
Would {Polidore) thou had'ft not done't : though valour 
Becomes thee well enough. 

Arui. Would I had done't : 
So the Reuenge alone purfu'de me : Polidore 
I loue thee brotherly, but enuy much 
Thou haft robb'd me of this deed : I would Reuenges 
That poflible ftrength might meet, wold leek vs through 
And put vs to our anfwer. 

Bel. Well, 'tis done : 
Wee'l hunt no more to day, nor feeke for danger | 
Where there's no profit. 1 prythee to our Rocke, 
You and Fidele play the Cookes : He ftay 
Till hafty Polidore returne, and bring him 
To dinner prefently. 

Arui. Poore ficke Fidele. 
lie willingly to him, to gaine his colour, 
Il'd let a parilh of fuch Clotens blood, 
And praife my felfe for charity. Exit. 

Bel. Oh thou Goddeffe, 
Thou diuine Nature ; thou thy felfe thou blazon'ft 
In thefe two Princely Boyes : they are as gentle 
As Zephires blowing below the Violet, 
Not wagging his fweet head ; and yet, as rough 
(Their Royall blood enchaf 'd ) as the rud'ft winde, 
That by the top doth take the Mountaine Pine, 
And make him ftoope to th'Vale. 'Tis wonder 
That an inuifible inltinct mould frame them 
To Royalty vnlearn'd, Honor vntaught, 
Ciuility not feene from other : valour 
That wildely growes in them, but yeelds a crop 
As if it had beene fow'd : yet ftill it's ftrange 
What Clotens being heere to vs portends, 
Or what his death will bring vs. 
Enter Gmdtreui. 

Gui. Where's my Brother ? 



The Tragedie of Cymbeline. 



389 



I ha ue f en |- Clotens Clot-pole downe the ftreame, 

In Embafiie to his Mother; his Bodie's hoftage 

For his returne. Solemn Muftc\. 

'Bel. My ingenuous Inftrument, 
(Hearke Polidore)h founds: but what occafion 
Hath Cadwal now to giue it motion ? Hearke. 

Gui. Is he at home ? 

'Bel. He went hence euen now. 

Gui. What does he meane? 
Since death of my deer'ft Mother 
It did not fpeake before. All folemne things 
Should anfwer folemne Accidents. The matter? 
Triumphes for nothing, and lamenting Toyes, 
Is lollity for Apes, and greefe for Boyes. 
Is Cadwall mad ? 

Enter Aruiragui, ■with Imogen dead, bearing 
her in his Armes. 

'Bel. Looke, heere he comes, 
And brings the dire occafion in his Armes, 
Of what we blame him for. 

Ami. The Bird is dead 
That we haue made fo much on. I had rather 
Haue skipt from lixteene yeares of Ag~, to fixty : 
To haue turn'd my leaping time into a Crutch, 
Then haue feene this. 

Gui. Oh fweeteft, fayreft Lilly : 
My Brother weares thee not the one halfe fo well, 
As when thou grew'ft thy felfe. 

Bel. Oh Melancholly, 
Who euer yet could found thy bottome? Finde 
The Ooze, to mew what Coaft thy fluggifh care 
Might'ft eafileft harbour in. Thou bleffed thing, 
Ioue knowes what man thou might'ft haue made : but I, 
Thou dyed'ft a moft rare Boy, of Melancholly. 
How found you him ? 

Arui. Starke, as you fee : 
Thus fmiling, as fome Fly had tickled /lumber, 
Not as deaths dart being laugh'd at : his right Cheeke 
Repofing on a Cufliion. 

Gui. Where? 

Arui. O'th'floore : 
His armes thus leagu'd, I thought he flept, and put 
My clowted Brogues from off my feete, whofe rudeneffe 
Anfwer'd my fteps too lowd. 

Gui. Why, he but fleepes : 
If he be gone, hee'l make his Graue, a Bed : 
With female Fayries will his Tombe be haunted, 
And Wormes will not come to thee. 

Arui. With fayreft Flowers 
Whil'ft Sommer lafts, and I liue heere, Fide/e, 
He fweeren thy fad graue : thou malt not lacke 
The Flower that's like thy face . Pale-Primrofe, nor 
The azur'd Hare-bell, like thy Veines : no, nor 
The leafe of Eglantine, whom not to flander, 
Out-fweetned not thy breath : the Raddocke would 
With Charitable bill (Oh bill fore maming 
Thofe rich-left-heyres, that let their Fathers lye 
Without a Monument) bring thee all this, 
Yea, and furr'd Moffe befides. When Flowres are none 
To winter-ground thy Coarfe 

Gui. Prythee haue done, 
And do not play in Wench-like words with that 
Which is fo ferious. Let vs bury him, 
And not protract with admiration, what 
Is now due debt. To'th'graue. 

Arui. Say, where mail's lay him ? 



Gui. By good Suriphile, our Mother. 
Arui. Bee'tfo: 
And let vs (Polidore) though now our voyces 
Haue got the mannifh cracke, fing him to'th'ground 
As once to our Mother : vfe like note, and words, 
Saue that Euriphile, muft be Fidele. 

Qui. Cadwall, 
I cannot fing : He weepe, and word it with thee ; 
For Notes of forrow, out of tune, are worfe 
Then Priefts, and Phanes that lye. 
Arui. Wee'l fpeake it then. 

Bel. Great greefes I fee med'cine the lefle : For Cloten 
Is quite forgot. He was a Queenes Sonne, Boyes, 
And though he came our Enemy, remember 
He was paid for that: though meane, and mighty rotting 
Together haue one duft, yet Reuerence 
(That Angell of the world) doth make diftinftion 
Of place 'tweene high, and low. Our Foe was Princely, 
And though you tooke his life, as being our Foe, 
Yet bury him, as a Prince. 

Gui. Pray you fetch him hither, 
Therjites body is as good as Aiax, 
When neyther are aliue. 

Arui. If you'l go fetch him, 
Wee'l fay our Song the whil'ft : Brother begin. 

Gui. Nay Cadwall, we muft lay his head to th'Eaft, 
My Father hath a reafon for't. 
Arui. 'Tis true. 

Gui. Come on then, and remoue him. 
Arui. So, begin. 

SONG. 
Guid. Feare no more the beate o'th'Sun, 
Nor the furious Winters rages, 
Thou thy -worldly tas\haft don, 
Home art gon ,and tane thy wages. 
Golden Lads, and Girles all mujl, 
As Chimney- Sweepers come to duft. 

Arui. Feare no more the frowne oth' 'Great, 
Thou art paft the Tirants ftroake, 
Care no more to cloath and eate, 
To thee the Reede is as the Oa\e : 

The Scepter, Learning, Phyficke muft, 
All follow this and come to duft. 
Guid. Feare no more the Lightning fiajb. 
Arui. Nor tV 'all-dreaded Thunderftone. • 
Gui. Feare not Slander , Cenjure rajh. 
Arui. Thou haft ftniJFd Ioy and mone. 
Both. cAll Louers young, all Louers muft , 

Qonjigne to thee and come to duft. 
Guid. No Exorcifor harme thee, 
Arui. Nor no witch-craft charme tbee. 
Guid. Gboft -unlaid forbear e thee. 
Arui. Nothing ill come neere thee. 
Both. S^uiet confumation haue, 

And renowned be thy graue. 
Snter Belarius with the body of Cloten. 
Gui. We haue done our obfequies : 
Come lay him downe. 

'Bel. Heere's a few Flowres, but 'bout midnight more : 
The hearbes that haue on them cold dew o'th'night 
Are ftrewings fit'ft for Graues : vpon their Faces. 
You were as Flowres, now wither' d : euen fo 
Thefe Herbelets mall, which we vpon you ftrew. 
Come on, away, apart vpon our knees : 
The ground that gaue them firft, ha's them againe : 
Their pleafures here are paft,fo are their paine. Exeunt. 
b b b Imogen 



39° 



The Tragedie of Cymbeline. 



Imogen awakes. 
Yes Sir, to Milford-Hauen, which is the way ? 
I thanke you : by yond bufh? pray how farre thether ? 
'Ods pittikins : can it be fixe mile yet ? 
I haue gone all night : 'Faith, He lye downe, and fleepe. 
But foft ; no Bedfellow f Oh Gods, and GoddefTes .' 
Thefe Flowres are like the pleafures of the World j 
This bloody man the care on't. I hope I dreame : 
For fo I thought I was a Caue-keeper, 
And Cooke to honeft Creatures. But 'tis not fo: 
'Twas but a bolt of nothing, (hot at nothing, 
Which the Braine makes of Fumes. Our very eyes, 
Are fometimes like our Iudgements, blinde. Good faith 
I tremble ftill with feare : but if there be 
Yet left in Heauen, as fmall a drop of pittie 
As a Wrens eye ; fea r'd Gods, a part of it. 
The Dreame's heere ftill : euen when I wake it is 
Without me, as within me : not imagin'd, felt. 
A headlefle man ? The Garments of PoBhumus ? 
I know the ftiape of's Legge : this is his Hand : 
His Foote Mercuriall : his martiall Thigh 
The brawnes of Hercules : but his Iouiall face 
Murther in heauen / How ? 'tis gone. Pifanio, 
All Curfes madded Hecuba gaue the Greekes, 
And mine to boot, be darted on thee : thou 
Confpir'd with that Irregulous diuell Cloten, 
Hath heere cut off my Lord. To write, and read, 
Be henceforth treacherous. Damn'd "Pifanio, 
Hath with his forged Letters (damn'd Pifanio) 
From this moft braueft veflell of the world 
Strooke the maine top ! Oh Pofthumus, alas, 
Where is thy head? where's that? Aye me ! where's that ? 
Pifanio might haue kill'd thee at the heart, 
And left this head on. How ihould this be, Pifanio} 
'Tis he, and Cloten : Malice, and Lucre in them 
Haue laid this Woe heere. Oh 'tis pregnant, pregnant ! 
The Drugge he gaue me, which hee faid was precious 
And Cordiall to me, haue I not found it 
Murd'rous to'th'Senfes ? That confirmes it home : 
This is Pifanws deede, and Cloten : Oh ! 
Giue colour to my pale cheeke with thy blood, 
That we the horrider may feeme to thofe 
Which chance to finde vs. Oh, my Lord ! my Lord ! 
Enter Lucius, Captaines, and a Soothfaytr. 

Cap. To them, the Legions garrifon'd in Gallia 
After your will, haue croft the Sea, attending 
You heere at Milford-Hauen, with your Shippes : 
They are heere in readineffe. 

Luc. But what from Rome ? 

Cap, The Senate hath ftirr'd vp the Confiners, 
And Gentlemen of Italy, moft willing Spirits, 
That promife Noble Seruice : and they come 
Vnder the Conduft of bold Iachimo, 
Syenna's Brother. 

Luc. When expefl you them ? 

Cap. With the next benefit o'th'winde. 

Luc. This forwardnefle 
Makes our hopes faire. Command our prefent numbers 
Be mufter'd : bid the Captaines looke too't. Now Sir, 
What haue you dream'd of late of this warres purpofe. 

Sootb. Laft night, the very Gods fhew'd me a vifion 
(I faft,and pray'd for their Intelligence) thus: 
1 faw Ioues Bird, the Roman Eagle wing'd 
From the fpungy South, to this part of the Weft, 
There vanifiVd in the Sun-beames, which portends 
( Vnlefle my finnes abufe my Diuination) 



Succefle to th'Roman hoaft. 

Luc. Dreame often fo, 
And neuer falfe. Soft hoa, what truncke is heere? 
Without his top ? The ruine fpeakes, that fometime 
It was a worthy building. How? a Page? 
Or dead, or fieeping on him ? But dead rather: 
For Nature doth abhorre to make his bed 
With the defunft, or fleepe vpon the dead. 
Let's fee the Boyes face. 

Cap. Hee's aliue my Lord. 

Luc. Hee'l then inftru<£l vs of this body : Young one, 
Informe vs of thy Fortunes, for it feemes 
They craue to be demanded : who is this 
Thou mak'ft thy bloody Pillow? Or who was he 
That (otherwife then noble Nature did) 
Hath alter'd that good Pi&ure? What's thy intereft 
In this fad wracke? How came't ? Who is't ? 
What art thouf 

Into. I am nothing ; or if not, 
Nothing to be were better : This was my Matter, 
A very valiant Britaine, and a good, 
That heere by Mountaineers lyes fhine : Alas, 
There is no more fuch Matters : I may wander 
From Eaft to Occident, cry out for Seruice, 
Try many, all good : ferue truly : neuer 
Finde fuch another Mafter. 

Luc. 'Lacke,good youth : 
Thou mou'ft no leffe with thy complaining, then 
Thy Maifter in bleeding : fay his name, good Friend. 

Into. Richard du Champ ; If I do lye, and do 
No harme by it, though the Gods heare, I hope 
They'l pardon it. Say you Sir f 

Luc. Thy name ? 

Imo. Fidele Sir. 

Luc. Thou doo'ft approue thy felfe the very fame : 
Thy Name well fits thy Faith ; thy Faith, thy Name : 
Wilt take thy chance with me ? I will not lay 
Thou fhalt be fo well mafter'd, but be fure 
No lefie belou'd. The Romane Emperors Letters 
Sent by a Confull to me, ihould not fooner 
Then thine owne worth preferre thee •. Go with me. 

Imo. He follow Sir. But firft.and't pleafe the Gods, 
He hide my Mafter from the Flies, as deepe 
As thefe poore Pickaxes can digge : and when 
With wild wood-leaues & weeds, I ha' ftrew'd his graue 
And on it faid a Century of prayers 
(Such as I can) twice o're, He weepe,and fighe, 
And leauing fo his feruice, follow you, 
So pleafe you entertaine mee. 

Luc. I good youth, 
And rather Father thee, then Mafter thee : My Friends, 
The Boy hath taught vs manly duties : Let vs 
Finde out the prettied Dazied-Plot we can, 
And make him with our Pikes and Partizans 
A Graue : Come, Arme him : Boy hee's preferr'd 
By thee, to vs, and he (hall be interr'd 
As Souldiers can. Be cheerefull ; wipe thine eyes, 
Some Falles are meanes the happier to arife. Exeunt 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Cymbeline, Lords, and Pifanio. 
Cym. Againe : and hring me word how 'tis with her, 
A Feauour with the abfence of her Sonne : 



The Tragedie of Cymbeline. 



39i 



A madnefie, of which her life's in danger : Heauens, 
How deeply you at once do touch me. Imogen, 
The great part of my comfort, gone : My Queene 
Vpon a deiperate bed, and in a time 
When fearefull Warres point at me : Her Sonne gone, 
So needfull for this prefent ? It ftrikes me,paft 
The hope of comfort. But for thee, Fellow, 
Who needs mult know of her departure, and 
Doft feeme fo ignorant, wee'l enforce it from thee 
By a lharpe Torture. 

Tif. Sir, my life is yours, 
I humbly fet it at your will : But for my Miftris, 
I nothing know where Ihe remaines : why gone, 
Nor when Ihe purpofes returne. Befeech your Highnes, 
Hold me your loyal] Seruant. 

Lord. Good my Liege, 
The day that Ihe was miffing, he was heere ; 
I dare be bound hee's true, and mail performe 
All parts of his fubiection loyally. For Chten, 
There wants no diligence in feeking him, 
And will no doubt be found. 

Cym. The time is troublefome : 
Wee'l flip you for a feafon, but our iealoufie 
Do's yet depend. 

Lord. So pleafe your Maiefty, 
The Romaine Legions, all from Gallia drawne, 
Are landed on your Coaft, with a fupply 
Of Romaine Gentlemen, by the Senate fent. 

Cym. Now for the Counfaile of my Son and Queen, 
I am amaz'd with matter. 

Lord. Good my Liege, 
Your preparation can affront no leffe (ready : 

Then what you heare of. Come more, for more you're 
The want is, but to put thofe Powres in motion, 
That long to moue. 

Cym. I thanke you : let's withdraw 
And meete the Time, as it feekes vs. We feare not 
What can from Italy annoy vs, but 
We greeue at chances heere. Away. Exeunt 

Pifa. I heard no Letter from my Mafter,fince 
I wrote him Imogen was flaine. 'Tis ftrange : 
Nor heare I from my Miftris, who did promife 
To yeeld me often tydings. Neither know I 
What is betide to Chten, but remaine 
Perplext in all. The Heauens ftill muft worke : 
Wherein I am falfe, I am honeft : not true, to be true. 
Thefe prefent warres fttall finde I loue my Country, 
Euen to the note o'th'King, or He fall in them: 
All other doubts, by time let them be cleer'd, 
Fortune brings in fome Boats, that are not fteer'd. Exit. 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter c Belariuf',Guiderius ,& Aruiragus. 

Gui. The noyfe is round about vs. 

'Bel. Let vs from it. 

tAru'i. What pleafure Sir, we finde in life, to locke it 
From Aftion, and Aduenture. 

Gui. Nay, what hope 
Haue we in hiding vs? This way the Ri 
Muft, or for Britaines flay vs or receiue vs 
For barbarous and vnnaturall Reuolts 
During their vfe,and flay vs after. 



'Bel. Sonnes, 
Wee'l higher to the Mountaines, there fecure v.. 
To the Kings party there's no going : newnefle 
Of Clotens death (we being not knowne, not mufter'd 
Among the Bands) may driue vs to a render 
Where we haue liu'd; and fo extort from's that 
Which we haue done, whofe anfwer would be death 
Drawne on with Torture. 

Gui. This is (Sir)a doubt t 

In fuch a time, nothing becomming you, 
Nor fatisfying vs. 

Arui. It is not likely, 
That when they heare their Roman horfes neigh, 
Behold their quarter'd Fires ; haue both their eyes 
Aud eares fo cloyd importantly as now, 
That they will wafte their time vpon our note, 
To know from whence we are. 

'Bel. Oh , I am knowne 
Of many in the Army : Many yeeres 

(Though Cloten then but young) you fee, not wore him 
From my remembrance. And befides, the King 
Hath not deferu'd my Seniice, nor your Loues, 
Who finde in my Exile, the want of Breeding} 
The certainty of this heard life, aye hopeleffe 
To haue the courtefie your Cradle promis'd, 
But to be ftill hot Summers Tanlings,and 
The (hrinking Slaues of Winter. 

Gui. Then be fo, 
Better to ceafe to be. Pray Sir, to'th'Army : 
I, and my Brother are not knowne ; your felfe 
So out of thought, and thereto fo ore-growne, 
Cannot be queftion'd. 

Arui. By this Sunne that fliines 
He thither: What thing is't, that I neuer 
Did fee man dye, fcarfe euer look'd on blood, 
But that of Coward Hares, hot Goats, and Venifon ? 
Neuer beftrid a Horfe faue one, that had 
A Rider like my felfe, who ne're wore Rowell, 
Nor Iron on his heele? I am afliam'd 
To looke vpon the holy Sunne, to haue 
The benefit of his bleft Beames, remaining 
So long a poore vnknowne. 

Gui. By heauens He go, 
If you will blefle me Sir, and giue me leaue, 
He take the better care : but if you will not ? 
The hazard therefore due fall on me, by 
The hands of Romaines. 

Arui. So fay I, Amen. 

"Bel. No reafon I (fince of your liues you fet] 
So flight a valewation) fhould referue 
My crack'd one to more care. Haue with you Boyes: 
If in your Country warres you chance to dye, 
That is my Bed too (Lads)and there He lye. 
Lead, lead; the time feems long, their blood thinks fcorn 
Till it flye out, and fliew them Princes borne. Exeunt. 



Actus Quintus. Scena 'Prima. 



Enter Poftbumui alone. 
Pojl. Yea bloody cloth , He keep thee : for I am wifht 
Thou lhould'ft be colour'd thus. You married ones, 
If each of you fhould take this courfe, how many 
Muft murther Wiues much better then themfelues 

b b b a For 



881 



392 



The Tragedy of Cymbeline. 



For wrying but a little ? Oh Pijank, 

Euery good Seruant do's not all Commands: 

No Bond, but to do iuft ones. Gods, if you 

Should haue 'tane vengeance on my faults, I neuer 

Had liu'd to put on this : fo had you faued 

The noble Imogen, to repent, and ftrooke 

Me (wretch) more worth your Vengeance. But alacke, 

You fnatch fome hence for little faults ; that's loue 

To haue them fall no more : you fome permit 

To fecond illes with illes, each elder worfe, 

And make them dread it, to the dooers thrift. 

But Imogen is your owne, do your beft willes, 

And make me bleft to obey. I am brought hither 

Among th'Italian Gentry, and to fight 

Againft my Ladies Kingdome : 'Tis enough 

That (Britaine ) I haue kill'd thy Miftris : Peace, 

He giue no wound to thee : therefore good Heauens, 

Heare patiently my purpofe. He difrobe me 

Of thefe Italian weedes, and fuite my felfe 

As do's a Britaine Pezant : fo He fight 

Againft the part I come with : fo He dye 

For thee (O Imogen) euen for whom my life 

Is euery breath, a death : and thus, vnknowne, 

Pittied, nor hated, to the face of perill . 

My felfe He dedicate. Let me make men know 

More valour in me, then my habits mow. 

Gods, put the ftrength 6't\iLeonati in me : 

To fhame the guize o'th'world, I will begin, 

The faihion leffe without, and more within. Exit. 



Scena Secunda. 



Enter Lucius, Iachimo, and the Romane Army at one doore: 
and the 'Britaine Army at another : Leonatus Pofthumus 
following like a poore Souldier. They march ouer , and goe 
out. Then enter againe in Styrmijb Iachimo and PoBhu- 
mui : he -vanquipeth and difarmeth Iachimo, aud then 
leaves him. 

lac. The heauineffe and guilt within my bofome, 
Takes off my manhood : I haue belyed a Lady, 
The Princeffe of this Country ; and the ayre on't 
Reuengingly enfeebles me, or could this Carle, 
A very drudge of Natures, haue fubdu'de me 
In my profeffion i Knighthoods, and Honors borne 
As I weare mine)are titles but of fcorne. 
If that thy Gentry (BritaineJ go before 
This Lowt, as he exceeds our Lords, the oddes 
Is, that we fcarfe are men, and you are Goddes. Exit. 

The Battaile continues , the Britaines fiy , Cymbeline is 
ta^en : Then enter to his refcue, Bellarius, Guiderius, 
and Aruiragus. 

.Be/.Stand, ftand,we haue th'aduantage of the ground, 
The Lane is guarded : Nothing rowts vs, but 
The villany of our feares. 

Gui. Arui. Stand, ftand, land fight. 

Enter Pofthumus , and feconds the Britaines. They Refcue 
Cymbeline, and Exeunt. 
Then enter Lucius , Iachimo , and Imogen. 
Luc. Away boy from the Troopes,and faue thy felfe: 
For friends kil friends, and the diforder's fuch 



As warre were hood-wink'd. 

lac. 'Tis their frefh fupplies. 

Luc. It is a day turn'd ftrangely : or betii) 
Let's re-inforce, or fly. 



Scena Tertia. 



Enter Pofthumus , and a Britaine Lord. 

Lor. Cam'ft thou from where they made the ftand ? 

Poft. I did, 
Though you it feemes come from the Fliers ? 

Lo, I did. 

Poft. No blame be to you Sir, for all was loft, 
But that the Heauens fought : the King himfelfe 
Of his wings deftitute, the Army broken, 
And but the backes of Britaines feene ; all flying 
Through a ftrait Lane, the Enemy full-hearted, 
Lolling the Tongue with flaught'ring : hauing worke 
More plentifull, then Tooles to doo't : ftrooke downe 
Some mortally, fome flightly touch'd, fome falling 
Meerely through feare,that the ftrait paffe was damm'd 
With deadmen,hurt behinde,and Cowards liuing 
To dye with length'ned fhame. 

Lo. Where was this Lane ? 

Poy?.Clofe by the battell,ditch'd, & wall'd with turph, 
Which gaue aduantage to an ancient Soldiour 
(An honeft one I warrant) who deferu'd 
So long a breeding, as his white beard came to, 
In doing this for's Country. Athwart the Lane, 
He, with two ftriplings (Lads more like to run 
The Country bafe, then to commit fuch flaughter, 
With faces fit for Maskes, or rather fayrer 
Then thofe for preferuation cas'd, or fhame) 
Made good the paflage, cryed to thofe that fled. 
Our 'Britaines hearts dye flying, not our men, 
To darkneffe fleete foules that flye backwards; ftand, 
Or we are Romanes, and will giue you that 
Like beafts, which you fhun beaftly, and may faue 
But to looke backe in frowne : Stand, ftand. Thefe three, 
Three thoufand confident, in a£te as many : 
For three performers are the File, when all 
The reft do nothing. With this word ftand, ftand, 
Accomodated by the Place ; more Charming 
With their owne Nobleneffe, which could haue turn'd 
A Diftaffe, to a Lance, guilded pale lookes ; 
Part fhame, part fpirit renew'd, that fome turn'd coward 
But by example (Oh a finne in Warre, 
Damn'd in the firft beginners) gan to looke 
The way that they did, and to grin like Lyons 
Vpon the Pikes o'th'Hunters. Then beganne 
A ftop i'th'Chafer ; a Retyre : Anon 
A Rowt, confufion thicke : forthwith they flye 
Chickens, the way which they ftopt Eagles : Slaues 
The ftrides the Viftors made : and now our Cowards 
Like Fragments in hard Voyages became 
The life o'th'need : hauing found the backe doore open] 
Of the vnguarded hearts : heauens, how they wound, 
Some flaine before fome dying ; fome their Friends 
Ore-borne i'th'former waue, ten chac'd by one, 
Are now each one the flaughter-man of twenty: 
Thofe that would dye, or ere refift, are growne 
The mortall bugs o'th'Field. 

Lor- 



The Tragedie of Cymbeline. 



393 



Lord. This was ftrange chance : 
A narrow Lane,an old man, and two Boyes. 

Poft. Nay, do not wonder at it •' you are made 
Rather to wonder at the things you heare, 
Then to worke any. Will you Rime vpon't, 
And vent it for a Mock'rie ? Heere is one : 
"Two 'Boyes, an Oldman (twice a Boy)a Lane, 
"Preferud the Tiritawes, was the Romanes bane. 

Lord. Nay, be not angry Sir. 

Poft. Lacke,to what end? 
Who dares not ftand his Foe, lie be his Friend : 
For if hee'l do, as he is made to doo, 
I knowhee'l quickly flye my friendship too. 
You haue put me into Rime. 

Lord. Farewell, you're angry. Exit. 

Poft. Still going ? This is a Lord : Oh Noble mifery 
To be i'th'Field,and aske whatnewes of me : 
To day, how many would haue giuen their Honours 
To haue fau'd their Carkafies? Tooke heele to doo't, 
And yet dyed too. I, in mine owne woe charm'd 
Could not finde death, where I did heare him groane, 
Nor feele him where he ftrooke. Being an vgly Monfter, 
'Tis ftrange he hides him in frefli Cups,foft Beds, 
Sweet words; or hath moe minifters then we 
That draw his kniues j'th'War. Well I will finde him : 
For being now a Fauourer to the Britaine, 
No more a Britaine, I haue refum'd againe 
The part I came in. Fight I will no more, 
But yeeld me to the verieft Hinde, that mall 
Once touch my moulder. Great the daughter is 
Heere made by'th'Romane ; great the Anfwer be 
Britaines muft take. Forme, my Ranfome's death, 
On eyther fide I come to fpend my breath ; 
Which neyther heere He keepe, nor beare agen, 
But end it by fome meanes for Imogen. 

Enter two Captaines, and Soldiers. 

1 Great Iupiter be prais'd, Lucius is taken, 

'Tis thought the old man, and his fonnes, were Angels. 

2 There was a fourth man, in a filly habit, 
That gaue th'Affront with them. 

1 So 'tis reported : 

But none of 'em can be found. Stand, who's there ? 

Poft. A Roman, 
Who had not now beene drooping heere,if Seconds 
Had anfwer'd him. 

2 Lay hands on him : a Dogge, 

A legge of Rome mall not returne to tell 

What Crows haue peckt them here : he brags his feruice 

As if he were of note : bring him to'th'King. 

Enter Cymbeline, Belarius ,Guiderins , Aruiragus,Pifanio ,and 
Romane Captiues. The Captaines prejent Pofthumus to 
Cymbeline,wbo deliuers him ouer to a Gaoler, 



Scena Quarta. 



Enter Pofthumus,and Gaoler. 

Gao. You mall not now be ftolne, 
You haue lockes vpon you : 
So graze, as you finde Pafture. 

2. Gao. I, or a ftomacke. 

Poft. Moft welcome bondage ; for thou art a way 
(I thinke) to liberty: yet am I better 
Then one that's ficke o'th'Gowt, fince he had rather 



883 



Groane fo in perpetuity, then be cur'd 

By'th'fure Phyfitian, Death ; who is the key 

T'vnbarre thefe Lockes. My Confcience, thou art fetter'd 

More then my ihanks,& wrifts:you good Gods giue me 

The penitent Inftrument to picke that Bolt, 

Then free for euer. Is't enough I am forry ? 

So Children temporall Fathers do appeafe ; 

Gods are more full of mercy. Muft I repent, 

I cannot do it better then in Gyues, 

Defir'd, more then conftrain'd, to fatisfie 

If of my Freedome 'tis the maine part, take 

No ftrifter render of me, then my All. 

I know you are more clement then vilde men, 

Who of their broken Debtors take a third, 

A fixt, a tenth, letting them thriue againe 

On their abatement ; that's not my defire. 

For Imogens deere life, take mine, and though 

'Tis not fo deere, yet 'tis a life ; you coyn'd it, 

'Tweene man, and man, they waigh not euery ftampe : 

Though light, take Peeces for the figures fake, 

( You rather ) mine being yours : and fo great Powres, 

If you will take this Audit, take this life, 

And cancell thefe cold Bonds. Oh Imogen, 

He fpeake to thee in filence. 

Solemne Muficke. Enter (as in an Apparation~) Sicillius Leo- 
natui, Father to Pofthumus ,an old man,attyred life a war. 
riour, leading in his hand an ancient Matron ( his wife, & 
Mother to Poslhumus ) with Muficke before them. 'Then, 
after other Muficke .followes the two young Leonati [Bro- 
thers to Poilhumu6 ) with wounds as they died in the warrs. 
They circle lofthumus round as he lies jleeping. 

Sicil. No more thou Thunder-Mafter 
fliew thy fpight,on Mortall Flies : 
With Mars fall out with Iuno chide, that thy Adulteries 

Rates, and Reuenges. 
Hath my poore Boy done ought but well,i 

whofe face I neuer faw : 
I dy'de whil'ft in the Wombe he ftaide, 

attending Natures Law. 
Whofe Father then (as men report, 

thou Orphanes Father art) 

Thou fhould'ft haue bin, and fheelded him, 

from this earth-vexing fmart. 

eMoth. Lucina lent not me her ayde, 

but tooke me in my Throwes, 

That from me was Pofthumus ript, 

came crying 'mong'ft his Foes. 
A thing of pitty. 

Sicil. Great Nature like his Anceftrie, 
moulded the ftuffe fo faire : 
That he d feru'd the praife o'th'World, 
as great Sicilius heyre. 
l.Bro. When once he was mature for man, 
in Britaine where was hee 
That could ftand vp his paralell ? 

Or fruitfull obieft bee ? 

In eye of Imogen, that beft could deeme 

his dignitie. 

Mo. With Marriage wherefore was he mockt 

to be exil'd,and throwne 

From Leonati Seate, and caft from her, 

his deereft one : 
Sweete Imogen ? 

Sic. Why did you fuffer Iachimo, (light thing of Italy, 
b b b 3 To 



394 



The Tragedy ofCymbeline. 



To taint his Nobler hart & braine,with needleffeieloufy, 
And to become the geeke and fcorne o'th 'others vilany? 
z'Bro. For this, from ftiller Seats we came, 

our Parents,and vs twaine, 
That ftriking in our Countries caufe, 

fell brauely,and were flaine, 
Our Fealty, & Tenantius right, with Honor to maintaine. 
I Bro. Like hardiment Pofihumm hath 

to Cymbeline perform'd : 
Then Iupiter, y King of Gods, why haft y thus adiourn'd 
The Graces for his Merits due, being all to dolors turn'd? 
Sicil. Thy Chriftall window ope ; looke, 

looke out, no longer exercife 
Vpon a valiant Race, thy harih,and potent iniuries: 
Moth. Since(Iupiter) our Son is good, 

take off his miferies. 
Sicil. Peepe through thy Marble Manfion, helpe, 

or we poore Ghofts will cry 
To'th'fhining Synod of the reft,againft thy Deity. 
'Brothers. Helpe (Iupiter) or we appeale, 

and from thy iuftice flye. 
Iupiter defends in "Thunder and Lightning, ftting -vppon an 
Eagle : bee throwes a Thunder-bolt. The Ghoftes fall on 
their htiees. 
Iupiter . No more you petty Spirits of Region low 
Offend our hearing : bufh. How dare you Ghoftes 
Accufe the Thunderer, whole Bolt (you know) 
Sky-planted, batters all rebelling Coafts. 
Poore ftiadowes of Elizium, hence, and reft 
Vpon your neuer-withering bankes of Flowres. 
Be not with mortall accidents oppreft, 
No care of yours it is, you know 'tis ours. 
Whom beft I loue, 1 croffe ; to make my guift 
The more delay'd, delighted. Be content, 
Your low-laide Sonne, our Godhead will vplift : 
His Comforts thriue, his Trials well are fpent : 
Our Iouiall Starre reign'd at his Birth, and in 
Our Temple was he married : Rife, and fade, 
He fhall be Lord of Lady Imogen, 
And happier much by his Affliction made. 
This Tablet lay vpon his Breft, wherein 
Our pleafure, his full Fortune, doth confine, 
And fo away: no farther with your dinne 
Expreffe Impatience, leaft you ftirre vp mine : 
Mount Eagle, to my Palace Chriftalline. Afcends 

Sicil. He came in Thunder, his Celeftiall breath 
Was fulphurous to fmell : the holy Eagle 
Stoop'd, as to foote vs : his Afcenfion is 
More fweet then our bleft Fields : his Royall Bird 
Prunes the immortall wing, and cloyes his Beake, 
As when his God is pleas'd. 
All. Thankes Iupiter. 

Sic. The Marble Pauement clozes, he is enter'd 
His radiant Roofe : Away, and to be bleft 
Let vs with care performe his great beheft. Vanip 

Pojl. Sleepe, thou haft bin a Grandfire, and begot 
A Father to me : and thou hEft created 
A Mother, and two Brothers. But (oh fcorne) 
Gone, they went hence fo foone as they were borne: 
And fo I am awake. Poore Wretches, that depend 
On Greatneffe, Fauour ; Dreame as I haue done, 
Wake, and finde nothing. But (alas) I fwerue : 
Many Dreame not to finde, neither deferue, 
And yet are fteep'd in Fauours ; fo am I 
That haue this Golden chance, and know not why : 
What Fayeries haunt this ground ? A Book?Oh rare one, 



Be not, as is our fangled world, a Garment 
Nobler then that it couers. Let thy effects 
So follow, to be moft vnlike our Courtiers, 
As good, as promife. 

Reades . 

WHen as a Lyons whelpe, Jhall to himfelfe -vn\nown, with 
out Jeering jinde , and bee embraced by a peece of tender 
Ayre: And when from a Jiately Cedar pall be lopt branches, 
which being dead many yeares,pall after reuiue, bee ioymed to 
the old Stockf , andfreply grow, then pall Pofthumus end his 
miferies, Britaine be fortunate, and fiourip in Peace and Plen- 



'Tis ftill a Dreame : or elfe fuch ftuffe as Madmen 

Tongue, and braine not : either both, or nothing, 

Or fenfeleffe fpeaking, or a fpeaking fuch 

As fenfe cannot vntye. Be what it is, 

The Aftion of my life is like it, which He keepe 

If but for fimpathy. 

Enter Qaoler. 

Gao. Come Sir, are you ready for death ? 

Poft. Ouer-roafted rather : ready long ago. 

Gao. Hanging is the word, Sir, if you bee readie for 
that, you are well Cook'd. 

Poft. So if I proue a good repaft to the Spectators, the 
diih payes the fhot. 

Gao. A heauy reckoning for you Sir: But the comfort 
is you ftnll be called to no more payments, fear no more 
Tauerne Bils, which are often the fadneffe of parting, as 
the procuring of mirth : you come in faint for want of 
meate, depart reeling with too much drinke : forrie that 
you haue payed too much, and forry that you are payed 
too much : Purfe and Braine, both empty : the Brain the 
heauier, for being too light ; the Purfe too light, being 
drawne of heauineffe. Oh, of this contradiction you fhall 
now be quit : Oh the charity of a penny Cord, it fummes 
vp thoufands in a trice : you haue no true Debitor, and 
Creditor but it : of what's paft, is, and to come, the dif- 
charge : your necke(Sis)is Pen,Booke,and Counters 5 £0 
the Acquittance followes. 

Poft. I am merrier to dye, then thou art to liue. 

Gao. Indeed Sir, he that fleepes, feeles not the Tooth- 
Ache : but a man that were to ileepe your fleepe, and a 
Hangman to helpe him to bed, I think he would change 
places with his Officer : for, look you Sir, you know not 
which way you fhall go. 

Poft. Yes indeed do I, fellow. 

Gao. Your death has eyes in's head then : I haue not 
feene him fo pi&ur'd : you muft either bee directed by 
fome that take vpon them to know, or to take vpon your 
felfe that which I am fure you do not know : lor iump the 
after-enquiry on your owne perill : and how you fhall 
fpeed in your iournies end, I thinke you'l neuer returne 
to tell one. 

Poft. I tell thee, Fellow, there are none want eyes, to 
direct them the way I am going, but fuch as winke, and 
will not vfe them. 

Gao. What an infinite mocke is this, that a man /hold 
haue the beft vfe of eyes, to fee the way of blindneffe : I 
am fure hanging's the way of winking. 
Enter a Meffenger. 

Mef. Knocke off his Manacles, bring your Prifoner to 
the King. 

Poft. Thou bring'ft good newes, I am call'd to bee 
made free. 

Gao. He be hang'd then. 

Poft. Thou fhalt be then freer then a Gaolermo bol ts 

for 
— 884 



'The 'Tragedie of Cymbeline. 



395 



for the dead. 

Gao. Vnleffe a man would marry a Gallowes, & be- 
get yong Gibbets, I neuer faw one fo prone : yet on my 
Confcience, there are verier Knaues defire to Hue, for all 
he be a Roman 5 and there be fome of them too that dye 
againft their willes; fo fliould I, if I were one. I would 
we were all of one minde,and one minde good : O there 
Were defolation of Gaolers and Galowfes : I fpeake a- 
gainft my prefent profit, but my wifli hath a preferment 
in't. Exeunt. 



Scena Quinta. 



Enter Cymbeline , e BeUaritu , Guiderius , Arui- 
ragus , Pifanio, and Lords . 
Cym. Stand by my fide you, whom the Gods haue made 
Preferuers of my Throne : woe is my heart, 
That the poore Souldier that fo richly fought, 
Whofe ragges, ftiam'd gilded Armes, whofe naked breft 
Stepf before Targes of proofe, cannot be found : 
He mall be happy that can finde him, if 
Onr Grace can make him fo. 

"Bel. I neuer faw 
Such Noble fury in fo poore a Thing ; 
Such precious deeds, in one that promift nought 
But beggery, and poore lookes, 

Cym. No tydings of him ? 

Tifa. He hath bin fearch'd among the dead,& liuing ; 
But no trace of him. 

Cym. To my greefe, I am 
The heyre of his Reward, which I will adde 
To you (the Li uer, Heart, and Braine of Britaine) 
By whom ( I grant) flie Hues. 'Tis now the time 
To aske of whence you are. Report it. 

'Bel. Sir, 
In Cambria are we borne, and Gentlemen : 
Further to boaft, were neycher true, nor modeft, 
VnlefTe I adde, we are honeft. 

Cym. Bow your knees : 
Arife my Knights o'th'Battell, I create you 
Companions to our perfon, and will fit you 
With Dignities becomming your eftates. 

Enter Cornelius and Ladies. 
There's bufineffe in thefe faces : why fo fadly 
Greet you our Victory ? you looke like Romaines, 
And not o'th'Court of Britaine. 

Corn. Hayle great King, 
To fowre your happineffe, I muft report 
The Queene is dead. 

Cym. Who worfe then a Phyfitian 
Would this report become ? But I confider, 
By Med'cine life may be prolong'd, yet death 
Will feize the Doctor too. How ended flie ? 

Cor. With horror, madly dying, like her life, 
Which (being cruell to the world) concluded 
Moft cruell to her felfe. What flie confeft, 
I will report, fo pleafe you. Thefe her Women 
Can trip me, if I erre, who with wet cheekes 
Were prefent when flie finifli'd. 

Cym. Prythee fay. 

Cor. Firft, flie confeft flie neuer lou'd you : onely 
Affected Greatneffe got by you : not you : 
Married your Royalty, was wife to your place : 



Abhorr'd your perfon. 

Cym. She alone knew this : 
And but flie fpoke it dying, I would not 
Beleeue her lips in opening it. Proceed. 

Corn. Your daughter, whom flie bore in hand to loue 
With fuch integrity, flie did confeffe 
Was as a Scorpion to her fight, whofe life 
(But that her flight preuented it) flie had 
Tane off by poyfon. 

Cym. O moft delicate Fiend ! 
Who is't can reade a Woman ? Is there more ? 

Corn. More Sir, and worfe. She did confeffe flie had 
For you a mortall Minerall, which being tooke, 
Should by the minute feede on life, and ling'ring, 
By inches wafte you. In which time, flie purpos'd 
By watching, weeping, tendance, kifiing, to 
Orecome you with her fliew; and in time 
(When flie had fitted you with her craft, to worke 
Her Sonne into th'adoption of the Crowne : 
But fayling of her end by his ftrange abfence, 
Grew fliameleffe defperate, open'd (in defpight 
Of Heauen ,and Men) her purpofes : repented 
The euils flie hatch'd, were not effected : fo 
Difpayring, dyed. 

Cym. Heard you all thi9, her Women ? 
La. We did, fo pleafe your Highneffe. 
Cym. Mine eyes 
Were not in fault, for flie was beautifull: 
Mine eaies that heare her flattery, nor my heart, 
That thought her like her feeming. It had beene vicious 
To haue miftrufted her : yet ( Oh my Daughter) 
That it was folly in me, thou mayft fay, 
And proue it in thy feeling. Heauen mend all. 

Enter Lucius, Iachimo, and other Roman prifoners, 
Leonatui behind, and Imogen. 
Thou comm'ft not Caius now for Tribute, that 
The Britaines haue rac'd out, though with the loffe 
Of many a bold one : whofe Kinfmen haue made fuite 
That their good foules may be appeas'd, with Daughter 
Of you their Captiues, which our felfe haue granted, 
So thinke of your eftate. 

Luc. Confider Sir, the chance of Warre, the day 
Was yours by accident : had it gone with vs, 
We fliould not when the blood was cool, haue threatend 
Our Prifoners with the Sword. But fince the Gods 
Will haue it thus, that nothing but our liues 
May be call'd ranfome, let it come : Sufficeth, 
A Roman, with a Romans heart can fuffer : 
cAuguJlus liues to thinke on't : and fo much 
For my peculiar care. This one thing onely 
I will entreate, my Boy (a Britaine borne) 
Let him be ranfom'd : Neuer Mafter had 
A Page fo kinde, fo duteous, diligent, 
So tender ouer his occafions, true, 
So feate, fo Nurfe-like : lethisvertue ioyne 
With my requeft, which He make bold , your Highneffe 
Cannot deny : he hath done no Britaine harme, 
Though he haue feru'd a Roman. Saue him (Sir) 
And fpare no blood befide. 

Cym. I haue furely feene him : 
His fauour is familiar to me : Boy, 
Thou haft look'd thy felfe inco my grace, 
And art mine owne. I know not why, wherefore, 
To fay, Hue boy : ne're thanke thy Mafter, Hue ; 
And aske of Cymbeline what Boone thou wilt, 
Fitting my bounty, and thy ftate, He giue it : 

Yea, 



885 



39 6 



The Tragedy of Cymbeline. 



Yea, though thou do demand a Prifoner 
The Nobleft tane. 

Into. I humbly thanke your HighnefTe.i 

hue. I do not bid thee begge my life, good Lad, 
And yet I know thou wilt. 

Into. No, no, alacke, 
There's other worke in hand : I fee a thing 
Bitter to me, as death : your life, good Matter, 
Muft ihutfle for it felfe. 

hue. The Boy difdaines me, 
He leaues me,fcornes me : briefely dye their ioyes, 
That place them on the truth of Gyrles,and Boyes.j 
Why ftands he fo perplext ? 

Cym. What would'ft thou Boy ? 
I loue thee more, and more : thinke more and more 
What's beft to aske. Know'ft him thou look'ft onpfpeak 
Wilt haue him Hue? Is he thy Kin? thy Friend ? 

Imo. He is a Romane, no more kin to me, 
Then I to your Highnefie, who being born your vaffaile 
Am fomething neerer. 

Cym. Wherefore ey'ft him fo ? 

Imo. He tell you (Sir)in priuate,if you pleafe 
To giue me hearing. 

Cym. I, with all my heart, 
And lend my beft attention. What's thy name ? 

Imo. Fidele Sir. 

Cym. Thou'rt my good youth : my Page 
He be thy Mafter •. walke with me : fpeake freely. 

Bel. Is not this Boy reuiu'd from death ? 

Arui. One Sand another 
Not more refembles that fweet Roue Lad : 
Who dyed, and was Fidele : what thinke you ? 

Gui. The fame dead thing aliue. 

i?<r/.Peace, peace, fee further : he eyes vs not, forbeare 
Creatures may be alike : were't he, I am fure 
He would haue fpoke to vs. 

Gui. But we fee him dead. 

'Bel. Be filent : let's fee further. 

Pifa. It is my Miftris : 
Since fhe is liuing, let the time run on, 
To good) or bad. 

Cym. Come, ftand thou by our fide, 
Make thy demand alowd. Sir, ftep you forth, 
Giue anfwer to this Boy, and do it freely, 
Or by our Greatneffe, and the grace of it 
(Which is our Honor) bitter torture fliall 
Winnow the truth from falfhood. One fpeake to him. 

Imo. My boone is, that this Gentleman may render 
Of whom he had this Ring. 

Poft. What's that to him ? 

Cym. That Diamond vpon your Finger, fay 
How came it yours ? 

lach. Thou'lt torture me to leaue vnfpoken, that 
Which to be fpoke, wou'd torture thee. 

Cym. How? me ? 

lach, I am glad to be conftrain'd to vtter that 
Which torments me to conceale. By Villany 
I got this Ring : 'twas Leonatus Iewell, 
Whom thou did'ft banifti : and which more may greeue 
As it doth me : a Nobler Sir, ne're liu'd ( thee, 

'Twixt sky and ground. Wilt thou heare more my Lord ? 

Cym. All that belongs to this. 

Iacb. That Paragon, thy daughter, 
For whom my heart drops blood, and my falfe fpirits 
Quaile to remember. Giue me leaue, I faint. 

Cym. My Daughter? what of hir?Renew thy ftrength 



I had rather thou fhould'ft liue, while Nature will, 
Then dye ere I heare more : ftriue man, and fpeake. 

lach. Vpon a time, vnhappy was the clocke 
That ftrooke the houre : it was in Rome, accurft 
The Manfion where : 'twas at a Feaft, oh would 
Our Viands had bin poyfon'd(or at leaft 
Thofe which I heau'd to head:) the good Pofthumu6, 
(What fhould I fay? he was too good to be 
Where ill men were, and was the beft of all 
Among'ft the rar'ft of good ones) fitting fadly, 
Hearing vs praife our Loues of Italy 
For Beauty, that made barren the fwell'd boaft 
Of him that beft could fpeake : for Feature, laming 
The Shrine of Venus, or ftraight-pight Minerua, 
Poftures, beyond breefe Nature. For Condition, 
A fhop of all the qualities, that man 
Loues woman for, befides that hooke of Wiuing, 
Fairenefle, which ftrikes the eye. 

Cym. I ftand on fire. Come to the matter. 

lach. All too foone I fhall, 
VnlefTe thou would'ft greeue quickly. This Pofihumui, 
Mod like a Noble Lord, in loue, and one 
That had a Royall Louer, tooke his hint, 
And ( not difpraifing whom we prais'd, therein 
He was as calme as vertue) he began 
His Miftris picture, which, by his tongue, being made, 
And then a minde put in't, either our bragges 
Were crak'd of Kitchen-Trulles,or his defcription 
Prou'd vs vnfpeaking fottes. 

Cym. Nay, nay, to'th'purpofe. 

lach. Your daughters Chaftity, (there it beginnes) 
He fpake of her, as *Dian had hot dreames, 
And (he alone, were cold : Whereat, I wretch 
Madefcruple of his praife, and wager'd with him 
Peeces of Gold, 'gainft this, which then he wore 
Vpon his honour'd finger) to attaine 
In fuite the place of's bed, and winne this Ring 
By hers, and mine Adultery : he (trueKnight) 
No lefTer of her Honour confident 
Then I did truly finde her, ftakes this Ring, 
And would fo, had it beene a Carbuncle 
Of Phcebus Wheele ; and might fo fafely, had it 
Bin all the worth of's Carre. Away to Britaine 
Pofte I in this defigne : Well may you(Sir) 
Remember me at Court, where I was taught 
Of your chafte Daughter, the wide difference 
'Twixt Amorous, and Villanous. Being thus quench'd 
Of hope, not longing; mine Italian braine, 
Gan in your duller Britaine operare 
Moft vildely : for my vantage excellent. 
And to be breefe, my practife fo preuayl'd 
That I return'd with fimular proofe enough, 
To make the Noble heonatiu mad, 
By wounding his beleefe in her Renowne, 
With Tokens thus, and thus : auerring notes 
Of Chamber-hanging, Pictures, this her Bracelet 
(Oh cunning howl got) nay fome markes 
Of fecret on her perfon.that he could not 
But thinke her bond of Chaftity quite crack'd, 
I hauing 'tane the forfeyt. Whereupon, 
Me thinkes I fee him now. 

Poft. I fo thou do'ft, 
Italian Fiend. Aye me, moft credulous Foole, 
Egregious murtherer, Theefe,any thing 
That's due to all the Villaines part, in being 
To come. Oh giue me Cord, or knife, or poyfon, 

Some 



The Tragedie of Cymbeline. 



397 



So me vpright Iufticer. Thou King,fend out 
For Torturors ingenious : it is I 
That all th'abhorred things o'th 'earth amend 
By being worfe then they. I am Pofthumus, 
That kill'd thy Daughter : Villain-like, I lye, 
That caus'd a lefier villaine then my felfe, 
A facrilegious Theefe to doo't. The Temple 
Of Vertue was flie ; yea,and flie her felfe. 
Spit, and throw ftones, caft myre vpon me, fet 
The dogges o'th'ftreet to bay me : euery villaine 
Be call'd Poftbumu6 Leonatus, and 
Be villany lefie then 'twas. Oh Imogen \ 
My Queene, my life, my wife : oh Imogen, 
Imogen, Imogen, 

Imo. Peace my Lord, heare,heare. 

Poft. Shall's haue a play of this? 
Thou fcornfull Page, there lye thy part. 

Pi J. Oh Gentlemen, helpe, 
Mine and your Miftris : Oh my Lord Pofthumus, 
You ne're kill'd Imogen till now : helpe, helpe, 
Mine honour'd Lady. 

Cym. Does the world go round ? 

Tojlb. How comes thefe ftaggers on mee ? 

Pi/a. Wake my Miftris. 

Cym, If this be fo, the Gods do meane to ftrike me 
To death. with mortall ioy. 

Pi/a. How fares my Miftris? 

Imo. Oh get thee from my fight, 
Thou gau'ft me poyfon : dangerous Fellow hence, 
Breath not where Princes are. 

Cym. The tune of Imogen. 

Pifte.Lsdy, the Gods throw ftones of fulpher on me, if 
That box I gaue you, was not thought by mee 
A precious thing, I had it from the Queene. 

Cym. New matter ftill. 

Imo. It poyfon'd me. 

Corn. Oh Gods! 
I left out one thing which the Queene confeft, 
Which muft approue thee honeft. If Pajanio 
Haue (faid ftie) giuen his Miftris that Confection 
Which I gaue him for Cordiall, {he isferu'd, 
As I would ferue a Rat. 

Cym. What's this, Cornelius} 

Corn. The Queene (Sir) very oft importun'd me 
To temper poyfons for her, ftill pretending 
The fatisfa&ion of her knowledge, onely 
In killing Creatures vilde,asCats and Dogges 
Of no efteeme. I dreading, that her purpofe 
Was of more danger, did compound for her 
A certaine ftuffe, which being tane, would ceafe 
The prefent powre of life, but in fliort time, 
All Offices of Nature, fliould againe 
Do their due Functions. Haue you tane of it? 

Imo. Moft like I did, for I was dead. 

'Bel. My Boyes, there was our error. 

Gui. This is fure Fidele . 

Imo.Why did you throw your wedded Lady fro you? 
Thinke that you are vpon a Rocke, and now 
Throw me againe. 

Poft. Hang there like fruite, my foule, 
Till the Tree dye. 

Cym. How now, my Flefli? my Cbilde? 
What, mak'ft thou me a dullard in this Act? 
Wilt thou not fpeake to me ? 

Imo. Your bleffing. Sir. 

'Bel. Though you did loue this youth, I blame ye not, 



You had a motiue for't. 

Cym. My teares that fall 
Proue holy-water on thee ; Imogen, 
Thy Mothers dead. 

Imo. I am forry for't, my Lord. 

Cym. Oh, file was naught ; and long of her it was 
That we meet heere fo ftrangely : but her Sonne 
Is gone, we know not how, nor where. 

Pi/a. My Lord, 
Now feare is from me, He fpeake troth. Lord Cloten 
Vpon my Ladies miffing, came to me 
With his Sword drawne, foam'd at the mouth, and fwore 
If I difcouer'd not which way flie was gone, 
It was my inftant death. By accident, 
I had a feigned Letter of my Mafters 
Then in my pocket, which directed him 
To feeke her on the Mountaines neere to Milford, 
Where in a frenzie, in my Mafters Garments 
( Which he inforc'd from me) away he poftes 
With vnchafte purpofe, and with oath to violate 
My Ladies honor, what became of him, 
I further know not. 

Gui. Let me end the Story : I flew him there. 

Cym. Marry, the Gods forefend. 
I would not thy good deeds, fliould from my lips 
Plucke a hard fentence : Prythee valiant youth 
Deny't againe. 

Gui. I haue fpoke it, and I did it. 

Cym. He was a Prince. 

Gui. A moft inciuill one. The wrongs he did mee 
Were nothing Prince-like ; for he did prouoke me 
With Language that would make me fpurne the Sea, 
If it could fo roare to me. I cut ofTs head, 
And am right glad he is not ftanding heere 
To tell this tale of mine. 

Cym. I am forrow for thee : 
By thine owne tongue thou art condemn'd, and muft 
Endure our Law : Thou'rt dead. 

Imo. That headlefle man I thought had bin my Lord 

Cym. Binde the Offender, 
And take him from our prefence. 

'Bel. Stay, Sir King. 
This man is better then the man he flew, 
As well defcended as thy felfe, and hath 
More of thee merited, then a Band of Clotens 
Had euer fcarre for. Let his Armes alone, 
They were not borne for bondage. 

Cym. Why old Soldier : 
Wilt thou vndoo the worth thou art vnpayd for 
By tailing of our wrath ? How of defcent 
As good as we ? 

Arui. In that he fpake too farre. 

Cym. And thou flialt dye for't. 

•Bel. We will dye all three, 
But I will proue that two one's are as good 
As I haue giuen out him. MySonnes, I muft 
For mine owne part, vnfold a dangerous fpeech, 
Though haply well for you. 

Arui. Your danger's ours. 

Guid. And our good his. 

Bel. Haue at it then, by leaue 
Thou hadd'ft (great King)a Subiect,who 
Was call'd Belarius. 

Cym. What of him? He is a banifli'd Traitor. 

'Bel. He it is, that hath 
Afium'd this age : indeed a banifli'd man, 



398 



The Tragedy of Cymbeline. 



I know not how, a Traitor. 

Cym. Take him hence, 
The whole world mall not faue him. 

Bel. Not too hot ; 
Firft pay me for the Nurfing of thy Sonnes, 
And let it be confifcate all, fo foone 
As I haue receyu'd it. 

Cym. Nurfing of my Sonnes ? 

Bel. I am too blunt,and fawcy : heere's my knee: 
Ere I arife, I will preferre my Sonnes, 
Then fpare not the old Father. Mighty Sir, 
Thefe two young Gentlemen that call me Father, 
And thinke they are my Sonnes, are none of mine, 
They are the yfiue of your Loynes, my Liege, 
And blood of your begetting. 

Cym. How? my Iffue. 

'Bel. So fure as you, your Fathers : I (old Morgan) 
Am that 'Belarius, whom you fometime banim'd : 
Your pleafure was my neere offence, my punilhment 
It felfe, and all my Treafon that I fuffer'd, 
Was all the harme I did. Thefe gentle Princes 
(For fuch,and fo they are) thefe twenty yearea 
Haue I train'd vp ; thofe Arts they haue, as I 
Could put into them. My breeding was (Sir) 
As your Highneffe knowes : Their Nurfe Eurlphile 
(Whom for the Theft I wedded) ftole thefe Children 
Vpon my Banimment : I moou'd her too't, 
Hauing receyu'd the punifliment before 
For that which I did then. Beaten for Loyaltie, 
Excited me to Treafon. Their deere loffe, 
The more of you 'twas felt, the more it ftiap'd 
Vnto my end of ftealing them. But gracious Sir, 
Heere are your Sonnes againe, and I muft loofe 
Two of the fweet'ft Companions in the World. 
The benediclion of thefe couering Heauens 
Fall on their heads liks dew )s for they are worthie 
To in-lay Heauen with Starres. 

Cym. Thou weep'ft,and fpeak'ft : 
The Seruice that you three haue done, is more 
Vnlike, then this thou tell'ft. I loft my Children, 
If thefe be they, I know not how to wifli 
A payre of worthier Sonnes. 

Bel. Be pleas'd awhile ; 
This Gentleman, whom I call Polidor.e, 
Moft worthy Prince, as yours, is true Guiderius : 
This Gentleman, my Cad-wall, Aru'iragut. 
Your yonger Princely Son, he Sir,waslapt 
In a moft curious Mantle, wrought by th'hand 
Of his Queene Mother, which for more probation 
I can with eafe produce. 

Cym. Gmderius had 
Vpon his necke a Mole, a fanguine Starre, 
It was a marke of wonder. 

'Bel. This is he, 
Who hath vpon him ftill that naturall ftampe : 
It was wife Natures end, in the donation 
To be his euidence now. 
Cym. Oh, what am I 
A Mother to the byrth of three ? Nere Mother 
Reioyc'd deliuerance more : Bleft,pray you be, 
That after this Arrange ftarting from your Orbes, 
You may reigne in them now : Oh Imogen, 
Thou haft loft by this a Kingdome. 

Imo. No, my Lord : 
I haue got two Worlds by't. Oh my gentle Brothers, 
Haue we thus met ? Oh neuer fay heereafter 



But I am trueft fpeaker. You call'd me Brother 
When I was but your Sifter : I you Brothers, 
When we were fo indeed. 

Cym. Did you ere meete ? 

Arui. I my good Lord. 

Gui. And at firft meeting lou'd, 
Continew'd fo, vntill we thought he dyed. 

Corn. By the Queenes Dramme me fwallow'd. 

Cym. O rare inftindl \ 
When mall I heare all through? This fierce abridgment, 
Hath to it Circumftantiall branches, which 
DiftincYion mould be rich in. Where? how liu'd you ? 
And when came you to ferue our Romane Captiue ? 
How parted with your Brother ? How firft met them ? 
Why fled you from the Court ? And whether thefe ? 
And your three motiues to the Battaile ? with 
I know not how much more ihould be demanded, 
And all the other by-dependances 
From chance to chance ? But nor the Time, nor Place 
Will ferue our long Interrogatories. See, 
Pojlbumus Anchors vpon Imogen ; 
And (he (like harmleffe Lightning) throwes her eye 
On him : her Brothers, Me : her Mafter hitting 
Each obieft with a Ioy : the Counter-change 
Is feuerally in all. Let's quit this ground, 
And fmoake the Temple with our Sacrifices. 
Thou art my Brother, fo wee'l hold thee euer. 

Imo. You are my Father too, and did releeue me : 
To fee this gracious feafon. 

Cym. All ore-ioy'd 
Saue thefe in bonds, let them be ioyfull too, 
For they mall tafte our Comfort. 

Imo. My good Mafter, I will yet do you ferulce. 

Luc. Happy be you. 

Cym. The forlorne Souldier,that no Nobly fought 
He would haue well becom'd this place, and grac'd 
The thankings of a King. 

Pojl. I am Sir 
The Souldier that did company thefe three 
In poore befeeming : 'twas a fitment for 
The purpofe I then follow'd. That I was he, 
Speake Iacbimo, I had you downe , and might 
Haue made you finim. 

Iach. I am downe againe : 
But now my heauie Confcience finkes my knee, 
As then your force did. Take that life, befeech you 
Which I fo often owe : but your Ring firft, 
And heere the Bracelet of the trueft Princeffe 
That euer fwore her Faith. 

Pojl. Kneele not to me : 
The powre that I haue on you, is to fpare you : 
The malice towards you, to forgiue you. Liue 
And deale with others better. 

Cym. Nobly doom'd : 
Wee'l learne our Freenefle of a Sonne-in-Law : 
Pardon's the word to all. 

Arui. You holpe vs Sir, 
As you did meane indeed to be our Brother, 
Ioy'd are we, that you are. 

Pojl. Your Seruant Princes.Good my Lord of Rome 
Call forth your Sooth-fayer : As I flept, me thought 
Great Iupiter vpon his Eagle back'd 
Appear' d tome, with other fprightly mewes 
Of mine owne Kindred. When I wak'd, I found 
This Labell on my bofome ; whofe containing 
Is fo from fenfe in hardneffe, that I can 

Mak e 



The Tragedy of Cymbeline. 



993 



Make no Colle&ion of it. Let him fhew 
His skill in the conftrudtion. 

Sooth. Heere,my good Lord. 

Luc. Read, and declare the meaning. 

Reades. 

WHen as a Lyons whelfe,pall to himfelfe vn\nawn,witb- 
out feeding fnde, and bee embraced by a peece of tender 
Ayre: And when from a /lately Cedar pall be loft branches, 
which being dead many yeares, /hall after reuiue, bee ioynted to 
the old Stoc\e, and f reply grow, then pall Pofthumus end his 
miferies, Britaine be fortunate, and flourip in Peace and Plen- 



Thou Leonatus art the Lyons Whelpe, 
The fit and apt Conftruttion of thy name 
Being Leonatus, doth import fo much: 
The peece of tender Ayre, thy vertuous Daughter, 
Which we call Mollis Aer, and ^Mollis Aer 
We terme it Mulier ; which Mulier I diuine 
Is this moft conftant Wife, who euen now 
Anfwering the Letter of the Oracle, 
Vnknowne to you vnfought, were dipt about 
With this moft tender Aire. 

Cym. This hath fome Teeming. 

Sooth. The lofty Cedar, Royail Cymbeline 
Perfonates thee : And thy lopt Branches, point 
Thy two Sonnes forth : who by 'Belarius ftolne 
For many yeares thought dead, are nowreuiu'd 
To the Maiefticke Cedar ioyn'd; whofe Iffue 



Promifes Britaine, Peace and Plenty. 

Cym. Well, 
My Peace we will begin : And Caius Lucius, 
Although the VicT:or,we fubmit to Cafar, 
And to the Romane Empire ; promifing 
To pay our wonted Tribute, from the which 
We were difTwaded by our wicked Queene, 
Whom heauens in Iuftice both on her, and hers, 
Haue laid moft heauy hand. 

Sooth. The fingers of the Powres aboue, do tune 
The harmony of this Peace : the Vifion 
Which I made knowne to Lucius ere the ftroke 
Of yet this fcarfe-cold-Battaile, at this inftant 
Is full accomplim'd. For the Romaine Eagle 
From South to Weft, on wing foaring aloft 
Lefien'd her felfe, and in the Beames o'th'Sun 
So vanifh'd ; which fore-ftiew'd our Princely Eagle 
Th'Imperiall Ca?J~ar, ftiould againe vnite 
His Fauour, with the Radiant Cymbeline, 
Which ihines heere in the Weft. 

Cym. Laud we the Gods, 
And let our crooked Smoakes climbe to their Noftrils 
From our bleft Altars. Publifh we this Peace 
To all our Subiecls. Set we forward : Let 
A Roman, and a Brittifti Enfigne waue 
Friendly together : fo through Luds-Towne march, 
And in the Temple of great Iupiter 
Our Peace wee'l ratifie : Seale it with Feafts. 
Set on there : Neuer was a Warre did ceafe 
(Ere bloodie hands were wafli'd)_with fuch a Peace. 
Exeunt, 



FINIS. 




Printed at the Charges ofW.Jaggard, Ed. Blount, I. Smithwee\e y 
and W. oAfpley, 1623. 




SHAKESPEARE. 

Collation of the Edition of 1623. 



■%* This Collation is given to prevent the chance of the errors and peculiarities of the 
Original Edition^ herein faithfully reproduced^ being mijlaken as errors of this 
Reprint. 

Title, on which there is a Portrait of Shakefpeare engraved by Martin Droefhout ; oppofite 
to this there is a leaf containing on its reverfe ten lines, headed, "To the Reader" 

— figned, "B. I." i.e. Ben Jonfon. 

Dedication to "William Earle of Pembroke, &c." and "Philip Earle of Montgomery " 

— figned " Iohn Heminge" and " Henry Condell" — one leaf. 

"To the great Variety of Readers" — figned " Iohn Heminge'''' and " Henri 'e Condell" — 

one leaf. 
" To the memory of my beloued, the Avthor Mr. William Shakefpeare :" &c. — two pages 

of verfes, figned "Ben: Ionfon" — one leaf. 
" Vpon the Lines and Life of the Famous Scenicke Poet, Mafter William Shakefpeare" — 

fourteen lines, figned " Hvgh Holland" — one leaf. 
"To the Memorie of the deceafed Authour Maifter W. Shakefpeare" — twenty-two lines, 

figned " L. Digges" — " To the memorie of M. W. Shake-fpeare" — eight lines, 

figned " I. M." — one leaf. 
" The Workes of William Shakefpeare," &c. " The Names of the Principall Actors," &c. 

— one leaf. 
" A Catalogve of the feuerall Comedies, Hiftories, and Tragedies," &c. — one leaf. 
The Tempeft — pages I to 19. 
The Two Gentlemen of Verona — pages 20 to 38 — (the head-lines of pages 37, 38 are, in 

error, " The Merry Wiues of Windfor"). 

The 



( 2 ) 

The Merry Wiues of Windfor — pages 39 to 60 — (pages 50 & 59 are mifprinted 58 & 51). 

Meafvre, for Meafure — pages 61 to 84. 

The Comedie of Errors — pages 85 to 100 — (page 86 is mifprinted 88). 

Much adoe about Nothing — pages 101 to 121. 

Loues Labour's loft — pages 122 to 144. 

A Midfommer Nights Dreame — pages 145 to 162 — (pages 153 and 161 are mifprinted 

151 and 163). 
The Merchant of Venice — pages 163 to 184 — (pages 164 and 165 are mifprinted 162 and 

163). 
As you Like it — pages 185 to 207 — (page 189 is mifprinted 187). 
The Taming of the Shrew — pages 208 to 229 : in fome copies page 214 is printed 212 ; 

this affords one of the evidences that copies of the firfi edition vary, and that correlations 

were effected during the progrefs of the work through the prefs ; and it may alfo be noted 

that fignature V in many copies is indicated by V v. 
All's Well, that Ends Well — pages 230 to 254 — (page 237 in fome copies is mifprinted 

233, pages 249, 250 are mifprinted 251, 252). 
Twelfe Night, Or what you will — pages 255 to 275 — (page 265 is mifprinted 273, 

page 276 is blank). 
The Winters Tale — pages 277 to 303, page 304 being blank. 
King John — pages 1 to 22. 

Richard the Second — pages 23 to 45 — (in fome copies page 37 is mifprinted 39). 
Henry the Fourth, Part I — pages 46 to 73 — (pages 47, 48, are omitted). 
Henry the Fourth, Part II. — pages 74 to ioo, with a leaf containing the " Epilogve," 

and, on its reverfe, "The Actors Names" — pages 89, 90, are mifprinted 

91, 92). 
Henry the Fift — pages 69 to 95 — (as will be perceived, the pagination of this portion of 

the work, 69 to 100, has been repeated). 
Henry the Sixt, Part I. — pages 96 to 119. 
Henry the Sixt, Part II. — pages 120 to 146. 

Henry the Sixt, Part III. — pages 147 to 172 — (pages 165, 166 are mifprinted 167, 168). 
Richard the Third — pages 173 to 204. 

Henry the Eight — pages 205 to 232 — (page 216 is mifprinted 218). 
The Prologue, and firft page of Troylus and Creffida (unpaged) — then pages 79 and 80, 

then twenty-five pages without pagination, and the laft page blank. 
Coriolanus — pages 1 to 30. 

Titus Andronicus — pages 31 to 52 (page 51 copies vary). 
Romeo and Juliet — pages 53 to 79 (pages 77 and 78 wanting). 

Tymon 



( 3 ) • 

Tymon of Athens — pages 80, 81, 82, then again commencing pages 81 to 98. 

The Actors Names — one page, the next page blank. 

Julius Casfar — pages 109 to 130. 

Macbeth — pages 131 to 151. 

Hamlet — pages 152 to 156, then one hundred pages omitted, and continuing pages 257 

to 282 (pages 279 and 282 are mifprinted 259 and 280), page 278 copies vary. 
King Lear — pages 283 to 309 (page 308 mifprinted 38). 
Othello — pages 310 to 339. 
Anthonie and Cleopatra — pages 340 to 368. 
Cymbeline — pages 369 to 399 (pages 379 and 399 mifprinted 389 and 993). 

The Signatures in the Original Volume are as follows : — 

A, containing title, verfes, and introdu&ory matter, 9 leaves. 

The Tempeft to the Winter's Tale — A to Cc 2, in fixes (V is mifprinted V v). 

King John to Troylus and Creflida — a to g, in fixes (a 3 is mifprinted A a 3); gg, 8 leaves; 
h to x, and %, and % ^T, in fixes ; If % ^ one leaf (m 3 is mifprinted 1 3 ; x 3 is not marked). 

Coriolanus to Cymbeline — a a to ff, in fixes (b b 2 is mifprinted B b 2); g g has 8 leaves 
(five of which are marked g g, g g 2, G g, g g 2, g g 3); h h, kk to v v, x, yy to 
b b b, in fixes (n n and n n 2 are mifprinted N n and N n 2 ; 00 is mifprinted O o ; 
002 has no fignature j 1 1 2 is mifprinted 1 1 3 ; xx, x x 2, x x 3, are mifprinted x, x 2, 
and x 3 ; y y 2 and y y 3 are mifprinted y 2 and y 3). The volume ends thus : — 

Printed at the Charges of W. Jaggard, Ed. Blount, I. Smithweeke, and W. Afpley, 1623. 



The fignatures in the reprint are from A to 5 U (1 leaf), in fours, commencing with 
the Tempeft ; the preliminary leaves being the fame as in the original. 

A diftincl: and confecutive pagination throughout the volume, at the bottom of each page, 
has alfo been added, to facilitate reference, from the Tempeft to Cymbeline, pages 
1 to 880. 




SHAKESPEARE. 

Collation of the Edition of 1623. 

(Continued.^) 



THE HISTORIES. 



i ** The Collation is given with each Party to prevent the reproduction of any peculiarity 
of the Original Work being mijlaken for a defecl. 



King John — pages I to 22. 

Richard the Second — pages 23 to 45 — (in fome copies page 37 is mifprinted 39). 

Henry the Fourth, Part I. — pages 46 to 73-— (pages 47, 48, are omitted). 

Henry the Fourth, Part II. — pages 74 to 100, with a leaf containing the " Epilogve," 

and, on its reverfe, "The Actors Names"— (pages 89, 90, are mifprinted 

91, 92). 

Henry the Fift — pages 69 to 95 — (as will be perceived, the pagination of this portion of 

the work, 69 to 100, has been repeated). 
Henry the Sixt, Part I. — pages 96 to 119. 

Henry the Sixt, Part II. — pages 120 to 146. 

Henry 



( io ) 

Henry the Sixt, Part III. — pages 147 to 172 — (pages 165, 166 are mifprinted 167, 168). 

Richard the Third — pages 173 to 204. 

Henry the Eight — pages 205 to 232— (page 216 is mifprinted 218). 

There are flight variations in the head-lines of Henry the Fourth, Part I. page 57, and of 

Henry the Sixt, Part III. pages 153 to 172; thefe variations do not exift in the 

Second Edition. 

*** This Collation will be completed in Part ILL 



As copies of the Original are known to vary, any fuch variations or peculiarities, not noticed 
above, being communicated will greatly oblige ; alfo any information that may tend to render 
thoroughly complete the collation of the whole work. 

It will be obferved that this Reprint has a diftinct pagination, — alfo a diftinct. fet of fignatures, 
in fours j both, to facilitate reference, will be continuous throughout the volume. It may be as 
well to remark — to prevent the chance of proofs of care being taken rather to indicate the lack 
of that effential — that, wherever type may be feen out of gear, in any way defective or irregular, 
all fuch " typographical phenomena," as Mr. Lettfom has aptly termed thofe charadteriftics of 
the precious old book, have been reproduced in accordance with the prefcribed plan " in fetting 
forth" — No departure from the Original. 




SHAKESPEARE. 

Collation of the Edition of 1623, 

(Continued.^) 



THE TRAGEDIES. 



*^* The Collation is given with each Part, to prevent the chance of the errors and 
peculiarities of the Original Edition, herein faithfully reproduced, being mijlaken as 
errors of this Reprint. 



The Prologue, and firft page of Troylus and Creflida (unpaged) — then pages 79 and 80, 
then twenty-five pages without pagination, and the laft page blank. 

Coriolanus — pages 1 to 30. 

Titus Andronicus — pages 31 to 52 (page 51 copies vary). 

Romeo and Juliet — pages 53 to 79 (pages jy and 78 wanting). 

Tymon of Athens — pages 80, 81, 82, then again commencing pages 81 to 98. 

The A£tors' Names — one page, the next page blank. 

Julius Caefar — pages 109 to 130. 

Macbeth — pages 131 to 151. 

Hamlet — pages 152 to 156, then one hundred pages omitted, and continuing pages 257 
to 282 (pages 279 and 282 are mifprinted 259 and 280), page 278 copies vary. 

King Lear— pages 283 to 309 (page 308 mifprinted 38). 

Othello — pages 310 to 339. 

Anthonie and Cleopatra — pages 340 to 368. 

Cymbeline — pages 369 to 399 (pages 379 and 399 mifprinted 389 and 993). 

The 



( 6 ) 

The Signatures in the Original Volume are as follows : — 

A, containing title, verles, and introductory matter, 9 leaves. 

The Tempeft to the Winter's Tale — A to C c 2, in fixes (V is mifprinted V v). 

King John to Troylus and Creffida — a to g, in fixes (a 3 is mifprinted A a 3); gg, 8 leaves; 
h to x, and f , and % t, in fixes ; % % «J one leaf (m 3 is mifprinted 1 3 ; x 3 is not marked). 

Coriolanus to Cymbeline — a a to f f, in fixes (b b 2 is mifprinted B b 2); g g has 8 leaves 
(five of which are marked g g, g g 2, G g, g g 2, g g 3); h h, k k to v v, x, y y to 
b b b, in fixes (n n and n n 2 are mifprinted N n and N n 2 ; 00 is mifprinted O o ; 
002 has no fignature ; 1 1 2 is mifprinted 1 1 3 ; x x, x x 2, x x 3, are mifprinted x, x 2, 
and x 3 ; y y 2 and y y 3 are mifprinted y 2 and y 3). The volume ends thus : — 

Printed at the Charges of W. Jaggard, Ed. Blount, I. Smithweeke, and W. Afpley, 1623. 



The fignatures in the reprint are from A to 5 U (1 leaf), in fours, commencing with 
the Tempeft ; the preliminary leaves being the fame as in the original. 

A diftincT: and confecutive pagination throughout the volume, at the bottom of each page, 
has alfo been added, to facilitate reference, from the Tempeft to Cymbeline, pages 
1 to 88q. 




It is propofed to print feparately, to complete the Works of 
Shakefpeare : — 

PERICLES, PRINCE OF TYRE 

{From the Third Edition, where it firjl appeared in Folio, 1664). 

And alfo the fix following Plays, which were printed in the 
Third and Fourth Editions, but which have fince been rejected 
and claffed as " Doubtful Plays :"— 

THE LONDON PRODIGAL. 

THE HISTORY OF THOMAS, LORD CROMWELL. 

SIR JOHN OLDCASTLE, LORD COBHAM. 

THE PURITAN WIDOW. 

A YORKSHIRE TRAGEDY. 

THE TRAGEDY OF LOCRINE. 

To be followed by a correct Reprint of the Firft Editions of 
SHAKESPEARE'S POEMS, viz. 

A.D. 

VENUS AND ADONIS . . . 1593 

LUCRECE 1594 

PASSIONATE PILGRIM . . 1599 

SONNETS 1609 



NOW READY, 
In one convenient fmall quarto volume, cloth, gilt edges, price ll. 2s. 

A REPRODUCTION, BY PHOTOGRAPHY, 

OF THE CELEBRATED 

Shakefpeare Gallery, 

[BoydelVs celebrated " Shakefpeare Gallery " publijhed in 1804-5 at Sixty Guineas), 
CONSISTING OF NINETY-EIGHT PHOTOGRAPHS, 

FROM 

Pictures by the moft eminent Englifh Hiftorical Painters, 

AND TEXT DESCRIPTIVE OF EACH SCENE. 

"In cafting one's eye over the lift of names of the painters, whofe illuftrations to Shakefpeare form the contents of the 
volume, it will be found to embrace thofe of almoft all the great artifts of the Englifh fchool of the date of its original pro- 
duction. So, too, the lift of engravers. The fculptors employed were Mr. Thos. Banks, R.A., and the Hon. Ann Seymour 
Darner. The merit of the collection confifts in the great variety of ftyle in which thefe imperishable dramas are illuftrated 
by piftorial art; for it has never yet been the good fortune of any one painter to furnifh a feries of illuftrations for all the 
plays in any way fatisfadtory. The letterprefs confifts of a defcription of the fcene, and an extract of the paflage which 
forms the fubjecl: of each individual illustration ; the names of the painters and engravers are added. The photographs are 
cleverly executed, and the volume is elegantly got up. Altogether 'The Shakefpeare Gallery' is juft the book for the 
drawing-room table, now the poet and his works are engaging everybody's attention — pleafant to turn over, and fure to 
furnifh interefting fubjefts for converfation." — Reader, April 23, 1 864. 



LATELY PUBLISHED, 

A SMALLER GIFT-BOOK OR MEMORIAL OF THE TERCENTENARY CELEBRATION. 

A quaint but handfome little Volume, fquare nmo. in binding of an Elizabethan pattern, price $s. 

CONTAINING 

NINE PHOTOGRAPHIC ILLUSTRATIONS, 

With various Ornamentation on each Page, 

The Seven Ages of Man. 

DESCRIBED BY 

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE. 

DEPICTED BY 

ROBERT SMIRKE. 

"At once, too, we may commend as we defcribe, a charming little gift-book, ifTued by Mr. Booth, of fmall photo- 
graphs, that exquifitely reproduce Smirke's illuftrations to 'The Seven Ages of Man,' Shakefpeare's lines facing each 
illuftration ; photographs of Shakefpeare, from the Stratford monument and from Droefhout's engraving, are prefixed to this 
little book, which, in its elegant white and gold ; r crimfon and gold cover, is a fi t ornament for any table." — The Examiner, 
Jan. 2, 1864. 

LONDON: 
L. BOOTH, 307 Regent Street, W., and S. AYLING, 493 Oxford Street, W.C. 



*&**> 



